By: Javon Harris, Sports Editor 

The Rangeview Raiders are set to play the incoming Regis Jesuit Raiders who are the number 1 team in the state but find themselves in the midst of a new year.

The Raider boys basketball team shot to start it off the only way it knows best — with wins.

Coming off of a statement win beating Cherokee Trail 64-51, the Raiders eyed their next two opponents, Cherry Creek and Thunderidge.

The Cherry Creek Bruins would be a difficult one for the Raiders as they opened the new year with a 70-62 defeat, behind Senior Forward Tarren-Storey Way’s 13 points.

The next opponent on the Raiders tough 2015 schedule was Continental powerhouse Thunderidge who going into the game was ranked #2 in the state.

The game was nothing short of a battle in the 1st half as the Raiders kept up with the Grizzles and were only down 10 at the half despite being the underdog.

The 2nd half was a huge turn around from the 1st half, The Raiders couldn’t buy a shot and ended up taking a defeat 79-48 behind a 3rd quarter rally from the Grizzles in which they outscored the Raiders 22-7.

“I feel like we aren’t used to playing such tough teams,” said Senior forward Tarren Storey-Way. “We’re not ready and yesterday was the most serious practice we ever had as a team. Since we don’t have that star on our team, we have to come together as one and play as a team.”

The Raider Boys basketball team indeed needs to come together and play as a team as their next opponent on the schedule is even tougher than the previous two.

The number 1 team in the state Regis Jesuit comes to Rangeview tonight at 7 pm as they take on the Raiders who are trying to bounce back from a two game losing streak.