With the weather changing in late February that can only mean one thing: the 5A Boy’s State playoffs is here. This year, the Rangeview boys’ basketball team comes into the playoffs listed as a 2 seed, and back-to-back EMAC league champions.
The Raiders will play in the Jim Baggot region with a second round matchup against a Highlands Ranch team coached by longtime area coach Bob Caton that defeated Chatfield in the 1st round of the 5A state playoffs.
The Raider boys basketball team plays playoff host to a Highlands Ranch again, like they did in 2013 when Rangeview prevailed 70-64. Now senior and then sophomore Tarren Storey-Way was a force in that game against the Falcons as he grabbed a total of 14 rebounds.
“I think it will be easier this year,” said senior Captain Tarren Storey-Way, “considering the limitations of the Falcons I believe we should beat them.”
Indeed the Falcons are limited as they are missing a key player in Ryley Stewart.
In the four past years, the Raiders have gone 4-0 in a second-round matchup in the playoffs; the boys hope to continue this streak and momentum from their 12-game win streak alive in the state playoffs as well.
“The playoffs are no joke,” said senior Jalen Davis, who added 14 points to help secure the EMAC title for the Raiders in the rout against Gateway. “We have to not play selfish and play hard too. Play hard or go home: our mindset is Boulder [the Final Four] this year.”
Rangeview is averaging 71 points per game, almost 20 more points than Highlands Ranch, but it’s hard to count out a Continental league team that is well coached and returning their sharp shooter in Pat Sullivan.
“Every team we face in the playoffs is tough,” said head coach Shawn Palmer who’s coached the Raiders to the 5A state playoffs six straight years, “but I am confident in this group because of their attention to our preparation.”
With the support, attitude, demeanor, and motivation that the Raiders possess, it will surely help them going into the playoffs this year.
