MEEKER I The Meeker High School boys’ basketball team were district runner-ups, advancing them to the regional tournament again this year. The boys are scheduled to play against Haxtun Friday night at Mullen High School in Denver.
The winner of that game will advance to the regional finals against the winner of the game between Denver Christian against Highland. The state tournament will be held in Pueblo the following week. The district semifinals last Friday was a rematch against West Grand. The Cowboys beat West Grand in their first meeting 60-54 and proved they were indeed the tournament team, beating the Mustangs by a commanding 68-48 win.
“We really controlled the tempo and got some transition baskets,” said coach Klark Kindler. The win advanced the Cowboys to the finals against number one seeded Hayden.
The Cowboys fought hard and the game came down to the final quarter with the Tigers edging past Meeker with a score of 54-51.
“We battled hard and just didn’t get some shots to fall,” Kindler said.
The Meeker team looked very prepared for the final run of their season behind a strong bunch of seniors. Leading the way were the Smith twins, who have become a force underneath the basket. Nate Walsh is coming off the bench to provide a boost for the team and guard Raul Lopez is playing great ball down the stretch. The team is well-rounded with players like Dylan Mobley, Jeremy Musgrave and Jake Phelan all providing key points and assists for the team. The Cowboys seem to be firing on all cylinders in this post season with both coaches back in action and preparing the team for another chance at the state tournament.