ARVADA — Columbine nearly trailed by double-digits early against Pomona on Thursday night during a consolation semifinal at the Ralston Roundup at Ralston Valley High School.
However, the Rebels rallied behind a strong defensive effort in the second and third quarters to pull out a 64-44 non-league victory in boys basketball action.
“This is on the job training,” Columbine coach Randy Perkins said of his fairly young squad. “Any game we get gives us the varsity experience regardless of who it is against.”
Columbine (3-3 record) got a preview against a Class 5A Jeffco League team in Pomona (2-4). The Rebels and Panthers will see each other again during conference play Feb. 2.
Perkins wasn’t concerned playing a league foe at the tournament. He is mainly focused on getting that experience while dealing with some injuries too.
“My guys are young. Regardless of who we play we are just going to take them as they come,” Perkins said. “I’ve got three guys out with injuries right now. It doesn’t matter if it is in conference or out of conference.”
Pomona got off to a good start behind senior Owen Wright, who poured in 10 points in the first quarter. The Panthers led 13-5 late in the first quarter. Wright finished with a game-high 20 points, but Pomona scored just 12 points through the second and third quarters.
Columbine had a comfortable 46-27 lead heading into the final quarter. Junior Tyler Casey led the way for the Rebels scoring 19 points, including 9 points in the third quarter as the Rebels began to pull away.
“I had a tough first half,” Casey admitted. “I had to pick it up in the second half. That is what it came down to.”
Junior Ty Afraimi (13 points) and senior Davian Bryant (11 points) also reached double-digits to get Columbine back to a .500 record on the season.
“We are 2-3 (record). We knew we had to pick it up this game and make sure we win the next game,” Casey said of the Rebels plan before heading into winter break.
Columbine finishes out the Ralston Roundup in the 5th-place game playing Palmer at 5 p.m. Friday back at Ralston Valley High School.
“This team has showed glimpses of how good it can be,” Perkins said. “What I am trying to get them to do is put together four quarters. Game aren’t won in just one quarter.”
After getting out to a 2-0 start, Pomona has lost four straight. The Panthers will try to end the losing streak when it faces Hinkley at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Ralston Valley High School.