The DRHS men’s varsity basketball team battled Durango in their first playoff game, beating the Demons in a jaw-dropping blowout with the Eagles winning 74-36 on February 21.
There was support from the DRHS student section and the parents. The theme of the night was camo, and it was difficult to see anyone in the stands. Fans chanted, showing school spirit, and cheered on the team throughout the whole game. It was a fun environment for most everyone there.
In the first quarter the Demons scored 3 points and the Eagles scored 20 – the Dakota boys team taking the lead. That first quarter really got the momentum going, and it continued the whole game. The boys flew up and down the court hitting three after three – they were on fire.
On average, the Eagles score 67 points a game, but they took that number as a challenge and scored 74 against Durango. Dakota Ridge is breaking many national averages including points per game, three pointers made, two pointers made, and more.
During halftime, the DRHS poms team wowed the crowd, and teachers played against students in musical chairs. There was a twist, though – they had to run and make a layup and run back – one teacher and one student eliminated each round. At the end, the girls varsity head coach Berto Dryden won with ease.
During the second half, the Demons scored 23 and the Eagles reached 35 – the game flew by basket after basket. But in the fourth quarter, it was clear how much fun the Eagles were having. They came together as a team and cheered each other on to finish strong.
Junior Nolan Hartman ended the game with a three pointer, and the whole team, along with the student section, went wild. It was a triumphant moment to finish the game and hype everyone up.
After the last buzzer rang, players shook hands, and members of the student section eased onto the court to congratulate the boys for the win. Everyone gathered for a group photo to capture the stellar moment of a great start to playoffs.
The Eagles’ next game will be at Silver Creek High School, Saturday, February 24, at 6:30 p.m. to continue on in the playoffs.
