Jags Advance to Championship Game

In a textbook display of solid fundamental team basketball the Boulder Creek Jaguars confounded their critics and defeated a heralded Horizon Huskies team 75-71 on Tuesday afternoon. The semi-final win puts the Jaguars into the state championship game at 4 PM on Wednesday against Chaparral High School. Coach Randy Walker and his staff displayed a masterful touch in player rotation against the much taller Huskies, deftly mitigating the damage of foul trouble. Every Jag that entered this game provided Boulder Creek with solid minutes and contributions and every time the Huskies made a run the Jaguars exhibited uncommon poise and resolve.

So unselfish were the Jaguars that 5 players scored in double figures, leaving Horizon to wonder where the barrage would come from next. Leading the way was senior co-captain Ryan Crane (21 points, 5 three pointers, 6 rebounds), Alex Dykhuizen (14 points, 9 rebounds), Josh Braun (11 points, 5 rebounds), Ryan Zettle (11 points, 5 assists) and Weston Newell (10 points, 3 assists). The Jags utilized strong man to man defense that at times frustrated the Huskies vaunted inside attack. In particular the 3 man rotation of Dykhuizen, Braun and Joe Simpson took turns wearing down the Horizon big men. On the perimeter guards Zettle, Newell, Crane and Cort Watson harassed the opposing guards all afternoon long. The Jags enjoyed the fruits of their defensive labor with numerous steals and turnovers. This Jaguar team displayed a lot of heart and it started with Center Dykhuizen who was battling the flu when he took the court. Nothing it seems would deny Boulder Creek on this day.

Boulder Creek now sets its sights on the State Championship against a dangerous team from Chaparral High School. Before tipoff Ryan Crane will represent the Northwest Region in the state 3 point contest. Jaguar nation was out in force at the semi-final game and the team certainly expects strong support in the final. What a ride this year has been for the 27-2 Jaguars. With one more game to go, this team remains hungry and focused. The team needs Jaguar nation to show their usual vocal support as they feed off of it during each contest. Get their early and get their loud! Go Jags!