Winter Sports Review

Keneddy Ynclan
Staff Reporter

Rangeview Varsity Boy Basketball went into the playoffs with a 16-9 record the first round of the playoffs Rangeview defeated Green Mountain (79-63) but lost in the second round to 3rd seed Denver East (56-41). “I was very happy with our improvement from the start of the season to the finish” Said Boys Basketball Coach Mr. Palmer
The top scorer on the team is Junior Jeff Solarin who averages 17.9 points per game, 20th in 5A, with a season high of 31 points against Arvada West. Solarin also leads the team in rebounds with 32 (record for rebounds for team in a season), tied with Senior Javon Hewlett with steals 7, and leads the team in points with 362. Solarin made All-Conference this season
Junior Jamal Wright scored 353 points for the season including playoffs and averaged 15.3 points per game, 2nd overall with three-point shots with 26 and led the team with assists with 21. Wright made second team All-Conference with Solarin and Wright coming back next season will bring more fire power to the team and more experience to bring to the table next year. “We are excited about next season with quality players returning like Jamal Wright, Jeffrey Solarin, Jerome Harris and Jaleel Awini” Palmer said
The senior class for the RHS boy’s basketball team includes Yoshio Allen, Javon Hewlett, Alec Maybin, Spencer Hoffman, and Irving Reynolds. Out of the whole roster in points of 1499 points the senior class produced 45% of the overall points scored for the team. Key departures from the senior class are Center Yoshio Allen who scored 284 points for the season averaging 12.3 PPG, and averaging 1.7 rebounds made 2nd team All-Conference. Javon Hewlett who was the highest percent shooter for the team, Hewlett made Honorable Mention All Conference. “I will miss our seniors; Javon and Yoshio were both recognized by other coaches as all conference selections” Said Palmer
The RHS Boys Basketball had a brief absence from the playoffs last year when the team did not make it to the playoffs. When in the 2007-08 season was the second seed in their respective region and going to the “Great 8” until losing to 1st seed Eaglecrest 65-57.
With the seniors leaving, the JV and the Freshmen/Sophomore class needs to step up for next year with Freshmen Larry Bridges and Sophomore Gabe Solarin played some Varsity games with a combined 20 points in games the two Underclassmen played in and hopes to get more involved with the team for the years following. “We also had a 16-4 season by our freshmen team and there are some talented young players in our program,” Palmer added.
The Girls Varsity Basketball team lost in the first-round of the 5A State Playoffs losing to Poudre 70-31. The team ended their season with a 7-17 record but sneaking into the state playoffs by edging rival Gateway in overall conference standings by .015%. “It was a great season, all four levels swept Gateway, Aurora Central, and Hinkley, we are the best girls program in APS.” said Girls Basketball Coach Mr. Dennis
“Only 48 out of 65 teams make the playoffs. We have made the playoffs 2 out of the last 3 years. We also beat Aurora Central twice, and Aurora Central won the new league we are going into. “Said Mr. Dennis
Key wins for the Lady Raiders was the 74-32 blowout win against Battle Mountain and beating Gateway in the season finale 49-48 launching the team over Gateway to sneak in the playoffs as the last seed in the state. Dayvia Almond lead the Lady Raiders in points and points per game with 211 points and 10 PPG respectively, Jasmine Culbreath led the team in rebounds with 91. The Lady Raiders had a very good job getting the ball in their possession with an average of 32 rebounds, 8 steals, and with at least a blocked shot per game. “The biggest difference between this year and last year, we played together as a team. No all-stars, just unselfish, committed basketball players, they were very fun, they must improve on individual skills, team passing and team defense” said Dennis
Wrestling season comes to a close with Senior Daymeon Vaughn going to the State Tournament held at the Pepsi Center 2 weeks ago. Vaughn, the 6’3” 250 pound two sport athlete lost in the first round of the Tournament falling to Northglenn’s Richard Rael at the 215 pound division. This was Vaughn’s first year competing for Rangeview and with a 32-10 record was RHS only qualifier for state. Vaughn also played varsity football this season as a defensive end and guard. RHS as a team placed 48th in the Tournament with two points barley passing Douglas County and Palmer.
Swimming won the 7th straight APS title on January 23 scoring 465 style points twice as much as second place Gateway. Placing 1st in eight events the swim team dominated the APS championship. The Raiders captains, seniors Celestina Grannum, Darla Avis and Kaila Mills combined for six top three finishes “It’s really exciting, especially for the seniors who have won it all four years; it’s a really big deal for us” said Mills. Juniors Jenna Haynes and Anyia Khatsenko placed first for Rangeview for the 50, 100, 200 and 500 freestyles.