It was the most anticipated boys’ basketball game in the area this season.

Then the ball tipped off and Vista Ridge thoroughly dominated rival Sand Creek, letting the air out of the idea that this game would be one to remember.

The 5A Wolves (12-4, 6-0 5A/4A Pikes Peak Athletic Conference) never trailed, and emerged from enemy territory with an impressive 68-53 win over the Scorpions (14-2, 6-1) – thought to be one of the best 4A teams in the state.

“We knew coming in – regardless of what anyone said outside of us – that we were confident we could beat them,” said Vista Ridge senior guard Noah Beatty. “Our coach put together a great game plan, and we executed it tonight.”

The game plan Vista Ridge coach Joe Hites put together featured Beatty as the main defender for Sand Creek’s D’shawn Schwartz – one of the top scorers in the state, who came in averaging 27 points per game.

Beatty and his teammates swarmed Schwartz all night, holding him to just four points in the first half, and 17 in the game.

Meanwhile, Hunter Maldonado showed why he’s also considered one of the best in the state, scoring a game-high 29 points in what was a rout until the final moments.

“Points don’t matter to me – I’m just out here doing whatever the team needs me to do to win,” Maldonado said.

The only thing that mattered Wednesday night in front of a packed house was Vista Ridge’s tenacity on both ends of the court. The Wolves led 13-8 after one quarter, expanded it to 28-11 at the half and were ahead 45-17 at one point in the third quarter.

Maldonado’s 29 points, five rebounds and three assists were the catalyst for the Vista Ridge offense, while Beatty added 15 points and sophomore forward Micah Hilts had a monster double-double with 15 points and 14 boards.

“There’s nothing sweeter than beating your rival on the road,” Maldonado said. “This was a fun experience. A lot of people in the state might not have thought we could do this, but rankings don’t matter.”

Sand Creek, which scored just 28 points in the first three quarters, came to life in the fourth, scoring 25. However, the closest the Scorpions would get was 62-53 in the final two minutes.

Jeffrey Gary scored all 12 of his points in the second half, and was the only player other than Schwartz in double figures for Sand Creek.

“They triple-teamed me every time I touched the ball, and it’s not easy to score when there’s three people on you,” Schwartz said. “We’re all going to have to step up and move better on offense and set better screens. There was no action tonight.”

Sand Creek coach Rob Hawkins said his team had some nerves early on, but his squad will improve from the disappointment.

“These things have to happen to a team for it to get better,” he said. “Forty-point wins don’t help a team – these games help a team. Vista Ridge has been together and been through this, and our team hasn’t. This trial by fire is good for us, and I have big goals for this team. They gave us their best game, and we didn’t give them ours.”