Connors explodes for 30 as Palmer Ridge edges Lewis-Palmer
Lukas Pears was exhausted. Honestly, so was everyone else who witnessed this ear-splitting thriller.
The 6-foor-8 Palmer Ridge junior stepped to the line with 6 seconds remaining in a tied game and hit the first of two shots. It stood as the game-winner as Lewis-Palmer’s attempt at an answer missed and the visiting Bears prevailed 58-57 on Friday night.
“It’s very cool, I don’t know,” Pears said between deep breaths as his student section continued its postgame stampede all around him seconds after the game went final. “I’m very tired right now.
“I just trusted myself.”
Chaz Connors scored 30 points in a packed gym as the Bears withstood everything Lewis-Palmer could throw at them – including Devin VanderMeer’s game-tying 3-pointer with 27 seconds remaining that ignited a reaction from the home crowd that left ears ringing.
“You know, it means everything,” Connors said. “I’m so happy that our student section showed out. Everyone was here supporting us. Obviously got the big ‘dub. Just happy we got it in front of everyone in Monument.”
This was the quintessential high school basketball thriller, from the rivalry to the crowd to the action.
“Every shot tonight is well-earned,” observed someone working at the scorer’s table in a succinct summary.
With contested shots the norm, Palmer Ridge worked its way to a 26-24 halftime advantage. The Rangers briefly moved ahead and the Bears responded with a run that put them up by five with 7:35 remaining.
Lewis-Palmer rallied again, with Ryker Odendahl breaking a tie with a 3-pointer.
Conners answered with one of his four 3-pointers.
When Palmer Ridge (7-7) had pulled ahead by four, Odendahl made three free throws after being fouled on a 3-point attempt.
It finally came down to the frenzied final 30 seconds that saw the tie and the winning free throw from Pears, who had 12 points, that gave Palmer Ridge its second win at Lewis-Palmer in as many years.
VanderMeer scored 18 points for Lewis-Palmer (7-7). Odendahl added 14.
These teams will meet again at Palmer Ridge on Feb. 10.
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