Arvada West senior Thomas Neff (15) drives the baseline on Smoky Hill seniors Kendrick Sipple (21) and Dalontae Kelly (10) on Tuesday night. Neff had a game-high 35 points in the Wildcats’ 64-48 victory. (Dennis Pleuss)
ARVADA — Arvada West senior Thomas Neff brought his entire toolbox of offensive moves to the Wildcats’ boys basketball opener Tuesday night.
Neff, who is already committed to play at the University of Denver, scored a game-high 35 points in almost every way imaginable against Smoky Hill at Arvada West High School.
Arvada West junior Luke Neff (5) dribbles the ball as Smoky Hill senior Dalontae Kelly (10) guards the younger of the Neff brothers Tuesday night. (Dennis Pleuss)
“I’ve worked a lot on my post moves and in the weight room to get bigger so my post moves will be effective,” said Neff, who has grown five inches and put on 50 pounds over the past three years. “I wanted to be more than just a spot-up shooter like I was my freshman year.”
The 6-foot-5 senior drove to the hoop, posted up, hit fade-away jumpers, pull-up jumpers in transition and even buried a trio of 3-pointers to guide A-West, ranked No. 8 in the CHSAANow.com Class 5A preseason poll, to a 64-48 victory.
“Thomas was terrific,” said A-West coach Jeff Parriott of his returning third team all-state player. “We did a nice job getting him the ball in spots where he is hard to guard. He is hard to guard anywhere, but he is partially hard to guard when he gets close to the rim.”
Smoky Hill hung with the Wildcats through the first two quarters. The Buffaloes only trailed 25-21 at halftime, but A-West took over in the third quarter outscoring Smoky Hill 20-6.
“I thought the first half we were solid on defense, but (Smoky Hill) hit some 3-pointers at the end of a few possessions,” Parriott said. “I think our kids played really well defensively during that stretch (third quarter).”
A-West took its biggest lead of 57-31 midway through the fourth quarter when senior Jesse Porter nailed a 3-pointer. Seconds later Neff took a seat on the bench for the remainder of the game with 4:05 left in the fourth quarter.
“It’s exciting. I’m glad to play with my brother (Luke) for the last first game (of the season),” said Neff, who also grabbed 10 rebounds. “We had a good crowd. It was a good way to open the season.”
Porter finished with seven points for the Wildcats. Senior Zach Kuhlmann and junior Will Wittman had six points each in the victory.
While A-West’s opener was impressive. There is the looming addition to the lineup of 6-foot-11 junior Dallas Walton. The transfer from Ralston Valley is still recovering from knee surgery last June.
Arvada West junior Will Wittman (14) goes up for a shot as Smoky Hill senior Jordan Correy (23) comes from behind during the first half Tuesday night. (Dennis Pleuss)
“I know he (Walton) is a difference maker. I’m excited to find out what he does when he gets healthy,” Parriott said. “We aren’t going to rush it. We are shooting for the middle of January, but we’ll see what happens.”
A-West gets right back out on the court Wednesday. The Wildcats travel to Northglenn High School for a 6 p.m. tipoff tomorrow against the Norsemen. Northglenn began its season Monday with a 66-55 victory over Castle View. The Wildcats’ next home game won’t be until just before winter break on Dec. 19 against George Washington.
“I think it will be good for this team,” Parriott said of A-West its next seven games on the road. “It will help us develop some toughness playing on the road and facing some adversity.”
Senior Dalontae Kelly led the Buffaloes with 24 points in the loss Tuesday. Kelly poured in four 3-pointers. His strong second quarter helped Smoky Hill get within striking distance before A-West pulled away in the second half.
Smoky Hill remains on the road when it faces ThunderRidge on Tuesday, Dec. 9. The Buffaloes get on their home court when they host their own three-day tournament starting Thursday, Dec. 11.
Arvada West sophomore Josh Martin (20) splits Smoky Hill’s Jordan Correy (23) and Kyle Colen (2) on a drive toward the basket Tuesday night at Arvada West High School. (Dennis Pleuss)