(Max Potter/CHSAANow.com)
AURORA — Loser of four of their last five league games, never has Cherry Creek needed a win more than they did on Wednesday night.
And after a gritty battle, they got that win, holding off Grandview 64-62, and on the road no less.
As the game started out, the Wolves (18-4, 9-4 Centennial League) looked in control, making good drives in the paint, shooting well from 3-point range and manning the boards for the majority of the first half. The tide turned for Cherry Creek (15-7, 7-6) when Chase Crocker made a run down the court and drained a jumper as the buzzer sounded.
When the third quarter rolled around, Grandview and Cherry Creek were trading makes and misses, the question became, who would make the momentum changing play to give their side the lead.
Bruin senior Nick Williams was that guy as the big man pulled up from beyond the arc and drained a three.
“It felt awesome, I knew my team was gonna work hard to get a good chance and I did what I could to help the team,” Williams said. “I was pretty nervous (late in the game), it was very loud in the building and I’m glad we pulled it out”
Things went more in favor for Cherry Creek as Grandview’s Ben Boone fouled out with a minute and change left in the game. The dagger came as Grandview stepped to the line with three free throws and only one of them fell.
“It was awesome to get this win,” Williams said. “I love rivalry games, and this was a big one for us.”
Grandview sits in third in the Class 5A RPI and No. 7 while Cherry Creek is No. 11. The Bruins will finish the season on the Road at Smoky Hill while Grandview will face Mullen on the road to end the season.
The bracket for the 5A state tournament will be released on Sunday.