AIR FORCE ACADEMY — The Holy Family boys basketball team knew it had a tall challenge — literally — against Colorado Springs Christian in Friday’s Class 3A boys semifinal.
The Tigers stepped up to the challenge, mainly by hitting their outside shots as they defeated the Lions 59-51 to advance to Saturday evening’s state championship game.
“We shot well from the outside,” Holy Family senior forward Devlin Granberg said, understating the case.
He was among the chief contributors, hitting a trio of 3-pointers en route to 11 points.
The game plan wasn’t to avoid the Lions’ tall front line.
“We just took what they gave us,” Granberg said. “I’m just fortunate they fell.”
He got some help. Luke Golter had three trifectas, all coming in the second quarter as the Tigers pulled away, on the way to 15 points.
“Luke’s been filling it,” Tigers coach Pete Villecco said.
“Coach says we have good shooters in the gym,” Granberg said, and they have the green light to shoot from the outside when open.
The Tigers realize any championship opponent will be a challenge.
“They’ll be ready to go (Saturday) night,” Villecco promised.
Colorado Academy 66, Faith Christian 46
The Mustangs ran away with the game in the second quarter, extending a 16-9 lead to 30-12 in a 3 1/2-minute span.
Colorado Academy was especially effective from beyond the arc, connecting on 11 3-pointers. Jack Buckmelter and Justin Bassey tied for game-high scoring honors with 20 points apiece.
“We’ve got four great shooters,” Mustangs coach Steve Hyatt said, counting his son Christian and Chris Kuelling among them.
“We just thought if we do what we do we’d be OK,” said Buckmelter.
It was Colorado Academy’s third victory over Faith Christian this season.
“I’ve got all the respect in the world for them,” Steve Hyatt said of the Eagles’ program.
Colorado Academy and Holy Family met once during the regular season, with the Tigers winning by four at their house.
“I think we’re going to be a lot better prepared,” Buckmelter said.