Holly Wildcat Weekly Sports Update, March 11, 2014

The town of Holly was on the verge of having to shutdown for the state tournament, with both of their basketball teams receiving first round byes in last weekend’s regional tournament in Pueblo. Both played well, but only one got the necessary win to advance to the Great 8.

The Wildcat boys took the floor at Massari Arena first on Saturday, facing a familiar foe, Granada. The Bobcats had defeated Elbert on Friday to get the shot at their longtime rivals. It was the third meeting of the season between the two, with each taking a win in the first two. The Wildcat offense and defense both dominated the opening period, as they outscored Granada 14-6 in the first quarter.

Holly turned a nine-point halftime lead into a 19-point edge with a 12-2 third period. The Bobcats tried to mount a fourth quarter rally, but it was snuffed out, and Holly had earned a second straight trip to state with a 46-36 victory. Holly will be the #4 seed in the state tournament, facing #5 McClave at 10:15 am on Thursday, at the Budweiser Event Center in Loveland.

The stage was set for the Lady Wildcats to send the fans into an even bigger frenzy when they followed their boys on the floor. It was close in the early going, as Holly led Cheraw 13-11 after one quarter, but the Lady Wildcats started to pull away with a 16-13 second. Holly built the lead to six points, 44-38, heading into the fourth, but they would be unable to hold onto the advantage. Cheraw, just as it had done on Friday night, roared back in the final frame and captured the state tournament berth, taking the win by a 60-51 count.

There will be little time for the Wildcats to rest after the basketball season, with the baseball campaign opening on Mar. 22, on the road against Burlington. After finishing last season as the runners-up in Class 1A, the Wildcats will begin this season ranked #7.

By Kerry Sherman