5A Boys Basketball: Lutheran Cruises to Fifth State Championship
By Brenna Barkley
Photo: Luke Chisenhall
DENVER – Be you.
It’s what coach Josh Abbott has told his team all season. Those two simple words translated into a 5A Boys State Championship title for the Lutheran Lions after they defeated Silver Creek 64-30 Saturday night.
After leading 26-11 at the half, Lutheran stayed on the gas, shooting 73 percent (14 of 19) from the field, and 66.7 percent (6 of 9) from beyond the 3-point arc, in the second half. Not only that, more than half of the team’s rebounds came in the second half as they marched on towards their fifth title.
They finished the night at 50 percent from 3 (9 of 18).
Kaden Tisdall led his team with 16 points in the contest.
Tisdall credits the Lutheran coaching staff for giving him his confidence he was able to find on the court, and explained how much it means to him getting to the mountaintop with this team.
“This is the most I’ve ever been connected with the team ever, in any sport I’ve ever played,” he said. “We have meals together every week, we all hang out together, we are all just really connected.”
Lutheran was able to not only rely on the 3-point shot but dominated from all over the court shooting 60 percent from the field (24 of 40), with 14 points off of turnovers and 30 points in the paint.
Not only did the Lions dominate offensively, but they shined on the defensive end as well.
Abbott highlighted how they approach defense throughout the season and how they can make a difference on the court.
“We have three things we talk about every game,” he said. “It’s the three E’s — energy, effort and execution in defense and rebounding. We don’t talk about anything basketball-offense related. I trust these guys a lot.”
Lutheran ended the evening with 25 rebounds, six steals and three blocks. Kade Speckman led his squad in rebounds (10) as part of a double-double that also included 13 points.
Silver Creek wrapped up its season with a record of 23-5. Luke Schmeeckle led the Raptors in points with 11 while also collecting three rebounds. Cooper Herchert rounded out the night with six rebounds and two steals.
