Barbara Lawlor, Gilpin County.  The Gilpin High School boys’ basketball team lost their first game of the season, but had a great start, losing 41-44 to the North Park Wildcats last Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017.

The Eagles came out rusty, giving the Wildcats a six-point lead in the first period. At halftime, North Park was ahead by 11 points, but a spectacular effort by the Gilpin boys made it a three-point game and both teams were full steam ahead in the fourth period.

The Wildcats prevailed, however, matching point for point, and the Eagles couldn’t push pass them. It was a close loss, but the Gilpin boys know that they are within reach of a winning season.

“We have a great group of student-athletes. I'm proud of the concentration, effort and teamwork that they are demonstrating. This is going to be a fun season, and we are going to put ourselves in position to compete well and win ball games,” said head coach Paul Hanson.

Period scores:

7-13 4-9 15-7 15-15

Individual Statistics:

Alex Wilhelm: 11 points, 4 FGA, 3/3 field throws, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 block, 4 steals

Nolan Lindberg: 1 block, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal

Blake Boulter: 1 assist, 2 steals

John Immordino: 5 points, 9 rebounds, 1 block, 1/2 free throws

Will Lorenz: 9 points, 1 three-pointer, 2/2 free throws, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals

Tanner Davis: 12 points, 2 three-pointers, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals

Chris Braschi: 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 point, 1/2 free throws

Stephen King: 1 assist, 3 points, 1/2 free throws

(Originally published in the December 7, 2017 print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)