Men’s Basketball: Grizzlies Unstoppable On Senior Night

GRIZZLIES CANNOT BE STOPPED ON SENIOR NIGHT. By Matthew Martinez. 

ALAMOSA, Colo- The Adams State Men’s Basketball team clobbers conference opponent on senior night.

The Grizzlies (10-14, 10-9 RMAC) finished the home portion of their schedule against Westminster (UT) (9-14, 7-12 RMAC) from inside Plachy Hall. Prior to tip off, the Grizzlies honored three of their players on what was their final introduction in front of the Grizzly crowd. John Dewey, Davere Creighton, and Miles Banks were all praised for their countless efforts and contributions made towards the basketball program in which they represented with the utmost respect and class.

Adams State jumped out to an early four point lead which only lasted briefly, as the Westminster Griffins were able to go out in front by as many as six.  A quick run which began with under ten minutes left to play in the first half, allowed the Grizzlies to hold on to a double digit lead for the remainder of the opening period. As time expired, Adams State had three players already in double figures with a fourth player close behind.  The Grizzlies headed to the locker room up 45-32.

With the second half underway, the story of the game was the same as the first half: the Grizzlies were lights out from the field. As the game progressed, the double digit lead never dwindled down. In fact a three pointer with just over 16 minutes left, was drilled by Devere Creighton who hit seven(!) on the night. The Griffins faced their largest deficit of the game, 23 points. Creighton completed the contest with a team high of 27 points in 35 minutes of action.

Plachy Hall was rocking just a minute later as a MONSTROUS alley oop dunk was flushed down by Shemar Johnson who received the lob from Dewey who tossed the ball standing on the left side of the court. All 600+ fans rose to their feet and simply could not believe what they had all just seen. Johnson finished the night with 20 points and several prolific dunks while Dewey nearly had a double-double, 16 points and 9 assists.

Now leading by 20 points, the Grizzlies were in cruise control. Multiple runs were made by the visiting Griffins. However, the lead never reached single digits as time was running out.

Adams State shot 50% from the field which was credited to their season high of 20+ assists as a team, ultimately allowing for multiple 20-point performances including that of Junior Forward and Ricky Norris, who totalled a career high of 25 points along with 4 rebounds.

The Grizzlies will finish the regular season with their final three games on the road against Western Colorado and Colorado Mesa on Feb. 22nd and 23rd.