Basketball Game Preview: Highlands Ranch Falcons vs. Vista Ridge Wolves

The Highlands Ranch Falcons will head out on the road to square off against the Vista Ridge Wolves at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Highlands Ranch is coming into the game on a three-game losing streak.

Last Saturday, Highlands Ranch came up short against Arapahoe and fell 75-62. While losing is never fun, the Falcons can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Colorado basketball rankings (they are ranked 61st, while the Warriors are ranked 13th).

Zach Benner

Points (Career)

01/11/25 @ Arapahoe	18
12/17/24 @ Lakewood	9
12/13/24 @ Chatfield	7
01/07/25 vs George Washington	5
12/05/24 vs Golden	5

Despite their loss, Highlands Ranch saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Zach Benner, who went 5 for 10 on his way to 18 points, was perhaps the best of all. The dominant performance gave Benner a new career-high in points. The team also got some help courtesy of Mason Lane, who posted 15 points and seven rebounds.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Vista Ridge). They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 74-71 victory over Harrison last Saturday. The Wolves didn't have much to brag about two games back, but this win makes it their second in a row.

Highlands Ranch better keep an eye on Ben Arnold. He was instrumental in Vista Ridge's win, going 8 of 11 on his way to 20 points and eight rebounds. The team also got some help courtesy of Zay Thurman, who put up eight points and four steals.

Vista Ridge's victory bumped their record up to 3-6. As for Highlands Ranch, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-5.

Highlands Ranch took their win against Vista Ridge in their previous matchup back in January of 2024 by a conclusive 67-46. The rematch might be a little tougher for Highlands Ranch since the team won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.