Basketball Game Preview: Simla Cubs vs. Sanford Mustangs

The Simla Cubs will take on the Sanford Mustangs at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Simla is coming into the game hot, having won their last 16 games.

Simla is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Saturday. They strolled past Vail Mountain with points to spare, taking the game 53-35. Given the Cubs' advantage in MaxPreps' Colorado basketball rankings (they are ranked 37th, while the Gore Rangers are ranked 176th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Simla found their leader in sophomore Tatum Kocerha, who dropped a double-double with 18 points and 11 boards. Another player making a difference was TJ Eurich, who posted eight points in addition to eight rebounds and three steals.

Simla smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 19 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in seven consecutive contests.

Meanwhile, Sanford posted their closest victory since December 13, 2024 on Saturday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 52-50 win over Heritage Christian. Winning may never get old, but the Mustangs sure are getting used to it with their fifth in a row.

Simla's record is now 22-2. As for Sanford, their record is now 20-5.

Simla might still be hurting after the 53-33 loss they got from Sanford in their previous meeting back in March of 2023. Thankfully for Simla, McCray Larsen (who dropped a double-double with 17 points and 17 boards) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.