Chemistry, experience working in favor of Legend boys basketball

Video: Danny Garrick highlights vs. Fruita Monument

For a program that is only in its eighth year, there is an impressive tradition of success for the Legend (Parker) boys basketball team.

The Titans spent their first two years at the Class 3A level before making the jump to 5A, qualifying for the state tournament that same year. In each of the past four seasons Legend has advanced to at least the Sweet 16 round, averaging 19 victories along the way.

The one thing that has eluded the Titans though is the opportunity to play for a state championship. That's why there is a sense of urgency this winter for a squad that returned all five starters and is among the more balanced programs in the state. The Titans want to make 2015-16 the year to remember for the school and community – and there is a pride factor at stake.



"Pride is one of the biggest things Legend talks about. Look at our student section, the Coliseum Crazies – we want to show our school we can win a state championship," said senior Danny Garrick, who has committed to Casper College. "I think our program runs off pride. We want to do our best for our school and also the town of Parker."

Legend is off to a 5-1 start in December headed into Tuesday evening's home contest with Doherty (Colorado Springs). The Titans were ranked as high as No. 3 in 5A before falling to Lakewood 49-47 in the championship game of the Smoky Hill Shootout last Saturday.

Coming off a 25-point victory over Hinkley (Aurora) the night before, Garrick said the result was disappointing because the team didn't play with that same energy and passion against the Tigers.

It was also the team's fourth game in five days.

"I think it's just a good experience to learn from," said senior Riley Matticks, who is averaging 9.7 points and more than five assists through six games. "It's hard going undefeated, but you have to have the mindset to go beat every team. We just need to learn from the little things."

It's that kind of maturity that shows what Legend brings to the table. Matticks played on varsity his freshman year, when the Titans advanced to the state semifinals. Garrick, Monroe Porter – who has committed to Western State – and Connor McCord have been on varsity since their sophomore seasons, and Jared Small, who came from Regis Jesuit, was second in scoring for the Titans last season.



Porter has averaged 15.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.3 steals this season; Garrick is sitting at 11.5 points to go along with 6.5 rebounds. He, Porter and Matticks have been close friends since they were in the second grade, and that chemistry has continued to develop as more players have been added into the mix.

"I think it's a group we had an eye on and knew had a chance to be special," Legend coach Kevin Boley said of this senior class. "Obviously there is a difference in the maturity level they're at right now. Physically they're bigger and stronger, and mentally they're tougher."

Porter, Small and Garrick each averaged more than 12 points a game as juniors. The 6-foot-8 McCord has taken a step forward this year, and was a player that was referred to as the team's "X-factor" coming into the season.

Junior Blake Fields has made an impact off the bench early, and senior Andre Hogan has shown the ability to step into the game and be a threat from the perimeter.

"It's such a talented group and it's an experienced group. I would say it's probably the most talented Legend team we've had," Boley said. "I think the sky is the limit with this group."

The nonleague schedule has offered its share of early tests. Legend opened the season by upending Denver East on its home floor, and the Titans held off Fort Collins and Dakota Ridge (Littleton) as well.



"We kind of had to grind out a few wins. We led most of the East game but had to come from behind in the fourth quarter," said Boley, adding that it's a compliment to be on East's schedule. "Any time you're winning and don't feel like you're playing your best, I think that's a good thing. We're finding ways to make plays and get things done."

Legend closes out the year with the Cherry Creek Holiday Classic, and opens up 2016 with George Washington (Denver) on Jan. 8 before kicking off Continental League play Jan. 15 against Mountain Vista (Highlands Ranch).

Garrick said the mental aspect will play a big role moving forward, and not just during games. The senior said it's important for the sport to be more of a classroom setting, from scouting opponents and players to staying focused on game days.

"Honestly, I really, truly believe we will win a state championship if we play the way we can," Garrick said. "We have all the tools to be successful, but we just need to sharpen our tools."