Basketball Recap: Ben Arnold's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Vista Ridge over Rampart

Vista Ridge came up into this matchup off a tough 20-point defeat last Tuesday. This time they kept things ultra-competitive, but unfortunately the final result was the same. They fell just short of the Rampart Rams by a score of 54-52 on Friday. The Wolves were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Rams earlier this season, when they won 59-49.

Vista Ridge's loss came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Ben Arnold, who went 7-for-11 on his way to 17 points and three steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Josiah Johnson, who posted 11 points.

Even though they lost, Vista Ridge was working as a unit and finished the game with 15 assists. This was only their 12th loss (out of 18 games) when they've passed the ball that well.

Rampart's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Elias Bishop, who went 6-for-10 to rack up 17 points and five rebounds. Bishop is also on a roll when it comes to field goal percentage, as he's posted one of at least 55% in the last seven games he's played. Another player making a difference was Wyatt Kirch, who had 13 points and three steals.

Vista Ridge has traveled a rocky road recently having lost four of their last five matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 7-15 record this season. Rampart is on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five games. That's provided a nice bump to their 14-9 record this season.

Vista Ridge wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next contest, a 59-54 win against Air Academy on the 22nd. Rampart does not have any more games scheduled as of now.