Basketball Recap: Caiden Braketa's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Ralston Valley over Valor Christian

Despite a phenomenal run in the regular season, Ralston Valley couldn't carry that success into this playoff game. They took a 72-59 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Valor Christian Eagles on Saturday. The Mustangs' loss signaled the end of their three-game winning streak.

Ralston Valley's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Caiden Braketa, who shot 47% from the field on his way to 20 points along with five rebounds and three steals. Tanner Braketa was another key player, putting up 22 points.

Mustangs

Offensive Rebounds

03/08/25 vs Valor Christian	16
03/04/25 vs Denver South	8
02/22/25 @ Arvada West	7
02/18/25 @ Mountain Vista	7
02/13/25 vs Columbine	10
+ 20 more games

Even though they lost, Ralston Valley smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive rebounds. That's the most offensive boards they've posted since back in February of 2024.

Cole Scherer was his usual excellent self, dropping a double-double with 28 points and 11 boards for Valor Christian. The match was Scherer's tenth in a row with at least 15 points. The team also got some help courtesy of Brady Wynja, who dropped a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds.

The loss was their first at home , dropping their record down to 23-3. As for Valor Christian, they are on a roll lately: they've won 15 of their last 16 games. That's provided a nice bump to their 22-4 record this season.

Ralston Valley does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Valor Christian, they will take on Rangeview on Thursday. Valor Christian knows how to get points on the board -- the squad has finished with 55 points or more in their past 26 contests -- so hopefully Rangeview likes a good challenge.