The Heritage Eagles lost against the Ponderosa Mustangs back in January of 2023, and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Friday. Heritage fell just short of the Mustangs by a score of 57-54. While losing is never fun, Heritage can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Colorado basketball rankings (they are ranked 93rd, while the Mustangs are ranked 33rd).
Heritage's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Atticus Schroeder, who scored 13 points along with six rebounds. The team also got some help courtesy of Carter Thompson, who scored 12 points along with two steals.
Ponderosa's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Noah Wilhelm led the charge by scoring 18 points along with eight rebounds and four steals. Wilhelm hasn't dropped below two steals for seven straight games. Another player making a difference was Riley Woolen, who dropped a double-double on 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Heritage has traveled a rocky road recently having lost three of their last four matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 8-8 record this season. As for Ponderosa, they pushed their record up to 13-5 with that victory, which was their sixth straight on the road.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Heritage will take on the Titans at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Legend is coming into the game on a five-game losing streak. As for Ponderosa, they will be playing in front of their home fans against the Grizzlies at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. ThunderRidge is strutting with some offensive muscle, as they've averaged 62.3 points per game this season.
