Branden Benz poured in 20 points and Chance Donlon added 16 points as the Rye Thunderbolt Boys’ Basketball team downed Las Animas in the Thunderdome 60-37 on the 21st of January.
Sophomore Jay Graham may not have been one of the scoring leaders but he gathered in 11 rebounds, had seven assists, and seven steals in the victory. Codah Graber had eight rebounds and Brock Benz had three assists and a pair of steals.
“This was a good team win,” shared Head Coach Dakota Stupar. “I thought several of the guys played really well. If it was not scoring it was playing their roles well and contributing in different ways for the success of the team.”
The Rye team shot 32% from the field and 67% from the free throw line. At halftime they led 28-20 and opened up the lead, outscoring Las Animas in the third quarter 17-8.
Rye met Manitou Springs on the road on Tuesday evening after press time. This was the final non-league game. The eight remaining games are all league games and according to Stupar will determine post-season aspirations. The Thunderbolts are cur
The Thunderbolts are currently 7-3 overall and 2-2 in league. Tonight (Thursday) they host 3-5 Swink followed by a second home game on Saturday with Crowley County (7-4).
“Crowley is a huge game for us,” advised Head Coach Stupar. “This could be the biggest team we play all year. They start four 6'3" or taller players. Obviously, taking care of the glass on both the offensive and defensive side will be key in this game. They like to apply pressure so we will have to limit turnovers. This week will be a good test for us as a team.”