Steamboat Pilot & Today

Hayden — After a 54-35 win against West Grand on Saturday, the Hayden basketball team might get another crack at Grand Valley, the team that handed the Tigers three of their five losses this season.

With the win, the Tigers advance to the second round of the playoffs, where they'll play the winner of Saturday's game between Coal Ridge and Grand Valley. The Tigers will play the winner of that game Friday at Soroco High School in Oak Creek. Tip-off is at 5:30 p.m.

Hayden coach Shawn Baum--gartner said he is looking forward to the possibility of playing Grand Valley again.

The Cardinals handed the Tigers their only home loss this season, something Hayden would like to avenge. "I wanted another chance at Grand Valley," Baumgartner said.

Before the Tigers could get a shot at Grand Valley, they had to get past the West Grand Mustangs, which they did Saturday, thanks in part to the low-post presence of Keenan Bruchez.

The 6-foot-4-inch senior led the Tigers with 23 points, despite missing most of the first quarter after rolling his ankle. Bruchez said after the game that his ankle was fine -- he just needed to get it taped up so it wasn't hurt worse.

Bruchez got two of his points late in the fourth with a powerful dunk over West Grand's Tyler Music.

"It's always fun to dunk," Bruchez said.

Hayden also got big games

from Bryan Richards, who chipped in 12 and Jordan Will--iams, who had 10 points off the bench.

Music led the Mustangs with 19 points.

Baumgartner said he was happy with the team's performance Saturday, though the execution wasn't great.

The Tigers played without Tyson Sweetser, who injured his ankle last week against Meeker.

Baumgartner said he expects to have Sweetser, who has been starting all season, back next week.