Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The Steamboat Springs High School boys basketball team made its final case for inclusion in the Class 4A state basketball playoffs Friday in Moffat County, in much the same way the team dominated its past eight games.

Steamboat used its defense to completely wipe out Moffat County and had all but ended the game by halftime in a 46-27 win.

The Sailors, 15-7 overall, now await a decision of the selection committee on Sunday. There is a chance, with 4A moving to a 32-team bracket, that the Western Slope League may get only one team.

“I think we have as strong a case as anyone,” Steamboat coach Luke DeWolfe said. “If we don’t (make the tournament), it’ll be really disappointing and I think unfair.”

Before Steamboat put its fate in the hands of the selection committee, the Sailors took care of what they could against the rival Bulldogs.

Steamboat wasn’t necessarily pretty on offense in the first half, but it didn’t matter when Moffat’s score looked more like a baseball score.

Steamboat led 19-6 at halftime and didn’t allow Moffat to get into double figures until the 2-minute, 20-second mark of the third quarter.

By then, Steamboat was up 33-11.

“Guys are just taking (it) upon their shoulders to shut down their man,” DeWolfe said. “Our guys responded well. Defensively, we’re playing hard and a lot of times that’s what defense is about.”

Charles Wood led the Sailors with 17 points, eight rebounds and three steals. Justin Anderson chipped in 12 and Isiah Men­­doza-Forsyth had 10.

— To reach Luke Graham, call 970-871-4229 or e-mail lgraham@SteamboatToday.com