Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — When the Steamboat Springs High School boys basketball team steps on the court, it’s tough to know what to expect.

Heck, neither the coach nor the players know.

Friday’s game at Battle Mountain showed that maybe more than any other.

The Huskies entered the game without a Western Slope League win yet were able to do enough Friday to down the Sailors, 55-54.

“I think it’s frustrating for everyone,” Steamboat coach Luke DeWolfe said. “It’s frustrating for the coaches. It’s frustrating for the kids. It’s frustrating especially when you know you have the potential to play with the best teams in the conference and you get into games and aren’t competing.”

The Sailors’ yearlong nemesis struck again. Steamboat turned the ball over 18 times and shot 13 of 24 from the free-throw line.

Still, Steamboat had its opportunities.

The Sailors trailed 37-34 at the half thanks in large part to six first half 3-pointers by the Huskies.

Steamboat led 47-46 after three quarters and had some opportunities late in the game but couldn’t capitalize.

Sailors forward Jake Miller again led the way with 21 points.

Steamboat (6-12 overall, 3-5 in the Western Slope League) has little time to feel down.

The team welcomes Eagle Valley — a team still in the league race — at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

“It’s more a matter of pride for us than anything else,” DeWolfe said. “We’ll see how much pride and character we really have. That’s where we’re at now.”

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