For the first time in four years, the Lewis-Palmer boys basketball team had broken through the final four round, moving on to play Sierra in Saturday’s state championship game. Despite the semi-final losses in the past, the team proved that they are championship worthy after defeating the Valor Christian Eagles 70-59.

“I tried to not think too much and just let the game come to me,” said junior Justin Smith.

Smith’s performance was a big part of the Ranger win with 26 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. The Ranger team worked hard to keep them slightly ahead. The Eagles even crept to within three points on a few occasions. In the fourth quarter  senior Josh Scott pulled the Rangers out for the win at the 4A semi-finals Thursday at the Coors Events Center. Scott scored 14 of the 22 points in the final quarter.

“It was my first time playing in a final four game. It felt more hyped up than other games,” said senior Tim Helwege. Helwege also had a good game, scoring 10 points.

With only 48 hours between the semi-finals and the championship game, the Ranger team plans on keeping their pre-game routines the same.

“I punch my hands together to calm myself down. When they call my name I point up to the sky; I’m pointing to my dad because I know that he is watching,” said Helwege. Some people think that “his pointing” is a religious ritual. It is religious but is also meant for his dad who passed away two years ago.

“I sing Taylor Swift with Joe and Max on the bus ride to the game; it calms us down. We also get each other amped up in the huddle before the start of the game,” said junior Jordan Scott.

Keeping their traditions the same, the Rangers feel ready and excited for Saturday’s 4A State Championship game. They aren’t letting the short 48 hours between games affect how they are going to play.

“It determines who the mentally tough teams are, going from the high of a final four game to the championship game. I don’t have a lot of time to practice before the big game.”

The boys team will have practice, just running through a few things, and a team dinner before the championship game against Sierra. Having played Sierra before, the team knows their opponent and don’t plan on changing their strategies.

“I know that we have to play as a team even better than the first time in order to beat Sierra a second time,” said Jordan Scott.

According to Justin Smith, the team is ready to meet their opponent. “We are excited and ready to take it to the next level and win the big game,” said Smith.