Prep boys’ basketball: Davis’ strong finish nets win over Riverton

Boys’ basketball » After trailing in first, Darts pick up the pace.

By Ben Raskin

| Special to The Tribune

First Published Nov 20 2012 10:08 pm • Last Updated Mar 06 2013 11:33 pm

Riverton • It took the Davis boys’ basketball team a quarter to find the rhythm to defeat Riverton 72-60 in the Silverwolves’ home opener Tuesday.

It looked like Riverton was going to cruise to an easy win until the final minutes of the first half. Senior Braden Koelliker battled for a loose ball that got knocked over to the sidelines, and he went diving over the scoring table in pursuit.

In picking himself up off the table, he picked up the entire Davis basketball team.

Zac Fuller drilled two 3-pointers and Koelliker scored six points to bring the Darts into the half tied 25-25.

"It’s the first time I’ve ever dived over the scoring table," Koelliker said with a grin.

Koelliker knew there would be nerves going into the game. But the Darts shook off the dust and focused on timely passing and playing aggressive defense.

"It’s everyone getting on the floor [in pursuit of loose balls] and then the whole team being there to pick him up and wanting to be the one getting on the floor," Koelliker said.

Davis went on a scoring tear in the second half. Point guard Abel Porter drained two 3-pointers, and Jesse Wade dropped 13 points.

Koelliker kept pressure on Riverton with six rebounds and 15 points.

The Darts never looked back after taking the lead. They led by as much as 14 points in the fourth quarter.

Davis coach Jay Welk pointed out that the play of the game wasn’t a timely score or rebound. It was Koelliker diving for one last ball and throwing it to a streaking Fuller, who went for a layup with the Dart already enjoying a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.

"What I am proud of is his hustle and never giving up on a play," Welk said. "He’s more than a very skilled player — he’s a captain and a leader. Our players feed off of that kind of leadership."

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