Wildcats snap losing streak with win over Indians to open tourney

Fleming's Wildcats snapped a three-game losing streak last week with a win over the Arickaree/Woodlin Indians in the first annual Fleming Tournament. The Wildcats hosted Arickaree/Woodlin, Gilpin County and Denver Waldorf for the Friday/Saturday event.

Fleming took on Arickaree/Woodlin on the opening night of the tournament. They jumped to an early nine-point lead after the first quarter and expanded that lead by another three in the second to close the half on top, 29-17,

The Wildcats continued to dominate in the second half, out scoring the Indians by 17 points in the two quarters combined. Fleming took the victory, 63-34.

Junior Braylen Feather led the Wildcats on the scoreboard with 23 points. He earned 21 of those on three-point shots. Junior Kolten Houser followed, also hitting double digits, with 14 points.

Houser led under the net in rebounds bringing down nine total boards. Feather and junior classmate Nolan Japp followed with eight rebounds apiece.

The following night, the Wildcats took the court to face off with the undefeated Denver Waldorf Spartans.

The Wildcats held the lead after the first; going up 21-13 in the opening minutes of the contest. The Spartans nearly tied things up before the close of the half after out scoring the home team 15-8 in the second. Fleming maintained a one-point lead at halftime, 29-28.

Denver Waldorf inched ahead after returning from the halftime break. They tacked on 14 points and held the Wildcats to nine to go up by four heading into the final 10 minutes. The visiting Spartans increased their lead by another point in the fourth to take the five-point win, 52-47.

Feather again led his team's offensive efforts. This time with 31 of the Wildcats' 47 points. He sunk nine three-point shots for 27 of his total tally. Houser followed on the scoreboard with eight points.

Houser and junior Harry Harms brought down a combined 20 rebounds. Each player grabbed 10; Houser with one offensive and nine defensive and Harms' split at five and five.

The Wildcats will take a nearly three-week break for the holidays before returning to the court on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 7 and 8.

They'll open the 2022 portion of the season at Merino on Friday, Jan. 7. The Merino Rams closed 2021 at 3-2 overall. MaxPreps lists a 2 p.m. start time at Merino.

On Saturday, Jan. 8, the Wildcats return to their home court to face off with the Kit Carson Wildcats. The Wildcats in purple currently own a 1-4 record on the season. Games at Fleming on Saturday, Jan. 8 are set to begin at 6 p.m. according to MaxPreps.