Loss to Genoa-Hugo Pirates drops Wildcats to 1A's number nine

Despite going 2-1 in last week’s basketball action, the Fleming Wildcats have dropped from number seven in Colorado High School Activities rankings to number nine. The Wildcats took wins over Akron and Weldon Valley, but fell to Genoa-Hugo who previously held the number eight spot.

The week’s play opened on Tuesday, Jan. 31, with a home contest against unranked Akron. Fleming held a two-point advantage after the first quarter, but Akron gained control in the second to hold a four-point, 26-22, lead at the half.

The Wildcats chipped two points off the Rams’ lead in the third adding eight points of their own while holding the visiting team to six. The final quarter sealed the win for the Wildcats who out scored Akron by five for a three-point victory, 41-38.

Seniors Kolten Houser and Braylen Feather led on the scoreboard; both hitting double digits at 15 and 10, respectively.

Senior Harry Harms led in rebounds with seven. He pulled down one offensive and six defensive. Feather and senior Nolan Japp followed with six rebounds apiece.

On Friday night, Fleming traveled to Weldon Valley where they took a huge, 74-24, league victory over the Warriors.

Feather led his team on the scoreboard for the night with 16 points. Houser, Japp and junior David Betley also hit double digits with 10 points each.

Harms led once again under the net in boards with 10. Betley followed with nine.

On Saturday afternoon, the Wildcats traveled to Genoa-Hugo who fell one spot behind them in rankings at the time. Fleming came up a point short in the first quarter and trailed 9-8. The Pirates added six points to their lead in the second to go up 26-19 by the end of the half.

Second half scoring evened out once again with Genoa-Hugo out scoring Fleming by just two in the third. Fleming owned the fourth quarter by a point, but remained behind at the final buzzer, 47-39.

Feather was the lone Wildcat to hit double digits for the night in scoring. He added 15 points for his team. He also hit the team-high in rebounds with 12 to give him a double-double for the game.

Houser also brought down double-digit rebounds with 10.

Scheduling listed on MaxPreps puts Fleming on the road to McClave this Friday night, Feb. 10. McClave holds the number two spot in CHSAA’s 1A rankings this week. On Saturday, they’re set to return to their home court against the 10th ranked Flatirons Academy Bison.