Galena shuts down Cheyenne

The Galena High boys basketball team reality show rolled into Las Vegas lacking some energy.

But the Grizzlies were reenergized in the second half, using an outstanding defensive and rebounding effort to win at Cheyenne 67-55 on Thursday. Galena continued its road showing, flying in from Charlotte, N.C., after competing in last week's Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C. "We're like a surreal life," Galena coach Tom Mauer said.

Galena trailed 37-34 at halftime, but outscored Cheyenne 33-18 in the second half. Mauer said he believed that Luke Babbitt had a triple double - a more impressive, untraditional triple double at that - in points, rebounds and blocked shots.

Mauer estimated that Babbitt, who scored 37 points, also had about a dozen blocks and rebounds. "He did a phenomenal job," Mauer said.

But it wasn't just Babbitt as he was also assisted by Eric Maupin and Brice Crook on the boards. "They got one and out," Mauer said. "We always tell our players one and out."

Among those who led the defensive effort were J.D. Peters, Babbitt and Maupin. Galena held sophomore sensation Elijah Johnson to 11 points, including four in the second half. "We made them change their shots inside," Mauer said. "I'm very happy."

Tristan Hill scored 11 points and Crook added 10 for Galena. Cheyenne was coming off a double overtime win over Centennial, which won last week's Las Vegas Tournament.

Galena will play at Foothill today and at Bishop Gorman on Saturday. Mauer said the trip was designed to be a preview of a potential run at a state title at the end of the season in Las Vegas.

"That's what we're hoping," Mauer said. "We hoping to come back. It's definitely a precursor."