Reed ends Douglas boys’ season

Douglas High School boys basketball had its chances to mount a comeback Wednesday night against Reed, but the Raiders put a cap on the Tigers’ season with a 71-45 win.

Reed advanced to play Reno Friday night in the Class 4A North semifinal.

The Tigers fell behind early in the first quarter due to some lackadaisical offensive possessions, which continued throughout the evening.

At half Douglas trailed, 27-17, despite not playing a clean first 16 minutes.

Even as the third quarter got rolling, Douglas was able to cut the deficit to seven, 31-24, after a Jett Lehmann coast-to-coast layup.

However, the Raiders capitalized on free possessions and Douglas missed buckets by closing the quarter on a 21-2 run.

By the start of the fourth, Reed had pushed its advantage to, 52-26.

“They were costly (turnovers). It was just turnovers on both sides. We had a defensive game plan that was great,” said Douglas head coach Corey Thacker. “We just couldn’t put the ball in the hoop and take care of it at the same time.”

Jeremiah Pitts led the Tigers with six points at the break.

Graduating class

The seniors of Douglas High School hoops have had an impressive career.

As sophomores and juniors, they helped lead the Tigers to state tournament appearances.

Unfortunately, their final run ends with an 8-19 overall record.

Douglas will graduate eight seniors in Lehmann, Pitts, Reed Ward, Trace Estes, Reese Torres, Vincent Dame, Ishmi Enos and Kyle Koontz.

“The best part of coaching these guys is getting to see them grow from third, fourth grade on,” said Thacker. “We just ask that they leave the program better than they found it and I think these guys did that.”

(Tiger senior Trace Estes shoots a jump shot Wednesday night at Reed High School, during the Tigers’ Class 4A North regional quarterfinal game. / Ron Harpin)