Elbert stands tall on road to state

LIMON - Elbert's Bly McGuire was too tough - and too tall - for Deer Trail.

The 6-foot-7 center scored 21 points and came up big in the fourth quarter Saturday to help lift Elbert to a 52-49 victory in a Class A regional boys basketball game.

Elbert (20-3) advances to the eight-team state tournament beginning Thursday in Pueblo. Its opponent will be determined today.

McGuire dominated the boards late in the game, and scored four of his team's five fourth-quarter baskets. He also plugged the middle, forcing Deer Trail (15-8) to shoot from the outside. Deer Trail attempted 25 3-pointers.

It was far from easy, though, for McGuire to score in the post.

Deer Trail used a swarming, double-teaming defense to shut down the interior.

With McGuire out of the offense, Elbert sputtered. Forced passes led to turnovers and difficult shots.

Adam Barnett picked up the slack with shots from the outside. He finished with 14 points, including a big 3-pointer in the fourth quarter.

Deer Trail coach Mike Book called his defense a 1-3-1, but it was more of a 1-3 with a man on McGuire. Six-footer Brad Koepke fronted McGuire with other Deer Trail players giving help on the inside.

"It was kind of hard to catch passes in the post," McGuire said.

McGuire was held to just three field goals in the second and third quarters combined.

While Elbert was having trouble on offense, Deer Trail went to work on the outside. It made six 3-pointers and buried clutch shots to stay within striking distance.

Matt Turecek and Brad Koepke led Deer Trail with 14 points each.

"We were trying to get out on them, but they were still making them," McGuire said.

Elbert had a three-point lead with under 3 minutes left in the game. Elbert played keep-away on offense and held Deer Trail in check the rest of the way.

Book was satisfied with his team's performance.

"I thought we did what we had to do," he said. "That's probably one of the best games we've played all year."

Elbert coach Rick Jewell said his team should do well at state.

"I figure we're in the top two," he said.

- Brian Cook may be reached at 636-0250 or gtsports@gazette.com

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