Takeaways: No. 3 Fossil Ridge survives early blitz to hold off Chaparral in 6A playoff opener

Fossil Ridge boys basketball coach Matt Johannsen knew it before the game.

"That's no 30 seed," Johannsen said of visiting Chaparral.

He was plenty prescient, as the Wolverines immediately blitzed the third-seeded SaberCats, who bounced back just enough to clamp down for a hard-fought 60-51 win Thursday night to open the Class 6A playoffs.

This was a test every step of the way, one that could serve the SaberCats well as they hope to return to the Great 8 at the Denver Coliseum.

Here are some takeaways from the Fossil Ridge win:

Fossil fights back

Fossil Ridge isn't used to being down 10-0, ever. Especially at home.

But the Wolverines (11-13) were clawing for everything early, making tough shots in the lane and winning loose balls.

"I wasn't surprised how they came out," Johannsen said. "They're a really good team, and that's why I was very nervous."

Chaparral's No. 30 seed was deceiving after ending the season with five wins in seven games and losing by just three points at No. 2 Rock Canyon in the regular-season finale.

It had the makings of an upset, as Chaparral's fans were into it and key Fossil players Ty Brown and Nick Randall got in first-quarter foul trouble.

But Fossil Ridge (22-2) switched up its defense, using a half-court press and its length to frustrate the visitors' motion offense and do just enough defensively against dynamic guard Gavin Carter.

It worked, as the SaberCats ended the first half on an 11-2 run to take a four-point lead.

"They started hot, and we didn't overlook them or anything," Fossil Ridge senior Domenic Leone said. "Our defense and energy got us back in it even though the shots weren't falling."

Carter finished with 18 points, still four below his season average while needing 16 shots to do it.

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Boldt provides a spark

Fossil Ridge forward Matthew Boldt hadn't played since injuring his ankle early in Jan. 31's home loss to Fort Collins.

The rebounding and defensive specialist provided a big spark in his return.

"It was huge," Johannsen said. "When we need a board, he's going to go get it. Having him back on the floor, it really lifts us."

Boldt finished with 11 points, a couple thunderous blocks and a strong presence inside to pair with Randall, who had 14 points.

"Matt's the toughest kid I know," Leone said. "He looked like himself tonight and contributed a lot to the way we finished the game."

Fossil Ridge was never truly threatened in the final 10-plus minutes, continuing to force Chaparral turnovers and getting easy buckets at the rim.

Leone finished with 14 points, including a couple clutch 3-pointers, while Colin Hayes added 13.

The scoring versatility will be vital for Fossil Ridge, and Boldt being back gives them another option.

"We're never a one-trick pony," Johannsen said. "You have to have (scoring) throughout the lineup for a state run."

SaberCats seek finals return

This was an early test for a group that was one quarter away from a state title last season and has designs on a return trip to the Coliseum.

Johannsen was happy to see Fossil Ridge show it can "win ugly."

"When you prove you can grind something out, it's the sign of a good team," he said. "It wasn't pretty at times but I'm proud we got it done."

The SaberCats could get a Great 8 rematch against No. 6 Fort Collins. First things first, though, is No. 19 Doherty (Saturday, Feb. 25, at 3 p.m.) in the second round.

"I think that's good starting the playoffs like that and hopefully we can keep that second-half momentum going for a long playoff run," Leone said.

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This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Colorado basketball playoffs: Fossil Ridge survives Chaparral's upset bid