Team effort paces Titans over Centennial in tough matchup

Holleran leads charge

Coach Robin Loyed knew his team would have a tough game against Centennial on Friday, December 12.

“I was a bit apprehensive about this game,” says Loyed. “I knew they were quick, athletic and would press the whole game. It was even worse than I expected.”
It turned out to be tougher than expected, but the Titans handled the pressure as everyone stepped up to the challenge as the Titans battled to a 65-51 win.
While the Titans managed to jump out to a 15-5 lead in the first quarter, it wasn’t without some circumstance, as senior John Wright picked up three fouls.
It got worse in the second quarter for Wright as he picked up his fourth personal foul and was forced to watch most of the second quarter and all of the third quarter from the bench.
With Wright in foul trouble, Loyed looked to freshman Anton Peck to fill his shoes and Peck answered the call, at least on defense.
“Anton responded with the best game I’ve seen him play,” says Loyed. “He played a terrific defensive game.”
In fact, the entire team stepped up defensively, while senior Robbie Holleran stepped up in all aspects as he proceeded to take over the game up and down the court.
“Once John was out, Robbie Holleran dominated the game at both ends of the court,” says Loyed. “He just took over the game.”
With the Titans stout defensive effort and Holleran’s end-to-end play, Crested Butte took a 31-18 lead into halftime.
Centennial adjusted and maintained their press to chip away at the Titans’ lead in the third quarter, while Wright sat on the bench with four fouls.
“It got dicey in the third quarter,” says Loyed.
Wright returned to the court in the fourth quarter and proceeded to drain three buckets in a row from three-point range, draining all hope for a Centennial comeback. Holleran continued his efforts to secure the win and the Titans emerged with the road victory.
Holleran led the Titans in all statistics with 24 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and two steals. Wright dropped in 19 points, senior Jake Grogg had 11 points and five rebounds on the night, and senior Chris Sharpe scored nine.
Holleran and Wright are now fourth and fifth in scoring in the state 1A class, with Holleran averaging 23.3 points per game and Wright 23 points per game.
While the two players can carry the team from time to time, the game against Centennial took a total team effort.
“They kept their poise,” says Loyed. “They could have easily wilted under the pressure. They got a taste of what they’re going to see in the league and they dealt with it. I’m really proud of them.”
The Titans remain on the road to face Primero on Friday, December 19 and then will return home to host Mountain Valley on Saturday, December 20 at 2:30 p.m. in Mt. Olympus.
“I get the sense it’s going to be intense,” says Loyed of the upcoming games.