Green Mountain boys basketball breaks off big Jeffco League win

LAKEWOOD — It’s safe to say that Simon Lunsford is showing no ill effects after suffering a broken right fibula, torn ligaments and a displaced right ankle on Nov. 22.

The Green Mountain senior and 3-sport athlete (football, basketball and baseball) had the injury in the state quarterfinal football game playing quarterback for the Rams just over two months ago.

“It was a pretty nasty break,” Green Mountain boys basketball coach Mike Puccio said of the injury and not thinking Lunsford would be back on the basketball court as quick as he has been. “It is the beauty of youth. They heal quick.”

Lunsford showed he is all the way back Saturday night pouring in a career-high 41 points in Green Mountain’s 76-65 victory over Evergreen. It was the first Class 5A/4A Jeffco League loss for the Cougars (13-4, 3-1 in league).

“Warmups were good,” Lunsford said after shooting 13-for-17 from the field, including 6-for-8 from 3-point range. “I can’t say too much, but I really don’t like Evergreen. It was defintely a little personal.”

Evergreen actually held a 21-9 lead on Green Mountain (9-8, 2-1) late in the first quarter, but Lunsford was unguardable in the second and third quarters. The 6-foot-3 senior had 15 points in the second quarter to help give the Rams a 36-30 lead at halftime. He kept it going with 17 points in the third quarter to extend the lead to 64-52.

Lunsford’s first game back was Jan. 13 playing with a medal plate, seven screws and a rope to hold everything together. Initially, Lunsford was aiming to get back for the start of league play, but he got cleared about a week earlier than expected.

Green Mountain has a 5-1 record with Lunsford back in the line-up.

“Our guys without him fought like hell,” Puccio said of the Rams playing their first 11 games without Lunsford. “We were bad defensively in the first quarter tonight, but then everyone locked in.”

Evergreen senior Eli Beeson led the Cougars with 25 points. Senior Drew Yager had 17 points and junior Lukas McCanna had 11 points in the second half, but Evergreen just couldn’t keep pace with Lunsford and Company.

“I want Player of the Year in league,” Lunsford said. “I’m coming for it.”

Junior Jake Swanson and sophomore Sam Mielenz both had 11 points each for the Rams. Junior Tre Gutierrez had a rare double-double with 11 rebounds and 10 assists for Green Mountain.

“They were forced into position they were never in before,” Lunsford said of his teammates when he was out. “I think we are maturing really well together and gelling together. Practice has been great. I’m looking forward to rolling into the rest of league and then playoffs with them.”

Green Mountain has a busy week coming up with three games in five days. The Rams host 2-time defending league champion Dakota Ridge (11-6, 3-0) at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3. The game was originally scheduled for Jan. 22, but a power outage at Green Mountain postponed the game.

“Two great teams going at it,” Puccio said of the showdown against Dakota Ridge coming up on Monday night. “It’s good basketball. It’s what Jeffco basketball is. Just like it was tonight.”

Dakota Ridge is the only undefeated team left in the conference play. Golden, Standley Lake, Evergreen and Green Mountain all have one loss.

“That Standley Lake loss hurt,” Puccio said of the overtime loss on the road to the Gators just over a week ago. “I think this is a team that can win league. If you go two loses in league and you are probably done.”

The Rams finish the week at Littleton (Wednesday) and hosting D’Evelyn (Friday).

“Every (league) game is a must-win from here on out,” Lunsford said with the Rams trying to win their first conference title since the 2007-08 season. “We are playing like we can’t lose any more. It’s the playoffs right now.”

Evergreen also has a big week ahead. The Cougars face Standley Lake (11-5, 3-1) Wednesday before getting a shot at Dakota Ridge on Friday. Both will be home games for Evergreen.