Aurora, CO – The Ralston Valley Mustangs improved to 9-0 on the season with a hard-fought 63-53 victory over the Smoky Hill Buffaloes (6-7) on Friday night in Aurora. The game showcased the Mustangs’ resilience, as they overcame an early deficit to maintain their undefeated record.
First-Quarter Fireworks from Smoky Hill
Smoky Hill came out firing, stunning Ralston Valley with a 17-5 run and finishing the first quarter up 22-13. The Buffaloes dominated early, capitalizing on offensive rebounds and hot shooting to build a seemingly commanding lead.
However, the Mustangs showed their composure, weathering the storm and locking in defensively in the second quarter. Senior guard Tanner Bracketa, who led all scorers with 24 points and added six assists, credited the team’s adjustments for turning the game around.
“They got a lot of offensive rebounds in the first half, which helped them a lot,” Bracketa said. “Then we started limiting those rebounds, pushing in transition, and getting stops.”
Second-Quarter Comeback
Ralston Valley’s defense clamped down in the second quarter, holding Smoky Hill to just eight points. Their defensive effort and ability to push the pace in transition allowed them to chip away at the lead. By halftime, the Mustangs had surged ahead 31-30.
Head coach Chris Bracketa praised his players for their response.
“I was really proud of them because we just weathered their scoring,” Bracketa said. “Our guys started defending better, and that was key to us taking the lead.”
Junior guard Caiden Bracketa contributed 20 points in the win, giving the Mustangs a potent backcourt tandem. Meanwhile, 6’5″ junior forward Zeke Andrews provided a strong interior presence, scoring 10 points and grabbing seven rebounds.
Second-Half Dominance
Once Ralston Valley took the lead, they never looked back. The Mustangs controlled the tempo throughout the second half, methodically extending their advantage. Smoky Hill took a brief lead again at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, they shut Smoky Hill down entirely, outscoring the Buffaloes 19-5 to seal the victory.
“Our response back was really good,” said Tanner Bracketa. “Coming in, playing together—it’s not a solo effort. It’s all five of us, the entire team. That was the key factor in the win today.”
The Mustangs’ balanced attack proved too much for Smoky Hill. Bracketa’s 24 points and playmaking were complemented by Caiden Bracketa’s scoring and Andrews’ versatility, giving Ralston Valley multiple weapons to rely on.
A Process-Driven Team
With back-to-back wins against tough opponents, the Mustangs’ undefeated record reflects their commitment to improvement and team play. Head coach Chris Bracketa emphasized that staying focused on the process has been crucial to their success.
“You know, it’s just day by day, trying to get better from practice to practice and game to game,” he said. “The record is the record. Whether we win or lose, it’s about the process. This was a great win, but it was also a great game for us to learn from.”
Looking Ahead
The Mustangs remain a force to be reckoned with in the Jeffco League, and Friday’s win against a tough Smoky Hill team showcased their ability to adapt and thrive under pressure. With standout performances from Tanner Bracketa, Caiden Bracketa, and Zeke Andrews, Ralston Valley has proven they have the depth and resilience to compete with anyone. As they continue their undefeated run, the Mustangs’ focus on teamwork and preparation will undoubtedly serve them well in their pursuit of a championship.
Denver Sports Media 