Aurora, CO – The Eaglecrest Raptors, ranked No. 3 in the state, showcased their resilience on Tuesday night, rallying to defeat the No. 11-ranked Mountain Vista Golden Eagles 58-57 at Eaglecrest High School in Aurora. It was a game that came down to the wire, with senior center Garrett Barger delivering the game-winning layup in the final seconds and Mountain Vista falling short on a potential buzzer-beating three-pointer.

Fourth-Quarter Comeback

Eaglecrest entered the fourth quarter trailing 52-44, but the experience and grit of their senior-heavy roster propelled them to a thrilling comeback. Senior guard Ant Nettles played a pivotal role in the quarter, scoring key baskets and creating defensive pressure to keep the Raptors within striking distance. With less than 20 seconds remaining, Barger sealed the comeback with a clutch layup that gave Eaglecrest its first lead of the quarter.

“We didn’t let the energy up. We kept fighting. That’s why I’m so proud of these boys—they just kept fighting till it was over,” said Barger after the game.

Mountain Vista’s Final Chance

Mountain Vista had one last opportunity to win the game with 9.4 seconds remaining. The Golden Eagles worked the ball to an open shooter for a three-point attempt, but Senior Guard Carlos Arocho’s shot was long as the final buzzer sounded, sending the Eaglecrest crowd into a frenzy. Despite the loss, Mountain Vista’s effort highlighted why they are one of the top teams in the state, capable of competing with anyone.

Experience Fuels Resilience

Eaglecrest’s resilience in critical moments is no accident. Head coach Jarris Krapcha pointed to the team’s experience as a defining factor in their ability to come back from deficits.

“The resilience comes from being seniors and having gone through it,” Krapcha said. “Guys like Garrett have played for four years with us, and the other guys are three-year players. When you’ve been in this type of game multiple times, you know you’re not out of it. These kids know how to fight and execute in big moments.”

The Raptors returned nearly their entire roster from last year’s Final Four team minus Ladavian King, and their collective experience was on full display against Mountain Vista.

“The goal is to win the whole thing,” Krapcha added. “We’re right there with some really, really good teams, including the one we just played.”

Looking Ahead

Eaglecrest’s ability to grind out wins against tough opponents reinforces their status as a legitimate championship contender. With a senior-led core that has faced countless high-pressure situations, the Raptors have the experience, depth, and determination to compete with the best in the state.

For Mountain Vista, the narrow loss is a testament to their competitive edge and potential for a deep playoff run. They proved they can push elite teams to the brink, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the season.

As for Eaglecrest, the win serves as a reminder of the team’s mantra: Never stop fighting. With the playoffs looming, their unwavering resilience could be the difference in bringing home the title.