Rocky Mountain High School found just enough late game composure to fend off Ridgevue on Friday night, securing a 55–53 victory in a matchup that once again came down to the final possession. The win snapped a three game loss streak for the Grizzlies, who improved to 8–9 on the season. For Ridgevue, the loss marked a frustrating continuation of a pattern: another tight contest slipping away in the closing seconds and their third straight defeat on the road.
A poll I ran among Rocky Mountain students asked what stood out most in the win, and early responses showed a clear theme. Many in the RMHS community pointed to the team’s confidence in the final minute, calling it the most composed the Grizzlies have looked in a close game all season.
Rocky Mountain and Ridgevue have developed a reputation for tense, down to the wire battles, and this meeting was no exception. Ridgevue, now 6–9, had fallen to the Grizzlies earlier in January by the same two point margin. Rocky Mountain’s number two, Gavin Knowles, said, “We knew it would come down to the last possession. We’ve been here before, and we weren’t letting this one slip away.” Friday’s rematch mirrored that intensity, with neither team leading by more than a handful of points throughout the night.
What made the win even more impressive for Rocky Mountain was the adversity they faced along the way. Three key contributors – numbers 33, 1, and 5 – each left the game with injuries at different points, forcing the Grizzlies to dig deeper into their rotation. Despite the setbacks, the team stayed composed, adjusted on the fly, and continued to match Ridgevue possession for possession.
Rocky Mountain opened the night with sharp ball movement and early defensive energy, setting the tone in a game that would stay close from start to finish. Ridgevue matched the pace but missed a few clean looks in the lane, allowing the Grizzlies to take a narrow lead into the first break. Score after 1st quarter: Rocky Mountain 17, Ridgevue 12
Ridgevue settled in during the second period, tightening its defense and forcing several turnovers that led to transition points. Rocky Mountain countered with steady half court execution, keeping the game within one possession for most of the quarter. Neither team gained much separation as both traded baskets in a low scoring stretch. Score at halftime: Rocky Mountain 22, Ridgevue 25
The third quarter mirrored the intensity of the first half. Rocky Mountain found success attacking the rim, while Ridgevue relied on midrange shooting to stay in front. The Grizzlies briefly grabbed momentum with a small run, but Ridgevue responded with a pair of key stops to maintain a narrow advantage heading into the final period. Score after 3rd quarter: Rocky Mountain 44, Ridgevue 43
Ridgevue entered the fourth quarter with momentum after stringing together defensive stops, but Rocky Mountain’s poise in the closing minutes proved decisive. The Grizzlies converted crucial free throws and forced a stressful final shot that prevented Ridgevue from tying or taking the lead. The Warhawks have now dropped back to back games by exactly two points, a trend that underscores both their competitiveness and their struggle to close out tight finishes. Still, their defensive effort kept them within striking distance until the final horn.
Overall, this game was a thriller from start to finish.
Final score: Rocky Mountain 55, Ridgevue 53
bentley zaugg
Mar 2, 2026 at 7:55 am
I thought this was cool because the game was so close the whole night and one basket in the last few seconds gave us the win. Everyone helped contribute to the win but that last points what really won the game. The team kept playing minute by minute and won the game.
Brody Nicolaysen
Feb 20, 2026 at 8:42 am
For my freshman corner stone class, we had to choose an article to read, I saw this one and knew it was going to keep me entertained. This was a very good written article. And it kept me hooked till the very end.
Traegon
Feb 10, 2026 at 7:59 am
It was a very close game, thanks for the reveiw