Not long before the season began,
Rye's boys basketball team learned a difficult lesson in how life can change in mere seconds.
After starting for the Thunderbolts during the summer, sophomore
Austin Gooken was involved in a car accident in November that nearly took his life. Gooken has since returned to school, and while he isn't able to play, Rye senior
Connor Hale said he's very much part of the squad.
Rye senior Connor Hale has the Thunderbolts in
position to challenge in the Class 2A state title
chase. Hale is averaging 20.4 points a game.
Courtesy photo Rye basketball
His presence in the stands during games is a big motivating factor for the Thunderbolts, and head coach Jim Hale believes it's an important reminder that every second counts.
"I think it's really an eye-opener for our kids to realize how many opportunities you have and that you really have to take advantage of the ones that you do," Hale said. "I think it's helped the kids this year stay focused."
The Thunderbolts have done just that, compiling 15 victories with one regular-season game remaining before districts get rolling. Even when that focus wanes somewhat – as it did Feb. 9 in a loss to
Crowley County (Ordway) that snapped a 12-game winning streak – the team is able to recognize it and rectify the situation.
"We're starting to come together. I think we just got fat heads and thought we'd have smooth sailing," Connor Hale said of the loss to the Chargers. "That loss opened our eyes a little bit. I think we're set now."
A year ago Rye was the No. 6 seed in the Class 2A quarterfinals, but a seven-point loss to
Ignacio sent the team into the consolation bracket. The Thunderbolts then dropped a five-point decision to
Holyoke.
Seven seniors graduated from that squad, leaving a younger lineup to support Hale (20.4 points, 6.8 rebounds per game) and junior
Kevin Bailey (16.2 points).
"We just have a lot of younger guys than we have in the past," said Connor Hale, one of only two seniors on the roster. "But they're doing a good job of stepping up and learning quick."
Hale led last year's team in scoring at nearly 19 points a game, and Jim Hale said the senior has developed into more of a leader on both sides of the ball. Connor, who is headed to Otero Junior College in the fall, leads the team in rebounding and has a pair of double-doubles in his past four games.
"With a variety of skills he's able to help our team in whatever capacity we need," Jim Hale said. "He does a good job of staying real positive with our young guys."
Bailey has continued to develop into a significant scoring threat of his own and has been very consistent on the offensive side of the ball. Sophomore
Bryson Benedict averages 10 points and 5.5 rebounds, and Hale said senior
Logan Neumeister does a number of significant things for the team, even if it isn't necessarily reflected in the statistics.
Rye's other two losses on the season came in the opening week to 4A Pueblo County and 3A Alamosa. The only in-conference loss came to Crowley County.
The 2A field is loaded at the top headed into the postseason. Three teams – defending champion
Sanford,
Resurrection Christian (Loveland) and
Sedgwick County (Julesburg) – are currently undefeated, and
Paonia has only one loss.
Jim Hale said the 2A Santa Fe League has helped prepare the Thunderbolts and that it doesn't get near enough credit.
"I think we can compete. I really do," he said. "I think we've got the potential where we've got a lot of good parts that fit together well. We're not just relying on one kid. I think we can compete with anybody on any given night."
Having enjoyed a taste of the Great 8 a year ago, Connor Hale said it's crucial for Rye to not get caught up in all the "outer stuff."
"I think we were so caught up in ‘wow, this is really cool. We've never been on this big of a stage in our life," Connor said. "We came out really nervous. I think this year we'll be ready."
