Boys Basketball: Barber scores 20, but Cougars fall to Standley Lake

Niwot senior Adam Barber has been in the groove lately. In his last two games, the 6-foot-3 forward has scored 37 points, including 21 from three-point range, while nabbing 11 rebounds and four steals.

In the Cougars’ Dec. 19th game at the Pepsi Center, Barber hit four three-pointers on his way to a 20-point game, but could not power his team past the Standley Lake Gators, who handed the Cougars their fourth defeat of the season, 52-41.

The Cougars came out of the gate quickly against the Gators, amassing an 18-11 point lead after the first quarter. They would go on to score 26 in the half, their highest total since the season opener against Frederick. Unfortunately, Niwot would pay for their opening burst with a sluggish second half where they were outscored 30-15 by the Gators.

“I do think that the fast start hurt us,” admitted Coach Preston Hardy. “We just couldn’t seem to recapture that energy that we had early.”

Missed shots also continued to plague the Cougars, who were 14-for-46 from the field (30%), including just 8-for-25 from two-point range.

Besides Barber, no Cougar would crack double-digits in scoring. Sophomore Thomas Bounds had six points on the night, while senior Carter Osteen, senior Connor Ryan and junior Cameron Carlson each had four. Carlson also had three rebounds on the night, and was 2-for-2 from the line.

Barber, however, was clearly the star of the game, and has emerged as one of the team’s most consistent players on both sides of the ball. Through six games, Barber leads Niwot in scoring, with 69 points, and rebounding, with 35 total. He also boasts the team’s highest three-point total (17) and shooting percentage (46%).

Hardy is impressed with how his veteran is stepping up for the team. “Adam is playing at a high level right now,” he said. “We are pleased with the leadership that he is showing.”

The Cougars finished December with a 2-4 record overall. They open their conference schedule at Greeley Central on January 3, and will compete in the Roughrider Shootout at Roosevelt High School on Jan. 5-6.

(12/19) — Standley Lake 52, Niwot 41

Standley Lake (1-6, 0-0) 11 11 14 16 — 52

Niwot (2-4, 0-0) 18 8 7 8 — 41

Adam Barber 7 2-3 20, Thomas Bounds 2 0-0 6, Cameron Carlson 1 2-2 4, Carter Osteen 2 0-0 4, Connor Ryan 1 2-2 4, Alec Helgeland 1 0-0 2, Ethan Radatz 0 1-2 1 Totals 14 7-9 41