Niwot boys basketball loses two at home

The Niwot High School boys basketball team faced a challenging week, suffering two tough losses to the Horizon High School Hawks and the Longmont High School Trojans.

On Tuesday, Jan. 7, the Cougars hosted the Hawks but fell 74-37. Horizon established dominance early, outscoring Niwot 11-9 in the first quarter before widening the gap to 27-17 by halftime. Horizon pulled away in the second half, adding 47 points to Niwot's 20.

Senior Rohit Das led the Cougars with six points, while senior Sebastian Stenz contributed five. Junior Brooklyn Donohoe and senior Archer Buckbee also scored, but Niwot struggled with turnovers, which allowed the Hawks to capitalize and extend their lead.

Three days later on Friday, Jan. 10, the Cougars hosted the Trojans. Niwot found themselves in another uphill battle, falling behind 11-2 by the end of the first quarter. Buckbee broke the early scoring drought for the Cougars, earning points off a free throw.

Donohoe added a three-pointer in the second quarter, but Longmont's relentless defense kept the Cougars at bay, holding them to just five points in the first half. The Trojans led 22-5 at halftime.

In the second half, Stenz sparked some energy with a three-pointer and points off two free throws. Senior Taylor Rodanski added a free throw, while Das landed a step-back jumper in the fourth quarter.

Despite the Cougars' best efforts, Longmont's efficient scoring and strong defensive pressure proved too much to overcome. The Trojans ultimately secured a 47-24 victory. The Cougars only managed to get off 17 shots during the entire game, compared to 45 field goal attempts by Longmont.

The Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band provided entertainment during the Longmont game, lifting spirits with recognizable tunes despite the on court struggles.

These losses bring the Cougar record to 4-7 overall, and 0-2 in league play. They will look to regroup and refine their game in the upcoming matchups.

The Cougars face a week full of road games against the Fairview High School Knights on Tuesday, Jan. 14, the Skyline High School Falcons on Friday, Jan. 17, and the Cheyenne Mountain High School Red-Tailed Hawks on Saturday, Jan. 18.