Looking to rebound from Friday’s loss at the hands of Forest Hills Northern, the boys varsity basketball team squared off against Lowell. Having previously beaten the Red Arrows, FHC entered the game with extreme confidence. With a huge boost from the senior class, the Rangers dominated all facets of the game and emerged victorious by a score of 73-55.

From the opening tip-off, FHC established its physical dominance. Especially on the defensive end, the Red Arrows were challenged by the Rangers’ intense nature. Capped off by a steal by senior Chris Battiste that would end in a basket the other way, Rangerball jumped out to an early 10-3 lead. This would prove to be a major advantage at the outset of the game. 

Throughout the contest, seniors Dallas Hopson and Jonah Spates were the headline. The duo combined for seven of the team’s 16 points in the first quarter, as the Rangers led 16-8 entering the second quarter. The overall production from the seniors in the game can certainly not be understated. 

“I thought all of our seniors really did a great job of leading the way,” head coach Kyle Carhart praised. “Dallas and Jonah did an excellent job offensively, and Chris really led us defensively right from the start.” As the season progresses, it becomes increasingly vital that these seasoned veterans step up to a large extent.

In the second quarter, FHC extended its lead to 16 at one point. Despite improved play from Lowell as the game went on, it was clear from an early standpoint that the Red Arrows were severely overmatched. The 15-point halftime advantage for the Rangers displayed the team’s complete and utter control of the scoreboard.

The second half brought much of the same fortune for the Rangers, as Spates and Hopson continued to light up the stat sheet. Lowell managed to cut the lead to ten points, which was quickly erased by a steal and bucket from Dallas and a three-pointer from Jonah. A comfortable 54-39 FHC advantage set the stage for an easy-going fourth quarter that saw various bench players get valuable minutes. The Rangers cruised to a 73-55 victory, improving to 7-4 on the season. 

When it was all said and done, senior Dallas Hopson led all scorers with 18 points. Right behind him was Spates with 17, along with a solid 12-piece for junior Conner Milton. Additionally, junior Benny Scholler notched an impressive nine assists, adding to the surplus of contributions from the Rangers. The game-high 18 points from Hopson off of the bench proves that this Rangerball squad possesses guys that are ready to step up at any time. 

“I’d say my role as the sixth man is important because I can provide some scoring ability and defense coming off of the bench,” Dallas claimed postgame. “I feel like my long arms make it difficult for offenses to pass and my teammates can intercept the passes.” Hopson’s career night exhibits significant promise for the Rangers as the playoffs draw nearer.

“As we head into the end of the season, we want to be playing our best basketball,” coach Kyle Carhart said. “For us, that means guys consistently playing hard and executing at a high level. We still have a couple of games left to be prepared for our tough, final conference games and the playoffs.”

For the remainder of the week, the Rangers continue a tough slate of games. FHC takes on Covenant Christian on Thursday, March 11th, right before they face off against Wyoming on Saturday, March 13th.