Boys' basketball: Sierra ready for another state title run

The last time the Sierra basketball team was on a basketball court they were celebrating a 4A state championship after a thrilling 52-51 win over Pueblo South at the CU Events Center.

After an offseason of both remembering their great accomplishment and working hard to try to get back this season, the Stallions are on the court again.

The first day of basketball try-outs signifies the beginning of the winter sports season, and at Sierra things are already in full swing.

“We had an intense summer with a lot of tournaments, and these kids showed a great work ethic,” coach Otis Johnson said. “We got a taste of being champions last year, and we want more.”

Sierra returns just two starters from last year’s squad, but the incoming senior class is so deep with talent, the Stallions shouldn’t miss a beat.

“The senior leadership will be there, and we will teach the younger players how to fight and never give up during a game,” senior small forward Chris Fielder said.

The success hasn’t gone to the defending champs’ heads either.

“When we had the trophy last year we felt like we were on top of the world,” senior point guard Tyrelle Johnson said. “We are going to focus on each game in front of us, and keep our minds straight.”

Just because the Stallions aren’t looking ahead to this year’s post-season doesn’t mean that they haven’t brought it up.

“We’ve talked about it, the fact that we now have the target on our backs, but I’ve told them it’s easier to get to the top than it is to stay on top,” coach Johnson said.

Official practices don’t start until next week, but Sierra is primed and ready to take another run at state.

“We couldn’t have felt any better at the end of last season, but now it’s all about defending our title,” Fielder said.