Rampart boys return to form in blowout win at Coronado

For the Rampart basketball team, it was back to business as usual at Coronado on Tuesday night, as it cruised to a 79-49 win.

The Rams rode an 18-0 start in the first-quarter and were able to gradually expand their lead, led by a game-high 24 points from Lance Evans.

“It’s good to get back to this type of game,” Rampart coach J’on St. Clair said. “We learned a lot from our close wins, but I prefer games like this one.”

The Rams (17-1, 10-1 5A Metro) were coming off a tough 10-day stretch, including three close wins, and a blowout loss to Palmer.

Although Rampart defeated the Cougars (8-10, 4-7) by a score of 106-50 last month, they were focused from the start.

“We wanted to stay humble and didn’t want to be cocky coming into this game,” Evans said. “We were all pretty focused in our own way.”

Coronado’s best weapon, Ben Foley, scored 20 points but had to work hard to get them as he faced double teams and traps all night.

“They made him work, and we played frustrated a lot tonight,” Coronado coach Brian Blanc said. “They are deep and extend their 1-3-1 defense, and we tip our hats to them.”

The Rams had 14 steals as a team, and their patented trap defense forced many more bad passes and turnovers.

“We want them to think about playing tough defense, and they know where they’re supposed to be on the court at all times,” St. Clair said.

Rampart’s tenacious defense turned into easy lay-ups and wide open shots off the fast break.

“We just play really well as a team, and we have been practicing and playing even harder since that loss,” Evans said.

Guard Devon Grant had nine points and 10 assists for the Rams, as he found his teammates with nice looks all game.