Sierra's Fountain eyes shot at another title

Jahmall Fountain was ready. Six seconds remained in last year’s 4A state championship basketball game. Fountain was in the huddle listening to Sierra coach Otis Johnson call the game-winning play for him.

This was going to be his moment. He envisioned what he would do. Secure the ball when it came to him. Get his feet in position to make a move and get an easy shot.

“It was my dream,” said Fountain, who will play in his second straight 4A championship game at 6 Saturday night at Coors Events Center, this time against Pueblo East. “It’s what all players live for.”

Then the defense denied him the ball. Marquis Burleson popped free, got the inbounds pass, and now Burleson is the one who gets hugs and handshakes as the hero who hit the title-winning shot for Sierra.

Funny, but nobody on the playground ever plays out the scenario of watching someone else hit the game-winning shot.

“I give Marquis a hard time about that, but it’s out of fun,” Fountain said.

Fountain isn’t complaining about winning a state championship last year. His smile is huge as he describes Burleson’s shot dancing on the rim before going in and how the crowd reacted. He said it felt like someone hit a pause button while the crowd digested what happened, then someone hit play and the celebration erupted.

Yet, of course he has thought about what would have happened had Pueblo South let him get the ball as planned.

“Many times,” Fountain said with a laugh.

Fountain won’t be worried about that tonight. He only wants another state title. That will be a challenge against Pueblo East, another top-seeded team, but Fountain and his classmates are focused.

Winning the championship last year was a great experience, but Fountain and fellow seniors Kamryn Williams, Chris Fielder, Tyrell Johnson, Mark Hatcher, Lorrell Livingston, Cody Kersey and Abel Martinez also want to be remembered for going out on top.  

“It’s different this time because it’s my class,” Fountain said. “It’s on me and the seniors’ shoulders.”

Coach Otis Johnson said he wouldn’t hesitate to draw up a game-winning play for Fountain again tonight if the situation arises, but he said he has plenty of options.

“The funny thing is they’d probably argue over it, Kamryn and Jamall, and even Chris Fielder,” Johnson said. “I’d call it for either. It depends who’s hotter at the moment.”

“Hopefully it doesn’t come down to a last-second shot,” Fountain said. “But if it does, I’ll be ready.”

4A boys’ final

Pueblo East (25-1) vs. Sierra (25-2)

When: 6 p.m. today

Where: CU Events Center, Boulder

What’s at stake: Sierra survived a fourth-quarter scare from Lewis-Palmer on Thursday to advance to the finals. The Stallions won the 4A championship last year, and the school never has won back-to-back state boys’ basketball championships. The two teams did not play this season, so each coach’s preparation on short notice will be crucial. The matchup should be good, as each team advanced through its side of the bracket as a No. 1 seed.

Stallions’ key to victory: If Sierra plays at its preferred pace, the Stallions should be fine. And that favored pace is fast — the Stallions want to use their pressure defense to get easy baskets. Jahmall Fountain, Chris Fielder and Kamryn Williams all scored more than 10 points in the semifinals, and they give the Stallions a diverse attack on offense.

He said it: “We’ve talked about how those seniors are going to be remembered for bringing home this state championship. They’re going to try to leave their legacy and leave their mark, and they know they’re going to have to work 32 minutes because nothing comes easy this late in the game.” — Sierra coach Otis Johnson.

Eagles’ key to victory: Pueblo East’s guards are coming off a good semifinal game against Longmont, and need to play well and avoid turnovers. They are unselfish when they penetrate and get in the lane. The Eagles don’t have a lot of size, but Mitch Secora is a presence who can compete with Sierra’s big men down low.

He said it: “They know what’s in front of them. We have five seniors that have given us great leadership. They know what’s at stake.” — Pueblo East coach Dave Ryder.