Rocky Mountain snaps streak of losses vs. Fort Collins

A big-time finish allowed the Rocky Mountain High School basketball team to snap a long losing streak against a rival Friday night.

The Lobos took down Fort Collins 62-44 on the road.

It snaps a seven-game streak of wins in the series for the Lambkins. Rocky Mountain last beat Fort Collins on Feb. 10, 2012.

Here are four thoughts on the game.

Finish with flourish — A handful of excellent minutes is what it took for the Lobos (6-6, 3-0 Front Range League) to flip the game in their favor. Fort Collins (3-9, 0-2) led by three entering the fourth quarter and it looked bound to come down to the final minute.

Then Rocky Mountain took off, dominating the glass, frustrating Fort Collins defensively and the Lobos were hitting shots. 

Rocky Mountain stifled Fort Collins for three fourth-quarter points to make the close game end up lopsided.

Top players step up — The Lobos best players did what they expect to do to pull out the win in a loud, packed gym at Fort Collins. Joe Elliott scored a team-high 18 points, including a dagger of a 3-pointer late.

Joe Urynowicz added 17 of his own and added in some excellent defense late. Paul Romero chipped in with nine points as eight Lobos scored. 

Lobos finding footing — After starting the season 0-5, Rocky Mountain is finding its way. The Lobos won three of their last four in nonconference and are now off to a 3-0 begin to Front Range League play. 

There's a lot of games left, but the league is wide open with no clear front runner and now no reason Rocky Mountain can't be in the mix.

Lambkins still searching — This was always setting up to be a tricky season for the Lambkins. Fort Collins graduated six seniors from last seasons league champion and Great Eight team. 

It's a young squad under new coach Jeff Schmidt and new system. It doesn't help that Fort Collins was without the injured Ryan Oligmueller Friday night.

Sam Tiley scored 20 points and Raymond Johnson had seven. The Lambkins have talent, but are battling for consistency. That takes time. 

Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle at twitter.com/Kevin_Lytle and facebook.com/KevinSLytle.