The Pueblo Central varsity basketball team (Pueblo, CO) will face Mesa Ridge (Colorado Springs, CO) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 PM. This matchup is part of the 2025 CHSAA Boys Basketball State Tournaments – Class 5A.

Pueblo Central vs Mesa Ridge Game Info:

What: Colorado High School Basketball
Who: Pueblo Central (CO) vs Mesa Ridge (CO)
When: Friday, February 28, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2025 CHSAA Boys Basketball State Tournaments – Class 5A
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Pueblo Central vs Mesa Ridge

As the high school basketball playoffs heat up, the Mesa Ridge Grizzlies (22-1) and Pueblo Central Wildcats (14-10) are set to clash in a pivotal matchup. This game, scheduled for 7 PM tonight, will determine which team advances deeper into the postseason.

Season Performance and Team Comparison

Mesa Ridge enters this contest as a dominant force, boasting an impressive 22-1 overall record and an undefeated 10-0 league record. Their only loss came in a non-league matchup, making them one of the most formidable teams in Colorado. Meanwhile, Pueblo Central holds a 14-10 overall record and a 6-2 league record, showing they can compete but have struggled against top-tier opponents.

In terms of offensive output, Pueblo Central has the slight edge, averaging 62.0 points per game compared to Mesa Ridge’s 58.8. However, Mesa Ridge has showcased a more balanced defense, allowing only 1,096 points across the season, while Pueblo Central has conceded 1,348 points.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

These two teams met earlier in the season, with Mesa Ridge securing a 52-48 victory on January 11. The Grizzlies led most of the way, despite a second-half push by Pueblo Central. Key to that victory was Mesa Ridge’s defense, which limited Pueblo Central to just zero points in the third quarter.

A look at common opponents further highlights Mesa Ridge’s strength:

• Mesa Ridge holds a 6-0 record against common opponents, while Pueblo Central is 1-3.
• Notably, Mesa Ridge defeated Rampart (65-58), Harrison (68-37, 54-36), and Widefield (69-50, 61-45), while Pueblo Central fell to some of these same teams.

Key Players to Watch

Mesa Ridge:

• Bryce Riehl (#2): The team’s top scorer at 17.7 PPG, also contributing 4.7 RPG and 3.8 SPG.
• J’marius Jones (#4): The Grizzlies’ playmaker, averaging 3.6 APG.
• Zander Iwanski (#21): Defensive presence with 0.9 BPG.

Pueblo Central:

• Tayvon Evans (#13): Leading scorer at 13.8 PPG.
• Ladamien Davis (#24): Dominant on the boards, averaging 10.8 RPG.
• Darryll Davis (#5): Key facilitator with 5.7 APG.

Keys to Victory

For Mesa Ridge:

• Continue strong defensive efforts, especially in the second half.
• Limit turnovers and capitalize on fast-break opportunities.
• Utilize their depth and balanced scoring attack.

For Pueblo Central:

• Find offensive consistency throughout all four quarters.
• Control the boards with Ladamien Davis leading the effort.
• Minimize mistakes and take advantage of scoring opportunities.

Prediction

With their strong defensive presence, balanced scoring, and previous head-to-head victory, Mesa Ridge enters as the favorite. However, Pueblo Central’s ability to put up points, especially if they execute in the final minutes, could make for a thrilling contest. Expect a close game, but Mesa Ridge’s dominant season gives them the edge to advance.

Final Prediction: Mesa Ridge 58, Pueblo Central 50.