The first order of business is that Green Mountain slipped past Frederick 63-57 in overtime on Dec. 23.

Bryce Conover led the Warriors with 14 points. Jacoby Conway tossed in 13, while Alex Sturn and Luke Justice contributed eight points. Cooper Francy led the Rams with 18 points. Cayson Pearson and Corbin Jantzer added 15. 

The back story, though, is where the game took place – Ball Arena, the home of the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association. The game was part of a season-long series of prep-pro doubleheaders that the Nuggets offer every year. 

It meant some adjustments for Frederick’s players. One dealt with a regulation-sized NBA court, which is bigger than high school courts. 

“It was definitely bigger,” Conover said. “Our coach said they play on a little bigger of a court than high school, and that was shown very early. We were all extremely tired after the first few possessions. Just running a few extra feet per possession really started to have an effect on us.” 

“The biggest adjustment my team and I had to make was shooting and the size of the court,” said Harry Singh. “We had to be ready to shoot different because of the depth perception. There was an impact on the shooting because it had no backdrop. But when you hit a shot, it felt even better.”

Singh scored five points in the game. 

Conover didn’t think the background had as much of an impact as feared. 

“We actually shot the 3 (3-pointers) very well,” he said. “But just playing in a big arena like that was an amazing experience, knowing that there have been many great NBA players and legends who have played on that court.” 

Even though the game ended in a loss, both players enjoyed the opportunity. 

“It was a great team experience for all of us and definitely opened our eyes to how lucky we are,” Conover said. 

“Playing at that arena was really fun. It was crazy because you grow up watching games get played there and your favorite players playing there,” Singh said. “I think there was an impact because we had more energy and we’re hyped to play there. It was a fun experience that I won’t ever forget. Even though, we lost I think we all made memories we won’t forget.”