RAMSEY: CU's Boyle looks forward to welcoming Scott, Gordon

As Colorado coach Tad Boyle drove to last season’s Lewis-Palmer vs. Sierra basketball game, he was troubled by questions.

Did L-P star Josh Scott and Sierra star Wesley Gordon belong on the same college team? They both play center. They both are the undisputed stars of their team. Could they coexist in Boulder?

“I wasn’t convinced,” Boyle said this week.

Then he watched a high school thriller at the Lewis-Palmer gym. Sierra came from behind to defeat L-P in overtime. Scott scored 26 while controlling the first half. Gordon scored 19 and ruled the second half. It was an emotional battle between the state’s best big men. It was a draw.

Boyle was completely sold on the duo by the final buzzer.

“Oh, absolutely,” he said. “No question.

“These guys complement each other. They both are great passers … both capable and willing passers. Both score on the block. Both make 15-to-18 foot jumpers. These guys will be terrific together.”

Last season, Boyle wondered if he could sell Gordon and Scott on the idea of traveling to Boulder together. High school basketball stars are usually plagued by bravado. Boyle also worried about the players’ on-court rivalry spilling into his recruiting plans.

Talking with Gordon and Scott quickly eased his mind. They were more than open to the idea of playing alongside each other in CU’s frontcourt. They were enthusiastic.

“I told them,” Boyle said, “'Hey, you both are going to be great in your own right, and you can be great together at the same time.’ That appealed to both of them.”

For the past three seasons, Gordon and Scott have listened as others tried to create an uncomfortable rivalry between the stars, but those efforts were doomed to fail.

Gordon and Scott are not lacking in confidence, but it’s true confidence. They’re grounded. They each understand it’s good to have another big man nearby to offer serious competition.

“People try to make us rivals, like we don’t like each other, but I’m cool with Josh,” Gordon said. “We’re cool friends, actually.”

Scott laughed as he considered the idea of competing alongside Gordon next season.

“I think it’s scary how good we can be together,” he said.

Of course, there’s still at least one game when they’ll be apart. Scott and Gordon tangle Friday night as once-beaten Lewis-Palmer travels to unbeaten Sierra. Expect a packed, frenzied gym. Expect all eyes to be watching the two tallest people in the gym.

Boyle is in Arizona along with the Buffs.

“I wish I could be there for the game,” he said. “It’s going to be a good one.”

Twitter: @davidramz

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