The Cheyenne Mountain boys basketball team showcased its turnaround this year in one play.

Lewis-Palmer rebounded a missed Red-Tailed Hawks jumper and dribbled toward the coffin corner of the court late in the fourth quarter.

Last season, Cheyenne Mountain players would have retreated to set up their defense. Now, it led to a literal trap for Lewis-Palmer.

The Red-Tailed Hawks blanketed Will Rinnels in the back court and, just as the Rangers senior appeared to escape, Cayden Cooper poked the ball away.

As the ball skipped along the floor, Dalton Larner snagged it from the baseline, took a dribble, stepped back and put the ball in the net for two.

Larner’s bucket built Cheyenne Mountain’s lead to 63-57 with 3:02 left in the game and was part of a 29-point fourth quarter for the Red-Tailed Hawks, who won the contest 74-64 at Lewis-Palmer.

Wednesday’s victory against the Rangers marked the Red-Tailed Hawks’ first win against Lewis-Palmer since 2020 and, for Cheyenne Mountain (11-3), it highlights a paradigm shift for the boys’ basketball program.

“The chemistry is better this year and their belief is huge,” coach Travis Walk said. “These are 15-,16-, 17-year-old young men. We show them that we can play solid basketball and we can contend with anybody.”

Following a 21-3 season in 2019-20, the Red-Tailed Hawks experienced multiple down years including a 2-21 campaign in 2023-24.

During that span, Cheyenne Mountain faced several blowout losses, including to the Rangers, who beat the Red-Tailed Hawks by 24 and 45 points last season.

The Red-Tailed Hawks modified their approach to basketball in the offseason, and rather than bolt home after training, players connected outside of hoops.

“We started hanging out after practice and would work to get our team chemistry up,” Cooper said. “We worked hard to improve our team chemistry and we’ve learned to work well together.”

Alex Treglia, who leads Cheyenne Mountain with 16.4 points per game as a sophomore, shared Cooper’s sentiments.

“We worked together over the summer and hit team camps,” Treglia said. “Overall, I think it’s the confidence and togetherness. Last year we were playing a lot as individuals. This year our guys have bought in and we’re playing selfless and trying to get each other the ball. And it’s paying off.”

Walk acknowledged the improved chemistry along with multiple players who continue to shine on offense.

“We have some guys who can put people on their heels,” Walk said. “When you have those guys, it makes it easy to go out there and go get a bucket. Alex and Cayden, both of them can go get one. When you have those guys, it makes it easier for floor spacing for others to step up and make plays.”

Cooper flashed that speed with 3:17 left in the second quarter against the Rangers after he took the ball from the top of the key, planted his right foot and pass faked to the right.

The move put Cooper’s defender on his heels and allowed the guard to blow past the defense, go to his left and kiss a layup off the glass.

“Basketball at this level is about the Jimmys and Joes, and when we have some on the floor, it makes my job easy,” Walk said. “None of this season is about me. I try to put them in a position to succeed, take a step back and let those guys work.”

Through 14 games, the Red-Tailed Hawks’ work has amounted to more victories than they’ve had the past two seasons combined. Cheyenne Mountain won two games last year and seven during the 2022-23 season.

While the Red-Tailed Hawks continue to thrive, Walk ensures his players understand they’re still building a foundation.

“We’re a solid team but we’re not a great team yet,” Walk said. “The goal is to build a program first. We have not been there for several years. Let’s build a winning program and a winning culture and let’s get everyone to buy into that. When we do that, the wins will come. If we come out and produce every night we can come out and get one.

“We’re close. We’re not there yet. But we’re close.”