Rivalry and charity night went hand in hand for the Rangers on Friday night. A big defensive stand late, combined with big nights from sophomore Daniel Deindorfer and junior Ryan Dunn, fueled the Rangers to a victory over rival FHN 56-50.

On the night of the first ever “Gold Game,” the Rangers came out to face their cross-district rival the FHN Huskies. After five straight wins, the Huskies looked to take down the Rangers and split the season series. Daniel had other thoughts.

After early points for Daniel to start the game, it didn’t stop there. He led the charge offensively, finishing with sixteen on the night. The rivalry fueled a big performance from the Ranger’s big man. Emotions played a big factor into the Friday nigh showdown as well, as Daniel ended up with a technical foul.

“I just went at them, ” Daniel said. “I just have to go hard on the boards and keep attacking. He wouldn’t get off of me all night.”

The Rangers came out of halftime with a comfortable 26-19 lead, but the Huskies wouldn’t settle. After outscoring the Rangers 17-11 in the third, it was knotted up at 33 all.

Ryan had a big fourth quarter to keep the Rangers in it. He converted five of his fourteen points in the fourth, along with three of his four rebounds.

“I was getting to the hole and doing everything I could to help get this rivalry W,” Ryan said. “They only had two losses coming in, so I was trying to attack and make some opportunities for my teammates.”

After the last meeting ended in a close victory for Rangers, coming down to the final minutes, the same would hold true as the Huskies hacked an eleven point lead down to just five. Seniors Sal Sidebotham, Kyle Peirce and John Fuller picked up their defensive play late.

After a pair of free throws were hit from FHN, the Rangers took over looking to take time off the clock. Sal was later fouled and sent to the line. He converted both of his free throws to increase the lead back to 56-49. The Huskies could only muster one more point in an emotional win for the Ranger basketball team.

Head coach Ken George congratulated his seniors on not only their win but their accomplishments against FHN.

“I am mostly excited for this group of seniors,” George said. “Mostly to say that they did not lose to FHN. You try to have nights that become memories for these guys, and I’m really excited and proud. It’s pretty important that the last time they played them as seniors, they won.”