The Durango High School boys basketball team clinched a 50-45 victory against Pagosa Springs in their home opener on March 12, 2024. Relying heavily on their defensive prowess, the Demons managed to secure the win despite a close contest that saw the Pirates threatening to take control in the final moments.
Facing a team lacking in height and size, Durango leveraged its athleticism to force numerous turnovers and capitalize on Pagosa Springs’ mistakes. The relentless defense set the tone for the game, leading to easy scoring opportunities. Junior guard King Kerlin played a pivotal role, securing a crucial steal and contributing to the team’s defensive efforts that ultimately sealed the game with free throws in the final minute.
Alan Batiste, head coach of the Demons, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “We had a long weekend, so it was good for the boys to get a win. I’m proud of them. … That was a good win to be able to go into league and be ready to go.” With this victory, Durango improved its overall record to 4-6, rebounding from two tough losses in Canon City by an average of 18 points. Kerlin led the scoring for Durango with 12 points, while junior Boaz Zastrocky added 10 points.
The game began with high energy from both teams and enthusiastic support from the student section. Early on, the Demons showcased their defensive strength, leading to multiple steals and scoring chances. Batiste opened the scoring with five early points, and Kerlin’s step-back three-pointer put Durango ahead 10-6 with three minutes remaining in the first quarter. The strong defensive play continued, and by the end of the first quarter, the Demons held a commanding 16-8 lead.
Durango continued its momentum into the second quarter, expanding its lead to 23-10 with just over five minutes left in the half. The Demons hit several outside shots and maintained pressure on Pagosa Springs, who struggled with turnovers. However, the Pirates began to settle down, cutting the halftime deficit to 27-19.
Pagosa Springs adjusted its strategy by switching to a zone defense at the start of the third quarter, which initially disrupted Durango’s rhythm. As the Pirates found success with their offense, they narrowed the gap to 28-24 with a three-point play halfway through the third quarter. “We struggled a little bit… I knew they would zone us a little bit, but I didn’t see that coming,” Batiste remarked about the shift in gameplay.
Kerlin responded effectively by navigating through the zone for strong inside finishes, helping Durango maintain a lead of 38-30 after three quarters. Pagosa Springs’ senior guard Creede Dozier made significant contributions, including a key three-pointer that reduced the deficit to 41-39 with just under four minutes remaining in the game. Despite their struggles on offense, the Demons held a slight advantage until a free throw from Pagosa Springs tied the game at 43.
As the game approached its conclusion, Batiste emphasized the importance of minimizing turnovers and protecting the ball, acknowledging the challenges of managing a young team with several players still developing their skills. With just under two minutes left and a slim lead of 44-43, Durango opted to take a three-pointer, a decision that concerned Batiste. Fortunately, they secured the offensive rebound and were fouled, allowing them to convert enough free throws to secure the victory.
Looking ahead, the Demons will face Grand Junction Central in an away game scheduled for 7 p.m. on March 15, 2024. The team aims to build on this win and prepare for the challenges of the league season ahead.
