The Durango High School girls and boys basketball teams faced defeats during their final regular season games against Montrose on March 1, 2024. Both teams showed competitive spirit, but were unable to secure victories, ending their seasons on a challenging note.
The girls’ team encountered a tough match against the undefeated Montrose Red Hawks, ultimately losing 47-26. In a strong third quarter, the Demons managed to tie the game, but could not maintain their momentum in the fourth quarter. Coach Lauren Moran expressed disappointment at the final score, stating, “We competed hard, but it is disappointing to be tied in the third quarter and then to lose by 20.”
Durango’s overall record concluded at 11-11, with a 4-6 standing in the 6A/5A Southwestern League. Senior guard Claire Goodwin led the scoring for the Demons, contributing 14 points. Despite a slow start where they trailed 11-4 after the first quarter, Durango managed to narrow the gap to 17-12 by halftime. Goodwin’s performance in the second quarter, where she scored seven of the team’s eight points, demonstrated her ability to drive the offense.
The Demons started the second half strong, tying the game at 19, but Montrose responded with an 11-2 run to close the third quarter at 30-21. The Red Hawks capitalized on their scoring opportunities, especially in the fourth quarter, hitting three 3-pointers to secure their victory. Goodwin fouled out late in the game, and junior guard Jaelyn Alston faced challenges due to illness, which impacted her performance.
Looking ahead, the Demons will enter the 5A state playoffs with a determination to capitalize on their competitive efforts. They are expected to face a team ranked between 10-13 in the CHSAA Selection & Seeding Index, with brackets to be announced on Sunday. Moran remains optimistic, reminding her team of their potential to compete effectively against less formidable opponents.
In the boys’ match, the Durango Demons concluded their season with a 46-33 loss to Montrose, marking their 11th consecutive defeat. Despite showing resilience, the team fell short in the fourth quarter after narrowing Montrose’s lead to just two points during the third. Coach Alan Batiste commended the players for their effort, noting, “The boys played extremely hard, and they did really well.”
Durango finished the season with a record of 4-17, struggling throughout the league with a 0-10 standing. The team, however, looks forward to returning its entire roster next season, including a promising backcourt led by Taj Batiste and King Kerlin. Batiste conveyed a message of hope to his players, emphasizing their growth and potential for future success: “Get us now, because they’re going to be great.”
As both teams transition into the off-season, the focus will be on building skills and improving strategies in preparation for the next competitive cycle.
