Chelsea Self / Post Independent
The opening weekend records were flipped for the Glenwood Springs High School boys and girls basketball teams, but the attitudes are straight up positive headed into the Demons home tournament.
The Glenwood boys, under the direction of second-year coach Fred Heisel, managed to win one of three games in the season-opening Warrior Classic in Grand Junction last weekend.
Each game got better, though, Heisel said of a run that included 68-40 and 62-39 losses to Fruita Monument and Horizon, respectively, before the Demons scored a 55-49 win over Bear Creek last Saturday.
“We did get better every game, which was encouraging,” Heisel said. “Our main focus is taking care of the ball and not creating our own turnovers, but making the other team play defense.”
The fact that the varsity lineup has played together for several years is a plus, he said.
“I like that the kids play for each other, and they’re proud to be Glenwood Springs High School basketball players,” Heisel said.
The Demon Invite brings a repeat lineup of top 3A and 4A teams to town, any of which could end up in Saturday’s championship game, he said.
Joining the host Demons on the court for the Thursday through Saturday tournament will be Faith Christian, Alamosa, Denver Christian, Peak to Peak, Montrose, Moffat County and neighboring Coal Ridge — 68-33 winners over Meeker on Tuesday night.
The team bounced back from a tough opening weekend with a 68-33 victory over Meeker. It was a team effort on both ends of the court. We now get ready for the Glenwood Tourney this weekend. Go Titans!! #copreps
— Coal Ridge Hoops (@Coalridgehoops) December 11, 2019
“Every one of these teams has had success in previous years, and we try to invite programs that are competitive every year,” Heisel said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t have eight teams here that can compete for league championships.”
Boys action at the Demon Invite gets under way at 5 p.m. Thursday when Coal Ridge plays Peak to Peak in the main gym and Faith Christian meets Alamosa in the auxiliary gym. The Glenwood boys play Denver Christian at 8 p.m. in the main gym.
Lady Demons off to 2-1 start
Meanwhile, the Glenwood girls under the direction of coach Rhonda Moser went 2-1 in the Palmer Tip-Off tournament last week. The Demons scored wins over host Palmer and Pueblo South by scores of 34-32 and 50-27, respectively, before dropping the championship game 50-38 to Denver South.
“We played great, and it was a one-point game with three minutes left (against Denver South),” Moser said. “But we had some mistakes that were costly, and they made their free throws down the stretch.”
That’s something the team can work on, she said.
“Our team is super well-rounded, and we just have some good athletes who are working hard,” Moser said. “We have the mentality to work together as a team, and be unselfish.”
Depth should also work to the Lady Demons’ advantage, as they were able to sub five in and five out for much of the opening weekend tournament.
“We have some younger kids who don’t have much varsity experience, but they are already contributing,” Moser said of a varsity squad that sports six seniors, two juniors, two sophomores and one freshman.
“At this point of the season, it’s about growth. It’s great if we get a victory, but it’s mostly about learning where we need work.”
As with the boys side of the tournament, the girls bracket should be competitive, as well, she said.
The girls tournament invites the same lineup of schools, with the exception of Canon City in place of Denver Christian.
Girls action begins at 3:30 p.m. Thursday when Coal Ridge faces Peak to Peak to Peak in the Main gym. Glenwood squares up against Canon City at 6:30 p.m. in the main gym.
