John Stroud/Post Independent
Balanced scoring and smart second-half defense propelled the Glenwood Springs girls basketball team to a 53-42 win over Canon City to open the home Demon Invitational Tournament Thursday night.
Down 18-17 at halftime, the Demons came out strong to open the third period, building a 12-point lead on the Tigers.
“That first half we didn’t really take care of the ball, and were a little out of control,” Glenwood head coach Rhonda Moser said. “But we came back and regrouped.
“The thing about this team is we work together and have really well-rounded scoring. Defensively, we came out and played a lot smarter in the second half.”
Canon City closed to within eight points, 35-27, with just under seven minutes to play. But clutch buckets, including a three-pointer from junior Maddie Moser off an assist from fellow junior Gracie Dietrich, held the Tigers at bay.
Senior Natalya Taylor led the Demons with 10 points, but it was definitely a tam scoring effort for the host team. The remainder of the Glenwood scorers contributed 8, 7, 7, 6, 6, 5, 3 and 1 point, in descending order.
“All in all, we’re growing and seem to be progressing,” coach Moser said. “We’re not out to be heroes, we’re out to be a team.”
The Lady Demons continue tournament play at 6:30 p.m. Friday against Alamosa, 51-19 winners over Faith Christian in earlier action Thursday.
COAL RIDGE TEAMS SCORE WINS
BOYS: Coal Ridge 76, Peak to Peak 52
Titans senior Austin Gerber nailed seven three-pointers — one shy of tying his game best and the school record — as the Coal Ridge boys easily handled Peak to Peak in the opening round of the Glenwood tournament.
Peak to Peak opened an early 16-15 lead after the first quarter of play, but the Titans responded with a 21-5 run in the second to lead 36-21 at halftime.
The Titans further opened the lead in the second half, and held off a mini run by the Pumas to open the fourth quarter.
“The key was good ball movement, and we really worked their zone,” Titans coach Paul Harvey said. “We were getting some open shots, and defensively we really worked hard as a team and played as a unit.”
Gerber led all scorers with 25 points on the night, and junior Andrew Herrera added 15 points to the effort. The Pumas were led by senior Garrett Shriver with 16 points.
The Titan boys were set to play again at 5 p.m. Friday against the winner of the Montrose/Moffat County game in the Thursday nightcap.
GIRLS: Coal Ridge 34, Peak to Peak 21
The Coal Ridge girls outscored Peak to Peak 7-0 in the first and 10-5 in the second to take a commanding 17-5 lead at halftime. The Pumas answered with a 14-8 run in the third, before the Titans shut it down.
Junior Taylor Weiscamp had 11 points for Coal Ridge, while senior Lyanna Nevarez chipped in 10.
The Lady Titans are set to play Montrose at 3:30 p.m. Friday. Montrose defeated Moffat County 44-27.
