The Durango Demons boy’s basketball are back at home tomorrow night with a big league matchup against Grand Junction Central.
After seeing GJC earlier this season, the Demons know exactly what needs to be better this time around. Head Coach Alan Batiste, it starts with fixing transition defense and taking care of the basketball.
“Transition hurt us the first time,” Batiste said. “So we’ve really locked in on getting back on defense, protecting the basket, and cherishing the ball. When we do that, we can run our offense the way we want to.”
“We’ve been working on pushing the pace in transition, then flowing into our half-court offense,” Thyfault said. “All five guys working together, spacing the floor, moving the ball, cutting hard — those are the little things that lead to good offense.”
From the beginning, energy is the main point, especially on defense for DHS.
“Energy and intensity always start on defense for us,” Batiste said. “That’s how we create offense.” Thyfault added that valuing possessions early will be key.
“We’ve got four teams in our league ranked top 15,” Batiste said. “If we can win two or three games down the stretch, we put ourselves in a really good spot.”
“We had a good matchup last time,” Junior, Jack C. said. “They’re a team we know we can beat. We just have to stay focused and play together.”
“I’m feeling confident and ready to get a win,” Junior, Boaz said. “It’s about playing hard every possession, helping my teammates, and bringing positive energy all game.”
Playing at home only adds fuel.
“We should come out with great energy — this is our gym,” Thyfault said. “Defense, hustle plays, rebounds, pressure — that’s where it starts. We don’t give up home court.”
With energy, defense, and playoff momentum on the line, the Demons are ready to play and beat Grand Junction Central.
Tip-off is tomorrow night! At 7 PM
Show up. Be loud!
Don’t forget check out tomorrow’s games.
The Demons are also hosting against Palisade on Saturday 2/. Varsity Girls play at 12 PM and Varsity Boys play at 1:30 PM
