The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Head to Regionals
The Lady Titans took second place at the District Tournament to earn a spot at the Regional Tournament in Gunnison and will face La Veta on Saturday, March 8, at 10 a.m.
After winning the Mountain League, the Lady Titans entered the District Tournament in Delta last weekend as the number two seed.
The Lady Titans knew one thing for sure as they prepared for Districts—they would most likely face Norwood in the semi-finals. A win in the semi-finals would be an automatic bid to the regionals.
Therefore, the team worked on preparing for Norwood, one of two teams that beat the Lady Titans in the regular season.
Crested Butte opened District play on Thursday, February 28 with a 51-22 win over Vail Christian. While the win was expected, the Lady Titans defeated Vail Christian twice during the season, their play was encouraging for coach MaryMike Haley and the team.
“We played really well and were consistent for four quarters,” says Haley. “It was a good game for our focus.”
Following the win, the team set its sights on revenge against Norwood on Friday, February 29.
The Lady Titans lost to Norwood by seven points earlier in the year falling prey to Norwood’s physical style of play inside the key.
With that in mind, coach Haley and the team focused on their defense and keeping the ball away from Norwood’s two power players underneath.
Norwood jumped out to an 11-4 lead in the first quarter before Haley called a timeout to make some adjustments.
The Lady Titans came out of the timeout with their half court press in tact and fought back to tie the game. Juniors Allie McFarland and Jessie Frame and senior Emma Coburn battled Norwood’s big girls inside as Crested Butte built an eight-point lead by halftime.
“Allie, Jessie and Emma played great defense down low,” says Haley. “Jessie Frame played some of the best defense of anyone all season long.”
Crested Butte jumped out to a 47-35 lead in the third quarter and eventually ran Norwood into the ground with a fast break offense to secure the 64-54 win and advance to the District finals.
The team was led by junior Emma Vosburg on offense with 27 points while Coburn scored 20 points and battled inside for 23 rebounds.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game and that we would have to step it up and play a really good game,” says Haley. “Our three-two half court press really frazzled them and once we took the guards out of the game they just couldn’t get it inside.”
The Lady Titans headed into the District finals against number one seed Dove Creek squad, beat up and bruised from their Norwood win but determined to make a strong showing nonetheless.
After falling behind 6-0 in the first quarter, Haley called a timeout to regroup and the Lady Titans gave Dove Creek a run for the entire first half.
“Everything they put up we responded to,” says Haley.
The Lady Titans were up 27-26 at halftime but their tank ran dry and they soon fell victim to an incredibly versatile Dove Creek attack and a raucous fan base.
Dove Creek came out of halftime and hit a couple of three-pointers and some easy lay-ups putting the game out of reach, outscoring the Lady Titans 24-7 in the third quarter and eventually winning 68-47.
Vosburg led all scorers again with 28 points and Coburn registered another double-double with 11 points and 21 rebounds.
“I think we were tired and just came out in the third quarter not nearly as energized,” says Haley. “Physically we’re fit but emotionally, we had never been challenged like that all season. They (the Lady Titans) played so intense for two quarters that at halftime they ran out of steam, but I think it was a good learning experience for this weekend.”
Despite the loss, the Lady Titans still advance to the regional tournament to face La Veta. It’s a rematch of last year’s regional game when La Veta handed Crested Butte a devastating two-point loss.
This year, Haley believes her team has a shot at winning and then moving on to the Great Eight state tournament in Colorado Springs.
“I think we should match up with them pretty good,” says Haley. “I’m optimistic about it but it’s going to be tough.”
Lady Titans fans are encouraged to pack the Gunnison High School gym for the regional game on Saturday, March 8. Tip-off is at 10 a.m. A win earns the Lady Titans a trip to the Great Eight 1A state tournament at the Air Force Academy, March 12-15.
