The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Big road trip on tap
The Crested Butte Lady Titans came off the opening tip-off with a vengeance and never let up as they punished Aguilar for four quarters enroute to a 54-22 win on Friday, January 15 in Mt. Olympus gym.
Granted, Aguilar was not the strongest opponent, but Crested Butte’s press was firing on all pistons for the first quarter, turning steals into easy baskets as they jumped out to a 17-4 lead.
“We’re trying to get that to be a little more consistent,” says coach MaryMike Haley of the team’s press. “It’s coming along.”
Furthermore, they spread the scoring out as four different Lady Titans scored in the opening eight minutes, including points from senior Sydney Loyed. Loyed has been nursing an injury for most of the season but appeared to be back to near full-strength Friday night.
“Her presence on the floor as a senior really helps,” says Haley.
The Lady Titans built a 24-6 lead by halftime with junior Melissa Gibbens winning the inside battle for rebounds and baskets and several players contributing off the bench.
“The JV girls came in off the bench and played great,” says Haley.
Loyed had a banner third quarter as well, scoring six more points. Sophomores Natalie Bowen and Toni Brown took advantage of their time on the court with stout defense and solid offense.
Crested Butte carried their momentum through the fourth quarter to finish the game strong and grow a little bit more as a team and individuals.
“I was happy with the way we played and it gave them a little more confidence,” says Haley. “They’re starting to click.”
The Lady Titans were handed some good news from the weekend as well, as Sierra Grande lost—leaving the door open for Crested Butte to climb back into first place.
But it isn’t going to be easy with a tough three-game road trip on tap this weekend.
“We’ve got a big weekend,” says Haley. “We’re working on getting more aggressive and that’s hard with a young team. They can do it if they want it.”
The Lady Titans will return home to face Creede on Friday, January 29.
