Titans boys’ hoops looks to pick up from last year

“I truly believe they want to do what it takes”

Last year the Crested Butte Titans boys basketball team closed out the season with a win at home over Cotopaxi before being eliminated from the post-season in the first round of districts. Nevertheless, the team made huge strides and were peaking when they got shut down.
While the early playoff exit always leaves a bitter taste, coach Brandin Hamilton remained optimistic when looking ahead. That optimism grew over the off-season as he found he’s got a team that, while young, is willing to work for it.
“This group worked extremely hard in the off-season,” says Hamilton.
Only two starters graduated from the team last year, leaving three starters, Quinn Winter, Joe Hayes and David Wasinger, to come back and pick up where they left off.
Winter has led by example since the end of last year, putting in the time and effort on a daily basis and growing to reach six feet, six inches heading into the year.
“He’s dedicated and determined and it’s rubbed off on the other guys,” says Hamilton.
The only downside is Hamilton has a bunch of players who aren’t really battle-tested. While they’ve been working hard, questions still remain.
“It’s tough to say who is ready and who is not,” says Hamilton. “I do have about six guys who are competing for the last two starting spots, so it’s been a competitive atmosphere.”
Furthermore, the energy from the off-season and summer workouts continued into the start of the season, as his players are rabid to get in as much time as possible.
“It’s rare that you have a group this close and that enjoys putting the work in,” says Hamilton. “I truly believe they want to do what it takes.”
With the three core players back and the team’s work ethic firmly in place, Hamilton has been able to bring their game up another level.
“We’ve definitely built off of last year—we’re not starting at zero,” says Hamilton. “We’re further along this year for sure and I’ve been able to take it up a notch and start working on the details.”
Truth is, they’re going to need everything they’ve got as they are up against one of the strongest 2A leagues in the state that just keeps getting better, including the 2014 state champion Sanford Indians.
“It’s going to be tougher this year for sure,” says Hamilton. “There is hope, that’s the exciting thing. I think we can surprise some teams. They think we’re coming with one thing and we’re coming with a lot more.”