Titans hoops return to action this weekend

Will host Center and Sanford in mighty
Mt. Olympus

Both the Titans boys and girls basketball teams limped into the holiday break as illness ran rampant through their rosters, forcing the girls to cancel a game and the boys to struggle against the Telluride Miners with a depleted lineup.
The coaches used the break to give their players an opportunity to rest and rehab and spend time on the individual aspects of their game.
“We were very depleted over the break and only able to get six or eight girls in the gym,” says girls head coach Mike Moran. “But we got some much-needed time in and worked on individual stuff because we had such a small group.”
“The plan for the break was to get kids healthy,” adds boys head coach Brandin Hamilton. “We focused a lot on shooting and worked with Quinn [Winter] on adjusting to what teams will throw at him defensively.”
Now back in school and back to a more normal practice schedule, the two teams have ramped up as they prepare for a couple of home games this weekend.
Moran admits that the girls were still reeling a bit from the break and their bouts with the holiday season crud.
“We had a pretty good day [Monday],” says Moran. “I don’t think everyone was fired up as much as I was and there’s still a few kids dragging a little bit, but I was really pleased with their attitude and effort.”
Hamilton spent the first practice back from break running his team and putting them through the wringer a bit as they tighten up on defense, but his team responded to his demands.
“They’re motivated and they’re excited,” says Hamilton. “You get the sense that they want to show themselves and everyone else that they’re a good basketball team.”
Both the boys and the girls will be tested this weekend as they host Center on Friday and Sanford on Saturday. While Center offers opportunity, Sanford will bring some of the best 2A basketball in the state to Mt. Olympus.
“I think Center is one of those teams sitting in the middle of the pack and we should be able to compete with them,” says Moran. “Sanford is one of the best programs in our conference and we’ll have our hands full.”
Hamilton is looking at a similar weekend for his boys team with a competitive game against Center and then an eye-opener against Sanford.
“Center should be tough, they’re good again, but beatable,” says Hamilton. “It’ll be a great test for us to see if we can handle the pressure. Sanford is the best team in the state; they’re a juggernaut. It’s a great game to play though, where you’ve got nothing to lose. If we can compete it will be some validation.”
The girls tip off at 5 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday, while the boys are slated to play at 6 p.m. and 2 p.m.
 “I’m really looking forward to the weekend,” says Moran. “I just can’t wait to play and watch these kids compete.”