Girls basketball continues to grow for 2019

“I’m always positive about the season”

by Than Acuff

Coach Vaden Holmes took over the Crested Butte Titans girls program last year, well aware of the struggles they had endured the previous seasons. Low turnout and a stout league made for several tough seasons in a row for the girls. Yet, Holmes was committed to rebuilding the program and had some early success in the season as they rattled off two wins in a row early on, breathing life into the program.

Unfortunately, their league proved too powerful once again and the Titans lost the remainder of their games that season. Despite the outcome of the year, Holmes’ energy spread through her players and they kept plugging away, never ever giving up, no matter what the score.

“I thought it was a good season,” says Holmes. “They definitely grew in their potential and game one compared to game 18 was very different—a good different.”

That energy has carried over to this year and when the girls started pre-season workouts, they had 18 players suited up, ready to play.

“I’ve really been on them about recruiting more players,” says Holmes.

The team is led by seniors Marion Chater, Siena Truex and Kelly Sherman and picked up some juniors and have a large sophomore class with some freshmen joining in from the middle school program last year.

“That’s nice to have three seniors compared to one last year,” says Holmes. “We’re still a pretty young team though, which is okay.”

Holmes has called on Cara Romannose to help her out, a woman Holmes played rugby with and who played high school basketball as well.

“I thought she’d be a great fit for the program,” says Holmes.

Given the youth of her team and the second year at the helm, Holmes is still working on some basics but is excited to start the year on her terms.

“I have the opportunity to do things the way I want to do it with the new players,” says Holmes. “The style I love to play is pushing the ball and getting points off of turnovers—kind of like a track meet.”

She also likes the number of players this year as she can start getting the newer and younger girls more game experience.

“I’m excited about our numbers,” says Holmes. “I can get the younger girls more playing time with a JV schedule and the more they get to play just helps build the team better.”

While they have yet to get any pre-season scrimmages in, Holmes sees some potential once again in her team and is looking forward to stepping up their game.

“We’re still getting a feel for things but there are no red flags,” says Holmes. “I hope to add some new defenses but we’ll play it by ear. I think we should probably hang in a little closer with some of the teams in our league. I’m really just so excited about our numbers.”

The girls head to a pre-season tournament November 30 to December 1 and then open the season officially at home when they host Ouray on Friday, December 7. Holmes believes things are looking up.

“I’m always positive about the season,” says Holmes.