Demons ousted by Green Mountain in 4A playoff opener
The tone of Cory Hitchcock’s voice didn’t reflect that of a disappointed coach.
Though his Glenwood Springs boys basketball team suffered a 55-39 loss to host Green Mountain in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs, he seemed genuinely proud of a team that’s faced plenty in the way of adversity in 2011-12.
“It was a blast to coach these guys,” said Hitchcock, whose team has battled injury issues. “We faced a lot of adversity this year, and I thought a lot of young guys did a great job stepping up. We truly got better as a basketball team.”
On Tuesday, too much of Green Mountain’s 6-foot-9 big man, Ryan Stephan, did in the Demons. He finished with 25 points. Conner Haug added 11 points for the Rams (15-8).
Mike McGraw led Glenwood (10-14) with 15 points. Randy Burbidge chipped in with 10 and Kellin Casey seven.
And so wrapped Hitchcock’s second season as the Demons’ frontman.
“Our seniors – Cody [Derby], Robert [Reynolds], Mike, Kellin, Randy and Zach [Thomas] – all did a great job leading the basketball team and showing the young guys how to fight and win each and every day,” he said. “I’m proud to say Glenwood Springs came out and fought hard. Green Mountain was just the better basketball team.”
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