The Glenwood Springs High School girls basketball team captured third place in the Demon Invitational this past weekend, showcasing emerging talent under first-year head coach Jordan DeCrow. While the girls celebrated a 2-1 finish, the boys faced challenges, concluding the tournament without a win.

The girls’ team faced a tough semifinal against Peak to Peak Academy, which features Stanford commit Alexandra Eschemeyer, falling 43-23. Despite the loss, DeCrow saw significant positives. 

“We came up against a tough team. They’ve got a Stanford commit, so the matchup was challenging, but our girls fought hard,” DeCrow said. She praised the effort and the spirit of his team, particularly the six newcomers to varsity. “Getting third at our home tournament was a big step for us. We’re finding our rhythm and starting to play well,” she added.

In the opening round, the girls triumphed over Forge Christian, led by freshman Ivee Enewold who scored 13 points on 60% shooting. The quest for third place was successful against Moffat County, with senior Lyndsey Helms contributing 24 points to secure a 44-35 victory. 

“We made some key adjustments at halftime, which really paid off. It was a great comeback for us,” DeCrow noted about the comeback from a nine-point deficit.

Helms reflected on the team’s growth and the pivotal role of team dynamics. 

“The energy was incredible, throughout the entire weekend and we support each other really well as a team,” Helms said. 

DeCrow also emphasized the importance of early-season games in preparing for the challenges ahead. 

“Playing tough teams like we do right now is all about being ready come February. It’s tough but important for our growth,” he explained, looking forward to the remainder of the season.

As the season progresses, the Demons are optimistic about their potential for growth and success. 

“We need better communication and execution of our plays,” Helms said. “If we do that, we can have a really great season.”

Also in the girls tournament, Coal Ridge and Basalt finished in seventh and fifth places, respectively, 

As for the boys, they struggled through the tournament in a round-robin format, ending 0-3.