Durango Demons girls basketball has successful season
DURANGO, Colo. — The Durango High School Girl’s Basketball team has had a very successful season led by their coach, Tim Fitzpatrick, and one of the best players in the state, Mason Rowland. The team’s season accomplishments include an overall record of 23-3, Mountain Top Tournament Champions, Pueblo Holiday Shootout Champions, Southwestern League Champions, and making it to the Final Four of the 5A state tournament. Coach Fitzpatrick said it was the first time in program history to make it this far in the state tournament.
Coach Fitzpatrick has been coaching for 28 years, having played himself in high school, college, and overseas with a professional club in the past. Of the team this year, he says, “This group works really hard in practice, and they stick together when things get difficult.”
Senior Mason Rowland was also selected for The Show Top 20 All-Star Showcase, which is the most prestigious all-start team made up of the best 20 players in Colorado, regardless of school classification.
Mason says, ”Going to the Coliseum this year for the Final Four was truly amazing, and I am extremely happy that I was able to have the experience with the teammates I grew up playing the sport with. As far as the All-Star game and The Show, I was grateful and honored to be given the opportunity to play with some of the best basketball players in the state of Colorado. I was able to play with people with amazing skill and joy for the game just like myself.”
Mason also says she finds UCONN women’s basketball player Azzi Fudd inspiring due to the hard work she puts in on the court, saying, “She has faced a lot of adversity but comes back stronger.”
As a multi-sport student-athlete, Mason also plays volleyball and soccer, excelling in both. “Throughout my four years of high school, I have experienced success on all of my sports teams and have been lucky enough to have participated in deep postseason play,” she says.
Mason was also recognized as an AP Scholar in the fall, surpassed the 1,000-point mark, and received multiple college offers. She will be heading to Colorado Mesa University to play basketball after graduation.
When asked where she finds her inspiration to work hard and succeed across all fields and courts, Mason shared her favorite quote, “Practice like you’ve never won; play like you’ve never lost.”
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