In a long and arduous high school basketball season, it is important to have someone who reminds the team that what they’re doing is supposed to be fun regardless of what the scoreboard says at the end of the game.
It’s also nice for a coach to have a player who leads by example on and off the court and goes out of their way to help the younger players grow.
For the Durango High School girls’ basketball team, Shilo Gillen is that girl.
Gillen has taken on multiple roles on a Demons team that is on its way to the Colorado High School Activities Association’s Class 4A Girls State Basketball Tournament.
She is a three-sport athlete at DHS who plays softball in the fall, basketball in the winter and lacrosse in the spring.
She is one of two seniors on a Durango team that qualified for the state tournament last weekend in Grand Junction as the Demons finished third in the 4A Southwestern/Western Slope League Tournament.
Two weeks ago against Montezuma-Cortez, Gillen scored a career-high 21 points and outscored the entire opposing team in a 65-18 Demons win. She also led the Demons in scoring in the first two games of last weekend’s district tournament.
Gillen scored 10 points in an opening round 48-23 win against Delta that put them in the state tournament.
She also led the Demons with nine points in the second round loss to the eventual district champion Palisade squad.
“I feel like it’s my role to knock down open shots, put points on the board and make sure everyone is in the right position on defense,” said Gillen, daughter of Daniel and Sally Gillen. “These girls are like my little sisters and we’ve been together since we played for the Blitz in junior high school. I feel like I need to try and set a good example on and off the court and be a good role model.”
Her nickname may be “Shy” but that has nothing to do with Gillen’s personality.
With a big smile and a friendly voice, her demeanor is almost as important to the group as her play on the court.
She enjoys helping people so much that she intends to pursue a nursing degree after high school.
Right now, however, as one of the only seniors on a talented young team, Gillen’s role goes far beyond knocking down jumpers from the perimeter and working hard on defense.
“All the girls respond to Shilo and she’s one who leads by example,” Durango head coach Tim Fitzpatrick said in a phone interview with The Durango Herald. “Her personality is invaluable because she keeps it real for us and her attitude puts basketball in perspective.
“We may win, or we may lose, but, either way, Shilo will probably be smiling and that’s important during long season of ups and downs.”
The Demons have had a lot to smile about this season. They started the season with a five-game winning streak and haven’t slowed down much.
Durango finished 15-7 and is set to face Air Academy in the opening round of the 4A state tournament on Friday at Sand Creek High School in Colorado Springs.
“I think a good goal for us is to win two more games,” said Gillen. “If we come together and work really hard in practice this week and play like we’re capable of playing for the entire game, we’ll be tough for anyone to beat.”
jfries@durangoherald.com
Behind the scenes
What is your nickname?: Shy
What song is stuck in your head right now?: “Die A Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett
Where is the coolest place you’ve ever been?: Paris, France.
Who is your favorite athlete?: My cousin Jordan Gillen. He plays football at Fort Lewis College and he’s very humble.
Who is your celebrity crush?: Scott Eastwood.
Which teacher has had the greatest impact on you?: Mr. Ponch Garcia. He taught us Spanish and he was the track and basketball coach. He’s just a great guy and he always encourged us to be the best we can be.
What is your favorite childhood book?: Dr. Seuss books.
Do you have any pets?: A turtle, 10 cats and a dog.
What is your favorite restaurant in Durango?: Olde Tymers Cafe
What is your favorite outdoor activity?: Hiking through the La Platas.
