Emily McCue is in midseason form, which fits with the Demons’ schedule but is odd considering she just played her second game of the season Friday against Grand Junction Central because of injury.
She scored 25 points and had six rebounds and four steals in the Durango High School girls basketball team’s 54-37 win over Central on Friday night in Durango.
McCue hit back to back 3-pointers after two minutes had passed in the fist quarter to give DHS (3-6, 1-0 Southwestern League) a 10-4 lead it wouldn’t relinquish.
“She just has a way of getting her hand in everything,” DHS head coach Nancy Smith said. “Especially on defense because she sees so much of the court. She does a great job directing traffic at the back of the zone.”
DHS held Central (3-11, 0-1 SWL) to 24-percent shooting in its home opener.
The Demons forced 17 turnovers while holding the Warriors to 10 points total in the second half.
“The second half they anticipated really well and got a lot of tips,” Smith said.
Jessica Sigillito, in her first game back from France, tied McCue for the team lead with four steals. She had four points, six rebounds and three assists for DHS.
Sigillito split time at the point with freshman Katrina Chandler, who also had three assists with a team-high seven rebounds and three points.
“They definitely stepped up, especially with Katie (Wiegert) being out and all of the injuries that have been happening,” said McCue, daughter of Frank and Julie McCue.
The Demons have played much of the season without varsity regulars, but they’re starting to round more into shape with the return of McCue, Sigillito and others.
“It’s a big step up for the younger players since we’re missing a bunch of our team,” said Emily Fogel, daughter of Dennis and Janet Fogel. “You just got to encourage them and help them out.”
Fogel scored 11 points, most of them in the second half as the Demons turned a five-point game into a blowout.
Two Central players fouled out in a game that featured 45 fouls.
Central’s D’Kota Brodie received a technical foul with 6 minutes, 7 seconds remaining in the third quarter after arguing with the referee after receiving her third foul.
DHS made 21-of-30 free throws compared to Central’s 17-of-25 from the line.
Friday’s victory snapped a three-game losing streak and gave DHS a perfect start to league play.
The Demons will continue their SWL schedule at noon Saturday against Fruita Monument, which is 5-9 this season.
kgrabowski@durangoherald.com
