After both Durango High School basketball teams made the playoffs, numerous players were rewarded for their hard work and accomplishments on and off the court with 6A/5A Southwestern League awards and academic all-state honors.
Junior guard Noah Miles earned first-team all-league honors. Miles came on strong to finish the season and helped guide the Demons to the postseason with his outside shooting and length in Durango’s 2-3 zone defense.
Seniors Zach Unruh and Jacob Neubert each earned second-team all-league honors. Neubert was a great shot blocker for the Demons this season, as well as a low-post and lob threat. Unruh was a three-level scorer, contributing in the paint, as well as on midrange and 3-pointer shots.
In addition to his second-team all-league honors, Neubert also earned first-team academic all-state.
For the girls team, junior guards Mariah Maestas and Lilly Fitzpatrick earned second-team all-league honors.
Maestas led the team in scoring and averaged 10.2 points per game and was the only player not to miss a game. She also increased her scoring in league play to 13.1 points per game.
Fitzpatrick battled injuries but was one of the top scorers on the team. She was able to drive to the basket and get to the free-throw line.
“I'm really proud that Lilly and Mariah were recognized for their efforts this year,” Durango girls basketball coach Lauren Moran said. “Regarding Mariah, she really stepped up after (Tyler Trujillo’s) injury and became our primary point guard … then with Lily, she battled injury times this year. The difference between our team when she was on the court and off the court was just huge. She just had a huge positive impact offensively and defensively for our team.”
Maestas and Fitzpatrick both earned first-team all-academic all-state honors, along with seniors Carter Neiman, Adde Neiman, junior Bailey Gaskins and junior Katelynn Sheppard. Juniors Ellie White and Tyler Trujillo were honorable mentions as well.
“Until you've participated in a varsity sport in an area that is as remote as Durango is, you really can't imagine how much time these student-athletes miss school for traveling,” Moran said. “Given that, their accomplishments are even more impressive, and it was not really surprising to me because I could see their efforts when we were traveling … They just really have a positive influence on each other because they're all so hardworking and conscientious.”
bkelly@durangoherald.com
