by Luna Sandoval
The Ouray High School boys basketball team started off their season November 15, 2021 with more than enough players to comprise a junior varsity and varsity team.
They are all very excited to have the opportunity to play during these times. Due to covid concerns, past seasons haven’t been the easiest.
Unfortunately, there were not enough players to form a girls team. However, players that were interested in playing had the opportunity to play for Ridgway.
The high school boys started their practices on November 15, 2021. There were many open gym opportunities for the players to shoot around and prepare for the upcoming season.
To start off the season, the boys packed their things and headed over to Fort Collins. The overnight trip gave the players a chance to play multiple games before the league games started.
On Tuesday, December 7, Ouray hosted Ridgway. Ouray allowed masked fans in the gym to cheer on the two teams. The bleachers quickly filled and the noise level quickly escalated. This was a huge thing for fans. Last year each player was limited to only 4 family members to come watch them play. Ouray left the gym with a win and a great start to the season.
The weekend following, the boys got on the bus and headed to Rangely for another overnight trip. They played Friday night as well as Saturday morning. These games were non-league as well, but gave the players another chance to be on the court.
The first league game played was a home game against Telluride. Many fans were amazed when sophomore Kortlan Nelson, with only seconds left in the first quarter, hit a half court shot. The gym went silent when Kortlan chucked the ball across the court as the buzzer sounded. “I was hoping the ball would make it to the basket before the buzzer ended,” said Kortlan. The crowd jumped up in excitement as he hit the shot.
As the season continues, the boys will continue to practice hard and play together as a team. “I'm looking forward to the post-season and possibly making it to state, I know we are capable of it,” said junior D.C Miller.