Rowland’s big game propels Durango girls hoops past Montrose

MONTROSE – Saturday was a big day for Durango’s Mason Rowland.

The talented junior scorer, who is averaging over 20 points per game, poured in 28 points to lead her Demons to a 42-28 victory on the road against Montrose.

“I thought our half-court defense was solid all game,” Durango head coach Tim Fitzpatrick said. “Our bench played really well when we got into foul trouble. Mason Rowland played a very high-level game today with 28 points.”

The first quarter was close, as the Demons (12-5) led 16-11. After a low-scoring second quarter, the visiting team led Montrose (9-9) by a score of 21-14 at halftime. Rowland scored 11 of the Demons’ 12 points in the third quarter to help Durango extend its lead to 14 to start the fourth and eventually go on to win the Southwestern League contest by that same margin.

Taygan Rocco had 10 points for Montrose and Josie Coulter had eight.

Durango will face Grand Junction on Friday. Montrose will be back in action against Fruita Monument on Tuesday.