In a thrilling overtime showdown, the Durango junior varsity girls basketball team defeated Bayfield High School’s varsity squad 55-43 on January 5, 2025. The match, held at Bayfield, showcased intense competition as the Demons rallied from a narrow deficit to secure the victory.
The game reached a dramatic climax in the final seconds of regulation. With only 6.3 seconds remaining and Bayfield leading 41-40, Durango sophomore Annwyn Austin stepped up to the free-throw line. She missed her first attempt but converted the second, tying the game. Following a turnover by Bayfield, Durango prepared to inbound the ball with just 0.9 seconds left. Sophomore Teagan Kroeger attempted a mid-range jumper, but the shot did not connect, sending the game into overtime.
Durango seized the momentum in extra time, outscoring Bayfield 14-2. The Wolverines had briefly taken the lead at halftime with a score of 19-18, thanks to a free throw from Kieley White Thunder. However, the Demons surged ahead in the second half, fueled by three-pointers from junior Grier Metz and sophomore Sandy Geyer, leading 29-21 with just under three minutes remaining in the third quarter.
As the fourth quarter began, Bayfield faced a setback. Junior guard Vivien Clance suffered an injury and was unable to return. Despite this challenge, the Wolverines found new energy, with key contributions from White Thunder and sophomore Natalie Osendorf, who narrowed the gap to 32-31.
Durango head coach Matt Bong called a timeout to regroup as Bayfield took a 35-32 lead following a basket by junior Kimball Anderson. As the clock ticked down, Ayla Provenchar, a freshman for Durango, emerged as a standout player, scoring six crucial points and converting a three-point play that helped the Demons pull back to a 41-40 lead with less than a minute remaining.
In overtime, the Demons capitalized on their momentum. Anderson fouled out with 3:52 left, allowing Durango to take a 47-43 lead following a Provenchar free throw. Bayfield’s struggles deepened as senior Arriyanna Cundiff-Huerta also fouled out, and Durango continued to push forward, cementing their lead.
Provenchar finished the match with a game-high 19 points, while Austin contributed 15 points for Durango. For Bayfield, White Thunder led with 13 points, and Anderson added 11 points along with several rebounds. Throughout the game, Durango displayed resilience, finishing 8-of-15 from the free-throw line in overtime and 19-of-35 overall.
Looking ahead, the Wolverines (1-2 overall) will compete at the Rye Holiday Classic from January 8 to 10, facing Swallows Charter Academy (0-4 overall) in their next matchup. On January 6, Bayfield achieved its first victory of the season, defeating Creede 44-31, powered by Clance’s 16 points and contributions from Anderson and White Thunder.
This victory against Durango marks a pivotal moment for both teams as they navigate their seasons, showcasing the competitive spirit of high school basketball.
