Best spring performances from Durango High School student-athletes (2024)

Demons spring sports had many bright spots

High school spring sports have been over for over a month but the accolades for these student-athletes continue to roll in.

The Durango Herald has looked back at the spectacular performances from the spring sports season and has awarded a top performance from each team and a second-best performance based on the statistics available and the significance of the games.

Girls soccer: Ryne Neiman’s performance against Ralston Valley

Although Neiman was only a sophom*ore this past season, the Demons’ goalkeeper had plenty of experience. Neiman may have flown under the radar as there were numerous attacking threats on the field at all times and her sisters Carter and Adde did a great job on the back line.

But Neiman put on a spectacular performance early in the season. She recorded 20 saves in the Demons’ 1-1 tie against Ralston Valley on March 9.

Ralston Valley was a great team this season, finishing 15-3-1 overall and was ranked fifth in the 5A state tournament bracket.

Neiman’s performance was important because it was early in the season and Durango’s offense was still a work in progress after losing star striker Mason Rowland to graduation. The Demons had already lost to Cherry Creek in their first game of the season and an 0-2 start would’ve been tough. Neiman’s performance helped steady the ship early on in the season and gave the Demons a quality tie which helped their seeding later in the year.

Runner-up: Bella Saren’s performance against Crested Butte

During the middle of the season, Durango struggled to score and scored two goals in three games. The Demons beat Grand Junction 1-0, tied Montrose 0-0 and tied Grand Junction Central 1-1.

Then Durango had 12 days off until they played at Crested Butte. Unfortunately, it was a shaky first half for the Demons against Crested Butte on April 25 and they trailed 1-0 in the first half.

But the Demons responded behind Saren’s two goals and won 3-1. This was a turning point for the season as it started a six-game winning streak to end the season before the Demons lost in the first round to Dakota Ridge.

Boys lacrosse: JT Munger’s performance against Montrose

The Durango boys lacrosse team had a tough season and finished 2-11 overall. Junior midfielder JT Munger carried the Demons’ offense the best he could and was the only creator at times throughout the season.

Munger was able to carry Durango to victory in the Demons’ last win and only win in league play. He finished with five goals and five assists in Durango’s 16-9 win over Montrose on April 13.

The soon-to-be senior had a great shot from outside which was too quick for many goalies. He also had the ability to find his teammates wide-open after he had the attention of the entire opposing defense.

Munger will be a key next year if the Demons want to improve off a disappointing 2024 season.

Runner-up: Henry Howe’s performance against Fruita

Senior goalie Henry Howe made up for a lot of the shortcomings of the Durango defense before he got hurt.

One of those days was in a loss at Fruita Monument. On March 29, Howe saved 22 shots and only allowed nine goals in a 9-1 loss. That’s a phenomenal performance for a goalie and losing Howe to injury really stopped the Demons from getting a few close wins.

Girls lacrosse: Fiona Chandler’s performance against Eagle Valley

The Durango girls lacrosse team had another quality season as the program continues to build toward playoff success.

One of the top performers for the Demons was goalie Fiona Chandler. A multiyear starter, Chandler was a junior this past season and had a huge game early in the season on the road at Eagle Valley on March 29.

Chandler had 18 saves on 25 shots to help the Demons cruise to an easy road victory. Chandler was super solid for the Demons and was a key to them getting back to the state playoffs.

Runner-up: Annabel Carithers’ performance against Montrose

Montrose girls lacrosse didn’t have the best season and senior Annabel Carithers showed her talent in a dominating 21-3 win at home on April 27 against Montrose.

Carithers had five goals and three assists to pace the Demons in their top offensive performance of the season. Carithers is the Demons’ career leader in numerous categories and will be missed for her all-around offensive game.

Baseball: Jack Englund’s performance against Battle Mountain

Durango baseball started off 8-4 before things fell apart and the Demons finished the season 8-15.

There were some impressive performances in those eight wins and one was junior Jack Englund’s pitching against Battle Mountain.

Englund threw a season-high 11 strikeouts in five innings pitched to lead the Demons to the 6-2 victory on March 15. Englund is a part of the Demons’ young core which should improve with all the experience it gained last season.

Runner-up: Dawson McInnes’ performance against Pagosa Springs

The Demons’ last win was on April 9 and it was one of their closest games. Durango trailed 5-2 heading into the seventh inning. The Demons then scored four runs in the seventh inning to win 6-5.

McInnes played a huge part in that game by going 3-4 with 1 RBI in the win. The sophom*ore is another big piece of Durango’s core going forward.

Girls golf: Ellie White’s performance at Montrose

Junior Ellie White was Durango girls golf’s leader and best player consistently this past season. White had arguably her best round of the season at Montrose on April 8 when she shot 78 to win the tournament. She birdied the 17th hole to seal the victory.

White and the rest of the returning golfers should make up a strong group which should be one of the top squads in 4A next spring.

Runner-up: Jayden Craig’s performance at regionals

Sophom*ore Jayden Craig continued to get better throughout the Demons’ season. Her progression culminated in a fantastic round of 80 at Foothills Golf Club in Denver on May 14.

Craig’s performance was super impressive considering the stakes of being at regionals and playing a tough golf course. She finished sixth at regionals and was the top Demon. The sophom*ore will be a big part of Durango girls golf coach Kirk Rawles’ team next year.

bkelly@durangoherald.com