The Grand Junction High School boys basketball team has started off the season with many new players.

Coached by GJHS gym teacher Dutch Johnson, the team is coming off of a 16-9 season in the 2023-2024 school year where they made the playoffs. This year, they went 4-3 in December.

“In general, the season has been positive; we’ve been playing better than we were in November, when we started,” said Johnson.

Standout players on the team include GJHS senior Edison Dean and juniors Andrew Henderson, Noah Schmalz and Clayton Scarbrough. GJHS senior Will Applegate, who was one of the team’s best players last season, is not on the roster because of a leg injury.

“We’ve been fighting hard and playing well,” said Henderson.

This is the Tigers’ first season in the new gym after spending 68 seasons in the old gym. Their first game at the new gym was a 64-41 loss to Monarch High School on Dec. 5.

Standout moments in the season include a thrilling 30-28 win against Montrose High School on Friday, Jan. 31. Dean scored a tying 3-pointer in the final minute. After a steal, the Tigers got the ball back and called timeout with 10 seconds left.

Henderson attempted a 3-pointer that was off the mark, but he gathered the loose ball and hit a fade-away shot at the buzzer. After the Tigers win, fans stormed the court in celebration.

The Tigers will play rivals Fruita Monument at home on Friday, Feb 7. Fruita won 53-36 in the first matchup on Jan. 17. GJ beat city rival Central High School 63-41 on Jan. 24 and will play again Feb. 14 at CHS.