The Grand Junction High School boys basketball team is preparing for the 5A state playoff tournament.
The Tigers are ranked No. 2 in the Colorado Class 5A state tournament, just behind Palisade High School. GJHS has beaten Palisade in their two games against each other, which are the only games Palisade has lost.
“What we accomplished this season, going 19-4, and the players’ improvement is something to be proud of. Each practice, we try harder and harder to improve, and the seniors take charge to be good leaders, and now we get to compete for the Denver Coliseum and be a part of the great eight,” said GJHS basketball coach Dutch Johnson.
The Tigers will start their tournament run in the round of 32. If they win, they will proceed to the round of 16, which would also be hosted at home on Mar. 3. Following both rounds, the tournament takes place in the Denver Coliseum throughout the rest of the tournament.
Last season, the Tigers entered the tournament as the 22nd-seeded team. They traveled to 11th-seeded Longmont High School and lost 41-34 to end the season.
“Losing in the first round last year was frustrating, but it helped us get better and move on for this season,” said GJHS sophomore Grant Lewis.
The Tigers will play Discovery Canyon High School at GJHS on Friday, Feb. 27 at 5:30 p.m.
