More basketball change is afoot at Golden High School, where girls head coach Tim Hammond abruptly stepped down shortly before winter break. The move came Dec. 15.
The Class 4A No. 2 ranked Demons entered the new year undefeated and as clear frontrunners to make a run at the program’s second state championship.
“Tim came out of retirement and was looking at one last shot at a team, and it wasn’t for him at this point,” Golden athletic director J.C. Summers said. “He decided to step down.”
Assistant Mike Osborne was named the interim head coach for the Demons, who have extended their record to 11-0 in the five games since he took over.
Golden boasts one of the most experienced and talented teams in 4A, with senior power forward Abby Garnett, senior center Makena Prey and sophomore guard Elli Garnett all averaging in double figures.
Summers said Hammond’s resignation was unexpected, and that the school would re-evaluate the girls basketball coaching situation at the end of the season. Hammond did not return multiple calls and texts for comment.
“I honestly don’t know (why he resigned),” Summers said. “That’s his own personal feelings.”
With Osborne, who was new to the staff this season, the Demons are now on their fourth head coach in the last three seasons.
In the boys program, head coach John Anderson officially resigned on Dec. 22 amid accusations of mistreating his players. Erik Buehler has since been named the new head coach of the No. 2 Demons (9-2).
Yet if records are any indication, players in both programs continue to tune out the distractions as they prepare for a Jeffco League doubleheader at Valor Christian on Wednesday, with the girls set to tip at 5:30 and the boys at 7 p.m.
