At times during its home game against Ignacio on Jan. 15, the Mancos High School girls basketball team produced positive results. A handful of nice passes led to easy layups, and consistent defensive energy resulted in several steals.
However, the Lady Jays were unable to match the Bobcats’ talent level, and after four quarters, Mancos lost, 56-21. The loss dropped the Lady Jays’ record to 0-10 overall, and the Bobcats improved to 6-4.
Among the brightest moments for the Lady Jays was a solid first 11 minutes during which the team limited its turnovers and consistently attacked the basket. A free throw by Mancos junior Isis Jaime with 4:31 left in the second quarter cut Ignacio’s lead to 16-9, and it appeared as if the game would remain competitive.
The wheels came off over the next four minutes, however, as Ignacio closed the quarter on a 17-2 run keyed by Lady Jays turnovers and several uncontested fast-break layups.
The onslaught continued in the third quarter as Ignacio outscored Mancos 14-1 and opened up a 49-12 lead. Senior Rosie Concepcion controlled the paint for the Bobcats, and sophomore Ebonee Gomez drilled several jumpers.
During the final four minutes, Mancos received a boost from sophomore Tia Imel, who knocked down a high-arcing three-pointer from the left corner to cut Ignacio’s lead to 56-16. On the Lady Jays next possession, Jaime drilled a three-pointer from the left wing to cut Ignacio’s lead to 56-19.
The Lady Jays then treated their fans to a final highlight when senior Captain Ericka Peacock stole the ball and drove the length of the court for a layup and the final basket of the contest.
Next up for Mancos will be a home matchup against Ouray on Jan. 18. The Lady Jays then will square off against Ridgway at home on Jan. 19.