With the postseason fast approaching, the Mancos Bluejays boys basketball team is hoping that a recent spate of close games will pay off.
Bluejays top Norwood
Kicking off the week at home on Feb. 7 against Norwood, the Bluejays did what was needed, winning a competitive contest 56-48.
Keying the Bluejays victory was a solid first half effort, which saw the Bluejays build a 29-23 lead.
Also vital to the Bluejays' win were the contributions made by junior guard Jayden Peacock, who scored a season-high 11 points.
"(Peacock) did a really good job trying to apply what we've been working on," said Bluejays' head coach Rodney Cox. "He pulled up and hit some nice jumpers."
As usual, sophomore Ro Paschal was solid in the middle, scoring a team-high 13 points.
"Ro always battles inside," said Cox. "I give our guards a lot of credit for getting Ro the ball inside."
Ridgway beats Mancos
Traveling to Ridgway on Feb. 8 for a key league matchup, the Bluejays were unable to ride a strong start to victory, losing 57-50.
After building an 18-11 first quarter lead, the Bluejays struggled in the second an third quarters, falling behind 28-23 entering halftime and 49-39 entering the fourth quarter.
"The basket just closed up. We just couldn't get anything to fall," said Cox of his team's midgame struggles.
Keying the Ridgway attack was Nathan Hagemeyer, who, scoring from all areas of the floor, tallied a game high 19 points.
"He's a good basketball player. He's like a big guard."
Leading the Bluejays in scoring was Paschal with 12 points. Sophomore Adrian Hernandez also played well for Mancos, scoring 10 points.
With their record now at 11-5 on the season, the Bluejays will next take on top-ranked Ignacio in Mancos on Feb. 14.
"We have to limit our turnovers," said Cox of the upcoming matchup.