"They're talented and they have some good basketball skills," said Mancos head coach Rodney Cox. "They have a lot of room to grow, but we're excited."
Frontcourt looks strong
Leading the way for the Bluejays will to be junior center Ro Paschal, who averaged 16.1 points per game last season.
Quick and athletic for his size, the Mancos big man is capable of scoring from the low block or attacking from the high post.
"(Paschal) was an anomaly last year, but everyone is going to be looking for him this year," said Mancos head coach Cox. "We've been working on some stuff to get his footwork better inside."
Joining Paschal in the post will be senior Daniel Christiansen and junior Andrew Plunkett, who hope to benefit when opponents double-team Paschal. Versatile senior Brandon Hood will see time at the small forward position.
"We need to take advantage of our size inside," said Christiansen. "We have a lot of big guys, and I think that's going to be one of our keys."
Guards hope to push pace
In the backcourt, the Bluejays will likely be led by senior shooting guard Nigel Henry, who averaged 9.3 points per game last season. Henry's ability to slash into the lane and distribute the ball figures to be vital to his team's performance.
Sophomore Adrian Hernandez and Jayden Peacock will split time at the point guard position and Hood will fill in on the outside as needed.
"We have very good guard play," said Peacock. "If we can penetrate, that will open up shots for the guys inside. Our offense is all about attacking the rim, so that's what we're going to try to do."
Schedule poses challenges
Scheduled to face several talented opponents over the course of the season, the Bluejays figure to be challenged game in and game out as they march toward the postseason.
Highlighting the non-conference schedule will be a season-opening matchup against Aztec at home on Dec. 2 and a three-day tournament in Meeker, Dec. 11-13.
The team's league schedule will be matchups against Ignacio, Norwood, Dolores, Dove Creek, Ouray and Ridgway.
"Ignacio is ranked second in the state (Class 2A) and Norwood is ranked second in the Class 1A polls," said Cox. "Dolores is always tough and Dove Creek has some big kids."
"Our goal is to get better every day," said Hood. "We want to stay undefeated at home and take things one game at a time."