For one quarter, it appeared as if the Mancos High School boys basketball team would challenge Colorado's top-ranked 2A team.
Things quickly came unraveled for the Bluejays however, who, playing at home against Ignacio on Feb. 14, lost 79-53 in a lopsided contest.
Although the final score indicated a blowout, the game remained close during an up and down first quarter that ended with the Bluejays trailing 16-12.
Highlighting the Bluejays opening 12 minutes was a long three pointer by Jayden Peacock with under a minute left in the frame.
"We talked in the locker room saying that we should come out with energy," said Bluejays sophomore Adrian Hernandez. "Our coaches told us to play hard."
The Bluejays energy would slowly wane however as Ignacio, relying on deadeye shooting from Adison Jones, outscored the Bluejays 22-6 in the second period.
Relying on more of the same in the third quarter, Ignacio extended its lead to 60-32 entering the final quarter, all but securing the victory.
"(Ignacio's) shooters are lights out from behind the three point line," said Bluejays' junior Daniel Christensen. "On offense, they execute extremely well and they are hard to match up against."
In spite of the difficult matchups however, Bluejays' guards Nigel Henry and Jayden Peacock managed to score in double digits, notching 19 points and 10 points respectively.
Limited by Ignacio's interior defense, Bluejays' leading scorer Ro Paschal scored nine.
With their record now at 11-6 on the season, the Bluejays will next play against Nucla on Feb. 21.
"We need to work on offensive execution," said Christensen of his team's goals for their upcoming matchup.
