Beginning last week with a 9-3 record, the Mancos Bluejays boys basketball team was eager to match up against two of the San Juan Basin League's best teams.
And while Mancos enjoyed mixed results playing Norwood and Telluride, the Bluejays concluded the week confident in their ability to make a deep postseason run.
Bluejays beats Norwood in overtime thriller
Kicking off the week in Norwood on Jan. 31, the Bluejays fought hard through four quarters and one overtime period, finally beating the Mavericks, 70-68.
After Norwood outscored the Bluejays 51-43 through the first three quarters, the Bluejays came alive in the fourth, outscoring Norwood 15-7 during the game's final frame and forcing overtime on a Daniel Christensen layup at the buzzer.
Invigorated by their late game run, the Bluejays pressured the Mavericks throughout the overtime period before hanging on for the win.
"It was a great win for us," said Bluejays' head coach Rodney Cox.
Key to the Bluejays' overtime success was the free throw shooting of junior Nigel Henry, who converted all eight of his free throws during the extra session.
"He's got ice in his veins," said Cox of Henry.
Leading the way for the Bluejays was super-sophomore Ro Paschal, who, in addition to pulling down several rebounds, scored a team-high 23 points.
Other high scorers for Mancos included Henry (16 points), Christensen (10 points) and sophomore Adrian Hernandez (9 points).
Bluejays fall to Telluride
Looking to maintain momentum on Feb. 1 in Telluride, the Bluejays played well for four quarters before falling to the Miners for second time this season, 59-48.
Leading the way for the Bluejays in a game that was far closer than the final score indicated was Paschal, who, dominating smaller players in the paint, scored a game-high 21 points.
Unable to match Telluride's quickness on the outside however, the Bluejays' guards never found their rhythm.
"We have to get more out of our guards," said Cox. "That's what we are working on this week."
Next up for the 10-4 Bluejays will be a Feb. 7 home matchup against Norwood, followed by a Feb. 8 road matchup versus Ridgway.