After a slow start to its season, the Mancos High School girls basketball team is starting to turn it on.
Bluejays fly past Dolores
Playing on the road against Dolores on Jan. 27, Mancos team as they controlled the game from the start, en route to a 52-36 victory.
"We played all four quarters, which is what we needed to do," said Mancos head coach Mallory Morgan. "We had yet to do that all season."
Among the players who made an impact for Mancos was senior guard Taylor Goff, who scored a game-high 16 points. Goff scored just two points in the Bluejays loss to Ridgway last week.
"I've been really trying to get Taylor to be a leader," said Morgan. "We're a young team, and she has to step up and play that role. Last night was big for her."
Senior post Andi Paschal scored 11 points, sophomore guard Brittney Peacock scored nine, and junior point guard Jessica Gutierrez scored eight.
"A couple of girls stepped up big-time for me," Morgan said. "Brittney Peacock played well and really gained some confidence last night."
Mancos led 16-7 after the first quarter, 25-18 at halftime, and 43-28 entering the fourth quarter.
According to Morgan, Dolores, which normally performs well on the fast break, struggled to score points in transition.
"We were able to slow them down," said Morgan. "We got back in transition, and they just didn't run the floor as much as they usually do."
Bluejays defeat Dove Creek
Facing off against Dove Creek in Mancos on Jan. 30, the Bluejays struggled early, but pulled away late for a 44-27 victory.
Mancos led 5-4 at the end of the first quarter and 16-12 at halftime. The Bluejays outscored Dove Creek 28-15 in the second half.
"Our first half was weak and that's how it has been throughout the season. Our second half we came out of the locker room and played well."
Sophomore post Nicole Hess led the Bluejays with 16 points and Goff chipped in 13.
Bluejays beat Telluride
Wrapping up their perfect week at home against Telluride on Jan. 31, Mancos controlled the game from start to finish on its way to a 49-15 victory.
Keying the Mancos victory was tough man-to-man defense, which led to several Telluride turnovers. Time and time again, Gutierrez and Goff stole the ball before racing ahead of defenders and passing to one another for easy layups.
"We just wanted to put as much pressure on the ball as we could and force some turnovers and get some points," said Gutierrez.
The junior point guard led Mancos with 16 points in the win. Hess and Goff added 12.
"We're finally beginning to get chemistry between everybody," said Gutierrez. "We have started building confidence as a team and that has continued to build."
Now 5-7 on the season, Mancos will play against Ignacio on Feb. 3 before returning to action at home against Class 1A defending state champion Norwood on Feb. 6.
"We can still improve on slowing it down and actually running an offense," Goff said, when asked about the ways in which the Bluejays can still improve.