Nobody can replace a legend. One can just continue success.
That is the task at hand for new Mancos boys basketball coach Mike Glover. He takes over a program previously led 30 years by Gary Hill.
This isn’t Glover’s first coaching job. He had major success for nine years as head girls basketball coach at Montezuma-Cortez High School. Glover led the Lady Panthers to the Round of 16 4A state playoffs in 2005, the school’s best finish. Although Glover will tell you there are major differences between coaching boys than girls, he is still excited about his new opportunity.
“We played a lot of summer games and got to know the kids. They got to know me all at the same time,” Glover said. “We got to do a lot of growing up things in the summer. I’m excited to have this opportunity. One of things I’m getting told is how I have big shoes to fill. I’m excited for that challenge.”
The Bluejays played at various high school camps and one camp at Fort Lewis College. In total, Mancos played 32 games in the summer.
Some mature juniors and seniors are on the Bluejays roster, but only two players return with quality varsity minutes from last season. Trey Gordanier is the lone starter back and junior Branson Mitchell saw plenty of time off the bench. Perhaps the biggest challenge will be replacing All-State point guard Emilio Marquez.
“Right now, its looking like I’ll play 1 through 5,” Gordanier said about potentially play each position on the floor. “Everybody’s kind of doing that. Keeping it versatile. Even with all the coaching changes, the young guys are ready to go. We’ve also got tons of talent that’s still here. I think we’re ready to go. We’re starting it off good.”
Glover indeed likes a challenge. That’s why he put together a tough nonconference schedule for his 2A squad. The games begin Friday and Saturday at the Four Corners Classic at the M-CHS Gym against 3A Bayfield at 4 p.m. If the Bluejays win, they would face the winner of 4A Delta and 1A Monticello (Utah).
Other contests on the nonconference slate include road games at 4A Aztec (N.M.) and Bayfield on Dec. 20, and Jan. 17, 2012. Mancos hosts 3A Navajo Prep (Farmington, N.M.) on Feb. 7.
“We really tried to make sure this year that we had a tougher nonleague schedule, so it will better prepare us for districts,” Glover said. “That way, maybe we’ll be ready for the regionals. That’s kind of what we’re really hoping for. I wanted to make sure we didn’t have any JV teams on the schedule, and try and play head up with some of the schools. See how we compare.”
The Bluejays host Ouray to open 2A/1A San Juan Basin League play on Dec. 9.
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at bobbya@cortezjournal.com.
