Tested again in the first half, the Bobcats responded.

Leading only 23-20 at halftime and with three starters in foul trouble, the Ignacio High School girls basketball team responded with a big run in the third quarter, holding the Bluejays to three points. A double-double from Ellie Seibel and all-around solid team defense helped the Bobcats to a 58-30 win.

“Mancos had a fantastic first half. We came out in the third quarter and let them score three points, and that was huge for us defensively,” IHS head coach Shane Seibel said.

Ellie Seibel finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Hilda Garcia scored 20 points for IHS (9-3, 6-0 Class 2A San Juan League).

The win came one game removed from a tough 42-35 win at Dolores for the Bobcats. Playing in two consecutive close games has helped the Bobcats grow more confidence the deeper into the season they get.

“We executed the offense well. It was another fun and exciting game for us,” coach Seibel said.

heraldsports@durangoherald.com