The
The Colorado High School Activities Association Class 2A Region 1 Tournament final was set Friday, as the Ignacio High School boys basketball team won easily in a 66-45 game against league rival Mancos at Adams State University in Alamosa.
The No. 2 Ignacio Bobcats (20-2) used a huge third quarter to outlast No. 7 Mancos (9-13). The Bobcats outscored the Bluejays 19-10 and eventually pulled away in the final frame.
“I thought we struggled a little at first, but the guys hung in there and extended the lead,” Ignacio head coach Chris Valdez said in a phone interview with The Durango Herald. “They felt more comfortable as the game went on.”
Tucker Ward led the Bobcats with 14 points, and Wyatt Hayes added another all-around game with a double-double of 13 points and 11 assists. Hayes also finished with eight rebounds and four steals. Anthony Manzanares added 13 points in the win.
Mancos brought size to the party with Ro Paschal drawing all the Ignacio attention. Despite Paschal pouring in 26 points, Ignacio senior big man Nicholas Herrera frustrated Paschal all night. Herrera finished with 11 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks.
“Nick did a super job down low,” Valdez said.
Herrera and Austin McCaw both fouled out by night’s end.
Ignacio will now turn its attention to No. 3 Center (20-4) for a chance to get a bid to the CHSAA Class 2A state tournament. Ignacio and Center will tip off at 2 p.m. Saturday at Adams State University.
Ignacio already beat Center, 61-53, at Center High School. In that game, Ward had 15 points and Hayes had 13.
Center runs a 1-3-1 zone defense with fast athletes at the helm. Valdez said he is aware of Center’s defense and plans on stressing ball control to his team.
“We need to take care of the ball,” Valdez said. “If we don’t turn the ball, over we’ll be in good shape. But they capitalize on turnovers, so our passing must be precise and we must finish around the basket.”
jmentzer@durangoherald.com
