Well-rounded scoring and tough defense was exactly what Chris Valdez wanted to see.
The Ignacio High School boys basketball coach was more than pleased with his team’s effort Friday night in the Bobcats’ home opener at the SunUte Community Center in Ignacio.
Junior point guard Wyatt Hayes had 16 points, seven steals and four assists to help lead Ignacio (3-2) to a 70-43 win against Center (2-2).
“I thought we played real well for our first home game. I thought we might have jitters, but we didn’t. We were right on target, moved the ball quick and didn’t make mistakes early, so we got in a good rhythm,” Valdez said.
A year ago, Hayes led the state in steals as a sophomore. His seven steals Friday night helped him get on track to repeat the feat as a junior.
Senior forward Adison Jones added 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
“We’re banking on 16 to 18 assists a game. Quickness and ball movement was really great, and we were balanced scoring,” Valdez said. “We had three or four kids in double figures or close to it. Our first game, Jones had 19 and half our points. We won’t win with one guy getting half the points. The balance across the board makes me feel a lot better.”
Senior guard Xavier Reynolds added 10 points for IHS, and junior center Nick Herrera had eight points.
Valdez was happy to see the way his team reacted to playing in the SunUte Community Center, the Bobcats’ temporary home while their gymnasium is being remodeled.
“This is where these kids go when they don’t have something to do. They’re used to playing in there, and the staff was fantastic,” Valdez said. “They love running events for our community, and my hat’s off to the SunUte Center for what they’re doing in the community. It makes our town special to have people doing what they’re doing.”
IHS will begin San Juan League play at 7 p.m. Thursday against Dolores back inside the SunUte Community Center. It is the team’s last game before a January 8 showdown against Durango High School at Fort Lewis College.
“That’s a big, huge game for us. Last year, we upset Durango bad by 24 points. We should’ve never done that, but they panicked and we blew them out,” Valdez said. “We will go up there in a few weeks in their hometown but on a neutral court, and the place will be packed. We will get by Thursday and start working toward that.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
