As regularly seen last winter, the Ignacio boys' ability to score points in bunches appeared in their 2014-15 opener Tuesday night. It was a non-league game at 3A Pagosa Springs.
But last year's points runs showed up just once. Ignacio didn't get closer than 29-27 in a 50-39 loss to the Pirates, and the Bobcats never led the game.
"We made a lot of mistakes, turned the ball over a little bit too much, and I thought we were a little tentative offensively," said IHS Head Coach Chris Valdez. "Defensively we got beat back-door for about three or four layups, didn't see a man behind us on an inbounds play. I mean, the little things that we should be ready for, and it seems like we're a week behind where we need to be."
Senior Luke DeVooght canned a three-pointer on the Pirates' very first shot, then worked for a basket in close on their second, giving Pagosa a quick five-point advantage they'd protect from start to finish, despite the 'Cats staying close through the first half.
PSHS led just 10-8 after the opening quarter, and just 17-14 through two as only junior Pagosa post Briar Erskine and Ignacio senior post Adison Jones were able to show any life offensively.
Pagosa came to the game in the second half, however. A series of baskets and two free throws combined for a sudden 25-14 lead before Ignacio junior guard Tucker Ward finally got the 'Cats going with a needed three-point play.
A steal-and-two by junior guard Wyatt Hayes eventually pulled #2-ranked IHS back to 29-25. Jones then crashed inside for another quick bucket, but Pagosa led into the fourth quarter 32-27.
By the time Hayes swished a three-pointer with only 2:32 left in the game, Pagosa was ahead 44-34.
Jones, 7-of-11 from the stripe, amassed a game-high 19 points for the visitors. Junior post Nick Herrera finished with six, Hayes and Ward each had five, and junior guard Anthony Manzanares had four.
"Got to get it together by Thursday," said Valdez.
Ignacio played 3A Centauri last night at Adams State University in Alamosa. IHS is scheduled to play 4A Glenwood Springs tonight at 5 p.m., then 2A Hayden tomorrow at 3 p.m. on the last day of the tourney.
