Playing offense resembled a jazz ensemble for the Ignacio High School boys basketball team Saturday against Durango High School.
There was a set list, but improvisation reigned, and everyone got their solo: Seven Bobcats scored in their 64-42 victory over Class 4A DHS, while the Class 2A Bobcats shot 57 percent from the floor.
“A lot of the time we weren’t running an offense because it’s hard to run an offense when they’re that aggressive,” IHS head coach Chris Valdez said of the Demons’ defense. “We’re just playing basketball.”
Six Bobcats scored more than five points in the game, four starters and two players off the bench.
Kelton Richmond led IHS with 15 points, while Clayton Jefferson joined him in double figures with 12. Adison Jones had nine points and 11 rebounds, and Anthony Manzanares had nine points off the bench.
“It’s tough for the other teams because we’re so dynamic; all five of our starters can score,” said Richmond, son of Denise and Jeff Richmond. “We’ve got a deep bench this year. I think it’s going to be tough for teams to guard us for a full game.”
IHS (8-0) hit 5-of-8 shots from beyond the arc spread across five players.
“Even our big guys are good shooters; it really spreads the defense out,” Valdez said. “It’s hard to help away from anybody because everybody’s capable. It’s a testament to these kids because everyone’s worked hard to get to that level.”
Valdez ran two-a-day practices during the break leading into Saturday’s game, which his players credited for their sharpness.
They also leaned on the chemistry of playing together for so long.
IHS starts two seniors and a junior with two sophomores, and the top two players off its bench are a senior and a sophomore.
“It’s fun because you know your team’s going to find the open man for the open shot,” said Jones, son of Greg Jones and Latisha Taylor.
The Bobcats flexed their offensive muscle strongest in the second quarter Saturday when they outscored DHS (4-4) 18-3 as part of a 21-3 run, stretching from the end of the first quarter.
“They went to the zone, and there was no more pressure,” Valdez said. “Our individual talent in certain positions allows us to attack the basket in a set like that.”
Despite the offensive fluidity, IHS turned the ball over 20 times, which Valdez attributed to the Demons’ pressure and said the Bobcats would have to fix before league play.
IHS next will play Dove Creek at 7 p.m. Saturday at home to open its San Juan Basin League schedule.
kgrabowski@durangoherald.com
