It's not often that a 25-point quarter doesn't end in an Ignacio victory.
Especially inside IHS Gymnasium.
But Tuesday night, Dec. 4, the unlikely occurred as the Bobcats, hosting Dolores in their 2018-19 home opener, lost an early 25-18 advantage, got caught in a back-and-forth battle, regained a 56-52 lead through three quarters, but ultimately lost a 68-65 verdict.
Sophomore center/forward Bryce Finn paced the 'Cats with 21 points, including three three-pointers as he showed some of the versatility which helped Ignacio threaten #4-ranked Limon in the LHS Invitational's championship game just a couple days before. Finn scored 11 points during that game's first quarter.
Junior guard Keegan Schurman scored 13 points and also sank three treys, while sophomore guard Triston Thompson booked 12 points, equaling Finn with three double-digit scoring games right out of the gate. Sophomore guard Brady McCaw chipped in 12 before fouling out for the second time in three games.
As expected, Bear senior Tristen Swagerty was difficult to defend as he scored a game-high 34 points, including 10-of-11 free-throw accuracy. Sophomore Neil Farias got the 'Cats for 14 before fouling out in the fourth quarter, while sophomore William Swagerty and junior Trey Seekins each contributed five points.
Up next, Ignacio (1-2, 0-1 2A/1A San Juan Basin) will host 4A Kirtland, N.M., Central at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, then welcome 3A Cedaredge at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15.
