Mancos is on a 11-game streak of home wins (dating back to last season), while the Pirates are on a 11-game streak of away wins (dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. The Mancos Bluejays will take on the Pagosa Springs Pirates at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Mancos knows how to get points on the board -- the squad has finished with flashy point totals in its past five matches -- so hopefully the Pirates like a good challenge.
In what's become a running theme this season, Mancos gave their fans yet another huge victory on Thursday. They blew past Nucla 75-55. The score was close at the half, but Mancos pulled away in the second half with 48 points.
Mancos got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Brian Veach out in front who scored 19 points. Kaiden Wyatt was another key contributor, scoring 15 points.
Meanwhile, Pagosa Springs didn't have too much trouble with the Mean Moose at home on Saturday as they won 63-49. Given Pagosa Springs' advantage in MaxPreps' Colorado basketball rankings (they are ranked 22nd, while the Mean Moose are ranked 133rd), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Pagosa Springs' victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Blake Laner, who almost dropped a double-double on 24 points and nine rebounds. Laner is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as he's now pulled down eight or more in the last 12 games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Nathaniel Kinsley, who scored 15 points along with seven rebounds and two steals.
Mancos' win bumped their record up to 10-3. As for Pagosa Springs, their win bumped their record up to 17-1.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Mancos have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 34.5 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Pagosa Springs struggles in that department as they've been averaging 26.8 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other basketball content.
