MANCOS – The Mancos boys basketball team is back in the Sweet 16.
For the sixth straight year, the Bluejays moved their name one step deeper into the 2A state tournament field. Playing in front of a sea of blue and white certainly helped their cause, as Mancos went on a 21-8 second-quarter run en route to a 62-49 victory over Sedgwick County in Friday’s regional matchup.
Under the guidance of William Custer, the Bluejay junior varsity coach stepping into the head coaching role for the postseason, Mancos turned to a tightening defense in the second quarter after Sedgwick County jumped out in front 15-9 through one frame.
Senior Kail Wayman and junior Kaiden Wyatt made sure the lead wouldn’t last for long. The duo combined for 11 second quarter points as the Jays started dictating the tempo of the game – scoring in transition and gashing the Cougars off the dribble.
A number of screen-and-rolls opened up good looks around the rim. When the defense focused on the duo, it set up opportunities for teammates.
Wyatt and Wayman each scored 15 points for team-high honors, while freshman Kaleb Schmitt scored eight of his 10 points in the second half to affirm the Bluejay advantage.
Mancos senior Brian Veach added 12 points, and the Bluejays found a way to win without making a single 3-pointer. Rather, they won thanks to work in the paint.
Sedgwick County’s Jaxson Carlson also scored 15 points, while sophomore Tate Renquist dropped in 14.
The Cougars kept the game within reach heading into the fourth quarter, trailing 43-35. However, Mancos made free throws to expand the lead to double figures, ensuring their lead would stand through the final eight minutes with ball control and tenacity on the glass.
Mancos will face No. 9 Limon in the Sweet 16, hoping to end four straight seasons seeing its season end that soon. The action begins Saturday at the Bluejay Fieldhouse, starting at 1 p.m.
The game will be broadcast live on radio station 98.7 FM KRTZ and krtzradio.com, and the winner moves on to the state quarterfinals at Blue Arena in Loveland the following weekend.
