Although the Mancos High School boys basketball team did not return from the Meeker Cowboy Shootout with the championship trophy they were seeking, the team had plenty to smile about after locking down two wins against tough competition.
For the Bluejays, the Meeker Cowboy Shootout began with a game against Soroco on Dec. 6, which was won by Mancos, 55-35. Senior Vassar Stephens led the Bluejays in scoring with 14 points, junior Caden Showalter scored 13 points, and freshman Connor Showalter scored 11.
Caden Showalter pulled down 10 rebounds and was credited with five blocks and three assists. Cova had 5 assists for Mancos and senior Hunter Hoover had seven rebounds.
The Bluejays second game of the tournament came against Rifle High School on Dec. 7, and after four tough quarters, Mancos found itself on the wrong end of a 50-31 final score. Caden Showalter had 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead his team.
Mancos’ final game of the tournament came against the Lotus School for Excellence on Dec. 8 and ended with a 52-42 victory for the Bluejays. Stephens led Mancos with a season-high 17 points and added 10 rebounds. Caden Showalter scored 10 points and pulled down 15 rebounds.
With the win, Mancos finished third overall at the Meeker Cowboy Invitational and improved its record to 3-1 on the season.
In recognition of his strong performances over the weekend, Caden Showalter was named to the all-tournament team. Stephens earned the title of “dunk contest champion” after thrilling fans with several impressive jams. Rifle captured the tournament title.
With their first tournament of the season now behind them, Mancos will embark on a busy week that includes a road game against Center on Dec. 14 and a road game against Sargent on Dec. 15. The Bluejays will then step up in competition with Durango at home on Dec. 18 and Montezuma-Cortez on the road on Dec. 20.
