Lady Jays struggling to find their rhythm

With losses piling up and inconsistent play a consistency, the Mancos Bluejays girls basketball continues to search for answers.

Norwood blasts Bluejays

Kicking off last week's play in Norwood on Jan. 31, the Bluejays ran into trouble, losing 60-31 to a talented Norwood team.

After trailing 16-10 at the end of the first quarter and 30-17 at halftime, the Bluejays came unglued to during a tough third quarter that saw them outscored 20-4.

"We were a little tired and we just didn't play our best basketball," said Bluejays' head coach Mallory Morgan. "We've talked about it before, the third quarter is tough for us."

Leading the Bluejays with 10 points was junior Taylor Goff. Senior Emily Funmaker chipped in 7 points and senior Brandi Bundy scored 6.

Bluejays win in Telluride

Enjoying better results in Telluride on Feb. 1, the Bluejays broke back into the winning column, besting the Miners 61-52.

Playing well to begin the contest and leading 12-6 after the first quarter, the Bluejays ran into trouble in the second frame, falling behind 25-23 entering the half.

Contributing to the Bluejays' first half struggles was an inability to collect loose balls and rebounds as Telluride players consistently outhustled Mancos.

"We came out really lethargic," said Morgan. "Telluride has definitely improved and we didn't play the first three quarters very well."

Luckily for the Bluejays, things picked up in the fourth quarter however, as Mancos finally found its rhythm, outscoring Telluride 23-17 in the final frame.

Leading scorers for the Bluejays included Goff (14 points), Bundy (12 points) and Funmaker (9 points).

"We need to improve on our post play," said Morgan. "We cannot rely on our guards to score the ball all of the time."

Hoping to improve with another week of practice, the Bluejays will next take the court at home against Norwood (Feb. 7) before travelling to face Ridgway (Feb 8).