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They know where they stand

BHS boys basketball hosts Mancos after tournament trip
Preston Hardy has led the BHS boys basketball team in scoring and rebounding through three games. The Wolverines will take the court again at 7 p.m. Thursday in Bayfield against Mancos.

Playing in the tournament in Buena Vista last weekend showed the Bayfield High School boys basketball team where it stands.

The Wolverines learned some of their strengths, their weaknesses and learned they can compete with one of the top teams in the state in Jefferson Academy.

“I think they feel like they’ve been making progress, and they’re able to compete with some stronger teams,” BHS head coach Jeff Lehnus said. “We found out what we did well and found out what we need to work more at. That’s exactly the level of competition that really helps you see that.”

BHS (2-1) will have a chance to apply what it learned after a five-day break when it takes the court against Mancos at 7 p.m. Friday in Bayfield.

The Bluejays enter the game at 3-2 after playing in the Meeker Cowboy Shootout and facing Center at home.

They currently are riding a two-game losing streak, but Lehnus isn’t taking them lightly.

The Wolverines will have to be aware of 6-3 junior Ro Paschal, who’s averaging 17.2 points per game.

Senior Nigel Henry also averages 14 points per game for Mancos.

“First of all, we have to respect our opponent. They’re coming in here, and they have some good, from what I know, good guards. They look to move the basketball,” he said. “The boys inside seem to be serious about going to the glass. They will fast break. We’re going to see a good squad.”

BHS will counter with its own trio of double-digit scorers.

Senior Preston Hardy leads the BHS with 18.7 points per game, while Conner Kennedy scores 12.5 per contest and Dillon Hoselton is at 10.3 points per game.

“At least in some phases of the game, there’s been some good execution,” Lehnus said. “When you get going, for a while it’s thinking early on rather than just playing and reacting.”

Kennedy missed the team’s last game against Jefferson Academy with an injury and felt it flare up in practice Tuesday night.

Lehnus said he would be a game-time decision Thursday.

With or without Kennedy, the Wolverines have been focusing on defensive execution in their preparation since the Buena Vista tournament.

“Our defense has been continuing to evolve and to be more diverse,” Lehnus said. “We shot poorly against Jefferson Academy. It was our defense that was really there. That’s what I’ve been preaching to the boys. On the road, in a new gym against new teams, you’re not going to shoot well every night. We’re going to win if you can defend, rebound and take care of the basketball.”

kgrabowski@durangoherald.com

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