Playing Friday night without high-scoring junior guard Cooper Roderick, Bayfield not only caught powerful Pagosa Springs by surprise during the opening eight minutes, but later went into halftime close enough to actually entertain thoughts of a serious upset.
The Pirates did not let that happen, though.
Pagosa Springs piled up 29 points in the third quarter en route to an authoritative 73-38 victory.
All told, Nathaniel Kinsley scored a game-high 18 points and Blake Laner 15 as Pagosa Springs improved to 19-1 overall, including 9-0 in 3A/4A Intermountain League action. Making two of 4A PSHS’ five 3-point baskets, junior guard Colt Lewis also scored 15 points.
Bayfield senior guard Cody Ross scored a quick seven points to help the visitors tie the game at 14-14 through the first quarter. Although Ross – who ended up with a team-high 13 points – was blanked during the second, Bayfield (3-15, 1-8 in league play) was within striking distance at the break, down 27-22.
However, Pagosa Springs pulled ahead for good in the third quarter.
Bayfield junior guard Isaac Forsythe took advantage of the opportunity starting in place of Roderick, draining two 3s and totaling 10 points. Junior guard Austin Wilmer netted all six of his points during the fourth quarter.
Bayfield will host Alamosa this upcoming Thursday.
The Lady Wolverines trailed 21-3 after one quarter and couldn’t recover, falling 58-15 Friday at Pagosa Springs.
Winning their third consecutive game, the Lady Pirates (16-4 overall, 8-1 in league play) led 35-6 at halftime and didn’t look back. Junior guard Elizabeth Currier led the way offensively with 18 points, five assists and eight steals. Senior center Annie O’Donnell and junior guard Karsyn Shahan scored 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Junior guard Kylie Ketchum sank two of Pagosa Springs’ three 3-pointers and finished with seven points.
