The Manitou Springs boys basketball team has shown flashes of its potential in two wins already this season. The Mustangs opened with a 63-49 win over Peyton on Nov. 30, then followed it up with a 42-21 win over Elizabeth two days later.
In each game, the Mustangs (2-0 overall) couldn’t quite put together a complete effort; they were outscored in the third quarter against the Panthers and the second quarter against the Cardinals.
But the rest of the games, they looked like a team that returned multiple starters and has enough depth to make a run at a league championship. There isn’t too much concern over stumbling for a quarter, at least not yet.
“I think they’re doing a good job on both ends of the floor,” coach Brian Vecchio said. “I see a lot of good leadership and I see a lot of good things at practice out of our juniors and seniors.”
There was a little contrast in the way the Mustangs won their games. Against Peyton, guard play was essential as Lairden Rogge knocked down multiple 3-pointers and Sam Fournier gave them a boost off the bench.
Against Elizabeth, they let the big guy work. John Maynard finished the night with a team-high 21 points, which was half the Mustangs’ point total as a team and matched what the Cardinals scored the entire game.
It was highlighted by a massive dunk in the third quarter that ignited the energy and helped the Mustangs outscore Elizabeth 26-6 in the second half.
“Whether it’s a dunk or we make three threes in a row or get an and-one (basket and a foul), it helps us get that energy back after settling down at halftime,” Maynard said.
Those games where Maynard takes over will be crucial in the Mustangs finding success this season. He has shown to be dominant in the post at times and his ability to knock down a 3-pointer makes him a dangerous big man, especially on the offensive side.
“Anytime you have a big guy like John, he’s going to attract a lot of attention,” Vecchio said. “If he can do the work inside, it will open up the perimeter for other guys and they’ll feed off his energy.”
The Mustangs head to the University Tournament this weekend and will play their home opener next week against La Junta.