Before the Manitou Springs boys basketball team even started its season, it got hit with a significant injury. Andrew Rhodes, a returning starter from last year, rolled his ankle in a practice. Upon further evaluation, it was revealed that a piece of bone in his foot had actually broken off and is now pretty much just floating around.
Rhodes had been on crutches since suffering the injury and was cheering on the Mustangs from the bench. But last week, there was a welcome sight for the team and the fans. Rhodes returned to practice early last week and returned to game action, as well.
The Mustangs (4-2 overall, 1-0 Tri-Peaks) won both games they played last week, topping Bishop Machebeuf 62-52 on Dec. 15 before rolling to an 83-15 win over Atlas Prep in their Dec. 16 home opener. Rhodes came off the bench to score seven points for the Mustangs, not a dominant number by any stretch, but it felt good for him to get back into the rhythm of the game.
“Getting a guy like Andrew back really helps,” coach Brian Vecchio said. “His leadership has been what has developed the most. He’s been a great teammate as he has battled injuries and worked to come back.”
With the full allotment of guards available, the depth should provide the Mustangs additional success this season.
“It’s going to be effective,” Rhodes said. “In tight games, everyone is going to know what to do. We’re filling in (our spots) and we can score and we really need it.”
Against Machebeuf, the Mustangs found themselves in an early hole, trailing by as many as 17 at one point. They went into halftime down 28-17 before starting the climb back.
John Maynard scored Manitou’s first six points coming out of the locker room, then a basket from Lairden Rogge and a 3-pointer from Tyler Maloney pulled the Mustangs within two. Maloney later sank a pair of free throws to make it 39-38 in Manitou’s favor and the team never looked back.
The win against the Atlas Prep Gryphons, while dominant, came with little fanfare. The Mustangs jumped out to a fast lead in the first quarter and cruised the rest of the way. Maynard led the team with 20 points while Rogge had 17.
Every player who suited up for the game scored at least a point for the Mustangs.
“Sometimes it’s easy for some ‘me’ moments or ‘me’ plays to come out in those games,” Vecchio said. “Our guys did a really good job of moving the ball and generating good team shots down the floor.”
Manitou is done with competition through the winter break and will return to the hardwood to face La Junta at home on Wednesday, Jan. 4.