Head coach for both the boys and girls high school basketball teams Kelly Arnold told the San Miguel Basin Forum that he’s pleased with the teams’ performances on the court in recent games.
“The boys have been stepping up the last few weeks,” coach said Monday morning.
The guys beat Telluride, 49-46, last Thursday and De Beque on Saturday, too, 47-42.
“It’s good to see them get a little turnaround going on, and start to compete and beat some teams,” Arnold added.
The girls are also playing well, he added, but they did lose some close games last week.
While the ladies also beat Telluride at home, they fell to Plateau Valley and also De Beque. Both of those losses were due to last-second plays, coach said.
Now, both girls and guys teams have a makeup game against Dolores. It’s a home game this Wednesday, Feb. 1. Then, the Mustangs host Mancos on Thursday, Feb. 2. Both games are San Juan Basin League games.
Arnold is hoping to squeeze in two JV games on Thursday as well.
“We will see how the week goes,” he said.
Community support is encouraged, and concessions are in order for both nights.
The boys will travel to Gunnison on Saturday, and there they will face Sangre de Cristo.
The last home game of the season is scheduled for Feb. 17; that is Nucla versus Dove Creek. It’s also parents’ night, and as is tradition there will be flowers and special messages in celebration.
At this point, both the girls and the boys teams are about even in their records, with about the same number of wins and losses. Now, coach said, is time for making the final push as the season begins to wrap up. With February underway, it’s time for the Mustangs to finish strong.
“And get ready for post-season play,” he said. “That’s what we’re gearing up for.”
Arnold said that the last home game will not be Nucla’s last one in the existing gym. Next fall, basketball practices and even a few home games will still be happening in the same gym, while the new school is being finished. The official move will not happen until after next year’s winter break. Change is set to happen for 2024.
“After that, we’ll christen the new school and the new gym,” he said.
