Craig Daily Press

Craig — Coach Steve Maneotis answers immediately when asked what his Moffat County High School boys basketball team must do to be successful in this weekend’s games against Glenwood Springs and Rifle.

“It’s really simple,” he said. “Turnovers.”

He points out that the Bulldogs had almost as many turnovers, 11, as they had shots, 13, in Tuesday’s 53-38 home loss to Steamboat Springs.

He laments how his team is averaging 27 turnovers a game.

He says his team could “very easily” be 5-3 instead of 1-7 and that limiting turnovers is one part of the equation to a better record.

And with Glenwood Springs (5-2 overall, 0-0 in Western Slope play) looming as the Bulldogs’ road opponent Friday night, limiting turnovers will be even more important, the coach said.

“Glenwood is athletic and big,” Maneotis said, noting that the Demons have Donnie Jennert at 6-foot-8, and Patrick Hailey at 6-foot-4 roaming in the post, in addition to athletic guards. “They present a real challenge, inside and out.”

The Demons have man-to-man and zone defenses, and run a motion offense with guard penetration creating over-the-top opportunities for the big men.

Add in Glenwood, “a tough place to play,” and the Bulldogs could have their hands full.

Enter the importance of limiting turnovers.

“We have to control the tempo,” Maneotis said. “We have to be patient.”

In addition to controlling turnovers, Maneotis said his team must defend well.

“We have to allow one shot, box out and control the boards,” he said.

“It’s a big game,” the coach added. “We need a league win to stay in the mix.”

Saturday’s home game against Rifle presents a “completely different style” than Friday’s affair.

“Rifle is up-tempo but not very big,” the coach said.

The Bulldogs should have the height advantage, and Maneotis is looking for his post players, 6-5 Chayton Owens and 6-6 Blake Najera, to be effective inside.

“We have a great opportunity to establish an inside presence,” the coach said.

Mike Peters, Elli Buckner and Thomas Noble are scheduled to round out the Bulldogs’ starting five in both contests.

The Rust brothers, Scott and Tyler, lead Rifle in scoring.

“They’re very athletic and great outside shooters,” Maneotis said.

The coach is hopeful the home crowd will turn out for the game, and he said he sees talent in the group.

“This is a special group,” he said.