Ignacio Bobcats Basketball Aims for Redemption with Experienced Roster

The Ignacio Bobcats boys basketball team is gearing up for the 2025-26 season with a wealth of returning talent, seeking to build on last year’s performance. After finishing fifth in the 3A/4A Intermountain League with a record of 4-8 and an overall standing of 11-13, the Bobcats are determined to make a bigger impact this year. Their previous campaign ended with a disappointing loss to Loveland Resurrection Christian in the opening round of the 3A state tournament. The Cougars, who went on to win the state championship with an impressive 28-0 record, were the top seed, while Ignacio entered as the 32nd seed.

The loss marked the conclusion of high school careers for five seniors, including regular starter Charley Pargin. Joining him were reserves Angelo Frost, Coty Webb, Lincoln Gillespie, and Marquise Cibrian. Despite this setback, Ignacio’s head coach Trae Seibel is optimistic about the returning roster’s potential.

Key Players Return for the Bobcats

Anchoring the front court this season is now-senior Trace Crane, known for his versatility and ability to score from various positions on the court. “In our system that we implemented, the UCLA offense, we’re hammering on getting high-percentage shots,” Seibel noted at the end of the last season. “So we’re pounding the ball inside then looking for outside opportunities. Charley took advantage of it, and there were games where Trace took advantage of it. They were working their butts off, and so was everybody else.”

The back court will also see the return of senior Ambrose Valdez and senior Sonny Flores, who has the flexibility to start or come off the bench. Senior Rance Rathjen and classmate Stoney White Thunder-Lucero are expected to contribute significantly after honing their skills as important reserves last season. Additionally, juniors William Mendoza-Lechuga and Thunder Windy Boy, who both played regular roles on the junior varsity team, will add depth to the squad. The roster also includes junior Shaun Sanderson, sophomore Joseph Atencio, freshman Keyon Alston, and senior Zaine Velasquez-Hight.

While the Bobcats may rely on a read-and-react approach offensively, their defense is expected to focus on a zone-based strategy.

Upcoming Matches and Expectations

Ignacio’s first game of the season will be against 2A Mancos on Tuesday, December 5, 2025, at 19:00. The Blue Jays, who had a challenging season last year with a record of 0-22, have started this campaign with a 1-1 record after recently winning their opener 60-42 over 1A Lake City Community School at a two-day tournament hosted by 2A Sargent. Following their matchup with Mancos, the Bobcats will participate in the C-Town Showdown in the San Luis Valley on December 12-13. Their first game at the tournament will be against Sierra Grande, currently ranked No. 8 in the preseason CHSAANow.com Class 1A rankings.

Ignacio will conclude its December schedule at the Rumble in ‘The Jungle’ in Aztec, New Mexico, from December 18-20, where they are set to face the hosting Tigers on the first day of competition.

With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, the Ignacio Bobcats are poised to make a significant impact this season as they pursue improvement and success in the basketball arena.