I am going to issue a blanket apology for any inaccuracies from any of the games, and not getting final scores on the games.  The 7th grade and 8th grade teams play at the same time in different gyms.  In order to capture action for all the teams, I go back and forth between the gyms and then stay focused on a team that is playing a close game.  I love being able to capture the action and put the pictures in context, but the concurrent games make it a little bit more difficult than football to give a complete recap.  Thank you for your support and please enjoy. 

The Staley Mustangs Basketball season started tonight.  The boys teams traveled to Wester Middle School to take on the Wildcats. The 8th Grade boys C  Team started off a little slow, but at the end of the first period, they were hanging tough 6-5.  The second quarter had Wester getting ahead, getting quite a few point from free throws, at the half, it was Wester 15 - Staley 7.  The Mustangs settled down and and got back into the game, getting within six points, thanks in part to #33 and #43 who sank a couple of three pointers.  The Mustangs closed the gap, 27-23 early in the fourth quarter, and stayed closed to Wester but could not overcome the Wildcats.  The final score for the 8th Grade C team: 37-30.

The Mustangs 7th Grade C Team played a very exciting game.  The score was close the entire game.   The score was Staley 12-Wester 10 at the end of the third period.  The battle was close, with each team matching basket for basket.  At the 4:28 mark of the 4th quarter Staley still had the lead 14-12, but Wester tied it up soon after.  The scored tied with less than a minute left, had the crowd at the edge of their seat.  Staley #31 brought it back down the court after a rebound and was fouled on the shot.  To the absolute delight of the Mustang fans, players and coaches, he made the first shot at the line, to give the Mustangs the lead 15-14.   The aggressive play of #30, gave the Mustangs back the ball on a steal.  An insurance bucket was added to give the Mustangs a three point lead with ten seconds left.  The Staley boys hung on for the win, 17-14.  A very exciting game. 

The 8th Grade B team, had a tough night against the Wildcats.  The Mustangs played tough, but could not get a ball to fall their way.  Wester was up 8-0 after the initial period.  The Mustangs went down 29-4 at the end of the third quarter.  The Mustangs scored some points in the fourth quarter, getting a couple of baskets and free throws.  The Wester Wildcats came away with the win 41-11.  The Mustangs had a good showings from several players, especially on the defensive end.  The team stuck together throughout the game and showed great sportsmanship. 

The Mustang 7th Grade B Team played strong.  They were tied 8-8 early in the second quarter.  The Mustangs went up 9-8 when #3 went to the free throw line and sank one.  Number 1 had a great steal, dribbled down the court and put it in for another two.  Mustangs 11-8.  And then #3 had a three pointer to put the Mustangs up 14-9.  Number 25 put up two point on the board late in the second quarter to bring the score to Mustangs 16-Wildcats 11.  The Mustang continued to stay strong taking the victory.

The 8th Grade A team match up fairly well against the Wildcats. The Mustangs put the first score on the board, but Wester came back matching bucket for bucket.  Wester had the lead midway through the second quarter 15-14.  A nice three pointer from #5 put the Mustangs up 17-15. The Mustangs went on an 8-3 run to take the lead 25-20 midway through the third quarter.  A great shot by #23 put the Mustangs up again by 5: 27-22.  The Mustangs still  had the lead 27-26 at the end of the third quarter, and #23 came to the line for a technical foul and had three tosses that just would not drop.  Two were in the net, and bounce out.  The score was tight with five minute left in the game, Mustangs had a slim, one point lead; 29-28, when Wester put one through the net to take the lead 30-29.  Staley #25 sank two free throws to give the Mustangs back the lead. But Wester stayed strong, the Mustangs were putting up the shots, but could not get the ball to drop their way.  The Wildcats were quick on the rebounds, and scored 5, to go up 35-31.  With 45 seconds left, the Mustangs sank one to bring the score to 39-33, but they sent Wester to the line, where the were sinking their free throws. The Mustangs put up one final basket at the buzzer, but it was not enough as they lost 43-35.  The game was tough and intense and the Mustang played a much closer game than the score indicated.

The 7th Grade A team played well.  Both teams started off slow taking most of the first quarter to get some points on the board.  The Mustangs put up the first point on #11's free throw.  But Wester came back to score  a bucket.  The boys were evenly matched up and in the third quarter the Mustangs had a two point lead 13-11. Wester had a strong third quarter and was up 23-19 at the start of the final period.  Although the Mustangs played tough and continue to press, the final score was 35-25 in favor of Wester.

The 7th Grade teams did not look inexperienced.  All three teams played strong.  The Mustangs are a talented team with a lot of potential.  The Mustang's season should be very competitive.

The 8th Grade teams played tough, never giving up.  The Mustangs are a good team, with talent, focus and determination.  They should be able to have a competitive season if they continue to play strong together.

Congratulations Mustangs on a great opening night!!

Here are some images of the games. 

8th Grade C Team

8th Grade C Team

7th Grade C Team

7th Grade C Team

8th Grade C Team

8th Grade B Team

8th Grade B team

7th Grade B Team

7th Grade B Team

7th Grade B Team

8th Grade A team

7th Grade A Team

8th Grade A team

8th Grade A team

7th Grade A Team