The Staley Mustangs Boys Basketball teams traveled to Stafford Middle School to play the Spartan in their last game before Christmas break.  The Staley boys had a rough night against a very talented and fast opponent.  

The 8th Grade C Team, was overpowered by the speed and talent of the Spartans.  The boys were down 21-2 at the end of the first period, as the Spartans took control from the tip off.  The Staley boys played hard and never gave up.  Number 10 play with aggression the entire game, while other Mustangs had some great shots, including #45, #33, #4, #15 and others.  Despite their best efforts the Mustangs could not contain the offensive firepower of the Spartans, falling 55-21.

The 7th Grade C team played a great game, keeping the score close.  The Mustangs were down 14-10 late in the third period when they started a comeback.  #31 had a fantastic steal to take it back down the court for two. Great defense and a bucket by #55 had the game knotted at 14.  Another bucket by #55 had the scored tied again at 16.  He then went to the line for a free throw, sank one to put the Mustangs ahead 17-16 at the end of the third period. The Mustangs continued to play tough and had it tied at 22 with a minute left in the game.  A basket by the Spartans had them take the lead 24-22.  The Mustangs continued to play great defense, but could not get a ball to fall their way.   A foul had the Spartans making one more basket on a free throw with 36 seconds left.  The  Mustangs took the ball to their basket, but several attempts netted them nothing.  The Spartans rebounded and took it back the other way, some great defense by Staley #22 and #3 helped Staley #1 get the ball back with 5 seconds left.  Number one shot with 1.7 seconds left, it went over the basket, but he was fouled.  Unfortunately, the ball did not drop the Mustangs way on the free throws, and the buzzard sounded with a Spartan 25-22 victory. 

The 8th Grade B Team suffered the same fate at the C team, trying to overcome the speed and talent of the Spartans.  The Spartans took a fairly large lead into the second quarter and the Mustangs could not close the gap.  Despite being behind the Mustangs, the team still put together offensive drives, and had many good shots, by #42, #43, and a nice three point shot by #12.  The Spartans strong play resulted in a 53-21 win over the Mustangs.

The 7th Grade B Team started off strong, but the Spartans were matching basket for basket.  The Mustnags took and 8-4 lead mid way through the first period as both #15 and #31 had two nice lay ups.  The Spartans and the Mustangs were battling it out on the court, each team driving down the court and making shots.  The Mustangs had a 22-18 lead half way through the fourth period.  Great defense by #4 and great rebounding by #11 had the Mustangs keeping the lead on the Spartans.  Number 10 brought it down the court and executed a lay up to give the Mustangs a 24-19 lead. The Spartans made a basket to cut the lead to three with just under 5 seconds to play.  The Spartans gave it on last shot that went over the net and had the Mustangs hang on for the victory 24-21.

The 8th grade A Team played well and gave it their all, but fell behind early 9-2 mid way through the first quarter.  The Mustangs continued to play hard but the Spartan lead increased.  Number 54, #4, #35, #51 and #25 all contributed Mustang points.  Number 5 had a fabulous three pointer in the fourth period.  The Spartans proved to be a very talented and tough opponent, taking the victory 64-34.  The Mustangs never gave up and played with great Mustang spirit.

The Seventh Grade A team played tough, keeping the game within reach.  The score was 14-9 at the half thanks to the aggressive play of #1, #31, #10.  The Mustangs continued to play tough and had the score tied at 19 during the third period. Some baskets by the Spartans had them taking the lead 24-19 with two minutes left.  The Mustangs played aggressive and hard, but could not get any more points on the board.  The Spartans hung on for a 27-19 win.   

The Mustang boys played hard and never gave up.  The Mustang fans, love seeing their boys hit the hardwoods and cheered every shot.  

Here are some images of the night. 

8th Grade C Team

7th Grade C Team

8th Grade C team

7th Grade C team

7th Grade B team

8th Grade B team

8th Grad 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