The Staley Mustangs Boys Basketball hosted the Cobb Cyclones last night.  All the boys played well and there were some tight games and fantastic finishes.  

The 7th Grade boys C team played tough against the Cyclones, keeping it close through out the game.  The team worked together on both offense and defense to stay even with the Cylones.  Cobb had a slight lead 11-10 early in the third period,  when a bucket by #44 put Staley ahead. Tough defense by Staley #55 and #42 down the stretch kept Staley close. The Cyclones had a 5 point advantage late in third period 21-16, however the Mustangs fought hard and outscored the Cyclones in the fourth period, it just was not quite enough.  The Staley boys played strong and competitive, but lost a heartbreaker to Cobb with a final score of 24-22.  Great game boys.

The 8th Grade boys C team also played a competitive came against Cobb.  The teams traded baskets for the entire first half.  Great plays by #3, #10 and #15 had Staley with the lead 18-16 at the half.  Cobb came out strong in the third period to go up quickly 23-18.  The Staley boys lead by #22, #1 and #0 stayed strong and got back into the game, 26-22 late in the third.  The Mustangs were giving it their all.  Staley's #22 made a basket in the fourth period to get the Mustangs within two for a score of 26-24.  However, Cobb came right back with two baskets of their own to take the lead 30-24.  Staley stayed strong and #15 got the  Mustangs's two more.  Staley #10 drew a foul and made one free throw to bring the score to Cobb 30-Staley 27 with a minute nineteen left.  The home crowd was loud and proud.  Cobb went down the court and scored a basket of their own.  Staley's #10 brought it down the court , passed to #1 who quickly passed it back to #10, who went up for the shot.  Staley's #22 rebounded under the net and passed it back out to #1, who hit a three point jumper to pull the Mustangs back within 2 with 42 seconds left.  Cobb 32-Staley30.  Staley defense held and the Mustangs brought it back down the court.  The Mustangs took the shot, but luck would not have it fall in for the score.  Cobb rebound to close out the game.  The Mustangs played strong and tough, but lost a heartbreaker 30-32.  Great job, Mustangs! 

The Mustangs 8th Grade B Team always plays with such enthusiasm, and determination.  I love watching them play, each one of them give it 100%.  Once again, the Mustangs played tough and never gave up, but just could not overcome the Cylcones.   Keep playing with that determination and spirit.   

The Staley Mustang 7th Grade B Team gets the game of the night award!!  These boys played toughed.  They had to fight hard, and they did.  The Mustangs were down by eleven points 18-7 in the third period, and still 23-12 late in the third.  But that did not stop the Mustangs.  Baskets by #11 and #1 got the Mustangs within 7: 23-16 at the end of the third.   Down by 5 (27-22) with a minute and half left, the Mustangs would not give up, they applied the pressure and mounted their comeback.   Outstanding defense down the stretch by the Mustangs was crucial.  Staley's #5 passed to #1 who made the shot, Mustangs down by three. The Mustangs passed the ball around, took some shots, got the rebounds but could not get one to drop in the basket.  The gym rocked as the crowd, and other Staley players chanted "DEFENSE".  The Mustang defense stayed tough, and got the ball back.  The ball was passed out to #15, who made the jump shot at the three point line.  The Staley fans went wild!! TIE GAME 27-27!!  The coaches called for a time out with 30 seconds left.  The strategy was in place.   The Mustangs perfectly executed an inbounds play, Staley #1 with the ball went for the shot and drew the foul.   Calm and composed he came to the line and sank one of the free throws to give the Mustangs a very narrow, one point lead 28-27.   Staley's #25 stole the ball, but aggressive play by the Cyclones had it come down to a jump ball and possession going to Cobb.  The Mustang defense stayed strong, #15 and #1 double teamed the Cyclone player for a steal.  #1 brought it back down the court, took the shot, and Cobb rebounded as the seconds ticked off the clock.  The buzzer sounded and the crowd leapt to their feet as the Mustangs pulled out an outstanding come from behind victory!!

The Staley Mustangs 7th Grade A team, played a tough Cobb team, who has only lost one game all season.  The Mustangs played with grit and determination, but could not overcome the offensive power of the Cyclones.  However, these boys play their hearts out every minute of every game.  I enjoy watching the all out efforts of all of these boys.  Great plays, by # 45, #31, #41 and #12 had the Mustangs putting points on the board, but they lost to the Cyclones, 32-18.  Great effort Mustangs!!

The Staley Mustangs 8th Grade A team gave the 7th Grade B team a run for the money on the game of the night.   The Staley boys started out strong and had a 5-0 lead in the first, and an 11-7 lead at the half. Cobb proved to be tough, getting five points late in the third period to tie it up at 17.  The Mustangs were not going to go down, they dug in and showed the Cyclones what they are made of: determination and persistence.   The Mustang's #4 took a shot and drew the foul.  Both shots missed, but #13 rebounded, made the basket and drew a foul.  The Mustangs came out with the two point lead, 19-17.  A foul by the Mustangs in bonus time had the Cyclones sink one free throw to pull back within one.  The Mustangs continued to play aggressive, a shot by #54 bounced off the rim and into Staley's #13 hands, who put it through the net for two: Staley 21-Cobb 18.  Staley's #54 came to the line and sank a free throw to give the Mustangs a much needed point, as Cobb came right back and got a goal to be only down by two. ( Staley 22-Cobb 20).  Staley's #54 drew another foul and with composure and precision, swished two through the net to put the Mustangs up by four with 1:48 to play.   Some Staley players were fouled, and came to the line, and one went through the net, that and  great defense kept the score at 25-20, until Staley's #4 came to the line for another chance at two free throws.  Number 4 made it look easy as he put two through to give the Mustangs the lead at 27-20 with 47 seconds left.  The Cyclones got one more point on a free throw, but the Mustang defense kept the pressure on and got possession at the end of the game to run out the last ten seconds for the victory.  Fantastic win, Mustangs!!  Way to be tough!!  

All the boys played well and provided exciting moments for the Staley fans.   Congratulations Mustangs!!

I am looking forward to being at Staley next week to watch, cheer on and photograph our Lady Mustangs!!  

Here are some images from last night's games:

7th Grade C Team

7th Grade C Team

8th Grade C Team

8th Grade C Team

8th Grade B Team

8th Grade B Team

7th Grade B Team--3 point shot to tie the game.

7th Grade B Team--3 point shot to tie the game.

7th Grade B Team--Game winning free throw.

7th Grade B team Celebration

8th Grade A team

7th Grade A team

7th Grade A Team

8th Grade A Team

8th Grade A team

8th Grade A Team