Staley Boys Basketball hosted the Fowler Falcons last night.  The Boys 7th Grade C team played tough, keeping the game tight with the Falcons.  They were up by one early in the third quarter, but the Falcons fought back.  Late in the fourth, Fowler was up by two, 20-18.  The Mustangs were hanging tough; however, everything was falling the Falcons way.  It seemed every shot they put up fell into the net, while the Mustangs were not having the same success, as if someone put a lid on the top of their basket.  Despite playing  a very good game, the Mustangs lost to the Falcons 28-20.

The Mustangs 8th Grade B team, came out on fire, after watching their teammates on the C team get a thrilling victory.  The Mustangs were matching the Falcons basket for basket and had the scored tied 10-10 in the second quarter.  The Falcons went on a 9-4 run to take a 19-14 lead into the half.  Number 43 sank a basket at the free throw line to get the Mustangs at 15-21 in the third quarter.  The Mustangs continued to play tough and with 5:20 left in the game, the Mustangs were within two.  Mustangs 21-Falcons-23.  The Falcons still had the lead, but #3 came to the line and got one through the net to bring the score to: Mustangs 22-Falcons 26.  Then Mustang #42 dribbled down court and made a lay up shot to get the Mustangs back in the game, only two out. Mustangs 24-Falcons-26.   After a great rebound, and coming back down the court, Staley's #1 drew a foul, with 1:57 left in the game.   The Mustangs were ready for another come from behind victory.  However, both baskets just barely missed,  Fowler went to inbound the ball, when #24 tipped it and Staley's #42 got the ball, turned and shot.  Two points for the Mustangs--the game was unbelievably tied up at 26 with 1:52 left.  However, anyone will tell you that is an eternity in basketball.  Staley's #3 had a great steal, passed to #24 who went up for the shot, however great defense by the Falcons, had them bring it back for two points.   The Mustangs were aggressive, playing to win, but fouled the Falcons several times. The Falcons proved to be proficient at free throws, hitting 5 out of 6 to go ahead 33-26.  The game was much, much closer than the final scored indicated.  The Mustangs fought hard, but time ran out and the Falcons held on for the victory.  

Th Staley 7th Grade B team played a great game, they went ahead right off the bat, with baskets by #10 and # 1.  Falcons proved they could play just as well as the Mustangs.  They quickly closed the gap and took the lead 12-11 mid-way through the second quarter.  Staley Number #3 made a great lay up to get the Mustangs two more; however, the Falcons were tough, taking a 19-13 lead to the half.  The Mustangs would not be brought down that easily.  They came out in the second half, aggressive and strong.  several baskets and great defense had them bring it within two with 25 seconds left.  Staley's #1 got the ball on the inbound, after a time out.  He went to the paint, and took a shot, but the Falcon defense blocked the shot, Mustang #11 got the rebound, and was fouled.  We though he would go to the line to shoot, but apparently it was not a shooting foul, so the Mustangs inbounded the ball, and #24 took a shot, but it did not drop and was knocked out of bounds--Falcon's ball.  The Falcons threw the ball down the court and threw it at the basket as the buzzer sounded.  The Falcons outlasted the Mustangs for the 27-25 victory. 

The Staley 8th Grade A team had their work cut out for them.  The Falcons sported some big kids.  Two of them could dunk!!  This team was loaded with talent.  They have scored 50+ points against all their opponents so far.  The Staley Boys played well, but were out matched against this bigger team. They were down 16-5  int he second quarter. The Mustangs players kept their composure, played hard and stayed strong. They definitely were not the bigger team, but their compete level is off the charts.  They played a great fourth quarter, scoring nine points while holding the Falcons to 2.  The Staley Boys kept the Falcons under 50 points and had the lowest points spread of all of Fowler's opponents.  A moral victory with the Falcons 45- Mustangs 24.  

The Staley 7th Grade A team played well together as a team.  The Falcons and Mustangs battled it out, keeping it close it the first half.  The Falcons came out hard in the second half, going up 19-7.   A great pass from Staley #12 to #22 lead to a fantastic three point shot.  The Mustangs were tough, not going down easy, but it was an uphill battle against a much bigger team.  The Staley boys were handed a 39-22 defeat, but will hopefully rebound next week and come back strong.  

Here are some images of the night.

7th Grade C Team

7th Grade C Team

7th Grade B Team

7th Grade B team

8th Grade B Team

8th Grade B Team

8th Grade A Team

8th Grade A Team

7th Grade A Team

7th Grade A team