The Staley Mustangs Boys Basketball played the Pioneer Panthers at home last night.  This is always a fun game, as we have some friends who go to Pioneer and it is always good to see them and watch their kids play.  

The 8th Grade Mustangs C team played well against the Panthers.  Pioneer took an early 6-0 lead, but Staley fought back to close the gap to 2 at 10-8 late in the second period.  Nice team work and shots, by #10, #33, #3 and #0 helped the Mustangs keep it close.  The Panthers came out on fire in the third period to take control of the contest.  The Mustangs took shots, but did not have the any luck getting them to fall their way.  Although the Mustangs outscored the Panthers in the fourth period, it was not enough as the Mustangs fell to the Panthers 31-19.  Good game boys!

The 7th Grade Mustangs C team took control of the contest against the Panthers from the get-go.  The Mustangs had a 9-2 lead early in the second period.  The Mustangs had a great third period with a commanding 11 point lead.  The boys played great together, had stellar defense and turned the pressure into a lot of fastbreak points.  The Mustangs stayed strong and played smart to get the much deserved victory.  Fantastic Job!! Congratulations, Mustangs!!

The 8th Grade B Team played tough against the Panthers. The boys kept it close, matching basket for basket in the first half.   The Mustangs and Panthers were tied up 9-9 late in the second period. The Panthers proved to be strong in the second half, gaining momentum,  and turning up the defense to outscore the Mustangs, and take a late fourth quarter lead of 30-19.  Regardless of the final score, it is always fun to watch this Mustang team play.  These boys go out and leave it all on the court.  They play with heart, determination and Mustang spirit.   

The 7th Grade Boys B team played an exciting game.  The Mustangs took command of the game early and had an 8-2 lead at the start of the second quarter.  The Mustangs were up by ten when the Panthers mounted a come back.  Going on a scoring run, the Panthers were down by 2: 19-17 when a foul took them to the line,  they sunk both free throws to tie it up midway through the third quarter.  However, the Mustangs stayed strong and aggressive, played defense down the stretch and hit their shots to finish out the game with a 30-22 victory.   A great game Mustangs!!

The 7th Grade A Team played hard against the Panthers, but fell behind early and could not make up the deficit.  However, these boys play strong and aggressive, with grit and spirit. Number 31 and #45 raced up and down the court, controlling the ball  and great shots by #22, #12 and # 3 had the Mustangs put points on the board.  It is always great to see this young team play together.  Great job Mustangs. 

The 8th Grade A team wins the award for the most exciting game of the night.  The Mustangs played a fantastic game and fought hard.  The game was close, with the Mustangs and Panthers trading baskets, for a tie score at 11 at the end of the first period. The Panthers pulled ahead in the second period to have a 25-20 lead at the half.   Pioneer increased their lead on the Mustangs to ten points in the third period.  The Mustangs stayed strong, getting a couple of baskets to bring the score 34-28 in favor of the Panthers late in the third.  Number 25 made a shot to get the Mustangs two more and drew a one and one foul.  The ball bounced off the rim from the free throw and was rebound by Staley #54, who went up for the shot and drew the foul.  Both balls bounced off the rim to close out the third period with the Mustangs down by four: 34-30.  The Mustangs kept the faith, gather their Mustang spirit and buckled down for six more minutes of play.  After a missed shot by Pioneer, Staley #23 brought the ball down court, passed to #14 who put up a shot and that was rebound by #11 who made the shot for the Mustangs and drew them within two-34-32.   Pioneer answered with their own basket to take the four point lead again: Pioneer 36-Mustangs 32.  Once again Staley's #23 brought the ball to the Mustangs' side of the court,  and nailed a three pointer.  Excitement filled the air, the Mustang fans jumped to their feet, as the lead was cut to one: Pioneer 36- Mustangs 35.  But with 4:55 left, it was still anyone's game.   The Panthers put two on the board, and the Mustangs responded when #14 put one through the net to keep the Mustangs in the game: Panthers 38- Mustangs 37.  Mustangs rebounded a Pioneer shot, brought it up court, took a shot, missed but got the rebound.  However, the Panthers had a steal under the net and raced down the court.  The Mustangs' #5 played great "D" and returned the favor with a steal of his own.    Billy went up for the shot and drew the foul with 1:40 left in the game.  Ready and composed, Billy made the first of two free throws to tie the game up at 38.  The crowd roared and jumped to their feet.  Still anyone's game, with the crowd chanting defense, the Mustangs stepped it up and kept the pressure on.   Missed shots by both teams had the scored knotted up, when a time out was called.  The Mustangs had a potentially costly steal on a pass, but great defense neutralized the Panthers shot.  Mustang #25 dribbled the ball down the court,  the ball was passed around until Staley #51 took a shot, rebounded and took another shot.  The ball would not fall in for a score.  The Mustangs rebounded, and passed off to #25, who shot and drew the foul.  Jack, calm, steady and composed connected on the first free throw as the crowd went wild.  The Mustang faithful roared again when Jack swished the second free throw for a two point Mustang lead with 19 seconds left.  Two time outs later, Pioneer got possession, inbounded the ball and took it to their side, as the crowd chanted "DEFENSE".  Staley applied the pressure and a pass sailed out of bounds.  Mustangs' ball with nine second left.  Mustang's #25 was fouled, during bonus time, and got a one and one. The ball bounced off the rim and Mustangs rebounded, ran out the clock and hung on for a 40-38 hard fought, come from behind victory.  A thrilling win for these boys, who never, ever give up.   Great job Mustangs!!!

Here are some images of the night.  

8th Grade C Team

8th Grade C team

8th Grade C Team

7th Grade C Team

7th Grade C Team

7th Grade B Team

7th Grade B Team

8th Grade B Team

8th Grade B Team

7th Grade A Team

7th Grade A Team

7th Grade A Team

8th Grade A Team--Game tying free throw.

8th Grade A Team

8th Grade A Team--Game winning free throw.

8th Grade A team