By Milla Butler
Hosting the game against the Wilcox-Hildreth Falcons, the Mustang boys were happy to acquire another win, gaining their fifth win of the season. The Mustangs ended the game strong, scoring 56 points to the Falcons’ 35. Leading scorers for the Mustangs include junior Tayten Menke with 19 points, 5 of those shots being three-pointers. Junior Jordan Faimon acquired 13 points, and sophomore Lane Conway scored 8. Leading the teams in rebounds included Faimon and Conway, with 13 and 8 points. Also leading the team in offense was junior Keaton Karr, contributing 7 assists. Commenting on the team’s progress, Coach Bade says, “Overall, the team works well together, and I continue to be proud of the growth they are showing. Sometimes it doesn’t necessarily show up night in and night out in the wins/losses, but they are becoming a solid defensive team and gaining confidence in offense both as individuals and in the team. Tayten Menke had a great game in scoring 16 points, with 5 three-point shots, along with 8 rebounds. It was great seeing him rewarded in that way for the time he has put into his game since last summer.”
After defeating the Wilcox-Hildreth Falcons, the Mustangs had the challenge of taking on the Lawrence-Nelson Raiders. Unfortunately, the Mustangs fell short and the Raiders came out on top. The final score ended 31-37. Leading scorers against the Raiders include Faimon and Menke, acquiring 13 and 7 points, respectively. Commenting on this tough game, Coach Bade comments, “We really struggled in some areas that we need to continue to develop as a team. Lawrence Nelson is a very disciplined, well-coached team who always plays with intensity. Give them the credit for what we struggled in doing throughout the game.” Commenting on how the team is preparing for districts, Coach Bade states, “There are still a few areas of our game that we need to figure out and get better at executing. Most of that falls more on myself as a coach and putting them in situations to prepare for success. Fortunately, we still have practices left and time to show improvements in those key areas. I am looking forward to what this group of players can still achieve yet this season. Not one player or coach is willing to “give in” to what we have always believed in where could be come district time. That mentality and mindset is something that truly defines this group in a way that sets them apart from other teams I have coached with in past seasons.”