By Graham Karr
On Thursday, January 15th, the Mustangs welcomed a tough challenge as they took on the Doniphan-Trumbull Cardinals. The Cardinals, a Class C-1 program, entered the matchup with a 9-2 record, while the Mustangs were sitting at 6-5. Leading up to the game, Mustang coaches emphasized the importance of competing in games like this, noting that hard-fought matchups against quality opponents are where teams grow and learn the most.
That challenge was evident early, as Doniphan-Trumbull came out firing on all cylinders. The Cardinals opened the game with a fast-paced, high-energy offense and poured in 22 points in the first quarter, while the Mustangs managed 10. Their speed and ability to score in transition made it difficult for the Mustangs to slow their momentum.
Landon Duester led the Mustangs offensively, finishing the night with 10 points, while Hayden Karr recorded three steals. Although the Mustangs were unable to close the gap against the Cardinals, the effort and experience gained from the matchup proved valuable. The team continued to fight until the final buzzer, using the game as a learning opportunity that helped prepare them for the remainder of the week.
The following night, the Mustangs were back at home for their second game of the week, this time taking on Giltner/Harvard, who entered the contest with a 6-8 record. Giltner-Harvard got off to a strong start, jumping out to a 14-8 lead in the first quarter. They found success by attacking the paint, using effective post play, and creating scoring opportunities through pick-and-roll actions and post slips.
In the second quarter, the Mustangs settled into the game and began to find their rhythm. Their defensive effort improved, limiting Giltner-Harvard to just five points in the quarter, while the Mustangs scored 10 of their own. That surge cut the deficit to just one point at halftime and shifted momentum heading into the locker room.
The second half featured a competitive back-and-forth battle. In the third quarter, the Mustangs edged Giltner/Harvard 14-11, giving them a two-point lead.
Cooper Wengler provided a much-needed spark off the bench, knocking down two three-pointers and finishing with eight points. Beau Bonifas led the offensive effort with 12 points, while Duester had nine. Jack Reents controlled the glass, finishing with 11 rebounds.