The annual varsity boys basketball matchup against the Cripple Creek-Victor High School Pioneers is one of the favorite matchups for the players. It’s one that the Mustangs have taken in the last four matchups, and it’s a budding rivalry for the two schools. It was evident to everyone in attendance that the Mustangs came in expecting to win against the 2-1 Pioneers. The Mustangs didn’t just win, though. On the back of a 37-point triple-double for Nolan M., the Mustangs put together a spectacular team display to win their second straight game by 30 points, walking away with a 77-47 win.

The Mustangs jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter, scoring a quick 20 points and leading by ten against the Pioneers. The defense for the Mustangs was the story in the first quarter as they stood their ground, and most of the points for Cripple Creek came via free throws. The Pioneers were strong in the second quarter, outscoring the Mustangs by one. However, they were still down by nine, making their efforts somewhat meaningless.

The Mustang's offense exploded in the second half, especially during a 28-point fourth quarter that led to the game's dominance. Nolan M. played well on both sides of the ball with 11 rebounds and 10 steals, in addition to the 37 points. Freshman Riley A. also had a solid night with 13 points, four steals, and three assists, as well as showing grit after getting shoved and flying a long way through the air before coming to a hard landing and going back into the game after a short, 30-second stint on the bench.

The Mustangs followed up their 77-47 win at Cripple Creek with another win in Longmont against Twin Peaks in dramatic fashion, winning on two clutch free throws from Riley A. and Henry S. Going into final exams and winter break, the Mustangs sit atop the Mile High League standings, tied with Bishop Machbeuf High School. They are ranked 10th in the Colorado 2A Division, according to MaxPreps. Nolan M. has had a phenomenal start to the season, and he ranks a whopping SIXTH among all players, regardless of division in Colorado, and first in Division 2A.

The Mustangs begin the next part of the so-called “revenge tour” with a triple-header featuring the girls and boys JV teams at home against Clear Creek on Jan. 11. The Mustangs also square off against Cripple Creek again on Saturday, Jan. 13 at 3:30 p.m. at home in the James E. Loan Athletic Center, following the 2 p.m. girls game.

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