Still, positives were abundant in the game, especially considering the rather unorthodox preseason the Mustangs had. Having to contend with Middle School basketball games, the high schoolers only had two full practices on the court. Some of the positives were surprising. Take rebounding, which was something that the Mustangs struggled with last year but did well in the opener. Joel Decker, Chris Janssen, and Mason Nutter were excellent, playing scrappy defense and leading the team to 46 rebounds.

 

Both defenses were on display in the season opener, and the score was miniscule, with neither team reaching 40 points. Offensively, the Mustangs struggled from behind the three-point line, going 0-14 in the first half and sinking only two in the fourth quarter, with one each for Luc Stanley and Riley Allen. In the first half, Chris Janssen led the scoring through a series of mid-range shots, finishing the first half with six of the Mustangs 12 points at halftime. Luc Stanley made use of his trips to the free-throw line, going 5-6 and keeping the Mustangs in the game.

 

The two defenses continued to lock each other down after regulation ended, but unfortunately for the Mustangs, they would come up short, being outscored just 2-1 in overtime. It was a heartbreaking end to a phenomenally played game by the Mustangs’ defense, especially Riley Allen and Chris Janssen, who played the entire 36 minutes. That being said, there were a lot of positives to be taken from the game, and that will hopefully be the players' main takeaway from opening night.

 

The Mustangs go on the road again this weekend, with a doubleheader against KIPP Denver Collegiate School and Sheridan High School before opening up the home campaign on Tuesday night at 7:00 against Twin Peaks.