by Garrett Miller
The West Grand Mustang boys’ basketball team picked up two league wins against the Caprock Academy Eagles and the Hayden Tigers. These wins give the Mustangs a 4-3 league record and a 7-7 overall record.
The Mustangs hosted Grand Junction’s Caprock Academy on Friday night. After losing to Plateau Valley the week prior, the Mustangs were eager to redeem themselves and earn a win on their home court. The game started with an immense amount of energy and teamwork. The team started out in a press, and it was executed very well. The hard work for Mustangs gave them a lead of 22-11 after the first quarter. The Mustangs continued to work in the second quarter and they earned another 13 points giving them a lead of 35-16 at the half. The third quarter scoring was fairly low in comparison to the first two quarters, but the Mustangs maintained a lead of 43-25. The Mustangs went out with a bang in the fourth quarter when they added 16 points to the lead. All twelve varsity members got significant playing time. After a well-played game, the Mustangs were victorious 59-31. Junior, Luis Dominguez, had 16 points, 11 steals, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Sophomore, Marcus Sanchez, had 11 points, 2 steals, and 2 rebounds. Senior, Jake Bentler, had 9 points, 8 steals, and 6 assists. Senior, Garrett Miller, had 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and an assist. Freshman, Rene Dominguez, had 7 points and an assist. Senior, Josh O’Hotto, had 6 points, 12 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists. Freshman, Austin Schake, had 2 points and a rebound. Senior, Kolby Hester, had 3 rebounds. Sophomore, Connor Miller, had 2 rebounds, and Freshmen, Jacob Buller and Alejandro Castanon, had a combined 5 rebounds.
The next day, the Mustangs traveled to face the Hayden Tigers. After a big win against Caprock, the Mustangs were feeling confident. That confidence would be tested in the game. The game started out slow for the Mustangs. The Mustangs were trying to tame the Tigers, but at the end of the first quarter, the Mustangs were down 11-13. The Mustangs kept fighting, but the Tigers made it challenging by making nearly all of their shots. At halftime, the Mustangs were still down 19-24. The Mustangs were hoping to make the second half their half; however, the Tigers still played with the Mustangs. At the end of the third, the Mustangs were still down 33-37. In the first part of the fourth, the Tigers extended their lead to 7, making the game 33-40. At this point, the Mustangs knew it was now or never. Then, the Mustangs went on a 7-0 run making the game 40-40 with a few minutes left. Neither team gave up, but the Mustangs pulled ahead to win 51-47. Junior, Luis Dominguez, had 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Sophomore, Marcus Sanchez, had 12 points, 4 steals, and 6 rebounds. Senior, Josh O’Hotto, had 9 points and 9 rebounds. Senior, Jake Bentler, had 9 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 5 assists. Senior, Kolby Hester, and sophomore, Connor Miller, both had 3 points. Freshman, Rene Dominguez, had 2 points, 4 steals, a rebound, and an assist. Senior, Garrett Miller, had 7 rebounds.
West Grand’s last 5 games before playoffs are all-league. The Mustangs plan to continue working hard. This Friday, the Mustangs will host the Soroco Rams at home. The Soroco Rams have a league record of 1-7. The Mustangs need this win. The next day, the Mustangs will travel to Paonia to face the Eagles who have a league record of 6-1. They are currently in a three-way tie for second in the league with Meeker and Hotchkiss. The Mustangs are looking for a large win on the Paonia home court.
