MBN Roundup: Girls basketball

It is a tough matchup, easily the most-enticing of the round, and more than a few observers are wondering why it is occurring this early in the bracket.

But Mullen understands it and realizes what’s awaiting its Mustangs on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Class 4A Sweet 16 -- the Pueblo West Cyclones, the
No. 3 seed, a program that has had a winning record for 12 consecutive seasons and a contender over two classifications.

“We’re aware,” Mustangs head coach Frank Cawley said. “And we know we have to play.”

Disappointed with their designation as the No. 14 seed, the Mustangs’ only in-state losses were to two-time defending state champion Grandview and Cherry Creek (twice each), and Regis Jesuit. All are Class 5A powers. Plus, the Mustangs are 16-8 and were 10-4 in the 5A Centennial League,
in addition to showing very well in a January scrimmage against Holy Family, which is seeded second, in a salute to the old Parochial League.

Sophomore point guard Megan Pohs, an all-league performer a year ago, heads Mullen. Bigger – and taller – news has been the additions of freshmen Imani Perez, a 6-foot-2 center who has played well on both ends, and Gracie Gallegos, a versatile, emerging forward who has regularly guarded the opponents’ top player. Another dynamic has been the overall play off the bench by senior Iliana Perez.

Cawley said his group “remains a defensive team first,” and will need it against the Cyclones, who also draw well and are 21-3, including 9-1 in the South Central League, the same marks held by rival Pueblo South, the No. 4 seed. The two programs split their two matchups this season.

The Cyclones, who have won at least 21 games in six of eight seasons, are led by 5-8 junior Hannah Simental, who averages 22.2 points.

Tuesday’s winner will meet the winner of the (11) Ponderosa-(6) Montrose matchup on Friday.