'Stangs rock, roll and learn

 

AURORA – Certainly, it was a blowout, and everyone knew it was going to be a blowout, but why not take the opportunity to get better?

It’s what Mullen head coach Frank Cawley wanted – and got – in his Mustangs’ 83-27 road victory at Smoky Hill in the Centennial League on yet another recent, snowy night, this one a Wednesday.

The defending Class 4A Colorado champions moved to 14-6 overall, 8-3 in league, and may have learned a thing or two.

“We didn’t come out with the intensity we need,” Cawley said of his team’s relatively slow start, “but this is a testing ground for us to learn how to play with the lead and maintain the intensity.

“Getting some (substitutes) in in the first half helped us a bit. And we had a good third quarter.”

Despite the slower beginning, Mullen eventually ran to a 23-6 lead after a quarter and 43-16 at halftime. Biggest was a 28-3 third quarter against the 5A Buffaloes (4-16, 1-10).

“One of the things we’re trying to get them to understand is that when we play defense, our offense explodes and we can get into transition,” Cawley said. “Everyone was getting out and running, and it was because we played hard defense.”

All 11 players scored at least three points and junior reserve Jessica Oates-Stamm said she and her teammates knew what was coming from an opportunity standpoint.

“Yeah, I think coming in we knew we’d all be able to play a lot and improve, and get better,” Oates-Stamm said.

Even as a reserve, she said, “I just try to do my best and you have to be able to be ready and play defense, and have it go over to your offense.”

Plus, she added, accepting roles appears firmly entrenched as “everyone cheers for everyone else.”

Sophomore Gracie Gallegos continues to emerge, leading the team with 16 points. Frequently the first player off the Mullen bench, junior Alexa Dominguez added 14. Sophomore Imani Perez was strong inside, scored nine ooints and even led the fast break a couple of times. Junior guards Megan Pohs (eight points) and Elaina Martinez (seven) also contributed.

Mullen will have another Saturday matinee in league, 3:30 p.m. vs. Cherokee Trail at Hutchison Fieldhouse. Just three games remain in the regular season.

 

Smoky Hill – Cupp 2 0-0 4, Grambusch 2 0-2 5, Jay. Lindsey 1 1-2 3, Taylor 1 1-2 3, Tuom 2 2-2 6, Jaz. Lindsey 0 0-0 0, Naastad 2 2-2 6. Totals 10 6-10 27.

Mullen – Pohs 3 0-0 8, Martinez 3 0-0 7, Van Horn 5 0-0 10, Perez 3 3-4 9, Gallegos 5 4-5 16, Dominguez 6 2-3 14, Webster 0 3-6 3, Oates-Stamm 2 0-0 4, Elges 2 0-0 4, Freelon 2 0-0 4, Gutierrez 2 0-0 4. Totals 33 12-18 83.

3-pt. goals – Grambusch; Gallegos 2, Pohs 2, Martinez.