Mullen misfires on playoff possibility

 

It doesn’t rain, but it pours.

Despite being in the final games of a difficult season, Mullen had a chance to actually flirt with making Class 5A’s 48-team playoff bracket that is to be released in a week.

It was all there for them on Saturday -- the Mustangs were to face a team that actually had a worse record, they were playing at home and the last time the two teams met Mullen’s foe won handily and had a player set two individual program marks.

But so much for incentive.

Cherokee Trail simply dominated and blew out the Mustangs 77-45 in the Centennial League at Hutchison Fieldhouse, a one-sided loss that burned afterward and probably erased any opportunity for postseason play.

“We are what we are,” Mustangs coach Bob Caton said. “I don’t know what else to say. That team (the Cougars) came out and executed, and wanted it more than us. That’s it.”

Mullen dropped to 4-17 overall, 1-11 in league. Cherokee Trail also is 4-17 overall and its two victories over Mullen in league have come over a dozen games.

It didn’t begin well. The Cougars hit their first three shots to take the lead and the Mustangs were unable to score until 2 minutes, 35 seconds remained in the first quarter.

Cherokee Trail quickly led 19-9, then 43-26 at halftime as Mullen shot only 9-of-30 on field goals.

Junior Brayden Carter again led Mullen with 18 points. He also grabbed 11 rebounds.

The Mustangs will have their final home game of 2019-20 on Wednesday, Feb. 19, against Overland, 7 p.m., then complete their season in Aurora on Friday, Feb. 21, at Grandview, 7 p.m.

 

Cherokee Trail – Titus 3 2-2 10, Jordan 8 4-5 22, Gibson 0 0-0 0, Tesfaye 3 1-4 7, Vincent 7 0-0 14, Yslas 4 2-2 12, Barber 1 2-2 5, Frazini 1 0-0 2, Nelson 0 0-0 0, Washington 1 0-0 3, Kruse 1 0-0 2. Totals 29 12-16 77.

Mullen – Thompson 3 2-4 10, Lopez 2 1-1 7, Heffern 0 0-0 0, Berg 0 2-3 2, Carter 7 3-4 18, Smith 0 2-4 2, Dominguez 1 0-0 3, Haas 1 0-0 3, DePizzol 0 0-0 0, McNalley 0 0-0 0, Marsh 0 0-0 0. Totals 14 10-16 45.

3-pt. goals – Jordan 2, Titus 2, Yslas 2, Washingotn; Lopez 2, Thompson 2, Carter, Dominguez, Haas.