Furious Mustang Rally Falls Short

     Despite a valiant 4th quarter effort, the Varsity Northville Mustangs fell short in the Championship of the annual Mustang Holiday Classic, losing to Troy Athens by the score 54-46.  The victorious Red Hawks took a seemingly comfortable lead into the final frame 42-30, but struggled to hold on as they watched our Mustangs fight back and cut the margin to a slim 4 points with 3 minutes left to play.  It looked as if momentum would carry the home squad into a winning position, but it was not to be this evening.   Behind some tremendous guard play, Troy was able to hold off the charge, make free throws down the stretch, and come up with a couple huge stops to disappoint the host team.

    Northville started strong with a 13-12 lead after one.  Andrew Meacham, Northville's big scorer, opened on fire with 9 points, 3 blocks and three steals in the first quarter alone.  Neither team took charge as the score see-sawed throughout the second quarter and the half showed a 23-21 Troy lead.  The third quarter proved to be the difference in this game as the Mustangs struggled to score while the Red Hawks seemed to find the basket with every shot.  When Michael Williams, Troy's star senior point guard went down with an ankle injury late in the 3rd, it looked as if the Mustangs might have a chance.  but outstanding play from junior guards Will James and Tim Shayoka filled the gap and was enough to protect the lead.

     Again, Meacham led all scorers with a strong 22 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 5 steals.  Andrew Stevens added 8 markers including a strong effort late in the game.  Coach Todd Sander, though disappointed with the outcome, was proud of his squad, "I thought we gave all we had in the effort column tonight", he said, "we just couldn't get the shots to roll in when we had them on the ropes in the 4th.  Our guys never quit, and we almost got there. But at least it is a good way to get ready for our grueling conference schedule after the break."

     The Mustangs are now idle for 10 days.  Next action will be Tuesday, January 7 at home.  Fans should remember that home Tuesdays are Pizza Night for all students attending the games.  On the 7th, the pizza will be provided be Little Caesars.  Also featured that evening will be a fan shootout at halftime for some valuable Little Caesars delights.  Come cheer on the Mustangs and hang around for a pizza victory celebration!

    Congratulations to the Varsity Mustang Girls for a thrilling victory over Dexter in the Championship of the women's bracket.