The Pershing County boys basketball team has its eye on the prize.
They aim to make it to the playoffs. Despite this week’s losses that goal remains within their grasp.
Tuesday the Mustangs lost to Dayton (46-24) in a non-conference match-up. Thursday they suffered a five point loss to the Coral Academy Falcons (44-39).
It was an exciting beginning to league competition as both teams battled until the buzzer.
The high scorers against Dayton were Ashton Nolf with eight points and Diego Gonzalez and Travis Donaldson with five each. Pershing trailed by only two points at halftime.
“We played a good zone defense. It’s just that the shots didn’t fall as much as we would have liked. The game got away from us in the third quarter. Numerous turnovers cost us,” said coach Jesse Canchola.
The coach acknowledges that the Mustangs could have played better against Coral Academy.
“Our inexperience showed at times in crucial situations. We can’t wait to redeem ourselves,” he said.
They’ll have the chance on Tuesday, Jan. 18, when Pershing hosts the Falcons.
Gonzalez scored in the double digits against Coral Academy with 16 points. Donaldson added eight points. Aaron Kienbaum contributed nine.
JV boys pick up
two road wins
It’s always a good sign when a basketball team recovers from a double-digit deficit. Just ask coach JJ Meyers, Pershing County’s JV boy’s basketball coach.
“At one point we were down 12 points in the first half against Dayton,” he said. “We were able to make some adjustments at halftime.It was a wild finish.”
The boys scored 31 points in the second half and won by one point (49-48). Michael Reitz led the scoring with 14 points. Tommy Meyers scored 13 points.
The momentum continued against Coral Academy on Thursday.
The Mustangs beat the Falcons 49-12. Reitz led with 15 points.
“JJ is doing a great job with JV developing them at the bottom,” said Canchola. “This season is the foundation for what’s to come. The future is bright. We just have to stay the course.”
Upcoming games
Friday, Jan. 7, the entire PCHS basketball force travels to Yerington to play the Lions.
The JV boys play at 4:30 p.m. and the varsity competes at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 8, Lovelock hosts the Silver Stage Nighthawks. The JV boys lead off at 12:30 p.m. Varsity plays at 3:30 p.m.
PCHS spirit squad debuts this weekend
On Saturday the Pershing County spirit squad will perform for the first time this basketball season. Look for Lupita Lopez, Jillian Bridges, Brooklyn Mitchell, Miya Gallagher, Mikayla Leavitt, Grace Kalsem, Briahna Wilcox and Jazmin Bristow.
