Pershing County boys basketball ends season at Northern 2A Regional Tournament

The Pershing County boys basketball team achieved an important goal this season. They made it to the NIAA playoffs. Last Thursday, the Mustangs traveled to Incline High School and played rival school, Battle Mountain in the first round of the Northern 2A Regional Championships

The Mustang/Longhorn rivalry has been wild this year. On Jan. 21, the Mustangs lost to the Longhorns on the road by 20 points (61-41). 

On Feb. 9, the Mustangs hosted and came out on top (62-42).

At the regional tournament, Battle Mountain seized the win 63-43. It was a season-ending loss for Pershing County.

The team says goodbye to Noel Zaldivar, a senior. The rest of the boys are sophomores (Travis Donaldson, Kaden Chambers, Luis Sanchez, Michael Reitz, Izayuh McGlothin) and juniors (Conner Fecht, Aaron Kienbaum, Marshall Happy) with a freshman (Taylor Montes) thrown in for good measure. 

“This year was a step forward from last year. We had our ups and downs but we’re building for the long haul. We knew this was going to be a process as we build our program back. I believe we are close,” coach Jesse Canchola said. “We are starting to see kids in the community picking up basketballs again.”

“For two years now, we’ve played inexperienced young men against some senior-heavy teams. I appreciate these young men.”

On Friday, West Wendover beat Battle Mountain (63-46). Incline defeated North Tahoe (37-35). 

It was the end of the road for the Longhorns and Lakers. Saturday’s championship game came down to West Wendover and Incline. The Wolverines walked off with the trophy (53-48).

Now, the Mustangs prepare for spring sports - track and baseball.

“I’d like to thank my coaches, JJ Meyers and Rich Campbell, the players and all the administrators. Thanks to the community for their support. They packed the gym this year. Once a Mustang, always a Mustang,” Canchola said.