Pershing County boys basketball drops two games

It was a challenging week for the Pershing County boys basketball team. On Friday night they hosted Incline, the top team in the Northern 2A. 

The Mustangs fought hard in their first league game of the year but lost to the Highlanders 71-46.

Saturday the Mustangs traveled to North Tahoe for another league game. The Lakers won 56-19. 

On Tuesday, Jan. 10, the Mustangs went to Reno to play Coral Academy. Results for the non-conference match-up were not available at press time.

A sizable home crowd showed up to watch the boys open league play. 

The student section and spirit squad cheered every point the Mustangs scored against Incline. The walls were decorated with homemade signs.

“We scratched and clawed to keep it a competitive game,” said coach Jesse Canchola.

Top scorers were Travis Donaldson with 13 points, Mike Reitz with 10 points and Aaron Kienbaum with nine.

“At North Tahoe we didn’t show up to play and played flat. It wasn’t our best showing of basketball we are capable of,” said Canchola. “Taylor Montes played well offensively and defensively.”

“These first two league games were tough opponents and gave us a look at where we are and where we need to go to be a top team again in the 2A.”

The Mustangs have a chance to bounce back this week with two league games up for grabs. They travel to Silver Stage High School on Friday, Jan.13. 

On Saturday, they host Yerington. The game starts at 3:30 p.m.