Young Mustangs face 'must-win' against Jasper

[KFDM COOP]

Young Mustangs face 'must-win' against Jasper

Van Wade

The Orange Leader

WEST ORANGE — First-year West Orange-Stark hoop coach Zack Quinn knew it would take time for a young Mustang team to hit its stride.

After all, WO-S had to replace four starters off last year’s playoff unit, four that also played key roles in WO-S’ state trip in 2006.

It’s been a tough journey at times for the Mustangs (5-14, 0-2), especially trying to gel on the offensive end. To make things even tougher, the Mustangs had to open up District 21-3A against defending Class 3A state champion Hardin-Jefferson and regional finalist Silsbee, which both ended up as rough losses.

The Mustangs face the Jasper Bulldogs (5-8, 2-0) in a vital game for both squads at Mustang Gym tonight.

“It’s such a huge game for us,†Quinn said. “It feels like playoff implications are already on the line for us just three games in and of course, our main goal is to make the playoffs.â€

The Mustangs are led by the likes of senior leading scorer Ronnie Dennis and senior inside man Jim McDonald. The rest of the squad has gotten its feet wet on the varsity for the first time this year.

“Our kids have tremendous respect for Hardin-Jefferson and Silsbee,†Quinn said. “That’s two tough teams to take on for a young team to start off district. The kids realize that losing to those two is okay. They also realize that it’s time to start taking care of business and that starts with Jasper.â€

The Mustangs have been a little banged up recently. Dennis suffered a collarbone injury at the Barbers Hill Tournament last weekend but was back at practice Thursday. Point guard Darius Rubin will likely sit out against the Bulldogs after being a little banged up and he also has the flu.

The Mustangs’ main concern tonight is trying to slow down Bulldog sophomore guard Dominique Bailey. Bailey, who was also an all-district quarterback for Jasper, lit up the Mustangs at Mustang Gym last year.

“Bailey is a big concern for anybody,†Quinn. “He has a tremendous burst to the basket and he can also hit the long shots too. Jasper is a very athletic team and I think we are too. It should be a fast-paced team.â€

A win would go a long way for a Mustang team, but a loss would put a hamper on early playoff aspirations because of how tough the district is. Besides H-J, Silsbee and Jasper, Coach Rea Wrinkle’s Orangefield Bobcats (14-4) are off to a 2-0 21-3A start.

“Every game in this district is a dogfight,†Quinn said. “We really need a win against Jasper and then turn right around Tuesday to go face a very talented Orangefield team. I really think the third-place playoff spot is going to be a war to try and get.â€

In other 21-3A action tonight, the Bobcats will head to winless Hamshire-Fannett (0-15, 0-2). The Bridge City Cardinals (7-11, 0-2) will play host to the Kirbyville Wildcats (2-5, 0-2) while H-J (20-3, 2-0) will take on Silsbee (14-3, 2-0) in a battle for bragging rights.

[CATMAN]

Jasper wins this one by------------10 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[SETSportsFan]

Jasper 67 WOS 58

[j_dog]

It is going to be tough to go into Orange and come away with a victory.  Jasper just barely got by BC down at BC.

I expect a hard fought game which probably will be decided at the very end.

[24 over par]

wos by 4 69 to 65

[AggiesAreWe]

Jasper wins this one.

Jasper 59

WOS 54

[24 over par]

if one of these sweeps they will have a good shot at third

[UKCats]

It is going to be tough to go into Orange and come away with a victory.  Jasper just barely got by BC down at BC.

I expect a hard fought game which probably will be decided at the very end.

Has BC improved that much this year or is Jasper just that bad? I watched BC play at home last year against Silsbee and they had limited talent. A couple of guys who shot the 3-ball, but not very consistent and definitely not an aggressive team. Who did they recruit??? HA HA