In their last home game of the season, the Mineola Mustangs fell to Friends Academy 54-35 on Senior Recognition Night in Mineola High School on Feb. 6. The loss brought the Mustangs’ overall record to 5-11.
Before the game, started the nine seniors on the team were recognized by Coach Ezra Elliott who said he was proud of them for more than just basketball. In a short speech, Elliott said he was also impressed with them for the men they were growing into as they graduate high school. Seniors also took photos with their respective families right before tip-off.
The Mustangs got off to a disappointing start in the first quarter as they allowed a 9-0 Quaker run mid-quarter that put them in a quick 21-6 hole after eight minutes of player. The Mustang’s defense stifled Friend’s offense to just four points in the second quarter. Senior guard/forward, Steven Gessner led Mineola on offense as the home team opened up an 8-0 run to cut their deficit to as little as seven. By the end of the half, the Mustangs cut the Quakers lead in half but still trailed 25-17 with 16 minutes left to play.
As the third quarter began it looked as though Mineola would complete its comeback as they scored the first four points and cut the lead to just four points. The 15-4 run that continued from the first half was followed by a 17-8 run by Friends Academy to end the quarter and provide the Quakers with a healthy double-digit lead.
Any hopes of a comeback for the home team were quickly thwarted as Friends Academy opened up the quarter with two straight field goals to take their largest lead of the game and never looked back. The 18-point deficit was too much for the Mustangs to handle as they dropped their second straight game.
Gessner lead the team with 18 points in the loss and senior, Michel Pfleger added seven points in their last home game at Mineola.
