Broncos win Mustang Holiday Classic title

Mustang girls fall to Edmond North in championship

By Kale Fouts
Mustang Times

The Mustang Holiday Classic Tournament ended with the Mustang Broncos boys’ team being named champions and the girls’ team claiming the second place trophy. The boys played in a back and forth game with the Putnam City North Panthers. The Broncos ultimately bested the Panthers 62-55. The Lady Broncos battled Edmond North Huskies in the final round of the tournament. The final score was 52-45 in favor of the Huskies.

The Lady Broncos started their game with Edmond North off strong as they were ahead 16-15 at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Broncos only shot 31 percent from the field for the rest of the game, and the Huskies took advantage for a 28-25 halftime lead. The Lady Broncos battled their hardest to make a comeback, but they were only able to muster 17 points in the second half. The Huskies defeated the Lady Broncos 52-45.

Karley Johnson had an outstanding game against the Huskies. Johnson scored 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block. Johnson was also named to the All-Tournament team.

Talia Pogi had a great outing as well. Pogi had eight points, five rebounds, and two assists. Kate Niehues was another Lady Bronco who played great. Niehues collected 10 points, three rebounds, and a steal. Niehues also shot an extremely efficient four out of five from the field.

“Last night’s loss was tough, but we played a tough team. I think losing to them makes our game with them next week much more emotional. Being named to the All-Tournament team was great, but I couldn’t have played as well as I did without the help of my teammates and coaches,” said Johnson.

The boys’ game was thrilling. The Broncos and Panthers were tied at the end of the first quarter 18-18. At Halftime, these two teams were also tied, and the scoreboard read 31-31.

The Panthers struggled offensively in the third quarter, and the Broncos pounced on them. Ethan Scott scored three straight 3-point baskets, and that gave the Broncos a five-point lead with three minutes left in the third quarter. The Broncos had a 46-40 lead at the end of the third quarter. The electric combination of Jacobe Johnson and Scott dominated in the final quarter of play. The Panthers gave the Broncos all they could handle for four quarters, but that didn’t prove to be enough. The Broncos won the exciting matchup 62-55.

Johnson and Scott both received high honors for their astounding performances in the tournament. Johnson was named MVP of the tournament, and Scott was named to the All-Tournament team. Johnson shot 8 of 13 in the final game against the Panthers, and he finished with 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Scott led the Broncos in scoring in this game with 23. Scott also racked up three assists and four rebounds in the victory.

Big-man Jacob Henderson had his best performance of the entire tournament in this game. Henderson had 10 points, eight rebounds, four blocks, and a steal. Henderson’s aggressive play style was a huge reason the Broncos were able to hold the first place trophy at the end of the night.

“A championship at Mustang hasn’t happened in a few years, and I’m glad we were able to win one this year. We played great in that final game. Everything was going right for us. Every shot was falling. This win is a great way to end this year,” said Scott.

The Lady Broncos will host the Edmond North Huskies in their next game on Tuesday, Jan. 4. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. The Lady Broncos will be looking for revenge in this matchup. The boys’ team will also host the Huskies on Tuesday, Jan. 4. Tip-off for the boys’ game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.