By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor Muir is certainly headed into Pacific League play next week with some much-needed momentum. The Mustangs won the Damien Classic Silver Division, 72-63 on Saturday evening over Bonita. It is true they saw a large first-quarter lead nearly evaporate, but the Mustangs controlled the boards and the second half. Hunter […]
By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor
Muir is certainly headed into Pacific League play next week with some much-needed momentum.
The Mustangs won the Damien Classic Silver Division, 72-63 on Saturday evening over Bonita.
It is true they saw a large first-quarter lead nearly evaporate, but the Mustangs controlled the boards and the second half.
Hunter Woods was all over the court for Muir.
The signs were there early that it was going to be a good night, as Woods hit a 3-point basket, got fouled and turned it into a 4-play in the first quarter.
The 6-foot-6 senior scored a game-high 24, and as important, when it came down to a free-throw finish, Woods made his last 6 free-throw attempts to close out Bonita.
Woods also had 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals, which earned him tournament MVP honors.
Jamaal Barnes led Bonita with 19.
To their credit, when it looked like Muir was running away with the game early, the Bearcats outscored the Mustangs, 26-14 in the second quarter to pull within a bucket of Muir.
But Muir had too much size and too much balance.
Tiyon Martin was his consistent solid self, as the senior guard scored 14 points, had 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals.
His tag-team partner, Simaine Stewart Junior added 6 points and 4 assists.
Tasson Aubry was incredible with 11 points, 16 rebounds and 3 blocks before fouling out late in the fourth quarter.
Haleem Jenkins finished with 15 points and 4 rebounds.
Muir will begin Pacific League play Wednesday when they travel to Glendale at 5.
Quotable:
Muir coach Simaine Stewart: “We persevered and bounced back from the highs and lows of the tournament. We didn’t stay stagnant and were able to push. Each game we had different guys step up. Hunter started out slow in the first two games and I challenged him. It’s extremely important to have balance because they can’t hone in one just one guy.”
Box Score:
Muir: 20-14-12-26-(72)
Bonita: 7-26-8-22-(63)
Records:
Muir (8-4); Bonita (10-5)
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