From Staff Reports: Muir’s historical season was slightly derailed for the time being, but it is certainly not over for this senior-heavy program. The Mustangs traveled 105 miles to Santa Barbara to take on San Marcos and in a very hostile environment as the Royals fans certainly gave their program that home court advantage in […]
From Staff Reports:
Muir’s historical season was slightly derailed for the time being, but it is certainly not over for this senior-heavy program.
The Mustangs traveled 105 miles to Santa Barbara to take on San Marcos and in a very hostile environment as the Royals fans certainly gave their program that home court advantage in Friday night’s CIF-SS Division 2A semifinal.
Jackson Stormo led the Royals with 18 points and San Marcos held off a very feisty and determined Muir program, 65-59, at the Thunderhut.
Neither team finished with more than a 3-point advantage after any of the four quarters, and it was a battle that would befit a semifinal match up.
Simaine Stewart had 18 points, 3 assists and 2 rebounds for Muir.
Hunter Woods, who had to battle his buddy from San Marcos (Stormo), finished with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists.
Ryan Godges hit three 3-point shots and finished with 16 points for the Royals.
Haleem Jenkins added 14 points for the Mustangs.
And Tiyon Martin finished with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists for Simaine Stewart’s program.
Tasson Aubry was held under his average to 4 points and 5 rebounds.
Muir, its players and coaches had to take the 105-mile bus ride back home to Pasadena and it gave them the time to contemplate what could have been and what is still possible.
Despite the disappointing loss, there is so much to look forward to and most importantly, so much to be proud of for decades to come.
Firstly, Muir has earned a spot in the CIF State tournament because of their CIF-SS semifinal run, but they won’t find out an opponent or location until after next weekend’s CIF championship games.
Regardless of what happens in the state playoffs, though, this group of seniors and coaches have set a new bar for excellence and they have had nothing short of a historical run.
Their 23 wins is tied for best with their rivals at PHS, they’ve won 18 of their past 21 games and they’ve won more games than any Muir program in nearly 20 years or so.
Hunter Woods, Tiyon Martin, Haleem Jenkins, Simaine Stewart Junior, Tasson Aubry, their teammates and coaches will be remembered for an excellence and success Muir hadn’t seen in recent memory.
They carried themselves with confidence and pride, but did so with class and dignity and in a way that any parent, coach, relative or school would be proud to call their own.
San Marcos and Riverside Poly will battle next weekend for the CIF Division 2A championship.
The Bears (24-7) defeated Valencia, 67-62, in Friday night’s other semifinal game.
Quotable:
Muir coach Simaine Stewart: “We played tight and we didn’t finish good opportunities. If you don’t capitalize on golden chances, especially on the road, you’re going to find yourself in a difficult situation. Hats off to San Marcos, they are a very disciplined team.”
Muir senior Hunter Woods: “They got the ball to their guy (Jackson) in good places to score. Our shot selection was poor and they did a great job of getting their big guy the ball in spots to make things happen. Our execution in the end wasn’t up to our standards. We missed big free throws. I felt like we were the better team, but we just didn’t show it. None of us turned on the other. We all stuck together throughout and we stayed composed. Over the next 10 days or so, I want us to focus on running and executing our system better, especially in a hostile environment.”
Box Score:
Muir: 12-12-16-19-(59)
SM: 13-15-15-22-(65)
Records:
Muir (23-8); San Marcos (25-6)
