by Dylan Sanders

It was Mega Night at Saydel on Tues., Jan. 17. The Mustang boys jumped out to an 18-5 lead in the first quarter and never looked back winning the Heart of Iowa conference game 50-37. Freshman Derek Brown scored a season high 16 points on 7-16 shooting, and Andrew Van Ryswyk hustled his way to 15 rebounds.

Head Coach Fred Lorensen said, “Derek is a really aggressive offensive player. He has been getting better as his freshman season has progressed. However, the real key was that his teammates were getting him the ball in some very good places to score. Derek certainly did his part by converting many of his opportunities, and we are looking forward to his continued improvement as the season continues.”

Other Mustangs who scored were Mark Bruxvoort with 13, Elijah Sperfslage with seven, Jackson Thomas and Van Ryswyk both with four, and Nick Dredge, Reed Worth and Jason Stafford with two points apiece.

Mustang basketball played six games that night at Saydel. From the girls’ varsity to the freshman boys, the Mustangs won all six. Lorensen said, “I think that overall, the Mustang boys’ and girls’ basketball players do a good job of working in practice trying to improve themselves. The Saydel teams have been struggling some this year, but it was still good to see our teams come out and play well and be able to sweep the six games.”