by Caleb Peter

It was quite a game between the strength in the Heart of Iowa Conference when the 4A second-ranked Nevada Cubs hosted the 3A 12th-ranked Mustangs on Friday, Feb. 3. Although the Nevada girls’ basketball team was ranked second in Class 4A and the Mustangs 12th in 3A, the Mustangs were in the game until the very end when Nevada won 52-46. Top scorers were freshman Regan Freland with 13 points and senior Kayla Jennings with eight. “It was a well fought game from the first minute to the very last. We knew the name of the other team, and how we played against them last time. This is what put the fire in us. After our win against Fairfield, we knew who we were after and what we could do,” said Freland.

The first quarter ended 13-13 and the Mustangs were on top 26-25 at half, but in the third quarter the Mustangs lost their pace, scoring only seven while Nevada scored 16. The Mustangs scored four more points in the fourth quarter than Nevada, but by then it was too late.

Other scorers for the Mustangs were Rachel Stafford and Kaylee Townsend both with seven, Alexis Timmins with five, Katie VandeWall with four and Bailey Brodersen with two.  Jennings and VandeWall pulled down seven and five rebounds, respectively.  “Even though we came out on the opposite end that we wanted, this game brought out who we are, how we can play, and it will push us through districts and hopefully to the Well,” said Freland.

The Mustangs play at home against Albia in regional tournament action on Saturday, Feb. 11.  Game time is 7:00.