The JV and freshmen boys basketball teams started the second round of district play this week with mixed results.  

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junior Caleb Empy

The JV Mustangs are currently 3-4 in district play with an overall 11-10 record for the season. 

The biggest challenge for both teams this season has been Wylie.

“Wylie is really good,” JV coach Gary Crouse said. “They have size, shooters, ball handlers, so they are a tough team. I can not see many teams beating Wylie.

The JV team has had to adapt to some setbacks this season.

“We want to win the district every year, but I have either had a lot of injuries or had kids with Covid,” Crouse said. “We still have a chance. We’ve got to put together a little winning streak.”

The one point loss this week to Rowlett was a heartbreaker after going into double overtime.

“I could have hit that last shot,” freshman Austin Young said.  “I could’ve had less turnovers in the fourth quarter, and I could have played better defense during the entire game. There is a lot of stuff I could have corrected.”

Junior Caleb Empey, sophomore Bronshae Valentine and freshmen Maddox Belino and Austin Young are the leading scorers so far this season, Crouse said. 

The freshmen boys basketball team has had a successful season so far with a 14-3 record overall and a 6-1 district record. 

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freshman Jailen Watkins

The Wylie game had the Mustangs come from behind to take a close win 57-54. 

“We were down 14 points in the third quarter, and we came back and beat them in a real close game,” freshman coach Joshua Gross said.

Even though they are doing well this season, freshman Zion Bonner said he is working to improve in some areas.

“I can improve on ball handling, knowing my role, and passing the ball more,” he said.

Gross said he is pleased with the season so far.

“They’re a good group of kids, and I enjoy coaching them,” he said. “I am very excited for the next 3 years of their career here at Sachse.”