By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

The Mustang boys varsity began their league season with two home victories last weekend. Crane defeated the Spray Eagles on Friday, and the Mitchell Loggers on Saturday.

The Mustangs played a strong second half in their win over the Eagles, taking an even game to a 56-42 win.

Crane was up by three at the end of the first quarter, 9-6, but a 3-point Spray bucket one minute into the second quarter tied the game. Steals by Nic Nyman, Jeran Conaway and Ryan Opie midway through the second quarter turned to Max Miller and Conaway buckets, giving the Mustangs a slight edge. Crane took a 21-18 lead into the half.

Blake Steeves opened up the third by hitting a put-back, then defensive blocks by Cole Maupin and Conaway gave the momentum to the Mustangs. In spite of a Spray 3-pointer to end the quarter, Crane led 38-31 going into the final period.

The Mustangs hit the defensive boards hard during the fourth quarter, giving the Eagles few second chance attempts. With just over one minute remaining in the game Opie, Steeves and Nyman went to the free-throw line, hitting six of six to cap the win.

Opie led the scoring with 15, followed by Conaway with 11 and Steeves with 10. Maupin, Miller and Nyman made six points each and Milton Merritt added two.

1    2     3     4   Final
Cra     9    12   17    18     56
Spr     6    12   13    11     42
•••
Crane picked up their second victory for the weekend with a 61-47 win over Mitchell.

The Mustangs were slow to get started offensively, not scoring on their first five scoring opportunities. Conaway broke the ice hitting two free throws for the Mustangs’ first points, following up with a 3-pointer the next trip down the floor. By the end of the game, he would hit for a game high 25 points to lead Crane’s offense.

At the end of the first quarter, the Mustangs were in a 16-2 lead, and at the half, were ahead 30-17.

During the third quarter, Miller, Opie and Maupin capitalized on Logger missed shots, pulling down the defensive rebound and getting the ball down court for Mustang points. At the end of the third, Crane was up 50-32.

Though trailing going into the fourth quarter, the Loggers didn’t quit, and Justin Williams and Ben Siebert continued to pound the ball at the Mustangs. In the final minutes Mitchell outscored Crane 15-11, but the Mustangs held on for the win.

Along with Conaway’s 25 points, Steeves made 12, Opie hit for 11, Merritt made seven, Miller hit for four and Maupin made two.

The Mustangs will host Paisley this Friday at about 7:30 p.m. in the first round of their annual Christmas Tournament.

1    2     3     4   Final
Cra     16   14   20    11     61
Mit      2    15   15    15     47