With the Natalia Basketball season over, the Mustangs finished 3-7 in district and 5-17 overall. The record might not show it but it was a great rebuilding season for the Mustangs program. Playing in a tough district with young players, Couch Justin Welsh focused on the basics to build his team up for the future. He knew he might lose now but he would be stronger later down the road.
Losing four of their last six games, the Mustangs beat Cotulla in overtime 60-55, lost to Dilley 36-40, Lytle 47-71, Jourdanton 29-72, Cotulla 32-52, and beat Laredo Harmony 38-32.
Against Cotulla on January 28 Juelian Armendariz had 18 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, Fabian Ruiz 13 points, 10 rebounds, and Enrique DeOsio 11 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists. Q1 15-15, Q2 29-25, Q3 39-39, Q4 48-48, OT1 60-55. Cotulla finished 5-5 for the season.
Falling to Dilley (3-7) on February 4th Armendariz had 13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and Ruiz 7 points, 7 rebounds. Q1 5-4, Q2 18-6, Q3 26-13, Q4 36-40.
February 7 against the Pirates Ruiz scored 10 points, 12 rebounds, Armendariz 8 points, DeOsio 8 points, Jake Navarro 8 points. Q1 10-17, Q2 20-20-41, Q3 37-63, Q4 47-71. The Pirates finished second in the district at 8-2.
Winning the district undefeated was Jourdanton and Natalia fell to them on February 11 at 29-72. Armendariz 13 points, 5 rebounds, Austin Guzman 5 points. Q1 8-14, Q2 13-30, Q3 20-56, Q4 29-72
February 14 against Cotulla, this time Cotulla took the win 32-52. Armendariz 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, Guzman 7 points, 3 rebounds. Q1 7-9, Q2 23-26, Q3 30-42, 32-52.
Facing Laredo Harmony on February 18 Armendariz 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, Ruiz 10 points, 9 rebounds, Guzman 8 points, 7 rebounds. Q1 9-15, Q2 20-15, Q3 23-23, Q4 38-32.
By Dicy Chambers
Sports Writer