Players were sure to have bruises after the Mingus Union High School boys basketball team [5-6] lost to the Prescott High Badgers [9-3] in an on-your-feet overtime matchup between the Division II conference rivals on Thursday, Dec. 20, in Cottonwood. The intensely physical, nail-biter of a game ended with the Badgers winning 70-59, but the Marauders proved they can be a threat on the court.
Despite the score, the Marauders played strong defense considering that Prescott has a 6-foot-10 junior center and a 6-foot-8 senior forward who are not only tall, but hustle and can shoot from both inside and outside. Prescott also has six other players over 6-foot-1 who have speed.
“Our kids are playing so hard right now,” said MUHS Head Coach Mark Owens. “I mean, they are embracing our coaching and just being a tough, gritty, competitive team. You can see the kids play the way I want them to play — tough, physical, Big East Conference style of play. The guys are defending tough, mentally and physically, so this is one of the tougher times I’ve seen them play, so that was exciting.
“Overall, we’re definitely disappointed with the loss, but our kids didn’t quit until the end.”
When Marauders senior Alex Brewer faced 6-foot-10 Badgers player Cameron Gilbert on the tipoff, Gilbert was a head taller than Brewer. Gilbert won the tip, but Mingus took the lead with a Rashonn Montgomery pass to Troy Carter under the basket. The Marauders were playing strong on defense with a full-court press and tough rebounding.
The Badgers took the lead, but Tyler Herndon and Francisco Romero tied it up for the Marauders at 6-6 and 8-8. Senior Greg Charles contained Gilbert, and Montgomery’s 3-pointer gave Mingus the lead before Prescott scored back-to-back baskets.
Fans could feel the intensity growing on the court as the players started getting increasingly more physical. Players from both teams were pushing, elbowing and slamming each other to the ground.
For the full story, please see the Wednesday, Dec. 26, issue of the Cottonwood Journal Extra.
