The Tri-Valley Mustang boys had a late fourth-quarter rally fall short in Garretson on Friday, December 19th. The Blue Dragons held for a 57-54 victory.
A quick 6-0 start by the Blue Dragons kept them in the lead for most of the game. Garretson continued to lead throughout the opening quarter and held a 17-12 advantage going into the second quarter. The Mustangs got within two points, 19-17, with 6:30 left in the second quarter. Garretson was able to extend the lead back to six, 26-20, with 2:15 to go. The first half ended with the Blue Dragons leading 28-23.
Tri-Valley again rallied early in the second half. They pulled within two points, 34-32, with 4:30 to play in the third quarter. Their rally continued until they took a 38-36 lead with 2:30 left in the quarter. Garretson, however, ended the third quarter with a 5-0 run for a 41-38 lead. The Blue Dragons extended that lead to 46-40 with 6:45 to play in the game. After Tri-Valley pulled with in two again, 51-49, Garretson was able to extend their lead to 56-51 with just :35 left on the clock. The Mustangs made three free-throws over the next fifteen seconds to make the score 56-54. Garretson would connect on one-of-two free-throws seconds later. Tri-Valley had one last chance to tie the game, but a last-second three-point shot from the corner hit off the back of the rim no good.
The Mustangs shot 40.9% (18-44) from the field overall, 34.8% (8-23) on three-point shots, and 52.6% (10-19) from the free-throw line. Garretson finished the game shooting 47.7% (21-44) overall, 35.0% (7-20) on three-point attempts, and 53.3% (8-15) from the free-throw line.
Brady Jewett finished with 18 points and two rebounds. Kobe Krome added nine points. Lawson Schneiderman had seven points and two rebounds. Dante Nehman also had nine points. Ty Oyen had five points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.
