Mustang Hoops Kicks off Winter Season

– Allison Goldsberry

The Mustang boys and girls basketball teams opened up the winter season against non-league competition, with GBL match-ups not planned until after the holidays.

The boys opened up last week against Billerica and despite steadily coming back from a 29-point deficit at half-time Medford fell short, 73-64, at the final buzzer. On Tuesday the Mustangs lost another close one to Sharon, 88-80. The game was close the whole way and Medford was only down three points at half-time. The Mustangs forced thirty-two turner overs while turning over the ball twenty-three times themselves. Senior guard Danny Gilchrist paced Medford with twenty-three points.

“I thought our offense was pretty good and we were able to move the ball pretty well. Our problems came on the defensive end and we made many mental mistakes throughout the game,” said Head Coach Anthony Faradie.

Medford hosts Malden Catholic on Tuesday, December 21 at 7:00PM. Over the holiday break the Mustangs will participate in the Rockland Holiday Tournament and will visit Stoneham, now coached by former Medford assistant Paul Tanglis, on January 2. Pope John will visit Medford on January 5 and the Mustangs have their first GBL match-up on January 7 when they head to Everett.

On Wednesday the Lady Mustangs had a successful outing against Austin Prep. Freshman Sara Donnelly and junior captain Tania Holmes combined for 35 points for the Mustangs’ 56-42 on the road victory.

Medford is 2-0 heading into their next game, which will be at Dracut on Tuesday, December 21. The Mustangs will participate in the Winchester Holiday Tournament and will host Everett on Friday, January 7.

For a complete schedule for the boys and girls see www.MedfordBasketball.com.