Martin’s Mill shows top-ranked form in wins over Alba-Golden

Posted 1/30/25

Last Friday, the Alba-Golden basketball teams traveled to Martin’s Mill to challenge the number one ranked teams in class 2A.

The defending state champion Lady Mustangs prevailed 76-12 and …

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Martin’s Mill shows top-ranked form in wins over Alba-Golden

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Last Friday, the Alba-Golden basketball teams traveled to Martin’s Mill to challenge the number one ranked teams in class 2A.

The defending state champion Lady Mustangs prevailed 76-12 and their male counterparts won 70-25. 

The trip to Martin’s Mill passes through some beautiful country and ends in a small, loud and packed gymnasium. Parking is usually in the field next to the parking lot as it seems that the whole community turns out for basketball games.

A glimpse into their trophy case explains why. The girls program has a big handful of state championship trophies from the last 20 years, while the boys program traces their legacy back to a state championship in 1949. 

If one could summarize Martin’s Mill basketball, today, it would have to start with familiarity of the basketball. Each of the teams is composed of players who handle the basketball as a second-nature.

Familiarity with the basketball allows one key element to Martin’s Mill brand of basketball – keeping one’s head up. As soon, if not before, team members receive a pass or corral a rebound or scoop up a loose ball, their eyes are already downcourt searching out that pass which will take advantage of the transition. 

Again and again the Mustangs and Lady Mustangs demonstrate this skill. Handling the basketball with comfort, ease and confidence must come from thousands of repetitions and hours of practice.    

There are two other aspects in which these teams excel: smothering man-to-man defense and the ability to exploit the slightest gap in opposing defenses. 

Both teams employed a man-to-man which trapped the Panthers ball-handlers in the forecourt. The Lady Mustangs used this defense almost exclusively, while the Mustangs employed it only for about one quarter. The scores of the respective contests reflect the effectiveness of this defense.

The other aspect of the Martin’s Mill game was the ability to find the backside cutting wing for easy scores. The ability to exploit the backdoor whether that be a cutting winger or a corner 3-pointer or a drop-off underneath the basket reflects an advanced understanding of the game.   

Put those qualities together with size, speed and excellent shooting and one has the qualities of the #1 ranked teams in the state.

To their great credit, the Lady Panthers were not the least impressed by the Martin’s Mill mystique. They came out hustling with a no-nonsense focus and in many ways challenged the Lady Mustangs. 

With 1:53 left in the opening quarter, Martin’s Mill held a 10-7 lead and Alba-Golden had just gone into the bonus. Then, in a flash, the Lady Mustangs rattled off ten points to finish the quarter. 

The Lady Panthers were never able to reset that sharp edge with which they started the game. Martin’s Mill just continued to pour it on. 

While the Alba-Golden girls were trying to force a deliberate game from the Lady Mustangs, the Alba-Golden varsity boys were not averse to running with the Mustangs. 

The trouble with that perspective is that Martin’s Mill places five scorers on the floor at all times. That is not often seen in high school basketball, certainly not at the 2A level. 

As Alba-Golden fans know, their boys will compete. Hence, even as the score became lop-sided, fans could take heart in watching the team, led by Cameron Lennon, compete to the final horn. 

Lennon deserves special acknowledgement as his defensive effort largely shut-down his opposite number.  

After hosting Fruitvale, the Lady Panthers travel to Crossroads Friday and finish regular district play Tuesday, Feb. 4 as they host Frankston. The Panthers have two additional dates after the Frankston game. They host Cayuga Friday, Feb. 7 and end their district schedule Tuesday Feb. 11 at LaPoynor.