Martin’s Mill was at Panther Gymnasium last Friday.  The reigning 2A-D2 state champion Mustangs and Lady Mustangs (yes, both boys and girls) were back this year, fully recharged. 

The Lady Mustangs took care of the Lady Panthers 88-35, while the Mustangs followed that with a 76-20 win.

The two teams registered very similar wins over Alba-Golden. Each side started fast, outscoring the Alba-Golden teams by at least 3:1 in the opening period.  Each then went on to double the production of the Panthers and Lady Panthers in the second period.

The games diverged a bit in the second period, as Martin’s Mill boys platooned out their starters in the second period and only managed 16 points in the quarter. The starters returned in the second half and completely arrested the Panther offense. Alba-Golden managed just six points in the second half.

The Lady Mustangs took a more even pull, building a 52-point lead through three quarters, and cruising a bit in the final period. 

Alba-Golden fans got a glimpse of two of the best scholastic basketball players in the state: Kara Nixon and Ryder Marsh, both of Martin’s Mill.  They both scored a ton of points and demonstrated their amazing talents. 

Nixon is one of the most aware players in scholastic basketball. Not only can she technically outperform most competition, but her awareness allows her (and the other Lady Mustangs) to exploit the court as a sequence unfolds.   

Marsh is a quality rebounder. He is strong, tall, and, most importantly, understands the skills required in rebounding the ball. His anticipation is uniquely mature for high school basketball, and his quickness in elevating makes him a threat at both ends of the court.

The Alba-Golden teams played with the gusto that they are known for, but they were soundly defeated.

One star on a team does not dominate like last Friday. The Martin’s Mill teams demonstrated similar qualities.  A short list includes correct positioning on the court, high shooting percentages, employment of a half-court trapping defense, aggressively denying floor space from the opponent, and a focus on the play rather than the opponent or the officials.

Most folks in East Texas recognize that Martin’s Mill has a basketball identity. Just to clear the record, they also compete in baseball, softball, track and field, cross country and tennis. 

The Alba-Golden teams competed with energy and determination. To their credit, they never felt that the moment was too big; they just played, and played hard.

The last chance to catch the Lady Panthers at home is on Friday, when they host Crossroads. The Lady Panthers conclude their regular season on Tuesday, Feb. 10 against Frankston.

The Panthers have four games yet on the schedule. They will be at home on Friday against Crossroads and again on Tuesday, Feb. 17, vs. LaPoynor.