The Clippers won the tip-off, but both teams started very strongly. Courtney Franck, a senior, had her first block of the game 30 seconds in. Despite the Clippers’ lead at the end of the first quarter 16-13, the Mustangs made up for the lost points in quarter two with contributions from leading scorer and player of the game Quinn Pershing. It was the night of three pointers with a 38% three point average for the Mustangs. Pershing started strong in the first quarter and stayed on fire throughout the game, finishing with 23 points. 

It is certain that facing the No.1 team was nerve-racking, but sophomoreSavanna Wright said, “I think we did a good job handling the pressure for the game and that opened the rest of the floor up for my team.” 

The game remained competitive, both teams knowing how to spread the court and make defenders move, yet the Mustangs thrived under the defensive pressure, making 11 steals, 27 rebounds, and 19 assists. The high-pace momentum the Mustangs carried throughout the entire game helped secure their noticeable lead over the Clippers. 

“Everyone had their own role, and they accomplished it,” Wright said. Staying aggressive on the court in all aspects played a crucial role in the game.  On Senior night the team’s win became even more special. The girls had many players come in throughout the game and had many rebounds and stops. Different players, eight in total, contributed points, and others contributed a lot in other aspects of the game. All together playing as one. 

Pulling through with the win, the now-ranked No. 1 Mount Vernon Mustangs will go on to face 5-17 West Liberty at home, Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7p.m. “As we go on, we will improve on our ball movement and target our defensive flaws to help us excel,” Wright said. “If things begin going south, we can lean on each other. We are capable, and it is possible.” The only place the Mount Vernon Girls’ Basketball can go now is up.