Donโt look now, but The Mount Vernon Presbyterian Varsity Boys Basketball team is making a name for itself in only its second season in GHSA. The Mustangs started the season with a strong showing in a scrimmage vs. 5A North Atlanta. Although it was only an exhibition, the 54-53 victory proved to the squad that they could play with anyone. The team’s confidence grew by leaps and bounds when they defeated 4A Chamblee, 70-66 in their home opener and then defeated 5A Riverwood by a score of 64-55. The team was led in those games by Senior Eric Sparks and Sophomore Sensation Jared Harper. Sparks was solid both offensively and defensively and Harper displayed his usual deft touch from outside and ability to slash to the lane.
After defeating Riverwood, the squad took to the road and participated in a Holiday Tournament in Savannah, GA where they defeated Savannah County Day 45 to 34, before falling to Savannah Christian in overtime for their first loss of the season. It was not the team’s best performance, but Head Coach Curtis Berry is proud of how the kids have responded. After the loss, the Mustangs put together 12 straight victories, defeating the likes of Decatur (60 to 44), WD Mohammed (55 to 48), Sequoyah (69 to 62), Wesleyan (74 to 43) and Eagles Landing before falling to 6A Lambert 54 to 50. Along the way, the team captured the Lumpkin County FCA Christmas Tournament Championship thanks in part to the strong play of all tournament selection Darius Perry and the tournament MVP, Jared Harper.
As a result of their drive and athleticism, the Mustangs currently stand at 16 and 2 overall and 6 and 0 in region play. A top 10 1A state ranking in just their second year in GHSA might be a surprise to some, but Coach Berry entered the season confident that if the team worked hard and stayed focused, great things would follow. Coach says, โThis team has what it takes to reach all of our goals, but it takes hard work and preparation from everybody. Nothing comes easy, and we know that. I am pleased with the way the kids have responded so far, but we still have a lot of work to do.โ
Do not miss the next big game for the Mustangs against the Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School on February 4 @ Holy Innocents:
- JV Boys play at 4:00 p.m.
- Varsity Girls play at 6:00 p.m.
- Varsity Boys play at 7:30 p.m.
