So. Portland, ME –  The Yankee Conference tournament ended early for the Mustangs as they dropped a 94-86 game to the tournament number one seed, NHTI.  CM seeded number four, went into the game with significant injury issues losing four of the top six players from the first half.  Despite preaching the "next man up" philosophy, it was obvious to any fan the Mustangs were short staffed.   Coach Gonyea was asking players to step up in key roles, and as freshman, and more importantly—they had not filled that role the entire season-- put a strain on the continuity on both sides of the ball.  We don't want to take anything anyway from NHTI as even with a full squad, the Lynx would have taken care of business.

CM tried multiple offenses, and defenses throughout the first half.  NHTI got off to a fast start taking a 10-0 lead.  A Mustang time out, two good defensive plays, and a Matt Attard three put the game back in reach.  The goal was to get to the locker room at the half, up five or down five without using timeouts.  NHTI is an explosive team who can score in bunches and the Mustangs wanted to slow the game down, use clock, and keep the score low.  At halftime, NHTI led 48-39.  Not exactly a low scoring affair but within reach.

The Lynx came out the second half and took off.  As the Mustang defense broke down and the inability to step up and stop dribble penetration resulted in a 20-point lead in the middle of the second half.  CM used ten players attempting to keep fresh bodies in the game, slow the game down, but NHTI had other ideas.  A mini run at the end of the game made the score look closer than the game really was but the visitors would not, and did not quit.

Coach Gonyea:

"The kids gave all they had.  We had players playing out of position, asking them to do things they struggle to do, and defend much bigger players.  CM boys don't back down, and I was a bit unhappy with the physical response when NHTI kept coming to the hoop.   It has been a problem most of this half and one that has to be corrected moving forward.  At the end of the day, we have a good group of respectful kids who want to do the right thing.  The best team won today."

Nicolas Dierynck registered 15 points, Malik Farley had 8 points, 5 rebounds and dished out 3 assists.  Mark McDonald hit for 10 points.  Matt Attard added 12 points.

The loss concludes the Mustang season. The squad finishes the year 17-10.

On the positive side, Both Corey David and Nicolas Dierynck both named to the Yankee Conference second team.