Boys Basketball Opens Season With Win

William Medina, the first-year head coach for the boys basketball team, said that he is still learning about his players and what kind of team the Mustangs are going to be.

After opening their season with a 53-41 win over Vernon, Medina said he might have a better idea of what his group is capable of.

"We're gamers," he said. "It's actually really great to see, because in practice I didn't necessarily like what was going on, but they came out today and worked really well as a unit. It was a good win to get."

Montville opened the game playing back and forth with Vernon, each team trading baskets until midway through the second quarter, when the Mustangs opened the game up thanks to a 3-pointer from senior Brian Keane, followed by a quick basket from Senior Ellis Casler and a three-point play from Senior Jordan Gajdos.

The Mustangs ended the first half up 24-19 on Vernon, only to see that lead stretch to 42-27 by the end of the third quarter.

Despite Vernon's full-court press in the second half, the Mustangs exploded for 18 points in the third quarter, holding Vernon to eight points. Montville capitalized on turnovers, allowing break-away baskets for Keane and senior Lee Sieradzki.

Casler ended the game with 11 points, nine coming in the second half, while Keane notched another 10 for the Mustangs.

Medina praised his team for its passing game and ability to step up in game situations.

"No question there was good ball movement," he said. "We've got a good group of seniors who obviously know how to play well together. There's no one guy who carried us tonight. We really played like a team.

The Mustangs (1-0) will face Pequannock on Saturday at 1 p.m. at home.