The Stevenson men’s basketball team continues to overcome adversity as their season comes to a close. With a record of 4-19 as of Feb. 9, the Mustangs are working every day to grow stronger and more united as a team.
This season, the Mustangs have more first-year members than veterans. This has affected the team’s overall dynamic. According to Paul Farrell, the team’s student coordinator, it has both aided and hurt the team in some ways. Farrell elaborates by saying, “many of the freshmen are pushed to make a name for themselves on the court, but also some get discouraged easily when we face adversity as a team.”
The biggest challenge the team has faced is maintaining a positive morale. Coach Gary Stewart said that the team aims to meet every day “with enthusiasm unknown to mankind.” The players are working towards believing and trusting the process of becoming stronger as a team together.
In their last three games the Mustangs exemplified the team’s growth since the beginning of the season. According to Stewart, the team uses “forward thinking” to promote a better dynamic. The Mustangs aim for stronger trust between the coaches and players next season.
In Stevenson’s game against the visiting Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Commonwealth opponent Widener University on Feb. 4, the Mustangs had two players in double figures. However, Widener took the 90-64 victory over Stevenson. Freshman Cameron Hayes had 22 points, just one shy of his career high, and junior Cliff Cornish was the other Mustang to finish in double figures, scoring 13 points.
At Hood College on Feb. 8, the Mustangs kept the game close, out-rebounding the Blazers 35-23 and shooting over 83 percent from the free-throw line. The difference in the 77-66 Mustang loss may have been the 27 Stevenson turnovers that resulted in 27 points for the Blazers. Hayes had 25 points on the night for the Mustangs.
On Feb. 14 the Mustangs will host their final home game against Alvernia at 8 p.m. in the Owings Mills Gymnasium. The last time these two teams faced, Stevenson won 79-71. According to Farrell, “the team doesn’t take Alvernia lightly, but is confident it will be a memorable game.”
The game against Alvernia will also be the Mustangs’ senior game. All of the fourth-year members will be recognized, including seniors Michael Bird and Ryan Hill. “The seniors are excited…and plan to make this last game against Alvernia fun,” said Farrell. As the regular season wraps up for the Mustangs, the team looks forward to growth and success next season.