It was a strong opening statement to start the season for Mounds View.
The Mustangs, a team that went 20-7 a year ago that has top returning players, raced out of the starting gate against Suburban East Conference rival Cretin-Derham Hall Friday night. Mounds View held off a late surge from the Raiders to claim a 64-51 victory in Class 4A matchup Friday night at Mounds View High School.
The home team led by as many as 14 points in the opening half, and more importantly, according to Mustangs coach Dave Leiser, finished the half strong with a 35-22 advantage.
“What I was most proud of was that [Cretin-Derham Hall] did come back, and then we went on a run at the end of the half,” Leiser said. “We always feel like the end of the first half, start of the second half are two of the most important parts of the game.”
Mounds View picked up a 64-51 win over Cretin-Derham Hall in a Class 4A season-opening clash between Suburban East Conference teams at Mounds View High School on Friday night.
The Mustangs (1-0) leapt ahead in the first half, leading by as many as 14 points to take a 35-22 lead into halftime. The Raiders (0-1) cut into that deficit to trail 47-43 with just under five minutes to play in the second half. The Mustangs, however, responded with back-to-back three-pointers from Dylan Wheeler and Kobe Kirk to seal the win.
Kirk led Mounds View with 20 points and a game-high four three-pointers. Cole Sorensen added 14 points and five rebounds, while Wheeler posted eight points and six rebounds. Evan Kim chipped in 10 points.
The Raiders, who graduated eight players from last year’s team, were led by junior Tre Holloman, who tallied 16 points and three rebounds. Senior Jack Plum added 15 points and six rebounds.
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