Malta beats Harlem, but not Poplar

The Malta Mustangs posted a convincing 56-38 win over the Harlem Wildcats on Friday, January 18, at the Malta High Gym. The win gave Malta a redeeming win, after falling to Harlem 61-55 last December. "We played as a team," Malta senior Kaden Bergos said after the win. "We have our press-breaker working better and our defense." The Mustangs would then go to Poplar to face the Indians, losing the game 61-38. Malta will square off against the Wolf Point Wolves who defeated them 76-45 on Friday, December 21. Malta is scheduled to travel to face the Havre Blue Ponies on Saturday, January 26. The Mustangs lost 55-45 when the teams faced off on Tuesday, December 18 in Malta. In Malta's victory over Harlem, the team was led by senior Kevin Henry who scored 19 points, had five rebounds and five steals. Bergos spoke about his team's defense in the win. "Getting all of those fast break opportunities helped us out a lot," Bergos said. Bergos was one of a couple of Mustangs who capitalized on the fast break opportunities, having scored seven points, including a couple of layups off of his four steals. "Usually (during the fastbreak), I am hoping that I don't miss that layup," Bergos said. Kooper Oxarart had 12 points. Tanner Smith had 11 points, eight rebounds, and two blocked shots. Bergos had seven points and four steals. Rhett Simanton had four points, and Ben Costin had three points and six rebounds. Malta had a total of 14 steals in the win, which they were able to use for fastbreak points. Because of their ability to press teams, Malta has been able to force many turnovers in the last couple of weeks. "Coach Costin tells us to go at our own pace," Henry said. "Last time in Harlem sped us up and we kept turning the ball over." Henry went on to say that they have been focusing on press-breaks and pressing opponents during practices. Malta only allowed one field goal in the first seven minutes of the game. The team gave up two more points before the end of the first quarter but scored 15 points, leading Harlem 15-4 before the buzzer. Harlem would outscore Malta 13-12 in the second quarter, giving the game a 27-17 score in favor of the Mustangs at halftime. Malta outscored Harlem 13-12 in the third and then 16-9 in the fourth. In the Mustangs' 61-38 loss to Poplar, the Mustangs were led by Smith who scored 16 points. B. Costin had seven points. Simanton scored six points. Oxarart had three points. Bergos, Henry, and Parker Mortenson each had two points.