13 might be seen as unlucky by some, but for the Minarets Mustangs, it represents pure determination. In the history of Minarets, no varsity boys' basketball team has ever won 13 games. Coming into the game on Tuesday night, February 11, they had won 12. They needed 13 to make history.
As they walked through the doors of the Yosemite High Gymnasium, they entered Yosemite’s Senior Night, and emotions were high. Yosemite's crowd had turned out strong, and Minarets also had many supporters who had come to watch them play, including the Minarets Cheerleaders.
The game started, and Yosemite came out swinging. They made shot after shot. It seemed they could not miss, and the score climbed higher and higher. The Mustangs were down as they went into halftime. Yosemite was jubilant as they foresaw the victory they knew was coming. There would be no 13. The Mustangs would fall this night, in the YHS Gym, in front of a roaring crowd; they would miss the mark.
As the YHS cheerleaders prepared for their halftime show, Senior Jabari Gomez pumped up the team on the sidelines. "Come on! Just because we've beat them before, doesn't mean this will be easy!" Coach Simmons fired up the team by asking them to wake up and take care of the ball. She reminded the team that this is what they have been practicing for all year.
Halftime ended, and the Mustangs re-entered the court. The Minarets fans held their breath as the Yosemite fans cheered. What would happen now?
---Time out.
It should be mentioned that the Minarets Mustangs basketball team has suffered over the last two weeks. Gomez was injured, and many of the members of the team fell extremely ill with the sickness going around. They were still reeling from those setbacks Tuesday night, but they were pushing through it all.
----Now, back to the game.
The game began again. The Yosemite players continued to drive, and the score widened to Yosemite 32 and Minarets 16. It seemed the Mustangs would not be able to rally. Perhaps they were too sick, too injured, too tired to find their way to victory. 13 seemed not to be in the cards.
Then... something changed.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Mustangs came to life. It was as if they had all rested and were refreshed. It seemed like a second wind, but given their physical and health struggles, it was pure, undeniable heart. They exploded into the game and began the climb.
13… They began to bridge the point gap, scoring off breakaways and clutch under-the-basket maneuvers.
13… They kept Yosemite locked out from scoring with vicious and overwhelming pressure.
13… The final quarter started. They dominated the rebounds and almost caught up to Yosemite.
13… They caused turnovers and stopped Yosemite's momentum with a ferocity unseen until now.
13… They passed Yosemite on the scoreboard, then they were 3 points ahead, then 4, then 5.
The game came to an end. Minarets Mustangs 43 and Yosemite Badgers 37. Minarets had made history. They had won 13 games. Never before had the Minarets varsity boys' basketball team achieved this, but now they will forever be able to say they have... at YHS, sick and injured, on Senior Night, from a 16-point deficit. They proved that when talent meets heart, the Minarets' Mustang spirit is absolutely unstoppable.
"This group of young men have been nothing less than extraordinary, I am proud of them for all their accomplishments on and off the court this season. Watching our Captains grow into true leaders, seeing the youngest guys on our team blossom and put themselves into starting positions, having a bench full of heart with guys willing to do whatever it takes for their team. I have told these guys from day 1 that they were special and they were going to break records this season. You can feel it in the huddle. This team is different, and I am excited for everyone to see what else they will accomplish." Jen Simmons, Head Coach
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