Defensive-minded Meadows takes step toward playoffs with win vs. Laughlin

The Meadows boys basketball coach Gary Hannig has stressed playing crisp man-to-man defense in recent practices.

That renewed focus might be enough to carry the Mustangs into the playoffs.

The Meadows held visiting Laughlin to 13 second-half points on its way to a 61-44 Class 2A Southern League win Saturday.

"We played good man defense at the beginning of the season, but recently we've been struggling with that," Mustangs point guard Max Newman said. "So for the past two weeks at practice, Coach Hannig has been having us work more on the basics, and that's what's going to get us into the playoffs."

The Meadows (13-8, 7-5 2A Southern) appears to be one of three teams fighting for the fourth and final spot in the 2A Southern League postseason.

The Mustangs seized the crucial victory by holding the Cougars (9-10, 5-6) to 3-for-24 shooting from the field in the second half.

"We just got back to playing good man-to-man defense. That's what we do best," Hannig said.

Newman led all scorers with 19 points. The junior drilled a 3-pointer from the left corner early in the fourth quarter to cap a 19-8 run and give the Mustangs a 52-39 advantage.

Garrett Gosse had 13 points and 13 rebounds for The Meadows. The Mustangs got a considerable lift from freshman guard Eric Hirsberg, who made 6 of 7 shots from the floor on his way to 12 points.

Laughlin's playoff hopes as a first-year 2A member took a dent.

Senior guard Nick Todd paced the Cougars with 16 points and four assists.

Daniel Mareki added 12 points for Laughlin, and teammate Kris Suhr tallied five points and 11 rebounds.

Contact reporter Tristan Aird at taird@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203.