But somewhere amid the din of muttering voices and slamming lockers, a lingering thought remained that this performance may have been a peek into the future of Monterey Trail basketball, and the potential promise of a team that’s comprised of almost all underclassmen. Brandon Ogle, a junior with a year of varsity experience already under his belt, finished with 15 points. Ogle leads the team with 10.4 points a game, and has hit a blistering 46 threes in the year. Jaylen Brown turned in his best performance of the year, as the shifty guard hit 4 threes on his way to a season high 20 points.

Brown and Ogle are just a part of a young group that has shown flashes of brilliance amidst a mediocre season, as Coach Ken Manfredi has carefully crafted a varsity team to fit his two year plan, that counts on suffering these tough losses this year in order to be better prepared for next year. Brandon Ogle is a testament to Manfredi’s  plan, as a year of varsity experience last year has no doubt resulted in his becoming a more capable player this year. Along with Ogle and Brown, juniors like Cameron Smith and Ashanti Jackson, as well as Ota Okungbowa and sophomore Stedman Saunders, lead a team that’s willed to use this year’s tough losses as fuel to next year’s fire. And who’s to doubt the potency of the young squad, as close losses against notable teams like Valley and Folsom have already proven the veiled strength of the young team.

Although heart wrenching, the secret of getting ahead is getting started, and the Mustangs have gotten an early one with their young team. Not quite elite but nowhere near irrelevant, the Mustangs’ showcase of dormant ability is quite evident, and when the team rises from its silent slumber next year, the entire Delta River League is in for a rude awakening.