5After running its conference record to a perfect 6-0 with a road victory over Excel Christian, the Mineral County High boys basketball team suffered its first league loss Saturday afternoon to defending state champion Whittell High.

On Friday, the Serpents traveled to Sparks to play Excel Christian and picked up a 66-53 win.

Jon Cromer led Mineral County with a double-double, scoring 27 points and 12 rebounds. Taylen Wachsmuth added 16 points and TyShawn Bonner finished with 10. Eight players scored in a solid team effort. Brandon West came off the bench in the third and fourth quarters getting rebounds and playing solid defense. Demsey Quintero contributed in the fourth period with ball handling as Excel was pressuring in the final minutes.

Saturday, the Serpents matched up against Whittell, the defending state champions who were also undefeated in conference play. Whittell won 59-36.

Mineral County handled the vaunted 2-2-1 press Whittell has been known for, but once they got the ball in the half-court, the Serpents failed to run their offense. The MCHS crew turned the ball over 18 times which gave the Warriors too many easy opportunities. Cromer had 13 points, Brady Cardenas finished with 8 and Quintero had four points.

This Friday the boys will travel to Smith Valley before welcoming Virginia City to town for another crucial match-up on Saturday. The games will begin at 1 p.m. with all four teams in action.

On Tuesday, Jan. 27, Sage Ridge will be in town for two varsity games at 4:30 and 6 p.m. There will be a 3 p.m. game between the JV Boys and the Rockets 7th and 8th grade boys. Come and support our young players.

Go Serpents.