Malta Mustangs Basketball 2015

The Mustangs' 2014-2015 campaign ended in a 53-40 loss to the Rocky Boy Northern Stars in the 2015 Northern B challenge game.

This season's team already looks hungry and seems ready to make a run at the State B tournament, which will be in Butte, where Malta last hoisted the State B title in 2013.

"I think that this is a group that has matured and is ready to make a good run this year," Mustang Head Coach David Costin told the PCN.

The team has only lost two players from last season, which includes Jeremy Costin who graduated and Jase Galt who is recovering from a knee injury from the football season. Galt is still listed on the roster.

"It's a big blow to our team," Coach Costin said about Galt's injury. "We were looking towards Jase to have a big year for us."

Coach Costin is still optimistic due to the fact that there are a few in the senior and junior classes that have proven to be tough competitors.

Senior post Devon Raybon didn't see much time on the varsity team last season, but at 6'3" he stood out in junior varsity. This season Raybon is listed at 6'4," and has been coming along at a time that the varsity team needs him the most.

"Devon Raybon is showing a lot of promise right now," Costin said. "Devon had a late start to basketball compared to most of the kids we have on our team. He's a smart kid and has been picking up things pretty quickly."

Raybon was a strong presence in the paint for Malta against Havre, pulling down both offensive and defensive boards, while notching six points.

Senior Allen Williamson had a great year for Malta last season, although he saw a lot of time at the post position even though he is a natural guard/forward. With Raybon playing, Williamson is seeing less time in the paint and it's been paying off.

"He can put the ball on the floor a little more and face the basket and use his quickness," Coach Costin said.

Williamson had a game leading 21 points in Malta's win against Havre.

Senior Tyson Carney, the team's point guard has been solid on both sides of the ball the previous two seasons. He scored nine points in Malta's opening win.

"We have some pretty strong senior leadership," Coach Costin said, speaking of Williamson and Carney. "What I'm really looking forward to is those two being good leaders for us. I think we're going to have a good year."

Junior Nate Costin has been strong at both guard positions, though he will primarily play shooting guard this season. He scored 18 in the team's win last Saturday.

"I can't even add the hours up that he put in during the offseason," Coach Costin said of his son. "He was in the gym seven days a week, three to five hours a night. He's handling the ball better than he did last year and shooting the ball better than he did last year. We're hoping he has a good year for us."

He mentioned that others in the junior class including: Ostin Welch, Jace Bishop, Cru Darrah, Hunter Love, and Blake Sjostrom have stood out during practice.