Although the Mustangs play several games a season, the matchup against Leyden on January 9th was one to remember. The night was filled with various triumphs ranging from Megan Ganchow’s 1,000 point on a torn ACL, the We Back Pat foundation offering a heart warming introduction, and Molly Malik’s career high scoring.
Senior Megan Ganschow has been on varsity girls basketball for all 4 years of her high school career, so it is no surprise that the 6 ‘1 center has been an asset to the team from early on.
During her junior year, she suffered a torn ACL which cost her her season, so you could imagine how she was chomping at the bit to be running the court once more.
She started off her senior year with a healthy ACL, but during this past Christmas tournament, hosted at Sandburg High School, she suffered yet another ACL injury.
Although she was sentenced to the bench once more, that didn’t stop her from scoring her 1,000 point with an easy under the basket layup. It was an emotional basket for everyone in attendance and one that won’t be forgotten.
“It was really special because I’ve been on varsity for 4 years and it was just good to see the season close especially after not playing my junior year… I was really grateful that everyone was able to do it for me,” Ganschow said.
She returned to the bench after her basket to rest her injured leg.
Another pin point of the night was the honoring of the We Back Pat foundation, hosted every year by DGS to recognize the hall of fame coach, Pat Summitt. A video of her time as a coach and mentor was displayed before the start of the game. All of the DGS Mustangs also sported a purple hair tie in tribute to the late coach.
Pat Summitt was a leader and coach earning over 1,000 career wins. She coached at the University of Tennessee from 1974 to 2012 and was brought into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999. Even today, she is considered one of the greatest basketball coaches to have ever stepped foot on the court.
“Pat Summit was a coach that I admired growing up. She was a pioneer of women’s basketball and did a lot of advocacy of the sport. Just seeing where she was from and where she started inspired me to do a small portion of what she did,” Coach Long said.
After the celebration of both people at the start of the night, Freshman Molly Mihalik came out of the stable strong with multiple three pointers that thrusted the Mustangs into the lead.
She remained consistent throughout the first half, improving her aggression and making adjustments where needed. It was obvious that she was having a good time.
“Being able to feel confident shooting threes, knowing that it was going to go in and working well with my teammates were the most fun… Along with that, it is my career high so I’m very excited that I got the Mustang Reins for the game.” Mihalik said
She continued her stride by demonstrating lock down defense, hustle, and determination. She stepped up to be a key asset in this win against Leyden, knocking down 15 points by the end of the game.
She shares her thoughts about her growth throughout the season and offseason.
“Over the summer I traveled many times playing basketball, getting better every week. My trainers always push me out of my limits, getting me better at my shooting, dribbling and new moves. When I’m not there I am at the YMCA putting in the work.’’ Mihalik said
The next home game will be hosted on Jan. 30th at home against Morton.
