Basketball is over and the men’s season has come to a close. Despite the Mustangs ending with a 1-15 record, the team played well toward the end of the season.

“We struggled winning games, but the overall team effort was spectacular. All 10 of our players played against Merritt and Napa, and those were down to the wire,” said Los Medanos College Head Coach Derek Domenichelli.

Merritt was second in the conference finishing the season at 12-4 while Napa was 8-8 in the middle of the pack. LMC played well and gave both teams a contest.

The Mustangs battled injuries throughout the season, and typically had less then 10 guys able to play, so the deeper bench was a plus for Domenichelli and his team toward the end of the campaign.

LMC’s season may not look too hot on paper, but the team still excited the crowd and fellow Mustangs at home games with some quality basketball.

Splashes from the 3-point line were not uncommon for the Mustangs. Forward Wayne Engelstad went on a 4-game span shooting 60 percent and making 33 three-pointers during that time.

Engelstad was also named First-Team All-Conference for the Bay Valley and averaged 21.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in conference play.

He was LMC’s top scorer, which was also good for second overall in conference.

Most of his points came from deep. His 3-point percentage was at a 47.5 percent clip.

His 85 threes set a new record in the Bay Valley Conference in just 16 games played.

“He made 111 three-pointers in 25 total games played, which led in California,” said Domenichelli, with nine of those games being outside conference play. His three-point record on the season was just seven shy of the LMC record of 118, but Englestad played 10 less games than the record-holder.

His footwork and handles allow him to create space where his beautiful shooting stroke takes over. The shots he’s made from all over the court gained him some attention and he hopes to continue his game at a four-year institution.

LMC’s second leading scorer was Forward Marcus Walton with 12.3 points per game. Walton plans on continuing his education at Sacramento State University in the fall.

Guard Brandon Silva was another offensive threat on the court averaging 5.3 assists with 11.9 points per game. His assists average was among the top in the state and led the team with 124 assists on the season. His brother and fellow backcourt mate Aaron Silva averaged 3.8 assists on the season, and both look to further their education.

Next season looks to have a shake-up in the roster with only a little over half of the team coming back.

“We have six players returning and are looking to recruit through local high schools within the BVAL that will mesh with the group,” said Domenichelli.