-Originally Published by Curt Simic-

The men’s varsity basketball team clinched its first EBAL playoff berth since 1980 with an 83-62 win over the Foothill Falcons on February 21. Going into their first round playoff game versus San Ramon on Wednesday, the Mustangs’ record stood at 14-11. Their 8-6 record in league was good for a third place tie in EBAL.

Following a heartbreaking 68-64 overwhelming loss to San Ramon on February 7, the Mustangs were faced with the task to win their final four league games in order to have any hope for one of the four spots in the playoffs. Approaching each contest as if it were a one-game season, the ‘Stangs began their playoff drive at Granada. In a game which both Granada coach Ken Micheli and MV coach Bob Gallo called “ugly” and one in which a total of 69 fouls were called, Monte Vista used late free throws to hang on for the win.

The Mustangs then returned home for a crucial game versus Dublin. Racing out to a 20-10 lead after one quarter, it appeared that Monte Vista was on its way to an easy victory; however, a late charge by the Gaels sent the game into overtime. The ‘Stangs, led by sophomore Kevin Kirkeide, who finished with 22 points, held on in the extra period to post a 73-71 victory and a fourth-place tie with only the game versus second-place Foothill remaining.

Hungry to secure their first post season spot in six years, the Mustangs erased an early Falcon lead and never looked back. Excellent free throw shooting propelled Monte Vista to a 36 point fourth quarter that broke open a close game, allowing them to coast to an 83-62 win and the playoffs.

Coach Bob Gallo called the game “the best overall team effort of the year,” but also had high praise for several individuals, one of whom was D.J. Volko. “D.J. played the game of his life,” said Gallo in reference to the junior guard whose tenacious defense and clutch shooting helped the ‘Stangs pull away to victory.

This win allowed Monte Vista to finish their home season with a record of 8-2.