The Mineola High School boys varsity basketball team completed a 5-7 season within its conference. The Mustangs overall record was 6-12. Coach Scott Donnellan said, "After having a grueling non-league schedule, the team played better in the conference. We won three of our last five games to make a last ditch effort to get into the playoffs."

However, Mineola ended up tied with Wantagh for fifth place in the league and two power points shy of getting into the postseason.

The Mustangs were led by senior forward Eric Wooten, who averaged 16 points and 12 rebounds per game. Eric was named All-Conference, as was senior guard Aaron Kelley. After a mid-season injury to starting point guard Matt Bispo, much of the load fell on Aaron. His hard work paid off though. He averaged 10.5 points per game to go along with three steals per contest. The other main scoring threat was junior forward Rich Medlock, who averaged 13 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Coach Donnellan pointed out that during the season, Wooten was good for a double-double in 11 of the 12 conference games. That means he hit double figures in scoring and rebounds. Kelley averaged 15 points per game over the last five contests. Medlock also had season-high games of 29 points and 26 points.

Coach Donnellan felt his team's season was successful despite missing the playoffs. He also was proud of the job Mineola did in hosting the Coaches Vs. Cancer Tournament, which raised more than $2,000 for cancer research.

The Mustangs also continued the tradition of Reggie Carter Night on Jan. 18. Each year, the team and school honors the memory of the former assistant principal who died suddenly two years ago. Mr. Carter's memory is kept alive when a senior captain is honored by wearing the #35 Mineola jersey. That was the number worn by Mr. Carter is his basketball career at St. John's University and then the New York Knicks.

Coach Donnellan is upbeat about prospects for next year. Although the team is losing some very valuable and talented seniors, he has eight players returning from the varsity squad.