Second-year head coach Jim Hegmann took over the reins of the Mineola varsity basketball program in November 2006 and set one goal in his sights - return the Mustangs to the postseason for the first time since 1999.

In his debut season, the Mustangs fell one spot short. When training for the 2007-2008 season began last November, the team raised that bar with the additional objective to bring home a conference championship for the first time since 1986. With one game remaining in the regular season, the Mustangs have clinched the Conference ABC-IV Championship and are headed to the playoffs.

This season draws irony to the last time Mineola captured a division crown. In 1986, the Mustangs were guided by a young district physical education teacher with a Hegmann-like pedigree. Michael Robilotto, a staple of the Jackson Avenue Elementary School teaching staff for years where a number of the current Mustangs began their careers, was the guiding force of that team, which is recognized on a banner overlooking the entrance to the high school gymnasium.

When contacted last week, Robilotto saluted the current champions. "It is really nice to hear that the Mineola varsity basketball team has an opportunity to win their conference championship. We lost to Roosevelt, which ultimately became conference champs. Best of luck to the team."

While Roosevelt should once again qualify for this year's playoffs, the Mustangs will most likely battle the likes of Westbury, South Side or Floral Park in this year's first round. Prior to conferences adopting "ability based scheduling" two years ago, the Mustangs were aligned in the same division as these top ranked teams.

The Mustangs will receive the #14 seed in the upcoming Class A Basketball Tournament and played third seeded Southside on Friday, Feb. 15