Mike Clark-Gov. Mifflin

Taylor Koenig is back and that makes Gov. Mifflin a very dangerous team. The Mustangs used a big third quarter to beat Reading 69-57 in Shillington. Koenig, who had knee surgery in November, scored nine of her 22 points in the third period. She’s played in five games and Gov. Mifflin has won four of them. “It’s a hell of a difference. To have her back is what we needed,” emphasized head coach Mike Clark. The 5’7 junior was the Mustangs’ leading scorer last season when she made 48 treys. Koenig was an all-division selection and helped Gov. Mifflin capture its third Berks League championship in the past four years. On Thursday, she hit three triples and went 9-of-10 from the free throw line. Koenig was fouled twice while attempting 3-pointers in the third quarter and made all six free throws. She connected from beyond the arc to open the final period and put the Mustangs on top 55-40. The trio of Koenig, Anyah Ortiz (24 points), and Shakyla Mayo (15 points) combined for 61 points. “That’s a coach’s dream…and those three don’t mind sharing the ball. All three can shoot the 3, they can get to the basket, and tonight they made their foul shots,” said Clark. Gov. Mifflin entered the night shooting 51% from the charity stripe. They looked like a different team against the (11-6, 6-3) Red Knights. The Mustangs finished 23-28 from the free throw line including 12-14 in the fourth quarter. Ortiz, a 5’5 senior, knocked down 10 of her 12 attempts. Gov. Mifflin had a 16-11 advantage after eight minutes. Laysha Pimentel’s trey gave Reading a 27-25 edge with just under two minutes remaining before halftime. The 5’3 senior provided 14 points off the bench. The Red Knights trailed 30-29 at the break. They were outscored 22-11 in the third period. Heavenly Franklin dropped a season-high 21 points on the Mustangs. The 5’8 senior forward didn’t play the last two seasons for Reading. Franklin’s three-point play pulled the Red Knights within 61-54 with 2:36 to go. Gov. Mifflin sealed the deal from the foul line, while Reading was 11-21 from the stripe. Each team made six 3-pointers. After an (0-4) start, the Mustangs improved to (9-9, 7-2). They’re alone in second place in Division 1 behind Berks Catholic. The Saints are perfect through nine league contests. Clark has won five Berks County titles over his fifteen years as a head coach. He’s (190-92) in eleven seasons in Shillington. Clark believes the county playoffs are going to be exciting. “It’s gonna be a fun tournament. The final four is gonna be tough,” he replied. With Koenig healthy, don’t count out the Mustangs.