Mustang Madness. The night served as an introduction to the 2025 men’s basketball program and excited the fans for the new season. As put by Coach Pietsch (S), “Mustang Madness is an annual event that is supposed to celebrate the kickoff of basketball season. We started this 15 years ago to create some energy and excitement on campus. Now it’s a good opportunity for us to not only celebrate the current season, but also to bring back the alumni from the past to reconnect with them as well.”
Wednesday, November 5, opened with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem sung by ASB president Cienna Olsen. Following that were team introductions for Stampede, the AAU basketball program linked to Yorba Linda High School. These younger generations of players got to play a quick but intense scrimmage, demonstrating the skills being honed on the team. Coach Hobson (S), who coaches both Stampede and the Yorba Linda Freshman team, comments, “We’re very fortunate that Yorba Linda High School has given Stampede the opportunity to participate in this great event, and to be a part of it now annually, something that fans expect. It is obviously good for our program, but even our parents. Everybody gets a really big kick out of it, so it’s a really fun moment for all of us.”
The kickoff brought performances from YLHS Dance Company and both varsity and junior varsity cheer and song, each of whom brought the spirit to further the madness. A senior on Dance Company, Sophie Herrmann, mentioned, “I was excited to perform two dances tonight. It ended up being so much fun, and getting to perform to Usher and ‘FE!N’ in front of the crowd was a memorable experience.” In addition to performances, there were shooting and half-court contests to get the crowd involved and even more energized.
When it came time to bring out the 2025 freshman team, each player ran onto the court when their name was called. Coached by Coach Hobson, the freshman showcased their talents, breaking off into two teams and scrimmaging against each other. This being the first Mustang Madness he has participated in as an official Mustang, Clayton Carlos (9) shared, “Mustang Madness was incredible. It was electric just to see all our friends and our family here to support us as we start our season.”
JV, led by Coach Bryant, was up next. Following the same structure, the roster was introduced and split to play a scrimmage. From layups to three-point shots, it was a thrilling match between the two teams. Nishant Ambegaonkar (10), a member of the JV squad, remarked, “I think Mustang Madness is a fun way to start the season because everyone comes out to show support for the basketball team. Seeing that helps us get excited for the season.”
Last but certainly not least was the varsity team, under the direction of head coach Coach Pietch and assistant coaches Yezback, Delaney, and Ackland. Walking into the gym, a spotlight shone on each athlete. Unlike the other two teams, the varsity members scrimmaged against the alumni of the program. Going back as far as 2012, the alumni put up a fierce battle that ultimately ended in a tie of 40-40. This tie marked the first time in many years that the alumni didn’t take home the victory. Rocco Gaffoglio (Alumni) noted, “It feels good to come back and see all the Mustang supporters and all the families. It’s good to see my old teammates, and I had a good time tonight.”
As Mustang Madness wrapped up, it marked not only the start of a new season but also the beginning of the seniors’ final chapter as Mustang basketball players. Zen Bhayani (12) reflected, “It’s a tragic moment, being the last Mustang Madness, but it went well. It has been an amazing experience, and breaking the losing streak added to the good memories.”
The energy and enthusiasm displayed during Mustang Madness successfully jump-started the 2025-2026 basketball season, leaving players and fans alike anticipating a year of thrilling competition and Mustang pride. The first home game is Thursday, December 18, against rival school Esperanza High School. By the time the Mustangs take the court, the spirit generated by Mustang Madness will undoubtedly carry them through.
