While Mount Vernon boys’ basketball didn’t show up in the first IHSAA rankings of the season last week, that didn’t stop the Mustangs from adding to their win total.

“We are not bothered at all about rankings,” Mount Vernon coach Derek Roberts said. “We are very focused on getting better each day.”

Mount Vernon (9-1) beat South Tama 67-28 on Tuesday, Jan. 7, and downed Vinton-Shellsburg, 61-35, on Friday, Jan. 10.

In the win over the Trojans, Kellen Haverback had 23 points, four rebounds, six assists and five steals.

Brogan Meyer had 14 points and Josef Briesemeister had 10 points and five rebounds. Sophomore Maddox Thede had seven points off the bench.

“I think we played 11 players in the first half and all players got some minutes in the second half,” Roberts said. “I was pleased with our team chemistry and willingness to share the ball.”

Against the Vikings, Mount Vernon turned a narrow 25-22 halftime lead into a blowout by winning the third quarter, 27-9.

Haverback led the scoring with 15 points, followed closely by senior Cole Thurn with 14 points. Sophomore Stratton Ellyson had 11 points off the bench, including three 3-pointers. Briesemeister had 10 rebounds and three blocked shots.

“Stratton is coming off a long-term injury, and was so happy for him to have the moments of success that he did,” Roberts said. “Kellen had a solid floor game for us as well.”