Mustangs streak into the record books with start

Mustangs streak into the record books with start

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

Atlanta, GA — December in Georgia brings colder nights, crowded gymnasiums, and a high school basketball grind that tests both legs and minds. While many programs are still searching for rhythm—or waiting for the football season to officially end—Mount Vernon has already separated itself from the pack.

Simply put, no team in the state is hotter.

Mount Vernon extended its perfect start Monday night with a composed 58–51 victory over Marietta, pushing its record to 10–0 and etching its name into the school’s history books. Never before has the program opened a season with 10 straight wins. The Mustangs now sit atop the Swish Scouting x BTS Report Private School Top 15, the hunted rather than the hunters.

“The main thought after 10 games is that we have tremendous senior leadership,” second-year head coach Reed Dungan said. “They hold everyone accountable to our standard—playing with passion, fire, and energy every time we lace it up.”

That standard has been personified by seniors Tripp Jackson, Gabe Alterman, and Darrell Dickens, who function as extensions of Dungan on the floor. The scorching start wasn’t forecasted or chased—it emerged organically from a program committed to the daily grind.

“We’ve been focused on preparation and consistent work habits,” said Dungan, 30. “Maximizing every day has been the priority.”

Mount Vernon is no stranger to winning streaks. The Mustangs won nine straight before falling in the 2022–23 semifinals, then closed the 2023-2024 season on a 10-game tear that delivered the program’s first state championship. Still, nothing in the recent past quite compares to this start—equal parts relentless and mature.

The signs were there early. Mount Vernon had a punishing stretch in November: three games in four days against Dunwoody, Hebron Christian, and Marist. Emerging undefeated—and healthy—confirmed what the staff suspected. But celebration has been minimal.

“Ten and zero is great,” Dungan said, “but we’re focused on keeping the main thing the main thing. We have too many quality opponents left to get complacent. We respect every opponent.”

That resolve will be tested soon. Region play looms in the new year, and with success comes the challenge of sustaining hunger. Once again, Dungan points to his seniors.

“Creating an intense practice environment has been huge,” he said. “Those guys are locked in on making their senior year special. When your best players lead from the front, everyone follows.”

The program’s mantra—PFE: Passion, Fire, Energy—is more than a slogan. It’s a daily requirement, enforced not by speeches, but by peer leadership. The Mustangs feed off one another, fueled by a player-led culture that keeps the edge sharp.

That edge was honed long before December. Over the summer, Dungan intentionally sought out elite competition, challenging his team against top-tier talent, coaches, and systems. The payoff has been tangible. Mount Vernon is averaging 66 points per game while allowing just 51, proving capable of grinding out close wins or pulling away when the opportunity arises.

“Our schedule has been incredibly tough,” Dungan said. “We’ve seen so many styles, and that’s by design. Preparing for the state tournament starts now, and our guys have handled it well.”

What ultimately separates this group, however, isn’t the record or rankings—it’s the bond. There’s a visible connection, a brotherhood forged through shared standards and unselfish joy.

“They love each other and love playing together,” Dungan said. “They don’t care who gets the credit. They celebrate each other.”

In a season defined by pressure and expectations, Mount Vernon has found its balance. And as winter tightens its grip, the Mustangs continue to burn bright.