OGDEN — Mike Maxwell had a pleasant surprise the day after his team dropped its overtime quarter final basketball game to Mountain Crest.

Less than 24 hours after being knocked off by the Mustangs 64-53 in overtime, Maxwell found his players in the weight room preparing for next year.

“I went in to ride the stationary bike and there they were lifting weights,” Maxwell said. “We had talked about what we needed to do to be a better team next year and lifting weights was a big priority for me and it is obvious it is for them, too.”

The Braves had jumped out early on Mountain Crest taking a 19-10 lead in the first quarter. The Mustangs fought back and cut the Braves lead to 25-24 at the halftime break. The game was tied heading into the fourth quarter and at the end of regulation.

“I felt we had a good shot at them going into the overtime,” Maxwell said. “I was a little worried because we hadn’t played an overtime game this year, but there was something good about this year’s team. They always believed they would win games and that is very helpful in overtime and close games.”

Although Mountain Crest put Bountiful away, several players had big nights for the Braves.

Sharp shooter McKay LaSalle finished with 20 points four rebounds, three assists and two steals while Nick Williams picked up 15 points to go with seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Dillon Salazar grabbed six rebounds, seven points and four assists and two steals.

Dan Prawitt tossed six points and had two rebounds and two steals.

“I think our youth showed a little in this game with Mountain Crest,” Maxwell said. “But when I look at the team and what we accomplished I could not be more proud than I am with these guys.”

sschulte@davisclipper.com