Mundelein girls in perfect harmony following games in Az.

Mundelein girls basketball coach Brian Evans knows at least some of the words to Fergie's song Clumsy.

That was just one of the takeaways from the Mustangs' winter-break trip to Arizona.

Others included a 2-0 record, a maiden plane voyage and a love affair with "The Grand Canyon State."

Evans provided the vocals during one of the team's van trips. He was in a good mood because of the way the Mustangs had played, notching a 57-55 victory over Desert Mountain on Jan. 3 and a 69-42 win against Boulder Creek on Jan. 4.

After a close first half, Desert Mountain switched from a man-to-man defense to zone. Mundelein quickly extended its lead to 10 points, and Desert Mountain came out of the zone.

The Mustangs could not put Desert Mountain away, though, in part because they went 11 of 26 from the free-throw line. Senior Sam Panitch and junior J.J. Sawchuk both scored 16 points. Junior Kelsey O'Connor (11 points) hit three 3-pointers.

Against Boulder Creek, Mundelein's pressure defense and ability to push the tempo was the difference. Both opposing coaches told Evans it was good preparation to play a team like Mundelein.

"I thought it was fun to go into a game with a clean slate, not knowing what to expect," senior Kelsey Weyers said.

The off-the-court experiences were just as valuable for the Mustangs (15-4, through Thursday).

It's safe to say that the attention Weyers received on the plane was the equivalent of being triple-teamed in the low post. Weyers was excited and apprehensive about her first plane ride.

"I'm a nervous person to begin with," she said with a smile. "It was a little nerve-wracking, but overall a lot of fun."

Added junior Ally Hanas: "It was great to be on the plane with her and see how she reacted."

Halfway through the trip, Evans changed the room assignments. He did this so there would be more mixing between the seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshman on the team.

"I roomed with Toni (Knar) and J.J. (Sawchuk)," Weyers said. "We goofed around a lot, and Toni has to be the funniest person."

The girls raised money for the trip through year-round fundraising. Evans hopes this is the first of many winter-break trips for Mundelein.

So do the girls.

"I feel like we all became depressed when we saw snow instead of palm trees," Weyers said. "Arizona is beautiful, and it went by so fast. We all want to go back."