The Spartans came in to Friday’s game with a 3-4 pre-season record looking for another win at home.   Alief Taylor, a close neighbor High School, had some players that were a known entity for some of the Spartans parents who knew them from last  summer’s AAU league.  While not a dominating physical presence, Taylor’s team had some known shooters that can change a game.  The first quarter was a back and forth battle with #3 for the Lions leading the way as their sharp shooter.   Great defense by both teams and a very quick Lions team.  The quarter ended 16-14 in favor of the Spartans.  The Lions took the lead 18-19 with 6:20 to go in Q2, but SHS went on a 12-0 run to the 2:40 mark.   The half concluded with a 39-21 lead by the Spartans.  The run continued in to the 2nd half with an additional 11-2 run with 3:30 to go.  Solid defense by your Spartans led the way.  Also, Coach Nixon keeping a continuous player mix that worked and challenged the Lions to respond.  The Spartans added an additional 6 points to close out Q3 with a 56-23 lead.   The large lead forced the Lions to begin an ineffective full court press at the 6:18 mark in Q4, but they only were able to muster 10 points while the Spartans added an additional 17.    It was a complete dominant win 73-33 by your Spartans.  Outstanding play:  Three Spartans were in double figures:  Keanu Dawes, Luke Hatcher, and Hawkins Polley with 15, 15, and 12 points respectively.  James McVaugh added 8 while Garrett Dudley and Jameson Cronin added 6 and 7 respectively.   Keanu was hot from the 3 point line and went 3 for 3.  Paul Skoutelakis added 5 rebounds.  Once again, turnovers were held at bay with only a total of 9 for the team.   Full team and individual statistics attached separately.