The Spartans ended the pre-season with a 5-6 record.   During the Holiday break, the team was plagued with approximately half the players and both coaches acquiring COVID-19.  Fortunately, it was during the break where other teams had the same problems and a couple of games were postponed.   Jersey Village would be the opening District game.    How would your Spartans do after a long break and after COVID recovery?  The game began with a fast start by the Spartans.   They were up 11-2 with 3:28 to go in Q1, but the Falcons came storming back with a 13-8 run down the stretch in the 1st quarter – ending at 19-15 in favor of the Spartans.  The 2nd quarter began with a strong Falcons run to get back in the game.   It was 27-25 with 4:26 to go in Q2.   Keanu Dawes was the defensive foundation with a strong rebounding effort to keep the ball in the Spartans’ hands and Luke Hatcher playing well with clean assists and a steal.  The 1st half ended with a 35-31 Spartan lead.   The team had a season low of 2 turnovers in the 1st half, but missing many 3 point attempts.   The 2nd half opened with a strong 11-1 run by the Spartans to hold a 46-32 lead with 3:34 to go, then the Falcons began a full court press.  The remainder of the quarter was much faster-paced.   The 3rd quarter closed out with a 6-11 run by the falcons for a 50-43 end to the quarter. The 4th quarter began with 2 3-pointers by #23.   Jersey Village once again began the full court press with 4 minutes to go.  The lead was a slim 60-57 with 3:18 to go.   A Falcons 3-pointer tied the game with 60-60 with 2:19 to go.   The Falcons took the lead with a 2-pointer with :49 seconds to go, but SHS hit a 3-pointer to take the lead back with :25 seconds left.   Controversy ensued with 5 seconds to go on a baseline possession call, but SHS had called a time out to save the possession despite enthusiastic arguments by the Falcon’s coaching staff.  The Falcons continued to foul to get SHS in to the bonus and despite a missed free throw and Falcon rebound with :00:20 to go, the lead held for a 63-62 nail biter victory.  Outstanding play: Hawkins Polley led all Spartan scorers with 19 points.    Keanu Dawes hauled in 9 rebounds while Luke Hatcher scored 14 points and 9 rebounds.  The team as a whole only had 7 total turnovers – a season low.   Full team statistics attached separately.