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Varsity Boys Basketball Week of January 17th Update

By Shelley Hatcher, 01/17/22, 10:45AM CST

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Varsity – Week of 1/10/22

1/11 - SHS v. Cy Creek – 75-74 (W)

It had been almost a month to the day since the Spartans had played a game at home.  The game was against Strake Jesuit and The SHOT by Keshaun Bell is still being talked about a month later.  The encore to the last home game did not disappoint.  Not only was this the first game back home in a month, but also the first district game to be played at home.  The Spartans, 2-1 in district were playing a very good Cy Creek team that was undefeated in district.

The game started slow with neither team scoring in almost the first 3 minutes of the game.  The Cougars got on the board first with a 3-pointer but the Spartans answered and the game was even at 15 all through the first quarter.

The Spartans led 21-19 with about 6 minutes to go in the 2nd quarter but a string of 3 pointers by the Cougars with little offensive from the Spartan and the Cougars were leading by 9 with 3 minutes left in the quarter.  With about a minute left in the half the Cougars were up by 7.  After a turnover by the Spartans and what appeared would be an easy 2 on the fast break by the Cougars, Everett Bates hustled back down the floor and blocked the layup.  Luke Hatcher rebounded and a long past to Caden Francis for a layup brought the Spartan within 5 with 30 seconds left.  The Cougars were not able to convert on the last possession and the half ended with the Spartans down 31-36.

Strong team play in the 3rd quarter with a number of 3 pointers by C. Francis, Luke Hatcher and Keanu Dawes as well crucial points in the paint by E. Bates and K. Bell had the Spartans up 52-48 headed into the 4th quarter. 

The Spartans led early in the 4th by 6 and maintained the lead until about 5 minutes left in the quarter.  At which point, the Cougars took the lead.  The two teams continue to trade baskets but the Spartans were not able to break the 3-point deficit going into the last minute of the quarter.  With 57 seconds left in the game the Cougars were up 62-59.  Despite some great defense by the Spartans, the Cougars scored and the Cougar lead was 64-59 with 42 seconds left in the game.  One thing you can say about this Spartan team is they do not give up.  Luke Hatcher drove the ball down the court and was fouled going to the basket.  Hatcher drained both free throws to bring the score to 64-61.  A quick foul on the other end brought the Cougars to the line.  A missed FT and rebound by the Spartans, Hatcher drove the lane again and was fouled on his shot.  Once again, he drained his free throws and the Cougar lead was cut to 64-63.  Another quick foul on the other end.  The Cougars made both of their shots and it was 66-63 with 7 seconds left. Dawes quickly brought the ball up the court and call a time out with just over 3 seconds left in the game.  This is where things got really fun! Coach Nixon drew up the perfect play and it was executed to perfection.  Hatcher inbounded to Dawes who came off a screen from Bell.  Dawes caught the ball in the air and passed to Bates who was coming off a screen from Cronin.  With no hesitation, Bates put up a 3-point shot.  Bates knew the second it left his had…ALL NET as time expired to even the score at 66 and send the game to OT. 

The 4-minute OT was much like the previous four quarters.  Both teams battled to the end.  With 37 seconds left in the game, Hatcher once again drove the lane and leaped over the defender drawing a charge and an and one!  Making the free throw, the Spartans were up 74-72.  The Cougars did not convert on the other end and quickly fouled Francis on the miss.  He made 1 of 2 free throws bringing the lead to 3.  With 16 seconds left the Cougars brought the ball down the court.  However, the defensive effort of Cronin had the Cougar guard out of sorts and ultimately, he passed the ball off in the paint.  A layup was made as time expired and the Spartans held off the Cougars to win 75-74 and secure 1st place in district.  Another amazing effort by the Spartans.  These boys are FUN to watch!

Game stats:

  • L. Hatcher – 25 pts, 7 rebs
  • K. Dawes – 18 pts, 5 rebs
  • E. Bates – 11 pts, 2 rebs
  • C. Francis – 7 pts
  • K. Bell – 6 pts, 3 rebs
  • C. Cronin – 6 pts, 2 rebs
  • P. Skoutelakis – 2 pts

 

1/14 – SHS v. Northbrook – 81-25 (W)

After the intensity of the Creek game on Tuesday, the Spartans played the Northbrook Raiders on Friday and were able to take a bit of a breather.  The whole team was able to get involved and the Spartans cruised to an 81-25 win.

Game stats:

  • K . Dawes – 17 pts, 5 rebs
  • L. Hatcher – 12 pts, 2 rebs
  • E. Bates – 9 pts, 4 rebs
  • C. Cronin – 8 pts, 2 rebs
  • H. Polley – 6 pts, 6 rebs
  • K. Bell – 5 pts, 1 reb
  • H. Putnik – 5 pts, 4 rebs
  • J. Brand – 5 pts, 6 rebs
  • T. Silas- 4 pts, 4 rebs
  • T. Williams – 4 pts, 4 rebs
  • P. Skoutelakis – 3 pts, 2 rebs
  • C. Francis – 3 pts, 1 reb

The Spartans are on the road on Tuesday playing at Cy Ridge.  The boys are back home on Friday in what should be another great game against the Cy Fair Bobcats.  Come support the Spartans on Friday, 1/21 at 7:00 at Stratford.  You will not be disappointed!