Sometimes coming off an extended layoff, a team can be sluggish and in need of a spark. On Tuesday, the Stratford Sophomore Team unfortunately stuck to that type of script for much of the game at DeKaney HS. Tied 8-8 after the 1st quarter and down 14-13 at halftime, my 3rd grade daughter remarked that the halftime score was similar to one of her games. But good teams, when seemingly mired in a low gear, are able to summon the effort to make enough plays to win. Thankfully, the Spartans were able to do so.

While the pace began to pick up in the second half, the Spartans clung to a narrow 2-point lead at 26-24 entering the 4th quarter. The team clicked into gear and started attacking for defensive rebounds to earn possession decisively, which then allowed for some easier transition buckets, to outscore DeKaney 18-9 to win 44-33. Through three quarters, consistent hand-checking that went uncalled slowed Stratford’s ability to drive to score or create shots. In the fourth, passes set up William Ubell for two 3-pointers and put him in position to draw shooting fouls. William had 11 in the fourth quarter, and he and Anderson Fitzgerald combined to go 7 for 9 from the free-throw line late. Cody Hanlen and Alex Harris also had key scores in the last quarter. Again, while a bit sluggish and hindered by referee inaction, the Spartans were able to come through late for a victory to move to 6-1 for the season.

Scoring Summary:

Ubell 15, Fitzgerald 8, A. Harris 6, Rosser 5, Seely 4 (4 of 4 from the free throw line), Hanlen 2, West 2, B. Harris 2