vs. Memorial

Though closer than in their first meeting, the Stratford Sophomore Boys Team overcame some poor shooting to hold on and defeat rival Memorial 55-52 on January 9. Memorial likes long possessions on offense and started the game in a zone, and this may have contributed to a sluggish start by the Spartans as they ended the first quarter down 11-9 and needed 11 points in the second quarter from Ben Harris to take a 25-23 lead at the half. Stratford picked it up in the third quarter and early fourth to get the lead to double digits, but Memorial was able to make a late run in the fourth quarter thanks to some lucky three-pointers. But a late layup and 4 straight free throws by Alex Harris proved enough to preserve a victory. Ben Harris led Stratford with 20 points. Jay Frazier had 4 three-pointers and finished with 14 for the game. Alex Harris had 6 of his 7 in the fourth quarter, and Anderson Fitzgerald added 7 as well.

vs. Jersey Village

The Stratford Sophomore Boys added to what is now a five-game win streak and a 12-2 total record with a 47-32 win over Jersey Village on Friday, 1/12. The first half ended tied at 20-20, but the game should not have been that close. With only one referee, many of Stratford’s shots at the basket were impacted by non-calls. The score started to stretch out in the third quarter, as it ended with a 36-29 Stratford lead. In the fourth quarter, the Spartans stepped up defensively and outscored Jersey Village 11-3, resulting in a 15-point victory. If there was a player of the week, Ben Harris would take the award, as he followed up his 20-point performance against Memorial with 17 against Jersey Village. Beckett Swilling, Alex Harris, and Anderson Fitzgerald scored 6 apiece, and Jay Frazier scored 5 for the Spartans.

Victories in important upcoming games against Cy Fair (1/16) and Cy Creek (1/19) could help Stratford put a stranglehold on District standing.