vs. Cy Ridge

Another basketball game was interrupted by a rough and tumble brawl on Wednesday night at the Stratford gym as the Spartans welcomed the Cy Ridge Rams. Much like last time they faced the Rams, it was going to be a full contact affair.

The first quarter looked to be a different game this time as the Spartans jumped out early, led by Claire Kadane and her two quick baskets. The defense was also off to a hot start with good rebounding by Sophia Prejean and Shelby Thibodeaux. Allie Moss and Stella Wiess were also able to force a couple of turnovers as well. Sophia led the way with a couple nice blocks on her way to 7 for the game. She then was able to hit two nice shots underneath. The Rams started throwing up threes just like the last game and were able to connect on two of them. The refs wanted to make sure their whistles were working, and the fouls started to pile up for the Spartans. Zoe Thompson came in and really matched the aggressive Rams, which led to multiple steals and a driving layup. She also got a call and was able to add another point from the line. The quarter would end 11-6.

The second was more of the same, but the scoring came a little easier for the Spartans. Once the Spartans realized they were going to take a hit every time they touched the ball and settled in with better passing, the game shifted Stratford’s way. Claire made a couple trips to the line for two points. Shelby got rolling underneath with two buckets. Zoe stayed hot with another driving layup,  and Sophia added two more baskets as well. The refs missed a full-body, hair-pulling takedown against Madeline John that most players would have found to be rather frustrating. Madeline simply got up, redid her hair, and went right back to work pestering the Rams. The score at half was Stratford up 23-11.

Cy Ridge again made a run at the Spartans in the third quarter. The Spartans took the run in stride and answered back every time. Zoe was really bothering the guards and continued to create steals that led her to a driving layup. Anyiah Cunningham and Abigail Williams came in and played solid defense. The Rams' points were coming off long-range shots, a few loose balls, and the free throw line. The scoring got going with Sophia and her 6 points for the quarter on her way to a game high 14. Claire made a beautiful highly contested shot to add a basket. Stella got to the line for one. The highlight was a long three from Zoe as time ran out in the third. Going to the fourth, Stratford was up 37-23.

In the fourth quarter, the refs started to even things out (not call anything) on the fouls, as I think they were tired and ready to be done. It was not a well-officiated game, but I do realize that it is a thankless job. The Spartans really wore down the Rams and the game started to flow better. It was closing time again for the Spartans. Madeline got going and dumped in two jumpers. Abigail had a great rebound and a couple of nice assists. Aniyah continued her shutdown “D”. Allie caught the Rams sleeping and drove right down main street for a layup. Shelby added another, and Zoe also got a score and a free throw. The final score was Stratford 48 - Cy Ridge -28.