On Tuesday, January 7, in a double-header, both girls and boys varsity basketball teams faced off against conference rival Mounds Park Academy. This was a highly anticipated game, as both Spartan teams beat the Panthers last year at the Target Center, and MPA invited SPA back for a rematch. This game was the first matchup of the season between the teams and lived up to expectations.
As warmups began, many Spartan fans filled the stands. The atmosphere was electric, with parents and students cheering as the teams took the court. The SPA section was notably larger than the MPA section, giving the Spartans a supportive edge.
The Spartans pulled ahead early, with standout performances by captains Nathan Rock and Ezra Cunningham. Through their leadership and aggressive offense, the team maintained the lead throughout the game. Each point scored was matched by the other team, so the early lead was crucial for SPA’s victory.
In the last seven minutes, the Panthers became more aggressive, resulting in many fouls. The energy shifted, with fans from both sections cheering loudly for their teams. The Spartans thrived under this pressure and secured a win with a score of 67-51.
The boys basketball team will play Minnehaha next on January 14 at home.