After a warm, melting day finally cooling off, Thursday was busy with the first round of conferences at SPA, allowing players to relax all day with school off before their first section game later that evening. The stands were packed, and the energy was high, with students from SPA showing their support by wearing all black for a theme, while Nova Classical Academy students contrasted and showed up wearing all white.
On Thursday night, boys basketball took on the Nova Classical Academy Knights in a fast-paced, back-and-forth battle. However, the Spartans were determined to obtain the lead from the start.
The gym was dimly lit with tungsten lighting, and the stands were packed with excited fans. The Spartans wasted no time, winning the jump ball and getting a strong start. Sophomore Miles Vogenthaler made an impressive play, sinking a two-pointer off the rebound while falling to his back, putting the Spartans on the board first. However, the Knights responded quickly, tying the game 2-2 moments later. Both teams then took a timeout to regroup.
As the first half progressed, the Spartans established an early lead. With possession switching back and forth, they kept the Knights off, eventually taking a 7-4 lead. Despite a lot of physicality and aggressive defense from the Knights, racking up eight fouls in the first half, the Spartans maintained their momentum and headed into halftime with a solid 33-18 lead.
As conferences commenced, more fans, including SPA teachers and staff, filled the stands. The Spartans returned to the court ready to carry into the second half with that same intensity they brought from the beginning.
Just 16 seconds into the second half, junior Ben Sieben made the first shot, putting the Spartans ahead 35-24. Often, the Spartans’ shots came up short, but they were quick to grab the rebounds and get another chance. Despite some missed opportunities and a physical defensive game from Nova, the Spartans held onto their lead throughout the second half.
Midway through the second half, the Spartans were now up by 24 points with a 60-36 lead. The game continued with challenging play from both teams. While fouls weren’t always called on Nova, the Spartans stuck with it and played fair, not letting the rough play throw them off.
As the game neared its end, the Spartans began to rotate in some substitutions, allowing for other players to get a chance to contribute in the final moments. With only two players being substituted during the game, it was clear that the starting lineup had worked hard to gain the win. The players on the bench cheered and got up on their feet as the clock wound down. As the final buzzer sounded, the Spartans had secured a 73-57 win and showed their teamwork and determination in their final home game of the season.
The Spartans ended their season against St. Croix Lutheran on Saturday for section semifinals and lost 56-84.
