Gallery • 12 Photos

Ali Browne

FOCUS. Captain Tysen Hayes steps up to the free throw line.

The boys varsity basketball team secured an 83-65 win over Minneapolis Roosevelt for their teacher appreciation game on Tuesday night.

Right from the tip-off, the Spartans played smart and kept the pressure on their opponents to ensure a strong start to the game. Much of the first half was neck and neck, but the team secured a 41-34 lead entering halftime after senior Maverick Wolff sunk a three-pointer with 0.5 seconds remaining.

During halftime, teachers gathered for a 3-shot competition. Each individual had to take a layup, free throw shot, and three-pointer, with the winner getting a gift card to Café Latte from the team. Among upper school teachers Amy Stading, Aaron Shulow, Crystal Vesperman, and McKenna Shaw, middle school teacher Natalie McElligott emerged victorious by being the only participant to make all three shots.

Once play resumed in the second half, the Spartans came out with even more intensity, allowing them to capitalize on fast breakaways and weak defensive plays from their opponents. With 33, 17, and 15 respective points, junior Mikkel Rawdon and captains Tysen Hayes and Ethan Carter played an important role in deepening the team’s lead. In addition to dominating offensively, they connected passes well with their teammates and were selfless with the ball in order to help lead the team to a victory. Both on and off the court, the chemistry among players was evident, which was also key to their success.

“It was a good team win, and I’m glad that we were able to perform well for the teachers,” captain Simon Assefa said.

Hoping to build on their four-game winning streak, the Spartans will take on Mounds Park Academy in an away game tomorrow at 6 p.m.