TJ Takes Game to GW

The Spartan Basketball Team takes on George Washington on Friday night.

Photo by Hanna Kazlouskya

The Spartan Basketball Squad faced off against three 5A opponents this week, coming away with two wins, and a close loss to one of the elite teams in the state.

On Tuesday, January 11th, the Spartans went toe to toe with the #2 ranked team in the state in Highlands Ranch. The Spartans put up a valiant fight against this titan of Colorado basketball and kept the game closer than most of Highlands Ranch’s previous opponents. Notable performances in this game came from Ian Melnicoe and Sir Michael Boston who put up 13 and 17 points respectively. Sir Michael was a spark plug for the team when Highlands Ranch was starting to gain momentum, and kept TJ in the game with several acrobatic drives to the rim and on-point outside jumpers. This game ended with the Spartans being just under the mark, losing this game 65-53.

For the next two games, the Spartans went on the road and continued their onslaught of 5A teams. On Thursday, January 13th the Spartans took on the Aurora Central Titans and ended with a dominant performance and a win of 51-36. The top performer for the team in this one was Eric Andres who put up 22 points and had 12 total rebounds, recording yet another double-double to his total this season.

The Spartans also played Cherokee Trail and again came out with the win and a final score 60-44. Wesley Price ran the floor in this game and distributed the ball for 10 assists and seven points of his own. “This was a great week for us coming away with two wins and keeping it close against Highlands Ranch. I think we will keep it going and bring it to George [Washington] on Friday,” said guard Grant Maloney.

On Friday, January 25th, the Spartans take on their long-standing basketball rivals in the George Washington Patriots. The Spartans are winless in their past three match-ups against the Patriots and are looking for a change in fortune this weekend. “I think this is one of the best teams we’ve had coming into the George game. I am confident in how we will perform and I think we especially want the win this year,” said Senior Ian Melnicoe. Tip off will be at 7:00 p.m. and the game will be played at George Washington High School. It’s PACK THE HOUSE night TJ so make sure to not miss this one.