artwork by Andrew Villescas
Rivalry between TJ and the Denver East Angels is still fully intact.
On February 3rd, the TJ and East Rivalry continues a new chapter in the two basketball games that will be held at Denver East. The boys’ game will start at 5:30 p.m. and the girls’ game will follow at approximately 7 p.m..
So far this season the boys’ team is 8-9, losing two close games so far in league play and winning one. The Angels have a 10-7 record and are ranked #6 in the CHSAA rankings. The last few meetings have seen the Angels going home with the victory but this year’s Spartans team hopes to change the past and be the ones walking out with the victory.
The Lady Spartans have started the season with an impressive 14-3 record, before their meeting with the Angels. The Angels are looking for a reversal of fortunes after having started the season at 5-11 and winning their two first league games. In the past decade the Lady Spartans have had many close games against East but just haven’t been able to pull out the victories. This year they look to improve on the past having beat Rangeview High School by 25, while in Rangeview’s game against East, the Angels only won by five. “TJ always looks forward to this challenge,” commented TJ Athletic Director Andrew Skari, “I also think it is always such a high energy environment when you play East, it is a way to measure yourself against some of the best to see how good you are.”
Both seniors Jenny Jacal and Henry Cooper have their final game against East after playing them three times. Cooper explained, “It feels exciting playing them because they are our rivals and I always look forward to playing them every time.” Furthermore Jacal added, “You just want to beat them because they’re East and I just want it so badly this year.”
The key to a Spartans victory for both teams is to play to their best ability.The game will be held at East where there will be a lot of spectators. The East gym is one of the biggest high school arenas, so no doubt there will be an energetic atmosphere. Come out and support wearing gold for both of your TJ teams as they look to leave East with a win.
