Spartans keep Angels in reach but are unable to finish, losing 95-87.
Billy Sprague goes up for the layup against an Angel defender in the 95-87 East victory over TJ Tuesday night.
On Tuesday night, the Spartans were knocking on the door the entire game, but the Angels wouldn’t let them in. Unlike last year’s devastating 99-69 defeat, TJ competed with East down to the last minute of the fourth quarter, but were unable to get over the eight point hump the Angels comfortably maintained throughout the fourth quarter.
The TJ offense achieved a smooth rhythm after early nerves subsided at the onset of the game and TJ’s ball handlers, Cedric Penn and Shane Oliver steadily handled the notorious full-court press played relentlessly by East. Ray Riley awed the crowd with soaring slams and alley-oops and was on fire from the 3-point line, keeping TJ within striking distance late in the fourth quarter, finishing with 22 points.
Chris Carter played a solid game as well scoring 15 points, but it was the resilience of Billy Sprague that appeared to keep TJ driving toward victory and a superior fourth quarter in which they outscored East 36-29 .
“Billy has had a few moments where even those that know him can do nothing but watch in awe as he dominates,” said Head Coach Grant Laman. Sprague had a game high – and personal career high 27 points – but it was his leadership and tenacity on the court that stood out the most.
Even with the dominating performance, Sprague was more concerned with the outcome of the game than his personal stats. “I think the whole team stepped up in the second half and especially in the fourth quarter. We just need to put four great quarters together against good teams,” commented Sprague.
The Spartans played hardy defense as well, allowing East star DaVaughn Thornton only 16 points. Thornton was contained, but East Junior Alex Merriex lit up the Spartans for 26 points and seemed to be able to score at will on the Spartan defense. “I know the pace of the game was fast but you never want to give up 95 points,” said Laman.
Next up for the Spartans will be the George Washington Patriots who are playing outstanding basketball. The Patriots only have one loss on the season, courtesy of the East Angels, and are shaping up to be a top competitor in the 5A State Playoffs. The game will take place at the Thunder-Dome at 7 pm on Friday February 13.
