TJ lost its third straight game Friday night, falling to rival Patriots by nine.
Mayor Hickenlooper helps celebrate TJ and GW's 50th. photo by Rebecca Holt
Before play started, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper commemorated the 50th Anniversary of TJ, as he wished each team good luck, and thanked the fans for their support of Denver Public Schools Athletics over the past 50 years. Following the speech of the mayor was a joint presentation of the National Anthem by TJ Senior Mina Bradley as well as a George Washington Patriot vocalist.
The game begin shortly after the National Anthem with TJ jumping out on top very early, seizing a 9-2 lead. It appeared that TJ was going to be on its way to an easy win. But there is no such thing as an easy win in conference play, as George stormed right back. It was evident from the beginning of the game that George’s 6’10 Junior Tyrone Marshall was going to be an inside presence. Marshall, teamed with the Patriots’ Odessa Lear proved to be too much for the Spartan D to contain. Marshall controlled the paint and Lear scored both from the perimeter as well as on slashes. “George’s big two played well tonight. Once they both get going, George is a tough team to stop. They just executed well tonight and we did not,” said Spartan Senior Billy Sprague.
photo by Rebecca Holt
Offensively, the Spartans were lead by Sprague as well as Senior Deontae Fair. Sprague, who has been playing well of late, also led the Spartans in rebounds.
The Spartans next play host to the Montbello Warriors. The game will be on Tuesday, February 16, and will begin at 7:00 pm at TJ.
