Spartans Get Key Win

The TJ hoop squad defeats Rock Canyon and loses to Columbine over the weekend.

Photo by Hanna Kazlouskaya

The TJ basketball squad went up against two formidable 5A opponents this weekend, winning 55-49 on Friday, January 7th against Rock Canyon, and losing to Columbine on January 8th with a score of 58-46.

The Spartans went on the road against the Rock Canyon Jaguars, taking on the tough 5A ranked opponent on their pack the house night. The gym full of Rock Canyon fans were silenced by the Spartans as it was obvious throughout the game who the better team was. The Spartans continued their fantastic play that they had going before winter break and moved the ball with grace and purpose. Senior Wesley Price had yet another outstanding performance and kept control of the Spartan offense with meticulous and incisive passes. Sophomore Eric Andres also had an impressive game leading the team in points with 21 for the game. This one ended with the Spartans victorious and a final score of 55-49.

The next game was somewhat of a different story than the game from the previous night. The Spartans played hard and kept up with the Columbine Rebels, but were unable to keep their opponent off of the free throw line, giving them 19 free throws which produced a sizable amount of Columbine’s final tally of points. Senior Ian Melnicoe led the team in points with 14, but it was not nearly enough as the Spartans fell short by 12 points with a final score of 58-46. “It was difficult to lose a game that we definitely could have won, but we will just have to roll off this loss and prepare for the next game” said Melnicoe.

The Spartan’s next game will be on their home court where they are undefeated on the season. The team will need to rally behind the support of their fans as they take on the Highlands Ranch Falcons who have only suffered one loss on the year so far. the game is Tuesday, January 11th and tip off will be at 7:00 p.m.