Spartans look ahead to the upcoming season as a more experienced team, and are hungry for a State Title.
by Jake Hazan
Get ready Spartan fans, the TJ hoop squad is back and ready for action. After a successful season last year, posting a 16-9 record highlighted by a sweet-sixteen appearance, TJ is looking to build off of its accomplishments, and return to its State Championship form.
TJ won back-to-back state championships in 2005 and 2006, but after the graduation of super-star Pierre Allen in 2006, the Spartans haven’t reached the state finals game since then. But the upcoming season looks optimistic because the Spartans are heading into their first game of the season ranked #2 in the 4A preseason state rankings.
The Spartans lost six seniors to graduation in 2008, but three of the starters last year were sophomores. Juniors Billy Sprague, Chris Carter, and Ray Riley have been working hard over the off-season and are ready to lead the TJ basketball squad in the upcoming season. “We worked really hard over the off-season, and we have a lot fun, so hopefully it pays off during the season,” said Carter.
Sprague had a great season for TJ last year, leading the team in scoring with an average of 11.7 points per game, and was also the leading rebounder with 5.9 per game. Billy is a two-sport star, and is coming off a sensational football season. Sprague is a natural leader and will have even more of an impact in the leadership department as an experienced upperclassman. “I feel like everyone on the team is on the same level. We all build off of each other and encourage each other to work harder,” said Sprague.
“Billy is such a leader and his tremendous football season hopefully will carry over to the basketball season,” said Head Coach Grant Laman.
Riley played the point guard position for TJ last season and ran the offense effectively. He was the second highest scorer with 11.2 points per game, and often excited the crowed with high soaring dunks. Last year Riley turned heads and gained massive attention and respect from around the state. Junior Regis star Bud Thomas stated that he respects Riley’s game more than any opponent he plays against. “It’s nice to be respected by other players in the league, I respect Bud’s game a lot too,” stated Riley.
Carter is one of the taller players on the team at 6’5’’, but has the ability to sink the midrange jumper and 3-point shot. The combination of Carter’s size and his guard-like skills will cause a mismatch for most opponents on the high school level. Carter was the leader in free throw percentage last season as well, shooting 77% from the charity stripe. “Chris added 15-20 pounds of muscle in the offseason which is going to help him inside and make him a more physical player. And he can still knock down that 3-point shot,” said Laman.
Both Riley and Carter played in the Rocky Mountain Showcase, where they happened to be coached by Laman. Playing in this prestigious event was an opportunity for Carter and Riley to assess their game against the best juniors in the state of Colorado. In what is considered a pre-season all-star game, TJ was the only school to be represented by two players. “It benefits me a lot to play in these types of games because it helps me prepare for the season against top players in the state,” said Carter, who had an excellent game, scoring 15 points and adding five rebounds. Riley didn’t notch any points, but made up with four rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
With a year of varsity experience under their belts, and a JV team that went 17-2 last season, the Spartans should be looking to match, if not exceed, their achievements of last year.
This is an extremely young Spartan team, with only one senior on the roster. Jiron McMillon is the lone senior on the on the team, coming to TJ from St. Louis. McMillan is somewhat of a mystery to the hoop-squad fan base. “Jiron is a talented player; he is in the process of learning the plays and we will see what we get from him,” Laman said.
TJ will start of the season in the Tip-Off Classic, a prestigious tournament that includes eight of Colorado’s premier teams. The State Champion East Angels will participate, as will powerhouses such as Grandview, ThunderRidge, and Heritage. The Tip-Off Classic will be an indication of where the Spartans rank among the elite, and will help Coach Laman identify strengths and weaknesses within his team. “We are happy to be in a 5A tournament to get things started,” stated Laman.
The Spartan hoop squad is looking hungry and determined for a state title, and the Big Three and Company are ready to get to work and establish themselves as a top contender in the state.
For highlight clips of Ray Riley, click here.
For highlight clips of Chris Carter, click here.
