Sports
Alexander Week In Review: Dec. 23-29
By: Grace Driscoll
Posted on:
Friday night’s win against Federal Hocking could be just what the Alexander Spartans need to get their season back on track. Before this with a record at .500, it was unclear of what the future held for the Spartans.
Two words come to mind when one thinks of the successful 48-31 win Alexander brought home: Seth Richardson.
The sophomore forward brought the energy and leadership that was needed on the court, and his 19 points certainly didn’t hurt.
By the time halftime rolled around, things were not looking promising for Fed Hock, as Alexander went on a 12-2 run in the second quarter. Shots were falling for the Spartans, and the team was playing together. The same could not be said for Fed Hock, who couldn’t break Alexander’s defensive pressure up the court or score double digits in a single quarter.
Everyone on the court contributed to this seventeen-point victory for the Spartans. Five rebounds by Lukas Thompson, in addition to 3 steals by Kyle Howard to help push the ball offensively down the court were keys to this team’s success.
Saturday night, the Spartans proved to be taking this double-header schedule by storm, against the Amanda-Clearcreek Aces, with a 54-49 victory.
In the first quarter, the Spartans and Aces were neck-and-neck, with a 15-12 match, Alexander in the lead. However, this did not last for long, as the Spartans broke away, outscoring the Aces 17-9 in the second quarter.
The energy on the court was undeniable, and first year Alexander coach Jim Kearns undoubtedly knows by now how to keep up his team’s motivation and energy.
Amanda came out after halftime determined to take home the “W”, outscoring their opponent with a 13-9 run. Although they outscored the Spartans once again in the fourth quarter, it came down to the Spartans hustle and drive in the first half, which ultimately landed them the victory.
This young bench is starting to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses, a key for successful upcoming weeks.
That same night, the Alexander Lady Spartans solidified a 7-3 record, with a 52-32 win over the Amanda-Clearcreek girls.
Leah Richardson put up 16 points, along with Allyson Malone’s 9, which led their team to a victory. The Spartans outscored Amanda-Clearcreek 20-10 in the first quarter, and increased their lead to 34-14 by the end of the half.
Amanda-Clearcreek was unable to make plays to come back after falling so far behind, but didn’t go out with a fight. Maddie Snider scored 14 points and teammate Kacee Salyers put up 13.
The Spartans have the rest of the week to continue strengthening their offense before Friday night’s game at home against Wellston.
The Lady Spartans will open the New Year with an away matchup against Whiteoak.