January 30, 2021 – Hartford, WI – This game was full of a lot of fast-paced action from the opening tip-off, that was ultimately decided by one team’s ability to make more three-point shots and stop their opponents defensively in key moments. The Spartans roared off to an early advantage with help of the aforementioned three-point shooting, but never gained a truly insurmountable lead as the Orioles were able to keep any Spartan advantage in the single digits. A relatively clean first half from the Orioles (only one team foul versus the Spartans’ five) kept them within striking distance heading into halftime, only trailing 32-29. The second half carried much of the same intensity, which in turn led to team defense and the free-throw line being major difference makers. The Spartans were able to force just a handful more turnovers than the Orioles and also outshot them at the free-throw line, going 15-21 versus the Orioles who were 9-13. Despite a spirited last-second rally by Hartford, the Spartans held on to win 61-59.
The biggest standout player for Hartford, and arguably the entire game, was senior Jadon Melvin, who scored 27 points on the evening and dished out several assists. The Spartans were led by a trio of players: senior Nolan Prescott with 18 points., senior Aaron Tennies with 14 points and junior Ethan Lebeck also with 14 points. With tonight’s performance Tennies now needs just 19 more points to break the West Bend West boys’ basketball career scoring record currently held by Ryan Wietor.
The Spartans were led by a trio of players: senior Curtis Holbrook with 18 points., senior Aaron Tennies with 14 points and junior Jayden Omernick also with 14 points.
The Spartans will return home for a North Shore Conference game against Port Washington on Tuesday, February 2, at 7:15 p.m. The Orioles are also slated to play their next game away against Cedarburg on Tuesday at 7:15 p.m.
