After collapsing in the final minutes of a game against St. Anthony Village and falling to a record of 0-2 the Spartans were looking to turn things around in their third game Saturday. This time the game would be played at home in Historic Briggs Gymnasium. Spartan fans came in numbers to watch the boys play for the first time this season. The most feared student section in the Tri-Metro, McKenzie's Frenzys, were present in their corner as well. The guys took on Minneapolis Edison. The players were very hungry for a win after having lost two close ones to start the season.
From the first whistle it was obvious the Spartans were more prepared for this game. the Edison team was very athletic but not half as organized as the home team who quickly began to dominate the game. A last minute change was made to the starting lineup and senior Andrew "Superman" Bradley was called to start because of his Junkyard-Dog mentality on the defensive side of the ball which had earned much praise from Coach Kevin McKenzie. Josh "Slim Shady" Gray led the way with continuous bombardment from outside the arc which contributed to his final tally of 26 on the day. However Spartan drives continued to come short and bounce the wrong way off the rim. Soon enough Edison worked their way back into the game and with about four seconds left in the half had a 21-20 lead. The Spartans kept their cool and worked their way down the wing to set Slim Shady up with a an open three point jumper that he drained right before the buzzer. 23-21 Spartans at the half.
The Spartans came out strong in the second half looking to put the game away. More importantly however the Spartans maintained their composure and were patient in looking to close the game out. The defense was remarkable in the second half. The second half was also Egly-Time in this game. The brothers from Edina sent all the momentum the Spartans way with exceptional individual efforts. Harrisen "the Truth" Egly hit multiple three pointers in transition which sent the Spartans flying. His older brother Spegly contributed on the defensive side, sacrificing his body as he hit the floor hard on three charges.
The Spartans rode their great defensive play until the final whistle which saw them finish on top 57-40. The boys were able to secure their first win of the season on home court.With exceptional defense and fantastic foresight the Spartans overcame their early two game slump. They could not have responded in a better way. Now at 1-2 the future looks bright for this team. Next up is Duluth Marshall next Saturday once again at Historic Briggs Gymnasium. As much as it hurts me to say, I will not be in attendance but if you are reading this you should try to make your way to Briggs and cheer the boys on. Once again it is your loss if you don't. Go Spartans!
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