MPA Part 2: Feels Good

On Tuesday night the Spartans played host to their rival, the Mounds Park Academy Panthers. The Spartans were desperate to get a win. The boys had benn on a seven game losing streak which was beginning to take an emotional toll. The last time that the Spartans had experienced a win was at home against Brooklyn Center at the end of January, it had been too long, way too long. But if seven games is too long it is hard to describe what the "hungry" Panthers were feeling, seeing as they have been in search of a conference win for the past couple of years.

Sophomore Connor Allen got his first start (at center) since December and the Spartans would be without Joe "Kleezy" Klein for the night. The Spartans came out strong looking for a season sweep of the Panthers. They started off hot, sharing the ball and simply out hustling the Panthers. By the time the Panthers gathered for their first timeout the score was already 10-2. Great intensity from Allen, the Egly brothers and Josh "Slim Shady" Gray proved to be just what the Spartans needed to jump ahead. By halftime the Panthers had been held to only 12 points.

At halftime more great action took place, however this time with the hockey players. The Spartans took home gold in the Hockey Bro shooting contest for the second straight year. Yet another historic achievement in the storied rivalry.

In the second half the Spartans did not let up and continued with the same intensity that had been missing for a stretch of the season. The fans were kept entertained with great displays of athleticism from the dynamic eighth grader Dalante Peyton. Late in the second half the man of the hour was Aidan "Eragon" Arnold who got his first varsity points from the charity strike. Congratulations to him on this milestone.

The game ended with a score of 64-35. The Spartans finally got a WIN under their belts. Maybe now things will begin to turn around for the better. The Spartans now have a great opportunity to gain momentum as the section playoffs are approaching quickly. Friday night at home the Spartans will look to complete a season sweep of the St. Agnes Aggies. Be there or be square. Go Spartans!