Spartans overpower Lions, 74-59

Spartans overpower Lions, 74-59
By Cynthia Lytle
POST-REGISTER

Coming off of a second-place finish at the Wimberley Texan Classic Tournament last weekend, the varsity Lions were looking to add another win to their 7-6 pre-district season record as they hosted the St. Stephen”s Spartans Monday night.

The night started with Lockhart winning the tip-of

f and taking the early lead 6-4. But the lead was short-lived as the taller Spartans took control of the ball.
In hopes to close their seven-point deficit, the Lions took a shot in the final seconds of the first quarter but missed. Then senior center Marshall Hill grabbed the rebound and put the ball in, which ended the quarter with Lockhart down 12-17.

The second quarter started with both teams coming out with aggression and scrapping over the ball, which resulted in a free-throw point from St. Stephen”s.

The second quarter turned more into a defensive game as the Spartans, who were running a full-court press, had shots blocked by 6-foot-4 center Michael Spears, who had a big presence on the court throughout the first half with many blocks and both offensive and defensive rebounds. The Spartans finally put a shot in, which increased their lead to 21-12.

Unable to follow through on shots, both teams battled it out and were able to put points on the board at the free-throw line.

In the final minutes of the half, senior point Garrett Schafer was able to close the gap on a three-point play as he made a free throw after being fouled while shooting. Schafer was the last to score, which decreased St. Stephen”s lead 23-19 as the teams went into halftime.

The third quarter started with both teams coming out with aggression and scoring at the free-throw line.

Sophomore Michael Schulle contributed four-out-of-four free throws, which were Lockhart”s only points after a three-point field goal and a shot from the Spartans, who later increased their lead to 12 before the Lions scored.
Good plays and free-throw shooting from senior guard Jacob Alvarez helped the hustling Lions, but the Spartans ended the third quarter on top 53-35.
Scoring for the last period of the game opened with the Lions scoring on a three-point shot. Despite the efforts of strong Lion defense, Lockhart was unable to surpass St. Stephen”s strong passing. The determined Lions fought until the end but the Spartans came out on top 74-59.

“We always focus on giving our best effort on every possession. I thought we did that,” said coach Tony Knight after the game. “I was just proud that we just competed with them,” he lauded, referring to the tough schools the team has faced in their pre-district matches.

The Lions will travel Lake Travis this Friday and will have their next home game on Monday, Dec. 20, when district opens against Vista Ridge.
clytle@post-register.com