Boys’ Varsity Basketball loses close match against STA

Junior+Kent+Hanson+drives+towards+the+net.

Photo published with permission from Catherine Braman

Junior Kent Hanson drives towards the net.

Breandan Gibbons, Contributor

The Boys Basketball team lost 51-50 to St. Thomas Academy on Monday. The loss ended the Spartans’ eight-game winning streak. SPA started strong, scoring 10 of the first 12 points scored and taking 10-2 leads. This was led by Junior Dalante Peyton’s 2 quick 3s. STA took a timeout and was able to rebound, as the Cadets took a 26-20 lead into the break. The Spartans’ defend well in the second half and there was a nine minute stretch in which STA only scored two points.

It gives us a lot of confidence going to sections knowing that we can play a good team close.

— senior Louie Bogolub

SPA was down by 6 with a minute and a half to play in the game when junior Dalante Peyton got fouled on a three and drained all three free throws. The ensuing Cadets’ possession resulted in a turnover and a runout. Peyton had the ball and went up for a throw down, however, Cadet senior Andrew Mayleben jumped, making no play towards the ball and threw Peyton to the floor. Mayleben was called for an intentional foul, which gave Peyton two chances at the line and the Spartans had the ball. After the game when asked about the play Peyton said, “Surprisingly, this was not the first time that this had happened this season, but nonetheless I was still really surprised. I was gonna throw it down so hard.” With 22 seconds remaining in the game the Spartans needed a three to tie the game. With three seconds left Peyton missed the contested three and junior Kent Hanson knocked in a meaningless putback as time expired.

Junior Abdulsalan Osman reaches for the ball.
Photo published with permission from Catherine Braman
Junior Abdulsalan Osman reaches for the ball.

This was the final home, regular season game for the seniors on the team. Louie Bogolub said, “It is kind of surreal, this being our final game in that gym, but it was also a really exciting season … for me.”

STA was the 6th ranked team in class 3AM. Bogolub said, “It gives us a lot of confidence going to sections knowing that we can play a good team close.” However, according to junior Kent Hanson, “In our program, there are no moral victories.”

Next week the section tournament begins, with the winner of that tournament going to state. Hanson said, “They ended our eight-game winning streak, and we need to win 8 more in a row to be in the state final.”