Photo credits: Nathanial Burke
By: Julia Miller
February 5, 2024
SPARTA, NJ- Two local Sparta varsity basketball teams clashed on Thursday, February 1: Sparta High School visited Pope John. Going into the game, the Sparta boys basketball team's record was 8-9, while the Pope John boys team’s record was 0-16. The final score was 53-31, a win for Sparta. To add to the excitement, this game was also the Pope John team's senior night.
When asked about the strengths of the team, Coach Brennan from Sparta said, “I think right now it's comradery. It's how the guys love playing together.”
Spartan captain Brandon Joefield, said, “I felt great about the game. The energy was at an all-time high. The highlight of the game was the student section being loud and intensifying the game.”
The energy of the game was not only noted by Brennan, but also by Coach Vanhorn from Pope John. Both coaches remarked how the game between the two schools is one of the most fun and exciting games of each season.
Vanhorn also noted the significance of senior night, and said, “Honoring the seniors is more important to me honestly than if we win or lose.” Lions Captain Alex Grubbs said the game was a “good overall team effort,” and that he believes Pope John Basketball has a “bright future ahead.”
Brennan said a highlight of the game was “having all five of our seniors on the floor at the end of the game, to finish this game together.”
This was an intense game, especially since Sparta and Pope John are cross town rivals. Regardless of the outcome, it was a great night for both teams to be able to celebrate their seniors.
Game Stats:
Leshem Little and Hayden Kopco each put up 13 points. Shane Hoover added eight, Chrystian Grubbs had six. Pat Connors and Brandon Joefield each scored five. Nick Szabo dropped in a free throw.
Sparta boys host Delbarton on Tuesday beginning at 7 p.m.
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