Sparta Boys Basketball Rolling After Two Wins!

Written by: Billy Stoddard

Going into the game this Saturday against Hanover Park, fans began to become skeptical Sparta could get it done. Hanover Park was coming off a huge win over Roxbury where they scored 91 points. Sparta beat Roxbury in the holiday tournament but only won by six, putting up 48 points. Hanover Park was averaging 75 points a game. However, Sparta stayed tough and secured a big win. Jack Simon dominated with 16 points, Nick Lucas added 15, and Danny Smith came through with 7. The whole team played well and gained lots of momentum from the win.

After losing to Sparta in the finals of the Roxbury holiday tournament, Newton was hungry for a second chance. Despite a roadblock due to a great player, Newton's Jason Heter who is on a full ride to play basketball at Saint Michael's University, Sparta pushed through and got another win. Lockdown defense by Terrell Smith and Thomas Ferrara shut down Newton’s offense. Thomas Ferrara had a great game offensively, scoring 10 points. Jack Simon scored 13. Coach Brennan said that the team’s versatility and toughness helped them push through to get a very impressive win against a good Newton team.

Dr.Rossi Visits Sparta Basketball

        Of all the things Superintendent Dr. Rossi could do on his Friday afternoon, he stopped in at the Sparta boys basketball practice as they were preparing for an exposure game against Hanover Park at Hopatcong High School. As practice was winding down, Dr. Rossi visited the practice and saw what the team is all about. Dr. Rossi’s nephew Sean Rossi is a Sparta Alum who was a standout basketball player. After a fantastic career as a student athlete at Sparta, Sean went on to play college basketball at Ithaca college where he still holds the school record for assists. He also led the NCAA Division III in assists while he was playing. After graduating, Sean coached at West Point and currently coaches at Misericordia University.

       As practice ended, Coach Brennan introduced Dr. Rossi to the team. Coach Brennan said he would like to welcome him to the Sparta School District. Dr. Rossi was then given some Sparta Basketball apparel, which he loved. Coach Brennan ended practice preparing the team for a big upcoming game. He said, “We got to play with five guys on the same page, five guys on the same mission. Count on each other, and count on yourselves, and we will be fine.” Dr. Rossi said he looks forward to watching the upcoming games.

Sparta Basketball Has A Rough Start This Year...

Sparta boys basketball has a really rough schedule this year. Opening up against the number one team in Morris County, home against Randolph and then playing the number two team Morristown is a very challenging way to start a season. 

After losing a tight game to Randolph at home and then suffering another loss at Morristown, Sparta is not off to a perfect start. However the players and coaches involved are all very resilient and want to win. Coach Brennan has high hopes going into the holiday tournament hosted by Roxbury. 

Despite a tough start, the Spartans are determined to come out strong and continue to give maximum effort all the time.