Spartans Finish 2016/2017 at 14-12…by Dan O’Neal

Special to the Caldwell Journal (By Dan O’Neal – 02/22/2017)…It has been a few years that South Caldwell has been a number six seed in regional tournament action. Credit can be given to a strong senior class who has played very well together. Credit can also be given to the Spartans’ coaching staff, led by Darren Hart, who applies knowledge of the game as well as great passion. This group can take some dignity in their accomplishments on the court for this season.

Their opponent tonight at Spartan Gym was the Bison of High Point Central from the Piedmont Triad 4A Conference. The Bison dominated much of the first half as they played at what Coach Hart described was a “go go go” pace, scoring on many fast break layups as well as layups coming off of screens, vaulting them to a 30-19 halftime lead.

Injury and sickness did not help the Spartans cause, however, it did not keep these guys from rallying back in the third and fourth frames, as Ryder Martin doubled his first half scoring with nine and finishing the game with eighteen along with twelve rebounds and three blocks. Alex Haigler, who has been battling the flu and held to only four first half points, would score fifteen in the second half and led South’s scoring drive with nineteen. Kadin Andersen and J.C.Byland scored crucial buckets in the late stages of the game, finishing with ten and eight points, which even had the Spartans leading by one with slightly over five minutes remaining in regulation. However, with the athleticism of the Bison prevailed in the last two minutes leading to the 66-61 win over the Spartans. Again, congratulations to the Spartans on their successful season.

Notable Notes:
Lady Spartans also lost their first round playoff to the Page Pirates, 44-36. They complete the 2016-2017 with a 16-10. Congratulations on your successful season as well. You ladies went after it every game; a credit to Coach Jeff Parham and his excellent staff.

2016 Graduate Miller Kirkpatrick was among the home crowd this evening. He informs us that he is suiting up for Appalachian Spring Football. Guess we will see him on the field instead of the stands at Kidd-Brewer Stadium.

Special thanks to Jeff Link and the Foothills Broadcasting Group for their excellent coverage of South Caldwell sporting events.

The Cheer Squad and the Spartans Student Section always made South Caldwell home games very electrifying. Kudos also to the way everyone leaves it on the court!

Dan O’Neal is a Caldwell Journal Contributor.

Copyright 2017 Caldwell Journal on behalf of Dan O’Neal. All rights reserved.