Basketball Recap: Ian Melendez's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Spearville over Hodgeman County

If Spearville was riding high fresh off their 65-37 takedown of Ingalls on Friday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The Spearville Lancers took a 49-45 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Hodgeman County Longhorns. The Lancers were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Longhorns earlier this season, when they won 60-55.

Spearville's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Ian Melendez, who almost dropped a double-double on 19 points and nine rebounds. Melendez's afternoon made it three games in a row in which he has scored at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Layson Wheaton, who posted nine points and eight boards.

Even though they lost, Spearville smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive boards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Hodgeman County only pulled down six offensive rebounds.

Hazen Rydquist continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines for Hodgeman County, putting up 15 points and six rebounds. Another player making a difference was Ian Reece, who scored nine points and seven boards.

Spearville's defeat dropped their record down to 9-5. As for Hodgeman County, their win was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 11-4.

Spearville wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next matchup, a 63-35 victory against Minneola on the 3rd. Hodgeman County has also already played their next game, a 60-54 win against Meade on the 4th.