The Sumner Stingrays won the last time they faced the Spoto Spartans, and things went their way on Tuesday too. Sumner sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 40-37 victory over Spoto. Given Sumner's advantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 107th, while Spoto is ranked 228th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Sumner's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jewel Harwell, who scored 11 points along with eight rebounds. The matchup was Harwell's third in a row with at least ten points. Another player making a difference was Mariah Farmer, who scored 11 points along with three steals.
Spoto's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jayla Griffin, who scored 14 points along with four steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Dominique Boone, who scored nine points along with 12 rebounds and four steals.
Sumner's win was their 13th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 13-2. As for Spoto, their defeat ended a seven-game streak of away wins dating back to last season and brought them to 9-6.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Sumner won't have much time to rest: their next match is against Strawberry Crest at 6:30 p.m. on January 10th. As for Spoto, they will look to defend their home court on Friday against Brandon at 6:30 p.m.
