After setting the bar quite high last year by clinching a playoff spot, the Spartan boy’s basketball team was able to start the season off on a good note by defeating the Irvin Rockets at home to launch the new season.

Despite playing without two key players, Fabio Novoa and Kevin Averette, who will join the team after their football obligations are over, the Spartans wasted no time in continuing from last year’s success.

Charles Jones scored a 3-pointer for the first points on the board for the Spartans this season. Robert Lott then came off then bench and provided an offensive spark for the home team as he was able to score a quick bucket. The first quarter came to a close at 20-12, the Spartans leading via an 11-4 run.

The Spartans gave up their lead in the second quarter by allowing the Rockets to go on 3-12 run to bring the score to a tight 23-24, in favor of the rockets. However, the Spartans continued to push the ball down court and build a 10-point lead at the half, 39-29.

The second half was controlled by the Spartans as they held a comfortable lead. The conditioning of the Rockets looked to not be at the same level as the Spartans ran them off the court.

Robert Lott led the team with 20 points.