Connersville

On Thursday night, the Connersville Freshman Boys Basketball team took the court for the last game of their home stand, this time taking on the Northeastern Knights. The Spartans got off to a shaky start, finding themselves in an early 8-1 deficit. Northeastern showcased a team centered around their speed and quickness, this being something Connersville had not seen to this point. Behind an offensive surge by Carson Moore, the Spartans would close the quarter on an 8-0 run, taking a 9-8 lead into the second period. The second period was a complete 180 for the freshman, causing havoc on defense and forcing the Knights into ill advised shots. The Spartans started the quarter on a 15-2 run before a Northeastern three pointer right before the halftime buzzer. Connersville would take a 23-14 lead going into the break. The third period was much of the same for the Spartans. Behind a balanced offensive attack and persistent effort defensively, Connersville outscored their opponents 15-8 during this time. Beginning the final period up 39-21, Northeastern changed their game plan defensively, opting for full court pressure in an attempt to speed the young Spartans up. They were successful to an extent, outscoring Connersville 11-8 in the fourth. The Spartans would go on to win the contest, 47-32. Setting the pace for the Spartans was Eli Smith, scoring 15 points on five three-pointers, while also adding 2 steals and 2 assists. Carson Moore matched this effort, scoring 15 points of his own, while also providing 5 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal/block. Justin Kitchen followed up with 8 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, with 2 steals/blocks. Gavin Schneider added 6 for for Spartans, to go along with 4 rebounds. Andrew Miracle rounded out the scoring, with 3 points, a rebound and a steal. Zane Ellison contributed valuable minutes, totaling 5 steals and a rebound. Gavin Mullins was vital off the bench, adding in 5 total rebounds. Adam Allen and Parker Brewer also saw the court for the Spartans. This moves your Freshman Spartans to 5-1 on the season! This group is back in action on Monday, as they head to hostile territory to take on conference rival, Franklin County. Tipoff is at 6 p.m.!