Although they came up one game short of perfect conference record, the Spanish Springs boys basketball team still finished at the top of the High Desert League and will be the top seed in the regional tournament when play begins today.
The Cougs fell to second place Reno last Tuesday 49-44 after surrendering a 22-19 halftime lead early in the third quarter. The Huskies outscored the home team 30-22 in the second half and finished the conference slate 14-2 for the second playoff seed. Leo Grass scored 17 points for Spanish Springs in the loss while Jalen Townsell added 16.
In its final game of the regular season, the Cougs trailed Reed 28-26 at the break but outscored the Raiders by 15 in the second half to pick up a 69-56 win. Townsell led both teams with 22 points and 12 rebounds followed by DJ Panfili with 17 points and Grass 16.
The Raiders locked up the third seed last Tuesday after beating Hug 66-54. Despite the loss to Spanish Springs, Reed finished the season winning six of its last eight and an 11-5 league record.
The two Sparks rivals could lock up again this week if they win their quarterfinal matchups. Spanish Springs hosts fourth seeded Douglas from the Sierra League today at 7 p.m. while Reed will travel to Galena for a 7 p.m. tip. The Cougs won at Douglas on Dec. 12, 86-53.
On the other side of the bracket, No. 1 seed Bishop Manogue will take on McQueen today and No. 2 Reno will battle Damonte Ranch. Winners of the four games will move on to play Friday at Spanish Springs in the semifinals. The 4A Northern championship game is set for Saturday at 6 p.m. at the same site.
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