Cougar boys, girls top Raiders

Sparks Tribune

Last Tuesday’s showdown between the top two boys teams in the High Desert League was between a pair of Sparks schools, and the game didn’t disappoint.

Spanish Springs and Reed featured a pair of 3-0 teams in league play entering the contest, and when the final buzzer sounded the Cougs remained undefeated in conference after a thrilling 64-57 win.

Spanish Springs was in control much of the game, but couldn’t put the Raiders away until late. They led 27-19 at halftime and pulled away 44-27 before an 11-0 Raider run brought the visitors closer. Takoda Kester hit a corner 3-pointer for the Raiders to cut the deficit to seven at 54-47 midway through the fourth quarter, but the Cougs made enough plays down the stretch to secure the victory.

Leo Grass led Spanish Springs with 22 points in the win while Cordell Stinson added 13 and DJ Panfili 10. Mason Whittaker finished with a team-high 11 rebounds for the Cougs.

The win improved Spanish Springs to 4-0 in league play and 18-3 overall in their only game of the week.

Reed went on to defeat McQueen 83-49 Friday after starting the game on a 22-5 run. They’re also 18-3 overall and sit at 4-1 in conference.

The Raiders hosted Hug yesterday and play at Reno Friday night while Spanish Springs played at McQueen Tuesday and welcome Hug Friday. The two teams play each other again in the final game of the regular season on Feb. 15 at Reed High.

Girls

The Reed and Spanish Springs girls teams also met last Tuesday for the first time this season and the Cougs earned a 65-46 win. The Cougs led 37-20 at half and controlled the game from start to finish.

Reed fell again three days later at McQueen in overtime, 60-56. The Raiders erased a six-point halftime deficit after outscoring the Lancers 18-7 in the third quarter, but McQueen battled back late to tie it and push the game into overtime.

The Cougars had Friday off after their win and sit in second place behind Reno at 3-1 in league play and 15-4 overall. Reed’s losses dropped them into fourth place in the High Desert League with three games left.