By Marcus D. Smith–
San Juan Spartans varsity girls are looking to figure out how to close out games on the right side of the win-loss column. They are 2-5 this season in games that went to overtime and/or were decided by five points or less .
At halftime against Vacaville Christian on Friday, Jan. 24, the Spartans found themselves down by two, 17-15.
There was highly an optimistic energy about the Spartans despite the slight deficit. The girls came out in the second half as jubilant as one could be, and it translated to the play on the floor.
They displayed great ball movement and were able to fluidly run through their offense which led to outscoring the Falcons in the third quarter, 16-7. Going into the fourth quarter they held a, 31-24, lead over Vacaville Christian.
The Falcons would fight and claw their way back into the game and with under five minutes to play in the game it was a one possession game, 35-33, as San Juan held a slim lead.
After a crucial shooting foul was called on junior guard, Paris Burney, Vacaville Christian was not able to tie the game, missing both.
The next defensive possession, another crucial call went against Burney and the Spartans, except this time Vacaville Christian would tie the game at 35 apiece.
The ensuing offensive possession for San Juan, the team was called for a traveling violation with a minute and 18 seconds left in the game.
Vacaville Christian’s freshman point guard would make them pay by drilling a three pointer from the corner to put the Falcons up by three. The Spartans would look to answer, but late-game missed three point field goals from senior, Trinity Dudley and junior, Aaliyah Gary-Bassett would be the end of the game for San Juan High School.
The final, 38-35.
With this loss, the Spartans now currently sit at 1-4 in league so far at its halfway point. They will face Highlands High School at home on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
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Sports Reporter Marcus D. Smith covers high school sports in Citrus Heights. Smith is a Sacramento-area native and earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2017.
