Spartans fall to Kellogg

KELLOGG – The Kellogg Wildcats put an end to the Priest River boys’ basketball season, getting a 66-49 win in a loser out game Wednesday, Feb. 26.

The first half was competitive, with Priest River trailing by five at the half, 32-27. Kellogg sealed the win with a strong second half, outscoring the Spartans 34-22.

Brady Hatten had a good game for Priest River, with 18 points and a dozen rebounds. Lucas Matthews scored six points, grabbed seven rebounds, made three assists, came up with two steals and a block for the Spartans. Broden Collins pulled down nine boards and scored four points. Jacob Best hit a pair of 3-pointers in his eight points. He also had three assists and a pair of steals.

The Spartans played a strong St. Maries team, losing 67-39 at home Tuesday, Feb. 24.

“Although the score shows a significant loss, there were many positives to the game,” Spartan coach Brian Hall said. The Lumberjack’s beat the Spartans earlier in the year by 45 and 36 points. A 28-point loss showed improvement, especially considering Priest River played without its leading scorer Ian Lamanna, who was out with an illness Hall said Priest River tried a different strategy on JJ Yearout, St. Maries’ top scorer, holding him to 16 points.

“Unfortunately, they have a great supporting cast in Gustaffe and J. Barta,” Hall said.

Spartan sophomore Madden Redinger led all Spartan scorers with 12 points. Brady Hatton had seven points and nine rebounds.

The Spartans finished a season that saw three coaches with a 6-15 record.