Game #23—February 16, 2018
Vikings 15-0 start spoils Senior Night
Francis Howell23221815 =78
Francis Howell Central819116 =44
The night had the appearance of a festive occasion—banners, recognitions, and visits from Fox 2 and KSDK Channel 5. Unfortunately, the Vikings arrived to spoil the party, racing to a 15-0 start and extending the Spartans losing streak to nine games.
Prior to the game, the three Spartan seniors were recognized—LaRenzo Hayes, Colin Hepler, and Jaden Closson. LaRenzo’s part of the ceremony aired on the Fox 2 Prep Zone later in the evening. Seniors from the girls basketball team, Sensations, and the cheerleading squad were also recognized. The night appeared perfect—until the tipoff.
The Vikings opened the game on a 15-0 tear, holding the Spartans scoreless until Jaden Closson scored following passes from Colin Hepler and LaRenzo Hayes. Jaden’s second career varsity basket aired on Fox 2 later that night. Myles Estrada drained a 3-pointer to pull the Spartans within 12, the closest FHC would ever come. In the other Spartan basket to make the 10 pm news footage, Terron Robinson scored on passes from Adam Lewis and Jordan Hayden. Myles Estrada sank one free throw before the end of the quarter.
The Spartans maintained pace with the Vikings during the second quarter. Adam Lewis and Terron Robinson scored baskets within the first minute. Kaleb Anderson banked a 3-pointer to slice the Viking lead to 30-15. Terron Robinson scored the Spartans next five points. Myles Estrada converted the first end of a one-and-one, Austin Crudup rebounded the second attempt and Myles scored again to pull the Spartans within 14. Terron Robinson capped the 7-0 mini-rally with a basket, but the Vikings answered with an 8-0 run. Colin Hepler scored with 12.2 seconds left in the period to cut the deficit to 45-27.
Colin Hepler scored the first Spartan basket of the third quarter. Austin Crudup scored and Jordan Hayden followed with a 3-pointer to reduce the Viking edge to 49-34. Kaleb Anderson scored off a steal with three minutes left before another 8-0 Howell rally. Colin Hepler broke the Viking string, but Sam Thompson scored in the closing seconds to put Howell ahead 63-38.
For the second consecutive game, the Spartans were held without a fourth-quarter field goal, mustering only two free throws apiece by Kaleb Anderson, LaRenzo Hayes, and Jordan Hayden. The Vikings scored the last six points of the game as the Spartans 44 points were their fewest of the season.
Terron Robinson led the Spartans with 11 points and 2 assists. Kaleb Anderson scored 7 points and dished 2 assists. Myles Estrada also scored 7 points. Colin Hepler scored 6 points. Jordan Hayden finished with 5 points and 2 assists. Austin Crudup also had 2 assists.
The Vikings won their 17th consecutive game to improve to 22-3 overall and swept the GAC South with a 10-0 league record. The Spartans fell to 7-16 overall and 2-8 in the conference, tying for last place with Francis Howell North and Timberland. FHC will try one more time to win on their home court in the regular season, hosting Warrenton on Tuesday, February 20 at 7 pm.