Seward Spartans nipped by Tri-Valley, Tuxedo in Division V

Florida - They knew it would be a tough week. And it was. The Seward Spartans traveled to Grahamsville last Tuesday to take on the Tri-Valley Bears in the opening game of Division V action. Apparently these Bears were not in the hibernating mood as they hung around long enough to top Florida 56-53. Two days later Florida traveled to Tuxedo for another Division V match-up. After leading by seven going into the fourth quarter and padding that lead to 13, the Spartans were whisked away by the Tornadoes, 62-61. The Tri-Valley game was close throughout. Florida trailed 11-6 after the first quarter, went ahead 23-19 at the half and were tied at 37 entering the fourth. Despite 10 points by Seward’s Brenden Myers in that final stanza, the host team managed to hold on for a 56-53 win. \Myers played his usual tough game, finishing with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Saddam Sahmanovic also tallied 16 and Bryan Folkl hit double figures with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Mickey Collins chipped in with seven. As tough a loss as that was, the game two nights later at Tuxedo was even tougher. Behind Myers eight first-quarter points Florida took a 17-14 lead. The Spartans stayed ahead at the half, 31-29. All five starters scored in the third quarter as Florida widened its lead to 49-42. Early in the fourth quarter the Spartans still led by 12. Then the figurative roof caved in. As Tuxedo crept closer the ball just wouldn’t go for Florida. That included outside shots, put-backs and foul shots. It finally was a foul shot by Tuxedo’s Gerry Baumann with three seconds left that clinched it, 62-61 for the Tornadoes. Myers and Sahmanovic again led the team scoring with 17 points each. Folkl added 10, Jeremy Harter nine and Collins eight. A nicely balanced scoring attack that should win most games. It’s no secret that the Tuxedo court is tough on visiting teams. It was tough when Leonard Nash coached the Florida Oniontowners in the 1930’s, and it was tough when Alex F. Paul coached the Spartans in the 40’s and 50’s. Some things never change. The season is still very young, however, and coach Rob Gravelle’s team ends the campaign with a string of home games.