Although Aldine is undefeated in district 19-5A, many predicted that the Stratford Spartans would upset the Mustangs when they met Tuesday night at Stratford High School. Some felt that the Spartans had a defense that would be able to contain Aldine’s big man Gary Johnson. Come to find out the Spartans did have an answer for Johnson as they held him to his second lowest scoring game of the season with 15.

This would not be a problem for the powerhouse Mustangs as several other players stepped up to boost Aldine past Stratford. Including Johnson, the Mustangs had four players scoring in double figures. Brandon Williams and Matthew Johnson both had 14 points as Benjamin Neal dropped in 12. William White led the way for the Spartans with 12 points.

Both teams came out fired up and played with great intensity. The Spartans hung in the first quarter as Aldine gained a 19-12 lead heading into the second period. The second period would not be good for Stratford as they struggled to put points on the board and the Mustangs did not. Aldine earned a 41-19 lead heading into halftime.

The Mustangs continued to increase their lead during the second half, but both teams soon found themselves in foul trouble. The Spartans and the Mustangs were stretching their benches to try and keep their players from fouling out.

A solid team effort led the Mustangs to a 74-43 victory over the Spartans. Aldine did a great job of finding open shots and capitalizing on those shots.

“It’s hard to win when your opponent shoots 90% from the field,” explained Stratford’s coach Mitch Hornsby.

The Spartans will try to earn their way back into playoff contention as they face Northbrook on February 2 and Aldine will face Spring Woods on Groundhog Day as well.

Copies of this game are available on DVD or VHS for $25.00 plus tax and shipping. Requests may be sent to lsinclair@athletesconnection.com.

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