SAN DIEGO – The Bainbridge Spartans boys varsity basketball team claimed a fourth-place finish at the recent Surf N’ Slam tournament in the boys “Surf” division in San Diego, California.
The Spartans took fourth in a battle against Bella Vista High School and won, 54-46.
Mission Bay claimed first-place honors in the division.
“The trip was exactly what we needed from a playing perspective and a team perspective,” said Spartan Head Coach Scott Orness.
“The boys had a lot of fun and we grew as a team,” he said.
Bainbridge’s Ben Beatie was named as the “Player of the Game” in the team’s final contest against Bella Vista.
Beatie was also recognized as one of only six all-star MVPs in the overall “Surf” division and was selected for the 1st Team All Surf & Slam.
The Bainbridge team played three games in California. First, against Granite Bay of northern California, then, against Metairie Park Country Day from Louisiana before their final game against Bella Vista.
Against Granite Bay, the Spartans fell 63-57.
“This game was back-and-forth and we came up short at the end,” Orness explained.
Trent Schulte and Oskar Dieterich each scored 15 points. Lyle Terry managed 12, and Beatie finished the game with nine.
BHS came back strong and claimed a 56-52 win against Metairie Park.
“We matched their physical play and grew up in this game,” Orness said. “We had a lot of players contribute in a positive way to get us this victory. We have been struggling in the fourth quarter and we made it a point to be the aggressor come crunch time,” he said. “The boys responded, and cruised to a well-earned victory.”
Terry and Daniel Locascio each scored 13 points. Dieterich contributed 10 and Beatie chipped in eight.
The Spartans won again against Bella Vista 54-46 in what Orness said was “another solid game.”
Beatie spurred the Spartan offense and scored 25 points in the final game.
Dieterich and Blake Swanson each scored six points, while Schulte managed five.
The Spartans play at home again at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6 against Franklin High.
