Spartans Continue Downward Plunge
Middletown, OH (December 29, 2004)— The Lady Spartans continue their downward slide, falling to the Middletown Middies, 36-53, in the 26th Annual Holiday Tournment.
Middletown's domination in the second period — where they outscored the Spartans 16-4 — was more than Valley View could overcome and coupled with a mulitude of Sartan fouls, the Middies turned a one-point deficit into a nine-point half-time advantage.
Spartan coach Steve Dickson didn't seem too surprised by the outcome.
"They were fast. We're not used to seeing that kind of speed. The pressure wasn't that great, we just missed a lot of lay-ups and jump shots."
Speed kills, but fouls cripple and the Spartans found themselves in trouble early. The Middies took advantage, shooting 85.7% in the first half (6/7). Valley View also got out-rebounded 27-44.
"We didn't box out at either end of the court," Dickson commented. "We just need to go on and get ready for Dayton Christian."
Valley View will take on the Dayton Christian Warriors in the consolation round at 3:34 p.m.. The Warriors were 46-60 losers to Trotwood-Madison in the Big School Division event. Middletown goes on to play Middletown in the championship round.
| Valley View | 13 | 17 | 30 | 36 |
| Middletown | 12 | 28 | 45 | 53 |
Scoring: Powers 12, Kerns, 8, Moore, 4, K. Smith 4, Hasty 4, Ritze, 2, Rowland 2
