How Will the Spartans Build on Last Season's Succeses?

NOTE:  This preview was written prior to the opening of the Spartans season.  Circumstances led to its delayed posting.

The 2014-15 Scarborough Spartans basketball team was arguably the best squad in the school’s history.  On November 17, this year’s club hits the floor with expectations to build on the successes of last year’s team.

After guiding the 2014-15 Spartans to 23 wins and the first play-off victory in school history, Coach Martin Wall is looking to push his team to achieve more in 2015-16.  The Spartans are slated to play eight state-ranked teams in the next three months, including Sam Houston High School (Houston Math and Science), ranked in the top 20 in Class 6A.  “I felt with our success last year,” Wall said, “We needed to take another step forward as a program. The goal this season is getting to the play-offs prepared for success.”

First and foremost, the Spartans are led by senior Hunter Janacek.  Janacek, who has signed a letter of intent with Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, is the reigning offensive player of the year in District 22-4A.  Janacek, whose three-point shooting has received statewide accolades, can carry the team when the need arises.   

In addition to Janacek, Quinton Hudson, Tahj Parrish, and Damani Wheeler bring substantial experience from last season with them to the 2015-16 season.  According to Wall, these veterans will “help the new additions acclimate to (Scarborough’s) program standards.”

With five seniors departed from last season’s team (including Jorge Martinez, Jonathan Garcia-Loza and Jonathan Crew), Wall is looking to numerous new faces to be a part of the Spartans’ next round of success.  Senior guard JaMeluis McIntosh is a “lightning quick guard.”  Senior twins, Jamaal and Jamond Miles provide length and athletic ability as well as outside shooting.  All of the Spartans’ new faces are called on to exhibit toughness and character according to Wall.

One part of Wall’s plan to take the program to a new level this season includes a trip to the Corpus Christi area.  The Spartans are preparing to play in the Wildcat Classic Tournament hosted by Gregory-Portland High School.  The Spartans will be on the road from December 10-12.  The 16-team tournament includes many of the top teams in the state.  According to Wall, “The best part of this tournament is getting to take the guys out of town for a couple of days. Most of them have not had this kind of experience, and getting to spend two nights in a hotel and eating out with their team will be great for them.”

Wall and the Spartans are excited about this year’s team.  They will continue to bring their trademark defense and team play to the court with an added level of talent over the last two seasons’ squads.  Wall hopes the Spartans will be “fun to watch and make our community and school proud.”