Spartan boys run win streak to four games

And coach Orness enjoys a homecoming.

The Bainbridge boys basketball team is riding high on a four-game winning streak.

The Spartans handled Olympic last Tuesday, and on Dec. 30 hit the road for a 20-point win over Franklin Pierce, where four-year Bainbridge coach Scott Orness got his start, as an assistant for his father, Bruce.

The Spartans jumped out to a 16-2 advantage in the first quarter, built a 20-point lead at the half despite foul trouble for Theo Miller.

Absorbing second half pressure from the Cardinals, Bainbridge won, 62-42, moving to 6-3 on season with the non-conference win.

“We executed extremely well, especially in the first half,” Orness said. “We played good team basketball.”

Miller finished with 16 rebounds to go with his 15 points. John Bruns led with 17 points from the outside.

Forward Coby Gibler played what Orness described as a “solid game,” contributing 12 points and eight rebounds.

Grant Leslie finished with six assists and five points and earned praise for his solid play running the offense.

“Leslie did a nice job pushing the play,” Orness said.

The Cardinals came out in the second half intending a home-court comeback and climbed to within 12 points. But the Spartans held off the run, building back to the final spread.

There was a special feel for Orness, returning to the site of his coaching start, and first head coaching position.

“There were a lot of familiar faces in the crowd – people Dad had coached or who support the program,” he said. “Even the gym had a good pregame feel.”

His father, who is retired now but helps out as a Bainbridge assistant, gave a special pregame talk to the team prior to playing the game.

“He used the moment,” Scott Orness said. “He talked about how it felt to be back with a group of guys he enjoys and respects. It was kind of a tearjerker.”

The Spartans were slated to face O’Dea last night at Paski Gymnasium. Bainbridge then travels to face Bishop Blanchet Jan. 7, another Metro League challenge.

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