By Kevin Hardesty
There are not one but two high schools in Healdsburg, and this year for the third time they met in an early-season basketball game. Of the series, this was the best game yet.
The Hounds traveled the 3.5 miles to the end of Bailache Ave. on the south end of town. Up at Rio Lindo Adventist Academy, behind Fitch Mountain, the fans filed into the gym to watch the Rio Lindo Spartans JV team knock off the HHS Hounds.
But in the main event, the boys varsity game, the Hounds got revenge in a back-and-forth contest that kept fans on the edge of the seat.
The Spartans got off to a quick start and jumped to an early 6-0 lead before the Hounds came back into the game. Will Yang got some early buckets for the Spartans, but senior Eric Nielsen and junior Eric Cooper answered with first quarter three-pointers to cut into the Spartans lead, 18-11.
For Healdsburg, senior Thatcher Little used his size to take advantage of the Spartans in the second quarter, scoring eight of his game high 21 points. Junior Noah Malin gave the Spartans the lead back with a three from the top before a last second steal and fast break layup gave the Hounds a 30-28 halftime lead.
Little again dominated the third quarter, but this time the Spartans didn’t answer back. The Hounds led 45-34 after three quarters of play. The Spartans did make a run in the fourth quarter with MJ Lepulu hitting a three to bring the Spartans within five with a minute to play.
After a time out, the Spartans stole the inbounds and had two looks at three pointers that didn’t fall. Healdsburg senior Justus Scarioni made a fast break layup as the clock ran out to give the Hounds the 52-45 victory.
A fun night, that ended with “the big brother” on top, but an entertaining game none the less. The Spartans host Roseland Collegiate Prep on Thursday at 7:00, in a non league game, while the Hounds host Roseland University Prep, also on Thursday, at 7:30.
Kevin Hardesty is the athletic director at Rio Lindo Academy.
