Monsignor Edward Pace High School’s Basketball season came to an end Friday night, February 21 in the Regional Final at Coral Springs Charter. While it may be disappointing to have a season end without a championship, it was a great run for everyone involved.
The Spartans finished with a 21-11 record and won the district regular season and tournament championships, while finishing as the highest scoring team in the state at over 84 points per game, earning a top 10 ranking nationally.
The 21 wins were a 12 game improvement over last season that ended with the Spartans going 9-20 and losing in the district semifinals.
In addition to the team accomplishments, the growth of the players was also a noticeable positive that came from this season. Junior C.J. Fisher and senior Danny Duarte each averaged 21 points per game.
Fisher had 47 points against Florida Christian and a 40 point, 13 rebound effort in the District Championship against Booker T. Washington. The last of those 40 points was a game-winning free throw with 7 seconds left in the game.
Duarte had four 30+ point games and was a consistent presence in the lineup each of the last two years. Additionally, the development of sophomores Sebastien Jean, Don King, and Armand del Castillo gives reason for the Spartans to be excited about the future as well.
Newcomer Josh Ferguson and freshman Raul Paula also will continue to develop and make their presence felt on both sides of the floor.
The season may have ended earlier than the team hoped, but the future is bright! Look for the 'Runnin’ Spartans' to keep the pace of the game fast and the shots will keep coming in bunches! Is it November yet?