Noah Ruston is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Scottsdale Prep Academy forAZPreps365.com

 

It all comes down to one game. The 10-6 Scottsdale Prep Spartans visit Gilbert Friday night to compete against the 12-6 Arete Prep Chargers. The winner of is guaranteed a spot in the state playoffs beginning next week. 

 

The Spartans have won only two out of their last five games, but junior guard Sam Spivey believes their eight-point loss to highly-ranked Glendale Prep only improved the team’s morale.

 

“It showed that if we work together and put together four really good quarters, we can be in the end with any team,” said Spivey. “We know if we play like we did against them, we can beat the team tonight.”

 

Scottsdale Prep leader Sam Hurley looks for a competitive game.

 

“They have beat some of the teams we have lost to,” said Hurley. “The same for us, we have beaten some of the teams they have lost to as well, so I think it's going to be a really good matchup.” 

 

“I think we are going to have to string together all four quarters. We are going to have to play good, hard defense because they are a good team.”

 

Scottsdale Prep is below the Chargers by only one spot in the rankings, but the Spartans don’t seem to be nervous.

 

“I think the pressure is more on the other team, since we are the lower seed,” said Hurley. “We have nothing to lose; it is at their home stadium. We are going in excited more than nervous and we just want to make it a good game, and hopefully come out with a win.” 

 

As always, seniors are concerned that this could be their last time setting foot on a high school court.

 

“I am just trying not to make this my last game, that's my main goal. Just keep moving forward in the state tournament. That would be amazing,” said Hurley.

 

“We just have to go out there and play with our hearts like we have nothing to lose,” said Spivey.

 

Spivey and the Spartans are itching to get the game started.

 

“Arete Prep has everything to lose tonight,” said Spivey. “They are projected to win. They should be afraid of us coming to their home court.”