North Central Youth Basketball League weekly round up

The fifth grade Lady Spartans improved their season record to 7-1, with a 36-5 victory over Naragansett Sunday, Jan. 31. Kenzi Cole, Lindsey Russ and Charlotte Ward spear headed the Spartans defense with several blocked shots and steals. While Erika “Big E” Hall led the scores with 10 points followed by eight points each from Makayla “Big Mac” Macnamara and McKenzi McDonald. Torri Nikki banged in six points and five rebounds. Megan Sears and Kaylin Ciesluk each added a basket along with their selfless shut down defense. The Lady Spartans finish the season against the Gardner Wildcats in Gardner on Sunday at noon.

The seventh grade Lady Spartans (2-7) notched their second win of the season with a 45-24 victory over host Fitchburg, 0-7. Sarah Lahtenen’s nine first-half points on a variety of post up moves and fast break layups broke open a back and forth game late in the half, giving the Spartans an eight point lead at the break. In the second half, Oakmont continually broke the Fitchburg full court press, with guard Tara Harrington scoring 16 of her season high 21 points after the intermission. Harrington, limited by three quick fouls in the first 5-minutes of play sat for a long stretch, reentering the game at the 10-minute mark of the second half. Micayla Varieur handled the ball handling duties flawlessly during her absence and Lisa Gifford continued her ferocious inside play with six points and 15 rebounds. Madi Cole (five points), Tori Hatch, Haley Korich and Gillian Macchia all contributed to the Spartans best offensive output of the season. Next up for Oakmont is a rematch with week one opponent Groton-Dunstable at home on Sunday.

-Submitted article