Four Spartans in double figures as St. Joseph-Ogden boys’ basketball overcomes Cissna Park

By FRED KRONER
fred@mahometnews.com

The St.  Joseph-Ogden boys’ basketball team started the New Year with a resounding victory at home on Friday.

The Spartans overcame a 16-8 first-quarter deficit and handed visiting Cissna Park a 68-51 loss.

SJ-O led at halftime, 31-28, and built its lead thereafter.

Chance Izard was one of four Spartans in double figures, hitting a team-high 18 points.

Ty Pence, who hit a three-pointer for the ninth consecutive game, added 13 points. Teammates Payton Cain and Payton Grimsley each scored 12 points.

Grimsley was 6-for-6 from the free throw line and shared the team-lead in rebounding with Cain. Both collected five boards. Grimsley and Izard each handed out three assists.

SJ-O (9-4) returns to action on Tuesday at home against Williamsville.

SJ-O will host the seven-game Christie Clinic Shootout on Saturday (Jan. 11).

The schedule:

–11 a.m., Crete-Monee vs. Mahomet-Seymour
–12:30 p.m., Kankakee vs.Danville
–2 p.m., Rich Central vs. Champaign Central
–3:30 p.m., Cissna Park vs.  Monticello
–5 p.m., Pleasant Plains vs. Notre Dame de  La Salette
–6:30 p.m., Maine South vs. Normal Community
–8 p.m., Farmington vs. St. Joseph-Ogden

NOTE: Junior varsity games between the same schools will be played in the Practice Gym, starting 2 hours before the scheduled varsity contest.