Bears take second place at Sparta Trojan Invitational
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 3:12pm
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Administration addresses rumors
By:
Laura Wagner, contributing writer
The Willow Springs Bears missed the Championship trophy in the Sparta Trojan Invitational by only two points this past week, coming away with second place.
On Tuesday, Jan. 28 the Bears took on the host team, Sparta, and won in one of the closest games they've had all season, 43-42. The next match of the tournament had the Bears facing off against Blue Eye on Thursday, Jan. 30 where the Bears won in a whopping 60-38 game.
During the championship game on Saturday, Feb. 1, the Bears lost by two to Mansfield in a heartbreaking 53-55 game. The Bears ended up taking second place in the Sparta Trojan Invitational.
During the tournament, Jace Rodgers scored his 1,000th career point. Both Rodgers and Kolby James were named to the All-Tournament Team.
The Bears will travel to Mountain View on Tuesday, Feb. 4 where they will take on the Liberty Eagles, and will wrap up their week in Thayer on Friday, Feb. 7 as they face the Bobcats. The next three games will be home games for the Bears as they take on Salem on Tuesday, Feb. 11, Licking on Thursday, Feb. 13 and Ava on Friday, Feb. 14.
Administration addresses rumors
by Amanda Mendez, publisher
"This game showcased two very talented teams who battled until the very end. The kids on both teams demonstrated excellent sportsmanship from the start to finish. They both are well-coached, and our community and school should be very proud of how our boys competed both at the JV and varsity level. The negative actions of adults in the crowd have nothing to do with the character of our players or coaches. The Willow Springs School District will not tolerate profanity from any of our spectators at any event," commented W.S. Athletic Director James.
"Willow Springs has not been banned from the Sparta tournament," confirmed James. "Our kids played their tails off for three games. They acted the right way and competed at a high level."
"We will definitely be inviting Willow Springs to participate again next year," said Sparta R-III Athletic Director Emily Winkle. "Saturday night's event was filled with many emotions, much like any close, high-stakes basketball game, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Education-based athletes offer valuable learning experiences for everyone involved, and there were certainly lessons for all of us throughout the evening."
James reiterated that Bear athletes behaved honorably after the loss.
"During the all-tournament team selections, [honorees Rodgers and James] were with their teammates in the locker room. They did not refuse any medals. They received them before leaving the gym," AD James commented.
Head Coach Dustin Forrest received a technical foul in the Championship game, confirms MSHSAA, but James stands by the coach for being "fired up" in the game.
"The championship game was close until the very end and, as can happen sometimes, there was a controversial call late in the game. The coaching staff did express their frustration with a particular call. However, there was zero profanity used towards the officials," James commented.
A video of a Bears fan making an obscene gesture at the winning team began making the rounds on social media over the weekend. Administration says this man, who James confirmed is Greg Howell, "is not welcome back at any Willow Springs Sporting Events."
"There is no place in youth sports for this type of behavior from an adult," James said.