Coach Stephen Bernard paced the sidelines, having the occasional back and forth with Roseville’s coach whenever a foul was called, and screaming at the team to “stop falling” as the Panthers flung the Blue Devils around the court like ragdolls. Yet, if there was one thing Roseville could not break, it was South’s optimism. Paul and Shona Spratt were rooting for their son Jamison Spratt ’28 in the stands.
“South is playing tough, they are playing disciplined, they are improving every week, they are not giving up,” Paul Spratt said.
South was only slightly behind by halftime. The team came into the third quarter headstrong, prepared to sling a lead with a noticeably more menacing strategy. When two teams are equally matched in skill, both typically fall into aggressive play, leading to fouls across the table. Sydney Hoffman ’26 watched the chaos unfold from the concession stand.
“It’s pretty intense. I think we’re going to come back and win it all,” Hoffman said.
However, while the fouls piled onto the Blue Devils, the Panthers finished the game with a significantly cleaner slate. They were awarded several penalty shots and all but one made it, contributing to their blow-out. South lost 64-55. Nevertheless, hopes remain high for the rest of the season.
“They’re very very scrappy, and hopefully they’ll persevere,” Shona Spratt said. “They’re a lot of fun to watch.”
