Sanderson surges on

Spartans hold off Enloe to reach 13-2, 4-1 in Cap Seven

RALEIGH -- With only one starter returning, Sanderson basketball coach Levelle Moten wasn't exactly sure what to expect this year from his Spartans.

But this year's team is starting to look a lot like last year's Cap Seven Conference tournament championship squad.

"They keep shocking me more and more," Moten said after Tuesday night's 75-68 win over Enloe that pushed the Spartans to 13-2 overall and 4-1 in the league.

"We're small, not as athletic as some teams, but we fight and claw," Moten said. "We've played smart and played together, and that gives you an opportunity to win at any level.

"In our two losses, to Middle Creek and Wake Forest-Rolesville, we were outplayed and outhustled, and being outhustled is a no-no. I've been very pleased in the effort in the other games."

Sanderson needed the effort against an Enloe team that played much better than its 8-9 and 1-4 records would indicate.

Senior Landon Clement, a UNCG recruit, got the Spartans on a roll early. Clement had outscored Enloe 15-14 and the Spartans held a 27-14, second-quarter lead, but coach Tommy Moore's Eagles scored the last 10 points of the half to tie the score at 32-32.

Enloe opened the second half with an 8-0 run for a 40-32 lead.

"The effort was there for us," Moore said. "Both teams played hard, and it was a well-played game. As hard as my kids are playing, I wish they could get something good to happen.

"Later in the half, [Sanderson's] David Best had several crucial blocked shots for them, and when Sanderson got the open shots they knocked them down."

While Best, a 6-foot-5 junior, provided the defense, Reggie Groves sparked the Spartans' offense. Groves ended the game with 31 points, followed by Clement (18) and Tyrus Thompson (16).

"Best is a game changer," Moten said. "I think he had at least eight or nine blocks tonight, and that's common for him. Reggie's probably the most gifted point guard I've coached, and there may not be a better pure shooter in the state than Landon. Tyrus is our glue out there."

Enloe's 6-5 senior Stephen Cobb and senior Reggie Parks scored 16 points each.