Spartan Boys Punch Their Ticket to State

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Jordan Janssen blocks Lincoln High junior Morgan Perry III during the HAC tournament on December 29.

The second ranked Spartans punched their ticket to state on Monday, February 26, after defeating city rival Lincoln High 57-44. It’s their first state tournament berth since 2009. The past two years the Spartans have been denied a district finals win, losing to Norfolk both times.

It wasn’t an easy rodeo for Lincoln East. They led 26-23 at halftime after a buzzer beater from a full court pass by Anthony Marfisi to Jordan Janssen.

But the second half has owned by the Spartans the whole season, and that trend continued for the district final. The Spartans jumped out to a 10 point lead with half of the third quarter remaining.

But Lincoln High wasn’t going down without a fight, cutting the lead to two points with seven minutes remaining in the game. East finished the game strong going on a 13-6 run, hitting 9-of-10 free throws during the final stretch.

Jordan Janssen finished with a game high 20 points to lead the spartans. While Sam Griesel added 15 points.

During the game Jordan Janssen achieved the 1,000 career points mark, while fellow teammate junior Connor Riekenberg broke the previous record for three pointers made in a season (50).

The Spartans begin the chase for their first state title since 2001 on Thursday, March 8 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.