WEST BRANCH — The varsity Spartans opened the 2022-23 season with a 75-61 non-conference win over the West Branch Bears Saturday, Dec. 3 in the Bears’ den.
Solon trailed 16-18 at the end of the first period but held the Bears to six points in the second while pouring in 16 of their own for a 32-24 halftime advantage. A 23-point effort in the third gave Solon a 55-42 lead going into the fourth period.
Jake Benzing, a junior, led all with 29 points and ten rebounds. Gehrig Turner had a 16-point afternoon with nine from Rylen Stiegelmeyer, eight from Sean Stahle, six points from Oaken Foster, five by Austin Knight, and one point apiece from Vince Steinbrech and Will Cusick. Steinbrech had five rebounds with four by Stahle, three each from Foster and Knight, two by Turner, and one apiece by Stiegelmeyer, Cole Buffington, and Cusick.
The Spartans travel to Center Point-Urbana Friday, Dec. 9 with a 7:15 p.m. varsity start and will host Clear Creek Amana Tuesday, Dec. 13. The freshmen will play at 4:30 p.m. with the sophomores tipping off at 6:00 and the varsity following at 7:15. The Marion Wolves visit Friday, Dec. 16 for a girl-boy doubleheader. JV girls and freshmen boys tip off at 4:30 p.m. with the varsity girls and sophomore boys playing at 6:00, and the varsity boys starting up at 7:15.
WaMaC East standings (12-5-22)
Conference Overall
Maquoketa 2-0 2-0
West Delaware 1-0 3-0
Solon 0-0 1-0
Mount Vernon 0-0 1-0
Beckman 0-0 1-1
Marion 0-0 1-1