Spartans lose in quarters

The eighth-seeded Strathmore High School boys basketball team lost 75-68 to top-seed Liberty in a quarterfinal game of the CIF Central Section Division V playoffs on the road Friday.

Josue Topete led the team with 20 points, James Anderson and Jadon Guire had 10 each while William Reece finished with seven. The score was 33-29 Liberty at halftime.

“We came out strong on a 9-2 run,” SHS head coach Justin St. Clair said. “Competed for four quarters, just didn't convert enough shots in the fourth. We took the lead twice in the third, couldn't extend either lead. Liberty is a tough team to defend. [Makani] Whiteside is the best player in our division.”

The Spartans finished the overall season 21-8 and went 7-5 in the East Sequoia League to finish third.

“We won 20 games, nothing to be disappointed about,” St. Clair said. “Great young men on our team and a great group to coach.” Independence 53

Porterville 50 Fifth-seeded Porterville lost 53-50 to fourth-seed Independence in a quarterfinal game of the CIF Central Section Division II playoffs on the road Friday.

The Panthers finished the season as co-east Yosemite League champions with an 8-2 EYL record and went 22-8 on the overall season.