Spartans Overcome Slow Start to Finish Strong at Delta Holiday Tournament

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MUNCIE, IN – The Connersville Spartans varsity basketball team closed out the 2025 calendar year on a high note, rebounding from an early tournament setback to secure two decisive victories at the Delta Holiday Tournament this week.

Competing in a field that included Delta, Fort Wayne South, Indianapolis Scecina, Western, Jennings County, Seeger, and Bellmont, the Spartans finished the event with a 2-1 record, moving their overall season mark to 7-3.

Opening Struggles Against Scecina

The tournament began Monday morning with a challenging matchup against the Indianapolis Scecina Crusaders. The Spartans struggled to find their offensive rhythm and were hampered by turnovers throughout the contest. The 6-2 Crusaders took full advantage of the miscues, outplaying Connersville in a 72-31 decision.

One of the few highlights for the Spartans was the play of Luke Brewer, who battled against a taller Scecina frontcourt to post 8 points and 8 rebounds. Other contributors included Hunter Allen with 6 points and Jacob Laughlin with 5. Defensively, Jay McMullen led the team with 5 deflections, while Logan Young provided 3 assists.

Redemption Against Western

Connersville didn’t have to wait long for a chance at redemption. Returning to the court Monday afternoon against Western, the Spartans looked like a transformed team. The shooting touch that eluded them in the morning returned in spectacular fashion; the team shot a blistering 75% from 2-point range, 56% from behind the arc, and 78% from the free-throw line.

Maddox Rees spearheaded the offensive explosion with a 21-point performance. Chase Corder followed with 13 points and a team-high 7 rebounds. The Spartans’ ball movement was clinical, led by Grady Simpkins, who recorded 8 assists to go along with 6 points and 3 blocks. The inspired effort resulted in a 73-53 victory, washing away the frustration of the morning loss.

Dominant Finish vs. Seeger

The Spartans carried that momentum into Tuesday’s matchup against the 6-3 Seeger Patriots. After a competitive first half where Connersville navigated turnover issues to lead 32-23 at the break, the Spartans blew the game open in the final two frames.

The second-half surge led to a 75-45 rout. Jay McMullen was the standout in the finale, pouring in 21 points and recording 4 steals. The scoring was remarkably balanced across the roster:

• Maddox Rees: 14 points, 5 rebounds

• Hunter Allen: 12 points, 3 steals

• Grady Simpkins: 11 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds, 5 steals

Simpkins’ defensive presence was felt throughout, as he added 6 deflections and 2 blocks to his stat line.

Looking Ahead

With the 2025 portion of their schedule in the books, the Spartans (7-3) return home with significant momentum. They are set to host Oldenburg Academy (4-2) this Friday at The Bowl. Fans are encouraged to attend and support the team as they look to continue their winning ways in the new year.