Speedway’s boys basketball team sits at 2-14 entering Friday’s ICC matchup with Lutheran. The numbers don’t lie that wins have been hard to come by. But the Sparkplugs are 2-2 with three ICC games remaining and the Plugs can not only finish as
high as third in the ICC, they can also build some momentum for the 3A state tournament which starts at the end of the month.

The Sparkplugs traveled to Martinsville and Lebanon last week to toughen up for the February stretch of the season. At Martinsville, the boys flipped a trend that has been a struggle all season. The third quarter has been a challenge all year but against the host Arties, Speedway posted over twenty points to cut the lead to single digits entering the final stanza. The lead was too much to overcome as Martinsville held on for a 69-57 win.

Nate Matelic posted 29 points and had three assists against the Artesians and younger brother Drew Matelic added 10 points.

On Saturday, the Sparkplugs traveled to play a Lebanon program steeped in Indiana basketball history. The Tigers (15-4) have already clinched the Sagamore conference championship and overwhelmed the Sparkplugs 78-42. Drew Matelic led the scoring with 19 points as the Tiger defense held older brother Nate to just nine points.

Tonight, the Sparkplugs will host a solid Lutheran squad (9-6, 3-2 ICC) in their only game of the week. The Saints are ranked #8 in Class 1A. After Friday, the Sparkplugs have a pair of ICC games (Scecina 11-6, 2-3 ICC, Triton Central 13-5, 0-3
ICC) and a pair of non-conference games (Bethesda Christian 13-2, 2-1 Pioneer South Division, Indianapolis Shortridge 8-9, 2-2 Pioneer South Division) remaining.