Spartans Score Big for Basketball and Mental Health Awareness
By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | January 24, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
In a game filled with energy and purpose, the Mid Valley Spartans victorious over the Western Wayne Wildcats 54-28 in Throop, Pennsylvania. This wasn’t just an ordinary basketball game; it was a night dedicated to mental health awareness, with the teams, cheerleaders and fans dressed in green to support the John Malvizzi Foundation's mission. Co-founder Nina Judge shared her belief that "sports are a great way to help reduce stress and boost self-esteem," promising more events like this in 2025.
The Spartans dominated early, taking a commanding 20-8 lead in the first quarter and never looking back. Leading the charge was Kaleik Cook, whose relentless offense resulted in a game-high 18 points, including six field goals and six free throws. Demaja Dunston and Jeremy Cali each added 15 points. Their combined performance accounted for over 80% of Mid Valley's total points.
From beyond the arc, Evan Dean of Western Wayne stood out with two three-pointers, contributing to his team-high 12 points. For the Spartans, Jeremy Cali (2) and Demaja Dunston (3) also made their mark from deep, showing that team is threat from downtown.
The game wasn't just about the scoreboard. The packed gym, filled with fans in green, highlighted the connection between sports and mental health. As the final buzzer sounded, it was clear that the night was a win for both the Spartans and the larger message of supporting mental health.
With the victory, Mid Valley improves to 9-7 on the season, while Western Wayne looks to bounce back in their next outing.
