Last year, Bishop Stang’s boys basketball team took the state championship. After a recent win, the team looks to repeat history.

After struggling early in the first quarter against league rival Somerset Berkley on January 27, the Spartans closed up the half at 53-30. The Raiders never caught up, giving Stang a 91-73 win to top off their current 9-5 record.

“After the first quarter, our defense picked up and got back to what they do,” said Head Coach Colbey Santos.

One more win — the team faces Martha’s Vineyard on January 31 — will give Bishop Stang another shot at the championship title, with entry into the postseason, but it could be the toughest yet, said Santos.

“Martha’s Vineyard is a good team. It’s going to be a battle,” Santos said.

However, a win is crucial if Bishop Stang is to meet its goals.The Spartans are in second place in the Eastern Athletic Conference, with only Martha’s Vineyard standing in the way.

“We have three goals every year: make the tournament, try and win the conference, and try and win the state title. If we get there, we get there. Luckily, we got there last year.”

This year, Santos said his team is young – with only five seniors – but determined to work together.

“They’re a very close team. They are always together in and out of school," Santos said. He’s spent the season building teamwork, and is now balanced enough so that each game features a different lead scorer.

The Martha's Vineyard game has been postponed due to weather. The Spartans will face off against Coyle & Cassidy High on February 2, 6:30 p.m.