The Sumner High basketball boys split in the win-loss column, but the victory was a little sweeter than normal.

Sumner beat district rival Bonney Lake 43-32 Friday on the Panthers’ home court. The Spartans lost to White River 59-51 Jan. 13 at home.

The Spartans played an intense game all four quarters at Bonney Lake High, holding a lead over the Panthers the entire night.

“Beating a rival is always good,” coach Brett McDaniel said. “We are starting to find the recipe. We’ve simplified our game plan and we’ve had to throw some things out and challenge them.”

McDaniel said Lui Koria put together a solid game scoring four points, grabbing six rebounds and dishing out five assists.

The coach said Jordan Bone, Johnnie Greenwood, Will Bulzomi and Casey Lafkas “stepped up” when the Panthers made a run at them in the third and fourth frame.

The Spartans used a two-three zone defense with traps to force the Panthers into lower-percentage shots.

“This was a real team effort,” McDaniel said. “We knew we had to have a lead going into the fourth quarter.”

Bone took game scoring honors with 11 points.

In the loss to White River, Bone scored 14.

Sumner’s record in the South Puget Sound League 3A is 2-6 and 3-9 overall.

The Spartans next scheduled action is 7 p.m. Friday at Enumclaw. The Hornets are tied with Lakes for second in the SPSL 3A with a 7-1 record.

Sumner hosts Peninsula at 7 p.m. Saturday. The Seahawks are in fourth with a 4-4 record.

Reach Dennis Box at dbox@courierherald.com or 360-802-8209.