The Sumner High boys picked up their first league win of the basketball season Friday, beating Franklin Pierce 51-44 on the road.

The Spartans dropped a close game at Auburn Mountainview Saturday, falling 45-43, and fell to Lakes High 65-35 Jan. 6 at home.

Sumner’s South Puget Sound League 3A record through games of last week was 1-5 and 2-8 overall.

The Spartans came out firing at Franklin Pierce scoring 15 points in the first frame to the Cardinals’ six. The Spartans fell off a bit in the second with nine points, but Sumner had a 23-16 advantage heading into the locker room at the half.

In the second half the Spartans kept up the shooting pressure, scoring 11 in the third and 16 in the fourth to take home the victory.

Sumner executed a zone defense against Franklin Pierce that coach Brett McDaniel said was key to the team’s success.

“Tema (Koria) and Lee (Baumgardener) anchored the defense,” McDaniel said. “It was great and the kids were really pumped to get the win.”

Jordan Bone led the scoring for Sumner with 15 and Will Bulzomi knocked down 13.

“Jordan and Willy did a great job,” McDaniel said. “Willy has just been going crazy for us.”

At Auburn Mountainview Saturday, the Spartans had a strong second quarter with 14 points, but the Lions outscored the Spartans in the second half to take the two-point win.

The Spartans had a chance to tie at the buzzer, but the ball would not roll into the basket.

Bulzomi scored 17 to lead the Spartans.

Sumner was outscored in every quarter by Lakes High School and none of the Spartans were able to score in double figures. Lakes is tied with Enumclaw for second place in the SPSL with a 5-1 record. Lakes’ one loss was at Enumclaw Friday.

Mike Murphy was the leading scorer for Sumner with seven points.

Sumner was scheduled to travel to White River Tuesday. Scores were not available.

The Spartans will travel to Bonney Lake for a 7 p.m. game Friday.

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