An ever-improving Sumner High boys basketball squad invaded Franklin Pierce High’s gym Jan. 25 and plucked the Cardinals’ tail feather with a 10-point win.

It was the second time the Spartans defeated the Cardinals this year.

The 59-49 vanquishing made it two league wins in a row to create a benchmark for success in a campaign that has seen the Spartans mature a bit more with each step along the arduous trail to the postseason.

One of those aforementioned chuckholes in the road to the playoffs came Friday when SHS hosted second place Fife and suffered a 57-52 defeat at the hands of the Trojans, who upped their league record to 7-3.

Sumner promptly regained its balance when it hosted local rival Bonney Lake Saturday and caged a struggling 5-12 Panther unit 82-44.

Sumner coach Brett McDaniel said rebounding was the key to victory against Bonney Lake.

“Out of 42 defensive rebounding opportunities, we gathered in 37,” he said. “When we are able to effectively block out and bring down rebounds off our opponents’ 3-point shot attempts, we do well.”

The Panthers improved to 9-7.

Aaron Clark had a double-double against Bonney Lake, popping in 12 points and hauling down 10 rebounds.

“Dan DeVries’ coming back from his injury has been big for us offensively, as in his last three outings he has averaged 19 points per game,” McDaniel said.

After hosting a determined 2-8 Washington Tuesday, the 5-6 Spartans will have their work cut out for them Friday at league-leading Clover Park.