Seven Lakes is taking things one day at a time.

The Spartans have big goals this season, but know they can’t look too far ahead, no matter the circumstances or the opponent.

“We know that we have to get better every day,” said senior guard Tahaad Davis,” Whether that’s with practice or a game. We’re working countless hours whether that’s at school or not at school. Everyone puts in their individual work and we all see that in each other, it motivates us. Everyday we’re in the gym working on that.”

Seven Lakes opened District 19-6A play on Tuesday and although they expected to win their opener they came out hot and ready to go.

The Spartans opened up a double digit lead in the first quarter against Morton Ranch and never looked back, topping the Mavericks 79-64.

The Spartans were glad to open district with a win and head into their Christmas break on a good note.

“It was huge to come out here and take care of business,” said senior point guard Grant Van Hoozer. “We had a good record going into district but getting that first district win in our first game was important for us. Especially going into Christmas break, that was huge and sets us up well.”

Morton Ranch led by 10 after the first quarter and broke things open in the second, behind multiple three pointers and a strong defense.

“Day to day we know we can’t take anyone light, we have to come out here and treat every opponent like they’re the best we’ll face all season. It doesn’t matter what our record is and it doesn’t matter what their record is,” Van Hoozer said. “We have to come in and win each game and keep the momentum going.”

The Spartans kept expanding the lead in the second half, giving an opportunity for valuable playing time for the teams younger players.

“We’ve had a lot of those opportunities to give them time out on the court and it’s been great to see,” said Seven Lakes head coach Shannon Heston. “We trust those guys and their teammates really get excited when they have the opportunity to let those younger guys shine. Just the fact that we’re able to come out, play our game and set the tone early gives confidence to those guys coming of the bench and it lets us play at a higher level.”

Seven Lakes has goals of a district title, but knows that they’ll have to focus on the day to day to make that happen.

“Our biggest thing is not letting any selfishness creep in,” Heston said. “We really try have a growth mindset and get better each day and focus on the process. Those things are popular terms but we really try to hold our boys accountable to that. Every day we ask ourselves, did we get better today, whether that’s an athletic period or a practice or in the weight room that’s what we focus on. If we stay accountable in the small things then it’s going to help us in the long run.”

DISTRICT 19-6A

Seven Lakes 79, Morton Ranch 64

Points: (SL) Akpovwa 17, Davis 16, Bates 12, Van Horn 8, Simiskey 6, Bluiett 6, Van Hoozer 5, Priem 3, Clewett 2, Miller 2, Farias, 2 (MR) Jones 22, Johnson 20, Martin 9, Graham 4, Massey 2, Scott 2, Harwell 2, Fernandez 1

Halftime: Seven Lakes 42-27 3-pointers: (SL) Davis 2, Simskey 2, Bluiett 2, Bates 2, Vah Hoozer, Priem,; (MR) Jones 4, Johnson 4, Martin, Records: Seven Lakes 17-2, 1-0; Morton Ranch 2-15, 0-1