Spillers sparks Cimarron victory, fortifies Northwest playoff hopes

If Cimarron-Memorial’s boys basketball team is going to fight its way into the playoffs, Deijon Spillers is going to have to play a big role.

The 6-foot-5-inch senior did his job and then some Monday. Spillers had 25 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Spartans to an 82-54 home win over Arbor View.

Spillers was playing in only his third game after gaining eligibility after the first semester.

“He’s a great ballplayer, and just coming into this team, it’s another piece of the puzzle,” Cimarron coach Ryan Fretz said. “And these boys have been waiting to play with him for the longest time.”

Spillers energized the Spartans from the start, scoring 10 of their first 16 points and providing a solid No. 2 option to leading scorer Erik Brewer.

“He takes a lot of pressure off Brewer inside, and gets a lot of teams to start looking inside, and we’ve got some guys that can hit outside shots,” Fretz said.

“He’s learned his lesson with the academic eligibility issue. He came back with only seven games in his senior year. He’s sitting here with four more left, and he knows he’s got to make the most of it. And he’s really focused on doing it.”

Spillers could get himself at least one more game by helping the Spartans reach the postseason.

Cimarron (13-9) is fourth in the Northwest League at 7-5, but has games remaining against the league’s top three teams: Palo Verde, Centennial and Legacy. The top four make the playoffs.

Brewer compiled 21 points and 11 rebounds for Cimarron, and DeMarlo Lewis added six assists.

Charles Porter led Arbor View  (10-11, 4-7) with 12 points.