The Eureka Lady Tornadoes hit the road on Monday, Dec. 16, to face the Humboldt Cubs.
After 32 minutes of intense play, the Tornadoes delivered a spectacular 69-32 victory, led by senior Laynie Winfrey, who set a career-high with 27 points.
Humboldt struck first, winning the tip-off and quickly putting four points on the board. However, the Tornadoes found their spark when Brenna Rucker dove for a loose ball, secured possession and passed to Winfrey, who calmly drained a three-pointer from the top of the key. With that shot, the Tornadoes ignited offensively and defensively, closing the first quarter with a commanding 20-9 lead.
The momentum carried into the second quarter, where Eureka’s defensive dominance continued to fuel their offense. On a sideline inbounds play, Rucker connected with Britta Mongeau at the top of the key and Mongeau buried the three-pointer. The Tornadoes entered halftime firmly in control, leading 33-18.
Eureka showed no signs of slowing down in the second half. Winfrey, Rucker, Hannah Perrier, Lydia Mason and Arabella Shepherd contributed with sharp shooting and relentless defense.
Shepherd delivered a highlight play in the paint, using a screen to drive to the basket for a layup, drawing a foul, and completing the three-point play at the free-throw line.
Eureka’s defense was exceptional in the final quarter, holding Humboldt to just two points. The Tornadoes capitalized on turnovers and fast breaks to close out their dominant performance.
When the buzzer sounded, the Lady Tornadoes had stormed to an impressive 69-32 victory over the Cubs.
Stats and Scoring Leaders: POINTS: Winfrey 27, Rucker 16, Kimber Ptacek 8, Mason 6, Mongeau and Shepherd 5 and Perrier 2.
REBOUNDS: Winfrey 5, Rucker 4 and Perrier and Mason 2. ASSISTS: Rucker 5 and Winfrey, Mongeau and Mason 2. STEALS: Ptacek and Rucker 4 and Elle Coulter 3.
Up Next:
Eureka traveled to Flinthills on Friday, Dec. 20 and went against the Mustangs, wrapping up the 2024 season. Due to an early press deadline, details will be shared in next week’s edition.
