The Eureka High School boys basketball team opened their season last Friday night with a 17-67 loss to the Independence Bulldogs. Playing the 4A Bulldogs, on opening night on the road, was a challenge the young Tornadoes were unable to meet. In spite of the lopsided score, however, the Tornadoes came away with some valuable experience that will payoff down the road.
The Tornadoes opened the game with very cold shooting, getting only 3 points in the entire first half. They did get some good looks at the basket, but couldn’t finish. They came out much better in the second half, although still only managed 25% from the field for the game.
Additionally, they shot a miserable 20% from the line, which just added to their woes.
The Tornado defense played well when they forced the ‘Dogs to run their offense. The main issue was in transition, where the speed of Independence, coupled with 28 turnovers by the Tornadoes, led to the blowout. The Bulldogs shot 51% from the field, most of those coming after Tornado turnovers.
1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final EHS 1 2 9 5 17 IHS 20 24 17 6 67 Senior Lyle Perrier led the Tornadoes with 10 points. Senior Jace Nixon, junior Laken Valentine and freshman Tyson Coon scored 2 each, and sophomore Nate Clark added 1.
Coach Al Brown, in his first game as a Tornado coach, believes eliminating the turnovers will dramatically improve their ability to compete. “Committing 28 turnovers make it hard for a team to stay in the game, at any level,” stated Brown. “Mentally, playing a Class 4A, might have been a factor but we will continue to learn and grow each contest,” he continued.
The Tornadoes continued their season against Berean Academy in the Marion Tournament Monday night of this week. Game times Monday and Friday, when the Tornadoes will play at the host school Marion, will be 8:30 p.m. They will then play Saturday, with tipoff to be determined.
On Friday, December 15, the Tornadoes will host the Mustangs of Flinthills, where the Tiny Tornadoes will also perform. Eureka will travel to Wichita Independent on Tuesday, December 19, for their last matchup before the winter break. Games will resume on January 5, at Fredonia. Varsity action begins with the Lady Tornadoes, at 6 p.m.
