The Eureka Lady Tornadoes opened the 2023-2024 season on the road versus the Independence Bulldogs on Friday, December 1. After a nearly undefeated season and a state appearance, the Lady Tornadoes had much to prove. However, they faced the pressure of the task with perseverance as they defeated the Bulldogs, 44-37.
Independence won the tip, quickly looking to score. They received one point off of a free throw, and the Lady Tornadoes were quick to respond. Sophomore Brenna Rucker quickly progressed the ball down the floor, finding freshman Ellianna “Elle” Coulter for the open drive. Eureka entered a bit of a dry spell for the remainder of the quarter. Free throws by Rucker, Junior Laynie Winfrey and freshman Alaina Westerman kept the Tornadoes on the board, and Winfrey’s hard work on rebounds allowed the team to run the floor. The first quarter ended with the Tornadoes scoring 7, while Independence finished with 16.
The Bulldogs started with the ball, scoring the first three points of the second quarter. However, Coulter got an inside drive, drawing in a foul, and making both free throws. Independence managed to get in one more three point shot, before Winfrey made a two-point field goal, starting a 12-0 run by the Lady Tornadoes.
Independence would score two more points in the second quarter, while Eureka would close the previous gap from the first quarter by scoring 18 points. Rucker’s 7 and Winfrey’s 9 brought the Tornadoes back into the game, ending the first half with a 25-24 lead.
The Lady Tornadoes lost none of the momentum from the second quarter and started the final half of the game with the same high pressure defense, quick transitions, and fastbreaks that led them to success in the first half. Junior Kimber Ptacek got a steal in the Bulldog’s first possession of the second half. Rucker hit Winfrey on a pick and roll to the basket for two points. The pressure and hustle of Eureka’s defense forced several Independence turnovers, which led to numerous scoring opportunities for the visiting Tornadoes. Two-point baskets made by Rucker, Winfrey, Ptacek, and Coulter contributed to Eureka’s 15 points in the third quarter, while the Lady Tornadoes’ defense prevented the Bulldogs from scoring any more than three points in the quarter. Winfrey wrapped up the third quarter of the game with a hard drive, making the basket, drawing in a foul and completing a free throw. The three point play stretched the Lady Tornadoes’ lead to 40-27 going into the final quarter.
Rucker and Winfrey supplied the Lady Tornadoes with four points in the fourth quarter. Eureka’s defense held Independence to 10 points, finishing off the game with a 44-37 win. The victory gives the Tornadoes a 1-0 record on the year.
Stat Leaders & Scoring: POINTS: Winfrey 18, Rucker 17, Coulter 6, Ptacek 2, and Westerman 1. REBOUNDS: Rucker 7, Winfrey and Ptacek 5, and Westerman 3. ASSISTS: Rucker 5. STEALS: Winfrey 6.
Junior Varsity Action
The Eureka junior varsity team competed against Independence for two quarters, pulling off a 16-13 win.
Independence led by three at the end of the first quarter and would go on to only score six points in the second.
Eureka was able to quadruple their points throughout the final quarter of the game. Successful cuts to the basket and fastbreaks led this team to their victory.
Scoring: Coulter 5, Lydia Mason 3 and Ptacek, Britta Mongeau, Hannah Perrier and Madelyn Miller all with 2.
Up Next
Eureka will compete in the Marion Classic this week, starting off with Berean Academy on Monday, December 4; Marion on Friday, December 8; and TBD on Saturday. The Tornadoes will then host Flinthills on their home court Friday, December 15.
