The Eureka Tornado junior high basketball teams began their 2023-24 season last week, traveling to Neodesha and Leon-Bluestem. The Tornadoes were outmatched by the Neodesha Bluestreaks, but, concluded the week with victories over the Lions of Bluestem.
At Neodesha
Eureka’s A-team girls had their best offensive quarter to start the game with 10 points. They trailed by just one point going into the second; but, the Bluestreaks pulled away as they outscored the Tornadoes in all four quarters. Eureka lost the game, 26-45. Scoring for the Lady Tornadoes were Sydney Lindamood 9, Jersey Cox 7, Annabelle Bogle 5, McKenna McDonald 3 and Arabella Shepherd 2.
The Tornado A-team boys struggled in their season opener and fell to Neodesha, 23-57. Scoring for Eureka were Eli Mason 12, Brody Mitchell 9 and Maddox Hughes 2.
In B-team action, the Lady Tornadoes fell 12-25 and the B-team boys lost 15-21. Scoring for the Lady Tornadoes were Lylly Stapleford 3, Cox, Sofia Escareno, McDonald and Celona Hall all with 2 and Ammorette Guilaume with 1. Scoring for the boys were Cash Escareno 6, Will Morris 4 and Wacey Ross and Christian Sanchez each with 2.
Eureka’s C-team boys were able to play two quarters against the Bluestreaks, falling 5-16. Scoring for the Tornadoes were Henry Perrier and JaKolby Robbins each with 2 and Ryan Miles 1.
At Bluestem
The Lady Tornadoes split wins with Bluestem as the Lady Tornadoes A-team won 30-26 and the B-team fell 10-18. Scoring for the A-team were Shepherd 11, Cox 8, Bogle 7 and Abby Foth 4. Scoring for the B-team ladies were Escareno 4, McDonald 3, Hall 2 and Foth 1.
Eureka A-team boys led 22-12 going into the final quarter but were unable to add a basket; however, they were able to hold the Lions to 8 points to win the game, 22-20. Scoring for Eureka were Tate Scott 8, Morris and Mason each with 4 and Escareno and Ross each with 2.
In B-team action, the Tornadoes trailed at the half 6-9 but dominated in the second half, outscoring Bluestem 22-6 and winning the game 28-15. Scoring for the Tornadoes were Scott 8, Hughes and Robbins each with 6 and Dylan Conard and Morris each with 2.
The Tornadoes hosted Fredonia on Monday of this week and will host Humboldt on Thursday, with varsity action beginning at 6 p.m.
