Eaton girls basketball has performed an impressive season, winning the Patriot League, the district championship and a regional championship. 

This is the ninth undefeated league season Eaton has had in 43 seasons. The team will head to state on Thursday, March 7 to play it’s first playoff game against the Delta high school Panthers. 

    Senior Bailie Duncan, who is ranked sixth in scoring in the Patriot League, said, “This season has been really special to me because it’s my last and because all of the people on the team are amazing.” 

Nakaiya Kuskie (21), currently ranked second in Patriot League for three-point shots, credits psychological toughness to the team’s success to the team mentality. Kuskie said, “The mental game for us has been a major part to our success in my opinion. We have trust and faith in our teammates to do their jobs and going into games we believe we will win.” 

Coach Todd Hernandez also credited the team’s success is accredited to their mental toughness, “As far as winning tough games, I think the girls just believe they will find a way,” he said.

     Eaton has proven dominance in the Patriot League especially, overcoming University three times to win the regional championship. The Reds had a lot to prove, considering that at the beginning of the season, the Reds were ranked 16 and University was ranked 3.

    The Reds are seeded fifth in 3A state tournament. The girls basketball team has not won state since the 1988-’89 team placed first in 3A 20 years ago. Placing in state is a goal of the players, especially for Eaton’s seniors. Senior Gracie Schreiber expressed her hope, saying, “I know what the team is capable of, so I expect us to play our game and keep winning. Everyone hopes to win the state title and I believe we can. I couldn’t ask for a better group of girls to spend my last season playing with”. 

Freshman Ahana Leffler praised the current seniors influence over the team, saying, “This year’s seniors are amazing and they’re a major role in a part of our team. As a freshman the older teammates have been role models to me by helping me on and off the court and always being there for me and everyone on the team.” 

   If the Reds overcome fourth seeded Delta at the state tournament, they will be guaranteed a final four banner on the gymnasium wall. If the Reds are defeated in the following round, they will play in the consolation bracket for third place.