Last night’s game on January 31 matched No. 7 ranked Eaton (12-3) against a rebuilding Weld Central team (4-10). This game became much more intense than anticipated because of a very involved and opinionated student section. Eaton did not beat the Rebels by much, winning 35-40.
In the early minutes of the game it looked like it was going to be a long night for the Rebels. Eaton built a strong lead that held through the first quarter. With four minutes left in the second quarter Coach Grable ordered the front court to hold the ball and wait for the Rebels to come out of their zone defense. The time continued to run off the clock as Reed Merrit (12) held the ball. The student section continued to grow restless, waiting for the game to continue. After a few passes and no pressure from the defense, the whole student section left the gym to wait in the commons for the game to proceed. Once the playing commenced the student section returned to their seats ready to cheer.
At the beginning of the second half, the game became much more heated. After closing the gap in the score, Weld Central started playing with a purpose. Eaton was not able to score, but Brock Needens (11) stopped an easy layup with an intentional foul. At the start of the fourth quarter the Rebels were close to tying the game. Midway through the quarter, Weld Central had taken the lead by one point. This lead did not last after their coach received a technical. Reed Merrit shot the technical and made one of the free throws. After the technical the Reds made the next basket to seal the deal, winning the game 35-40.