With a shortened season, the Eaton Reds girls basketball team still looks to accomplish big things.  Last season was cut short, right as the Lady Reds were making a State Championship run. Nakaiya Kuskie (21) said, “With the way last year ended, I was starting to get worried that we wouldn’t even have a chance to play so I am excited for the opportunity.”  They couldn’t finish the tournament due to COVID-19. 

Coach Todd Hernandez said, “I am looking forward to just getting back into the gym and working with the girls.” They finished the 2019-20 with a record of 21-4 overall and 9-1 in the Patriot League.  

Junior Ahana Leffler (22) said, “Last season ending early motivates us all to want to go further and put in the extra work to win state.” They finished second in the Patriot League behind the University Bulldogs who finished 10-0. They lost to them early in the season 55-34, then later in the season they lost again, 41-38 in overtime. 

 “The abrupt ending of the season last year and the fact that we couldn’t do camps or workouts in the offseason,” is why Hernandez is ready to get back with his team.  Their only other loss came in Pagosa Springs to the Pirates in a tournament before the end of the season.  Returning players this season that will be seniors this year include Nakaiya Kuskie, Jisell Chumarcero, Jenni Jarnagin, and Catelyn Adams.  Coach Hernandez said, “We expect them to step up with leadership on and off the court.”  

Kuskie said, “As a senior, the biggest thing I want to do is teach the younger girls how to positively lead the team since they will be doing it in the coming years. I want all the girls to feel comfortable asking me questions and talking to me.” The team has many goals this season and the biggest one is winning a state championship.  

Leffler said, “A goal we have as a team is to pick up where we left off last year, but coming back stronger, getting everyone on the same playing level, and being good teammates to each other on and off the court.”  

The season will kick off for the Reds on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m where they will take on the Highland Huskies on the road.