By: Adam Schott
Sterling 55 Eaton Reds 39
Last Friday January 18, the Reds suffered a disappointing loss to the 7-3 Sterling Tigers. In a relatively swingless game, the Tigers always seemed to maintain a comfortable lead of at least 10 points over the Reds. Turnovers played a large role in the loss, as the Tigers managed to remain turnover-less while the Reds picked up a gruesome 11 total. Unfortunately for the Reds, they couldn’t pull together even with the late efforts of Seniors Britten Abbott (13) and Brock Needens (13). Abbott had 16 points, two steals, and three assists, while Needens had 10 points, two steals, and two assists. On the flip side, the Tigers key senior Connor Carey hit a hard 17 points and more impressively, caught six rebounds. This places the Tigers at a 2-1 record for league after a loss to Sydney on the 19th the day after, and the Reds at a 1-1 record. The Reds look to maintain the pressure with upcoming conference rival Valley.
From tip off, the Reds tried to maintain and keep up the hustle by running the floor. In order to match this, Sterling did the same by getting quick transition shots in the paint. One problem the Reds had all game long was the struggle with the three point game, shooting six for 21 on threes. It seemed as if most of the shots taken were threes, and few were in the paint as a coach would like. However, both teams got good looks but Sterling capitalized on more of them.
In the Second quarter, Sterling began to pull away gaining 19 points while Eaton shot six. A combination of Carey (13) and Collin Sanger (13) for the Tigers put up a total of 28 points on the board.
Eventually the Reds would fall to Tigers through a struggle back into the game in the fourth. This wasn’t the best shooting night for the Reds as to most people would agree, and turnovers killed. Eaton plays upcoming Valley away on Tuesday the 22nd, while Sterling plays at Highland as well.