By: Adam Schott

Last Saturday the Eaton Reds girls basketball suffered a disappointing loss to their opponent Machebeuf, permanently ending their basketball season. The game was a ride up and down, but the Reds just weren’t able to pull out the win, losing 51 to 41. Since it’s that time of season where teams get the sweet taste of victory and the bitter taste of losing, that’s just how it goes. Whatever happened in the regular season doesn’t matter because the state title is at hand. However, the Reds finished strong with a 16 and 8 season still showing great success.

This matchup between the two was a pretty good one to say nonetheless, having players like Mary Brehon and Danna Jenkins duke it out. The Buffaloes with a 18 and 5 season, look to make their run at state.

    At the beginning of the game, both teams came out very strong and fought it out hard. Previously before the game, Eaton had been ranked eighth while Machebeuf had been ranked nine. After the game Jayla Jarnagin explained, “We had really underestimated their team.“ The momentum went back and forth throughout the game, but Eaton seemed to struggle with their shots. Machebeuf however took advantage of these opportunities. One problem that really hurt the Reds badly before the game, was a knee injury to key freshman Bailey Schumacher. However, Alex Nelson coming back from her own injuries tried to fit the role the best she could. During the halftime talk in locker room, Eaton was down 12 points. Coach Hernandez wrote in big letters DEFENSE, and explained, “Let’s cut this lead down, and turn it into a six, then our lead.” Two specific players from Machebeuf who played well were leading scorers Danna Jenkins and Aisha May. These two competed with the Reds all game long. The Reds battled all game long, but the Buffaloes capitalized on more opportunities.

    Next year looks pretty good for the Reds, considering that they are losing only one senior. Many of these players are young on the team, and are being groomed for special opportunities. The Reds got a lot farther than other people ever thought they would, and so did they. Now it’s time to suit up for spring sports, but the Reds will always have this loss playing over and over in the back of their minds so they can be ready for next year.