Every year, winter brings the holidays and snow, but it also brings Eaton Boys Basketball. Last year, Eaton Basketball advanced to the second round of the 4A state tournament, and heartbreakingly, Eaton lost to The Classical Academy. Shortly after long-time Coach, Dean Grable retired after 19 years of coaching. The search was on for someone who could fill the role, and eventually that individual was found. Tanner Ervin grew up playing basketball. He attended Resurrection Christian during high school, and after high school he continued playing for CSU-Pueblo. Subsequently, he joined his Dad at University High School in Greeley, Colorado where he was an assistant for four years. Ervin said, “After University, I was fortunate enough to land in Eaton as a head coach. I am thrilled to be at Eaton High School and work in a community as wonderful as this. It has always been my dream to land a job like this and I feel super fortunate for the opportunity.”
The Reds started their season on fire against Fort Morgan winning 63 – 20 in the opening game of the Northern Colorado Classic tournament. The Reds started slow but gained pace and showed their quality. On the offensive side, Ely Madaleno(26) was a clear standout with 12 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Lucas Stone(24), surrounded by Mitch Haythorn(24), and Peyton Walker(24) have been appointed leaders of the team this year. Following a tough loss against Ft. Lupton, and a strong win against The Academy; Eaton had a chance to prove their worth against the defending State Champs – Holy Family.
Despite a hostile environment for both teams, Eaton led most of the game. With less than two minutes in the fourth quarter, Eaton still held their nerve until Holy Family released a high press. Another minute counted down, and Eaton had a heartbreaking loss. Despite losing, Eaton played a phenomenal game. Erwin said, “I love what kind of players we have. They are willing to work hard for one another and that is what a team is all about. It is not just about one player, it’s about all 11 that suited up that night. Winning/losing is just a result of the night’s score, meanwhile building confidence in each other can change the course of an entire season.”
That’s exactly what this year’s Eaton Reds Basketball team embodies, building a culture that isn’t just wins and losses, but instead exemplifies the love that the players and coaches all have for each other and the game. Standout, Stone had his say on the team’s identity for his final year of high school basketball. Stone said, “We[the team] had a tough stretch, but now we are back on track, it’s been great having a new coach and just building bonds with him and the team in a short period of time.” Head coach, Ervin regards himself as a player’s coach, pushing the players to be who they are and treat them more than athletes.
The Eaton Reds’ Basketball team this year is not much different than the past. The focus is now and the time is now for Ervin and his players to continue to progress throughout the year with the same belief and culture that’s been instilled since the beginning.
