The rivalry game between the Eaton Reds and Highland Huskies was one fans will never want to miss. The two teams fight it out on the basketball court every year with a packed audience of fans. This year, each school walked away with a win: Eaton for the girls and Highland for the boys.
On Fri. Jan. 10, the Eaton Reds met the Highland Huskies on the court. The Lady Reds took the court first, and came out on top with a dominant performance of 57-36. The win came as no surprise to Eaton fans, as the Lady Reds have come out on top, against the Huskies for the last five seasons.
The lead scorer for the Lady Reds was sophomore, Courtney Steinkamp. She dropped 23 points, and significantly helped the Reds offense. Although she is still an underclassman, Steinkamp acts as a leader on the court. “I try to bring energy and get excited for the little things to lift the team up,” Steinkamp said. She also demonstrates to her teammates what it means to work hard by shooting at least three times a week and working on post moves outside of practice. Her dedication to basketball inspires her teammates to work hard as well.
Following the girls’ win, the boys took the floor with a jam-packed gym. The energy in the gym was electric, filled with fans from both Highland and Eaton. The game was a thriller as the score was back and forth, until the Huskies eventually gained a lead in the fourth quarter. The Reds fell short to the Huskies 58-68.
Ely Madaleno, the junior point guard for the boys, had an outstanding game against the Huskies with 22 points. Madaleno was frustrated with the final outcome of the game because the last time the team was victorious over the Huskies was his freshman year. Madaleno’s impressive performance came as no surprise to his teammates or coaches, as they know what he is capable of. “My coach gives me all the confidence I have honestly. He tells me to shoot the ball even in situations where I don’t want to,” said Madaleno.
The support the team gives him allows him to trust himself in close games. Madaleno said, “Acting like a leader in close games is being the person the team can count on; scoring when needed, and making the right play when it counts.” He aims to continue to lead the team this way, as he knows they are destined for many more close games this season.
The cross-town rivalry game between Highland and Eaton is always intense, and losing at home is not what the boys wanted for this season. “We want to beat Highland every time we get the chance to play them,” said Madaleno. Although the outcome is not what the Reds had hoped for, they are ecstatic to gain their revenge next season. With no seniors on the roster, the Reds will return next year with more chemistry and experience.
As for the girls, they hope to continue the streak of defeating the Huskies for yet another year. They know that they are capable of this if they execute and follow their game plan. “It’s definitely a game you don’t want to lose because it’s such a big rivalry. It’s good to have bragging rights for another year,” said Steinkamp.
No matter the outcome of this huge rivalry game, it will always be a game that keeps fans on the edge of their seat. The atmosphere in the gym is special knowing the stakes for the game. This rivalry will continue for many years to come, and it is intriguing to know who will come out on top next year.