By Karalee Kothe

Eaton’s successful 2013-14 season in the Patriot League with a 8-2 record and a 19-7 record overall, led them to state after a 83-49 victory against Bennett. However, Eaton’s run for the state championship ended when they lost 52-30 to Holy Family in the first round at state. This year, Varsity Coach Todd Hernandez is beginning his tenth season at Eaton and said  he “hopes to compete for the league championship and to advance to the state tournament.” Sterling is the favorite for league champs, but he and the team aspire to beat them this season, because “the girls have been working hard in practice and have their sights set pretty high this year.” Hernandez said his experienced athletes returning this year are seniors: Bailey Jones, Jayla Jarnagin, and Emily Willier, and juniors: Bailey Schumacher, Lindy Dixon, Caiden Rexius, Kaitlin Carey, and Kaci Jurgensmeier. Fourth season returning senior, Jarnagin, has a different outlook on basketball this year, her last at EHS. She said, “Every year, I want us to get to state, but this year, not only do I want us to get to state, but have fun while along the way.” Similarly, third season returning junior, Ami Dyer, said she also wants to go to state this year. Also, she said, “I want to be a role model to the underclassmen.” Their first game is against Sterling at home Tuesday, Dec. 9.