By CJ Blaskowski

The Eaton High School Men’s Basketball team is out for vengeance this season. Last season the Reds were stopped by Bayfield in the Sweet 16 of the 3A Boys Basketball Championship tournament. The Reds could not quite overpower the Wolverines, losing 69-61. The Reds ended last season with a 15-9 record, the Reds protected the home court finishing with a 8-3 record. Eaton lost the District Championship at the Bank of Colorado Arena to the Sterling Tigers. The Reds finished second in the 3A/2A Patriot League Standing last year, behind only Sterling.

After all, it’s a new year, said Coach Dean Grable. He said, “It’s their [the player’s] team. Hopefully they’ll make a deep run.” The Reds return nine seniors, Joe Mondragon, JT Mossberg, Matt Burkhart, Paul Mudrow, Bruk Teshome, Breydan Stover, Jared Foss, Joe Kuhn, and Kylyn Suarez. This season, the Reds look to take that leadership to the next level. Grable said.“I like an older team.They’ve been in the program a while, they know the system and culture here.”

With nine seniors, the Reds are looking to take control of the court with the leadership. Grable said, “A lot of times I just need to sit back and watch.” The Reds are full of talent and leadership and this year would be the best shot to make a run. The Reds lost three seniors from last season and the goal for this team this year is, “to play the best basketball every possession.” said Grable. This team returns a lot of talent and skill, but the Reds look to put it all together on 1 Dec against Machebeuf.