by CJ Blaskowski and Noah Duran

What Happened: The Eaton High School Boy’s Basketball team(7-1, 4-1 Patriot) defeated Brush (3-5, 2-4 Patriot) Friday, 54-53 in a thriller. Eaton didn’t lead until 3:14 in the fourth quarter. Brush found themselves in foul trouble early with their three big men, all above 6’2”, having three fouls before halftime. The Reds had a difficult time against the 1-2-2 zone defense that the Beetdiggers startled them with early. It seemed that the Reds offense was stifled due to the impatience of the drivers. In order to beat an odd zone, (1-3-1, 1-2-2) patience is key from the offense.

By the Numbers: Brush started the game with seven early points, all from sophomore, Ryan Dunker. Eaton’s Jared Foss (16) had only six points in the first half, but Foss took control of the second half with 14. Foss came into the game shooting 48%. From the line, Foss shot five-for-five.  Noah Leachman, of Brush, had one point in the first half, one in the third quarter, and finished with eight points. Matt Burkhart (16) had nine points, Joe Mondragon (16) had 8, JT Mossberg (16) had 7, including to big stops on 6’4” Leachman alone, under the basket.

Should ’a seen it: With 6:30 in the fourth quarter, Noah Leachman, of Brush, threw down a one-handed-jam. Leachman sliced through the air with one hand on the ball and emphatically jammed it down. The crowd really got into it after this play, the Eaton students stood up as well as the Brush fans. This play is what this rivalry is all about, everyone in the gym, all into the game

And the Crowd: In the Eaton High School gymnasium, the attitude was, “This is a big rivalry and our team is gonna come out on top.” It was packed on Friday night, therefore making the gym hotter and muggier. The exchanged blows late in the fourth, created an attitude in the gym, that has been unmatched since the volleyball game against University.

Rivalry Renewed: According to MaxPreps, Brush leads the rivalry series against the Reds, 9-8, since 2004. The gym had a different attitude than a regular Patriot League game. There’s always more riding on the line, bragging rights, when Eaton and Brush play in any sport. This attitude lingers and the game never disappoints.

Next Up: The Eaton Reds play Tuesday, January 12 at Kersey against Platte Valley in, “The Barn.” The Boy’s play at home next against Strasburg, Friday, January 15. Admission is $4 for students and $5 for adults.