By Sydney Booth
What Happened: The lady Reds (21-3 overall) demolished the Sheridan Rams (11-13 overall) with a score of 73-16. Eaton dominated this game from the start. Even though it lacked thrill-factor, the Reds demonstrated the hard work and hustle that has gotten them this far into the post-season. It is often hard to stay focused in a blowout game, but Eaton concentrated on finishing strong. Head Coach Todd Hernandez said, “I really thought our intensity was there. In a game like this when we knew going in that if we came out and did what we were supposed to do we would be successful, so you’re always a little concerned that you might be complacent to start the game, but I thought we showed our experience today and the girls came out and played hard. Everyone, 1-12, played hard.”
By the Numbers: Within seconds of the jump, Eaton’s Kaci Jurgensmeier (16) nailed a three pointer and set a tone of momentum for the Lady Reds. Eaton’s full court pressure left the Rams reeling, causing some major turnovers that the Reds ultimately capitalized on. At the end of the first quarter, Eaton was looking good with a score of 20-6. Impeccable defense from the Reds did not even allow Sheridan to score one point in the next quarter. Meanwhile, Eaton was working on offense, racking up an additional 18 points. At the half, the score was 38-6. Eaton came out of halftime with a slower pace. With 4:40 left to go in the third, Eaton’s starters were pulled out. At the end of the quarter, Brynn Millett (17) was fouled on a three point buzzer beater and made two out of her three free throws, which was the most exciting part of quarter three. Although Sheridan did score five points that quarter, it did not affect Eaton’s momentum or the scoreboard. Coming into the fourth quarter, the score was 58-11. Scoring another five points in the final quarter, Sheridan’s hustle was winding down, allowing the Reds to score 15 more points before things ended at 73-16.
Should’ve seen it: Within seconds of the jump, won by Lindy Dixon (16), Eaton’s Kaci Jurgensmeier (16) nailed her now famous three point shot from about a foot behind the arc, setting the electric tone throughout the game.
Not just garbage time: For Eaton’s reserve players, this was a great game to get court time and truly show the depth of Eaton’s program. The finesce demonstrated by the reserve players was a true highlight of the game. It was also a great opportunity for players like Jayde Contreras (17), who gets considerable court time every game, to really show leadership and drive on the court. Contreras said, “I think the major thing [as we advance in the tournament] is to carry out the momentum we had tonight and to be super aggressive on defense because that is our strong point.” Caiden Rexius (16), who scored six points and led the team in rebounds (6), was also happy with the entire team’s game-play. Rexius said, “I think my favorite part was how everyone was in the game and everyone, all 1-12 [players], was playing their hardest and they didn’t stop at any time during the game.”
Up next: Eaton will play the Olathe Pirates (18-6 overall) on March 5 at 1 p.m. With only four more games to win to make it to state, the Reds are staying focused on the game ahead. Hernandez said, “We’re just going to have to take it one game at a time. It doesn’t matter what games are played next week because if we look that far ahead we’re not going to be there.”
