Lady Reds strive on the court despite doubts

The girls basketball team has started its season strong with a 7-0 record defeating every rival they have played against. Their greatest strength this year is their experience coach Todd Hernandez said, “Even though we only have four seniors, much of the varsity roster returns from last year, so I feel that our level of experience will be strong.”
This year the Reds were ranked low in Colorado and have defeated the odds. Amongst the 3A basketball community, it was said that this was not Eaton’s year due to its low rankings and loss of last years seniors but
Michaela Hill (19) said, “A lot of people were doubting us this season. Walking in we were ranked 16th and Hernandez said that people were saying that this was not our year. That this was the year for UH [University] and Res [Resurection Christian] and not Eaton and Sterling. I think that put a fire under us and really helped us see the little talents we have now, so that we can grow through the season and make that statement not true.”
The Reds have continued their streak and defeated both Prospect Ridge Academy and Bishop Machebeuf. Both away games were led entirely by Eaton and the girls had tight plays to keep them in check. The Reds won against Prospect Ridge 41-33 on Thurs Dec. 13. Sydney Booth (19) scored the most points through out the game with a total of 14. On the other side of the ball, Booth led the team in rebounds with a total of 10 with Addie Randel (20) behind her with six rebounds and four steals.
Bishop Machebeuf suffered a loss against Eaton 66-36 on Sat Dec. 15. Mady Bruch (20) led the team with 11 points making four two-pointers and three free throws, making every basket she attempted. Defensively, the Reds took a total 34 rebounds, 12 assists, and 11 steals.
Eaton defeated its renowned rivals, the Highland Huskies, in the last seconds of the game 43-42. Eaton faced their first loss to Highland in 2016 after triumphing them for over 30 years. The game was a trade-off as each team exchanged the lead each quarter. Highland led the first quarter 11-9, while in the second quarter the Reds took a lead and won the quarter 17-11. The last half of the game proved to be the most difficult as Highland took the lead again with a 10-5 advance in the third quarter. In the last minute of the game Highland was tied with a 10-10 score.
The Reds, behind one point needed a strong play to continue their winning streak against the Huskies. Highland fought hard, but with 0.9 seconds left in the game, Jenni Jarnagin (21) got fouled on a two-pointer. The Reds fate rested in Jarnagin’s hands. Jarnangin said, “I knew I had to make one so we could go into overtime. I also had confidence because I knew my team would continue to work together to get a win.” The Eaton’s home student section stood quiet, while the Huskies yelled and tried to disrupt her concentration. To their dismay, Jarnagin sunk both free throws and won the game to continue Eaton’s winning streak.
The Reds went undefeated in their three tournament games against Gunnison, Basalt, and The Academy. The Northern Colorado Roundball Classic tournament took place Nov. 29-31 and Dec. 1 on the Red’s home court. For the first few games of the season, Hernandez said they were a bit rough around the edges, but that the girls set a good outlook for the rest of the season. Hernandez said, “As always we will look to be aggressive on both ends of the floor, minimize mistakes, and dictate the tempo of the game.”