Hardwood Heroes
Eastern Eagles boys fly high with pivotal win over South Gallia
By: Ethan Sargeant
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CROWN CITY (WOUB)– New week, new look, and these aren’t the same old Eagles.
Eastern rolled into Crown City and left with a 51-46 win over South Gallia that sends a clear message to the rest of the TVC as the playoffs approach – don’t mess with us.
The Eagles led wire-to-wire and held off a late Rebel charge to pick up their second win in four games, and fourth win of the season.
In an underclassmen-heavy lineup, it was the young guns who stepped up down the stretch. Freshman Ethan Edwards had 13 points, including 9/11 free throws down the stretch to help put things away for the Eagles in the second half.
Sophomore Connor Nolan also contributed 13 points and 4 rebounds.
Senior Jace Bullington, the leader of this Eastern squad, had just 6 points, but stuffed the stat sheet with 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 highlight-reel blocks, and 3 steals.
Freshman Colton Lloyd had three 3’s for Eastern, their only three makes as they went just 3/12 from behind the arc.
South Gallia also struggled from the floor, shooting just 2/16 from 3. The Rebels shot 36.5% from the field, while the Eagles shot 41.5%.
South Gallia out-rebounded Eastern 29-23.
Leading the way for the Rebels was sophomore Tanner Sanders and junior Gabe Frazee Jr., who had 11 points apiece.
Coach David Kight touted Eastern’s “Foxhole” mentality as this team turns towards brighter times ahead.
“We have this foxhole mentality, where we’re brothers in the bunker together…” he said. “We band together, we win together, we lose together, and we go through life together.”
As Eastern continues to prepare for the playoffs, they’ll need every one of their brothers to step up and play their best basketball at the most important time of the year.