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Another chapter of the Hornet/Eagle rivalry took place on Tuesday, December 10 at the Northland High School Gymnasium. Over the past few seasons these games have been spirited contests, with neither school being able to dominate the other. This game would be no different.

The contest saw numerous lead changes early on before the Eagles were able to forge ahead and lead 38-36 at the half. Neither squad could muster more than a 6 point lead throughout the half.

Coach Carlson said after the game, "This was our best half of the season so far, we played with tenacity and hustled. (We) looked to hit the open shooter and rebounded well."

Starting the second half the Hornets got the lead before the Eagles mounted a flurry of baskets and led 56-48. Over the next five minutes the Eagles were held scoreless, while the Hornets put up 18 to take a 10 point lead at 66-56. During this stretch the Eagles lost starters Austin Likens and Gary Gross to fouls, and the offense sputtered with shots just rolling off the rim. Try as they may, the shorthanded Eagles, who also played without injured center Jordan Perkins, could only play the rest of the game even with the Hornets, who hit free throws down the stretch to earn a 78-65 victory.

Carlson added, "With the foul trouble, we were using different player combinations and the offense didn't flow as well the second half and we forced some shots. Our positioning on defense was not quite where it needed to be."

Three players had double-doubles on the evening as Gary Gross had 17 points to lead the team along with 11 rebounds, Justin Wicks added 14 points and 16 boards, and Zak Nornberg added 11 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Easton Wake had 4 steals.

With only two games left before Christmas break, which will hopefully allow time for Perkins to heal up, heading into a busy January this squad is showing signs of being very competitive.

Eagles - 38 27 - 65

Hornets- 36 42 - 78

Scoring- Woods- 7; Likens- 6; Wake- 9; Nornberg- 11; Gross- 17; Wicks-14 and Kovall-1.

Monday, Dec. 16 was a road game at Cherry. Tonight the Eagles travel to Nevis for a make-up game. The boys then have nine days off and take on Sebeka on the 26th.[[In-content Ad]]

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