It was no Christmas miracle for the Eagle Grove Eagles on Tuesday night, as they continue their season 0-7 after a dominating game from Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Cardinals.
The first day of winter saw the battle between the Eagles and Cardinals, as the Eagles hosted the Cardinals. From start to finish, the Eagles gave it their all despite the drive from the Cardinals. As the game commenced, the Eagles were pressured by the Cardinals. There was no slow start for the Eagles, however, as they took on the pressure the Cardinals delivered and fought through it. With the Eagles trying to take their time for an opportunity, the Cardinals capitalized with repeated steals and blocks. Though two points were scored in the first quarter for the Eagles, the girls never accepted the distanced score as the first quarter ended 22-2. The second quarter began with passing errors for the Eagles. With 4:03 left in the quarter, Coach Mike Herrington called a timeout, ceasing the minor mistakes made that kicked off the second quarter. As the second quarter progressed, the Eagles created more chances and opportunities for buckets, however the lack of execution continued. Not too many shooting attempts were made by the Eagles, as the Cardinals locked them down. As halftime arrived, the Cardinals were up 34-4 over the Eagles.
The third quarter opened up with some more passing mistakes, as it led to additional points for the Cardinals. Scoring three points in the third, the Eagles continued with the same drive and energy from the first half, as the Eagle Grove fans cheered their Eagles no matter what the scoreboard read. With such support from a community such as Eagle Grove, one can only imagine the confidence and momentum it ignites in the girls, as they continue their drive for success. The third quarter wrapped up with a 45-7 lead for the Cardinals. Concluding the game, the Eagles struggled to secure a bucket in the fourth quarter. Understanding the Eagles’ young team, these types of losses can only help the girls as they analyze what made the Cardinals successful as the game concluded 52-7, and how to improve in the future. While the Cardinals squad consists of much more experienced players than the Eagles, it could be understandable as to how and why the Cardinals were dominant.
Experience is crucial to a team’s success. Unfortunately, for the Eagles, experience is not something they hold currently, but something that is in the building process, and can only get better. With more experience, comes more understanding and knowledge of the game. This all can help the Eagles for future seasons, where winning is treasured because of the pains and heartbreaks of losing.
The Eagles are set to host West Bend-Mallard on Monday, January 3, at 6 PM. sports@eaglegroveeagle.com
