The clash between the Eagles and Warriors on Tuesday, Jan. 4, was almost a year to the day that these two teams faced off, which resulted in a close win for the Warriors, 38-32. The last time the Eagles defeated the North Union Warriors was, almost exactly, two years ago, where they won 45-36. It’s safe to say that when these two teams face each other, the fans are up for an electrifying game.
The first quarter took off with a total of 24 points scored combined by both teams. The Eagles scored 10 while the Warriors scored 14, heading into the second quarter four points ahead. The game was far from over, however. The second quarter saw similar offensive pressure from the Eagles, as they secured nine points before the half. Nine points were not enough to put them in the lead. The Warriors scored 10 points in the second quarter, sealing the first half with a 24-19 lead. The game was still up for grabs, however, as a five point difference did no harm to the Eagles’ drive.
The haunting of only scoring 10 points stretched its way into the third quarter where the Eagles delivered an additional 10 points, but still an insufficient number to give them the lead. Meanwhile, the Warriors scored the highest amount of points in the entire game, 16. The teams were headed to the fourth quarter with the score resting at 40-29. Finally, the haunting of 10 maximum points was destroyed. The Eagles drilled 12 points in the fourth, concluding their night with a score of 41. Tuesday night’s game was a race for victory. The Eagles soared, and the Warriors charged. However, the Eagles just couldn’t grasp onto the lead and surpass the Warriors. The race for victory ended in a 53-41 win for the Warriors. Tuesday night’s game was not a defeat for the Eagles. The Eagles worked hard, but the Warriors simply were the better team that night. This season isn’t a one-game season, though. Next time around, the Warriors will have to take that long drive to Eagle Grove where the Eagles will be seeking a revengeful win over North Union. The two are set to reunite, at Eagle Grove, on Feb. 1, at 7:45 PM.
Coach Ryan Pedersen praises their effort, though acknowledges the mistakes made during the game, stating, “Tuesday we traveled up to Armstrong to take on a very scrappy Warriors team. North Union has always been a team that pushes the ball up the floor and presses the entire game. We came out and played well in the first half despite losing one of our starters. Jensen Cooper sprained his ankle three minutes into the game. I thought Kale Wilwerding came in and did a good job replacing him. We had too many turnovers in the third quarter and let the 5 point half-time deficit balloon to 10. We eventually lost by 12 but I thought the boys played a good game and really worked hard. Four of the five starters played 34+ minutes so they were a little gassed at the end. Again, I was very proud of their effort.”
JR Jordan Morris added the most buckets for the Eagles with 19, plus an additional three steals, one assist, and four rebounds. 10 points were scored by SO Drake Canavan, with a steal, three assists, and nine rebounds, and FR Jaxon Morris who assisted and stole once with two rebounds. JR Tate Richardson scored two Tuesday night, along with three assists and four rebounds.
The Eagles will face North Iowa next, as they host the 4-4 Bison on Friday, Jan. 7, at 7:45 PM.
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