Eagles take control of close game, pull ahead for big win

The score teetered back and forth in the first three-quarters of the Eagles varsity boys basketball game against Las Plumas on Tuesday, Jan. 13. But the Eagles elevated their game in the fourth quarter, just in time to seize a big win against the Thunderbirds, 61-49.

"We've had a problem all year where we get ahead, we let them back in, we get ahead, we let them back in," Eagles coach Josh Schwerdt said. "Tonight we were doing the same thing, but instead we finished it."

The Eagles pulled out ahead of the Thunderbirds at the end of each of the three quarters, but the Thunderbirds would quickly bounce back. When the fourth quarter started, the Eagles led by only one-point (40-39), and it was anyone's game.

West Valley revved up their play and outscored Las Plumas 21-10.

"We pulled away. We ran our stops. We hit our shots and made the free throws and we did what we were supposed too," coach Schwerdt said.

After pulling ahead, the Eagles were able strengthen their lead in the last few minutes of the game. Las Plumas used the strategy to foul the Eagles to stop the clock. But the Eagles capitalized on their free-throws and ran away with the game.

Eagles senior Donny Anondson went 10-10 in free throws for the game. The 6'4 senior was also the high scorer, with 18 points, including two three-pointers.

Tyler Stevenson had 16 points, including three three-pointers.

Russell Flower had nine points, and Ben Bradshaw and Justin Naber each had seven.

During the first half of the game multiple fouls were called on both teams. In the second half, the Eagles avoided the same fate, while Las Plumas continued to receive penalty calls.

"Early on, I think the refs were calling it tight, but we have to be able to adjust they we play," Schwerdt said. "We played a little smarter."

The game against Las Plumas could serve as a precursor for what is to come later in the season.

"They are a D 3 opponent, so come playoff time it will be a good game," Schwerdt said.

Las Plumas had won four of their last five games before meeting up with the Eagles.

"They are playing really well," Schwerdt said. "It was a good game for us. The kids really played well and we needed it."

This was the last game before Eagles league play. Coach Schwerdt said his team was ready.

"We are eliminating a lot of mistakes and we are starting to play the way we want too. Hopefully we will continue go out and compete and hang right in there."