By Staff
LOST SPRINGS – On Friday the Elyria Christian boys pounded Rural Vista by 33, 52-19, to earn a spot in the Centra Cougar Classic Championship game on Saturday.
“I thought we played with great energy tonight and continue to build on our defensive effort,” noted Eagle head coach Zach Goodrich. “We are learning how to trust each other, and guarding the ball is becoming a priority for us. That is the end we want to continue to get better at, and I thought all the boys took another step forward tonight.”
Elyria shutout Rural Vista, 14-0, in the first quarter and held a commanding 28-point, 35-7, lead at the halftime break. After the break the offense for Elyria slowed down but they were still able to build on the lead and gain the final 33-point victory.
Ry Romero hit on three three-pointers on his way to lead the Eagles in scoring with 17 while Johnny Unruh also reached double digits with 10. Unruh directed the offense with five assists while also having the quick hands on defense by making six steals. Both Romero and Landon Schneider took care of business on the boards with each gathering in seven rebounds.
Coach Goodrich finished off his post-game thoughts by saying, “Ty (Romero) continued his efficient play as he is finding a groove. Landon (Schneider) continues to be big on the boards with seven rebounds in which five were on the offensive end. Johnny (Unruh) was stellar defensively and continues to be active on and off the ball. Johnny impacts the game in so many ways. We continue to take it one game at a time, and we will have another opportunity to improve against a team that has more size and physicality in Douglass.”
The Eagles were scheduled to play Douglas for the Classic Championship on Saturday.
ELYRIA CHRISTIAN EAGLES vs. Rural Vista at Centre Cougar Classic
SCORING: EAGLES > 14-21-11-6 = 52; Rural Vista > 0-7-7-5 = 19.
TEAM STATS: EAGLES > 2-FGs – 14/24; 3-PTs – 7/20; FTs – 3/4; AST – 12; REBs – 32; TO – 11; STLs – 13; BLKs – 3; FLs – 11. Rural Vista > 2-FGs – 4/24; 3-PTs – 3/14; FTs – 2/4; AST – 5; REBs – 23; TO – 18; STLs – 3; BLKs – 0; FLs – 11.
ELYRIA CHRISTIAN EAGLE INDIVIDUAL STAT LEADERS: Scoring > Ty Romero – 17; Johnny Unruh – 10; Landon Schneider – 7; Alex Robertson – 6; Gavin Robertson – 5; James Schott – 4; Caleb Laney – 2; Blake Robertson – 1. 3-Pointers Made > Romero – 3; Unruh, A. Robertson – 2. Assists > Unruh – 5; Schott – 3; Laney – 2. Rebounds > Romero, Schneider – 7; A. Robertson, Schott – 3; Unruh, Laney, B. Robertson, Neufeldt Emmitt – 2. Steals > Unruh – 6; A. Robertson – 3. Blocked Shots > A. Robertson – 2; Romero – 1.
(The Staff covering McPherson County Activities can be reached by email at crossdovewriter@gmail.com)