Eagles take record-breaking win at state

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The girls basketball team prides itself on its defense. This was on full display during the Eagles’ 51-17 5A quarterfinal victory Wednesday against De Soto at Topeka’s Expocentre.

The Eagles held De Soto to a 5A tournament record 17 points, breaking the 2003 record of 20. De Soto didn’t score its first basket until 5:11 remained in the first half. The game was never close, with the Eagles leading 13-2 after the first quarter and 24-8 at halftime.

“I didn’t expect us to beat them that bad,” Coach Jerrod Handy said. “Our defense is so strong.”

Handy said he was happy with the team’s performance and is ready to continue in the tournament.

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I think if we play the defense we played tonight we will have a great shot to win.

— Jerrod Handy

“The next round is going to be really tough,” Handy said. “I’m thankful that we have gotten to this point. I think if we play the defense we played tonight we will have a great shot to win.”

The Eagles, 20-3 and the No. 1 seed in the tournament, forced 32 turnovers in the game, including 11 in the first quarter.

Taylor Holmes led the Eagles with 12 points, making 2 of 7 shots from the field and 8 of 11 free throws.

“We all played together, and I thought we did really good as a team,” Holmes said. “Our strength is definitely defense. We got a lot of fouls, which made our score go up.”

Brecken Roe added eight points to the Eagles’ total, also making 2 of 7 field goals and making all four free-throw attempts. Roe also had nine rebounds and nine assists. Caitlyn Stewart and Halie Jones both added three baskets and a free throw each.

“I was nervous at the beginning,” Roe said. “We knew we had to come out strong. As a team, we need better defense. Defense wins games.”

Holmes and Roe feel optimistic about the upcoming game Friday against Salina Central. Central defeated KC Schlagle 58-47. The Eagles were 2-0 against Central in league play this season.

“I feel very confident,” Roe said, “I think that we have a good shot.”

De Soto (15-8) – Grizzle 4, Johnson 5, Plake 2, Shupe 6. Totals 7-40 (0-13) 3-4 17.

Maize (20-3) – Roe 8, Stewart 7, Jones 7, Holmes 12, White 4, Cauthon 4, Malloy 4, Hannah 5. Totals 17-51 (0-6) 17-29 51.