The College of Eastern Utah Lady Eagles found themselves back in action this past weekend at home as the team hosted North Idaho College and Ricks College. Despite losing to both teams earlier in the season, the Eagles were not afraid and entered onto the court with determination and enthusiasm.
The ladies performance has done a full circle since meeting both Idaho teams earlier in the year. The Eagles are now playing healthy, determined, and improved since the January meetings on the road.
This was proven in the game against the North Idaho Cardinals Friday night. The Eagles defeated the Cardinals 76-71, playing strong as a team.
The Eagles shot 47 percent in the game, compared to 31 percent the team shot against the Cardinals Jan. 5 in Idaho. Not only did the field goal percentage improve for the Eagles, but also the ball handling skills. In the first meeting between these two teams, CEU had 22 turnovers, this weekend, the ladies had only eight.
Improvements are noticeable when watching the lady Eagles play. As a team, the Eagles are all on the same page, playing as a complete unit. Individually, each team member is also improving.
Kasey Mills lead CEU in scoring against the Cardinals Friday night with 16 points. Mills also completed three steals, two assists, two rebounds, and 4-5 free throw shots.
Following Mills in scoring was Rose Hamilton who finished with 12 points. Hamilton who works well on both ends of the court also handed out five assists, stole four balls, pulled down two rebounds, and completed 6-7 free throw shots.
Juliane Orgill and McKell Warburton also contributed quite well to the Eagles victory with each player scoring 11 points. Warburton also completed 3-6 three point shots to lead the team in long distance shooting.
The victory helped the Eagles to climb up the standings ladder, but the following night would find the girls climbing down one rung.
The Vikings from BYU Idaho (Ricks College), visited the BDAC Saturday night, and turned the tide for the Eagles with a victory over CEU 85-79.
Considering the fact that the Eagles lost to the Vikings by 43 points earlier on in the season, the six point loss was not quite as heartbreaking. In fact, the improvements serve as a reminder that the Eagles have worked hard and have become a stronger team as the year has progressed.
The Eagles held on until the end, where the lead was only three points with one minute left in the game. With the shot clock winding down, the Vikings nailed a three point shot that closed the game.
The lady Eagles played hard and several top scorers walked away from the game. Orgill, who lead the Eagles in scoring, completed 15 points. Orgill also lead the team in rebounding with five.
Leslie Lines trailed Orgill in points with 11 points of her own. Hamilton and Alex Cobb also contributed to field goals with each player scoring 10. Hamilton also dished out 12 assists, while forcing the Vikings to turn over the ball four times with steals, and pulling down three rebounds.
The Eagles hope to continue growing as a team as they face the Wolverines of Utah Valley State College Thursday at the BDAC, and the Bruins of Salt Lake Community College on the road Saturday. As the season progresses, growth and improvement becomes more noticeable for the Eagles, but more importantly, the team has found the love and desire each player possesses for the game of basketball, and this desire has ignited amongst the team.
Lady Eagles split two games at home
