Eagles Hang On to Knock Off VCA

Eagle fans who didn't make the trip to Valpo Tuesday night missed out on two of the  most exciting basketball games of the season.

The Lady Eagles started the night off against a Lady Lions team looking to avenge a 36-12 loss at FOFCA on November 22.

From the start this game was close and hard fought. The Eagles jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead behind two baskets from Destiny Villalejo. The Lady Lions fought back behind to tie the game at 6 at the end of the first quarter.

Alli Willis powered the Eagles in the second quarter, dropping in 6 of her 16 points and the Eagle defense continued to be strong. The Lady Eagles led at the half 14-12.

The third quarter continued to be hard fought and physical. Both teams traded baskets, took small spurts and when the dust settled, the Lady Lions led 25-21.

Then things got fun. Destiny Villalejo scored 11 points (before fouling out) while the Lady Lions Leighton Huber dropped in 11 as both teams slugged it out. The quarter was fast paced, physical as both teams traded baskets and leads.

In the end, the Lady Lions outscored the Eagles in the fourth quarter 20-19 to hang on to a 45-40 win.

The Eagle boys were looking to avenge a 72-54 defeat at the hands of the Lions on November 22.

The Eagles came prepared and played with better focus and intensity than they have over the last few games. Behind 8 points from Josiah Blan, the Eagles jumped out to a 16-6 first quarter lead.

Things settled in in the second quarter. Calvin Reisinger led the Lions with 6 of his game high 28 in the second quarter, but the Eagles were able to match the Lions behind 6 points from Cody Blan and led 30-21 at the half.

The Eagles came out with new intensity in the third quarter. Reisinger tried to rally the Lions, scoring 8 more in the third, but Josiah Blan poured in 12 of his 27 to push the Eagles out to a 51-34 lead at the end of three.

But, this Lions team isn't going to just go away. The Lions rallied, once again led by Reisinger with 13 points. The Lions outscored the Eagles 21-8 in the fourth quarter, but there just wasn't enough time as the Eagles closed out a thrilling 59-55 win.

The Eagles are off to their best start ever at 9-2 and still have a busy week ahead. The Eagles travel to Coal City to take on home school team Glory to God Thursday at 6 pm in the Coal City Intermediate School. Then the Eagles travel to Granger, IN on Saturday for the Illiana Invite Tournament.

The Lady Eagles will return to action Tuesday (Dec 17) in Channahon against Southside Baptist from Oak Lawn.