Surging Vandals win 3 at Round Mountain

The Eureka Vandals boys basketball team concluded their regular season with a satisfactory 9-2 record as they now prepare for their all important league schedule.

Eureka, led by head coach Elmer Porter, participated in the Round Mountain Invitational Dec. 19-20. The boys continued their solid early season play by going undefeated in the tournament.

First, Eureka played host Round Mountain in a relatively close ball game to start the tournament. Junior forward Trevor Merritt led Eureka in the scoring column with 21 points against the Knights. Guard Nick Hornberger and Forward Clancy Talbot chipped in 16 points a piece for the Vandals as they took the 71-62 victory against Round Mountain.

Later in the day, Eureka took on rival Carlin. The Vandals were simply too much for the Railroaders as they cruised to a 80-32 blowout win. Hornberger and Talbot led they way for Eureka with 17 and 16 points respectively. Eureka will face Carlin twice more in the league season, but shouldn’t prove to be a threat.

The following day, Dec 20, Eureka hit the hardwood for the last time in the tournament as they laced them up against Tonopah. A much closer game occurred between the Vandals and Muckers but the conclusion was the same. Eureka outlasted a gritty Tonopah side 61-45. Guard play was strong for Eureka as Junior guards Nick Hornberger and Paul Padilla each dumped in 18 points.

Eureka has had a strong start to their season proven by a 9-2 record, but the real test is yet ahead as they will begin their regular season after Christmas break against Carlin and Owhyee on the road.

Porter reflected on the year thus far by saying, “The team is excited to start the regular season and to play in the new gym facility. We have shown the ability to score but need to shore up our defensive play as we start the regular season.”

Eureka will play their first home games in the new multi-million dollar facility Jan. 10 against league rival Wells. They hope to crissen their new basketball home with a league win.