Vandals boys return core four to defend league title

The Eureka High School boys basketball team lost three seniors to graduation from last season’s 1A East League Championship roster but will return most of its starters. The Vandals went 11-1 against the 1A East and 18-7 overall, but failed to reach the state semifinals.

“We are hoping to be in the conversation at the end of the season with most of our starters returning and depth as well,” EHS head coach Fred Minoletti said. “We will get to see and play some of the better 1A teams in the first two tournaments, which will give us an idea of where we stand heading into the regular season.” 

The Vandals will be led by seniors Joseph Minoletti, Alex McKay and Donovan Mears, and junior Dean Benson. All are returning starters, with Minoletti and Benson being the team’s leading scorers.  

“Defensively we are going to be aggressive and put pressure on the ball,” Minoletti said. “Last year we allowed 34 points per game and hoping to improve on that this year.”

Juniors Trent Conley, Legend Hicks, Russell Rowley and Liam Sullivan make for an experienced roster with plenty of depth. Conley is a returner from last year’s team. 

“Legend Hicks hurt his shoulder in the very first game last year and was out for the entire season, so hoping he stays healthy this year,” Minoletti informed. “Other returning players that played quite a bit last year are Russell Rowley, Adrian Martinez and Cody Bice.”

Minoletti expects Smith Valley to be the team to beat once again this year. They return most of their starters from the state title team last season and have quite a bit of depth. 

The Vandals and Sparks Railroaders tip off at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Hawthorne Tournament. They’ll play Yerington at 5:15 p.m. on Friday, and Beatty and Mineral County on Saturday morning. Eureka opens the season at home against Tonopah at 3 p.m. on Dec. 20.