Eagles Soar Into D-VI District Final With 52-45 Win Over Huntington

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The Eastern Eagles will return to The Convo after advancing to the Boys D-VI District Final with a 52-45 win over Huntington Monday night at Waverly’s Downtown Arena.

About the photo: Huntington’s Frankie Hirsch led the Huntsmen with 20-points

The Huntsmen took a 16-14 lead late in the first period on the strength of an 11-3 run, but Eastern’s Eric Manley banked in a three-pointer to lift the Eagles ahead 17-16. The basket was followed up by a free throw by Aiden Werner and a stick back by Carson Peters on an offensive rebound at the buzzer to put the Eagles ahead 21-16 after the first period.

In the second, Eastern followed the flurry of points with another 11-0 scoring barrage to surge ahead 32-18. The Eagles went into the break lead 38-25.

Huntington closed to within 10 after the third period and whittled the lead to six at 51-45 with 2-minutes remaining, but they couldn’t close the gap any closer.

“I think we made plays when it matters” said Eagles Coach Ethan Leist. “At times we played physical. In the first half I think our defensive rebound percentage was in the 60s, we finished the game it was like 74 and our goal is 75%… At this point, it’s what ever you can survive and advance.”

Up next, the Eagles will face Peebles, a team which will present some challenges. Leist said he’s seen the Indians while scouting earlier this season. “They play fast. They pressure you for the entire game. So, we’re gonna have to really prepare for that over the next couple of days.”

The Eagles (17-7) were paced by Boston Webb’s 16-points, Carson Peters and Aiden Werner had 13-apiece, Eric Manley added six and Cade Leist 4. Huntington’s Frankie Hirsch led all scorers with 20-points, Kalvin Manson had 9, Eli Ary 5, Brennan Smith and Calvin Hirsch 4-each and Zayden Baker 3. The Huntsmen finish the season at 16-7.