Eureka Team Game Analysis

Improving Eureka team breaks rough patch with well executed fourth quarter

Eureka - Luke Orso dribbled the ball three times, spun it in his right hand, bent his knees, and with a flick of the wrist he sent the ball sailing from the free throw line through the air and towards the basket. As all eyes watched the shot fly, the ball made its descend through the basket with a snap of the net which sealed the game for the Eureka Wildcats Varsity Boys’ basketball team.

It was one of two free throws for Orso, Eureka’s second year, junior starting point guard. Was this the break through the Wildcats had been looking for? Or just a routine shot for a high school player to conclude the game?

“The team has begun to make better decisions,” Orso explained.

“I have gotten extra passes which results in more open shots and the opportunity to get to the free throw line.”

Eureka (5-10, 2-1) used impeccable execution in the fourth quarter to help boost their offense and insure a victory over the previously undefeated, conference leading Oakville Tigers 50-45 in a Suburban West Conference match-up at Eureka High School.

The Wildcats broke through a rough part of the schedule that resulted in losses in 6 of their last 7 games which included a loss to their bitter rival in the Suburban West conference, Lafayette by a score of 57-47 at Eureka on January 23, 2015 in a rematch of the District 3 semi-final game.

Oakville (7-9, 3-1) lost 2 key players from last years team from their District 1 championship game team. One player is currently playing Division 1 basketball (SLU) while another player went on to play Division 2 basketball (Missouri S&T) according to their coach.

Eureka coach, Austin Kirby was encouraged by the progression with how his team handled the odd conference game that started more than an hour and half late at Eureka on Tuesday. Looking for a spark, Kirby decided that it would best help his team to start junior center Sam Oligschlaeger over senior center Ben Ahlers.

It was obvious that this might be just what Eureka needed as they grabbed the lead with a Conner Walden 3 pointer with 5:48 left in the first quarter and possessed that lead until the final

buzzer.

Being benched can be the wake up call a player needs, but with Ahlers and his unique skill set might aid the Wildcats better off of the bench. With five big rebounds and two instrumental blocks at the close of the game, Ahlers was the Wildcats rim protector which helped them hold the Oakville Tigers to a below average 45 points.

“He is our defensive stopper” stated first year coach, Austin Kirby, when asked about Ahlers. “Whether it is crashing the boards or getting a hand in the shooters face, he can do it all for us which provides a boost. When asked if he was disappointed to not hear his name called in the starting five, Ahlers stated that ”...everyone wants to start, but I just try to help us win.”

Defense is something not uncommon to other Wildcats’ besides Ahlers, it has been a focal point all season. After allowing a conference high 68.3 points per game last season, the Wildcats needed a go to defender. Enter Luke Orso, a junior point guard and the Wildcats’ go to defender to lock up the opponents best guards.

Orso had the task of guarding dual threat guard Marquis Peppers. It had seemed that Peppers was on track for another great game as he began with the game’s first basket (Oakville’s only lead). Unfortunately for Peppers and the Tigers, Luke Orso would hold Peppers to a season-low 2 points on 1-8 shooting. When asked about his defensive effort, Orso said that Kirby had given him “the task of guarding their star point guard.”
Kirby had to be pleased with Orso’s sound defense and incredible effort from the first horn to the last.

The game opened up as the Wildcats outscored the Tigers in all quarters except the third quarter. The fourth quarter was pivotal as Eureka secured the game with great execution of their game plan down the stretch.

This win is the type of win that could catapult the Eureka Wildcats as they continue to improve towards the end of conference play and into the post-season. The team carried a charisma of pride in their play which is a great sign for Kirby and the Wildcats.

Eureka had tremendous guard play which helped result in points on the offensive end. Conner Walden led the Wildcats with 14 points, Carter had 9, Orso had 8.

Joe Green led the Tigers with 10 points.