The Eureka Lady Tornadoes battled through a challenging week at the prestigious Trojan Classic, known as the mid-season “state tournament” for its high level of competition. With six of the eight participating teams ranked in the 2A, 3A, and 4A divisions, the Tornadoes faced tough opposition and finished with an 0-3 record.
Eureka vs. Riley County The Lady Tornadoes opened the tournament on Tuesday, January 21, with a hard-fought matchup against the Riley County Falcons. Despite Riley County being unranked, their reputation as a formidable 2A team set the stage for an intense contest. After a fierce back-and-forth battle in regulation, the Falcons edged out Eureka in overtime, handing the Tornadoes their first loss of the season, 46-53.
Riley County struck first with a quick bucket, but Kimber Ptacek answered immediately with a layup to even the score. The Tornadoes’ defense stood tall early, with Alaina Westerman intercepting a pass and setting up Brenna Rucker for a fast-break layup. The teams traded blows for much of the first half, but Eureka claimed momentum just before halftime. With seconds left, Lydia Mason drained a three-pointer to give the Tornadoes a narrow 22-19 lead at the break.
The second half showcased the offensive firepower of both teams. Laynie Winfrey, Rucker and Mason kept Eureka competitive with clutch baskets, while Riley County countered with sharp shooting of their own.
Heading into the fourth quarter, the Tornadoes clung to a 32-30 advantage, but the Falcons surged late to tie the game, sending it into overtime.
In the extra period, Riley County took control with an offensive burst that Eureka couldn’t match. Forced to foul in the final minute to stop the clock, the Tornadoes watched as the Falcons sealed the game at the free-throw line. The buzzer sounded, and Eureka suffered their first defeat of the season, 46-53.
Stats and Scoring Leaders: POINTS: Rucker 18, Mason13, Winfrey 8, Westerman 3 and Ptacek and Arabella Shepherd 2. REBOUNDS: Rucker 17, Winfrey and Britta Mongeau 3, and Ptacek, Westerman, and Mason 2. ASSISTS: Winfrey 3 and Ptacek and Rucker 2. STEALS: Westerman 2.
Eureka vs. Remington: A Battle to the End On Friday, Jan. 24, the Lady Tornadoes faced off against the Remington Broncos in a thrilling matchup.
Eureka fought hard to maintain the lead throughout the game, but a buzzer- beating three-pointer from the Broncos in the fourth quarter forced the game into overtime. Despite their relentless efforts, the Tornadoes fell short, with Remington edging out a 64-60 victory.
The game began with a free throw from the Broncos to open the scoring. Eureka quickly answered with a pull-up jumper by Rucker, giving the Tornadoes their first lead of the night. Rucker continued to shine, adding two more points, while Winfrey and Elle Coulter chipped in five points collectively to secure a narrow lead for Eureka after the first quarter.
The second quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading baskets. Winfrey and Mason knocked down clutch three-pointers, while the Tornado defense forced turnovers to keep the Broncos on edge.
Remington managed to grab a 20-18 lead late in the quarter, but Rucker’s sharp inbounds pass to Winfrey in the paint resulted in a buzzer-beater that tied the game at 2020 heading into halftime.
The Tornadoes came out strong in the second half, finding their rhythm offensively and defensively. Rucker drained two three-pointers, and Winfrey consistently delivered from the field, helping Eureka build a 52-40 lead. However, with just over three minutes remaining, Rucker, a 2024 All-State player, left the game due to injury. Remington capitalized on Rucker’s absence, turnovers and momentum, ultimately tying the game with a buzzer-beating three-pointer to force overtime. In the extra period, the Tornadoes were forced to foul to stop the clock, sending the Broncos to the free-throw line. Remington capitalized on their opportunities, ultimately securing the 64-60 win.
The Lady Tornadoes displayed grit and determination throughout the game and will undoubtedly use this experience to fuel their drive moving forward in the season.
Stats and Scoring Leaders: POINTS: Winfrey 18, Rucker 15, Mason and Coulter 9, Mongeau 6 and Ptacek 3. REBOUNDS: Winfrey 11, Rucker 7 and Hannah Perrier 4. ASSISTS: Rucker 6, Winfrey 4 and Mason and Coulter 3. STEALS: Winfrey and Westerman 3 and Ptacek 2.
Eureka vs. Holcomb: Lady Tornadoes Battle in Tournament Finale On Saturday, Jan. 25, the Lady Tornadoes faced the Holcomb Longhorns in the final round of the Trojan Classic. The Longhorns, ranked 7th in the 3A division, proved to be a formidable opponent. Despite Eureka’s strong efforts in the first half, the Tornadoes couldn’t hold on for a win in the second half, falling 62-40 and finishing eighth in the tournament.
Eureka started the game strong, winning the tip and moving the ball effectively. Winfrey set up Mongeau, who relocated outside the arc and drained a three-pointer to kick off the scoring. Holcomb quickly responded with a three of their own and added a 5-0 run to take control of the game. At the end of the first quarter, the Longhorns led 23-16.
In the second quarter, Winfrey stepped up offensively, scoring seven points to keep the Tornadoes within striking distance. However, Holcomb continued to capitalize on their scoring opportunities and extended their lead to 34-23 at halftime.
Despite the Tornadoes’ determination to stay in the game, their efforts on both ends of the court were no match for Holcomb’s consistent play. The Longhorns maintained their momentum throughout the second half and secured the 62-40 victory.
With this game, the Lady Tornadoes wrapped up the Trojan Classic, taking valuable lessons from tough competition as they continue their season.
Stats and Scoring Leaders: POINTS: Winfrey 23, Mongeau 8, Coulter 4, Sydney Lindamood 3 and Arabella Shepherd 2. REBOUNDS: Winfrey 6, Ptacek 5 and Westerman 4.
ASSISTS: Winfrey 3 and Shepherd 2. STEALS: Winfrey 3 and Coulter 2.
Next Up
On Tuesday, Jan. 28, the Eureka Lady Tornadoes hit the road to compete against the undefeated Caney Bullpups. On Friday, Jan. 31, the Tornadoes will host the Fredonia Yellowjackets at home for the Winter Royalty game.
