The top-ranked 2A Eureka Lady Tornadoes welcomed 4A opponent El Dorado to town and proved once again why they sit at the top of the rankings, earning an impressive 66– 41 victory over the Wildcats.
Eureka won the opening tip and wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Se-nior Brenna Rucker found Alaina Westerman underneath the basket, where she was fouled and converted one of two free throws. El Dorado answered with five quick points to briefly take the lead before Rucker settled her team with a smooth jumper.
The two squads traded baskets throughout the remainder of the first quarter. Elle Coulter sparked the home crowd with a three-pointer and followed it up by assisting Rucker on a reverse layup.
After one quarter of play, Eureka held a narrow 11–8 advantage. The Lady Tornadoes began to create separation in the second quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 13–8. El Dorado opened the period with a three-pointer, but Rucker answered on the very next possession with one of her own. Rucker and Coulter led the offensive charge in the quarter, with Rucker scoring five points and Coulter adding four. Eureka’s defensive intensity limited quality looks for the Wildcats and helped extend the lead to 24–16 at halftime.
The third quarter proved to be the turning point. Eureka’s defense completely smothered El Dorado, forcing turnover after turnover and converting them into transition points. Britta Mongeau caught fire, pouring in 11 points in the quarter alone. The Lady Tornadoes exploded for 29 third-quarter points while holding the Wildcats to just 13, stretching the lead to a commanding margin heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter belonged to the hometown team as well, edging El Dorado 13–12 to secure the convincing 66–41 victory. Rucker led all scorers with 21 points while adding eight rebounds and four blocked shots. Mongeau finished with 14 points and a team-high six steals.
Coulter contributed 11 points. Arabella Shepherd and Hannah Perrier each added seven points, while Milly Koop and Alaina Westerman chipped in three apiece. Shepherd also dished out a team-high six assists as the Lady Tornadoes once again showcased their balanced attack and defensive pressure.
