NEW MADISON — Eaton used a stellar defensive performance to claim the Patriot Holiday Classic Tournament title with a 40-35 win over Ansonia on Saturday, Dec. 28.
Eaton opened the tournament with a 38-37 win over host Tri-Village on Friday.
“(The) story of both games was good defense giving up 37 to Tri Village and 35 to Ansonia,” Eaton coach Denny Shepherd said. “The boys have bought into playing better one on one defense. We have been talking about our lateral movement and chesting opponents straight line dribble. They have been doing a great job. In the two games, we have had four charges and defended the paint very well. We also took care of the ball and didn’t turn it over. Tri Village (7 turnovers) and Ansonia (5 turnovers).”
Senior Hunter Frost was named tournament MVP and was joined on the all-tournament team by Trevor Long and Cameron Lewis.
“Hunter did a nice job sharing the ball having three assist each game and 15 rebounds in the two games,” Shepherd said.
He had 11 points, nine rebounds and three assists in the championship game.
Trevor Long added 11 points and 10 rebounds and junior Travis Pittman had eight points, four rebounds and three assists.
In the first round, Lewis knocked down a free throw with 1.2 seconds left to secure the win.
Lewis finished with 10 points and five rebounds.
Long added nine points, four rebounds and three steals. Sophomore Breyden Boston had eight points and five rebounds.
Pittman added four points, four rebounds and four steals..
Eaton improved to 5-5 with the wins and is scheduled to play a pair of road games this coming weekend.
The Eagles will visit Bellbrook on Friday and Ross on Saturday.
