The Granger Lions varsity boys’ basketball team picked up a big win on their home court against the Valley Mills Eagles.
The Lions defeated the Eagles 54-50, picking up their third win of the season and gaining some momentum before resuming their district schedule.
The teams stayed within one point of each other for the first three quarters, and the game was tightly contested until the final buzzer. The Lions were able to build a 26-18 lead late in the second quarter, but the Eagles were not backing down.
The Eagles were able to work themselves back, cutting it to 26-23 right before halftime. But Lions senior Tripp Wilkie knocked down a huge three-point shot to give his team another sixpoint lead. The Lions were able to carry their lead into halftime and came out in the third quarter looking to build on their firsthalf momentum. Wilkie was at the center of the action again with a big steal to start the quarter, which eventually lead to a three-pointer from Trae Herrera as the Lions grew their lead to 36-25.
Shortly after, the Eagles battled back from the deficit yet again, cutting the lead to 36-30, but Nate Tucker found himself wide open from behind the three-point line. Tucker made no mistake, as the ball made its way into the basket, giving the Lions a 39-30 lead.
The fourth quarter was where the Eagles’ comeback efforts really started to show and set up an exciting final couple of minutes. The Lions did not shy away from the adversity though and were able to hold off the Eagles for the victory.
The Lions had three players who scored double digit points Friday and really aided their team in picking up the victory. Herrera, along with Isaac Campos, scored 13 points each, while Nate Tucker scored 12 points.
Friday’s game was a non-district matchup but will resume district play Tuesday, Jan. 10, when they host the Bartlett Bulldogs looking for their first district win this season.
