By Tristan Butts
December 23, 2023
The Eureka Lions boys basketball team is getting into a promising season. This excitement is created by high expectations and a good chance to win the district and make a significant impact at the state tournament. With an undefeated start in district play, the Lions are off to a good start going into Christmas break with a 4-1 record with the one loss coming to Whitefish.
This year, the Lions find themselves ready to win the District 7B title. In past seasons the Lions could never climb over the hump and beat Bigfork, always falling short. However, this season Bigfork exits the district, making way for Superior and allowing Eureka to secure the coveted number one spot. With this advantage, the team is setting its sights on district tournament (Feb 16-17 in St.Ignatius) and divisional championship (Feb 23-24 in Pablo) , paving the way to a state tournament (March 7-9 Billings). District and divisional games are never easy and usually end up as close scoring affairs. The Lions know this but have the expectations to take care of business within the district and divisional tournaments.
Challenges lie ahead, especially with Loyola, a team they will face twice during the regular season. Loyola, having clinched the State B championship in 2023 and returning four starters, is anticipated to be the Lions' toughest matchup. Recognizing the significance of these encounters, although the two regular-season games against Loyola may not end with victories, they will provide the Lions with valuable experience. Other matchups with Bonners Ferry and district opponents such as Mission and Thompson Falls will be key to the Lions season as well.
Coach Evins, third year head coach for Lions had simple goal for the team, setting the bar high for the team, has clear expectations, winning a state championship. He is “settling for nothing less.”
Senior Forward Braden Casazza said, “I want to have a successful season and make the state tournament.”
Senior Forward Jake Lane said, “We weren’t happy with how last year ended and we plan on finishing a different way this year.”