
File photo – Eureka’s Payton Goodman defends Fortuna’s Teal Mostovoy at the McKinleyville tournament on Thursday.
McKenna Beach continued to lead the way for the Eureka girls on Friday, but it’s the team depth that makes them such a dangerous proposition heading towards league play.
Once again, all 11 players on hand scored in a 71-34 win over Yreka on day two of the McKinleyville tournament, as the Loggers improved to 2-0 in tourney play and 8-3 on the season.
“We started out a little slow but we stuck with the program and got it together,” assistant coach Romeo Steele said. “As the game went on we built momentum.”
The Loggers led by just one point after the opening quarter but stretched the advantage to 12 by halftime and then outscored Yreka 37-12 in the second half.
Beach, who has been playing as well as anyone in the Big 5 early in the season, finished with a game-high 24 points on eight 3-pointers.
She made four 3s in the second quarter alone to help her team take control.
“She’s kind of come into her own this year,” Steele said of the senior standout. “And she’s been a great leader out there for everyone.”
Moriah Bowles added 11 points, including eight in the fourth quarter, while Mariah Napoleon continued to impact play at both ends of the court, scoring eight and once again adding numerous key blocks.
Aniah Gaither also impressed and finished with eight points and numerous rebounds, while senior Payton Goodman added six points and continues to inspire her teammates with her play.
“Payton Goodman’s energy is unmatched at times,” Steele said.
The Loggers close out tourney play against McKinleyville on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Categories: Basketball, Eureka