Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Action from Thursday’s game at Eureka High.

The two Big 5 frontrunners won their games on Thursday night, although one of them was pushed all the way to the final seconds.

Conference leaders Arcata remained perfect in Big 5 action with a 61-43 win over Del Norte at Arcata High, giving them a conference sweep over the Warriors.

With the win, the Tigers improved to 5-0 in the Big 5 and 14-6 overall.

In the other Big 5 game, the McKinleyville Panthers rallied in the fourth quarter to make for an exciting finish at Eureka, but the host Loggers held on down the stretch and won the game 42-38 thanks in large part to their team defense .

With the win, the Eureka girls improved to 4-1 in conference play (15-3 overall) and remain well in the hunt for a fourth straight Big 5 title.

“Team defense saved us,” said Eureka assistant coach Jesse Genaro, whose team held the visitors to just 11 first-half points.

Trailing by 12 early in the fourth quarter, the Panthers rallied late and pulled within three on four occasions in the final 2:30, including twice in the final 30 seconds.

But every time they did, the home team kept them at bay, with Tiara Maualuga, Mallorie Beauchamp and Olivianna Millender all hitting clutch free throws down the stretch.

Millender was particularly clutch scoring a field goal and a free throw in the final 30 seconds.

The team performance by the Panthers was much improved from the first time these two teams faced off in conference play earlier in the month, a game Eureka won 47-17.

“I thought we fought and didn’t put our heads down when we had an early deficit,” McKinleyville head coach Jacob Cheek said. “We were a couple of shots and a couple of turnovers away from wining this game.”

Tatum Fisher led the way for the Panthers and finished with a team-high 15 points, while teammate Gabby Watson also was instrumental in the late surge.

Maualuga scored a game-high 18 points for the Loggers, who were once again without head coach Cliff Napoleon because of sickness, something that is affecting much of their roster right now.

“We played sluggish,” Genaro said. “We are all fighting sickness. It’s no excuse, but it played a part. We are in a grind time of the season and this weekend will be a good break for them to rest.”

The Eureka coach also praised the McKinleyville girls’ performance.

“Great job by McKinleyville, as they played a great game,” he said. “Coach had them ready to play. We are gonna get everyone’s best effort as we have been the best team in the HDN the last couple of years, so it puts a target on our back.

“We have to play better and get healthy.”

With the loss, the Panthers dropped to 2-3 in conference and 15-7 overall, but the performance was encouraging as they head towards the business end of the season.

“I was happy with how our team played overall against a team like Eureka who’s been a dominant force in the Big 5 the last couple of years,” added Cheek, whose team remains in great position to secure a Dick Niclai tournament berth.

Arcata 61, Del Norte 43

Two days after a huge win at Eureka, there was no letdown for the Tigers on Thursday.

And they won with a good all-around team performance at both ends of the court.

“Tonight was all about execution,” Arcata head coach Charlie Espinoza said. “We executed our offense well. We played dour brand of basketball defensively. As a coach that’s all you can ask for.”

The Tigers also did a good job taking care of the ball.

“We went in with a goal of limiting turnovers and we finished the game with four, so I’m pleased with the maturity and the intention this team is playing with,” Espinoza said.

Brooklyn Carter led the way offensively for the visitors and finished with a team-high 17 points.

Jaylee Keeling added eight points and Tsinte Steinruck chipped in seven points.

It’s been a busy few days for the Warriors, who were playing for the third straight day, including back-to-back trips to St. Bernard’s and Arcata.

“Long week,” is how Del Norte head coach Dylan Nelson described it. “Three games in three days versus some very good teams. I’m proud of the way the girls battled all week.”

With the loss, the Warriors dropped to 1-4 in the Big 5 and 13-10 overall, although they remain in the chase for third place and the conference’s final Dick Niclai tournament berth with three games remaining.

No scoring stats were immediately available for the Tigers, who remain well on course to win their first league crown since 2018.

“These kids are building bonds that will last a lifetime,” Espinoza said. “It’s just amazing watching it all unfold in front of me.”

The Tigers need to win two of their final three games to secure at least a share of the championship.