File photo – The Eureka Loggers

The Loggers still hold their Dick Niclai tournament fate in their own hands after an important win over Fortuna on Senior Night at Eureka High on Wednesday.

The Eureka boys defeated the Loggers 62-56 to go to 3-4 in the Big 5 (16-9 overall) and move into a tie with Del Norte (3-4, 16-9) for third in the standings with one game remaining.

That sets up a huge final night of action on Friday, with the Loggers playing at Arcata and Del Norte traveling to Fortuna.

If both Del Norte and Eureka win their games, or if both lose, there would be a tournament play-in game on Saturday, with home court to be decided by a coin flip after the two schools split their two conference games.

In the Little 4 on Wednesday, the Hoopa boys traveled to Ferndale and won 81-61 to secure a No. 2 seed and a home game for next week’s tournament.

The Warriors will host either Ferndale or South Fork in Monday’s opening round.

The Cubs, who lost at St. Bernard’s on Wednesday, are tied with the Wildcats for the third in the standings, and the two schools will face off in Miranda on Friday night for the Little 4’s third and final Niclai berth.

Eureka head coach Jimmy Rodgers started all four of his seniors in Wednesday’s game, a group that includes Eddie Gonzalez, Owen Hiscox, Dominic Hardcastle and Jamarion Ireland.

“It’s always hard to say goodbye to my players that I care about so much,” Rodgers said. 

It was a junior, however, that was once again the catalyst in the win.

Xavier De La Rosa, who was a Humboldt Sports Athlete of the Week last week, enjoyed another big performance at both ends of the floor.

De La Rosa finished the game with a co-game high 17 points, along with Hiscox.

Another junior, Ryder Mitchell, also continues to play a high level for the team and finished with a double-double.

Mitchell scored 12 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.

The Loggers, however, had to switch things up after a fast start from the visiting Huskies, in particular the outstanding start for Rawland Bones, who scored 13 of his team’s 18 first-quarter points.

Despite their winless conference record, Fortuna head coach Norm Sotomayor had his players fired up for the game.

“Lots of credit goes to coach Norm for having his kids ready tonight, and they came out with plenty of energy that we had to match,” Rodgers said. “And my guys stepped up to the challenge.”

Sophomore Kyle Giacone came off the bench to help spark the home team.

Giacone had a big second quarter and finished the night with 13 points.

File photo – The Ferndale Wildcats

For more on the Huskies’ performance, see our Wednesday night roundup …

The Hoopa boys, meanwhile, ensured they would be playing next week after their 20-point win against Ferndale.

No stats were immediately available for the Warriors, who improved to 3-2 in the Little 4 and two wins clear of Ferndale and South Fork.

The Hoopa boys are 11-10 overall.

The Wildcats enjoyed some balanced scoring in the loss, led by Prescott Langer’s 13 points.

“Honestly, I didn’t think we played bad,” Ferndale head coach Lane Stapp said. “It was one of those nights where it was tough to get the ball in the basket, and the other team did.”

Tanner Pidgeon added 12 points for the Cats, who dropped to 4-9 overall, while August Kendall finished with 11 points.

File photo – Tanner Pidgeon

Pidgeon’s influence went beyond his points tally.

“Tanner Pidgeon’s defense was really good,” Stapp added. “He was all over the floor, hustling left and right. It was fun to watch.”

Garyn McClurg added eight points for the Cats, while Evan Victorine and Tyler Berti each chipped in six points.

The Ferndale players and coaches will now turn their attention toward Friday’s big showdown against the Cubs.

“It’s kind of our season on the line,” Stapp said. “We’ve got to focus up and come out ready to play.”