Want to keep in basketball shape during the off season? Enjoy a game of basketball after school at the Y!

 The Whitley County Family YMCA will be offering a 7 game, 4 VS 4, intamural season for both middle school and high school aged kids.

•  Where: the Whitley County Family YMCA
•  When: Thursdays, April 15th – May 27th
•  Time: games start at 4 p.m.
•  Cost: $125 per team

 Teams will be broken into two groups; 6th – 8th grade and 9th – 12th grade. Each team must consist of 4 -8 players. Only 4 players can play at a time.

 Teams must be registered by March 31st to receive T-Shirts.

 See the Member Services Desk at the Y for information and team registration forms.

Busco

vs

Central Noble

Sectional Round 2 Preview

2010 2A Sectional 36 Game Info

Date:  Friday March 5^th

Time:  7:30pm

Location:  Bateman Gymnasium, Garrett High School 

The weather may have kept the students out of school for a few days, but the Eagle Basketball players made the trip to Hamilton to face the Marines in NECC play on Thursday night.

The game stayed tight throughout the first two quarters of play.  At halftime, both teams entered the locker room tied at 28.  The Eagles faired much better in the 3^rd quarter as they outscored their opponent 21 to 13.  The lead dwindled a bit in the 4^th, but the Eagles still managed to pull out a 10-point victory.  Final score:  Busco 58, Hamilton 48.

Sophomore Josh LeFever led the Eagles with 13 points in the Eagles' 58-48 victory over Hamilton.

The win was the Eagle’s 8^th on the season over-all, and their 4^th in the NECC.  Four Busco players scored in double-digits.  Sophomore Josh LeFever led the team with 13.  Junior Kyle Mathewson scored 12.  And Juniors Hunter Nicodemus and Dylan Herendeen each scored 11.

Busco can now set its sites on a much anticipated rematch against NECC rival Fairfield.  The two teams met earlier this season in the first round of the NECC Tournament.  In spite of a hefty lead and a stingy defense, the Eagles let the Falcons get the best of them in a 49-46 loss at Fairfield.

The Falcons are led by Junior Tanner Foust.  Foust scored a game-high 19 points in the previous meeting between Busco and Fairfield.  If the name sounds familiar, it may be because Foust scored the game-winning touchdown when the Busco football team lost to Fairfield last October.   Foust is joined by the Falcons’ defensive leader, Micah Noble and offensive threat, Justin Scott who is coming off knee surgery.

With an average of over 16 points per game, Kyle Mathewson is the team’s leading scorer.

There is no doubt that this game is one that the Busco players have been looking forward to since the final buzzer in the previous meeting.  Busco’s defense will need to show up in a big way if they are going to pull out a victory.  Also, the Eagles will need to stay out of foul trouble and take advantage of their own trips to the charity stripe.

The Churubusco Eagles (8-7, 4-4) will host the Fairfield Falcons (9-8, 4-3) Friday February, 19^th at Churubusco High School.  The junior varsity will start the night off at 6:00pm with the varsity game to follow.  A large crowd is expected, so an early arrival may be prudent.

Team assist leader, Kyle Monk is averaging just under 6 assists per game. Monk is also considered one of the best defenders in the NECC.

The Busco boys basketball team did not start February off the way they had intended.  Instead of extending their winning record, the boys fell to the Lakeland Lakers 73-50 and saw their record drop to 7-7. 

The Eagles allowed a 10 point halftime gap to be the insurmountable difference.  An inability to score on offense and an inability to stop the long range attack of the Lakers proved to be the back-breaker for the young Eagles. 

Sophomore Tyler Arrowsmith led the team with 11 points.  The Eagles (7-7, 3-4) will travel to Hamilton on Thursday to face the Hamilton Marines (2-13, 0-7).

The Churubusco Lady Eagles lost a close game to Lakeland’s Lady Lakers on Friday.  The 39-35 loss was difficult because of how close Churubusco came to pulling off the upset, and because it was the last home game for Seniors Taylor Amber and Alyssa Holloway. 

Amber led the team with 15 points.  Following the conclusion of the game, Coach Jamie Perlich read a letter addressed to the 2 seniors, written by Indiana high school basketball legend, Shanna (Zolman) Crossley. 

            The Lady Eagles enter tournament play next week as they will participate in the Eastside Sectional, which begins on Tuesday.

Sectional Teams with Records according to indianagirlsbasketball.homestead.com.

Article Contributed

It has been a while…about five years in fact.  That’s how long the Churubusco boys’ basketball program has gone without being above .500.  After starting the season 0-4, the Eagles have won 7 of their last 9 games. 

Friday night, in front of one of the largest crowds in recent memory, Busco got over the hump with a 53-42 win over NECC rival Central Noble.  The Eagles did nothing flashy.  They played good defense and took advantage of scoring opportunities.

Staying true to form, Junior Kyle Mathewson led the team with 20 points on the night.  Tavin Herendeen scored 10 for the Eagles.  Kyle Monk and Dylan Herendeen each added 7 points.

It was not the Eagle’s best performance…not by any stretch.  However, the end result was one that the young team needed.  So now the Eagles (7-6, 3-3) get into what is likely the toughest part of their schedule.

They have a few days off before hosting the Lakeland Lakers (9-5, 6-1) on Friday Feb. 5, in NECC play.

CHURUBUSCO, Ind. (Jan. 22, 2010) — The Churubusco girls and boys varsity basketball teams traveled to Angola Friday night to face the Hornets. Both teams came up empty-handed.

The Lady Eagles (3-13, 1-7) fell 29 to 61 to the Lady Hornets (9-7, 7-1). The Lady Eagles kept it close for most of the game, but were unable to keep pace with the Angola team.

The junior varsity and varsity Lady Eagles will host the South Adams Lady Starfires (2-11) on Jan. 28. The evening will begin with the JV game. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m., followed by the varsity game.

The boys didn’t fair much better, losing 49 to 60 to Angola (9-5, 4-0).

The Busco boys would then travel to Fort Wayne on Saturday night to face the Canterbury Cavaliers, ranked #15 in the 1A AP Poll. On little rest, the Eagles defense flexed its muscles early. After the 1st quarter the Eagles trailed 16 to 14…slightly different than the first quarter of the Leo game. The second quarter saw more of the same. The Eagles thwarted several Cavalier scoring attempts and the frustration from an inability to run their offense began to show on the faces of the Canterbury players and coaches. At halftime, Busco trailed 28-26.

The Eagles have often struggled in the 3rd quarter this season. However, on Saturday night the Busco defense managed to hold the Cavs to a measly 6 points. At the end of 3, Busco led 37-34. But, the best (as they say) was yet to come. Scoring 14, 12, and 11 in the previous 3 quarters-the Busco offense put up 25 in the 4th quarter to stave off a late charge from the Cavaliers.

Perhaps the most impressive stat for the Eagles was what they were able to accomplish from the foul line. Busco made 25 out of 27 free throws on the night … a season bet. Busco’s ability to score from the charity stripe provided security when Canterbury began hitting its long range shots and then fouling the Eagles. The Busco boys delivered when they had to and the result was a 62-55 victory over the #15 Cavaliers.

Kyle Mathewson led the Eagles in scoring with 19 points. Junior guard Kyle Monk added 11. Sophomore Josh LeFever contributed 10. Tavin Herendeen and Dylan Herendeen scored 9 and 5 points, respectively. The victory moved the Eagles back up to .500 on the year.

Busco (6-6, 2-3) will host arch rival Central Noble (1-10, 1-4) Friday, Jan. 29. The JV game will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the varsity. A victory would move the Eagles to 7-6 and would be the first time the program has been above .500 since 2005.

Article contributed (Note: Because of limited staff, and because we are a community-and reader-based news site, BuscoVoice relies heavily upon reader contributions. Send us your Eagle sports photos and we will see that they get posted. Send them to: editor@buscovoice.com)

CHURUBUSCO, Ind. – (Jan. 20, 2010) It is often said in sports that defense wins championships. And, in a state where locals argue over the greatness of Bobby Knight and Gene Keady (and Digger Phelps…to a lesser degree): you’ll get little discrepancy on the value of a solid defense. However, there is another statement in sports that is less philosophical, but likely just as true: Offense is more fun to watch. True…so true.

Tuesday night’s boy-girl double header started off with the Lady Eagles hosting the Leo Lady Lions. The Lady Eagles fell 54 to 26 to a very tough Leo team.

And then it was the boys’ turn.

Coming off its first loss in 5 games, many people wondered how the Busco Boys would respond. They responded by putting on a clinic. Session 1: How to take full advantage of a bad defense. Session 2: How to outscore the opponent that is shooting above 50% from beyond the arc. Session 3: How to finish the game WITHOUT Kyle Monk and Hunter Nicodemus. The result was a 122-118 overtime win for Churubusco … and a few more gray hairs on the heads of the captivated fans.

(photo courtesy of K. Gilbert)

From the tip-off it was clear that many people may have paid to see a basketball game, but instead witnessed one of the most thrilling track meets in Busco basketball history. Churubusco ended the 1st quarter leading 33 to 32. With many people reaching for their Dramamine to deal with the sudden onset of motion sickness, the Eagles dug in for one wild ride.

Kyle Mathewson would lead the Eagles in scoring with 29 points. Hunter Nicodemus, who is known for his long range shots, scored 24 points all from inside the 3 point arc. Kyle Monk cut through the porous Leo defense to add 18 points, mostly from lay-ups. And, sophomores Josh LeFever and Tyler Arrowsmith scored 14 and 16 points respectively.

The game did not end in regulation. It would take an overtime period to determine the winner.

With Monk on the bench after fouling out late in the fourth quarter, and Nicodemus in the training room from an injury, it was up to the rest of the team to rally for the win.

Tavin Herendeen put the Eagles up early with a steal followed by a lay-up. Arrowsmith, LeFever, and Mathewson also added buckets. With a 2-point lead the Eagle defense came up with the much-needed rebound following 3 Leo misses.

Kyle Mathewson was fouled and hit both free throws with 1.2 seconds remaining (Check this out in the video below).

Final Score, Churubusco: 122, Leo: 118. The Eagles managed 2 score 122 points WITHOUT shooting a 3 point shot the entire night.

The boys and girls varsity teams will travel to Angola Friday night to face the Hornets in NECC action. The girls game will tip-off at 6 p.m. followed by the boys.

(article, photo and video of Kyle Mathewson making last shot of the game all contributed)

Article Contributed

The Busco Boys basketball team won its 4^th straight game and 3^rd straight road game with a 65-56 victory Friday night over NECC foe, Fremont.  With the victory, Busco improves to 4-4 on the year and 2-2 in the NECC.  The 4 game win streak is the longest since a 4 game winning streak back in the 2005 season. 

Leading the Eagles in scoring Friday night was junior Kyle Monk with a game-high 18 points.  Monk also grabbed 5 rebounds on the night.  Hunter Nicodemus added 12 points for the visiting Eagles, while Kyle Mathewson scored 9. 

The Eagles seem to be finding their stride and have seemingly gained some momentum heading into the NECC tournament next week.  The Busco boys (4-4, 2-2) received a 1^st round bye.  Therefore, they will be on the road Wednesday night against the winner of the Tuesday night match-up between the Prairie Heights Panthers (2-8, 0-5) and the Fairfield Falcons (6-2, 4-0).

The Churubusco Lady Eagles dropped a conference game to the Fremont Lady Eagles (10-2, 6-1) on Friday night by a final score of 54-32.  Leading the scoring for Churubusco was sophomore Haleigh Gross, who scored a game-high 17 points. 

The Lady Eagles rebounded Saturday night with a 60-44 victory over the Hamilton Lady Marines.  The victory was the third for one of the season for the Lady Eagles (3-10, 1-6), and the first win in the NECC.  Like the boys, the Lady Eagles will face the winner of Prairie Heights (4-9, 3-5) and Fairfield (9-3, 6-1) on Wednesday night.

CHURUBUSCO, Ind. (Jan. 7, 2010) – After a 2 week holiday break, the Busco boys basketball team was back in action Wednesday night,  as the Eagles went on the road to face the Woodlan Warriors.

The Eagles ended the first quarter with a 12-9 lead and soared from there to win 63 to 31.

The third quarter had been the Achilles heel of the Eagles all year. However, they managed to outscore the opposition 19 to 8 to build on an 11 point halftime lead.

Hunter Nicodemus led the scoring for the Eagles with 14 points. Kyle Monk seemingly found his place on offense, using his quickness and strength to drive past Woodlan defenders to put up 12 points. Kyle Mathewson added 10 points from the paint.

The Eagles have now won three in a row and have improved their record to 3-4 on the year.

The Busco Boys (3-4, 1-2) and the Busco Girls (2-9, 0-5) varsity teams will travel north on Friday for a double header against NECC foe Fremont.

The Busco Boys look to improve to a .500 record both on the year and in conference play. The Fremont boys are 3-5 on the season and 1-1 in the NECC. The Fremont girls are 9-2 on the season and 3-2 in the NECC.

Game time is set for 6 p.m. with the girls starting things off.

Article contributed

Article contributed

A unanimous sigh of relief was heard Tuesday night by those involved in the Busco Boys basketball program.

The relief came not from a come from behind win, a buzzer-beater, or a last second defensive stand … but because for the first time in 5 games the Eagles played the way many have expected them to play all season.

In a 66-49 win over Manchester, Busco earned its first win of the season and may have at least begun the process of getting a huge monkey off of its back. Following a Saturday night loss at the hands of conference foe West Noble, which is led by former Eagles’ coach Ross Hales, there were a lot of questions and concerns throughout the community about the direction of the basketball program.

Tuesday night, the Eagles answered some of those questions, at least for the time being. The defense was noticeably improved, and the offense seemed to be clicking a little better.

Tavin Herendeen, who drained 3-point basket after 3-point basket to thwart a Manchester rally, scored 14 points on the night.

Coming off a career-high 27 points on Saturday, Kyle Mathewson added 14 points from the paint in the Eagles’ victory Tuesday night.

Point Guard Dylan Herendeen scored 10 points. Also contributing to the Eagle’s scoring effort was sophomore Josh LeFever with 7 points; junior Jordan Turner with 5 points; and junior Hunter Nicodemus with 10 points.

The 17-point win was the Eagles’ largest margin of victory since 2006. Perhaps more than any statistical information, the most comforting thing about the victory was that it looked as if Busco was playing as a team for the first time this season.

With all of the negative talk outside of the program, they’ll need to stay together to face the challenges up ahead. The Eagles (1-4, 0-2) travel to Prairie Heights Friday, Dec. 18, to take on the Panthers (2-4, 0-1) in NECC action. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. following the conclusion of the junior varsity game.

Under the direction of first year Coach Jamie Perlich, the Churubusco Lady Eagles have battled in nearly every game they’ve played, in spite of the team’s youth and inexperience. Unfortunately, that inexperience proved to be the Achilles heel for the Lady Eagle’s as they lost a conference game at home Saturday night against the visiting Westview Lady Warriors, 30-45. The loss dropped the Lady Eagles to 2-7 overall and 0-3 in the NECC conference standing. Westview improved to 5-3 overall and 2-0 in the NECC.

Seniors on the team include starting center Taylor Amber and Alysa Holloway. Their supporting cast includes sophomores Morgan Young, Heather Monk, and Haliegh Gross; and freshman Kasey Gibson. While the record doesn’t necessarily show it, the Lady Eagles have worked extremely hard this season. The team’s 2 wins included a 57-39 win over Whitko and a 62-60 double overtime thriller against Blackhawk Christian. With a solid group of underclassmen, including a dedicated and previously successful freshman class, the program’s future is seemingly bright.

The Lady Eagles travel to Ligonier to face West Noble (2-6, 1-3) on Friday. Game time is set for 7:30 following the JV game.

Article contributed

Varsity

Junior Varsity

CHURUBUSCO, Ind (Nov. 25, 2009) – Churubusco is not a basketball town.  Mike McBride wants to change that.

McBride enters his second season as the head coach for the Churubusco boys basketball team.  The Eagles finished 6-15 last year, which was the programs best record since the 2005-2006 season.  But, 6 wins doesn’t satisfy McBride’s hunger.  Since his first day on the job, Coach McBride has had one goal in mind:  a sectional title.  In his first team address, he herded the players into the gymnasium and showed them all the banners on the wall – none of which are basketball banners.

McBride explained to his players that the road to a championship is the road less traveled and would require a tremendous commitment from them.  In a school where baseball competes annually for a conference title, where wrestlers regularly go deep into the tournament, where the track team just won its first conference title, and where the football team has established itself as a perennial power, basketball has lagged behind for … well, forever.  And so the basketball coach took a page from the Busco football playbook – he took his team into the weight room.  Some of the best basketball coaches in the state refuse to allow their teams to lift weights, but McBride saw a lack of toughness, strength, and team speed.  All summer long, the basketball players lifted with the football team before going into the gym for their drills.  The time invested has all been in an effort to reach the team’s ultimate goal:  a sectional title … something the Busco basketball program has yet to accomplish.

With a plethora of experienced players returning for the Eagles, and no seniors on the team – the stage has been set.  The Eagles return Juniors Tavin Herendeen (5-11″ 150lbs), Kyle Monk (6′2″ 190lbs), Kyle Mathewson (6′2″ 195lbs), Jordan Turner (6′2″ 190lbs), and Dylan Herendeen (5′8″ 140lbs).  The Eagles also gain sophomores Josh LeFever (6′2″ 170lbs), Dylan Jones (6′3″ 185lbs), and Tyler Arrowsmith (6′7″ 195lbs).

McBride’s hard-nosed, no nonsense coaching style may be just what this program needs to get the job done.  Only time will tell.

Churubusco High School

Boys Basketball Rosters

Varsity

#10                  Tavin Herendeen                  Jr..                   5′11                  150 lbs.

#12                  Kyle Monk                                    Jr..                  6′2                  190 lbs.

#14                  Jes Percey                                    Jr.                  5′11                  150 lbs.

#20                  Dylan Herendeen                  Jr..                  5′8                  140 lbs.

#22                  Hunter Nicodemous                  Jr.                  6′1                  140 lbs.

#24                  Kyle Mathewson                  Jr.                  6′2                  190 lbs.

#32                  Alex Zolman                                    So.                  5′10                  130 lbs.

#34                  Josh LeFever                                    So.                  6′2                  170 lbs.

#40                  Dylan Jones                                    So.                  6′3                  185 lbs.

#42                  Jordan Turner                                    Jr.                  6′2                  190 lbs.

#44                  Austin Goepfrich                  So.                  6′1                  150 lbs.

#50                  Tyler Arrowsmith                  So.                  6′7                  195 lbs.

Varsity Coach:                  Michael McBride

Assistant Coaches:                  Phil Brackmann, Jody Herendeen, John Pelz

Junior Varsity

#10                  Alex Zolman                                    So.                  5′10                  150 lbs.

#12                  Greg Bloem                                    So.                  5′8                  135 lbs.

#14                  Jess Percey                                    Jr.                  5′11                  150 lbs.

#20                  Austin Goepfrich                  So.                  6′1                  150 lbs.

#24                  Jay Petrie                                    Fr.                  5′11                  150 lbs.

#32                  Joe Zumbrun                                    Fr.                  5′11                  155 lbs.

#34                  Chris Jones                                    So.                  5′9                  140 lbs.

#40                  Jesse Green                                    Fr.                  6′1                  200 lbs.

#42                  Davon Geiger                                    Fr.                  5′9                  130 lbs.

#50                  Jeremy Forker                                    Jr.                  6′3                  190 lbs.

JV Coach:                                    John Pelz

Assistant Coach:                  Jody Herendeen

The YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne Mad Ants are excited to join forces and enhance the area Y-ball program.

This unique youth basketball league cultivates player development through practice and game play during a 9-week session.

Each child receives a T-shirt, a free ticket to a Mad Ants game of his/her choice, and admission to the Mad Ants player clinic, led by the Mad Ants coaches and players.

Registration is now through Dec. 17. The season starts Jan. 9, 2010.

To sign up go to the Fort Wayne YMCA Web site.

CHURUBUSCO – The boys basketball team took on the Blazers of Eastside High School Friday, which was also a night to honor all senior athletes.

The three seniors on the team arrived pumped up and set the pace early before the Blazers came back at the end of the first quarter, leading 13-12.

During the second quarter, the Eagles took charge scoring 25 points in the quarter and only allowing 18 in the third. The Blazers came firing back, taking a 4-point lead by the end of the quarter.

In the fourth though, the Eagles struggled early before they were able to regain the lead with approx. 2:00 minutes left on the clock.

The Eagles were able to put the game away by hitting free throws late in the game, winning 67-62.

The Eagles were led by a group of sophomores, first by Dylan Herendeen with 18 points, Jordan Turner with 15 points, Kyle Monk with 13 points and 12 rebounds and Kyle Mathewson with 8 points.

Senior basketball player Cameron Gross and his parents, Kelly and Luke Gross.

The Eagles now take on the Cougars of Central Noble in the first round of sectionals Tuesday, March 3, at 6 p.m. at Garrett High School.

Watch this page in the next 48 hours for exciting video coverage of Friday night’s basketball action.

Story contributed. Photos and video by V. Sade and C. Tomlinson.

Senior basketball player Tom Zumburn and his mother, Lana Zumbrun.

Senior basketball player Nate Wyss and his parents, Cheri and Keith Wyss.

Senior cheerleader Ashley Gilbert with parents, LeAnn and Andy Gilbert.

Senior cheerleader Tiffany Lefever with parents, Tana and Brian Lefever.

Senior cheerleader Kayla Matthewson with parents, Leroy and Jeanette Matthewson.

Senior cheerleader Nicole Pippenger with parents, Mike and Lisa Pippenger.

Senior Brooke Shearer and parents, Ed and Melissa Shearer.

Senior cheerleader Allison Norris with her father, Will Norris.

Senior wrestler Daniel Thompson and his mother, Lee Ann Thompson.

Senior wrestler Corey Richards and his parents, Fred and Linda Richards.

Senior wrestler Jared hill and his parents, Lee and Kim Hill.

The Churubusco Elementary School Chimers led the crowd in the National Anthem.

The Churubusco High School boys basketball team took on the Warriors of Wawasee Tuesday night. The Eagles were anticipating an up and down game, and were well prepared.

The first quarter proved what they had planned for, with both teams pushing the ball up and down the court, giving the Eagles a 25-21 lead after the end of the first. During the second, the Eagles were able to keep up with the pace, putting them behind at half 50-43.

The Eagles came out hot in the third, outscoring the Warriors early in the quarter. The Warriors were able to put a little run together at the end of the third, bring the score to 71-67.

In the fourth, the Eagles were not able to keep up with the fast pace game, getting outscored 19-13, and giving the Warriors the advantage with a win, 90-80.

The Eagles were led by Sophomore Dylan Herendeen with 20 points and 7 assists. Senior Tom Zumbrun chipped in 17 points and 12 rebounds.

The Eagles will travel to Fairfield Friday, and then play at home on Saturday, Feb. 21.

Story contributed

Wednesday: 02/04/2009

CHURUBUSCO, Ind.- The Busco boys varsity basketball team took on the Fremont Eagles Wednesday night, Feb. 4.

The Busco Eagles were able to stay with the 8-4 Fremont Eagles for the first quarter, with Fremont leading after one, 15-12. During the second quarter Fremont was able to extend their lead to 10, before Busco took it back to 9 at halftime.

During the third quarter, both teams traded baskets back and forth and with Fremont extending their lead to 10. In the fourth Fremont doubled the amount scored by Busco and was able to win, 62-42.

The leading scorer for Churubusco was senior Cameron Gross with 9 points.

Friday: 02/06/2009
LAGRANGE, Ind. – The Eagles boys basketball team traveled to Lakeland Friday night.

The Eagles started out well, holding the lead for most of the first quarter before the Lakers came back at the end, leading at the end of the quarter, 10-9.

During the second, both teams defense stepped up and only allowed 15 points total to be scored in the quarter, with the Lakers going into half with a 2-point lead.

In the third quarter, the Lakers came out hot, hitting almost every shot that they put up. The Lakers were able to score 22 points in that quarter, compared to the Eagles 7.

Again in the fourth quarter, the Lakers outscored the Eagles, 15-8, winning the ball game, 55-31.

The Eagles were led by senior Tom Zumbrun with 12 points, and sophomore Dylan Herendeen with 10 points.

The Eagles take to the court again next Thursday night, at home against Hamilton.

*Story contributed

Albion, Ind. – The Churubusco Eagles basketball team traveled to Albion Friday night for their regular season matchup with the Cougars of Central Noble.  The Cougars started the game well in the first quarter, taking the lead out to 12 points before sophomore Jordan Turner made a baseline jumper. The Cougars were able to score two more points in the quarter, giving them a 14-2 lead.

The Eagles came soaring back in the second quarter, outscoring the Cougars 14-7, putting them down a mere 5 points at halftime.

The Eagles started the third quarter the same way they ended the second – with a three and cutting the lead to 2.

The Eagles were able to hold the Cougars scoreless in the third quarter and took a 3-point lead into the last quarter. Baskets were traded back and forth early in the final quarter, before the Cougars free-throw shooting overtook the lead and they were able to get the win.

The Eagles were led by Senior Tom Zumbrun with 11 points, and Sophomore Dylan Herendeen with 8 points.

The Eagles now take on the Fremont Eagles Wednesday at 6 p.m.

(Note the start is early due to being just a boys varsity game.)

(Story contributed)

CHURUBUSCO – (January 7) The boys basketball team took on the Warriors of Woodlan Wednesday night.

The game started out well for the Eagles, giving them the early edge 11-7 at the end of the first.

In the second quarter the Warriors were able to bring it within 1 point quickly and the Eagles were able to maintain their lead going into the half.

After the halftime speech by Coach McBride, the Eagles were able to shutdown the Warriors in the third only allow them to score 4 points.

Once again in the fourth the game became a free throw challenge, with the Eagles hitting on all but 2 in that quarter.

Overall the Eagles shot 15/22 from the line while the Warriors only shot 3 and made two of those.

Sophomore point guard lead the Eagles with 17 points, followed by Senior forward Tom Zumbrun with 14. The Eagles even their record up at 3-3, while they wait the arrival of Fremont on Friday.

*Story contributed

If you have a comment about this story, leave it below. We’d love to hear from the basketball parents and fans!

The boys basketball team took on Prairie Heights Tuesday night.

The Eagles jumped out to an early 1st quarter lead, but the Panthers came back late in the 1st to tie it up.

The 2nd quarter showed how well the Eagles could play defense, holding the Panthers without a basket until 1 minute left. The Eagles outscored the Panthers 17-7 in the 2nd, giving them a 25-15 lead at half. Again in the third the Eagles came out and outscored the Panthers in the 3rd, 11-8, allowing them to have a 13 point lead going into the last quarter.

The 4th quarter was one of the longest quarters in recent school history. Between the two teams, they shot over 75 free throws in the game and well over half of those were in the 4th. The Eagles and Panthers traded free throw after free throw.

By the time the final horn rang the Eagles of Churubusco won 60-55.

Dylan Herendeen led the Eagles with 15 points, followed by Tom Zumbrun with 12, and Hunter Nicodemous with 11.  The Eagles were 27-47 from the line, while the Panthers were 24-35. The Eagles next game is next Wednesday against Woodlan at home.

Churubusco- The boys basketball took on county rival, Columbia City, Tuesday night.

The game started out good for Busco, coming out intense and getting the early lead in the first quarter. The boys of Busco outscored Columbia City by one in the first. In the second quarter both teams traded baskets back and forth, and by half Busco only had a one point lead.

Busco came out for the first time this year and put together a good third quarter to hold the lead going into the final quarter. During the fourth quarter baskets were traded again and eventually Columbia City went ahead by the slimmest of margins.

The young Busco team fought back and regained the lead with only 17 seconds left. After a shot by Columbia  City and a rebound by Kyle Monk of Busco, Busco had less then 4 seconds on the clock and a chance to put the game away with Kyle Monk on the line for a 1 and 1 free throw.

Kyle missed the first and Columbia  City got the rebound and they were able to get back to half court before, Lantz of Columbia City threw up a shot, that hit the front end of the hoop and bounced out-of-bounds.

The Eagles of Churubusco were able to sneak their first victory of the season 34-32.

Churubusco was lead by senior forward Tom Zumbrun with 13 points and 4 rebounds.

Also coming up big for Churubusco was sophomore guard/forward Kyle Matthewson with 8 points and 3 rebounds. Columbia City was lead by junior guard Lantz with 10 points. Churubusco Boys Basketball travels to West Noble Saturday night to take on the Chargers, varsity game starts at 7:30p.m.