Cut Finger leads Eagles’ underclassmen
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PABLO — With a current season record of 4-12, the Two Eagle River School boys’ basketball team is working on establishing a foundation for next year. The Eagles have a young team, but Head Coach Lloyd Irvine, Jr. is excited to see the dedication the underclassmen have in the gym.
“It is a building year for us,” Irvine said. “I have a solid group of young kids coming up that are here in the gym day in and day out learning the skill of basketball.”
The Eagles have one specific goal for this season.
“Our goal is to keep improving every game, “Irvine said. “I tell the boys that they just have to stay calm and play together as a team. That is how we will be successful now and in the future.”
Irvine added that “rebounding and defense wins championships” and that “the team has been working on making those priorities” this season.
Despite the lack of upperclassman, Irvine is pleased to have 5-foot, 8-inch senior guard Julian Cut Finger as a leader on the court this season.
“Julian is a great defensive and offensive player,” Irvine said. “He is our leading scorer and understands his role on the team. It is going to be a big loss without him next year.”
Cut Finger is ready to end his senior year playing basketball as a team.
“We fell apart but we have come back together as a team and as a family,” Cut Finger said. “We are all brothers and we have to learn to work with what we have.”
On Friday, Feb. 12, the Eagles hosted Arlee for a conference match-up. Cut Finger led with12 points, but his efforts were not enough to secure the win. Arlee went on to win the game 68-26.
Regardless of the loss, Cut Finger is optimistic going into their District Tournament.
“We need to just get into gear and work together,” Cut Finger said. “We will find that rhythm and then hopefully keep it.”
The Eagles will take on Hot Springs in the first round of the 14-C
District Tournament on Thursday, Feb. 18.
Irvine is ready for another competitive match-up with Hot Springs.
“We split with Hot Springs this season,” Irvine said. “Playing them again will be a good indicator on how much the boys have improved this season.”
Feb. 12
Arlee 68, Two Eagle River School 26
Arlee232898-68
Two Eagle 7946-26
Two Eagle River – Points: Julian Cut Finger 12, Bassu Eneas 5, Coree Cadieux 3, Dante McDougall 3, and Josiah Nichols 3.
Arlee – Points: Patrick Big Sam 15, Tyler Tanner 13, Aaron Perry 11, Phillip Malatare 6, Greg Whitesell 6, Isaac Desjarlais 5, Colt Brazill 4, Rory Bird 4, Ivory Brien 2, and Brad Brazill 2.
