Cardinals dominate Royall, Independence
by Doug Sands
The Eleva-Strum basketball team dominated the court over the holiday season, topping both Royall and Independence by impressive margins.
On Dec. 30, the Cardinals took on the non-conference Royall Panthers for a promising match. Eleva-Strum struck like lightning in the first quarter, quickly establishing a 12-point lead. Royall stepped up their intensity in the second, but the Cardinals maintained their momentum, bringing the score to 34-16 at the half. E-S kicked their defense into high gear in the third quarter, holding the Panthers to only four points. Going into the fourth quarter, the Cardinals had a confident 28-point lead and closed the match 60-36.
Leading 2-pointers for the night were Kelton Olson, Caleub Watkins and Matt Higley, all with four. Higley and Watkins also led 3-pointers, contributing one apiece. Taking top spot on free throws with four was Matt Higley, followed by Coy Christianson with three. Higley led the scoreboard with 13 points, trailed closely by Watkins who had 11 and Olson with nine.
Not long after, the Cardinals took to the court again at home, hosting the Independence Indees.
Both E-S and Independence hit the ground running, but the Cardinals pushed themselves just a little faster. They held a 5-point lead by the end of the first. The Indees faltered in the second quarter, and E-S took advantage, broadening the lead to 13 points. The Cardinals tightened up their defensive action in the third, keeping the Panthers from whittling down their lead. With a wide-margin lead heading into the fourth, the Cardinals effectively brought the game to a close, topping Independence 68-39.
Watkins and Everson tied for the lead on 2-pointers in the match, both earning eight. Following them came Higley with four and Ryskoski with three. Matt Higley completed one 3-pointer, the sole shot from behind the arch for the Cardinals that night. Watkins and Matchey tied for the top spot on free throws, completing three apiece. Ryskoski also completed two.
The Cardinals hold a firm 7-1 overall season record. Next they travel to take on Whitehall, Tuesday, Jan. 13. Tip-off against the Norse is set for 7:30 p.m.
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Sands has been a student writer and contributor for nearly two years. When not writing for the newspaper or taking classes at Eleva-Strum, Sands can be found taking part in a nearby musical production or reconstructing the past with friends in history club. Follow us on Twitter or check out our Facebook page for more updates!
