Eagles best Jasper in districts after losing to same team in first game of year

Kyle Troutman [email protected]

A 7-19 campaign for the Purdy boys basketball team included plenty of defensive improvement, and Coach Brad Stewart said goals for the season were met.

Stewart said Purdy lost two games in overtime the team played well enough to win in regulation, and outside of those games, the Eagles won the contests they should have won.

“Our defense improved during the season and became a strength in February,” he said. “We struggled much of the season with turnovers but improved substantially late. We didn’t improve enough offensively.”

Stewart said seniors Damon Mahurin and Simon Walker both performed well and guided the younger Purdy players through the campaign.

“Damon and Simon both brought leadership in different, but important ways, as well as Damon leading us in scoring and Simon being our Defensive Player of the Year,” Stewart said.

Looking back at the 26 games Stewart said he did not have to go back far to pick out the highlight of the year.

“Our district win against Jasper at home was a great game for our team, being a close win at home in districts, and they had defeated us first game of the year,” he said. 

The Eagles fell to Jasper, 61-52 in the first game of the year in the Verona Tournament, and they bested Jasper in districts, 47-43.

Stewart emphasized rather than counting wins, team goals were more about the mental side of the game.

“The goal each season is enjoy the games and practices with your teammates,” he said. “[e want to] represent the school and community in a positive manner and become the best players, people and team we can become. This team definitely reached those goals.”

Next year, Stewart said, the same goals will be set.

Stewart said he and the assistant coaches had an good year, and he gave thanks to those who were part of it.

“Working with these young men was both a blessing and enjoyable for the coaches,” he said. “Thanks to the school, parents, community, game personal, managers and my Assistant Coach Drew Williams for all you did.”