Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
WEST FRANKFORT — After two tumultuous weeks, the Eldorado Eagles headed back onto the court for their first game under interim head coach Rod Wallace when they paid a visit to West Frankfort, falling 73-49 Thursday night at Max Morris Gym.
Wallace was brought in when the board fired Josh Bradley and his entire staff at a special board meeting last Tuesday following on an the court incident involving an Eagles’ player during the Eldorado Holiday Tournament. Five seniors quit the team following the coaching change. With a game canceled and another postponed, the new look squad had a handful of practices together to get to know each other and start preparations for the rest of the season.
The Eagles had one lead in their game at West Frankfort, 3-2 on a three-pointer from Josh Phelps. The Redbirds closed the first with a 15-1 run to lead 17-4 after one.
Eldorado hung around and cut the deficit to nine late in the half, but Jack Herrell buried a three-pointer to give the Redbirds a 31-19 lead at the break.
West Frankfort then slowly expanded that lead in the second half, eventually winning by 24. Eli Tyson led four Redbirds in double figures with 16 points. DT Thomas scored 13 of his 15 in the second half with Brady Melvin added 12 and Keagan Bowers 10.
Eldorado sophomore Grayson Stafford led all scorers with 17. Phelps added 14 and Andrew Murray 11.
Wallace admitted he’s still learning everybody’s names. He says the kids have been great, adding he was proud of their effort against the Redbirds. Wallace says the goal for the rest of the season is to keep improving.
Both teams are back in action Friday night. Eldorado will visit Edwards County while West Frankfort will host Anna-Jonesboro.
