The eighth grade Cubs boys’ basketball team is off to an aggressive start this year. After winning their first league game against Hoopa this past week they went on to play two non-league games. On Wednesday they traveled to Redwood Valley to face Eagle Peak Middle School in what turned out to be a highly competitive game that was decided in overtime.

Kevin Vandaneck and Armondo Martinez scored 17 points each with Nick Way scoring 3 points. Eagle Peak took the game by 3 points in overtime, with the final score Cubs 37 and Eagle Peak 40.

On Thursday the boys headed north to face Zane Middle School in Eureka where Kevin Vandaneck scored 18, Armondo Martinez scored 14, and Nick Way had a 13-point game. This was a very physical game, and the Cubs held their own, fighting for rebounds, stealing the ball and driving to the hoop. The final score was Cubs 45 and Zane 53.

Due to the extra effort of coach Todd Vandaneck, the boys are playing games outside of their league against much bigger schools. This is providing them with more experience. They will be drawing on this experience when they play their next league game in Ferndale on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 5:45 p.m. They will also be participating in the Pacific Union Tourney Jan. 13-14.

photo captions:

PHOTOS BY REBECCA CROSSLAND

1. Mason Wansick

2. Kevin Vandaneck

3. Ethan Wolf jumps to block a shot, with #20 Mason Wansick ready for the rebound.