ROMERO, BROADUS, GARDNER LEAD ELYRIA SEASON OPENERS

EAGLES LOSE TO WICHITA CLASSICAL & MOUNDRIDGE

By Staff

          The Elyria Christian boys’ basketball team began the 2025/26 season stepping up with games against bigger schools such as Wichita Classical and Moundridge where they lost both season openers, 36-47 and 40-66, respectively.

          Against Wichita Classical, the Eagles fell behind early, 7-11 but stayed within three points, 16-19, going into the halftime break. Classical threw 19 points on the scoreboard while holding Elyria to just four in the third quarter to put an 18-point, 20-48 deficit on the Eagles heading into the final quarter of play. Elyria outscored Classical 16-9 in the fourth to whittle the final score deficit to just 11 at 36-47.

          Nate Romero led the Eagle on the scoreboard with an even dozen while Gabe Standfast, Romero and Grayson Broadhus stood their own in the paint with seven, six, and six in rebounds.

          In the game at Moundridge, Elyria found themselves up against a long-time Class 2A powerhouse that includes a state championship just two seasons back.

          After falling behind early 2-18, the Eagles played the Wildcats even in the second quarter but still trailed 19-36 going into the halftime break. Coming out of the break, Elyria scored 21 points in the final two quarters while Moundridge put 30 more on the scorebook to get the final 26-point, 40-66 win over the Eagles.

          Elyria was led in the game by Nate Romero who dropped four three-pointers on the way to scoring 18 while Gabe Standfast had a huge day in the paint, pulling down nine rebounds.

          Next week the Eagles will participate in the Goessel Bluebird Classic with a game against Hutchinson Central Christian on Tuesday followed by a game with Little River on Friday and then an opponent yet to be determined on Saturday.

          Here is a breakdown of both games with some post-game reflections by head coach Zach Goodrich followed  by the team/individual scoring and stats:

TUESDAY, DEC. 2 – at Wichita Classical

COACH GOODRICH’S REFLECTIONS:

          “The season has had a unique start, but we are making the best of it. We have  had limited practice time, but I am pleased with the group’s effort and how they have approached the early season. That being said, the Classical contest was one we knew would be a great opener for us as they are well-coached and have a quality system with good athletes who put a lot of pressure on the rim.”

          “The game started with a lot of intensity and both teams struggled to find points. We really focused on guarding their penetration and limiting their clean three-point attempts. While they were 0-12 from the three-point line, we sent them to the free throw line too often and gave up too many offensive rebounds.”

          “Even though we are not yet where we want to be, we gave ourselves an opportunity, and in the first half we were within three points. WE had a tough third quarter and they extended their lead. We struggled against their zone defense and were unable to find quality looks for shots. It gave us something to work on, and we plan to be better the next time we see a zone defense.”

          “Nate Romero and Grayson Broadus led us in scoring and provided us with steady ball handling. We had too many turnovers, but I expect us to improve as we continue to play against quality opponents. It is early, and we will have multiple opportunities to learn about the kind of team we can be. There are quality teams on our schedule, and the goal is to improve with each outing.”

SCORING = Eagles lost 36-47

Eagles = 7-9-4-16 = 36; Wichita Classical = 11-8-19-9 = 47.

TEAM STATS =

Eagles = FGs – 14/51; 3PTs – 4/26; FTs – 4/6; Assists – 6; Rebounds (off/def) – 8/21 = 36; Steals – 10; Blocked Shots – 0; Turnovers – 19; Fouls – 12.

Wichita Classical = FGs – 19/51; 3PTs – 0/12; FTs – 9/19; Assists – 9; Rebounds (off/def) – 12/26 = 31; Steals – 14; Blocked Shots – 1; Turnovers – 12; Fouls – 12.

EAGLE INDIVIDUAL STAT LEADERS =

Scoring = Nate Romero – 12; Grayson Broadus – 8; Mason Gardner, Emmitt Neufeldt – 7; Gabe Standfast – 2.

3-Pointers Made (4) = Romero – 2; Gardner, Neufeldt – 1.

Assists (6) = Broadus – 3; Neufeldt – 2; Romero – 1.

Rebounds (36) = Standfast – 7; Romero, Broadus – 6; Parker Hughes – 3; Neufeldt, Gardner – 2; Grant Huxman, Jaxon Ekelund, Collin Stark – 1.

Steals (10) = Romero – 4; Broadus – 2; Neufeldt, Standfast, Huxman, Hughes – 1.

FRIDAY, DEC. 5 – at Moundridge

COACH ZACH GOODRICH’S REFLECTIONS:

          “We have enjoyed competing against our neighbors just  a few miles south us. They have a phenomenal program, a solid coach, and a championship pedigree. It is a good measuring stick for us in terms of competing and playing sound basketball. If you have a weakness, Moundridge will expose it and make you pay for not being disciplined.”

          “For the second game in a row we had too many turnovers. Their defense had a lot to do with it, but we need to develop a stronger mentality to find the gaps and avoid leaving our feet before knowing where the ball needs to go. There were some really great plays, and the focus for the rest of the season is how we become more consistent in making those plays throughout the season. The two teams we played this week had substantial size and athleticism, so we will watch the film and identify where we can improve against that type of matchups.”

          Regarding players, “Gabe (Standfast) provided us with toughness and did an excellent job rebounding and scoring against a solid front court. Nate (Romero) and Mason (Gardner) were both able to see some shots fall, and we hope it is a good sign for upcoming contests.”

SCORING = Eagles lost 40-66

Eagles = 2-17-10-11 = 40; Moundridge = 18-18-20-10 = 66.

TEAM STATS =

Eagles = FGs – 14/42; 3PTs – 8/23; FTs – 4/6; Assists – 9; Rebounds (off/def) – 7/15 = 25; Steals – 6; Blocked Shots – 1; Turnovers – 19; Fouls – 7.

Moundridge = FGs – 29/57; 3PTs – 4/17; FTs – 4/6; Assists – 17; Rebounds (off/def) – 10/19 = 31; Steals – 13; Blocked Shots – 4; Turnovers – 7; Fouls – 7.

EAGLE INDIVIDUAL STAT LEADERS =

Scoring (40) = Nate Romero – 18; Mason Gardner – 9; Gabe Standfast – 7; Emmitt Neufeldt, Parker Hughes, Grayson Broadhus – 2.

3-Pointers Made (8) = Romero – 4; Gardner – 3; Standfast – 1.

Assists (9) = Broadus, Romero – 3; Neufeldt – 2; Standfast – 1.

Rebounds (25) = Standfast – 9; Neufeldt – 5; Romero – 3; Broadus, Mathen Hughes – 2; Gardner – 1.

Steals (6) = Broadus – 3; Gardner, Standfast, M. Hughes – 1.

Blocked Shots (1) = Standfast – 1.

(The Staff covering McPherson County Activities can be reached by email at macks.people.places@gmail.com)