The Kokomo Post Sports - Game of the Week: Carroll VS Eastern (Photo Gallery)
Senior Night always brings a special energy, filled with emotions and heartfelt tributes to honor the careers of a team’s seniors. After the celebration, however, there’s still a game to be played.
Eastern’s Senior Night had all the expected traditions—recognition in front of family and friends, speeches from honorees, and, of course, basketball. But while the Comets hoped to cap the night with a victory, Carroll (Flora) had other plans, rolling to a 73-50 win and spoiling Eastern’s celebration.
The game began as a tightly contested battle, with both teams trading baskets and keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Eastern found ways to attack Carroll’s defense for easy points, but the Cougars closed the first quarter strong with an easy layup, a steal, and another basket before the buzzer, taking a 16-12 lead.
Carroll began imposing its will in the second quarter. Eli Faulkenberg led the charge while Eastern fell into a scoring slump. As the Comets struggled offensively, Carroll’s offense ran smoothly. Unable to slow the Cougars down, Eastern trailed 35-22 at halftime.
The third quarter was the Eli Faulkenberg show. The star forward took over, scoring 15 points in the period and crushing any momentum Eastern hoped to build. The Comets had no answer for Faulkenberg’s relentless attack and couldn’t keep up with Carroll’s pace.
While Faulkenberg stole the spotlight, he wasn’t the only Cougar making an impact. Carroll had multiple players reach double digits in scoring, further stifling any hopes of an Eastern comeback.
Carroll’s mission to spoil Eastern’s Senior Night was a success. Now, the Comets must quickly regroup as they prepare for a tough sectional matchup against Rochester.
