The varsity men’s basketball team has dominated the court for 15 straight games since suffering a disheartening loss in their season opener against the Moeller Crusaders. 

This win streak has allotted them a 10-0 conference record within the Eastern Cincinnati Conference. 

On Nov. 27, they fell to Moeller in overtime, 60-51, in a game where the Eagles led the majority of the game, but when it came down to crunch time in the fourth quarter, they were only able to put up six points, and the Crusaders forced overtime. 

In overtime, the Crusaders put up 20 points, securing the win. This loss ignited a fire in the Eagles, and they have not lost since.

In the past three weeks of the season alone, the Eagles have grasped a total of five wins, three of which were road wins at Turpin, Anderson, and Kings High school.

Much of the team’s overall success can be attributed to Tyler Mckinley, ‘24. Mckinley is electric in the paint and is well known for his nearly unstoppable dunking ability, but he is also a competitive shooter from behind the line. 

“I make good decisions,” Mckinley said. “Height, athleticism, and all around just being an athlete [allows me to be successful].”

On Jan. 21 when the Eagles faced the Kings Knights Mckinley put up 28 points and collected seven rebounds in their 75-57 take down on the road. 

“I thought Tyler played with extreme confidence on both ends of the floor,” Ricardo Hill, varsity head coach, said. “He continues to raise his level of play as the season progresses. He’s easily one of the better players in the state of Ohio.”

Mckinley also scored 21 points for the Eagles when they took on the Anderson Raptors on Jan. 18 and brought home an 89-64 win. 

Mckinley, while a huge star, is also accompanied by other powerful players on the court. 

SENIORS Owen Murray and Max Poynter have both been recognized as McDonald’s All American Nominees. The pair have been varsity starters for three seasons, and now lead the team through values of good sportsmanship and upstanding character. 

“I’m one of our four captains, I’d say I’m the encouraging one,” Murray said. 

Not only do they lead the team through character, but also by their performance on the court.

In their 69-53 win over Lebanon, Poynter accounted for 14 points and 6 assists.

On Jan. 7, the Eagles took on the Turpin Spartans in a rival game on the road. The game came down to the wire and was ultimately sealed as a victory for the Eagles within the last minute of play. 

After Murray successfully picked up a three pointer, the Spartans fouled both SENIOR Kellen Porter and Mckinley. They were able to collectively score 3 points in free throws as the clock ran down to its last seconds. 

“I just told ‘em knock ‘em in man,” Murray said.

These final six points for the Eagles gave them a win of 53-50, their closest game of the season. 

No other program has come within a single digit of defeating the varsity team. 

Along with Murray, Mckinley and Poynter, you can typically find Javion Bostic, ‘23, and Porter on the court from the start. 

Bostic has scored 51 points in five games along with 11 rebounds and Porter has amounted 41 points and 14 steals. 

The dominance of this team has left an impression on the fanbase, and foresees them to continue succeeding in the remainder of the regular season. 

“I think the sky’s the limit for us,” Hill said.

The Eagles will continue their season on Tuesday Jan. 25 against the West Clermont Wolves at 7:15 p.m.