The Smoky Valley Home Educators (SVHE) Eagles girls basketball team continued their impressive season by capturing the State Christian Basketball tournament championship this past weekend, improving their season record to an outstanding 20-4.
The Eagles dominated their opening round on Friday with a decisive 51-9 victory over Tyro Christian School, followed by another commanding performance against Newton Homeschool, winning 46-15. In Saturday's championship game, the Eagles faced a tougher challenge but ultimately prevailed in a hard-fought contest against the Reno County Sabers, 61-45.
Individual honors were abundant for the SVHE squad, with Grace Weaver and Karlie Smith both being named to the all-tournament first team. Smith received additional recognition as the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Mia Smith and Becky Wagner both received honorable mention honors.
The State Championship adds to what has already been a remarkable season for the Eagles, who earlier won the Wichita tournament and finished as runners-up in the Hastings, Nebraska Tournament.
The team now sets its sights on the final tournament of the season, a major regional event that will bring 88 teams across 11 divisions to Salina. This three-day competition attracts teams from throughout the Midwest, including squads from Des Moines, Iowa and Cameron, Missouri.
As the tournament's second seed, the Eagles will begin their quest for another championship on Friday at 11 AM in gym 3 at the Salina Field House, facing Cameron, Missouri in the opening round. Last year's champion, NEK from Topeka, enters as the top seed.
Games will be played at both the Salina Field House and Muir Gym on the Kansas Wesleyan University campus, with championship matches scheduled for Saturday afternoon. The event runs from Thursday through Saturday, with no admission charge for spectators.
This tournament represents not just a culmination of the Eagles' successful season but also highlights the growth of the SVHE basketball program, which has been providing homeschooled students in the Salina area with competitive athletic opportunities in a Christian environment for over two decades.
Local basketball fans are encouraged to attend and support the Eagles as they compete for another championship title while witnessing quality high school and junior high basketball action from across the region.
