The Ashland Men’s Basketball team took on one of their biggest rivals this past Thursday, Dec. 8, where they defeated the Walsh University Cavaliers in a 68-50 win to land them their first win in Great Midwest Athletic Conference play. 

Senior guard Brandon Haraway led the Eagles with 13 points going into halftime and contributed a total of 22 points for the Eagles that helped lead them to their victory over the Cavaliers.

Fifth-year James Manns was right behind Haraway with an overall total of 19 points for the Eagles, along with five rebounds and three assists. 

Senior Ethan Conley continued to show progress in his guide back to being out on the court after an injury that prevented him from playing at the start of the season. While being a major key player to the team, Conley has very high hopes that this young Eagle team will bounce back and continue to bring home wins. 

“In the end, the tougher team will always come out on top,” said Conley. “We’ve faced a lot of adversity at the beginning of the season injury-wise, but we’ve fought and clawed our way through it. I’m proud of how our young guys have stepped up, and taken the challenge head-on.”

Eagle Head Coach John Ellenwood was very pleased with the performance of the team, especially Haraway, and the game he had on the court.

“He’s a tremendous player, gives you everything he has. He’s a coach’s dream,” said Ellenwood.

While dealing with some of the challenges that come with having a young team and a fresh set of new faces, the Eagles have done a great job of finding their flow as the season has begun.

“That team [Walsh] was the number one seeded team in the conference, so I am definitely excited that we won that,” said Ellenwood. 

The Eagles took on the Northwood Timberwolves on Saturday, December 10th where they dominated the court with an outstanding 82-41 win and added another win to their GMAC record, sitting at 2-1 in the season. 

Junior center Victor Searls had one of his career-best games with 18 points and 9 rebounds, making himself this week’s player of the game. Redshirt freshman forward Maceo Williams finished with 10 points alongside Haraway, contributing to the GMAC win.

With the team looking healthy and eager to continue its streak, they are set to play Kentucky Wesleyan this upcoming Saturday, Dec. 17, in Kates Gymnasium with tip-off set for 3:30 p.m.