In a non-conference KCII Area Game of the Week boys battle, it was the Keota Eagles that came away with a 79-48 win over the Highland Huskies in a game heard live on KCII.

The game began with an even first quarter seeing the Eagles lead 18-15, adding an additional three more to the lead before half. Behind in rebounds, Keota decided it was time for a change, stepping on the gas pedal to the tune of 25-11 scoring and 12-6 rebounding advantages in the third period alone to take a 20 point lead into the final frame. Chase Haifley was a big reason for the run, splashing in four total threes in the period and scoring 14 of his game-high 28 points. On cruise control, Keota went for another 20 again, putting an additional 11 points on the margin to improve the win.

Unofficially, Keota won rebounds 37-28 and turnovers by one. After Haifley’s 28 came three other Eagles in double figures, including Porter Cave’s 13, Ayden Galindo’s 10 and Jackson Vittetoe’s 10. Highland was led by 19 from Jacob Schneider. Vittetoe joined KCII Sports live on the Area Game of the Week postgame show to talk about what was working in the win.

“ It’s great. That’s just what we need. I mean, our defense has been pretty solid all year. It’s just been the offensive end that’s kind of been a bit of a struggle. So it’s good to see us hit shots. I mean, we moved the ball around very well. We share the ball very well with each other, and it worked out well tonight,” Vittetoe said. “We were able to find open guys and hit shots, and Chase had a great game and so did Porter and Ayden, and even Brennan [McGuire] and Blake [Baker], they had great games too.”

With the win, the Eagles earn their 10th win on the year to pair with four losses. Highland drops to 2-11 with the loss.