Back-to-back-to-back championships. State playoffs. Etowah’s varsity and JV basketball teams have had many successes this year. 

The Eagles, three-time region champs, played the winner of the Lassiter and Walton game on Feb. 6. The Eagles’ ended the season with a record of 17-6. Although they lost by four, the boys still advanced to the state playoffs, losing to Wheeler High School 68-43 during the first game, ending their run in the state tournament. 

“It was a great season overall. We didn’t do as well as we wanted to in the postseason, but we had a lot more success than people thought we would have. We had a very special team this year. My favorite part of the season was playing with people I consider my brothers and having coaches who push us and want the best for us,” Josh Hughes, sophomore varsity player, said. 

The Lady Eagles also advanced to the state playoffs after playing against Cherokee High School. They beat Walton to advance to the state tournament, but Westlake High School eliminated the Lady Eagles after the first round. 

“The best part of my season was messing around with the girls and having a sleepover at the end of our season. I thought the season was good—we made it to state, so that’s pretty good. I think we made the best out of the situation we had,” Kiersten James, sophomore varsity player, said. 

Two Eagles, Brock Rechsteiner and Will Garvey, were named to the Boys’ Region Team, and Kavon Fisher and Colby Flaig received honorable mentions.  

“It’s always special to be recognized with such great players, and I’m thankful for the recognition but wouldn’t be close to getting on first team without my teammates or coaches,” Will Garvey, senior varsity player, said. 

As for the Lady Eagles, Ally Zazzara made the first region team, and Maggie Messerly and Kinsley Norton were named honorable mentions. 

Both Etowah’s basketball teams ended their regional games and advanced to the state playoffs, capping off another successful season.