The Canton Eagles took a much-needed break from tournament play this past week, staying on their home floor in matchups against Sunnyvale and Quitman. While very different games, the result remained consistent as Canton knocked off both squads to improve their record to 17-1 on the season.

The Eagles opened the week on Tuesday, Dec. 13, hosting Sunnyvale in a rematch, as the teams have seen the other in the first round of the playoffs in each of the past two seasons.

Sunnyvale, who entered the contest at 9-3 on the season, appeared to be improved from the fourth-place district finisher that the Eagles have become accustomed to. Each team delivered blows late into the rollercoaster bout, as Sunnyvale just kept finding a way to hang around in a game the Eagles would have liked to put away early.

Canton would find themselves leading by three at the close of the third quarter, only to be stunned by a Sunnyvale run to open the final quarter of regulation. Trailing by three with three minutes to go, and again by two with under a minute left, the Eagles maturity shined through with timely possessions, forcing the game into overtime at a 49-49 deadlock.

In overtime, Canton would jump on Sunnyvale from the opening tip, swiftly earning a four-point advantage, which they would retain for a 59-55 victory.

Junior Garrett Walker headed the scoring attack for the Eagles, netting 20 points, including five of the 10 in the overtime period. Layne Etheridge caught fire from deep, knocking down four three-pointers in the effort on his way to 15 points. Chantson Prox played a key role in the win as well, adding 12 points from the point guard spot.

Thus far, the Eagles have yet to play many close games, something that is inevitable to change as district play turns into postseason play. Experience for Canton’s newcomers in games such as the tight win against Sunnyvale could prove key later down the road.

Following the nailbiter victory on Tuesday, Canton would stay home on Friday, Dec. 16, welcoming in the Quitman Bulldogs for a non-district matchup.

The Eagles would not make the same mistakes that they did three days prior, as they smothered Quitman in the first half to run out to a commanding 20-point lead.

The Eagles would give their starters some well-earned rest throughout the second half of the match, eventually wrapping up a 29-point win, by a score of 63-35.

Etheridge was scorching from the field once again, hitting four three-pointers in a 14-point effort. Prox would finish with 13 points, followed by Walker with 10 and Rex Baldwin with seven. All but two players would end up in the scoring column for Canton in the route.

Now sitting at 17-1 on the year, the Eagles were slated to play just one-game this week, an ever-important district opener on the road against Athens.

After Tuesday’s contest, the Eagles will take their Christmas break, as they are slated to return to play in the Paris tournament on Wednesday, Dec. 28.