Eagles battle Holcomb into fourth quarter before late surge seals home-opening loss

The Colby Eagles boys basketball team delivered an energetic and competitive performance in its home opener Tuesday night at the Colby Event Center, but a strong fourth-quarter push by Holcomb proved decisive as the Eagles fell 67–58 on Dec. 16.

Colby traded punches with the visiting Longhorns for much of the night, staying within a possession or two through three quarters before a late Holcomb run stretched the margin in the final eight minutes. The Eagles trailed just 17–16 after one quarter and remained right there at halftime, down 32–30, after both teams exchanged baskets in a fast-paced and physical first half.

Jordan Jones set the tone early for Colby, using his mid-range game and ability to attack off the dribble to keep the Eagles in rhythm offensively. Jones scored consistently throughout the night and finished with a game-high 23 points. Josiah Hoppe added a strong interior presence, contributing 17 points while battling through foul trouble, and Nathan Cates and Cody Wright each chipped in seven points to round out a balanced scoring effort.

The Eagles continued to hang close in the third quarter, but Holcomb began to find more success attacking the lane and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. Colby entered the final period trailing 50–43 after Holcomb edged the third quarter 18–13, setting up a crucial stretch to open the fourth.

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Early in the final frame, the Eagles were unable to generate the defensive stops they needed to swing momentum back their way. Holcomb pushed the lead to double digits, and while Colby continued to compete and create quality looks, a handful of turnovers and missed opportunities allowed the Longhorns to maintain control down the stretch. Colby outscored Holcomb 15–17 in the fourth, but the gap proved too much to overcome.

Despite the loss, head coach Reed Stephens was encouraged by his team’s overall approach and resilience, particularly against a Holcomb squad that entered the night with a strong record and considerable experience.

“I think overall we played well as a team,” Stephens said. “At times it can be easy to get our heads down or for the team to get down on guys when things aren’t going right, and I don’t think we did that at all, which was good. I love how our guys don’t give up. That fight, that drive is really not something you can coach.”

Stephens pointed to defense and rebounding as continued areas of emphasis moving forward, noting that small lapses proved costly in a game that was tight for much of the night.

“Sometimes we have had a mental lapse here and there and aren’t getting the most out of our defense,” he said. “It’s something we will continue to work on and get better at throughout the season. Overall, I have been really pleased in what we have done. I don’t think our record tells the whole story of our team.”

Colby also received four points from Cobin Curry, who provided key minutes inside, as the Eagles showed flashes of a team still coming together early in the season. The effort level and execution through three quarters reflected a group capable of competing with quality opponents, even as late-game consistency remains a work in progress.

With the home opener now in the books, the Eagles will look to build on the positives from Tuesday night as they continue their non-conference slate. Stephens emphasized that improvement remains the focus, adding that close losses against strong teams can serve as valuable teaching moments.

“We have to continue to improve each day,” he said. “I think we have a great shot to make a run this year.”

by Derek White