Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Eva Yeadon, Big Sandy basketball

This season, the Big Sandy girls basketball team has emerged as a contender in District 9C. Afters several years of little success, the Pioneers are currently fourth in the district with a conference record of 4-3 and are 6-4 overall this season. Sophomore Eva Yeadon has been a big contributor for the Pioneers this season and has enjoyed the ride they have been on this winter.

"I love how we've taken such a big step from last year. I've seen improvement and lots of growth," Yeadon said. "It's been really good and everyone's getting more excited to play."

Yeadon did not grow up around the Big Sandy basketball program as she moved down there from Malta her freshman year. While she could have had a tough time getting settled, Yeadon quickly found a home in Big Sandy basketball.

"It's been so good. Everyone's really supportive and nice," Yeadon said. "It's a really good environment and I like it."

In her sophomore year with the Pioneers, Yeadon has been one of the team's best scorers. After a solid start to the year, Yeadon has turned it up lately averaging 26.4 points a game in her last five outings. Outside of scoring, Yeadon has also contributed by putting her teammates in the best position to succeed.

"I take a big role in communicating and letting my team know what we're doing and just helping run the offense," Yeadon said.

With the success that Yeadon and the Pioneers have had this season, they hope to carry that into the postseason starting next month. The Pioneers will look to finish in the top three at the District 9C tournament in order to qualify for the Northern C Divisionals. Even though the 9C tournament is always tough, Yeadon is confident she and her team can make a run.

"I think we're definitely capable of playing Saturday night and we can definitely get there if we put our minds to it," Yeadon said.

Just like most athletes on the Hi-Line, Yeadon keeps herself busy with other sports, too. Outside of basketball, she competes in volleyball and track and field for the Pioneers, and she has also used to play softball in junior high school. When she does take time away from athletics, she enjoys reading in her spare time. But basketball will always be her favorite activity.

"It's just really good to have something I care about and it's just always something you can turn to," Yeadon said about basketball. "You can go and play whenever you want so that means a lot to me."

With a deep love for basketball, Yeadon hopes to eventually play basketball at the collegiate level. But Yeadon has a few more years of high school before then and hopes to make the most of it.

Yeadon and the Big Sandy Pioneers will next play against Chinook tonight on the road. Before she gets back on the court, Yeadon answered five questions for the Havre Daily News.

HDN: What do you love the most about basketball?

Yeadon: "I just love playing a team game and it's really cool when we all work together. pass the ball and everyone's talking. I really love that."

HDN: What does your team need to do in order to make a run in the District 9C tournament?

Yeadon: "We definitely need to play together and communicate. I think if we really just run through our offense and pass the ball efficiently, we can get there."

HDN: As a sophomore, what have you tried to learn from the veterans on your team?

Yeadon: "Just to come out of my shell. I think the senior girls are so nice and they really bring out the best parts of you and I love that about them and they've really allowed me to shine."

HDN: Over the next few years, what do you hope to get better at as a basketball player?

Yeadon: "I hope I can get better at really racing the ball up and down the court, being shifty with it and then just making efficient passes and not just throwing it away."

HDN: What do you hope to accomplish over the course of your high school career?

Yeadon: "I really look forward to getting to divisionals and probably placing there and I think that would be a really good goal to keep in mind for these next upcoming years."