ONE GAME AWAY: Bonner defense carries the day as Braves improve to 21-1

By NICK SLOAN, NJSloan212@gmail.com

The Piper Pirates led Thursday night's game against Bonner Springs 6-4 after the first quarter.

A bucket from senior Whitney Morrow at the buzzer gave the Pirates the lead over the heavily favored Braves.

Little did everyone know that basket would be the last field goal Piper could claim for 13 minutes of game-play.

Bonner Springs used a 14-1 run over the second and third quarters to put away Piper for the third time this year, prevailing 38-25 at Bonner Springs High School.

Anna Deegan and Yessenia Hernandez led the way for the Braves in the first half.

Both scored 4 points in the second quarter to help Bonner Springs take a 14-7 lead at the half. A free throw from Tyler Johnson was the only point of the second quarter for the Pirates.

In the opening five minutes of the second half, it was more of the same.

This time, Erin Marx proved to be an unsung hero for the Braves. Marx scored 10 second half points, the first two of which gave Bonner it's largest lead of the game at 16-7.

Another basket from Hernandez extended Bonner's lead to double figures for the first time in the game.

Johnson, the great freshman from Piper who's already receiving Division 1 attention, was the silver lining on the night for the Pirates. She scored six points for Piper in the third quarter, helping the Pirates keep the score to 23-13 after the third quarter.

Marx and Bonner's outstanding defense were too much. Marx scored eight fourth quarter points to help Bonner build a 16-point lead. Johnson and senior Whitney Morrow helped Piper cut the lead down to 10 late, but that's as close as it got.

All night, Bonner's tough defense limited most of Johnson's opportunities and Piper was unable to create much on the offensive end. Hernandez and Deegan were strong on defense, forcing steals and errant passes. 

Bonner Springs will take on Tonganoxie in Saturday's sub-state final at Bonner Springs High School.

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SUB-STATE RECAPS: Two KVL-KCK showdowns set

By NICK SLOAN, NJSloan212@gmail.com

There will be two finals between Kaw Valley League teams and Kansas City, Kan., teams come later this week.

For the fourth year in a row, the Washington Wildcats will play the Lansing Lions in the post season.

Meanwhile, Harmon and Mill Valley will hook up at Blue Valley Southwest in the other game.

WASHINGTON 80, Schlagle 62 - For the 11th straight game in this rivalry, the Washington Wildcats came out on top.

Washington completed a three-game sweep of the Stallions, using a strong third quarter to pull away from Schlagle.

Dominique Wilson scored 19 points for the Wildcats in the game and was one of four players to score in double figures. James Jappa scored 15 points, Deandre King had 14 and Kindred Williams scored 10 points.

King hit two three-pointers in the game.

Leading the way for Schlagle was Theo Bass-Brooks with 17 points and Jameon Cal with 17 points.

Washington jumped out to a 17-10 first quarter lead. Schlagle narrowed the lead to six by halftime.
In the third quarter, however, Washington outscored Schlagle by 12 points.

Washington improves to 13-8 on the season.

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LANSING 74, Topeka West 55 - After a bit of a slow-start, the Lansing Lions eventually shock off Topeka West after a run in the second quarter.

Izaiah Grice had another good game for the Lions, scoring 23 points and hitting five three-pointers.

Joe Schneider had 12 points, with Mike Miller and Clay Young each scoring 11 points.

The game was tied at 19 after one quarter, but Lansing was able to grab an 11-point lead at the half.

Topeka West cut the lead down to eight after three, but another 19-8 quarter in the fourth sealed things for the Lions.

Lansing improves to 18-3 on the season.

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MILL VALLEY 78, Wyandotte 60 - The 20-time state champion Wyandotte Bulldogs basketball program wrapped up one of their worst seasons in school history.

Wyandotte, finishing the season 4-17, was defeated by Mill Valley after a slow start in the game.

The Bulldogs were able to score just six points in the quarter and trailed by double-figures at halftime.

In their final games as Bulldogs, Elonzo Barnett scored 19 points, Shaquille Smith scored 15 and Adrian Goodlow scored 14 points.

Nathan Stacy scored a game-high 25 points for Mill Valley.

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HARMON 77, Turner 62 - Branden Roark's 25 points led the way for Harmon in their victory over Turner.

JaJuan Taylor, Devontae Newton, Sheldon Carson and Mike Carson each scored 10 points.

Harmon trailed by two points after one, but dominated the rest of the game.

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