Month: November 2014

Freshmen spark KCKCC to opening 90-84 win; home again Monday

by Alan Hoskins

Kansas City Kansas Community College’s promising young freshmen got their first test of collegiate basketball play Saturday and responded with a 90-84 win over Livin’ The Dream.

“This was a good win for our young basketball team, especially against a Livin’ The Dream team made up of former college and professional players who know how to play,” said KCKCC coach Kelley Newton.

The Blue Devils are right back in action Monday when they play host to Saint Mary JV at 7 p.m. while the KCKCC women open their season Tuesday, playing host to Missouri Valley JV at 8 p.m. immediately after the KCKCC-Longview volleyball game which starts at 6 p.m.

The Blue Devils built a 52-32 halftime lead Saturday and then had to hold on as former Wyandotte, Coffeyville Community College and Illinois State star Boo Richardson scored all of his 20 points and handed out eight assists in leading a 52-point second half Dream comeback. Former KCKCC standout Kyle Sloan added 15 points for Livin’ the Dream, which closed to within seven points in the second half with less than three minutes remaining.

“When they made those big runs, I thought we stayed composed and were able to hold them off,” Newton said.

Deadly shooting carried the Blue Devils, who were 32 of 63 for the game for 50.8 percent to offset 16 turnovers. The Blue Devils were particularly effective from 3-point range, knocking down 11 of 22. Shawnee Heights freshman Tevin Downing led the way with 4-of-5 3-pointers on the way to a game high 25 points.

Lansing’s Joe Lendway, who was 7-of-9 from the field, added 15 points and seven rebounds; 6-6 Armoni Shorter 13 points including 3-of-3 treys; and Shawnee Heights’ Braeson Sester 10 points and four assists. Austin Hall, a 6-5 frosh from Aurora, Colo., led all rebounders with 12 and scored eight points while Devin Ruis, the lone sophomore who played, had seven rebounds and six points.
Alan Hoskins is the sports information director for KCKCC.

Change smoke alarm batteries when setting clock back tonight

Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, Nov. 2, and as communities prepare to “fall back” one hour, the Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department urges residents to practice fire safety by testing their smoke alarms and changing the batteries.

Alkaline batteries should be replaced at least once a year, and a good rule is to change the batteries when you change your clocks, said a Fire Department spokesman.

Statistics show working smoke alarms in your home is the single most important step you can take to increase your family’s safety from a residential fire, the spokesman said.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire, according to the spokesman.

To protect your home, follow these smoke alarm safety tips:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home, including in the basement.

• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.

• For smoke alarms with any other type of battery, replace batteries at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, replace only the battery. Date each unit when they are installed and replace them after 10 years – or sooner if they do not successfully pass the test by sounding the alarm when the test button is pressed.

In addition to changing smoke alarm batteries, it is also a good idea to practice a family escape plan:

• Plan and practice two escape routes out of every room in your house.

• Designate an outside meeting place.

• In case of fire, call 9-1-1 once you are safely outside your home.

• Once outside, stay outside and don’t return for anything – not even a pet.

The Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department encourages residential homeowners, who are unable to afford smoke detectors, to contact them at 913-573-5550 for a free smoke detector. Valid identification is required.

Crash injures motorist, passenger on 18th Street

A crash at 7:35 a.m. Oct. 31 on 18th Street southbound near Metropolitan resulted in injuries.

A Chevrolet passenger car was southbound on 18th Street in the right lane, making a lane change, when the driver lost control, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol trooper’s report.

The Chevrolet struck the concrete wall several times, according to the report.

The driver, a 74-year-old Kansas City, Kan., man, was injured and taken to the hospital, the report stated.

A 17-year-old girl in the car also was taken to the hospital, according to the report.