Month: November 2017

Big second-half propels KCKCC women to 7-1 start

KCKCC got a combined 50 points and 28 rebounds from a trio of, from left, Lillie Moore (23 points, 12 rebounds); Kisi Young (12 and 10); and Nija Collier (15 and 6) in the Blue Devils’ 94-68 win over Park University’s junior varsity Friday night. (KCKCC photo by Alan Hoskins)

by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC

For the first 18 minutes Friday night, Park University’s developmental team stayed side-by-side with Kansas City Kansas Community College’s heavily favored women.

It was 38-38 in a game that was tied 10 times and had four lead changes before the Lady Blue Devils scored the final five points on the half for a 43-38 lead and then blew the game open with a 51-point second half in a 94-68 win.

It was the Blue Devils’ seventh win in eight games but with no time to rest – a road game at Penn Valley Saturday at 4 p.m.

The Blue Devils were led by a front line trio of Lillie Moore, Nija Collier and Kisi Young who combined for 50 points and 28 rebounds. Moore came off the bench to lead with 23 points and 12 rebounds; Young had 12 points and 10 rebounds and Collier 15 points and 6 rebounds. Moore missed just three shots in her big production, hitting 8-of-10 field goal attempts and converting 7-of-8 free throws.

“It’s pretty clear, to me anyway, that we need to play through our forwards,” KCKCC coach Joe McKinstry said. “Their production seems to shift from game to game as far as which ones will give us the numbers. Typically, however, we get pretty good volume from at least two of them. When they figure out how to play and we figure out how to get them involved consistently I think this team has a very high ceiling.”

Tee Martin led the guard production with 10 points; Piper’s Miya Ford and Alix Wilson added eight points each; and forward Lizzie Stark contributed six points and five rebounds to the front line.

KCKCC had 26 assists on 34 field goals with 10 different Blue Devils with at least two each but they were also guilty of 28 turnovers, three more than Park.

“Another slow start but I’m pleased with our effort in the second half,” McKinstry said. “We’ve got to cut down the turnovers and get a better defensive effort for four quarters. But I like our ability to score the basketball and how hard our girls compete. We just have to clean things up a bit.”

Saturday events

Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast to be Nov. 18
Democratic candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd District, have been invited to speak at the Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast Nov. 18 at Las Islas Marias, 7516 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The event begins with a buffet at 8 a.m. Saturday followed by the program at 9 a.m. There is a $10 charge for the breakfast, or $6 for students and those on limited incomes. Coffee costs $2, for those not purchasing breakfast. Those attending are not required to purchase breakfast. The event is open to all Democrats. Reservations should be made by Friday, Nov. 17, to scottmackey08@yahoo.com. Organizers of the event strongly encourage reservations, but they are not necessary to attend.

Holiday craft show to be Nov. 18
A holiday craft show will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Eisenhower Recreation Center, 2901 N. 72nd St., Kansas City, Kansas. For more information, call the Unified Government at 913-573-8327.

Craft fair planned Nov. 18
A craft fair is planned from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at St. Patrick Catholic Church’s parish center, 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas. It is an eighth grade fundraiser.

Make a paper fan turkey centerpiece
Children ages 5 to 12 may make a paper fan turkey centerpiece at a program from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Main Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library, 625 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. All materials will be provided. Those attending should register to 913-295-8250, Ext. 1013.

Veterans Pen Celebration and Fundraiser planned Saturday
Veterans Voices Writing Project, a national organization based in Kansas City, Mo., will observe its 54th annual Veterans Pen Celebration and Fundraiser from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at The National World War I Museum and Memorial at 2 Memorial Drive in Kansas City, Mo. The event is open to the public, and there is no admission charge. Keynote speaker, Dr. Jon Kerstetter, will discuss his recently published memoir, “Crossings: A Doctor-Soldier’s Story,” which details his experiences in war-torn Rwanda, Kosovo and Bosnia and his three tours in Iraq at the height of the fighting. See more information at https://wyandotteonline.com/project-celebrates-71-years-of-helping-veterans-tell-their-stories-through-writing/.

Local author to sign books today
Local author Jessica Williams will be discussing, selling and signing her recent book, “Soulful Nuggets: From the Eyes of a Child, From the Heart of a Teenager,” from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the West Wyandotte Library, 1737 N. 82nd St., Kansas City, Kansas. The event will include a children’s circle where children may practice reading and writing as an art form. There will be refreshments. Registration is at http://kckpl.librarymarket.com/local-author-event-jessica-williams.

Hispanic American history program planned
“Hispanics and the Medal of Honor” will be the topic of the Hispanic America History program by the American GI Forum from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the South Kansas City, Kansas, Branch Library, Conference Room B, 3104 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. A 90-minute video produced by Johnny Canales will be shown.

Church plans turkey bingo
All Saints Catholic parish is planning turkey bingo at 5 p.m. Nov. 18 in the church hall, 815 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. A Polish sausage sandwich and kraut, with a drink will be available for a $10 donation from 5 to 6 p.m., and the donation includes a bingo card.

Legends holiday tree lighting to be Nov. 18
The Legends Outlets will hold its 13th annual Legendary Tree Lighting Ceremony from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the shopping center at I-70 and I-435 in Kansas City, Kansas. A 45-foot synchronized animated holiday tree at the Civic Courtyard Fountain near the theater will be the centerpiece of the event. According to a spokesman, this year’s event will include a visit by Santa Claus, kids’ activities, free hot chocolate and s’mores, mascots roaming around, giveaways, and performances by five bands. The masters of ceremonies for the event will include Rhiannon Ally and Mike Marusarz of 41 Action News, who will introduce musicians and Santa Claus around 6 p.m. The countdown to the tree lighting will be at 7:30 p.m. Activities for children, from 5 to 8 p .m., will include face painting, balloon artists, make-and-take crafts, an elf on stilts, a magician and visits with Claire’s Clairebear and Olaf from “Frozen.” For more information, visit https://wyandotteonline.com/legends-tree-lighting-ceremony-planned-saturday-nov-18/.

Two holiday events planned at Grinter Place Dec. 2

Grinter Place, 78th and K-32, plans two holiday events on Dec. 2. (File photo by Mary Rupert)

Grinter Place is planning holiday events, Breakfast with Santa and Holiday with the Arts, on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the historic site at 78th and K-32 in Kansas City, Kansas.

The Grinter barn, 1400 S. 78th St., will be the site of a Breakfast with Santa event from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dec. 2, Pat Spencer of the Grinter Place Friends said.

A pancake breakfast or a hot dog lunch will be available, and children may have their pictures taken with Santa, receive a goodie bag and work on holiday crafts. They will receive their photos with Santa at the event, she said.

The breakfast will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dec. 2, while lunch will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost for breakfast ranges from $3 to $7, while the cost of lunch will be $3.

Vendors will be at the Grinter barn during the event with gifts and baked goods for sale.

The Grinter House will be open for tours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 2, for $3 for adults and $1 for school-age children.

The Grinter Place museum, the oldest home in Wyandotte County, will hold a Holiday with the Arts from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 2 at 1420 S. 78th St.

The Holiday with the Arts event will include visiting with artists and authors, and listening to music, she said. There will be books, paintings and pictures available for purchase.

There also will be a wine tasting from Rowe Ridge with cheese and crackers, she said. Tours of the Grinter House will be available.

The event includes a portrayal of Moses Grinter by Bill Nicks, Grinter House curator, from 3 to 4 p.m.

The Zane sisters will show and demonstrate beading during the event, she said.

Tickets for Holiday with the Arts are $6 per person or $10 for two persons.

All funds raised through the event will go toward Grinter Place.

More artisans, artists and vendors also are planning to attend the event, she added, and if others are interested, they may call for more information. For more information, contact the Grinter Place Friends at 913-334-2500 or grinterplace@gmail.com, or the Grinter Place museum at 913-299-3073, at grinter@kshs.org.