December 2017 – Page 34 – Welcome to Wyandotte Daily!

KCKCC’s Buhovac first to NCAA Division 1 soccer power

With coach Ruben Rodriguez as a witness, Kansas City Kansas Community College freshman center back Frano Buhovac signed a letter of intent to continue his soccer career at the University of South Carolina, a member of the SEC. (KCKCC photo by Tony Tompkins)

by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC

Kansas City Kansas Community College’s first NJCAA Division I national soccer tournament berth continues to pay dividends with the signing of Frano Buhovac to continue his soccer career at the University of South Carolina.

A freshman from Capijina, Croatia, Buhovac is the first Blue Devil soccer player to receive a full scholarship to a major NCAA Division I power. The South Carolina Gamecocks are a member of the highly acclaimed Southeast Conference (SEC).

“He got recognized at the national finals,” KCKCC coach Ruben Rodiguez said. “Frano is really looking for this opportunity. He chose South Carolina over several other opportunities.”

Buhovac chose KCKCC over other suitors after being highly recommended by a national recruiting agency.

A center back, the position requires the distribution of the ball to the entire team.

“He’s very athletic and very technical with the ball,” Rodriguez said. “His technical skills are very high.”

Rodriguez is confident Buhovac is only the first of several Blue Devils who will be recruited to continue their soccer careers at four-year colleges and universities.

“We have been contacted about several players,” Rodriguez said.

Fire calls

Dec. 14
• 1400 block of Orville, detached garage-apartment. One person was taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation.

• 1900 block of Tennyson Street, house fire, heavy fire reported. One firefighter was treated and released from a hospital for a burn injury.

• Grandview Boulevard and Orville, structure fire reported.

Turner girls earn tough win over Bonner, 44 – 35

by Brian Turrel

The Turner High School girls basketball team got its first Kaw Valley League win at home against Bonner Springs on Thursday night. The game was nearly even through three quarters, but Turner rode a fourth quarter surge from Lanita McDonald and Tynica Gilmore to come away with the victory, 44 – 35.

Both teams defended aggressively throughout, and the referees called the game closely. The result was 75 free throw attempts in the game and both teams in the double bonus at the end of the game. Baskets were at a premium, and drives in the lane more often ended in a steal, a foul, or a held ball.

In the decisive run early in the fourth quarter, Turner was able to get McDonald and Gilmore open on the left wing for three point baskets. The Turner margin briefly stretched to 10 points, and Bonner was not able to recover. McDonald and Gilmore both went to the line repeatedly to close out the game, hitting enough free throws to keep Bonner at arm’s length.

Turner improved its record to 2 – 4 overall, 1 – 2 in the KVL. They will play next at home against Bishop Ward on Jan. 5. Bonner remains winless in the league, with an overall record of 1 – 5. They play at home against Topeka’s Shawnee Heights High School, also on Jan. 5.