by Brian Turrel
Saturday evening, the Schlagle Stallions put a scare into Shawnee Mission North, but came up just short in the championship game of the Bobcat Invitational at Basehor-Linwood High School. The final score was 56-51 for the Indians.
North junior Jarrett Hensley, at 6-foot-7, was the difference maker in the game, dominating inside while also having outside range.
Schlagle limited Hensley’s effect in the first half, going after him aggressively on offense and getting him to the bench with three fouls midway through the second quarter.
Chris Hunter hit two three-point shots to open the scoring for Schlagle. Then D’Monte Gaw went to work on the dribble drive, getting fouled and converting four points at the free throw line. Braydon Soza was active in the paint, collecting offensive rebounds and putbacks.
The Stallions held a 27-19 lead at halftime, but North went on a 9-2 run to start the third quarter, including two consecutive Hensley three-pointers. The lead seesawed between the teams through the fourth quarter, and the game was tied at 48 with less than two minutes to play.
Schlagle missed some opportunities in the closing minutes, including an offensive foul and a missed layup on consecutive potentially game-tying possessions. North closed out the game with Hensley securing the rebound on Schlagle’s last shot.
Senior Ronnell Mitchell led the Stallions in scoring, picking up 15 points, including key fourth-quarter baskets. Tyon Grant-Foster added 13. Grant-Foster was named to the all-tournament team along with Randy Campbell.
Schlagle defeated Hayden Catholic High School and DeLaSalle Charter School in tournament pool play to earn the berth in the championship. The Stallions will return to Kansas City-Atchison League play on Friday at 7 p.m. at Wyandotte High School.
