Washington defeats Highland Park 68-49

by Brian Turrel

The Washington Wildcats boys basketball team posted a strong start to the 2018-2019 season, defeating Topeka’s Highland Park Scots 68-49 Friday evening at home.

The Wildcats sprang to an early lead, taking a 10-point advantage midway through the first quarter. The Wildcats found plenty of success driving the lane for layups.

Another big key to their success was strong perimeter defense that limited the Scots’ inside opportunities and provided fast-break chances.

The Wildcats held a 33-22 lead at halftime. The Scots pulled within 8 on a 3-pointer just after the break, but never seriously threatened the Washington advantage. A 28-point offensive showing in the third quarter by the Wildcats put the game out of reach.

Alton Easley led the scoring for Washington with 26 points. Nathan Johnson Jr. added 22. Both were strong inside scorers, and only one of Washington’s 23 made field goals was from 3-point range. Jahi Peppers led the Scots with 18 points.

Washington holds a 1-0 record in the young season, and will play the next game at Leavenworth on Dec. 6.

Junior Alton Easley (0) went up for a layup in the first half. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Junior Tywan Muturi (1) took a jump shot in the second half. Muturi scored 13 in the game. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Easley looked to pass to Johnson in the left corner. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Sophomore Kyren Angelo (2) set up the perimeter defense. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Junior De’Vaughn Brown (21) tipped off the start of the new season. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Easley drove in from the right side. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Johnson went up for a short-range shot. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Leavenworth coach Prentes Potts, formerly a teacher at Washington and coach at Schlagle, was on hand for Friday’s game, scouting his next opponent and greeting many old friends afterwards.
The Washington cheerleaders fired up the large crowd. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Saturday events

Breakfast with Santa planned today
Grinter Place Friends plan a Breakfast with Santa from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Grinter Barn, 1400 S. 78th St., Kansas City, Kansas. The menu includes pancakes, sausages and a drink. There will be pictures with Santa Claus, and children will receive a gift bag, do a craft and visit a face painter. There will be vendors who will have gift items and baked items for sale. Tickets may be purchased for the opportunity quilt.The cost of breakfast will range from $3 to $7. The Grinter House will be open for tours from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and the admission charge is $6 for adults and $3 for students. For more information, call 913-334-2500 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2135843143320306/.

Main library sponsors Stories with Santa
Stories with Santa will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Main Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library, craft room, 625 Minnesota Ave. Children and teens may attend. There will be hot cocoa and treats while listening to Santa’s stories. Those attending will sing carols and visit with Santa. Also, those attending will make a Christmas tree ornament. Registration is required at https://kckpl.librarymarket.com/stories-santa-0 , for information call 913-295-8250.

Make a gingerbread house at library program
At the S.T.E.A.M. story time from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Main Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library, 625 Minnesota, participants will construct gingerbread houses out of graham crackers, frosting, candies and confections. The program is for children and teens. Registration is requested to https://kckpl.librarymarket.com/steam-science-technology-engineering-art-math-storytime-science-wizard-oz-4; for information call 913-279-2128.

Exhibit reception today for portrait collection
An exhibit reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Main Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library, 625 Minnesota Ave. An exhibit of eight Wyandot portraits featuring early settlers of Wyandotte County will be held today. The names of the early settlers will be familiar to residents — Armstrong, Quindaro, Walker and Northrup. The photographs are enlarged reproductions of mid-19th century daguerrotypes, tintypes and cartes des visites from the library’s special collections.