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.