by Brian Turrel
The Schlagle Stallions boys basketball team survived a strong challenge from the Washington Wildcats, pulling away late in the third quarter and earning a 65-53 victory.
The Wildcats fired up the home crowd early by racing out to a 7-2 lead. They kept pace through the first two quarters with a well-rounded attack that included scoring from seven different players. Washington guard Tywan Muturi used his speed to push the attack and create opportunities before the Schlagle defense was set.
Schlagle took a 28-27 advantage to halftime, helped by Tyon Grant-Foster’s two three-point baskets in the second quarter.
The game was tied at 35 with 3 minutes remaining in the third quarter, when Schlagle went on a scoring binge that made the difference in the game, scoring 14 points in 3 minutes.
Grant-Foster scored inside, outside and at the line to post 12 in the third quarter while D’Monte Gaw’s dribble penetration added 6 more. Randy Campbell, who transferred from Washington to Schlagle last year, controlled the boards on the defensive end to limit Washington’s scoring.
The Wildcats slowed the surge in the fourth quarter, but weren’t able to close the deficit.
Grant-Foster led the Stallions in scoring with 22 for the game, while Campbell and Gaw both posted 15. As a team, the Stallions hit 17 of 22 free throws (77 percent).
Muturi led Washington with 15 points, followed by Taron Batie with 10.
Schlagle sits atop the Kansas City-Atchison League standings with a 3-0 record (7-2 overall). The Stallions will travel to Atchison on Friday.
Washington drops to 2-5 overall (1-1 in league games) and will play at Wyandotte on Friday, with the tip-off at 7 p.m.
