by Brian Turrel
The Piper High School boys basketball team earned third place in the Spring Hill Invitational tournament with a 71-53 victory over Gardner Edgerton High School on Friday evening.
Piper took an early lead over the Trailblazers, and built it throughout the game, going up by 6 at the end of the first quarter on Ty Shelley’s buzzer-beating three-pointer. The Pirates extended their lead to 9 at halftime, with Bryce Yoder picking up two three-pointers in the second quarter.
The Pirates used their strength and speed advantage to force the ball inside, finishing at the rim or looking for an interior pass for an open layup.
Doc Covington was Piper’s offensive engine, scoring 26 and using his inside-outside ability to drive for layups or to get open at the three-point line. Brandan Jackson added 12 points, and Trey Bates had 11 points and 6 assists. Braijion Barnes continued his hard work on the defensive glass, picking up 10 rebounds.
Eisenhower High School of Goddard, Kan., won the tournament, beating Olathe South in the championship game, 72-49.
After going 2-1 in the tournament, Piper holds an overall record of 8-4. The Pirates return to Kaw Valley League action against the Turner Golden Bears on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m.
