by Brian Turrel
The Piper Pirates head into post-season play with a full head of steam, knocking off the Eudora Cardinals 62-41 Friday evening at the Piper fieldhouse. The Pirates finished the season ranked first in Class 4A, and will attempt to duplicate last year’s championship run.
Piper’s multiple scoring options were more than enough to sink Eudora. Tamar Bates showed his ability to blow past defenders or to pull up and hit an outside shot. Gabe Eskina and Ty Shelley provided outlets on the wing, while Christian Arndt battled down low, controlling the boards on both ends.
Bates led the scoring with 21 points, picking up 12 in Piper’s 19-point second quarter. That scoring burst gave Piper a 29-16 halftime margin and made clear the outcome of the game wasn’t in doubt. Jaron Briggs scored 11, hitting three 3-pointers.
Piper celebrated its senior players in a ceremony before the game. Seniors Ty Shelley, Gabe Eskina, Christian Arndt, Scott Lindblad, Parker Bryant were honored, along with team manager Jack Robinson.
The Pirates earned the Frontier League title with a perfect record in conference games. The only blemish in the 19-1 season was a narrow loss to 5A contenders Basehor-Linwood on Jan. 25.
Piper will tip off the sub-state playoffs on Wednesday, March 4, by playing host to the 5-15 Atchison Redmen. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
