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Piper drops Eisenhower rematch in Spring Hill

by Brian Turrel

The Piper Pirates came frustratingly close to avenging last year’s Spring Hill tournament loss to Eisenhower High School, ending up on the short side of the 70-61 final score.

In the first half, Piper played the Tigers to a 29-29 draw. The Pirates’ defense disrupted Eisenhower’s drives inside, and Braijion Barnes limited their shots with strong defensive rebounding.

Piper junior Trey Bates lived up to his nickname, lighting up the third quarter with three 3-point shots and giving Piper a one-point lead midway through the third.

Eisenhower’s Dylan Vincent responded with 13 points in the quarter (35 in the game), and the Tigers held a seven-point advantage at the start of the fourth quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter, Piper pulled within three points on two quick Bryce Yoder three pointers, but they couldn’t get any closer. Eisenhower forced Piper into quick, unsuccessful shots on the Pirates’ last few possessions, while extending their lead with transition baskets and free throws.

Bates led Piper’s scoring with 21 points in the game, while Barnes added 12. Cooper Beebe was active in the paint on both ends, picking up 8 points along with key rebounds and blocks.

On Friday at 6:30 p.m., Piper will play against Gardner High School for third place in the tournament. Eisenhower moves on to the championship game against Olathe South.

Sophomore Ty Shelley (23) showed good form on his jump shot. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Senior Cooper Beebe (00) tossed an outlet pass to Braijion Barnes to start a fast break. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Senior Daviance “Doc” Covington stuck tight to the ball handler. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Senior Bryce Yoder (30) took a three-point shot in the fourth quarter. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Junior Trey Bates (11) made a no-look pass to Ty Shelley on the right wing. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Junior Braijion Barnes (4) knocked in a short jump shot. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Braijion Barnes was heavily defended as he drove to the hoop. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Gabe Eskina (10) stuck back an offensive rebound. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Sabres lose late lead to Timberwolves

Sumner junior Donell Bagley (0) went up for a last-second shot as his defender fell backwards. The call went against Sumner, ending its chance at the win. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

The Sumner Sabres boys basketball team lost a defensive struggle against Blue Valley Southwest in the second round of the Spring Hill invitational tournament. The Timberwolves won 35-34, coming back from a nine-point halftime deficit. Sumner had a chance to win on its final possession, but turned the ball over on a controversial charge call.

Sumner built a first-half lead with dribble penetration, probing the perimeter with a motion offense to get an open driving lane for Kyun Jackson or open outside shot for De’Auan McClaine. Sumner led 24-15 at halftime.

In the second half, Southwest closed off the driving lanes, sometimes switching to a zone defense to limit the Sabres’ penetration. Sumner had some free throw opportunities off Southwest’s aggressive defense, but converted only two of seven second-half chances.

Down by one with seven seconds remaining, Sumner junior guard Donell Bagley drove to the basket, looking for a basket or a foul call. The referee ruled that the Timberwolves defender was in position and called an offensive foul, ending Sumner’s bid for the game winner.

McClaine led the Sabres with 13 points, all scored in the first half. Jackson scored 9 before fouling out with two minutes remaining.

Sumner will play in the final round of the tournament on Friday afternoon at 3 p.m., facing the Veritas Christian School of Lawrence.

Marcus Davis (15) looked to reverse the ball from the left side. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Savaugh McCain (14) dribbled between his legs while surveying the defense. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

De’Auan McClaine drove to the basket. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Junior Caleb Brown attempted an off-balance shot near the basket. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Sophomore Kyun Jackson (25) looked for an outlet after securing an offensive rebound. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Sumner senior De’Auan McClain (11) kept the ball in bounds as he fell toward the sideline. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

Piper wins first round at Spring Hill

by Brian Turrel

The Piper Pirates charged into the Spring Hill Invitational Basketball Tournament, taking a 70 – 46 win over the Blue Valley Southwest Timberwolves in the opening round.

Piper senior Bryce Yoder made six three-pointers in the game, his teammates repeatedly screening Yoder’s defender in the lane to get him open on the wing. “He doesn’t miss,” exclaimed a Spring Hill player, as he watched from the stands with his team.

Yoder totaled 20 points for the game, while Doc Covington scored 17, using his speed to slash to the basket.

Coach Toure’ Grimes substituted frequently throughout the game, resting his starters for a busy week of tournament action. Ten players saw minutes in the game.

The Pirates’ second round game is on Thursday at 8:15 p.m. They will play the winner of Wednesday afternoon’s contest between Sumner Academy and Eisenhower High School of Goddard, Kan.