Theory Bryant, a student at V. Lindsay SDA School, wowed the crowd with her impassioned recitation of the “I Have a Dream” speech. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
by Brian Turrel
A crowd of around 750 braved the ice and cold to honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Reardon Convention Center in Kansas City, Kan.
The Rev. Calvin Butts III of the Abyssinian Baptist Church of New York City gave an address, placing King’s vision within the long line of biblical and modern prophets in calling for equality, peace and health. He related each of those visions to contemporary political and social issues.
Butts exhorted the crowd to “go to work” using King’s vision as a blueprint, specifically commending Kansas City’s Mount Zion Baptist Church for their work in building homes.
Thirty-five Wyandotte County students received the Rev. C.E. Taylor-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarships, and over $13,000 toward the scholarship fund was collected from the crowd and from business and church sponsors.
Stanton Parker II, a scholarship recipient in 2008 and now a consultant with the Ernst & Young accounting firm, addressed the students. He offered three of them a choice between $100 and his business card. Each of the students chose the business card, demonstrating Parker’s point that connections were important to future success.
The mass choir sang several gospel hymns that had many in the crowd clapping and singing along. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Newly installed KCK mayor David Alvey reiterated King’s message of Christian faith. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)The Rev. Calvin O. Butts III gave the keynote address. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Stanton Parker II posed after the celebration with Tyler Whitmire, who took the initiative to ask for (and get) Parker’s $100. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Bonner Springs junior A.J. Watson took an outside jump shot. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
by Brian Turrel
The Bonner Springs boys basketball team held off a fourth quarter rally by Piper to earn a 73-61 victory Friday night on the Bonner Springs home court.
Bonner Springs held a small but consistent lead through the first three quarters, fending off the Pirates with three-pointers from guard A.J. Watson when they threatened to close the gap. The score was 39-34 in Bonner’s favor at halftime.
Bonner led 50-45 at the third quarter break, but six quick points put Piper in front with only 30 seconds off the fourth quarter clock. Coach Dan Streit called a timeout to steady the Braves, who responded by getting a stop on Piper’s next possession.
With the score tied at 53, Watson hit another three-pointer to take the lead back for good. Piper was forced to foul to extend the clock, and Bonner hit 13 of 14 free throws to close out the game.
Watson paced the Braves with 32 points, including 6 three-point baskets. Keyon Thomas added 24, using his speed to get to the rim off the dribble.
Braijion Barnes scored 16 for the Pirates and provided strong interior defense. Doc Covington added 15.
Omar Brantley and Maryam Zlitni were named courtwarming king and queen during a halftime ceremony.
The Braves sit atop the Kaw Valley League with a 5-0 record (8-1 overall). Piper drops to 3-1 in the league (6-3 overall). Both teams head to non-conference tournaments on Tuesday, Bonner at the Baldwin tournament, and Piper at Spring Hill.
Maryam Zlitni smiled as she received the courtwarming queen’s crown from last year’s winner, Paige Krone. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Omar Brantley was named courtwarming king at the halftime ceremony. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Bonner Springs senior Alonzo Hokes (20) took a short range jumper over the defense of Piper junior Trey Bates. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Bonner Springs junior Keyon Thomas (23) drove to the basket against Piper senior Daviance “Doc” Covington (1). (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Doc Covington set up perimeter defense against Keyon Thomas. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Piper junior Braijion Barnes (4) attempted to block a Keyon Thomas layup. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Bonner Springs senior Cole Oakes (3) drove the ball against Piper senior Bryce Yoder (30). (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Keyon Thomas laid the ball up around the defense of Piper senior Cooper Beebe (00). (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Doc Covington knocked the ball away from Keyon Thomas to prevent a breakaway. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)The packed and rowdy Piper student section loved this fourth quarter Braijion Barnes dunk. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Piper sophomore Riley Porter (12) set up the backcourt press against Bonner freshman Keyana Cruse (21). (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
by Brian Turrel
The Piper High School Lady Pirates, ranked the third best 4A Division 1 team in the latest Kansas coaches’ poll, continued their path toward another Kaw Valley League crown with a 59-20 defeat of the Bonner Lady Braves on Friday night.
The game started slowly, with Piper leading 6-2 halfway through the first quarter. The Pirates then turned up the heat, running away to a 17-3 first quarter advantage and taking the mystery out of the final result.
Piper’s backcourt trapping defense led to several Bonner turnovers and when Bonner broke the press, Piper’s taller defenders prevented the Braves from sprinting to the rim.
Grace Banes’ accurate shooting generated 15 points to lead Piper, including three 3-point shots. Reserve guard Riley Porter added 12, mostly in the second half. Ali Vigil scored 10 in limited minutes.
Hallie Hoffine led the Braves with 10, sometimes generating her own offense off the dribble when the Piper defense was tight.
The Lady Pirates remain undefeated at 9-0 (4-0 in the league). They will play next at Turner High School on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. The Lady Braves drop to 2-7 (1-4 in the league) and will play in the Tonganoxie Invitational Tournament, starting against the KC Metro Academy Mavericks on Tuesday at 3 p.m.
Piper sophomore Ali Vigil (25) defended against a shot attempt by Bonner Springs senior Skyler Ochoa (32). (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)This young Bonner fan joined the cheerleaders for a few cheers. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Piper freshman guard Evelyn Vazquez (3) looked for an open teammate. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Ali Vigil tried to work the ball inside against the Bonner defense. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Skyler Ochoa dribbled the ball looking for a way around Evelyn Vazquez. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Grace Banes looked to reverse the ball from the right corner. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)Bonner Springs junior Hallie Hoffine (11) drove the ball against Piper sophomore Grace Banes (15). (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
