Author: Brian Turrel

Schlagle wins first-round playoff, 65-49

Schlagle junior Kenaja Green (10) grabbed a defensive rebound Wednesday against Shawnee Heights. Green finished the game with 11 rebounds. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

The Schlagle Lady Stallions kicked off the 2018 KSHSAA 5A playoffs with a convincing 65-49 win at home over Topeka’s Shawnee Heights.

Although Schlagle jumped to an early 6-1 lead, the first half was nearly a draw. The Thunderbirds’ defense limited the effectiveness of Schlagle’s dribble penetration, while Schlagle held Shawnee Heights sharpshooter Lydia Ostenson in check on 1-for-7 three point shooting. The half ended with Schlagle up 28-24.

In the second half, Schlagle worked through post players Kenaja Green and Tylieea Wallce to find opportunities inside and outside the arc. The Stallions’ defense forced turnovers and gave up only four made baskets in the quarter to open up the lead. Schlagle ended the third quarter ahead 15 points.

In the fourth quarter, Ostenson made a brave effort at a comeback, scoring 13 points and driving the Thunderbirds’ offense faster. However, Schlagle held the line and closed out the game with little worry.

Ishante Suttington led the Lady Stallions with 22 points, including 3-for-7 shooting from three-point range. Green scored 20 points and pulled down 11 rebounds.

Schlagle will play Topeka’s Highland Park at home at 6 p.m. Saturday in the substate final.

Sophomore Ishante Suttington (23) took a three-point shot from the right wing. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Sophomore Camille Evans (1) concentrated on a free throw. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Senior Tatyana Ramsey (11) secured a rebound and looked to push the ball up the court. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Kenaja Green took a short jumper in the lane. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
The Schlagle band and auxiliary performed at halftime. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Freshman Tylieea Wallace (32) put back an offensive rebound with a hook shot. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Ishante Suttington drove the lane for a floater. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Camille Evans dribbled the ball at the top of the circle. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Shawnee Heights senior Lydia Ostenson (3) drove for a layup in the closing minutes of the game. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

State wrestling tourney recap

Kansas state wrestling championships were held Friday and Saturday, and several Wyandotte County wrestlers earned medals.

At the 4A tournament in Salina, Bonner Springs freshman Cruz Lara won the 106-pound weight class. Caleb Willis was 2nd in the 220-pound weight class, and Joe Tapia and Trai Warburton placed 4th in the 145-pound and 170-pound weight classes.

Bonner Springs took third place in the team competition, behind Arkansas City and Andover Central.

At the 5A tournament in Park City, Kan., Schlagle senior Mason Turner won the 126-pound weight class, pinning Jared Simma of St. Thomas Aquinas in only 26 seconds in the championship round. Tylen Wallace placed 3rd in the 285-pound weight class, and Jonah Andrews placed 5th in the 113-pound class.

Turner High School’s Cameron Bates placed 6th in the 195-pound weight class.

Pirates over Golden Bears, 71-54

Piper junior Braijion Barnes (4) put down a slam dunk in the third quarter. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

The Piper Pirates beat Turner 71-54 in Piper on Friday night to close out the final Kaw Valley League basketball season.

Points were hard to come by in the early going, with the first basket made four minutes into the game. Turner held the lead at the end of the first quarter, 11-6.

The Pirates opened up their offense in the second quarter, collecting 23 points from six different players in the quarter, including three-pointers from Trey Bates and Ty Shelley. Piper held the halftime lead 29-24.

The teams were evenly matched through the third quarter, but Turner wasn’t able to close the gap. In the fourth quarter, Piper’s Doc Covington and Tamar Bates combined for 20 points to pull away from the Golden Bears.

Doc Covington led Piper scoring with 20 points, and Tamar Bates added 14, all in the second half. Donald Rollen paced Turner with 11 points, and Fred Poe scored 10.

Both teams will be in substate action next weekend in the KSHSAA state tournament. Tournament brackets and schedules will be announced Saturday morning.

Young Piper fans were impressed by Trey Bates’ moves on a fast break. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Turner senior Donald Rollen (12) got a hand on a shot by Piper junior Braijion Barnes (4). (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Turner senior Fred Poe (33) drove to the basket. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Turner senior Ricky Jackson (5) was challenged by Piper junior Cooper Beebe (00) on his shot. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Piper sophomore Ty Shelley (23) took a three-point shot. Shelley hit 3 of 5 shots from three-point range. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Cooper Beebe tried to get a shot past Fred Poe but was fouled. Beebe ended the game with 9 points and 6 rebounds. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
The Piper dance team performed an emotional dance routine honoring their senior members. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Fred Poe dribbled at the perimeter looking for an opening in the Piper defense. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Piper senior Bryce Yoder (30) pulled down one of his 13 rebounds in the game. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Turner senior Russell Reed III drove for a layup. Reed hit three 3-point shots to end the game with 9 points. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)