Piper girls defeat Turner

The officiating crew posed together before the start of the game. (Photo copyright 2023 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

The Piper girls’ basketball won handily over Turner 60-30 on Friday evening. Senior Ryann Clark won the night, leading her team in scoring, and then being crowned courtwarming queen immediately after.

The Lady Pirates’ pressure defense hassled the Turner offense throughout the game, and at every pass it seemed like a Piper defender was already in position to prevent a clean dribble or pass.

The tough defense led to a series of layups from Clark and Sage Grann, especially in the second quarter when Piper turned up the defensive pressure even higher.

Jerzey Hanna was Turner’s main response to the pressure, playing through contact to earn six first-quarter free throw chances. Later in the game, Hanna connected from the perimeter on two three-pointers and a long two.

Even though Clark slipped away in the fourth quarter to change into her courtwarming dress, her 14 points paced the Lady Pirates, with Grann right behind at 13.

Avary Vallejo hit three first-half shots behind the arc for nine points, and Lauren Marron also scored nine.

Hanna totalled 14 points in the game for the Lady Bears, with Arylne Carrillo and Damarys Nieto each adding six.

The courtwarming coronation took place after the game. Alongside Clark, senior boys’ basketball player Terelle Berry was crowned courtwarming king.

The Lady Pirates improved their season record to 13-5 with just two home games remaining, facing Topeka West on Tuesday and Shawnee Heights on Friday.

Turner stands at 1-14 for the season, with a January win against Washington in the plus column. The Lady Bears will play at Basehor-Linwood on Valentine’s Day.

Piper junior Sage Grann took a three-point shot.  (Photo copyright 2023 by Brian Turrel)
Piper sophomore Avary Vallejo took a jump shot from the free throw line. (Photo copyright 2023 by Brian Turrel)
Turner sophomore Kahlis Jones took a mid-range jump shot. (Photo copyright 2023 by Brian Turrel)
Turner sophomore Jerzey Hanna took a three-point shot. (Photo copyright 2023 by Brian Turrel)
The Piper cheerleaders performed a routine at halftime. (Photo copyright 2023 by Brian Turrel)
Piper senior Ryann Clark drove to the basket on a fast break. (Photo copyright 2023 by Brian Turrel)
Piper sophomore Abbie Roth took a shot from the right wing. (Photo copyright 2023 by Brian Turrel)
Piper junior Sage Grann led a fast break. (Photo copyright 2023 by Brian Turrel)
Piper senior Evelyn Collins and Turner junior Jayden Hanna wrestled for a loose ball. (Photo copyright 2023 by Brian Turrel)
Piper junior Lauren Marron took a three-point shot. (Photo copyright 2023 by Brian Turrel)
Turner junior Anely Navidad took a mid-range jumper. (Photo copyright 2023 by Brian Turrel)
A double-team of Piper defenders frustrated a shot attempt from Turner senior Damarys Nieto. (Photo copyright 2023 by Brian Turrel)
Piper senior Tatum Vallejo took a three-point shot. (Photo copyright 2023 by Brian Turrel)
Piper senior Jade Arwine made a layup. (Photo copyright 2023 by Brian Turrel)
Piper seniors Ryann Clark and Terelle Berry were introduced on court before being named courtwarming queen and king. (Photo copyright 2023 by Brian Turrel)

Homecoming heartbreak at Turner

Junior receiver Jaron Brown kept his concentration on the ball and made a 60-yard touchdown reception after the ball was tipped by two defenders. The touchdown gave the Golden Bears a 21-18 lead, but Topeka West made a late comeback for a 26-21 win. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

The classic Journey hit “Don’t Stop Believin'” played over the loudspeakers of the Turner District Athletic Complex at halftime of Friday’s homecoming football game — a perfect tune for a Golden Bears’ performance that had the players, coaches and fans all believing.

Hard-hitting defense and an opportunistic offense gave the Golden Bears a halftime 7-6 lead over the Topeka West Chargers, and they still held a lead late into the fourth quarter until West’s touchdown drive gave the Chargers a 26-21 lead and broke up the dreams of Turner’s first win in its new stadium.

The teams traded scoreless possessions in the first quarter, and Turner got on the board first two minutes into the second quarter on Xavier Wimer’s 2-yard touchdown run.

The score was set up by a 26-yard Wimer toss to Jaron Brown, who made a fantastic catch, reaching around the defensive back’s helmet to secure the ball and keep hold as he hit the turf.

Topeka West took advantage of a short Turner punt to put together a scoring drive just before halftime. West quarterback Malachi Berg ran in from nine yards out, but a failed extra point try left the Chargers down 7-6.

A third quarter interception and long runback by safety Diego Castillo set up another Bears’ touchdown. Running back Donovan Moore ran the ball from the 20 down to the 2-yard line, and Wimer punched it on with two consecutive keepers. A successful 2-point conversion gave the Bears a 15-6 lead going into the final quarter.

The Chargers scored two touchdowns in quick succession in the fourth quarter, the second one set up by a Bears fumble on their own 21-yard line. West failed both 2-point conversions and led 18-15 midway through the quarter.

Turner recovered the lead on another amazing catch by Brown, who snagged the ball after it was tipped by two West defenders and then raced to the end zone for a 60-yard score.

The Turner defense held Topeka West on downs and the Bears got the ball on their own 35 with under 6 minutes remaining but couldn’t make headway on offense.

A good punt by Turner pushed the Chargers to start at their own 28-yard line, but a long pass to the Turner 25 and then a quarterback run to the 2-yard line set the West offense up for the heartbreaking, lead-taking score.

After the game ended, some players were visibly emotional about the loss, when a win had been so close. Head coach Rick Byers consoled them, telling the gathered team that their hurt was a good sign because they cared about the game, and that their future successes would be that much sweeter because of the difficult times now.

The Turner Golden Bears will head to De Soto High School for next Friday’s match starting at 7 p.m.

The loss on a late Topeka West touchdown drive was a tough one for players and fans. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

 

Junior receiver Jaron Brown leaped to bring down a pass. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

 

Senior running back Donovan Moore ran a sweep around the right side. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

 

Turner’s homecoming queen and king from the class of 1972, Connie (DeCoster) Rodriguez and Dick Leeper, were on hand for the 2022 homecoming ceremony. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

 

The Turner marching band performed at halftime. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

 

Senior receiver hauled in a catch for a first down. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

 

Junior quarterback Xavier Wimer plowed through a pile of Topeka West defenders to get to the goal line. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

 

Junior receiver Jaron Brown reached around the defender to snare a 26-yard reception. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

 

Junior quarterback Xavier Wimer ran for a short gain. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

 

Topeka West senior quarterback Malachi Berg was stopped just short of the goal line. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

At Turner Days

Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. Turner Days, one day this year, included a festival, car show and entertainment at Steineger Field, 5800 Metropolitan. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Scenes from the 37th annual Turner Days parade on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Steve Rupert)