KCK student named to dean’s list

Bryce Yoder, Kansas City, Kansas, has been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2019 semester at Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa.

Yoder is a graduate of Piper High School.

Students named to the dean’s list achieved a minimum 3.7 grade point average for the semester.

Simpson College, located near Des Moines, was founded in 1860 and has about 1,300 full-time undergraduate students and 400 part-time students.

Lady Pirates top Shawnee Heights 67-35

Junior Evelyn Vazquez drove the lane for a layup in Piper’s 67-35 win over Shawnee Heights. (Photo copyright 2020 by Brian Turrel)
 

by Brian Turrel

“A steal and a score, Evelyn Vazquez.” Piper’s public address announcer said that a lot during Wednesday evening’s girls basketball match against Shawnee Heights. The Lady Pirates won the game 67-35.

Vazquez scored 19, most of them by taking the ball away from the Lady Thunderbirds and sprinting the length of the court for a layup. The defense didn’t stop with Vazquez. A full team defensive effort smothered the Thunderbirds’ offensive prospects.

Piper did most of its damage in the first half, running up a 44-13 lead at the break and only allowing Shawnee Heights 4 points in the second quarter.

In the second half, Piper coach Shane Stout relied heavily on his reserves and practiced different personnel sets and ball handlers. With five seniors in his core rotation, Stout has some big changes to prepare for next season, even while he gears up for a long post-season run.

The game marked the return of Ali Vigil to Piper’s home court. Vigil, rehabbing after knee surgery following the state championship loss last March, saw her first game action Friday at Spring Hill. Heading into the playoffs, Vigil’s height and shooting touch will give the Lady Pirates a lot more offensive flexibility.

Vazquez’s 19 points led all scorers. Vigil and Ayreona Carter both added 12, while Grace Banes scored 11, including 3 three-pointers.

The Lady Pirates improved their season record to 14-2 (6-0 in the Frontier League). They’ll play host to Bonner Springs on Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m.

Senior Ayreona Carter put up a shot in the lane. (Photo copyright 2020 by Brian Turrel)

 

Senior Ali Vigil drove in for a shot at the rim. (Photo copyright 2020 by Brian Turrel)

 

Senior Riley Porter ripped down an offensive rebound. (Photo copyright 2020 by Brian Turrel)

 

Evelyn Vazquez drove in for a layup. (Photo copyright 2020 by Brian Turrel)

 

Ali Vigil drove along the baseline before flipping a no-look pass to Evelyn Vazquez near the three-point line. (Photo copyright 2020 by Brian Turrel)

 

Ayreona Carter slapped away a shot from Shawnee Heights senior Jaycee Ginter. (Photo copyright 2020 by Brian Turrel)

 

Senior Grace Banes hit one of her 3 three-point baskets just before halftime. (Photo copyright 2020 by Brian Turrel)

 

Senior Riley Porter slipped the grasp of the Thunderbirds’ defense on a fast break. (Photo copyright 2020 by Brian Turrel)

 

Trapped in the corner, senior Emma Serrano looked for an outlet. (Photo copyright 2020 by Brian Turrel)

 

The Piper cheerleaders performed during a break between quarters. (Photo copyright 2020 by Brian Turrel)

 

Freshman Ryann Clark dribbled across the top before pulling up for a shot near the free throw line. (Photo copyright 2020 by Brian Turrel)

Schools cancel classes

Some area schools are canceling classes with extreme wind chill readings in Thursday’s forecast.

Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools have canceled school for Thursday, Feb. 13, because of the weather.

Also closed because of the extremely cold weather and slick roads on Thursday are the Piper Public Schools.

The Bonner Springs-Edwardsville Public Schools have no classes scheduled for kindergarten through 12t grade on Thursday, Feb. 13, and Friday, Feb. 14. Parent-teacher conferences are this week. There was no school for elementary students on Wednesday.

The Kansas City, Kansas, Public Libraries will be closed on Thursday because of the weather.

Kansas City Kansas Community College will have a delayed start at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 13. All classes and events at 9:30 a.m. or after will proceed as scheduled.

The Turner Public Schools also have canceled classes on Thursday, Feb. 13, because of the inclement weather. However, scheduled parent-teacher conferences in Turner still will be held Thursday.