Category: High School Sports

by Brian Turrel

The Washington Wildcats defeated the Harmon Hawks on Friday night 58-56. The Wildcats overcame a 5-point fourth quarter deficit to pull ahead in the closing minutes. Washington sealed the win with 8-of-9 free throw shooting down the stretch.

The game was televised on Spectrum Sports as their game of the week. Loud, passionate fans from both teams filled the fieldhouse, even with the snow piling up outside.

Harmon opened the game on a high note, getting a backboard-shaking dunk from Lonell Lane off of a turnover. Lane was then called for a technical foul for hanging on the rim, and Washington picked up the next 10 points for an early advantage.

The fast action and quick change in momentum had fans from both teams roaring. The Hawks recovered their poise and the first quarter lead at 19-16.

Harmon steadily built their advantage through the second quarter, leading by 7 with less than a minute in the half. Harmon looked to run down the clock, but two quick defensive stops lowered the advantage to 30-27 at halftime.

Washington kept within striking distance throughout the second half, and finally made their move with 2 1/2 minutes remaining. The Wildcats’ Alton Easley drove for a layup and converted the and-one foul shot for a three-point play and a 51-50 lead.

Even with the slim margin, Washington looked to run down the clock, and they slowed their offensive tempo. They ran the time down to less than a minute, and the Hawks were forced to foul to extend the game to no avail.

Easley finished the game with 34 points for the Wildcats, including 10-of-10 from the free throw line, and Nathan Johnson added 10. Lane led the Hawks with 26 points, and Santos Ruiz scored 13.

The win keeps Washington undefeated in the Kansas City – Atchison League (4-0, 7-1 overall). The play next at Ottawa on Jan. 22. Harmon drops to 2-2 in the league (5-3 overall). They head to the Baldwin varsity tournament next weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by Brian Turrel

The Schlagle Stallions held off an impressive fourth-quarter comeback from the Wyandotte Bulldogs to hold on to a 72-63 win on Tuesday night at Wyandotte.

With Bulldogs star player Diamond Hines riding the bench, Schlagle dominated the first half with trapping pressure defense that caused several turnovers. The Stallions matched their effective defense with inside scoring from Brian Parker and Jaylin Richardson to take an 18-9 first-quarter lead.

Schlagle continued their showing in the second half, mixing in three-point baskets from Syi Sipple and Kendall Brewer and extending their advantage to 42-22 at halftime.

After the half, Hines came off the bench and brought some life to the Bulldogs’ offense, hitting a three-pointer right away and scoring 10 points in the third quarter. The Bulldogs stopped their slide, but still finished the quarter down 58-36.

In the fourth quarter, Hines and the Bulldogs found another gear. Down by 26 with 5 1/2 minutes remaining, the Bulldogs scored 27 overall, include 4 three-pointers by Hines, to pull within 5 points with one minute on the clock. Schlagle hit 5 of 9 free throws in the final minute to hold on for the win.

Parker led the Stallions with 26 points for the game. Richardson scored 16, and Ty Gilmore contributed 12. For the Bulldogs, Hines led with 28 points, all in the second half. Torry Moore scored 10 and provided some veteran leadership to hold the team together as they struggled in the first half.

Schlagle’s win takes the Stallions’ season record to 2-0 in the Kansas City – Atchison League (2-2 overall). The team will play next on Jan. 11 at home against Atchison. The Bulldogs will play on Jan. 8 at home against Harmon. Schlagle and Wyandotte will face each other again at Schlagle on Feb. 5.