by Brian Turrel
A winning Harmon Hawks season ended in a disappointing first-round playoff loss at home Wednesday evening. Matched against the Olathe North Eagles, the Hawks couldn’t fend off a fourth-quarter run and lost 56-46 in the KSHSAA 6A substate tournament.
The Hawks held a 20-17 halftime lead thanks to excellent on-ball defense that turned into several breakaways, even though missed opportunities at the rim cost the home team an even bigger margin.
The Eagles scored the first 8 points after halftime before Chrishaud Berry hit a three-pointer to stop the slide. Harmon tied the score at 25 and stayed within reach through the remainder of the quarter, going to the final frame down 35-33.
The Eagles scored 9 unanswered points to start the fourth quarter, and Harmon was unable to stop the momentum. Late, frantic scoring from the Hawks was countered at the other end by free throws from the visitors, who maintained their double-digit lead through the final whistle.
After the game, head coach David Gonzales talked about the performance of his team.
“If you take this away,” the coach said, “we had a great season. It stings right now, but we just picked a bad night to play bad.”
The season was a successful one, although with a disappointing finale. Despite losing the first three games, Harmon posted a 15-5 season record, including a nine-game winning streak. The Hawks also won the Kansas City-Atchison League title for the third straight year.
Tournament recap:
In the 3A class, Bishop Ward boys lost in the substate semi-final against Pleasant Ridge 65-52 Thursday evening. The Cyclones finish the year with a 16-5 record and the Kaw Valley League title.
In the 5A class, Sumner Academy girls lost to Leavenworth 40-29. J’Layne Hulse led the Lady Sabres with 11 points, and MyLeah Brown had 9.
Turner girls lost the opening round match against St. Thomas Aquinas 71-17. Piper girls lost a game against Lansing 55-25. The Schlagle Lady Stallions played Basehor-Linwood and lost 68-9.
In the 6A class, Wyandotte boys lost to Shawnee Mission Northwest 76-58 Wednesday evening.
The only Wyandotte County team remaining in the post-season is Piper’s boys’ team, scheduled to play in Topeka against Highland Park at 7 p.m. Friday.
