by Brian Turrel
The Bonner Springs Lady Braves lost 45-33 to Shawnee Heights Tuesday evening in Bonner Springs.
The home team got out to an early 6-3 lead with inside baskets from Mariyah Noel and Wren VanCleave, but the Lady Thunderbirds rallied to pull ahead 8-6. A Corrie Hassett three-pointer put Bonner Springs back in front briefly before Shawnee Heights took the lead for good.
The Lady Braves trailed 12-9 at the end of the first quarter, but their shooting touch failed them in the second. Bonner Springs hit just two baskets from the field, including a buzzer-beater from Noel, who also drew a foul and converted the free throw to narrow the gap to 23-15 at halftime.
Shawnee Heights had eight players score in the game, and the Lady Thunderbirds’ balanced offense steadily expanded their lead in the second half. Both teams were hampered by ball-handling turnovers and foul trouble in the tightly refereed contest.
Hassett led all scorers with 13 points, hitting 3 three-point shots and 4-of-4 from the free throw line. Noel and VanCleave each added 7.
The Lady Braves’ season record now stands at 3-3. Their next game will be at home on Friday against Paola, tipping off at 6 p.m.
