by Brian Turrel
The Piper Lady Pirates’ season opener had a familiar feel to it. Piper controlled the game from the start with overwhelming defensive pressure and ran out to a lopsided score, 66-27 over the Ottawa Lady Cyclones.
Junior Evelyn Vazquez once again provided the intensity behind Piper’s defense, seemingly glued to the Ottawa ballhandlers on their way up the court and double-teaming with senior guard Riley Porter to lock down Ottawa’s offense. Vazquez and Porter scored several baskets turning steals into fast-break layups.
The Lady Pirates relied on senior forward Ayreona Carter for their inside presence. Ali Vigil, still working back from a knee injury in last year’s state final, warmed up with the team but didn’t play. Senior guard Grace Banes provided an outside threat, hitting three 3-point baskets.
Vazquez paced the Lady Pirates in scoring with 21, including 16 in the first half. Carter added 13, and Porter 12.
Piper stands second in the KBCA 4A rankings after finishing as the runner-up in last year’s state tournament and expects to contend once again for a championship.
The Piper girls will head to Paola next week to play in a tournament, facing off with former Kaw Valley rivals Basehor-Linwood in the opening round on Monday.
