by Brian Turrel
The Piper Lady Pirates held on for a 49-41 win at Basehor-Linwood High School on Tuesday evening, as a spirited fourth-quarter comeback attempt from the Lady Bobcats ran out of time.
The first half looked like another cakewalk by the Lady Pirates, who held Basehor to only 5 points in each of the first two quarters. Piper smothered with trapping defense up front and tall defenders clogging the lane behind.
Piper’s Grace Banes hit two three-pointers and Ryan Cobbins scored three baskets inside, giving Piper a 28-10 lead at the half.
The second half saw a letdown in intensity from the Pirates, matched with accelerating pace from the Bobcats as they narrowed the margin and gained confidence.
Basehor scored 22 in the fourth quarter, more than the first three quarters combined, including 8 from senior Katie Yankovich. Piper hit 8 of 15 free throws in the fourth quarter as Basehor fouled to slow the clock.
Banes led the Pirates’ scoring with 13 points. Cobbins added 11 as did Ali Vigil.
For Basehor, Yankovich led the way with 12 points, while freshman Adell Gore and sophomore Lucy Lally each contributed 11. All three were key contributors to the comeback effort.
Piper remains undefeated on the season at 14-0. They improve to 6-0 in the league, two games ahead of Basehor. The Lady Pirates will play at Tonganoxie on Friday evening at 5:45 p.m.
