Piper girls defeat Hayden 58 – 28

Piper sophomore Ali Vigil (25) took the ball to the basket for a layup in the first quarter. Vigil scored 11 points in the game. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

The Piper girls basketball team lived up to its highly rated reputation on Tuesday evening, handing Topeka’s Hayden Catholic High School a 58 – 28 defeat. Piper overpowered the Lady Wildcats with strong inside play from Ryan Cobbins, and tough pressure defense from Evelyn Vazquez.

Piper started slowly, spotting Hayden an early lead in the first quarter. Piper finished the second quarter strong and held a 25 – 18 lead at halftime.

Cobbins, together with Ali Vigil, took over the game offensively in the third quarter, combining for 17 points and putting the game out of reach. Vazquez’s defense fueled the offense by forcing bad passes and steals in the backcourt to allow Piper some easy breakaway baskets.

Piper remains undefeated, improving its season record to 5 – 0. Piper will play next on Dec. 15 at home against Tonganoxie.

Photos copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel

Junior LaKya Leslie (24) took a shot over the Hayden defense. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Piper junior Ryan Cobbins (23) pushed the ball up court in the first quarter. Cobbins scored 20 points in the game to lead the Pirates. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
The Piper cheerleaders fired up the full and enthusiastic student section between quarters. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Sophomore Grace Banes (15) put up a short range jump shot late in the second quarter. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Freshman Evelyn Vazquez led a fast break in the third quarter. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Ryan Cobbins posted up against the Hayden defender in the fourth quarter. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)