Sports
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Eagles Push Jaguars to the Limit in District Loss by John Unrein You could cut the figurative tension with a knife inside of Truman High School’s Gym on Thursday, February 28th. The Eagles would score 35 second half points against the Jaguars, coming up just short in their 57-55 Class 5 District 14 matchup. Eagles Head Boys Basketball Coach Andy Herbert was confident his team would be able to compete despite being the smaller school by enrollment. “We expected to win that game. I told the team afterwards that when you give it your best and come out on the wrong end you tip your hat and know that you can be without regret in having given it your best shot. I am proud of this group of kids and the way they competed tonight. They left everything on the floor.” Neither team could get into an
offensive rhythm in the first half. Turnovers, fouls, and strong defense by both teams led to the Jaguars being ahead 26-20 at the half. It was a physical basketball game with players on the floor multiple times and neither side being able to clearly exert their will during the first two quarters of play. The opening of the second half saw determined play by the Eagles. They consistently were able to defeat full court pressure by the Jaguars who were trying to slow down Grain Valley’s ability to get back into the game. Junior Guard Caden Matlon and Sophomore Forward Cole Keller provided the bulk of scoring in a frenzied half. Each would go on to lead their team in scoring with 18 points. Junior Forward Gavin Oyler also
Junior Guard Caden Matlon prepares for a drive to the basket. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Upcoming
Prep Events Soccer: Girls Varsity Jamboree vs. Pleasant Hill, St. Teresa’s @ Pleasant Hill High School Monday, March 11, 2019 at 5:00pm Golf: Boys Varsity Tournament vs. Oak Grove @ Adams Pointe Friday, March 15, 2019 at 8:30am Baseball: Boys Varsity vs. Rock Bridge @ Rock Bridge High School Saturday, March 16, 2019 Soccer: Girls Varsity Tournament @ Platte County High School Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 9:00am Track: Varsity Invitational @ University of Central Missouri Monday, March 18, 2019 at 1:00pm
provided a post presence on defense. He drew the assignment of guarding Jaguar Sophomore Forward Jaylon McDaniel. Oyler gave up height and size and not much else in the block to McDaniel, who is a load in the paint. Evidence of this was seen when Oyler blocked a shot in the post with 5:49 left in the third quarter. Grain Valley was able to shave the lead in the second half by scoring on drives and successful baskets in the paint. Augmenting their ability to gain ground were made free throw attempts after being fouled on successful scoring attempts. Examples of this included Keller scoring off an inbound pass under the basket with 3:41 left in the 3rd quarter. Matlon also provided a nifty fingertip layup, taking off just inside the free throw line as Sophomore Forward Cole Keller attempts time expired in the 3rd quarter. Matlon continued his assault on the a shot at the basket. basket down the stretch in the 4th Photo credit: Valley News staff quarter. Especially, after Keller fouled “That I was able to contribute to this out with 4:26 left in the game. Matlon team tonight meant the world. We made five different drives to the goal wanted that win not just for ourselves, for points or free throw attempts with but for our seniors. We did not want 3 minutes or less left in the game. This this to be our last game. We wanted to would include a made circus layup and keep playing for them,” Matlon said. subsequent free throw with :06 left The Eagles boys basketball team that brought the Eagles within two finishes the season 16-11. They say points of the Jaguars. goodbye to group of well-respected Both Matlon and Keller offered their seniors that include Jesse Scholtz, thoughts after the game. Kevin Gutierrez, Brendan Shafer, and “Late in the year you gain the reality Nicholas Brown. The future should that you are competing for guys on this continue to be bright for the Eagles as team so that their season doesn’t end. they return six current juniors and one I wanted to work my rear end off just sophomore for next year to a squad trying to get one more game. My that proved they could compete in the confidence has improved and that has Suburban Conference during their allowed me to help my teammates,” inaugural season. Keller said.
