Sports
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Slow Start and Injuries Lead to Eagles Loss Versus Hornets by John Unrein
The Eagles Boys Basketball Team dropped a home game against the Hornets of North Kansas City Friday, January 4th by a score of 38-59. Missed baskets and turnovers hurt Grain Valley in the first half. The Eagles were able to capitalize on transition baskets as well as driving to the hoop during the first two
quarters of action making the half time score 11-27 in favor of the Hornets. North Kansas City capitalized on a pick and roll offense at the top of the lane that yielded open looks at the basket. They were also successful at contesting Grain Valley’s shots. One of these occurred under the goal early in the first quarter,
Junior Forward Gavin Oyler contributed with his strong hustle and defense throughout the game. Photo credit: John Overstreet
leading to the Eagle’s Kevin Gutierrez injuring his leg and exiting the game. Junior Guard Danthony Pennington opened the second half with a torrid display of scoring. His trio of three pointers as well as a goal after a determined drive to the lane maintained the Hornets lead at the end of the third quarter, with a score of 27-44. Grain Valley Sophomore Forward Cole Keller was active during the second half, including a basket under the goal off an inbound pass. He was joined by Junior Forward Josh Kilpatrick whose aggressive play allowed for a successful coast to coast drive with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. Kilpatrick was not done, as he continued to surge toward the basket resulting in two made free throws on a foul and a fruitful two-point drive with five and three minutes left respectively in the final quarter. Caden Matlon did yeoman’s work as the Eagles primary point guard on the night after the injury to Gutierrez. He was effective in getting the ball up the court, finding the open man on offense with his passing, and adding scoring off drives and jump shots. Matlon went on to hurt his foot in second half and was unable to continue. Junior Forward Gavin Oyler also contributed with his strong hustle and defense throughout the game.
Eagles Boys Basketball Head Coach Andy Herbert offered his thoughts after the game. “North Kansas City is well coached and played well. We didn’t start the game the way we wanted to. Obviously, the injuries to both of our point guards took us out of our rhythm. Hopefully, we’ll get them back soon and we can continue to gather momentum as we head into the Pleasant Hill Tournament.” The boys basketball team will head to Pleasant Hill to face off in their tournament starting Tuesday, January 8.
Junior Josh Kilpatrick secures the basketball under the Eagles goal. Photo credit: John Overstreet
Wylie has been an Anchor along the Chiefs Offensive Line by John Unrein
It’s been said that it doesn’t matter how you get to the NFL, just that you seize the opportunity provided upon your arrival. Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Lineman Andrew Wylie has done just that. The second-year guard broke into the National Football League in 2017 after signing as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens before bouncing to the Indianapolis Colts roster prior to ending up with the Chiefs. Wylie’s effort has been impressive this season. He was one of the stars of Chiefs training camp. He’s played in all sixteen games and has started at right guard during the final ten weeks of the regular season after the leg injury to Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. Furthermore, Wylie was recently recognized by the Chiefs as their Rookie of the Year, winning the prestigious Mack Lee Hill Award. This recognition holds a special place in Chiefs lore. Mack Lee Hill played two seasons at running back for Kansas City (1964-1965) prior to passing away after knee surgery in December two days after a game against the Buffalo Bills. Wylie’s recognition in winning this award was determined by a vote of his teammates, not a token of respect to be
held lightly. Wylie is currently ranked as the 38th best guard in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. The 24-year-old has proved durable throughout the season, adding to the phrase that your best ability is often your availability. The 6’ 6” three hundred- and ninepound lineman may not be playing his best position along the offensive line either. Wylie starred collegiately at Eastern Michigan as an offensive tackle and was used primarily at that spot as a reserve for the Chiefs prior to Tardif’s injury. Surprisingly enough, Wylie was not invited to the NFL combine, despite being recognized with All-MAC Conference Honors and starting 44 games at Eastern Michigan in helping to propel his alma mater to its first bowl game in 29 years during his senior campaign. However, NFL teams could not ignore the numbers Wylie put up during his pro day in the spring of 2017. His numbers turned the heads of professional scouts. He bench pressed 340 pounds, along with posting a 4.5 second 20-yard shuttle, a 9-foot-7-inch broad jump, and a 34-inch vertical leap. This performance would have placed him near the top of all offensive
lineman at the NFL combine. Wylie’s tenacious play in the trenches is what has been most impressive. He plays to the end of the whistle, often getting under the skin of his opponents. This was apparent during the Chiefs Week 14 matchup at Arrowhead against Baltimore during the regular season. The Ravens defense was unnerved by Wylie’s use of leverage in the run game as well as his final hand placements in pass protection. Usually it’s the Ravens’ opponents that take exception to their physical play, not the other way around. No one has accused Wylie of being a dirty player. On the contrary, the pushing and shoving that occurs with Wylie after the play has been because they know its going to be a long day against number 77 for the Chiefs. Wylie’s emergence could not have come at a better time for
Kansas City. The interior offensive line has seen it’s share of injuries this season. Mitch Morse has missed time with a concussion. Cam Erving recently has been in and out of the lineup due to a knee injury. Tardif was on his way to a potential pro bowl season prior to breaking his fibula. The Kansas City Chiefs need Wylie to continue to be an anchor of continuity to help propel the team through the playoffs.
