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, 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 Forward Gavin Oyler contributed with his strong hustle and defense throughout the game. Photo credit: John Overstreet

Junior Josh Kilpatrick secures the basketball under the Eagles goal. Photo credit: John Overstreet