Sports
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Eagles Scoring and Pressure Too Much for Griffins by John Unrein
The most physical team in competition usually catches the breaks or makes the most of their opportunities. The Grain Valley Boys Basketball Team did just that with their 66-35 home win against the Winnetonka Griffins on January 18th. The Eagles opened the game pressing and trapping their opponent
at half court. This led to early turnovers which Grain Valley capitalized on allowing them to jump out to a 28-15 halftime lead. “Tonight, was physical. That’s the part of competing in this new conference that you knew was coming. Until you are through it every night, you realize it’s a grind. We put
Junior Guard Caden Matlon sinks a three pointer. Matlon scored 18 points during the game. Photo credit: Valley News staff
the press in this week and the kids did a good job of executing. We wanted the game to be played up and down the court at a high tempo,” Eagles Head Coach Andy Herbert said. Grain Valley’s leading scorers on the night were Junior Forward Josh Kilpatrick with 20 points and Junior Guard Caden Matlon with 18 points. Both exhibited a smooth shooting stroke on the evening in taking advantage of open looks they were provided by the Griffins defense. This came about by the unselfish passing on display by the Eagles as well as Senior Guard Kevin Gutierrez’s ability to break down the defense with quickness and drives to the basket. “Caden got us going in the first half. 16 of his 18 points came in the first half if I’m not mistaken. Winnetonka went into a triangle and two where they manned Junior Forward Gavin Oyler splits the double team for the basket. Matlon and Kilpatrick and zoned the Photo credit: Valley News staff rest of the team. When Josh and Caden score, we do well. When they don’t, we struggle. It was good to see “Those two guys were a huge lift them get going and help get our first and provided a physical presence home win of the season,” Herbert said. around the basket. Gavin is undersized The Eagles did not let up as the height wise but makes up for it with game progressed. Hustle provided by his strength and grit. Cole has the Junior Forward Gavin Oyler and length, but as a Sophomore you’re just Sophomore Forward Cole Keller helped not as big and strong yet. He’s got long put the game out of reach. Oyler ran arms that change shots on a regular the floor well and contributed basis. We’ve got a pretty good mix transition buckets while Keller’s two right now with our rotation,” said blocks and scoring under the basket Herbert. were solid. Grain Valley defeated the Van Horn Keller often gave up size to the Falcons at home January 22nd, next Griffins frontcourt without backing facing Oak Grove on January 24th. The down. Oyler was determined to not let team then meets Kearney for a his team sit on their lead. conference matchup on January 29th.
Grain Valley Hosts 21st Annual Sonic Showdown
Grain Valley cheerleader Dakota Vogel mid--air during the January 22nd Boys mid Basketball game vs. Van Horn. Photo credit: John Overstreet
Grain Valley’s 21st Annual Sonic Showdown began Monday, January 21st with a nail biter victory by the Grain Valley Lady Eagles who defeated Oak Grove 42-41. The Girls had a tough night on January 23rd as they fell to Oak Park, who won the tournament match 46-31. The Lady Eagles face Fort Osage Friday, January 25th at 7:00pm to battle for 3rd place in the tournament. Oak Park and Ray Pec will follow to determine the tournament champion. Grain Valley Boys Basketball defeated Van Horn Falcons 80-71 on January 22nd and will next face Oak Grove on January 24th at 5:30pm. The winner of the game will advance to Saturday’s championship game.
Gracelyn LaForge looks to move the ball to an open teammate during the home 42--41 game against Oak Grove on January 21st. Grain Valley Girls Basketball won 42 against the Panthers. Photo credit: John Overstreet
