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 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 Matlon and Kilpatrick and zoned the rest of the team. When Josh and Caden score, we do well. When they don’t, we struggle. It was good to see them get going and help get our first home win of the season,” Herbert said. The Eagles did not let up as the game progressed. Hustle provided by Junior Forward Gavin Oyler and Sophomore Forward Cole Keller helped put the game out of reach. Oyler ran the floor well and contributed transition buckets while Keller’s two blocks and scoring under the basket were solid.

Keller often gave up size to the Griffins frontcourt without backing down. Oyler was determined to not let his team sit on their lead.

“Those two guys were a huge lift and provided a physical presence around the basket. Gavin is undersized height wise but makes up for it with his strength and grit. Cole has the length, but as a Sophomore you’re just not as big and strong yet. He’s got long arms that change shots on a regular basis. We’ve got a pretty good mix right now with our rotation,” said Herbert.

Grain Valley defeated the Van Horn Falcons at home January 22nd, next facing Oak Grove on January 24th. The team then meets Kearney for a conference matchup on January 29th.

Junior Guard Caden Matlon sinks a three pointer. Matlon scored 18 points during the game. Photo credit: Valley News staff

Junior Forward Gavin Oyler splits the double team for the basket. Photo credit: Valley News staff