Sports
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Focusing on the Process Lifts Eagles to Victory over Oak Grove by John Unrein
The Eagles Boys Head Basketball Coach Andy Herbert’s message this season has been consistent. “We’ve talked all year about focusing on the process rather than the result, and that if you do things the right way long enough good things will happen,” Herbert said. Grain Valley’s 65-63 buzzer beating victory over Oak Grove is proof that the message has taken hold. The Eagles erased a 21-point deficit in the second half. The win culminated with Junior Josh Kirkpatrick’s tip in under the basket off Sophomore Cole Keller’s missed shot as time expired. Keller displayed heart in getting himself in position to attempt the contested shot. Kirkpatrick’s hustle and timing were brilliant on the follow up. He was in the right place at the right time. Other contributions to the team’s victory included the hustle of Junior Gavin Oyler who was on the floor more than once and the strong ball handling and passing of Senior Kevin Gutierrez. Josh Kilpatrick and Caden Mation both tied for the team lead in scoring with 17 points each. The Eagles also tried to hold down the strong play of Oak Grove’s Trey Bryant in the paint. The 6’ 5” Senior was a load to handle on the blocks.
“Oak Grove is a very talented team that’s well coached. Every time we play them it’s a battle. The atmosphere was incredible on both sides. That’s what makes high school sports so much fun,” Herbert said. Grain Valley will next host the North Kansas City Hornets on Friday, January 4th.
(Above) Junior Josh Kilpatrick attempts a free throw before a standing room only crowd in Oak Grove on Friday, December 28th.
(Left) Senior Guard Kevin Gutierrez at tip off vs. Oak Grove.
Grain Valley Boys Basketball will next host the North Kansas City Hornets on Friday, January 4th. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Grain Valley Girls Basketball Drops Game to Panthers by John Unrein
The Lady Eagles could not protect their 20-16 halftime lead against the Panthers. Oak Grove’s Lilli Weir provided consistent second half scoring in the low post to help propel her team to a 39-27 win. The Panthers 2-3 zone also proved formidable. The Eagles swung the ball with passes trying to attack the third side of the zone looking for a baseline cutter, an open shot, or drive to the basket. It did not yield enough scoring to erase the second half deficit. Oak Grove moved to a strategy of holding the basketball on offense with under four minutes left in the game. This slowed the pace of action despite constant pressure being applied by
seniors Kendra Sibert, Gracelyn LaForge, and Brittney McKay in the passing lanes and as on the ball defenders. Turnovers also plagued the Eagles in the second half as they attempted to rush the ball up the court in attempt to catch up. “Our effort was good, we got stagnate against their zone and that hurt us in the second half. We still need to improve offensively, but I’m pretty happy with us defensively. It was a good atmosphere to play in,” Head Girls Basketball coach Randy Draper said. Grain Valley will next host the North Kansas City Hornets on Thursday, January 3rd.
Grain Valley Girls Basketball could not protect their 2020-16 halftime lead against 39--27. The Lady Eagles will next host the North Kansas City the Panthers, falling 39 Hornets on Thursday, January 3rd. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Girls Swim & Dive Finishes Fourth in Blue Springs Meet Grain Valley Girls Swim and Dive had a strong showing during a meet at Blue Springs YMCA on December 28th. The team finished fourth behind Blue Springs South, Lee’s Summit North, and Liberty High Schools. The 400 Free Relay team of
Maddie Epple, Alyssa Hanenkratt, Bailey Reich, and Rachel Turpin finished 5th with a State Consideration Time of 4:26.57. Turpin also finished second in the 500 yard freestyle with a time of 5:58.11. Freshman Ella Boyle finished 7th in the 100 yard Butterfly event. Boyle
also competed in the 100 yard Breaststroke, finishing 5th with a time of 1:27.42. Alyssa Hannenkratt finished 6th in the 100 yard Breaststroke with a time of 1:28.51. Hanenkratt and Maddie Epple finished in the top 10 of the 100 yard Freestyle.
Diver Hayden Meyer finished second with a finals score of 199.55. Abigail Castle finished 5th with a score of 180.85. The team next heads to a tournament at the Henley Aquatic Center on January 11th.
