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 20-16 halftime lead against the Panthers, falling 39-27. The Lady Eagles will next host the North Kansas City Hornets on Thursday, January 3rd.

Photo credit: Valley News staff