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Sports: Eagles rally late to get comeback win against IndiansSports: Eagles rally late to get comeback win against IndiansSports: Eagles rally late to get comeback win against IndiansSports: Eagles rally late to get comeback win against Indians 10 1010
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Eagles rally late to get comeback win against Indians
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by John Unrein
Strong spring wind gusts often accompany the onset of warm weather in the Midwest. The outfield flags were blowing from right field to left field with up to 40 mph wind gusts as the Grain Valley Eagles paid a visit to the Fort Osage Indians on April 26th. The conditions made fielding fly balls and pop ups an adventure at times during the contest. Grain Valley middle infielders Avery Garmon and Parker Bosserman used the wind to their advantage in securing key runs batted in for the Eagles in their 4-3 comeback win against the Indians. Garmon was the first to deliver in the top of the third inning. The Eagles second baseman selected a pitch he could elevate to score Alex Snyder from third base on the sacrifice fly, providing Grain Valley an early lead. Bosserman would follow suit in the top of the sixth inning with the bases loaded. The Eagles shortstop would jump on the first pitch he saw and lifted a fly ball a mile high that twisted in the wind to land safely between third base and left field. The base hit was Bosserman’s third of the day and scored outfielders Snyder and Parker Stone. Bosserman continues to show a knack for connecting with fastballs in at-bats. “I adjusted my hands (on the bat) at the plate and looked for something I could lift. The ball took off enough to score Alex (Snyder). It was great to see the smiles on the faces of my teammates afterwards,” Garmon said. Bosserman added, “I was looking to be selective and possibly walk in my final at-bat. Instead, I went after the first pitch I saw, and the wind helped me with the rest. The baseball landed in a perfect spot and we got to continue our rally. Yep, I seem to be pulling everything at the plate right now.” Accompanying the Eagles offensive success was the starting pitching of Cole Keller on the mound. The senior hurler would give up two earned runs across five innings while striking out six and walking three. Keller would lean on his fastball when he needed to throw strikes and challenge hitters. Equally as impressive was the pick off of a Fort Osage baserunner at second base in the bottom of the first inning by Keller. “The strike zone was tight today and that made me focus on where I placed my pitches. It worked out well in that I threw strikes. I was impressed with the way Kaden (Jeffries) pitched in relief. The catch that Alex (Snyder) made at the end of the game was big for us as well. He is a young guy on this team that is stepping up to help his team win,” Keller said. Grain Valley third baseman Riley Bown would support Keller on the mound with a nifty defensive play in the bottom of the second inning. Bown would get his body in front of a hard hit grounder only to have it bounce off his forearm before picking up the ball and firing it to first base to record the out. Bown would not be alone in providing defensive gems for the Eagles. Snyder would record the last out of the game on a dead sprint towards the fence in right center field. The sophomore would put his outstretched glove on the ball just in time. Snyder took the correct route towards the baseball from the first step of his read while battling the sun and wind. Both Bown and Snyder drew loud applause from Grain Valley fans in attendance for their efforts. Eagles head baseball coach Brian Driskell admitted he did not know what to expect heading into the final inning as the energy level did not feel at high level amongst his team. The calm demeanor of Driskell’s team turned out to be a business like approach of finishing out the ball game. One that moved the Eagles record to 14-6 on the season and left Driskell happy with the outcome. “I did not think that Cole was at his best from start to finish, but he was really, really good there for three to four innings before he got tired near the end of his outing. He competed well with the tighter strike zone. Kaden (Jeffries) came in and threw hard late in the game to close things out as well,” Driskell said. “I think I may have cost us a few runs today at third base in my judgment of sending runners. Both Avery (Garmon) and Parker (Bosserman) picked me up, so that was big. Garmon saw the ball well today. Bosserman is a case of where the rich keep getting richer. He has a high average that will continue after his bloop hit that followed two scorchers.” Driskell concluded, “That was an outstanding play by Alex Snyder there at the end of the game. We talk a lot about if you cannot help yourself offensively, then you help yourself defensively. That saved the game and was as big as hitting a grand slam. That was a massive play.”
Right fielder Alex Snyder makes a well timed catch for the last out of the Right fielder Alex Snyder makes a well timed catch for the last out of the Right fielder Alex Snyder makes a well timed catch for the last out of the Right fielder Alex Snyder makes a well timed catch for the last out of the game. Photo credit: John Overstreet game. Photo credit: John Overstreet game. Photo credit: John Overstreet game. Photo credit: John Overstreet
Left: Second baseman Avery Garmon advances to third base. Left: Second baseman Avery Garmon advances to third base. Left: Second baseman Avery Garmon advances to third base. Left: Second baseman Avery Garmon advances to third base. Right: Starting pitcher Cole Keller delivers the ball from the mound.Right: Starting pitcher Cole Keller delivers the ball from the mound.Right: Starting pitcher Cole Keller delivers the ball from the mound.Right: Starting pitcher Cole Keller delivers the ball from the mound. Photo credit: John Overstreet Photo credit: John Overstreet Photo credit: John Overstreet Photo credit: John Overstreet
G R A I N V A L L E Y N E W S
O u r a d v e r t i s e r s s u p p o r t y o u r l o c a l n e w s . S u p p o r t S m a l l B u s i n e s s . S h o p L o c a l .
Lady Eagles roll past Patriots
by John Unrein
The confidence on display by the Lady Eagles soccer team in their Suburban Conference matchup against the Truman Patriots was perhaps best summarized by midfielder Raena Childers. The senior paused briefly before remarking, “We are pretty legit I would say,” when asked to reflect on the best thing about being 12-1. The statement drew an immediate smile from teammate Emma Thiessen who nodded in agreement. The duo combined for eight of Grain Valley’s goals in their 110 victory over the Truman Patriots on April 27th. Both Childers and Thiessen had a plethora of break away chances that resulted in each putting four goals in the net. Clearing all defenders and getting into open space raises the pulse of both the charging player and opposing goalie as this is one of the rarest instances in a soccer game. Someone is going to be ecstatic, and the other party equal in discontentment. Childers and Thiessen each shared their perspective of what this moment is like for them. “My first thought is that I have to get it done. If I do all the work to be one on one with the goalie and miss, then it was a waste,” Childers said. “This team is strong, young, and passionate. We love the game, and we work hard for each other.” Thiessen added, “You do peek at the location of the goalie in those instances as you are processing the coming shot. We work on those situations in practice, so your mindset is about finishing when it occurs during a game.” “We enjoy a fast tempo of play. The respect we have for each other permits us to work well as a team.” The Eagles were indeed fast in surmounting a lead that allowed the spread rule of an eight goal lead or more be invoked at half time. Grain Valley spent much of the first forty minutes on Truman’s side of the field. Executing well placed throws from out of bounds aided the Lady Eagles in executing their offense. Defender/Midfielder Lexie Arreguin continues to excel in this role for Grain Valley. The junior would also score a goal twelve minutes into the first half. “It has been two years since I scored a goal, so that was pretty crazy tonight when it occurred. I really enjoy defense, but it is always fun to have the chance to score,” Arreguin said. “I pick a spot in my mind after surveying the field and lob the ball (on throw-ins). Coach (Tyler) Nichol encourages me to throw the ball long with the nods he gives me if I am on our sideline.” Arreguin finished, “It is so cool to have the record we have, and I am looking forward to seeing how far we get as the season continues.” Lady Eagles head coach Tyler Nichol is not surprised by the level of confidence on display by his team. Nichol points to the tough non-conference schedule Grain Valley played early on against opponents like Kearney, Park Hill South, and Notre Dame de Sion. That level of competition has bolstered his team as they prepare for the month of May and postseason soccer. “It is for sure better to be where we are at than to have to build it there,” Nichol said. “Good sportsmanship and character are the most important things that we want to show. At the same time, we have goals on the field that we are working towards and getting some of our players more than ten minutes on the field matters. At what point do you make rotational changes with your players? You have to find balance and we tried to do that tonight.” Nichol continued, “Manny (Tovar) is a great coach (for Truman) and he understands. We have a good relationship and his team pushed hard tonight the best they could. With everything that has gone on in the last year, the most important thing is that we are all happy to be playing soccer. We are blessed that we have not lost a game yet due to quarantine.” The Lady Eagles remain undefeated in their conference schedule. A young Grain Valley varsity squad with eight freshmen, including goalkeeper Morgan Solomon, who recorded the shutout in net against the Patriots, will next face Fort Osage, Incarnate Word Academy, and William Chrisman in the coming week.
Lexi Lexi Lexi Lexi Arreguin battles for control of the Arreguin battles for control of the Arreguin battles for control of the Arreguin battles for control of the soccer ball. soccer ball. soccer ball. soccer ball. Photo credit: John Overstreet Photo credit: John Overstreet Photo credit: John Overstreet Photo credit: John Overstreet
Raena Childers breaks into the clear. Raena Childers breaks into the clear. Raena Childers breaks into the clear. Raena Childers breaks into the clear. Photo credit: John Overstreet Photo credit: John Overstreet Photo credit: John Overstreet Photo credit: John Overstreet Emma Thiessen prepares to put the ball Emma Thiessen prepares to put the ball Emma Thiessen prepares to put the ball Emma Thiessen prepares to put the ball in play. in play. in play. in play. Photo credit: John Overstreet Photo credit: John Overstreet Photo credit: John Overstreet Photo credit: John Overstreet
Student athletes honored by GKCFCA
by PrepsKC staff (www.prepskc.com)
The Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association honored its 22 scholarship winners at a banquet held Sunday at The McCarthy Chevrolet store in Olathe. The dinner was held to honor the players who each earned a $1,000 scholarship courtesy of The McCarthy Auto Group. The 12th Man award was also given to a non-player who made an impact to football in the Kansas City Metro. Here are this year's winners from Grain Valley: Landen Hinton Landen Hinton Landen Hinton Landen Hinton –––– Grain Valley Grain Valley Grain Valley Grain Valley Landen has a 4.14 GPA, scored a 29 on the ACT and is ranked 50th in his class. He has been named All-District, AllConference and All-Area by The Examiner. Landen has also participated in wrestling and track. Off the field he has been named Academic All-State for football twice, is a three-time DECA state qualifier and is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America. Landen is also an assistant coach for Legacy softball. His Principal Dr. Jeremy Plowman speaks highly of Landen: “Landen has taken an amazing six Advanced Placement courses throughout his career. His AP Lit. teacher brags about his ability to write and connect ideas…Landen was a big reason the offense averaged almost 40 points a game. He not only knew his blocking assignment, but everyone else’s also. He is tough and focused. We were blessed to have him attend Grain Valley High School.” Landen will attend the University of Missouri and study accounting. Hunter Newsom Hunter Newsom Hunter Newsom Hunter Newsom –––– Grain Valley Grain Valley Grain Valley Grain Valley Hunter has a 4.42 GPA, scored a 22 on the ACT and ranks 10th in his class. He was first-team Suburban White AllConference, conference defensive player of the year, Examiner player of the year, KMZU Class 4-5 defensive player of the year and All-State. Hunter also participates in wrestling where he was a placer in his sophomore and junior seasons before winning a state title this year. He is a member of the National Honor Society, co-executive of the NHS School Committee and a member of the Grain Valley Sports League. Grain Valley Principal Dr. Jeremy Plowman said of Hunter: “Hunter Newsom is the epitome of a student athlete. The same skills he has shown on the football field and wrestling mat, he consistently shows in the classroom. He is a leader by example and knows how to encourage people to be their best…Both in the classroom and outside Hunter encourages his peers and respects his teachers and coaches.” Hunter will attend South Dakota School of Mines where he will play football.
Community Calendar
Friday, April 30, 2021 Friday, April 30, 2021 Friday, April 30, 2021 Friday, April 30, 2021
Grow a Reader Virtual Storytime Grow a Reader Virtual Storytime Grow a Reader Virtual Storytime Grow a Reader Virtual Storytime 10:00am -10:20am www.mymcpl.org/events
Children’s Day and Sheep Sheering 9:00am—4:30pm Missouri Town 1855, 8010 East Park Road, Lees Summit 64064 Adults: $7; Children (5-13): $4; Seniors (62 and older): $4; Children 4 and under— Free Spring has sprung and it is time to celebrate! Visit Missouri Town 1855, an open-air living history museum spread across 30 acres, and learn about life in the 19th century. Children will delight in the time-honored games and crafts typical of the mid-1800s including stilts, egg races, tin punching, log sawing, and more. The whole family will enjoy listening to period music, touring the heirloom plant gardens, and meeting our heritage breed livestock, including our team of oxen – Studebaker and Weber!
Tuesday, May 4, 2021 Tuesday, May 4, 2021 Tuesday, May 4, 2021 Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Word Basics: Bullets and Numbering Word Basics: Bullets and Numbering Word Basics: Bullets and Numbering Word Basics: Bullets and Numbering 2:00pm—2:30pm In part two of our paragraphs group series, let’s learn how to add bullets and numbering to your document’s lists. Registration is required. www.mymcpl.org/events
Grow a Reader Virtual Storytime Grow a Reader Virtual Storytime Grow a Reader Virtual Storytime Grow a Reader Virtual Storytime 10:00am -10:20am www.mymcpl.org/events
Up your Facebook game for your business 6:00pm—7:30pm Learn how to put Facebook to work marketing your business. Square One for Business event www.mymcpl.org/events
Board of Aldermen Meeting Board of Aldermen Meeting Board of Aldermen Meeting Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST
Planning & Zoning Commission Planning & Zoning Commission Planning & Zoning Commission Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Meeting Meeting Meeting 6:30pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST
“ ““ “City Wide City Wide City Wide City Wide” ” ” ” Garage Sales Garage Sales Garage Sales Garage Sales The city wide garage sales are held the 3rd Saturday in May. This is not a citysponsored event. Add your garage sale to Valley News May 13th directory for only $5. https://www.grainvalleynews.com/ store/p2/garagesale.html
Board of Aldermen Meeting Board of Aldermen Meeting Board of Aldermen Meeting Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST
Saturday, June 5, 2021 Saturday, June 5, 2021 Saturday, June 5, 2021 Saturday, June 5, 2021
City Wide Clean Up event City Wide Clean Up event City Wide Clean Up event City Wide Clean Up event 8:00am—2:00pm 405 James Rollo DR, Grain Valley City Wide Clean Up is a free annual service by our Public Works division. It is an opportunity for Grain Valley residents to dispose of unwanted items. Items that are not accepted include: tires, paint, oil, refrigerators, household cleaners/chemicals, air conditioner units, bagged trash, yard waste or clippings. Proof of residency is required.
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