Basehor-Linwood junior Jacob Coleman (1) drew a charge on this drive from Piper junior Trey Bates (11). (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
by Brian Turrel
The Piper Pirates’ hopes for consecutive Kaw Valley League championships took a hit on Tuesday evening when they lost to rival Basehor-Linwood High School, 75-68.
The Bobcats’ quick defense prevented Piper from getting shooters open outside.
Basehor was quick in the paint as well, drawing three charge calls by getting defenders in position on Piper drives. Basehor established its outside attack from the beginning, hitting 5 three-pointers in the first quarter and taking a 14-point halftime lead.
Piper made a few runs at the lead in the second half, closing within single digits multiple times before letting Basehor slip away.
Freshman Tamar Bates, recently back from an injury, came on strong with 12 second-half points. Sophomore Ty Shelley also helped the comeback effort, hitting two three-pointers and two of three foul shots in the fourth quarter.
Errant outlet passes and offensive fouls were missed opportunities that prevented the Pirates from closing the gap further. Basehor got plenty of work at the free throw line to close the game, hitting 16 of 23 chances in the fourth quarter.
Covington led the Pirates with 21 points and 5 assists, but didn’t have his usual shooting touch, going 1-for-6 from three point range. Tamar Bates ended with 13 total points, 3 assists and 5 rebounds. Gabe Eskina was the leader on the boards, picking up 7 rebounds.
The longtime rivals will play again on Feb. 13 in what may be their last meeting for some time. The teams are in separate classifications and will move to different leagues for the 2018-2019 season.
Piper is now 4-2 in the league (9-5 overall), two games behind leader Bonner Springs. Piper will play at Tonganoxie High School at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2.
Freshman Tamar Bates (12) threaded his way through the Basehor defense to the basket. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel) Tamar Bates concentrated on a free throw attempt. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel) Trey Bates tried to put up a shot over Basehor sophomore Connor Younger (30). (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel) Trey Bates navigated through the Basehor defense. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel) Senior Daviance “Doc” Covington (1) looked for an opening to drive the ball. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel) Junior Braijion Barnes (4) pinned a shot against the backboard for one of his two blocks in the game. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel) Junior Cooper Beebe (00) got defender Jacob Coleman in the air before going up for his shot and collecting a foul. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel) Doc Covington passed to a teammate on the left wing. Covington had 5 assists in the game. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel) Junior Brandan Jackson (21) applied defensive pressure to Basehor senior Zach White (33). (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
