Lady Eagles Fight Hard in Dropping 3rd Place Game in Sonic Showdown

     Head Girls Basketball Coach Randy Draper was pleased with his team’s effort overall against the Fort Osage Indians on January 25th.  The Lady Eagles hosted the third-place game in the Sonic Showdown, coming up short 46-56.
     The game was a tale of two halves.  The first quarter was highlighted by nine Fort Osage fouls.  The Indians ran a 2-3 zone that Grain Valley attacked with ball movement and drives to the basket.  The Eagles were successful in converting free throw attempts at the line and keeping the game close. 
     The second quarter saw the Lady Eagles turn the ball over with some frequency. This halted their run at trying to take the lead heading into half.
     “Turnovers and empty trips. We don’t shoot the ball great to begin with, and we need to score as many times down the floor as possible.  Our ball movement has gotten better.  There are a lot of things I’m happy with.  Some of the unforced stuff like turnovers are opportunities for improvement for us,” Head Coach Randy Draper said.
     Key first half contributors for Grain Valley included Junior Forward Keely Hill with a block under the Fort Osage basket along with a strong post bucket, and a made free throw by Senior Forward Gracelyn LaForge.  Each of these took place with under two minutes left in the first half and helped reduce the deficit to 25-29 heading into the half.
     The second half saw an eruption of scoring by Senior Guards Kendra Seibert and Brittney McKay, making them the Eagles leading scorers on the evening.  Seibert poured in 18 points while McKay contributed 15 points. 
     Their styles varied in how put the ball through the hoop.  McKay sank two third quarter three pointers from behind the arc.  Seibert was aggressive in breaking down the Indians defense with her successful drives to the basket.
     “Those two are both four-year varsity players that have started for three years.  They have played in big games and they’re both super tough kids who I trust.  It doesn’t mean it will always work out, but you don’t mind them having the ball because they are going to do all that they can to help the team,” Draper said.
     The Lady Eagles have a tough stretch of games coming up over the next few weeks.  They will be hosting Grandview, Smithville, and Winnetonka at home prior to playing at Grandview on February 7th.
 

Senior Forward Gracelyn LaForge attempts a free throw.
Photo credit: John Overstreet
 

Senior Guard Brittney McKay attempts a shot on basket.
Photo credit: Valley News staff