Toughness the winning factor for girls Tuesday night in Platte County

by Bill Althaus

PLATTE COUNTY, Mo. - Randy Draper, the iconic coach of the Grain Valley High School girls basketball team, reminded the Eagles of one important trait before they leave the locker room and head out to the court.

"Coach Draper always talks about toughness," said Sophomore guard Madison Rust, who was feeling queasy before hitting four of the biggest free throws of her life as Grain Valley edged host Platte County 62-59 in double overtime Tuesday night.

"And we were the toughest team against Platte County and that's a big reason we won that game. I wasn't feeling well before the game, Cam (Kelly) told me she wasn't feeling well, and (leading scorer) Addy (Seyfert) missed the game because she was sick.

"But we found a way to win - and after a win like that, everyone felt better."

Rust was 6-for-6 from the line, and hit all four attempts in the second overtime to help the 19-1, 9-0 Eagles claim the dramatic victory.

"I'm usually nervous when I go to the line," Rust added, "but for some reason, I wasn't nervous last night. I wasn't even nervous in the second overtime. I felt confident, I just felt like this was a game we deserved to win because we played as a team - and we won as a team."

Rust finished with a 22 points. Her sophomore backcourt mate Bella Bollinger was right behind with 14 points.

"Let's talk about those two sophomores - Madison and Bella," Draper said. "From the end of last season, and even from the start of this season, they have improved so much in all phases of their games. There's a reason they're starting on a 19-1 team. They earned it, and they just keep getting better and better every time we play.

"Madison had a big game against Platte County - especially when she hit those four free throws in the second overtime. And Bella scored throughout the game to help us get into overtime. And they both play so well in all phases of the game, I'm sure glad they're on our side."

Aspen Reed hit one one of two free throws to send the game into the second overtime period and connected on one free throw in the second overtime as the Eagles outscored the Pirates 7-4.

"It was such a thrilling game," Bollinger said. "We knew Addy wasn't going to play because she was sick, and some of our other players didn't feel well, but we found a way to win and that's what makes us such a special team," Bollinger said.

"It was a loud gym - a super, loud gym - but we played as a team and found a way to win. Coach Draper has so much confidence in us, and that helps us have more confidence in ourselves. We have so much faith in each other and that's how you win a game like that. I am proud of everyone for winning the game."
​