Highlights from Friday night high school basketball around the Kansas City metro

Rockhurst has picked up steam lately, and beating a nearby rival kept the ball rolling Friday night.

The Hawklets, winners of their last four boys high school basketball games, topped state-line rival and host Shawnee Mission East 66-54.

“We don’t necessarily put one game bigger than another, but this game means a lot to the school, alumni and players,” Hawklets head coach Billy Thomas said. “And to get a win at their place is big and keeps our momentum going.”

The game was a see-saw battle throughout, with the Lancers leading 13-11 after the first period. Rockhurst rallied for a 31-28 lead at intermission behind Brady Maher’s 10 first-half points. The senior guard scored a team-high 16 for the Hawklets

Rockhurst (12-6) expanded the lead for good as sophomore Max Moylan poured in nine of his 15 points in the third quarter. The Hawklets also drew numerous fouls, hitting eight free throws in the period.

Rockhurst finished 21 of 23 at the free-throw line.

“Getting to the free-throw line is always key and our guys hit their shots,” Thomas said. “The guys played good team basketball tonight.”

Kevin Sullivan scored 13 points for the Hawlets, who now hold a 14-12 advantage in their 26-year series against SM East. Rockhurst will face St. James on Tuesday before taking on St. Thomas Aquinas Friday and Creighton Prep (Nebraska) on Saturday.

Teddy Saylor led the Lancers (9-3) with 19 points, while juniors Will Beck and Cole Chinnock added 14 and 10, respectively. Shawnee Mission East returns to action Tuesday at Gardner Edgerton.

Girls scores: Mid America Classic

Olathe South 58, Shawnee Mission East 22: Olathe South advanced to the final of the Mid America Classic in McPherson with a victory over Sunflower League rival Shawnee Mission East. Eve Long notched a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Falcons, while Ella Anderson added 10 points.

Abigail Long scored a team-high 11 points for the Lancers.

Shawnee Mission South 61, McPherson 47

The Raiders didn’t treat the tournament hosts kindly.

Shawnee Mission South, ranked No. 1 in Kansas Class 6A, handled the Bullpups to advance to the championship game against Olathe South. McPherson entered Friday’s game ranked No. 3 in Kansas Class 4A.

Camryn Smith led all scorers with 20 points and eight rebounds. SM South held an early 17-10 lead and 32-26 halftime margin.

The Raiders (10-0) pulled away for good behind Azailah Funches’ 14 points and seven rebounds. Joycelyn Moore added 11 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Ashley VanElders chipped in 12 points and seven rebounds.

The Star has partnered with 810 Varsity for coverage of KC-area high school sports. For more scores, recaps and rankings, visit 810Varsity.com.

This story was originally published January 27, 2024 at 10:16 AM.