Leavenworth Pioneers prevail at Hy-Vee Shootout

Lee’s Summit North wrangled in the two-time defending Kansas Class 5A state champions for the better part of two quarters in Wednesday’s game at the Hy-Vee Shootout.

However, the Leavenworth girls basketball team used its speed, athleticism and experience to pull away for a 43-27 victory at Avila University.

“We said the whole time that we had to pick up the pressure and push the ball,” Leavenworth coach Jordan Mellott said. “Our girls did a great job of that in the first half, but we weren’t making the baskets. This group of girls are a resilient bunch, and they knew they would be able to step up and hit shots when we needed them to.”

When the third quarter came, the Pioneers outscored the Broncos 15-4 to build up a 14-point lead going into the final period. Lee’s Summit North did not score a field goal for the last seven minutes of the game. The Broncos only scored double-digits in the first quarter.

The Pioneers struggled with turnovers early but forced 19 by the Broncos. Nine of those came off steals.

“We make some mistakes because it is early in the season, but they are going to let them go by their heads and they know they are going to get better,” Mellott said.

Destinee Robinson, Alyche Brown, Terrion Moore and Zoie Hayward combined to scored 18 of the team’s 43 points behind the arc. The team shot 50 percent as a whole and held the Broncos scoreless in 13 attempts. Robinson led the team with 12 points, and Moore added nine.

Aiyana Johnson, Aaliyah Johnson and Alexis Griffin each scored seven points for the Broncos.

Olathe Northwest 45, Blue Springs 43

Olathe Northwest junior Maddi Heise emerged from the scuffle at center court with just a few seconds to spare. She used them well, racing to the basket for an unguarded layup to secure a 45-43 victory against Blue Springs. Heise led the Ravens with 10 points, which included a 4-for-6 performance from the field.

Raytown 70, Center 62

The Raytown boys basketball team weathered 10 lead changes and six ties to top Center 70-62 on Wednesday night.

Mason Fair led the Blue Jay’s attack with 19 points, which included a 7-for-10 performance from the field. Devin Drew and Isaiah Burton added 17 and 12 points, respectively.

O’Hara 65, St. James Academy 53

Desmond McDaniel and his hot hand from behind the three-point line led the O’Hara boys basketball team to a 65-53 victory against St. James Academy.

He hit four of his six shots behind the arc and finished 11-for-22 overall. He added two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Nick Naudet joined him in double-figures with 10 points.

This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 9:31 PM with the headline "Leavenworth Pioneers prevail at Hy-Vee Shootout."