BonnerSprings.com

Effort hasn’t been an issue for the Bonner Springs girls basketball team this season.

BSHS coach Clay Oakes has been pleased with how hard his team has played — particularly during the final month of the season.

Availability of players has been a thorn in the Bravettes’ side, however. Numerous illnesses throughout the season forced them to play with limited rosters, and that proved to be a problem in a season-ending loss to state powerhouse Shawnee Heights in the first round of the Class 5A sub-state tournament on Wednesday, March 4.

Heights defeated Bonner Springs, 56-22. The Thunderbirds went on to defeat Schlagle in the sub-state finals and earn a berth in the state tournament.

“We were so short handed coming in, and we knew we were going to have a tough matchup,” BSHS coach Clay Oakes said. “We got some ‘deer in the headlights’ looks early from the less experienced players, but I think it is good for the team to see what it takes to win at a high level.”

Shawnee Heights’ defensive pressure gave the Bravettes problems throughout the game. They turned the ball over 25 times against a fierce half-court defense. Heights also utilized its interior size advantage to score second-chance points.

“We didn’t do a good job of handling the ball against their pressure all night long,” Oakes said. “It really cost us, especially against a team good enough to win (the state tournament).”

Oakes wasn’t surprised with how good Heights was. The Thunderbirds have been state tournament regulars for the past decade. They placed third at state last year and won the Metro Prep Classic at BSHS in December after beating powerhouse Bishop Miege in the finals.

Sub-state marked the final game for seniors Starian Porchia and Anna Hutchison. The Bravettes (4-17) will return a young but extremely experienced squad next season. The bulk of the offense will be back, as will be almost the entire starting lineup.

Comments