The Sumner Academy Sabres boys basketball team was ranked second in this week's Kansas City Star poll for small class schools. They are behind Hickman Hills.

St. James Academy, Harmon's opponent tomorrow, is ranked fifth.

On Saturday, The Kansas City Kansan will introduce the Wyandotte County Final Four power rankings. The WCFF will rank the four best boys teams in Wyandotte County.

Note: This story is from Kansas City Kansan contributor Alan Hoskins.

Winless in two Jayhawk Conference starts on the road, Kansas City Kansas Community College hopes the friendly confines of the KCKCC Field House will get the Blue Devils jump started on a lengthy home stand.

Starting Saturday against Allen County, the Blue Devils will be at home for three in a row, five of their next six and seven of nine. Tipoff today is 2 p.m. for the women’s game with the men to follow about 4 p.m. Highland will follow Wednesday (5 and 7 p.m.) with nationally ranked Cowley County coming in next Saturday afternoon.

Neosho County used big second halves to sweep a twin bill at Chanute Wednesday, taking a 67-58 decision in the women’s game and a 77-69 verdict in the men’s contest.

Playing without leading scorer Alexa McGrory who is sidelined indefinitely with a possible ankle fracture, the Lady Blue Devils (7-7) still led 27-24 at halftime only to be outscored 24-8 to start the second half. Limited to 30.9 percent shooting, Neosho took advantage of 21 KCKCC turnovers and 24 fouls to outscore the Blue Devils 18-8 from the foul line.

Sophomore Cameron Roland led KCKCC with 16 points and nine rebounds while Shannon Carlin added 14 points and Kristian Dodds 10. Despite McGrory’s absence, KCCC had a 62-50 rebound advantage as Dodds and Sarah Craft added seven each and Carlin five while Ashleigh Gallio handed out nine assists.

Soph Jack Shortell tied the record for the fourth most rebounds in KCKCC single game history when he pulled down 18 including eight offensive as the Blue Devils dominated the boards 51-34. However, it wasn’t enough to offset 22.7 percent shooting  (5 of 22) from the three-point line,

Melvin Gatson led the scoring with 19 points and nine rebounds while Shortell added 10 points and Derrick Howard and Travis Fairley seven each.   

A question for our growing online community this morning – who do you like in tonight's national title game between the Oklahoma Sooners and Florida Gators?

I'm picking the Gators to prevail 35-24, giving Urban Meyer his second national title in three seasons. I think Florida's defense is fast enough and well coached to contain Sam Bradford and the Sooners offense. Based on the Big 12's performances during bowl season – especially at the quarterback position – it would concern me as a fan of the conference.

If you want other predictions, Ivan Maisel and Pat Forde at ESPN present 10 reasons why they believe Oklahoma and Florida will win.

Jimmie Johnson pulls his car into victory lane in last fall's NASCAR race at Kansas Speedway.NASCAR.com listed the finish at the Kansas Speedway race last season as one of the top five greatest finishes of 2008.

In perhaps the greatest finish in Kansas Speedway history, Jimmie Johnson edged out Columbia, Mo., native Carl Edwards to win the Camping World RV 400, breaking the hearts of many Edwards supporters in the stands at KCK that day.

Johnson held off Edwards after an incredibly rally, who again finished in the top five at Kansas Speedway.

Edwards passed Johnson on the final lap when he shot past Johnson. He slid up the track, bouncing off the wall as Johnson retook the lead for the final time before winning the race.
 

As Wyandotte County’s high school teams return back to the court this week, I decided to look back at the top five games I have seen in person this season.

There may have been otheThe Harmon Hawks celebrate a tournament victoryr games that were more dramatic. But with up to nine games going on at the same time, I can only be at one or two each night. Feel free to disagree and please suggest your own games by registering and commenting.

5. Washington vs. Wyandotte, Dec. 19: While the final score (69-57 Washington) may have indicated a blowout, the game’s atmosphere was electric as Wyandotte High School hosted the renewal of the Kansas City Kan., League rivalry. Wyandotte held a six-point lead, but Kalub Long and Kris Reed led a great Washington charge in the third quarter to take over the game. The crowd was loud and Washington left with a hard earned victory.

4. Bishop Ward vs. Eudora, Dec. 8: Eudora earned a tough win over a young but gritty Bishop Ward team. Eudora prevailed 48-42. Bishop Ward was down seven points at the half. Freshman CJ Vallejo scored 15 points for Ward, while Michael Brocker and Cody Carlson each scored 11 points for Eudora. Eudora would defeat Piper the next day in the semifinals of the Paola Invitational.

3. F.L. Schlagle Lady Stallions vs. Sumner Academy, Jan. 5: Just this week, the Lady Stallions overcame a 15-point first half deficit to upset the Lady Sabres at Sumner Academy. Sophomores Paris Johnson and Erin Copeland each scored 18 points, drilling key three-point shots in the process. Johnson and Copeland’s outside shooting fueled a 26-6 run during the second and third quarters of the game.

2. Harmon vs. Eudora, Dec. 12: The Harmon Hawks survived a big challenge from Eudora to win the Paola Invitational tournament by defeating the Cardinals 76-59. While the final score may have indicated an easy Harmon victory, the game was filled with runs. Harmon jumped off to a 30-16 lead, only to see Eudora narrow the gap to six by halftime. After Harmon regained a nine-point lead at 44-35, Eudora tied the score at 47. Harmon’s Jermery Moore hit key shots in the third quarter to build the lead back to five entering the fourth quarter. Harmon dominated the final eight minutes of play. In the game, Moore scored 18 points, Exavier Bass-Brooks scored 15 points and DeOntae Hooks scored 21 points.

Benny Parker, freshman from Sumner Academy.1. Sumner Academy vs. Raytown, Dec. 18: In the Hy Vee Shootout, featuring the best teams from Kansas competing against the best teams from Missouri, Raytown edged Sumner 64-60, handing Sumner its first and only loss of the season so far. No team had a lead greater than six points. For Sumner, sophomore Eli Alexander and freshman Benny Parker had their coming out parties, as Alexander scored 15 points and Parker earned 14. However, the Sabres could not stop Joshua Gibbs, who scored 22 points and grabbed 10 boards. The game was tied at 55 with under two minutes left. However, Raytown’s Frank Williams scored five straight points. Sumner would narrow the lead down to two at 62-60, but was called for a charge on its final possession.
 

Note: This story is from Kansas City Kansan contributing writer Alan Hoskins.

Wins at Johnson County are rare enough but the one snatched away from Kansas City Kansas Community College’s women Saturday was as painful as they come.

Leading 41-38 with 1.3 seconds remaining and the ball under their own basket, the Lady Blue Devils had their in-bounds pass deflected to the Cavaliers’ Sasha Barnes, who retrieved the deflection, took one dribble and launched e desperation 3-point shot that dropped through as the final horn sounded.

Ironically, Barnes was 0-for-9 from the field before the dramatic game- tying shot.

The overtime was never in doubt as the Blue Devils (7-6) managed only 2 of 11 shots while JCCC was 5 of 7 including a pair of 3-pointers in a 58-45 win.

The win was JCCC’s ninth in a row over KCKCC at home and extended the Cavaliers’ all-time  advantage to 25-7.

Five of those wins came in KCKCC’s 9-game winning streak over JCCC that ended Jan. 19, 2000.

The Blue Devil men (4-9) were no more fortunate, dropping an 85-73 decision for their seventh straight loss.

Both teams are back in action at Neosho County tonight and then open a three-game homestand Saturday, hosting Allen County at 2 and 4 p.m.

Trailing 8-2, the KCKCC went ahead 23-19 at halftime and trailed only twice by one in the second half, the last time at 38-37 with 4:10 left. However, Sarah Craft put KCKCC back in front with a goal with 2:53 to go and Ashleigh Gallio extended the margin to 41-38 with a basket with 1:23 left, a lead that looked safe until Barnes’ goal.

Gallio led the Blue Devils with 13 points and seven assists while Cameron Roland, AlexaMcGrory and Kelsey Stanbrough added nine points each.

Shannon Carlin led rebounding with nine with Craft adding seven for KCKCC, which made only 2 of 6 free throws to 16 of 17 for JCCC.

Johnson County (9-3) broke the men’s game open with a 19-2 run late in the first half to open a 37-17 lead and then held off a Blue Devil rally that got within six points on three occasions in the second half.

Taking advantage of 36 KCKCC fouls, the Cavaliers had only two more field goals but made 34 of 54 free throws to 20 of 30 for the Blue Devils. Melvin Gatson had a career high 26 points for KCKCC while Derrick Denny added 9 and Travis Fairley and Scott Fruehling 8 each. Jack Shortell led the Blue Devils to a 41-39 rebounding edge with 12 but fouled out as did starters Jonathon Wright and Derrick Howard, who had nine assists.
 
 

The Kansas City Wizards, who will play their second season at CommunityAmerica Ballpark next summer, will take part in the MLS SuperDraft, which will be held on Jan. 15.

More information, via a release from the team:

Learn the names of those aiming to become the next MLS stars on Thursday, Jan. 15, when 60 young players will be selected in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. The event will begin at 1 p.m. local time (2 p.m. ET) in St. Louis, Mo., in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). The first hour of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft will be televised live on ESPN2. The 2009 adidas MLS Player Combine begins Friday, Jan. 9 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Members of the Wizards Technical Staff will be on hand at the combine to scout players ahead of the upcoming MLS SuperDraft. Currently, the Wizards control five picks in the SuperDraft.

Held at the St. Louis Convention Center - America's Center, the 2009 MLS SuperDraft will consist of four rounds of 15 picks each. The first overall selection belongs to Seattle Sounders FC, which is set to kick off their inaugural season in MLS this year.

The 2009 MLS SuperDraft order follows (as of January 5, 2009):

1st ROUND:
1. Seattle Sounders FC
2. Toronto FC (from San Jose)
3. Los Angeles Galaxy
4. Toronto FC
5. FC Dallas
6. D.C. United
7. D.C. United (from Colorado)
8. Kansas City Wizards
9. Chivas USA
10. New England Revolution
11. FC Dallas (from San Jose, Houston)
12. Real Salt Lake
13. Toronto FC (from Chicago)
14. New York Red Bulls
15. New England Revolution (from Columbus)

2nd ROUND:
16. Seattle Sounders FC
17. San Jose Earthquakes
18. FC Dallas (from Los Angeles)
19. Chivas USA (from Toronto)
20. Colorado Rapids (from FC Dallas)
21. D.C. United
22. Kansas City Wizards (from Colorado)
23. Kansas City Wizards
24. New England Revolution (from Los Angeles, Chivas USA)
25. New England Revolution
26. D.C. United (from Houston)
27. FC Dallas (from Salt Lake)
28. Chicago Fire
29. New York Red Bulls
30. Columbus Crew

3rd ROUND:
31. Seattle Sounders FC
32. San Jose Earthquakes
33. Los Angeles Galaxy
34. Toronto FC
35. Colorado Rapids (from Dallas)
36. D.C. United
37. Colorado Rapids
38. New England Revolution (from Kansas City)
39. Toronto FC (from Dallas, Chivas USA)
40. New England Revolution
41. Houston Dynamo
42. Kansas City Wizards (from Salt Lake)
43. Chicago Fire
44. New York Red Bulls
45. Columbus Crew

4th ROUND:
46. Seattle Sounders FC
47. Colorado Rapids (from San Jose)
48. Los Angeles Galaxy
49. Los Angeles Galaxy (from Toronto)
50. Kansas City Wizards (from Dallas) $
51. Colorado Rapids (from D.C. United)
52. Chicago Fire (from Colorado)
53. Kansas City Wizards $
54. Real Salt Lake (from Chivas USA)
55. New England Revolution
56. Houston Dynamo
57. Real Salt Lake
58. Chicago Fire
59. Colorado Rapids (from New York Red Bull)
60. Columbus Crew

$ - Per a previous trade Colorado is to receive the lower of KC's 2009 4th round SuperDraft picks. This pick is to be determined 48 hours prior to the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. This trade will not include any future picks KC may receive in 2009 4th round SuperDraft.

The first full week of high school basketball since the holiday break will continue Thursday as the Washington Lady Wildcats will host Metro Academy.

Washington, the defending Kansas City, Kan., league champions, have struggled with a younger team this season.

The full schedule of games:

Thursday, Jan. 8

Metro Academy at Washington (G), 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 9

Tonganoxie at Bishop Ward (G), 7 p.m.
Tonganoxie at Bishop Ward (B), 8:30 p.m.
Bonner Springs at Mill Valley (B), 7:30 p.m.
Bonner Springs at Mill Valley (G), 6 p.m.
St. James Academy at Harmon (B), 7 p.m.
Perry-Lecompton at Piper (G) TBD
Perry-Lecompton at Piper (B) TBD
Sumner at Schlagle (B), 7 p.m.
Basehor-Linwood at Turner (G), 6 p.m.
Basehor-Linwood at Turner (B), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 10

Wyandotte at Shawnee Mission West (B), 7 p.m.
 

Note: (B) is for boys, (G) is for girls.

Morgan BentonChris ColeThe Sumner Academy Sabres bowling teams jumped off to a great start this season, as all of the school's teams prevailed over Washington High School and Turner High School.

The three Wyandotte County schools met Wednesday afternoon in the first bowling match of the season at Ranch West. The Sumner girls team, the two-time defending state champions, dominated the competition in their first match of the season, earning 2,101 pins. Turner came in second with 1,703, while Washington scored 1,244.

On the boys side, Sumner Academy prevailed with 2,319 pins; Turner came in second with 2,163, nipping Washington by four as they knocked down 2,159 pins.

Sumner bowler Chris Cole won the individual competition in the boys varsity game with 630 pins, including a 254-pin game. Morgan Benton, a senior at Sumner Academy, earned the highest individual score with 621 pins in the varsity girls bowling match.

Cole said he hopes this year's varsity boys team can reach the success of the girls team.

"The girls have brought home two straight titles and we want to bring one back," Cole said.

Cole has bowled for the team the past two seasons.

While winning the individual competion and after a solid team victory, Benton said the team can do even better.

"I was actually disappointed," she said. "We need to do better."

Known for some time as a basketball school, the girls team in particular is beginning a new winning tradition at the school.

"We have a lot of people coming up to us wanting 'another one,'" Benton said. "There is pressure."

Full varsity and junior varsity results:

Varsity Boys
1. Sumner Academy 2,319
2. Turner 2,163
3. Washington 2,159

Varsity Girls
1. Sumner Academy 2,101
2. Turner 1,703
3. Washington 1,244

JV Boys
1. Sumner Academy 1,901
2. Washington 1,856
3. Turner 1,650

JV Girls
1. Sumner Academy 1,338
2. Turner 1,313
(Washington has no junior varsity team)

More individual results later.
 

The Kansas City T-Bones have announced their group tickets pre-sale. The following is from a press release issued by the team:

The first opportunity for renewing groups to secure their date for the 2009 season will be 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12. 

The T-Bones are offering returning groups an exclusive pre-order period from 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 12 to 4p.m. on Jan. 16.  After this exclusive pre-order period, group tickets of 25 or more will be open to the rest of the public beginning Monday, Jan. 19. 

T-Bones off-season box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10a.m. - 4p.m. 2009 group benefits include:

· Discounted ticket price

· Preferred seating as a group

· Group recognition - public address and message center

· 10 percent off merchandise

· Group leader receives a T-Shirt (groups of 100+)

· A member of the group may throw out the First Pitch (groups of 200+)

· Invitation to our group leader party in August

Nightly Suite rentals will also be on sale starting on Jan. 12.

For any questions, contact Eric Marshall, Assistant General Manager and Director of Group Sales, at (913) 328-5628 or by email at emarshall@tbonesbaseball.com. 

Paris JohnsonThrough the first 15 minutes of Monday’s Schlagle-Sumner Academy girls basketball game, it looked like Sumner would claim another easy victory over its league rival.

However, Lady Stallion sophomores Paris Johnson and Erin Copeland had other ideas as Schlagle prevailed 57-54.

Down 29-14 on the road nearing halftime, the Lady Stallions went on a 26-6 run over a period of seven minutes, spanning two quarters, to take a 40-35 lead. Johnson and Copeland, each scoring 18 points in the game, hit some outside shots to lead Schlagle.

Schlagle head coach Peyton Leslie said the victory was an important one for his team.

"They grew up today," he said. "They became ladies out there and played hard. They held on for the win and they held on to the lead. They played with adversity and tough calls. I'm ecstatic we won and I'm proud."

Johnson scored the first five points of the third quarter, narrowing Sumner’s lead to 31-29. She would hit another three-pointer one minute later to give Schlagle a 35-33 lead, which the team never relinquished.

Overall, she scored 14 of her points in the second half. Copeland also scored 14 points in the second half.

“Erin Copeland stepped up and Paris Johnson stepped,” he said. “I've been waiting for a game from Paris all season. Her shot hasn't been falling but I wanted to stick with her. Once that shot falls, it's going to get better.”

Leslie said the team played its best basketball of season during the 26-6 run.

Lady Sabre freshman Sameia Kendall led Sumner in scoring with 16 points. Late in the game, she drilled a three-pointer to narrow the gap to 55-52. But Copeland hit two late free throws to seal the deal for Schlagle.

The team’s victory came just one month after the Lady Sabres defeated Schlagle 55-36 at F.L. Schlagle High School. In that game, Sumner was dominant inside, as Kathleen Brisbane scored 17 points and Lola Imokhome scored 16 points.

However, in this week’s game, Brisbane was held to 12 points, while Imokhome scored six points.

For the young Lady Stallions, the victory may be the team’s biggest in the past two seasons.

“It might not be a signature win but I would call it a gutsy victory,” Leslie said.

Junior Ashleigh Downs scored seven points for Schlagle, while senior Courtney Green scored five points. Savaughn Johnson scored six points for Sumner.
Sumner’s three-game winning streak was snapped.

Neil Watson: Sumner Academy senior Neil Watson drives inside against Basehor-Linwood in Tuesday's 58-47 Sumner victoryThe Sumner Academy Sabres pulled away late from Basehor-Linwood to earn a tough road victory Tuesday evening.

Sumner defeated Basehor 58-47 and improved to 5-1 on the season in the team’s first game since the holiday break. Senior Neil Watson, the team’s leading scorer, led Sumner with 18 points, 11 of which were in the second half.

While things appeared to be going smoothly for Sumner in the first half, Basehor climbed back into the game due to solid performances by Ryan and Colin Murphy. Twin brothers, the freshmen were the two leading scorers for Basehor.

Ryan scored 22, while Colin scored nine points for the Bobcats.

Trailing Sumner 26-14, Basehor climbed to within 32-28 near the end of the fourth quarter. But that’s when Watson scored his most important points of the game for Sumner.

Watson scored a bucket midway through the fourth quarter to extend Sumner’s lead to 10 points.

After a two-point bucket by Basehor’s Anthony Pierce to bring the Bobcats within four points at 44-40, The Sabres closed the game on a 14-7 run. Freshman Benny Parker, who scored six points in the game, hit a big shot for Sumner to extend its lead back to six points.

Watson put the dagger in Basehor’s heart in the last two minutes. With Sumner’s lead at 50-45, Watson cut inside and hit a layup to give Sumner a seven point lead, the closest the Bobcats would be the rest of the game.

Davonte Chaney scored 11 points for Sumner, while freshman Eli Alexander scored eight points and Reese Holliday scored six points.

Other scores:

Boys

• Blue Valley North 73, Washington 47

Girls

• Metro Academy 67, Harmon 31
• Schlagle 57, Sumner 54