KANSAS CITY, MO – The D1 Midwest Basketball Showcase wrapped its girl basketball competitions on Friday afternoon, as Kearney had strong performances in their third and fourth contests over their two-day trip. For a full Day One recap, click here.
Kearney entered the day having gone 1-1 the day prior, and aimed to showcase their talent with a full roster available.
GAME ONE – Kearney v. Battle High School (Columbia, MO):
A fast-paced opening contest started the early afternoon slate of action for Kearney in the third game of the showcase at the Kansas City Hy-Vee Arena. The Bearcats matched up with a Battle squad that went 21-7 their previous season and graduated two of their top five scorers.
Kearney fell in a hole early as Battle used physical play to earn points inside. As the contest continued, however, Kearney found their footing and gave a slight edge of control.
Battle took the lead in the first twenty seconds of the contest while Kearney was held scoreless until the 16:30 mark as Kiara Dutenhoffer laid in a bucket to tie the game. The Bearcats’ first lead followed on the ensuing possession as Dutenhoffer added another score.
Battle would fight for control, earning a lead at 13-11 with ninety seconds remaining in the half. After trading scores – including a Kearney three pointer by Harley Straka – the Bearcats would remain behind heading into the halftime break down 17-15.
Kearney took control in the early portion of the second half, earning a 25-24 lead with 10:05 left as Kennidy Garner hit a three pointer and Addy Helmbrecht found two points. A triple by Paige Mailahn kept Kearney in pace, but Battle would not go away easily as they regained their lead 27-25 with 5:40 remaining.
Dutenhoffer knocked down her free throws to tie the game at 27 with less than two minutes to play, as a more defensive game ensued in the final minutes with Kearney giving away a turnover in the final twenty seconds. Battle would hit their game winning shot with two seconds remaining and earned the 29-27 win.
Dutenhoffer ended with 14 points, Straka, Garner, and Mailahn all had three, and Avery Franzen and Helmbrecht wrapped with two points each.
GAME TWO – Kearney v. West Plains High School (MO):
The Kearney girls dropped their second game of the second day in Kansas City 36-22 to West Plains High School out of Missouri. West Plains brought in a talented squad, as the team finished third in the 5A State Championships the prior year.
West Plains started off hot, hitting their first shot in the opening forty seconds off a deep triple. Kearney had their first score from Kelsey Hatcher on an impressive drive and lay-in to the cup. Kiara Dutenhoffer hit her free throws, but the Bearcats went on a scoring drought through the next seven minutes. West Plains built a 21-4 lead with 6 minutes remaining in the first half.
Paige Mailahn hit a triple to break the scoring run, but it was the final drop by Kearney in the half. West Plains would lead 27-7into the halftime break.
Kearney would add some scoring in the start of the second period, having Kennidy Garner knock down two points and Harley Straka to go on a short scoring spree with six points. Josie Murray nailed a three pointer, but Kearney’s final rally fell short as they dropped the contest 36-22.
Kearney ends the Midwest Showcase 1-3, but overall JD Carson stated he felt his team performed and played well. The Bearcats still have a few summer appearances left, but continue their off-season training programs and open gyms.
The Bearcat girls basketball begins their season on November 30, hosting Elkhorn South.
MORE PHOTOS:
KHS GBB v. Battle High School // GAME THREE Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. Battle High School // GAME THREE Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. Battle High School // GAME THREE Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. Battle High School // GAME THREE Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. Battle High School // GAME THREE Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. Battle High School // GAME THREE Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. Battle High School // GAME THREE Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. Battle High School // GAME THREE Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. Battle High School // GAME THREE Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. Battle High School // GAME THREE Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. Battle High School // GAME THREE Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. Battle High School // GAME THREE Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. Battle High School // GAME THREE Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. Battle High School // GAME THREE Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. Battle High School // GAME THREE Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. Battle High School // GAME THREE Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. West Plains High School // GAME FOUR Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. West Plains High School // GAME FOUR Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. West Plains High School // GAME FOUR Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. West Plains High School // GAME FOUR Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. West Plains High School // GAME FOUR Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. West Plains High School // GAME FOUR Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. West Plains High School // GAME FOUR Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. West Plains High School // GAME FOUR Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. West Plains High School // GAME FOUR Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. West Plains High School // GAME FOUR Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. West Plains High School // GAME FOUR Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. West Plains High School // GAME FOUR Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. West Plains High School // GAME FOUR Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. West Plains High School // GAME FOUR Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. West Plains High School // GAME FOUR Midwest Basketball Showcase
KHS GBB v. West Plains High School // GAME FOUR Midwest Basketball Showcase
