Derek Wiley Leavenworth Times
Basehor-Linwood Sr. Emma Johnson got exactly what she wanted for her 18th birthday. It’s a victory over Leavenworth.
The Birthday Girl scored 12 points to lead the Bobcats to a 39-28 victory on Tuesday night.
“I honestly think it’s the best birthday present I could ask for,” Johnson said. “I think we played really good defense and played really well together.”
In their first game back from the winter break, Basehor-Linwood struggled offensively in the first quarter. The Bobcats did not score his goal in the first field until 1:50 when Codiglia hit his 3-pointer.
But Savannah Fisher knocked down a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give Basehor-Linwood an 11-10 lead and the Bobcats never trailed again.
“I’m proud of our team,” said Basehor-Linwood coach Jason Tatkenhorst. “Levenworth are difficult to win, especially at home.
After extending their lead to 24–17 midway through the third quarter, the Bobcats were in foul trouble as both Greer and Taylor Cruz whistled their third foul within three seconds of each other.
Johnson took over from there and scored eight straight points to give Basehor-Linwood a 32–17 lead and put the game out of reach.
The Pioneers were unable to capitalize while Leavenworth reached the free throw line.
Leavenworth missed 14 free throws in the game. This included 12 straight missed free throws before Mariya Renault had two shots to bring the Pioneers within 37–26 with 3:54 remaining.
“Free throws, layups and turnovers are the three things we can control and every time we lose we just lose control,” said Leavenworth coach Ryan Foster. We have to hit, we have to take care of the ball.
“How do you convince someone to have the confidence to hit an open shot or an open look? That’s the hard part because it’s the work of getting that look. Treat yourself. We’re screwed.” I’m so scared of it, I’m so scared of missing it, I shoot myself in the leg.”
Despite playing in foul trouble of her own, Leavenworth Jr.’s Kyrie West scored 10 points to lead the Pioneers.
“Kylie West played with so much heart and soul,” said Foster. “She was carrying us alone. Kylie West put in a huge effort tonight.”
With the win, Basehor-Linwood improved to 2-2 in the United Kansas Conference while Leavenworth fell to 0-3. The Pioneers play at Seaman on Thursday. The Bobcats travel to Turner on Friday.
“A lot of good things are happening,” said Foster. “We have to be consistent.”
