As we went to deadline on Tuesday night, Park Hill (5-1) was playing O’Hara (7-1) in the semifinal round at William Jewell.
The Platte Perspective
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Park Hill puts themselves on the map
As we went to deadline on Tuesday night, Park Hill (5-1) was playing O’Hara (7-1) in the semifinal round at William Jewell.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Park Hill and Platte County get physical
For Park Hill, one key will be decreasing the amount of turnovers they give up. It has been one area holding the Trojans back early this season and was a factor again last Friday as they played defending state champion Platte County.
“I think it’s more mental because we’re getting more pressure put on us. They’re unforced and uncharacteristic turnovers,” Coach Brian Rockers said. “It’s going to be one our focuses over break.”
The Pirates visited the Trojans in a battle of two bordering school districts. Park Hill came swinging out of the gate to gain a 13-9 lead with the help of three-pointers from Laura Bennett (2) and Michele Rupard over the Pirates’ zone defense. Bennett led all Trojan scorers with 14 for the game. Platte County was able to close the gap to 17-15 going into the 2nd quarter with a steady dose of close range jump shots.
Shortly after the start of the second quarter, the Pirates sparked their momentum when Kelsey Knox dove into her own bench in a successful effort to deflect a ball over a Trojan defending out of bounds. Platte County took their first lead of the game shortly after at 21-17 as the game speed picked up. The Pirates went into halftime with a 28-27 lead. Once again, Platte County came out of the break with momentum taking a 35-27 lead midway through the third quarter. Both teams displayed defensive intensity throughout the game, but outstanding performances from Lady Pirate Taylor Johnson with 30 points and Kelsey Knox with 17 points was too much for the Trojans as they were only able to come within three points late in the fourth quarter before falling 60-52.
It was an unusually physical game, but even this early in the season, when two teams with high expectations meet against each other the stakes are higher.
“It was just two teams getting after each other,” Rockers said of the physical play. “We aren’t necessarily a real physical team, but our girls didn’t back down.”
It was the second loss in a row for Park Hill as they lost to Truman last Thursday 40-31, in a game that could mean something in the conference standings the next time they meet.
“We played catch up the whole game, but if we played the way we did tonight (vs. Platte County) then we could have taken care of business,” Rockers said. “Our conference race is wide open and we’ll see them again.”
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Player’s death has left positive legacy through alumni game
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Friday, December 18, 2009
Lady Trojans look to big week ahead
After such impressing performances last week, Coach Brian Rockers felt his team could have played better.
“Overall, not one of our better performances so far this season,” he said.
Although they didn’t shoot very well from the field (32%) and had more turnovers than they would have liked(31), their defense was able to put up enough pressure to pull out the win.
“We have a lot to work on before a big week next week,” Rockers said of their upcoming matchups.
Those three big games will be a measuring stick of the season up to this point. They travel to Truman on Thursday to face a 1-5 Patriot team in a conference game, and then host defending state champions Platte County (6-0) on Friday night. Rockers emphasized the importance of both games in the pre-season and what potential wins against those opponents could do momentum and confidence-wise.
Park Hill Boys off to fast start
Park Hill looks to build momentum going into William Jewell Classic
In the first half, the Trojans allowed themselves to get into foul trouble as Chris Nsenki, Justin Leathers, and De’Aris Flint all had two apiece, but went into the locker room at halftime with a 42-36 lead. Stepping up for their teammates in foul trouble was Brady Kreitzer who finished with 24 points and 8 rebounds along with Anthony Walter who added 13 points.
Nsenki and Leathers came back in the second half to round out a Trojan offense that presented a balanced scoring attack with 20 and 11 points respectively. Nsenki also grabbed seven boards.
The Hornets were able to cut the margin to three going into the fourth quarter. That’s went Park Hill went to work at the free throw line. As many coaches have said over and over again, free throws win games, and that was the story for Park Hill last week as they made 27 of 34 in the game. With that, the Trojans increased the margin to 82-73 for the final score.
“We did a great job of getting to the free throw line and converting,” Coach David Garrison said.
Park Hill is now 2-1 on the year as they’ll play key conference games against Truman who is off to an undefeated start to the season after winning the Blue Springs/Blue Springs South Tournament this past weekend. Oak Park at 2-3 then travels to Park Hill following a lose against Southeast last Friday night.
Lady Trojans start season undefeated, look to Platte County
After such impressing performances last week, Coach Brian Rockers felt his team could have played better.
“Overall, not one of our better performances so far this season,” he said.
Although they didn’t shoot very well from the field (32%) and had more turnovers than they would have liked(31), their defense was able to put up enough pressure to pull out the win.
“We have a lot to work on before a big week next week,” Rockers said of their upcoming matchups.
Those three big games will be a measuring stick of the season up to this point. They travel to Truman on Thursday to face a 1-5 Patriot team in a conference game, and then host defending state champions Platte County (6-0) on Friday night. Rockers emphasized the importance of both games in the pre-season and what potential wins against those opponents could do momentum and confidence-wise.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Park Hill starts season with impressive performances
“He has stretches where he can take over a game,” Coach David Garrison said of Nsenki’s shooting ability.
“They’re very fast and they’ll make you pay for it,” Garrison said of some of the troubles Winnetonka gave the Trojans.
“Defensively, I’m happy with what we were doing,” Garrison said. “We just have to be consistent.”
Trojans bring home tourney championship
“We played well for our first game,” coach Brian Rockers said. “I was very pleased with our balanced scoring and total team effort.”
Next, the Trojans faced off against the host team, Fort Osage, in the second round. A second half adjustment to full court man to man defense allowed the Trojans to pull away after a close first half to win 53-41. Bennett hit two three-pointers on her way to 20 points added in with Weston’s 11 and Plummer’s 12 points.
In the championship game, Park Hill went up against Kansas City Central. And what a title game it was, with the two teams neck-to-neck the entire game. Central took a 21-18 lead going into halftime in what would be a low-scoring, defensive-oriented game. Going into the fourth quarter the Trojans had narrowed the margin to a score of 30-28 with Central still ahead, but an unusual strategy was taken by Central on offense as they held the ball for nearly four minutes to force Park Hill out of their half-court zone defense. The Trojans were eventually able to force a steal and convert it into a score to tie it up. Central sank two free throws to go up by two with 23 seconds remaining in the game, but sophomore Kyleesha Weston came up big when she received an inbounds pass with 3.2 seconds and hit a three-pointer to win the game along with bring home the championship trophy. The three-pointer was the only of the game for Park Hill and made up for three of Weston’s seven points. Plummer contributed 11 points and Bennett added 8.
“Gutsy effort from our girls as they held on and fought through some strange things to pull it off,” Rocker said.
They’ll come home to play Ruskin this week in their first home game, then play two tough conference games at Oak Park and Truman next week before playing a key game against Platte County on Dec. 18th.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
In honor of a fallen Marine
Having not known him very well, but seeing him on various occasions, I was able to see his pride and dedication to the Marines on display because it was evident to those around him. For those of us who were fortunate to know him, even by associate, we are grateful. Thank you for your valued service and dedication to our country along with the happiness you’ve share with those closest to you. Our thoughts go out to your family.
Trojans Swim & Dive team looks to constant improvement as key
Haley tries to focus his team on the importance of two meets all season: conference and state, where they finished 24th last year.
“We point all of our training towards two meets,” Haley said. “All the other meets are tests that occur along the way.”
They want those meets to be their best performances. In fact, last year each member of the team accomplished not only their best individual showings of the season in those meets, but also in their careers. The Trojans strive for that kind of constant improvement in order to get the kind of results they want when they matter most.
“We expect the same this year,” Haley said of his team’s approach.
Like all competitors, Haley says it’s about who can work harder and smarter than their opponents. With another successful swim program not too far away in rival Park Hill South, it’s an easy motivator for members of the team. Battling a rival for that top spot year after year makes it mean just that much more.
Park Hill will return several proven members of their team from last season. Brynn Guardado and Kori Wagner were a part of the team to set the school record in the 200 medley relay last year. Both were named all-state honorable mention. Guardado in the 200 free, 500 free, 200 medley, and 400 free relay events. Wagner in the 200 medley relay event. Kaley Hensel was also honored as an all-state honorable mention for her performances in the 100 breaststroke, 200 medley relay and 400 medley relay. On the diving side, Eleanor Parrott returns after being a state qualifier. Erin Flagler, Halle Musfeldt, Molly Pennington, Hannah Pennington, Hannah Rank, Hannah Reichert, and Erin Barry round out the rest of the team as returning lettermen.
The Trojans’ big meets of the year will be their own Park Hill Invitational in early January followed by the KC Classic later in the month.
Trojans look to fast-paced approach, intense defense to reach next level
With first-team all-conference forward Justin Leathers and returning starter Chris Nsenki coming back alongside seniors Steven Clark, Bryan Willis, and Austin Kepler, Park Hill will be looking to use their athleticism to put pressure on Suburban Conference foes this season. Juniors Anthony Walter, De’Aris Flint, Nathan Wilson, Burt Taylor, and Brady Kreitzer will all be in the mix of what will be a team with good depth.
Garrison’s approach to the game focuses on basic defensive fundamentals: not fouling, blocking out, and rebounding.
“If we can do that every game, we’ve got a chance to win regardless of how we do on offense,” Garrison said. “After that it just comes down to decision making.”
As is normal at this stage in the season, the Trojans have been working their bodies into game condition. Not only is there a focus on the physical side, but also the mental. A lot of time early on has been spent on making good decision and getting a good shot selection each time down the floor. Successfully handling situations late in the game is the goal of the early attention.
“You better be playing your best towards the end (of the game) or you’re not going to be successful,” Garrison said of the importance of playing well at the right time.
One thing the Trojans know for sure is that the next step forward won’t be easy as they’ll face top competition in what seems to be a loaded conference schedule. Park Hill South, Winnetonka, Truman, and defending champion William Chrisman all have different strengths they’ll have to compete against.
“You have to come and play every night because you’re playing against some outstanding coaches and players,” Garrison said. “You’re playing a 32-minute basketball game and if you have a bad three minute stretch it could come back and cost you.”
Lady Trojans return experience, tough defense
With a team who will showcase their quickness and athleticism, you won’t see a lot of size on head coach Brian Rockers’ team. His tallest player, Katy Plummer, measures 5’11” and returns as the team’s leading rebounder after averaging 6.7 boards and 9.8 points a game in her junior campaign. Also returning will be leading scorer and all-conference, all-district first team honoree, Laura Bennett who averaged 11.5 point per game last season. Emma Gossett returns with her average of 4.8 points and will play a big role in bringing energy to the defensive end which will be key for the fast-style of play the Trojans look to put into motion. Seniors Spenser Rhodus and MacKenzie Janner will be vying for a starting spot, but will contribute nonetheless in the rotation.
Look for Sophomore Kyleesha Weston to lead the Trojan offense as she returns at the point guard position after improving over the summer and becoming more comfortable running the offense. Juniors Helena Hudson and Liza Hill round out the returning letter winners after being in the mix as sophomores last year.
Rockers believes his team’s success will rely a lot on whether they can produce points and if their shooting continues to progress as the season goes on. Having confidence in a high-speed, attack defense that features both the ¾ court trap and man defenses, the Trojans will have to convert what they hope will be turnovers into points.
“In order to play fast, you have to put the ball in the basket,” Rockers said. “If the ball is going in (the hoop) coming into February, we’ve got a chance.”
Key matchups for the Trojans will include two games against rival Park Hill South, defending state champion Platte County, and two games against Truman. If things work out the way Park Hill hopes, that second game against Truman could be for a share of the conference championship.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
In Memory: Nicholas Hand
Having not known him very well, but seeing him on various occasions, I was able to see his pride and dedication to the Marines on display because it was evident to those around him. For those of us who were fortunate to know him, even by associate, we are very grateful. Thank you for your valued service and dedication to our country along with the happiness you’ve share with those closest to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Trojans finish 3rd in State after historic run
The goal of returning with a state championship would prove to be a daunting task as they went up against Saint Louis University High, a private school with a proven soccer history, in the semi-final round. In typical Trojan fashion, they fell behind early when SLUH’s Dominic Hewitt scored on a corner kick at the 15 minute mark. Other than the early score, the Trojans were able to control the ball most of the first half and seemed to be right where they wanted to be with some of the early opportunities they were seeing on the offensive end. But unlike their ability to come back strong all season, the Trojans were never able to answer. SLUH came out firing in the second half with two quick goals in a three minute span which dampened any hope of a Trojan resurgence. A fourth goal was scored with under four minutes to play to end the Trojans’ title hopes with a 4-0 defeat.
After the disappointing lost on Friday night, the Trojans didn’t have too much time to sulk. A matchup with Columbia Hickman to determine the third place finisher would take place on Saturday. The physical and emotion play the Trojans had displayed all year was definitely on display in their season finale as Park Hill’s Austin Melott was ejected from the game late in the first half which disadvantaged the Trojans to playing a man down. The ejection must have sparked a second half surge, the Trojans were able to match the Kewpie’s first half goal from Brian Wilcox with one of their own early in the second half when Neal Sampson tied it up.
Although the Trojans controlled the ball twice as long as Hickman, they couldn’t take advantage of some of the shots they had deep on the Hickman side of the field. After being on the defensive end very little during the game, the Kewpies were able to provide a scare in the final seconds, but goalkeeper Shane VanHooser was able to come up with the save. Unfortunately, overtime was not played in the third place game, which resulted in a 1-1 final as both teams finished in the record books as tied for 3rd place.
For Park Hill, an extraordinary season ends, but with it comes high expectations for next year as they return a good amount of their starters and most likely the hunger for another shot at a state title.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Park Hill Soccer is Final Four bound
This sets up a final four, state semi-final meeting against Saint Louis University High (SLUH) in St. Louis this weekend. The semi-final game will be held Friday evening at 7 p.m. at the Anheuser-Busch Center in Fenton, MO, just outside St. Louis. A school with a strong soccer tradition, SLUH is 20-6-1 on the season coming off a victory against McCluer North in a 3-1 score. The winner will matchup against the winner of the Columbia Hickman and Christian Brothers College game in the championship game at 6 p.m. on Saturday preceded by the third place game at 1 p.m.
A physically tough and emotionally driven Park Hill team fell behind early when Lee’s Summit North’s Michael Oakley scored with just under thirty minutes to play in the first half putting LSN up 1-0. But the toughness they’ve displayed all season wasn’t dampened, as five minutes later David Zdvoark scored on a breakaway to tie the score at 1-1.
“I think our first goal was the biggest one, to know we were still in the game because it could have allowed doubt to creep in,” coach Dustin Sollars said.
Park Hill is now one victory away from matching the best finish in school history, a 2nd place finish in 1993.
“It’s a big deal for us,” Sollars said. “Especially when they look at the guys from ’93 coming to speak about it at practice and wishing they could still be out there.”
“Anytime you’re trying to match up with history, it gives them a little something extra to play for,” Sollars added. “A spot in history, a spot in the books.”
“This is a special team with a good mix of talented players that want to play for each other,” Sollars said of their intangible traits. “You can’t teach emotion and physicality.”
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Trojans can't jump playoff hurdle, end season
Fort Osage scored first when a Park Hill snap went over the punter’s head into the end zone for a safety. A couple possessions later, the Indians were able to block a Trojan punt to gain field possession at the Park Hill 35-yard line before punching it in for a touchdown six plays later on an E.J. Gaines three-yard run. Another bad snap, this time on a 30-yard field goal attempt with under a minute to play in the half, allowed Fort Osage to score another touchdown when Kamryn Tillmon catch a 12-yard pass. The score put Fort Osage up 16-0 at halftime.
“It’s frustrating because it’s things that haven’t happened to us all year,” Coach Greg Reynolds said.
“We got chances to do things, but we just made mistakes we don’t normally make,” Reynolds said. “We had turnover after turnover tonight.”
A Fort Osage fumble by Gaines on the opening kickoff of the second half gave the Trojans great field position to potentially spark a comeback. Six plays later, Trace Norfleet went eight yards for Park Hill to score their only points of the night. A two-point conversion attempt failed. It would be the only flicker of momentum the Trojans would get though. A usually steady running game seemed to be on the verge of breaking loose throughout the game, but never quite became the force it had been during the regular season.
“We weren’t able to be consistent with our run game,” Reynolds said of the inability to put together complete drives. “We just didn’t finish the deal and its something this team has been able to do all year.”
Fort Osage was able to open the game up with two Gaines touchdown runs (38 and 5 yards) in the second half and prevented a last minute Park Hill drive from converting when a Corey Sterling pass to the end zone was intercepted on fourth down.
The senior-led Trojans finish the season with a 9-2 record along with conference and district titles. Coach Greg Reynolds was particularly proud of his seniors for being so close to each other throughout the season.
“Not seeing them accomplish their goals is what hurts,” Reynolds said of the earlier than hoped for end to their season.
“They’re a group of kids I enjoyed coaching. There were some great surprises with kids who came from nowhere to become starters. They’ve done everything we asked them to do. It’s a class you don’t see all the time.”
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Trojans prepare for rematch, ultimate test
“We knew they were going to be there and we wanted to make sure we got here,” quarterback Corey Sterling said. “It’s our time to go out there.”
“It doesn’t matter if it’s Fort Osage,” Coach Greg Reynolds said about the team that has ended their last two seasons. “They are the number two ranked team for a reason and if we are going to go where we want to we’re going to face them anyways.”
The Trojans started where they left off, only needing 33 seconds on their first second-half possession for Sean Gorman to break loose for a 45-yard touchdown run. He finished with 155 yards on 18 rushes. Central fumbled the next kick-off giving the Trojans the ball at the 33-yard line. Seven plays later, Jordan Wang added a seven yard touchdown run. After a three and out drive for Central, Park Hill went 53 yards in 11 plays before Brazill added a 27-yard field goal.
Last week’s game was St. Joe Central head coach Tony Dudik’s final game after a coaching career spanning 29 years. Parents, players, and friends remained on the field for over an hour after the game ended embracing someone who had become a symbol Indian Football.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Park Hill Soccer learns history, makes it
In typical Trojan/Panther soccer style, the match was very physical with its fair share of adrenaline clearly visible. It started with Joe Sbarro drawing a penalty kick which Jacob Fischer converted to put the Panthers up 1-0. Park Hill tied it up when Ray Lee assisted a Quenton Noble goal with about two minutes to go in the first half. South’s Sbarro drew another penalty converted by Fischer after a Trojan goal by Ray Lee to create a 2-2 tie in the second half. Park Hill broke away with less than 15 minutes to play when Lee scored a long distance goal and Zdvorak converted another Lee assist to bring the score to 4-2.
“We were too direct down the middle and got away from our wing play,” said South coach Joe Toigo about his team’s second half. “I think some of that can be contributed to the pressure their team was putting on the ball.”
Park Hill will now take on a familiar opponent in the sectional round Tuesday, Winnetonka. The Trojans won the season series 2-1, but the Griffins are coming off several wins including an upset of number one Liberty in the district final. Both teams are playing inspired soccer and peaking at the right time.
For the Trojans, to be in the playoffs has been on their minds since they were defeated by the Panthers to end their 2008 season.
“Revenge is a component of any good rivalry,” Park Hill coach Dustin Sollars said.
History hasn’t been on their side in the past, but Coach Dustin Sollars has made it a point to convey what this year’s team could mean to the school. He turned a portion of practice each day into somewhat of a history lesson where they talked about some of the school’s most successful teams, brought in former players, and even challenged them to find the last first place trophy won in the building to demonstrate how long ago it was.
What’s made this year’s team stand out from years past? Sollars believes it comes from players who are loyal to each other, willing to listen and work hard to try new things.
“And it doesn’t hurt that we’ve got some pretty talented players with us,” Sollars added.
The reward for a potential victory against Winnetonka would be a likely matchup against the number one ranked team in the state, Rockhurst, who has been a soccer powerhouse in recent years. Like any team looking to make their mark, Park Hill will have to go up against the best in order to reserve the place in history they hope to earn.
“I bumped into an old coach of mine and he reminded me of a quote by Lou Holtz,” Sollars said of his team’s accomplishments looking forward. “Goes like this, ‘If what you did yesterday was big, then you haven’t done much today.”
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Trojans clinch playoff spot, look towards Indians in season's final week
“When you get down to this point, there are a lot of factors you don’t have control over,” Coach Greg Reynolds said looking forward. “Sometimes it comes down to breaks going your way and different matchups you get.”
The St. Joe Central Indians will meet the Trojans this Friday. The Indians come in with a 3-6 record, 1-1 in district play. Coming off a 6-3 victory last week against Park Hill South, Central will look to a successful defense of late. With their starting running back lost for the season due to a broken leg, Malkaam Muhammad and quarterback Ryan Wallace will lead the offense.
Last week, Corey Sterling hit Nick Hughes for a 43-yard pass setting up a two yard touchdown run from Sean Gorman for the game’s first score early in the first quarter. An Oak Park field goal resulting from a Nick Elmore interception in the second quarter would be the only score of the game for the Northmen. Park Hill’s Adrian Esaw caught a 10-yard touchdown reception capping off a 62-yard drive to close the first half with the Trojans up 14-3.
“We’ve gone real far, with help from the starters and getting better in practice,” Esaw said of his increased role on both sides of the ball.
“This was a good defense and some of their schemes were a problem,” Reynolds said of Oak Park’s defense. Park Hill extended the lead to 21-3 in the third quarter when Gorman scored a two-yard touchdown. A content Trojan defense kept the Northmen from creating much offensively. Interceptions byDe’Aris Flint, Adrian Esaw, and Bryan Dale ended three Northmen drives.
“His job is to tie people up and pass rush,” Reynolds said. “He’s going to be a guy that doesn’t get the stats he has in the past, but for them running away from him most of the night, he did a pretty good job.”
Trace Norfleet added a 15-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter for the game’s final score.
As the season goes into the final stretch, it was evident last Friday that the vocal Park Hill coaching staff wouldn’t accept some of the miscues that had taken place earlier in the season.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
District football math mayhem
A two-way tie for first or second place will be determined by head to head matchups, a three-way tie will be decided by margins of victory.
Current district standings with record and margin of victory up to +/- 13 points per game:
Park Hill (2-0, +26)
St. Joe Central (1-1, +2)
Oak Park (1-1, -12)
Park Hill South (0-2, -16)
If Park Hill wins by 13 points or more over St. Joe Central and Park Hill South wins by 5 points or more over Oak Park:
Park Hill - district title, 1st round bye in playoffs
Park Hill South - runner-up, playoff spot
If PH wins by 13 points or more over Central and South wins by less than 5 points:
Park Hill - district title, 1st round by in playoffs
Oak Park - runner-up, playoff spot
If PH wins by 13 points or more over Central and South losses:
Park Hill - district title, 1st round bye in playoffs
Oak Park - runner-up, playoff spot
If PH losses and PHS losses:
3-way tie between PH, OP, and STJ for district title and runner-up will be broken by margin of victory up to +/- 13 points per game.
If Park Hill losses and PHS wins, no matter what the margin:
St. Joe Central - district title, 1st round bye in playoffs
Park Hill - runner-up, playoff spot
If Park Hill wins by less than 13 points, Park Hill South will have to win by 5 points plus however many points Park Hill losses by that are less than 13.
For example, if Park Hill wins 17-10, Park Hill South would have to win by 11 points (5+6).
Friday, October 23, 2009
Park Hill looks to clinch district title, South still alive in playoff race after matchup last week
“We ran the ball well and got some long drives that we may not have finished, but we ate a lot of clock,” Park Hill’s Greg Reynolds said.
“Adrien stepped in and played really well, made some good breakups,” Reynolds said.
But the fourth quarter belonged to Trace Norfleet when he turned on the speed with touchdown runs of 66 and 59 yards. Norfleet finished with 15 carries for 202 yards along with Gorman’s 18 carries on 149 yards. As a team, they collected 415 yards rushing while only completing two passes.
“Oak Park is going to be riding high after their win, and we’re going to have to handle them by worrying about ourselves and getting healthy,” Reynolds said of the Northmen.
Park Hill South, with wins in its final two games can still be playoff bound, travels to St. Joe Central. Last year, the Panthers lost to the Indians 42-35.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
It's the little things that count
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Prior to the rivalry game against Park Hill South last week, an emotional Park Hill team joined the crowd in observing a moment of silence in remembrance of his contributions to the district. I was never able to meet Coach Alexander, but in the brief time I was able to speak with some of his colleagues last Friday night, I learned a great deal about him and it would only be fitting to let them tell you about the man, who only in his third year of teaching at Park Hill had become a favorite among students and faculty.
“He came from Center High School. I was at Excelsior Springs and we were in the same conference where we played each other twice a year. We got to know each other pretty well and formed a good friendship from competing with each other. It was kind of fate that we ended up at Park Hill the same year and started coaching together. As a person, you couldn’t help but not like him. He always had a smile and was always joking around. There just wasn’t anybody that couldn’t get along with him.”
“He was a great role model for our kids and expected kids to do things the right way. He expected them to get through their academic struggles and then work as hard as possible at the sport they chose. He was the greatest basketball player in the history of Drury College. What he brought to the table was a great ability to connect with students.”
Jennifer Paschall, teacher:
“Kids would come by everyday to ask how he was doing. He was always joking around and so easy to get along with. We started collecting money while he was sick and you wouldn’t believe the outpouring of support from our staff. Not just the science department or the PE department, it was everyone.
Steven Clark, senior football and basketball player:
“I played with him for two years, one of the best experiences I’ve had and I learned so much from him. He was a great basketball player when he played and an even greater man when he didn’t.”
Daniel Jessen, senior football player:
“I loved being around him, even though I wasn’t around his specialty. He still affected me in a great way that I will never forget.”
Coach Greg Reynolds, Varsity Football Coach:
“Our players came through in a very emotional game after a very tough day. We’ve got a lot of kids that were very close to him, not only on this team, but also in basketball. Coach Alexander coached with us for one year and he fit in right away because he believed in the little things. With running backs, he knew he had a lot of talented kids where the most important things to teach them was blocking, pass protection, pass routes, and the little things. Trace is going to be remembered for his two long runs tonight, but those don’t happen unless Sean Gorman, who couldn’t block like that last year, worked and drilled on it last year with Coach Alexander. In basketball, I’ve watched him coach on the little things like picks, moving your feet on defense, and not worrying about how many points you scored or how many blocked shots you had.”
Friday, October 16, 2009
Trojans, Panthers meet for annual 'King of the Hill' matchup
“Good to have a big crowd tonight,” coach Greg Reynolds said after Park Hill’s 35-21 victory of Winnetonka last week. “It will be double (the crowd) next week, but we’ve been there before and will be fine.”
Looking back to last week, it could have been a different game if it wasn’t for a two score swing mid-way through the third quarter. On a Winnetonka 3rd and 12 play, quarterback Nick Powell hit receiver Tyler Henley for what would have been a 76 yard touchdown play. But as Henley streaked down the sideline, Park Hill’s Corey Sterling came out of nowhere to take Henley down before reaching the goal line. The impact jarred the ball loose for De’Rion Rambo to recover the ball at the one yard line. Four plays later, Sterling, now in his role as quarterback, sent a spiral into the hands of Rambo once again as he ran untouched for an 80-yard touchdown. This put Park Hill up 28-7.
On offense, the Panthers will look to get their pass game going with quarterback Chris Hamilton and wide receiver Austin Green. Hamilton will also be involved in the running game as a lot of the offensive schemes revolve around the quarterback’s ability to run.
“We’ll adjust to their passing game,” Park Hill linebacker Daniel Jessen said.
“We have great d-backs,” Sterling added. “I think they’re going to step it up.”
The excitement of each team’s first district game will also add to the mix. For many teams, it’s a chance for a fresh start to the season. Reynolds talked about how his kids have looked at it differently.
“We’ve made every game feel like a playoff game and the kids have taken that to heart,” Reynolds said. “We’ve used every game as a challenge to us.”
The Panthers will come in as an underdog, but with a team that came alive at this time last year to end the season 3-1 and a more experienced group of players, there’s no telling what can happen when you put the southern Platte County rivals together. One thing to be assured, the atmosphere on hand at Park Hill District Stadium on Friday will be enough to excite any sports fan.
“You don’t have to try to get us hyped, it’s already there,” Park Hill’s Sterling said.
“To beat Park Hill,” South’s Chapman Williams said earlier this year about his team’s goals.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
PH, PHS softball teams both end up and down seasons with something to be proud of
On the other side of the hill, Park Hill South started out slow with conference losses to Oak Park and Truman. Coach Josh Walker had told his team to just look ahead to districts, but after storming back, they beat Winnetonka two weeks ago on the heels of pitcher Jessica McCoy’s one-hitter to claim the school’s first conference championship in softball.
Two teams, two different seasons, but they came together this past weekend in the district semi-finals. #1 Park Hill South facing off against #4 Park Hill, who last week beat #3 St. Theresa’s to advance when Bethany Sullinger hit a walk-off solo homerun in the seventh to break a 0-0 tie.
After losing both games to South during the season, the Trojans came into the game as a slight underdog. The Trojans struck first in the bottom of the second when . South quickly struck back with a run of their own to tie it up at 1-1.
Michele Rupard hit a solo homerun in the top of the 7th to make the score 3-1. The Panthers added a run in the bottom of the 9th, leaving her at third. But Park Hill’s Kati Snodgrass struck out the next two batters to complete the upset.
“We’ve always had one player step up every game and they’re starting to believe,” Park Hill coach Stuart Sullinger said after his team’s semi-final victory. “It’s incredible to be in this situation and playing for a district title.”
“We had a great year in winning conference and setting a team record for wins,” South coach Josh Walker said on his team’s season.
Park Hill went on to play #2 Staley in the district championship, but fell short to the Falcons as the game went into extra innings and the Falcons won with a game winning walk-off homerun in the ninth inning.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Trojans, Trace to tangle with Tonka
Score aside, the game on paper may have looked closer. In the first half Chrisman held possession far longer, allowed only five first downs, and didn’t punt. This was mostly due to the Trojans’ drives resulting in long scoring plays including a Norfleet 69-yard touchdown run on the game’s second play, another Norfleet 64-yard touchdown run, and a 40-yard touchdown pass from Corey Sterling to receiver Nick Hughes. Hughes’ first touchdown catch of the season has been in the making, as him and Sterling had barely missed opportunities earlier in the season to connect on the long ball.
Well deserved credit should be given to the Trojan defense in their second shutout of the season. In addition to constant pressure from the defensive front, several big plays were made by LB De’Aris Flint who was involved in a pair of fumbles. DB De’Rion Rambo intercepted an early first half pass to put the Trojan offense only 20 yard away from another touchdown.
“They’ll have a good running game and it’s always our focus to stop the run so we’ll be working really hard to do that,” Coach Greg Reynolds said. “On offense, we’re hoping to be a little more diversified with being able to run and pass.”
Park Hill Volleyball looking to pull all the parts together
After a victory against Raytown last week in consecutive sets (25-15, 25-7) featuring 7 kills from Alex Leggett and six digs each from Halley Knudson and Kelsey Borgardts, Deville believes her team has a lot of potential and is a lot better than their 8-10-1 record might indicate.
When Park Hill is playing well, their strength comes from their passing game and the attack sets that are created from it. Another area they draw success from is the excitement and ‘go-getting’ attitude they can bring to the court.
Park Hill comes into this week in 3rd place in the conference standings with sights beginning to be set on the district tournament which starts October 26th. Although they will come in as underdogs, Deville believes anything can happen.
Although only halfway through the season Deville sees some big improvements over last year, especially in regards to team cohesiveness and overall atmosphere within her program. This will play a big part for the Trojans as they head down the stretch.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Trojans keep rolling
“I knew I had to step up,” Norfleet said of his opportunity.
“I’m a shorter guy, so sometimes it’s harder to see when I’m in the pocket,” Sterling said. “I feel more comfortable in space and being able to see everybody.”
The Trojans, now 4-1 with a 1-0 conference record, go into their next conference game against William Chrisman where they will once again travel to Independence and play on the same field Chrisman and Truman share together. Chrisman will be coming off a loss to Park Hill South last week by a score of 42-0, dropping their record to 2-3 on the season. First year coach Mark Simcox is a former defensive coordinator for Park Hill so look for them to try to counter Park Hill’s power by putting up to eight defensive players in the box. On offense, a run heavy team will rely heavily on running backs Caleb Sims and Scott Cates to return from ankle injuries to carry the load for the Bears.
“It’s going to be a short game with two teams running the football,” Park Hill coach Greg Reynolds said. “It’s going to be about who gets off the ball best and if we do what we’re supposed to we’ll be alright.”
Panthers Softball Team Looks to Pivotal Week
On the defensive side, Val Pollan has been impressive in leftfield along with third baseman Alyssa Weatherly and Mallory Land who has stepped in as a freshman at catcher to replace Maci Fisher who went down with a PCL injury. Weatherly has also been tearing it up on offense behind outfielder Bailey Peterson, who leads off for the Panthers.
“I hate to use a clique, but it’s going to come down to pitching and defense,” Walker said.