Lady Trojans start season undefeated, look to Platte County

Coming off a Fort Osage Tournament Championship run, the Park Hill Lady Trojans were back in action last Tuesday as they played their home opener against Ruskin. The Trojans built a gradually increased lead throughout the first half resulting in a 22-13 halftime score. Park Hill increased their lead in the second half to end up winning 41-30. Leading the Trojans in scoring were Laura Bennett with 11 points and Katy Plummer with10.

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 starts season with impressive performances

It was an exciting first week of the season for the Park Hill Boys Basketball team. They started off against a formidable opponent in tradition-strong Liberty. The Trojans knew coming into the game that it would be a key game early in the season to give them an idea of where they are and where they could be by the end of the season. With four starters in double-figures including Chris Nsenki’s 25, Justin Leather’s 14, Brady Kreitzer’s 13, and De’Aris Flint’s 10 points, the Trojans came out swinging. No team wants to lose, but the 73-68 score that left Liberty on top in the end was something the Trojans wanted to build on coming into their home-opener last Friday against Winnetonka.
The Trojans didn’t get the rhythm they wanted in their offense during the first half, but with a tenacious defense led by De’Aris Flint and an overall solid rebounding effort they went into halftime only down 21-17. Things started clicking in the second half when the momentum shifting to the Trojan’s favor when Chris Nsenki erupted for a series of three-pointers. The first gave Park Hill their first lead of the game mid-way through the third quarter and gave the crowd something to get behind.

“He has stretches where he can take over a game,” Coach David Garrison said of Nsenki’s shooting ability.
With the offensive runs they went on in the fourth quarter came a renewed intensity on the defensive end. Flint took a fast break pass and finished it with a dunk to open the fourth quarter to put the Trojans up by ten at 44-34. Winnetonka did not go quietly into the night though, as they went on a run that cut the lead to one at 48-47 with three minutes remaining.

“They’re very fast and they’ll make you pay for it,” Garrison said of some of the troubles Winnetonka gave the Trojans.
The Trojans’ high-energy defense frustrated the Griffins into fouling down the stretch, as Park Hill was able to make several key free throws to seal the victory. Justin Leathers, was key in putting the game away as he was able to make four free throws and a layup in the last minute to lead the Trojans to a 63-51 victory.

“Defensively, I’m happy with what we were doing,” Garrison said. “We just have to be consistent.”

Trojans bring home tourney championship

The Park Hill Girls Basketball team is off to quite a start after winning the Fort Osage Tournament this past week to start the season 3-0. A 69-44 victory over Ray-Pec in the first round featured a strong performance from the starting five as they all score in double-figures with Laura Bennett, Spenser Rhodus, and Helena Hudson all scoring ten points apiece along with Kyleesha Weston’s 11 points and Katy Plummer’s 17.

“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.

In honor of a fallen Marine

Early last week as we were in the process of printing our Thanksgiving edition, we learned of the tragic death of 20-year-old United States Marine Lance Cpl. Nicholas Hand. Hand was laid to rest early this week after. He killed on November 22 in an exchange of small-arms fire in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan while support Operation Enduring Freedom. After attending Park Hill High School, he graduated early from Oak Park High to enlist at age 17. He deployed to Iraq in April of 2008 for a tour lasting seven months, allowing him to return and spend the holidays with his family. In late October of this year, Hand was deployed again in a second tour of duty, this time to Afghanistan. The second-oldest of ten siblings, he saw the Marine Corps as a second family and performed the job of a squad leader with a great sense of duty. Hand approached the Corps much the same way he lived his life, disciplined, patriotic, and with a smile. Well-liked and encouraging to his peers, when he returned he was considering college and pursuing a career in politics. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Nicholas' name may be made to Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

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

After winning their conference the two previous years, it was dissatisfying for the Park Hill Girls Swim and Dive team to come up short by finishing second in last year’s conference meet. But that leaves all the motivation in the world for Karl Haley’s team coming into this year.

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

A 14-13 record last year for the Park Hill Boys Basketball team was just enough to declare their first winning season since 2002-2003. Gradual improvement for third year head coach David Garrison is what he’s looking for though. A foundation in place, the Trojans will be looking to take another step forward this season.

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.”
The Trojans have stuck with a simple man-to-man defensive approach ever since Garrison took over the coaching position in 2007, but with the depth and ability of some of his players this year they may look to get away from the basket a little more and take their defense into the full court.

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

One of the good things about being thrown into the fire is that the next time it isn’t quite as bad. The Park Hill Girls Basketball team has reached that point with eight returning lettermen on their squad this year. Five of them are seniors, who bring back strong experience after having seen significant playing time since their sophomore year. Coming off an 11-15 season last year, the expectations are much higher coming into this season.

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.
“We’ve talked a lot to them about what they need to do,” Rockers said of his seniors. “We’re expecting a lot out of them, not only on the floor, but off the floor and in terms of leadership.”

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.

In Memory: Nicholas Hand

Early last week as we were in the process of printing our Thanksgiving edition, we learned of the tragic death of 20-year-old United States Marine Lance Cpl. Nicholas Hand. Hand was laid to rest early this week. He was killed on November 22 in an exchange of small-arms fire in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan while support Operation Enduring Freedom. After attending Park Hill High School, he graduated early from Oak Park High to enlist at age 17. He deployed to Iraq in April of 2008 for a tour lasting seven months, allowing him to return and spend the holidays with his family. In late October of this year, Hand was deployed again in a second tour of duty, this time to Afghanistan. The second-oldest of ten siblings, he saw the Marine Corps as a second family and performed the job of a squad leader with a great sense of duty. Hand approached the Corps much the same way he lived his life, disciplined, patriotic, and with a smile. Well-liked and encouraging to his peers, when he returned he was considering college and pursuing a career in politics. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Nicholas' name may be made to Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

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.

Trojans finish 3rd in State after historic run

No matter what the outcome would be this past weekend at the state finals in St. Louis, the Park Hill Soccer team knew they would be concluding their exciting run. The only thing left to be determined would be the title on the trophy they would bring home. As noted over recent weeks, the Trojans haven’t been to a final four since 1993 when they finished second. An enthusiasm not quite seen since that time has begun to surround the program of late, including support from both young and old alumni, former players, parents, teachers, and community members. All witnessed the Trojan’s journey in becoming the only Kansas City high school soccer team, other than Rockhurst, to reach the state finals since 1996.

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.

Park Hill Soccer is Final Four bound

To the tune of the Black Eyed Peas song “I Got a Feeling,” the public address announcer stated in a dramatic fashion at halftime, “One of these teams will be advancing to the state semifinals next weekend.” At the time, it was a 1-1 tie between Park Hill (25-5) and Lee’s Summit North (17-6-1) in a state quarterfinal game, but in the end it would the Park Hill Trojans finishing the lyrics with “tonight’s gonna be a good night” as they advanced with a 4-1 victory.

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.
As was printed last week, the Park Hill Trojans were preparing for a sectional matchup with Winnetonka where they went on to win 2-0 with goals from Sam Shepherd and Neal Sampson. A likely game against Rockhurst was never realized though, as Lee’s Summit North upset the defending state-champions, 2-1 after penalty kicks in overtime. This set the Trojans up for their first opportunity to advance to the state semi-finals since 1993.

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.
The Trojans were able to control the ball steadily a majority of the game, but a few LSN breakaways caused some scares throughout the game. A tenacious defense turned many of those stops into offensive opportunities and those were exploited in the second half. An Austin Melott goal at the 32 minute mark gave the Trojans momentum and a lead they wouldn’t lose. Goals from Ray Lee and Zdvorak in a two minute span late in the second half capped off the victory for the Trojans, sending them to St. Louis to compete not only with the other three schools in the final four, but with themselves and history.

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.”