Platte County notched the first win of a potential rebuilding season but continued to experience the rigors of an intentionally curated schedule providing challenges. The Pirates won the middle game of three in this week’s Winnetonka Invitational with a blowout of Central (St. Joseph) but dropped to 1-3 overall.
Platte County senior guard Addie Ayers takes a 3-pointer against Park Hill in a Winnetonka Invitational game Tuesday at Winnetonka High School in Kansas City.
Coming off of a season-opening loss to Savannah, Platte County opened the week delayed a night by weather but started strong in Tuesday’s first-round matchup with Park Hill, which led just 12-7 after the first quarter. The Pirates then closed within three on senior guard/forward Rylee Carr’s first shot made from the field.
Park Hill didn’t allow another point in the half, led by 20 at halftime and pulled away for a 49-27 victory.
Platte County ended up committing 27 turnovers and shot just 23.4 percent from the field. Carr and senior guard Addie Ayers — the lone returners from last season — finished with a team-high eight points apiece, while sophomore Madeline Arthurs added four points in her first career start.
Ayers hit both of her 3-pointers in the second half, while sophomore Millie Parker added another for her only scoring in the matchup.
Platte County did add back in junior reserve forward Macy Doll, who provided two points and five rebounds, while freshman point guard Emma Schank came off the bench and scored two. The Pirates continued to test the depth of an inexperienced roster while trying to determine rotations.
Platte County junior forward Macy Doll defends against Park Hill in a Winnetonka Invitational game Tuesday at Winnetonka High School in Kansas City.
On Wednesday, Platte County matched a season-high for points in a 37-13 win over Central. Carr scored in double-figures for the first time this season with 12 points and finished with a double-double, adding 12 rebounds, six steals, four blocks and three assists. She hit one of three 3s for the Pirates with Ayers (seven points) and freshman Clare Stephens (five points) adding on each.
Central scored just one point after halftime. Arthurs scored a career-high seven points and eight rebounds, while Doll added four points and four rebounds with Parker finished with two points.
Platte County lost the consolation final Friday evening 62-25 to North Kansas City, which went up big early and never relented. Carr ended up responsible for 17 points, and Ayers added the other eight with the inexperience truly showing against an athletic and experienced team.
No comes a short break with the next game scheduled for Thursday at Oak Park. Platte County also faces Benton before starting Suburban Conference White Division play on Thursday, December 18 at Ruskin.
