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Game 25

February 19, 2007    Site: Chaminade High School

Kirkwood 8 12 10 14 44
C.B.C. 11 13 12 19 55

Kirkwood opened district play at Chaminade High School against the Cadets of C.B.C.  C.B.C. had narrowly defeated the Pioneers in the Fontbonne Tournament in mid-January and the Neers’ were seeking to avenge that loss and advance.

The Cadets jumped to an early lead as senior Connor Sexton scored 6 early points in the paint.  Eric Amend hit a three, but several missed free throws hurt the Pioneers who trailed 11-8 following one period.

Seniors Joe Bergfeld and Ronald Patton led the way in the second quarter as the Pioneers jammed the ball inside the Cadet zone defense.  The senior forwards scored 10 of Kirkwood’s 12 points in the period.  C.B.C. entered the half with a 24-20 advantage.

Throughout the second half the Cadets would withstand each Pioneer rally.  Knocking down free throws (20-of-25) and big shots when needed.  Kirkwood managed just 7-of-13 shooting from the line and though they battled until the end fell 55-44 ending their season with a 10-15 record.   Senior Ronald Patton led the way with 13 points.

 

 

Game 24

February 16, 2007    Site: Kirkwood High School

Kirkwood 9 21 6 19 55
Lindbergh 12 11 18 24 65

On Friday evening, February 16th Kirkwood High School honored eight departing seniors on senior night.  Parents and seniors Joe Bergfeld, Matt Kimball, Josh King, Eric Amend, Ronald Patton, Robreese Williams, Jimmy Killeen, and Lavell Boyd were recognized prior to the varsity contest.

Visiting Kirkwood were the Lindbergh Flyers who could clinch a piece of the Suburban West Conference title with a victory.  Kirkwood looking to rebound from a last second defeat one night earlier sought much needed momentum for district play.

Following a first quarter that would see Lindbergh jump to a 12-9 advantage the Pioneers would heat up, thrilling the large crowd on senior night.  Also boosting the crowd, a large number of Kirkwood youth and parents attended the game prior to the first edition of the Post game With the Pioneers youth clinic and games.

In the second quarter Kirkwood would dominate the paint as Joe Bergfeld and Ronald Patton would combine to score 13 points.  Sophomore Britton Schlotz added 6 points in the quarter including a three point shot in the final seconds to stretch the half time advantage to 30-23 Kirkwood.

Lindbergh wasn’t about to allow a chance at a conference title slip from their grasp.  In the third quarter they outscored the Pioneers 18-6 regaining the lead after three quarters, 41-36.

Kirkwood battled throughout the fourth quarter, but was unable to counter the Flyers advantage at the charity stripe.  Lindbergh connected on 23-of-28 free throw attempts, while Kirkwood managed just 9-of-15.  Lindbergh gained their piece of the conference crown 65-55.

Senior Joe Bergfeld scored 23 points to lead the Pioneers.

 

 

 

Game 23

February 15, 2007    Site: Kirkwood High School

Kirkwood 15 12 10 12 49
Vianney 9 18 7 16 50

Cross-town rival Vianney ventured to the Denver Miller Gym on Thursday February 15th to make up a regularly scheduled Tuesday contest that was postponed by a winter storm.  It was the Pioneers who stormed to an early lead on the Griffins taking a 15-9 lead following one quarter.

Senior guards Josh King and Eric Amend each scored 5 points as the Pioneers jumped to an early advantage against a Griffin squad they had defeated at the Meramec Tournament.

Vianney, led by Tommy Cochran and Jason Smith stormed back in the second quarter outscoring the Pioneers 18-12 to tie the game at the half 27-27.  Joe Bergfeld scored 6 points in the quarter to pace the Pioneers.

The Pioneers reestablished themselves in the third quarter limiting Vianney to just 7 points to take a 37-34 lead at the end of three quarters.  Junior Max Artis scored 5 points in the quarter for the home team.

Kirkwood build their lead to as many as 7 points through the fourth quarter, but was unable to hold onto their lead.  Shot selection, turnovers and missed free throws would be their undoing as Vianney scored with just 8 seconds remaining to defeat the Wood 50-49.

In a bitter defeat for Kirkwood senior post men Joe Bergfeld and Ronald Patton led the way with 13 and 12 points.  Eric Amend added 12.

 

 

Game 22

February 14, 2007    Site: Kirkwood High School

Kirkwood 9 7 9 13 38
Oakville 15 9 10 19 53

On Wednesday evening the Oakville Tigers came to the Wood following a one day layoff caused by a snow storm.   The Tigers slowed the Pioneers early as they packed in a zone defense and found a successful  offensive formula pounding the ball inside to Brandon McCord. Following one quarter of play Oakville grabbed a 15-9.

The sluggish Pioneers couldn’t seem to get on track falling behind Oakville at the half 24-16.  Josh King knocked down a 3-point shot, and junior Trimayne Boyd added a basket as the Tigers outscored Kirkwood 9 to 7 in the frame.

The second half resulted in much of the same as the first.  Oakville pounded the ball inside to junior center Brandon McCord, while the Pioneers offense stalled against the sagging Tiger zone defense.

Oakville completed the effort defeating the Pioneers 53-38, dropping Kirkwood to 10-12 on the season.

 

 

Game 21

February 7, 2007    Site: Parkway Central High School

Kirkwood 9 14 9 17 49
Parkway Central 10 6 6 11 33

One night after earning a home conference win the Pioneers venture to Parkway Central for a non-conference tilt.  Following a sluggish first quarter that would see neither team score for the first four minutes of the game Central who entered with just one victory on the season would take a 10-9 lead.

Although he was not scheduled to play of another week senior Joe Bergfeld entered the game following a two week absence and immediately made his presence felt.  Bergfeld scored 21 points, 9 in the opening half, and grabbed 7 rebounds.

Picking up their effort on the defensive end and energized by the return of their senior post man Kirkwood entered the locker room at the half with a 23-16 advantage.

Kirkwood used a mix of pressure defense, full court presses, and a myriad of zone attack to extend their advantage throughout the second half.  Max Artis finished with 10 points, including a pair of traditional three-point plays down the stretch in the fourth quarter to seal the 49-33 victory.

The win moves the Kirkwood victory total to 10 on the season and gives the club much needed momentum as they push into the final week of the regular season.

 

 

Game 20

February 6, 2007    Site: Kirkwood High School

Kirkwood 13 20 19 16 68
Fox 7 16 13 12 48

Returning to Suburban West Conference play Tuesday evening the Fox Warriors came to Denver Miller Gymnasium.  Kirkwood jumped to an early 13-7 lead led by Max Artis who opened the contest with four consecutive points.

The Pioneers extended their lead in the second quarter entering the half with a 33-23 advantage.  Five Pioneers would score in the quarter including junior Trimayne Boyd who added 3 points. 

Every Pioneer would log playing time, ten would find the scoring column as Kirkwood coasted to a 68-48 conference victory.  Senior Ronald Patton led the way with 17 points, Artis added 13 points, and Eric Amend added 13.  Louis Erby and Trimayne Boyd would record career scoring highs as they added 4 and 5 respectively.

 

 

Game 19

February 2, 2007    Site: Parkway South High School

Kirkwood 10 11 9 11 41
Parkway South 8 11 14 7 44

The Pioneers ventured onto the road for a Suburban West conference game at Parkway South with an opportunity to take a positive step in league play against a district opponent.    Kirkwood took an early 10-6 lead through one quarter as Max Artis connected on four free throws and senior Josh King knocked down a three point basket.

Senior Ronald Patton stepped up in the second quarter scoring 9 of his game high 21 points, however the Patriots outscored the Neers’ in the quarter to close to the margin to 21-19 at the half.

A cold shooting spell came over the Pioneers in the third quarter at the same time the Patriots heated up in front of a large home Friday night crowd. A Patton three point basket helped close the margin, yet the Pioneers trailed 33-30 following three quarters.

As has been the case throughout the season the Pioneers battled throughout the fourth quarter, falling by as many as 5 points only to regain the lead.  Eric Amend and King connected on three point baskets giving Kirkwood a 1 point lead with 38 seconds remaining.

South connected on a pair of free throws to regain the lead with just 20 seconds remaining giving Kirkwood a final chance to tie or win the contest.  Several inside shots wouldn’t go down as the Pioneers suffered a tough road defeat 44-41.

 

 

Game 18

January 30, 2007    Site: Kirkwood  High School

Kirkwood 10 10 16 11 47
Parkway West 10 4 15 12 41

The up and down thrill ride that is the 2006-2007 Pioneer season continued Tuesday night as the Pioneers welcomed the 6-11 Parkway West Longhorns to Denver Miller Gymnasium.

The Neers’ continue to battle the sickness and injury bug as three players sat out with injury and several others battled through sickness to play in the contest.

A sluggish first quarter, marred with a myriad of Pioneer turnovers ended in a 10-10 tie as Ronald Patton and Max Artis led the way with 4 points each in the frame.

The Pioneer defense picked up the pace once again, limiting the Longhorns to just four second quarter points and Kirkwood entered the locker room with a 20-14 lead at the half.
For the first time in many games the Pioneers opened the third quarter against Longhorn man-to-man defense.  The excited Pioneers quickly scored 8 points to stretch their lead to 28-14.  Following the third quarter, a balanced Pioneer attack including four points from senior Josh King, and Patton and Artis baskets the Pioneers held a 36-29 advantage entering the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter the Pioneers executed against Longhorn pressure, and withstood a three-point barrage as Parkway West connected on three long range shots.  Eric Amend connected on a pair of free throws and Ronald Patton who led with a team high 25 points connected on all 5 fourth quarter free throws, including four in the final minute to ice the 47-41 Kirkwood victory.

Kirkwood improves to 8-10 on the season and will reenter Suburban West Conference play Friday evening as they face Parkway South on the road.

 

 

Game 17

January 26, 2007    Site: Kirkwood  High School

Kirkwood 8 8 4 9 29
McCluer 2 15 15 14 46

On a night when a large home crowd gathered to honor the 1971-72 team that finished state runner-up with a 31-1 record, and the 1972-73 team that also advanced to the title game and finished with a 27-2 mark the 2006-2007 Pioneers hosted the McCluer Comets.

Kirkwood had narrowly defeated the Comets earlier in the Fontbonne Tournament and was prepared for a difficult test.  An early Josh King three point basket and solid Pioneer defense helped the home team to an 8-2 advantage following the first quarter of play.

Aided by 10 first half turnovers and several missed free throws McCluer stormed back in the second quarter taking a 17-16 lead at intermission.

Following a lengthy half time celebration honoring the 70’s teams the Comets and the Pioneers took the court for the second half.

A sluggish Pioneer squad committed 10 third quarter turnovers and were outscored 15-4 in the frame as the Comets moved to a 32-30 advantage.

Kirkwood would make an early run in the fourth quarter, but the Comets were up to the task, holding Kirkwood to a season low point total as they earned a measure of revenge and a 46-29 non-conference victory.

Kirkwood committed nearly as many turnovers (27) as they scored points (29) as they fell to 7-10 on the season.  Injured Senior Joe Bergfeld was unable to play and will miss at least two weeks as he recovers.  No Pioneer reached double figures as Max Artis lead the team in scoring with 7.

 

 

Game 16

January 23, 2007    Site: Marquette High School

Kirkwood 14 10 11 15 50
Marquette 6 12 17 13 48

The Pioneers ventured onto the road, still smarting from a fourth quarter collapse just days earlier at Northwest, and still remembering a lost 10 point lead against the same Marquette Mustangs at the Meramec Tournament.

Kirkwood stormed out of the gate in the first quarter, jumping to an early 6-0 lead forcing Marquette head coach Shane Matzen to call an early timeout.  Leading the way senior Ronald Patton scored 6 points as the Pioneers finished the quarter with a 14-6 advantage.

Early in the second quarter senior Joe Bergfeld went down with a serious ankle injury that wouldn’t allow him to return to action.  Foul trouble sent several other Pioneers to the bench as Kirkwood battled with a lineup that included one senior, two juniors, and a pair of sophomores including Britton Schlotz in his varsity debut.

The Pioneers battled through the second quarter, limiting the Mustangs to just 4 field goals in the first half as they entered the half with a 24-18 advantage.  

The second half would resemble a war of attrition as the Suburban West foes would trade basket for basket, blow for blow throughout.   Following the third quarter Marquette used a scoring surge to even the score at 35-35 entering the final quarter.

In the final frame the Pioneers would tighten their defense and senior leadership took over.  Senior Eric Amend scored 9 points in the final period, including a pair of long range bombs and 3-of-4 free throw shooting.  Ronald Patton scored 6 points and grabbed several key defensive rebounds.

Kirkwood gave their most gritty performance of the season, finishing with a 50-48 victory.  The win moves the Pioneers to 7-9 on the season, evening their conference mark at 2-2.

 

 

Game 15

January 19, 2007    Site: Northwest H.S., Cedar Hill

Kirkwood 15 6 14 7 42
Northwest 7 10 13 14 44

The Pioneers entered the Lions Den for a Suburban West conference game as a large vocal home crowd showed up to greet former Northwest head basketball coach Bill Gunn and root for the home team.

Early in the contest Kirkwood quieted the home crowd as Joe Bergfeld scored 6 points to help the Neers’ to a 15-7 first quarter advantage.   A sluggish offensive effort in the second quarter allowed the Lions to climb back into the game as Kirkwood entered the locker room with a 21-17 lead at the intermission.

Max Artis scored six third quarter points as the Pioneers and Lions played to nearly a draw.  Kirkwood held a 35-30 advantage entering the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter the Pioneers would stretch their lead to as many as 9 points with under 3:00 minutes remaining in the contest.   Missed free throws and crucial turnovers, combined with clutch Northwest shooting enabled the Lions to climb back into the contest.

A Kirkwood Pioneer 10 second violation gave Northwest the ball and a final opportunity to win in a 42-42 tie with seconds remaining.  Following a timeout Drew Moore was left unguarded in the lane, where he scored a lay-up to give the Lions a 44-42 advantage.  

Kirkwood advanced the ball up the floor, and following a timeout were unable to convert, falling on the road to the Lions.  The loss drops the Lions to 6-9 on the season, 1-2 in Suburban West Conference play.

 

 

Game 14

January 16, 2007    Site: St. Louis University High School

Kirkwood 19 10 20 13 62
SLUH 12 14 19 14 59

Kirkwood went on the road and earned a hard fought 62-59 victory, defeating SLUH for the second time this season.   Four Pioneers reached double figures in the contest including Joe Bergfeld with 14, Ronald Patton with 13, Max Artis with 12, and Eric Amend with 11.

The Pioneers built a 7-point fourth quarter lead only to see SLUH guards Eric Devlin and Gino McNeil lead their team back.  The Billikins built a 3-point advantage before the Pioneers used pressure defense and key free throw shooting by several players to earn the victory.

Senior Josh King directed the offense and seniors Matt Kimball and Jimmy Killeen did a great job off the bench giving the Pioneers key minutes during their second half run. Kimball scored five points in a third quarter spurt, including three-for-three shooting from the free throw line.

The Pioneers improve to 6-8 on the season and will return to Suburban West Conference play Friday evening when they take on the Lions in Cedar Hill.  This game will mark the return of head coach Bill Gunn to the school where he spent the past four seasons building the Lions basketball program.

 

 

 

Game 13

January 11, 2007    Site: Fontbonne College

Kirkwood 8 11 14 6 39
Beaumont 13 14 12 21 60

Third place games are often about the team who “wants it most”.  Following a blowout loss just one night before in the semifinal round to eventual champion St. Charles West the Beaumont Blue Jackets certainly wanted a victory on this night.

The Jackets swarmed, frustrated, and attacked the Pioneers forcing a season high 24 turnovers as they earned a 60-39 victory.

After cutting an early deficit to 19-15, several turnovers led to quick Beaumont baskets.  Beaumont took a 27-19 lead into the intermission.  

In the third quater Kirkwood mounted a come back, cutting into the lead as the quarter ended with a 39-31 Beaumont advantage.  Beaumont pressured the Neer’s into a 21-6 fourth quarter advantage as they earned third place in the final Fontbonne Tournament.

Joe Bergfeld led the way for the Pioneers with 11 points, Max Artis added 10.  The Pioneers fall to 5-8 on the season, suffering their most difficult defeat.

Joe Bergfeld and Ronald Patton were named to the all-tournament team.   Kirkwood will next take the court Tuesday evening at St. Louis University High when the varsity takes the floor for a 6:00 PM start.  In their last meeting Kirkwood earned a 56-48 victory in the season opener.

 

 

Game 12

January 10, 2007    Site: Fontbonne College

Kirkwood 9 12 12 8 41
C.B.C. 13 8 11 14 46

In the second round of the Fontbonne Tournament the Pioneers met the No. 2 seeded C.B.C. Cadets.  The game would match a pair of district foes who will not meet again in the regular season.

After falling behind in the first quarter Kirkwood outscored the Cadets 12-8 to tie the score at 21-21 as the teams entered the intermission.   The Pioneers would earn a one point advantage in the third quarter and entered the final period with a 33-32 advantage.  

In the fourth quarter the Pioneers would succumb to the C.B.C. zone defensive attack.  Turnovers and poor shot selection would lead to the demise of the Neer’s as Cadet senior Scott Arceri connected from long range and on drives to the basket to pull his team ahead.   The Pioneers held the Cadets under their defensive goal of 49 points, but where unable to score enough points to move forward in the tournament.

Joe Bergfeld led the way scoring 15 points and pulling down 11 rebounds, while fellow “big man” Ronald Patton scored 12 points.  The Kirkwood post tandem limited C.B.C. post players to just 3 points in the contest.

The loss drops the Pioneers to 5-7 on the season and into the third place contest against the Beaumont Blue Jackets.
 

 

 

Game 11

January 9, 2007    Site: Fontbonne College

Kirkwood 11 11 13 8 43
McCluer 10 10 10 12 42

For the third time in three tries the Kirkwood Pioneers opened tournament play with a victory to advance forward.  The No. 6 seeded Pioneers defeated No. 3 seeded McCluer 43-42 in a game that included a strong defensive effort and quality free throw shooting down the stretch.

Kirkwood scored 11 points in both the first and second quarter and enter half time with a narrow 22-20 lead over the Comets.   In the second half the Pioneers handled the swarming McCluer pressure holding on for the one point victory.  

Three Pioneers reached double figures including senior Ronald Patton, who led the way with 12 points and 8 rebounds.  Senior Joe Bergfeld added 11 points and junior Max Artis added 10 points including 4-of-4 free throws in the final minute to ice the victory.

The win moves the season mark to 5-6, the Pioneers will face C.B.C. in the semifinal round of the Fontbonne Tournament.   Kirkwood and McCluer will meet again at the Wood on January 26 in a non-conference tilt.

 

 

Game 10

January 3, 2007    Site: Denver Miller Gymnasium, Kirkwood High School

Kirkwood 12 16 15 13 5 8  69
Pattonville 12 9 17 18 5 7 68

The Kirkwood Pioneers opened the 2007 portion of the basketball season with an exciting 69-68 victory that kept those in attendance on the edge of their seats for the entire evening.

After one period the Pattonville combination of zones and slow offensive tempo succeeded in slowing the Pioneers as the teams finished tied at 12-12.

In the second quarter the Pioneers picked up their defensive effort forcing several turnovers with full court defensive pressure.  Louis Erby and Eric Amend knocked down long range jump shots and senior Ronald Patton added 6 points to help the Pioneers enter intermission with a 28-21 advantage.

In the fourth quarter the Pioneers would stretch their lead to 11 points before a furious Pirate rally helped Pattonville draw even at 61-61 at the end of intermission.  The Pioneers would miss 7 turnovers in the fourth quarter, while being outscored 18-13 by the Pirates.

In the first overtime period teams would trade baskets as the Pioneers held a 1 point lead as the clock reached 6.2 seconds.  A questionable foul call placed Mike Kranz on the line where he would connect on a pair of free throws to give Pattonville a 61-60 advantage.  With no time outs Kirkwood would execute a late game play called "Tyus Edney" as senior guard Matt Kimball raced up the court as time ran down.  A touch fall, by the same official, would send Kimball to the line with an opportunity to end the contest with just .8 seconds remaining.  After a miss, Kimball calmly knocked down the second free throw sending the game to double overtime.

A confident Pioneer club who had advanced to triple overtime earlier in the season took the floor for the second extra frame.  With just 33 seconds remaining and Pattonville holding a 5 point lead evening the most confident Kirkwood fan could be found with doubt.  Eric Amend connected on a long range 3-point basket, his fourth of the contest to cut the lead to 2.  The Pioneer defense would force a turnover giving another offensive opportunity with 18 seconds remaining. 

Following a timeout Craig Lieb found Amend in the corner where he launched a three point attempt and was fouled.  Amend knocked down all three free throw attempts giving the Pioneers a 69-68 advantage.  Following a 16 second defensive stand Kimball dove on a loose ball securing the first victory of 2007 for the Pioneers.

Joe Bergfeld led the Pioneers with 23 points and 7 rebounds.  Eric Amend scored 17 points, the final 6 of the contest and dished 6 assists.  Ronald Patton added 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Kirkwood moves to 4-6 on the season and will enter the Fontbonne Tournament next week when they take on McCluer Tuesday evening at 8:30 PM.

 

 

Game 9

December 29, 2006    Site: Meramec Holiday Tournament, Meramec Community College

Kirkwood 12 17 7 9 45
Marquette 15 4 14 16 49

Following a slow start in the 3:00 P.M. start Max Artis pulled down a pair of offensive rebounds, adding a pair of put backs to close the Mustang advantage to 15-12 at the end of the first frame.

Putting together their finest quarter of the season the Pioneers used a 17-4 scoring advantage to enter the intermission with a 29-19 advantage.  In the quarter junior Craig Lieb connected for a pair of three-point baskets and senior forward Jimmy Killeen converted on a steal and basket to finish the quarter with 5 points.

Turnovers and defensive breakdowns haunted the Pioneers in the third quarter as Marquette closed the Kirkwood advantage to 36-33 scoring 14 third quarter points. A back-and-forth forth quarter would see the lead change hands on several occasions as Josh King and Eric Amend connected on long range jumpers to provide late Pioneer heroics.  A key Andy Rosburg rebound, on a free throw, and three point play hurt any Pioneer chances late in the fourth quarter, along with clutch Mustang free throw shooting gave Marquette a 49-45 victory.

The Pioneers fall to 3-6 on the season and suffer their most disappointing loss to date.  The Pioneers will go back to work and prepare for 2007 and the remaining conference season with a renewed optimism.  Pattonville will call on the Pioneers Wednesday as the Neers' host a basketball triple header beginning at 4:00 PM.

Senior forward Ronald Patton was named to the 10-member Meramec All-Tournament team.

 

 

Game 8

December 28, 2006    Site: Meramec Holiday Tournament, Meramec Community College

Kirkwood 19 6 16 4 45
Troy 19 12 21 15 67

Those fans who stayed around for the 8:45 P.M. tip of the last Meramec Tournament quarterfinal round contest were treated to an exciting first quarter as the No. 2 seeded Trojans and the Pioneers matched basket-for-basket finished the quarter tied at 19-19.

In the second quarter the Trojans outscored the Pioneers 12-6 to enter half time with a 31-25 advantage. After the intermission the Pioneers suffered five consecutive turnovers in five possessions as the long range Trojan shooters began to heat up from the perimeter.   A late surge by the Pioneers, including a steal, lay-up, and free throw by junior Louis Erby allowed Kirkwood to close to within 11 points.

The Pioneers could draw no closer, as the Trojans used a 19-5 free throw advantage to extend the final margin to 67-45.  The Pioneers fell to 3-5 on the season and will face Suburban West conference foe Marquette Friday afternoon in a 3:00 P.M. tip off.

Ronald Patton again led the way with 19 points, while Joe Bergfeld added 12.

 

 

Game 7

December 27, 2006    Site: Meramec Holiday Tournament, Meramec Community College

Kirkwood 10 15 14 20 58
Vianney 12 10 10 19 51

The No. 10 seeded Pioneers opened Meramec Tournament play knocking off No. 7 seeded Vianney with a 58-51 victory. After falling behind 12-10 after one quarter the Pioneers used a 15-10 second quarter scoring advantage led by 8 Eric Amend points to take a 25-22 lead into intermission.

The Pioneers extended the lead in both the third and fourth quarters, overcoming a 13-for-31 night at the free throw line to earn the victory and advance. Kirkwood was again led by its senior big men as Ronald Patton scored 21 points and Joe Bergfeld added 18.

The win moves the Pioneers to 3-4 on the season, and matches them against No. 2 seeded Troy in the quarterfinal round.

 

 

Game 6

December 21, 2006    Site: Denver Miller Gymnasium, Kirkwood, Missouri

Kirkwood 18 20 11 16 65
Webster Groves 20 13 20 24 77

In front of a large home crowd the Pioneers and rival Webster Groves Statesmen entertained those in attendance as Pioneer senior forward Ronald Patton and junior Webster guard Drew Hanlen hooked up in a first half scoring dual.  Patton scored 17 first half points, connected on all 7 shots from the floor to lead the Pioneers to a 38-33 half time advantage. Hanlen scored 24 first half points and would finish with 34.

The Pioneers built their lead to 7 points in the third quarter against the Statesmen who entered with a 7-0 record and the No. 2 ranking in Missouri Class 5. The Neers' succumbed to Webster full court pressure late in the quarter suffering several turnovers and a pair of tough block/charge calls that went against the home team as the Statesmen ended the quarter with a 53-49 advantage.

 8 missed free throws in the fourth quarter would spell doom for the Pioneers as Webster heated up at the same time knocking down three long-range bombs and 9-of-13 from the free throw line to secure the 77-65 non-conference victory.

Patton finished with 22 points, and fellow seniors Eric Amend and Joe Bergfeld each contributed 13. 

 

 

Game 5

December 15, 2006    Site: Denver Miller Gymnasium, Kirkwood, Missouri

Kirkwood 10 21 14 19 64
Mehlville 17 7 14 12 50

The Pioneers played their first home game, hosting Mehlville in Suburban West Conference play. After a pair of early Eric Amend three point baskets the Pioneers returned to lackluster offensive play that plagued them throughout the Webster Classic.  On defense the Panthers took the action to the Pioneers in the post moving to a 17-10 lead after one quarter.

In the second quarter the Pioneers turned up the heat defensively and the pressure showed immediate dividends.  Senior forward Joe Bergfeld stole a Panther pass and converted with a thunderous two-hand dunk to energize the home crowd.  Several possessions later an Amend steal and assist led to a Ronald Patton break away dunk prompting Panther head coach Andy Guethle to take a time out.  The Pioneers would close with a Josh King long range three-point basket entering the locker room with a 31-24 advantage.

While Panther guard Malcom Crawford a balanced Pioneer attack saw five players score in the third quarter, keyed by another pair of Eric Amend long-range bombs.  In the fourth quarter the Pioneers pulled away as Mehlville tried to extend full court pressure.  Amend connected with Bergfeld who slipped behind the defense for another two hand slam, which also slammed the door on any Panther thoughts of winning.  Trimayne Boyd finished the scoring with his first varsity basket as the Pioneers evened their conference record at 1-1 with a 64-50 victory over Mehlville.

 

 

Game 4

December 12, 2006    Site: Lafayette

Kirkwood 19 19 18 12 2 6 6 82
Lafayette 13 22 19 14 2 6 11 87

If this game were on ESPN it would certainly be an ESPN Instant Classic!  The Kirkwood Pioneers and the Lafayette Lancers opened the Suburban West Conference season with what could easily turn out to be the top conference game of the season.

The Pioneers who put in quality work following a subpar showing at the Webster Classic opened in impressive fashion, carving up the Lafayette full court pressure for a 19-13 first quarter advantage. Senior point guard Josh King set the tone early directing the press attack, while scoring 6 early points.

The Lancers mounted a second quarter come back knocking down three long range jump shots in the quarter.  At the intermission Kirkwood led by a slim 38-35 margin.

Lafayette trimmed the lead to just two following the third quarter and took control in the fourth quarter stretching their lead to as many as five points.  The Pioneers refused to give in, battling back with late defensive pressure and clutch baskets.  On the final possession following a timeout King connected on a three-point basket from the corner with just seconds remaining in regulation to send the game to overtime with a 68-68 tie.

In the first overtime each team scored 2 points, and the Pioneers held the ball in the final seconds of the period.  King missed on a drive down the lane, Ronald Patton gathered the rebound but was unable to get a shot back up to the rim before the buzzer sounded.

In the second overtime the Pioneers fell behind again by 5 points before mounting a comeback.  A long Eric Amend three point basket, one of 5 on the night cut the Lancer lead.  With seconds remaining and the Pioneers trailing by 3 points it was time for more King heroics.  A double teamed Amend found King at the top of the key.  With less than 2 seconds remaining King knocked down another long three pointer off the glass to send the game to triple overtime tied at 76-76.

For much of the third overtime a fourth looked certain.  The Pioneers had the ball and a tie score with just 25 seconds remaining.  The Lancers pressured an early shot attempt and after gathering the rebound Kevin Peifer was fouled sending him to the line with a chance to put Lafayette ahead.  The Lancers connected on 5 free throws in the final 20 seconds giving Lafayette an 87-82 victory and a huge step toward their 6th consecutive conference title.

For the Pioneers, it was a disappointing loss, but it was a sign of bright things to come for an basketball team that is gaining confidence with every minute.  Senior Ronald Patton was outstanding blocking shots, pulling down rebounds, and scoring 23 points.  Amend connected on 5-of-6 three point attempts and finished with 23 points, while backcourt mate Josh King added 17.   Senior center Joe Bergfeld added 10 before falling out.

The Pioneers will continue in Suburban West play Friday when they host Mehlville in their first home game at the Denver Miller Gymnasium.

 

 

Game 3

December 9, 2006    Site: Webster Groves

Kirkwood 11 8 12 5 37
Lindbergh 17 17 6 10 50

At times the growing process can be difficult for a young basketball team.  The Pioneers showed flashes of quality basketball over the three day period at Webster Groves High School.  They also showed that at times even the most fundamental skills aren't that fundamental.  Throughout the week the Neers' battled hard providing hope that the 2006-2007 basketball season will be a successful one.

After scoring a pair of early baskets senior Ronald Patton headed to the bench in foul trouble as Lindbergh pulled to a 34-20 half time advantage.  The senior laden Flyers, were led by Tyler Kiel, a four-year letterman who scored 9 first half points, and senior Robert Williams who added 11.

The Pioneers battled back in the third quarter, extended their full court pressure as they were able to capitalize on Flyer turnovers.  Seniors Patton and Joe Bergfeld stepped their inside play as Kirkwood outscored Lindbergh 12-6 in the frame, cutting the Flyer lead to just 5-points.

In the fourth quarter Lindbergh used an extended 1-3-1 zone to stymie the Pioneers who managed just 5 fourth quarter points and fell 50-37 dropping them to 1-2 on the season.

Patton led the way, scoring 13 points and was named to the National Bank/Webster Classic All-Tournament team.  Seniors Josh King and Eric Amend represented the Pioneers in the three point shooting contest earlier in the day.

Kirkwood will enter Suburban West Conference play on Tuesday evening as they travel to Wildwood to take on the 5-time defending league champion Lafayette Lancers.

 

 

 

Game 2

December 8, 2006    Site: Webster Groves

Kirkwood 12 10 14 19 55
Ft. Zumwalt West 17 15 22 16 70

In the second round of the National Bank/Webster Classic the young Pioneers matched up with Ft. Zumwalt West, one of the top 10 ranked teams in the St. Louis area.  West, led by Ron Waller, a University of Western Kentucky recruit and Carl Gettis, who will play football at the University of Missouri.

Balanced scoring for the Pioneers saw six players reach the scoring column, but it was enough to off set the hot shooting by senior guard Ben Rapp who connected for four three-point baskets in the quarter helping the Jaguars to a 17-12 advantage after one quarter.

Pioneer senior guard Eric Amend connected on a pair of long range jumpers to pull Kirkwood back into the contest, however a late flurry of scoring by Gettis gave West a 32-22 advantage at the half.

Kirkwood fell behind by nearly 17 in the second half, before mounting a furious rally in the fourth quarter to close the gap to 8 points.  Full court pressure by the Pioneers led to Jaguar turnovers and easy baskets.  Kirkwood was never able to overcome the large deficit, falling to the Jags 70-55.  Kirkwood falls to 1-1 on the season, while West moves to 2-1.  The Pioneers will meet Suburban West conference foe Lindbergh in a 3:00 PM third place contest on Saturday.

Senior Ronald Patton led the way with 17 points, earning the Pioneer "game ball" in this contest. Juniors Maxwell Artis and Craig Lieb contributed, each reaching career highs in points as they scored 7 and 8 points respectively.

 

 

Game 1

December 7, 2006   Site: Webster Groves

Kirkwood  10  15  12  19=  56

SLUH        14  09  10  13= 48

The Kirkwood Pioneers opened their season with a 9:00 PM tip off in the National Bank Webster Groves Tournament against St. Louis University High.  The Pioneers and Billikins were the final two teams in the state to open their season and each looked apprehensive in the opening minutes.

After one period SLUH took a 14-10 lead behind Joe Henderson inside who scored 5 points.  Ronald Patton, one of the most experienced Pioneers scored six first quarter points to keep the Neers' in the contest. 

In the second quarter the Pioneers picked up the defensive pressure, forcing several SLUH turnovers with multiple pressing defenses and fought back into the game.  Matt Kimball pushed the ball on the break, and senior guard Eric Amend began to heat up knocking down in his first three-point shot of the season.  At the intermission Sluh and Kirkwood were tied at 25-25.

Following the half each team looked ready to play as teams exchanged baskets, each knocking down their first three shots from the field to knot the score at 31-31.  Senior Joe Bergfeld scored 8 points in the quarter, including an impressive two hand dunk off a nifty dish from Kimball.

In the fourth quarter the Pioneers wore down the Billikins, mixing defenses, and pushing the pace on the offensive end.  The Pioneers were able to handle SLUH pressure, springing Patton free for a pair of slams to rev up the Pioneer faithful.  A 19-13 fourth quarter advantage gave the Pioneers the winning margin as they took care of the basketball and got big defensive stops when they needed them down the stretch.

Bergfeld led the way with 19 points, while fellow senior Ronald Patton added 17 points and several rebounds.  Eric Amend reached double figures with 12 points,  followed by Max Artis with 5, and Josh King with 3.   Jimmy Killeen, Trimayne Boyd, Craig Lieb, and Louis Erby each contributed to the victory.  Senior guard Matt Kimball earns the "game ball" securing numerous steals and dishing nearly a dozen assists.

Kirkwood moves to 1-1 on the season and will face Ft. Zumwalt West (1-1) at 8:30 PM Friday evening in the second round of tournament play.