Game 27 February 20, 2008

Site: C.B.C. High School

Class 5, District 5

Marquette 12 02 11 21 = 46

Kirkwood 11 08 08 16 = 43

Two times the Pioneers met the Mustangs on the hard wood this season and two times the Mustangs earned the victory. The Pioneers enter district play in the hopes that the “third time would be the charm”.

Most of the district semifinal contest would see the Pioneers devote their defensive effort to stopping 6-foot-8 inch three time all-conference center Andy Rosburg inside and contain all-conference guard Chad Haley from the outside.

Sophomore Hunter Ward got the Pioneers off to a fast start opening the game with a long range three point basket and finishing the first quarter with 6 points. Two familiar programs who seemed to know each others every move, 8 first quarter points by Marquette’s Chad Haley helped the Mustangs to a 12-11 advantage following one quarter of play.

In the second quarter the Pioneers employed a box & one defense to limit the scoring of Haley. The Mustangs could only must one basket in the frame, but limited to the Pioneers to just 8 points as Louis Erby scored 6. At the intermission the Pioneers led the Mustangs 19-14.

In the third quarter the Mustangs would begin to solve the Pioneer defense. Each team displayed quality defense, a Ty McKeon three point basket on a Marquette in-bounds play would allow Marquette to outscore Kirkwood closing the margin to 27-25 following three quarters of play.

The fourth quarter would see an outstanding effort by both teams, Erby connected for another 3-pointer, Mycole Pruitt knocked down a 15-foot jumper and the Pioneers extended their lead to 5 points with 2 minutes to play.

On the next possession Erby fouled out sending Chad Haley to the line. Haley to the line would be a familiar ring during the fourth quarter. In the period Haley connected on 12 of 12 free throw attempts, bringing him to 27 points in the contest and giving the Mustangs a narrow lead.

A long Britton Schlotz three point basket wasn’t enough as the Pioneers fell just short 46-43 ending their outstanding season. Marquette finished with 19-22 free throw shooting, while the Pioneers 4-for-10 effort left them feeling empty.

It was a successful campaign, better than anyone expected, with huge victories such as an early February defeat of Parkway South, and the title in the Lindbergh Tournament, but on this night it was difficult for this “family” to remember any of that in a season that ended too soon.

The senior members of the team, Artis, Erby, Thomas, and Boyd provided great leadership as the Program turned around a 10-15 season on year before finishing 17-10.

Game 26 February 15, 2008

Site: Lindbergh High School

Kirkwood 20 08 24 11 = 63

Lindbergh 07 16 08 16 = 47

In their final regular season game the Pioneers were determined to focus on their play preparing for district basketball that would come in the next week. A solid defensive effort would set the tone in the first quarter as junior guard Britton Schlotz knocked down three early three-point baskets and the Pioneers moved out to a 20-7 advantage.

In the second quarter the Pioneer shooting would go cold from the perimeter and defensive breakdowns led to a 16-8 scoring advantage by the Flyers.

Following the intermission the Pioneers may have played their best three minutes of basketball of the season. Led by senior Louis Erby who scored 12 points in the quarter the Pioneers completely dominated the Flyers with a smothering press beginning the quarter with a 22-4 advantage and moving their lead to 52-31 at the end of three quarters.

Eight different Pioneers would score in the final quarter, connecting on just enough free throws (8-13) to close the regular season with a 63-47 victory.

The team that wasn’t even given a chance to finish .500 by its own school news paper completed the regular season with a 17-9 record and would now move on to district play facing the Marquette Mustangs, Wednesday the 20^th, at CBC High School.

Game 25 February 13, 2008

Site: Oakville High School

Kirkwood 08 10 20 18 = 56

Oakville 17 11 17 14 = 59

Better than their record the young Tigers have been on quite a roll since a mid season defection from three of their seniors. Just a week earlier the Tigers defeated Webster Groves and earned the top seed in their district.

An ugly start to the game would find the Pioneers behind 14-2 on the scoreboard and looking overmatched with 3 and 1/2 quarters to play. It was then the Pioneers would begin to fight back, Senior Louis Erby scored 5 early points and Hunter Ward ended the quarter with a long 3-point basket.

For much of the second quarter the Pioneers would be saddled with foul troubles as MyCole Pruitt and Max Artis would be forced to sit for long stretches. Using a seldom used zone defense the Pioneers held close trailing just 28-18 at the half.

In the second half Kirkwood returned to their full court press and as Britton Schlotz began to heat up from the outside the Neers' fought back into the game cutting the deficit to 7.

In the final frame the Pioneer pressure defense was intense throughout. The Pioneers cut the Oakville lead to just a point, but couldn’t overcome an uncharacteristically cold shooting night from the free throw line (19-34). A final three point attempt that would have sent the game to overtime by Schlotz seemed to go 3/4 of the way into the goal, but rimmed out ending the Pioneer come back.

Kirkwood would fall 59-56, giving them their first pair of consecutive losses since late December and moving their record to 16-9. Friday evening the Pioneers get to enjoy their third road senior night of the week as they play their final Suburban West Conference game at Lindbergh.

Game 24 February 11, 2008

Site: Vianney High School

Kirkwood 10 12 19 12 = 53

Vianney 09 21 14 26 =70

Just four days earlier the Kirkwood Community suffered a great tragedy at a town council meeting resulting in the death of six citizens. As the entire community the basketball team struggled in the days following the event to understand and deal with the events that had transpired.

Prior to the Vianney game players from both teams wore shirt to remember those who had passed. A short ceremony was held prior to tip off by a member of the clergy in the community.

With heavy hearts the Pioneers took the floor against an improved Vianney team they had defeated by 17 points two months earlier. On this night the Griffins would have a new plan in mind.

Vianney had little trouble with the Pioneer press early in the game and with a mix of inside and outside baskets moved out to a 12 point second quarter lead. The Pioneers battled back and cut the margin to 30-22 at the half.

Following the intermission, the Neers exploded from the locker room scoring the first 10 points of the quarter to take the lead at 32-30. A timeout by the Griffins halted the run and got the home team back on track.

Following three quarters Vianney held a narrow 44-41 advantage. In the final period the Pioneer offense just couldn’t seem to get into sync, while Vianney could not be stopped. The Griffins connected on 26-of-37 free throws and locked up the Pioneer offense resulting in a 70-53 victory.

The Pioneers fall to 16-8 on the season and return to the court on Wednesday when they travel to Oakville to face the Tigers in Suburban West play.

Game 23 February 6, 2008

Site: Denver Miller Gymnasium

Kirkwood High School High School

Parkway Central 10 10 06 24 = 50

Kirkwood 07 16 19 21 = 63

After some final pomp-and-circumstance on the final contest played in the Denver Miller Gym the Pioneers got off to a slow start against the visiting Parkway Central Colts. A sluggish defensive effort and cold shooting helped the Colts earn a 10-7 lead over the home club in the first quarter.

As they have all season, the Pioneers stormed back from deficit, outscoring the Colts in the second quarter 16-10 to lead at the half 23-20. Hunter Ward led the way scoring 5 points in the frame, Max Artis added 4.

Using a strong third quarter surge the Pioneers outscored the Colts 19-6. While slowing Central point guard Andy Stevens with several different defensive alignments the Kirkwood offense heated up. Senior Louis Erby knocked down a long range jump shot and finished the quarter with 7 points.

In the fourth quarter the Pioneers connected on 15-of-18 free throws and played enough defense to hold off the hot shooting Colts earning a 63-50 non-conference victory.

Erby and Britton Schlotz led the way each scoring 15 points apiece, Artis added 11. The victory moved the Pioneer record to 16-7.

Game 22 February 5, 2008

Site: Fox High School

Kirkwood 16 23 26 22 = 87

Fox 10 11 26 09 = 56

Coming off their biggest win of the season the Pioneers headed South to play the much improved Fox Warriors trying to avoid a let down that often comes following a win of this magnitude.

With hot shooting sophomore guard setting the tone with a pair of early three point baskets the Pioneers played well early moving out to a 16-10 first quarter advantage.

A balanced offensive attack and smothering defense allowed the Neer’s to take a 39-21 advantage to the half time intermission. Seven different players scored in the second quarter led by senior Max Artis who chipped in 8 of his game high 18 points.

The second half would be controlled by the Pioneers, who outscored the Warriors 48 to 35. Every single Pioneer finding the scoring column including junior Andrew Perry who connected on a pair of free throws and junior Joe Comfort scored a career high five points.

The Pioneers improve to 15-7 with the victory and return home Wednesday evening for the final game in Denver Miller Gym against the visiting Parkway Central Colts.

Game 21 February 1, 2008

Site: Denver Miller Gymnasium

Kirkwood High School High School

Pioneers make charge on Senior Night

By Nate Latsch

Post Dispatch

On a night when the Kirkwood basketball team honored its senior and mourned the passing of one of its former standouts, the Pioneers played a game they won’t soon forget.

Senior center Max Artis scored a team-high 24 points Friday night to lead Kirkwood to an 80-76 victory over visiting Parkway South in a Suburban West Conference game on Senior Night.

“No one really gave this senior class a lot of credit,” Kirkwood coach Bill Gunn said. “These four seniors have really done it for us in a lot of different ways, and I think they just keep coming together. I think tonight is kind of the culmination.”

After losing five of its first seven games this season, Kirkwood has now won 12 of its last 14. The Pioneers improved to 14-7 overall and 3-2 in the Suburban West.

Before the game there was a moment of silence for 2001 graduate Anthony Smith, who died this week one day shy of his 25^th birthday after a battle with leukemia. Smith was the Suburban West Conference player of the year as a senior and then played four years at Loyala-Chicago.

“He was a great player”, Artis said. “That’s all for him. He’s in our hearts.” The Pioneers played with plenty of heart.

The No. 3 team in the Post-Dispatch large schools rankings, Parkway South (20-2 3-1) had five players score in double-figures, led by point guard Ben Hoener’s game-high 28 points. The Patriots also got 12 points each from Scott Pohle and Mark Wright and 10 points apiece from Antonio Bryant and Kevin Pohle.

Playing without injured center Phil Atkins, Parkway South led 15-8 after one quarter, 27-26 at halftime, and 52-49 after a fast and furious third quarter.

The Patriots led by five early in the fourth before Kirkwood made a charge.

“I just thought the big thing was we matched them,” Gunn said. “When they made a run, we came back and made a run. When we needed to reach down and play D, we did.”

The Pioneers made eight of their 12 shot attempts in the quarter – including 3-pointers from senior Louis Erby (14 points), Hunter Ward (10 points), and Ricky McNabb – and made 12-of-14 free throw attempts.

“Max has done it all year for us,” Gunn said. He’s word so hard for four years and it’s a great time for him to shine.”

Game 20 January 30, 2008

Site: Denver Miller Gymnasium

Kirkwood High School High School

St. Louis U. High 16 10 14 11 = 51

Kirkwood 13 16 12 11 = 52

It is always nice to be given the opportunity to redeem yourself. Often second chances are all sporting teams ask for when dealt with a loss earlier in the season. In the second round of the Webster Classic the SLUH Billikins turned a 4-point margin of victory into a 16-point victory over the Pioneers and a shot at the title.

On this night the Pioneers would take the court prepared, however it wasn’t until the Bills led by hot shooting guard Tim Cooney (11 first quarter points) took an early 11-2 lead, that Kirkwood found the focus they needed. Kirkwood rallied back late in the first quarter on the strength of a pair of Britton Schlotz three pointers and a five Louis Erby points to close to a 3-point deficit.

In the second quarter the Pioneers extended their perimeter defense and sophomore guard Hunter Ward stepped up with three three-point baskets to help his squad enter the half with a 29-26 lead.

In the second half each team appeared to be at a standoff. The Bills were packing the middle, sending as many as three defenders to the paint to slowdown leading scorer Max Artis. At the same time the Pioneers were extending their defense in an effort to limit the long range shooting of the Bills.

SLUH edged the Pioneers in the third quarter closing to within one point, 41-40 at the end of the frame. The fourth quarter would see teams exchange leads, baskets, and strive for victory.

With just 52 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter Kirkwood emerged from a timeout with a 2-point deficit. A series of screens would spring Schlotz at the top of the key were he would drain a 22-foot jump shot giving the Pioneers the 49-48 advantage.

On the ensuing possession senior Trimayne Boyd made a key steal, and Schlotz was quickly fouled and sent to the line for a pair of free throws. Free throws would be key in this contest, Schlotz would calmly sink each extending the lead to 51-48. Kirkwood finished the game shooting 12-of-15 at the line, while the Junior Bills hit just 4-of-13 attempts.

One last defensive stand by the Pioneers and a Louis Erby free throw sealed the victory. The Pioneers avenged their earlier defeat and moved their record to 13-7 on the season. Kirkwood will now have one day to prepare as the 20-1 Parkway South Pioneers visit on Friday.

Schlotz led the way with 20 points, Erby added 11, Ward added 9, and Max Artis 8.

Game 19 January 29, 2008

Site: Parkway West High School High School

Kirkwood 20 11 21 14 = 66

Parkway West 17 21 08 11 = 57

After seeing their win streak end on the road just a few days earlier at McCluer the Pioneers returned to the road facing the Longhorns of Parkway West. In the early going it didn’t appear as the fan shaped backboards, or cavernous space behind the goal would affect the hot shooting Pioneers as Louis Erby, Hunter Ward, and Britton Schlotz each connected from long range.

While Kirkwood opened on fire, the Longhorns were more than up to the task shooting nearly 90% from the field in the first half including hot shooting Jerry Pankey who connected for four three-point baskets. Warned about overlooking the Longhorns the Pioneers found themselves down 34-22 with just 2:22 left in the half.

Following a short timeout the Neers’ finished the half on a 9-4 run, cutting the deficit to 38-31 at the intermission.

In the second half the depth of the Pioneers would be too much for the scrappy group of Longhorns which entered the game with just 7 varsity players. Kirkwood would build as much as an 18-point lead before finishing with a 66-57 non-conference victory.

Senior Max Artis led the way, a workhouse in the second half, scoring 27 points. Schlotz finished with 15, while sophomore Hunter Ward added 10.

Kirkwood improves to 12-7 on the season and will return to action tomorrow evening when the SLUH Billikins visit Denver Miller Gym.

Game 18 January 25, 2008

Site: McCluer High School High School

Kirkwood	19  17  11  13  = 60
McCluer		15  14  11  28  = 68


Following nearly seven days off following their Dave Sinclair
Tournament Championship the Pioneers ventured North to play the McCluer
Comets(12-6).  Torrid shooting from the outside by a trio of guards
allowed the Pioneers to hold off Comet pressure and take an early lead
following one quarter 19-15.

In the second quarter the Pioneers would succumb to McCluer pressure,
turning over the ball on five consecutive possessions and finishing with
17 turnovers at the half.  A pair of Hunter Ward three point baskets
near the end of the half helped overcome early foul trouble and the
turnover bug to enter the intermission with a 36-29 advantage.

After rough start to the third quarter, adding several more turnovers
to the total that would eventually become 30 in the contest the
Pioneers finished strong holding onto their lead through three quarters 47-40. 
Off the bench Trimayne Boyd added outstanding defense and a pair of
driving layups for the Pioneers.

Saddled with foul trouble senior Max Artis and sophomore post Mycole
Pruitt were not effective for most of the evening limited by a strange
array of calls that didnâ€™t seem to go the Pioneers way relegating the
powerful inside tandem to the bench.   Another tough stretch of five
consecutive turnovers coincided with McCluer freshman guard Shaquiile
Boga heating up from the outside, connecting on two long range bombs
 (he
would finish with 27 points) allowing the Comets to tie the score with
3:30 remaining in the contest.

The Comets held strong, limiting the Pioneers and adding to their
drives with long range bombs (4 of 6 in the final quarter), drives to
the basket, and offensive putbacks.  Once they gained separation they
were able to hit enough free throws to extend their lead and gain a
68-60 victory.

A strong effort by the Pioneers, in which they lead for 29 minutes of
the contest was not enough as the team dropped to 11-7 on the season. 
Hunter Ward led the way with 16 points, Britton Schlotz added 11.

The Pioneers enter an important week prior to the district seed meeting
facing Parkway West on the road Tuesday, St. Louis U. High home
Wednesday, and 19-1 Parkway South at home Friday at the Denver Miller
Gym.

Game 17 January 19, 2008

Site: Lindbergh High School

Dave Sinclair Automotive Invitational

Hickman 11 12 08 27 = 58

Kirkwood 15 13 19 18 = 65

In a rematch of the 1962 Class L state championship the No. 1 seeded Hickman Kewpies and the No. 3 seeded Kirkwood Pioneers faced off in the championship of the Dave Sinclair Automotive Invitational.

Early in the contest the Kewps had no answer for Kirkwood senior forward Max Artis. Artis scored the first six points of the game and 12 in the first quarter as the Pioneers moved out to an early 15-11 lead.

The second quarter would see a near stalemate as the Pioneers used a mix of inside and outside play, while Hickman began to break down the Kirkwood defense with their quickness slashing through the defense for easy buckets. A Turon Thomas basket just before the buzzer would give the Pioneers a five point half time advantage 28-23.

In the third quarter Kirkwood half court pressure would rattle the Kewpies into numerous turnovers and the offense would continue to heat up. Britton Schlotz would connected on a pair of long range bombs and the Pioneers would extend their lead to 16 points leading 47-31.

For most of the fourth quarter it would appear the Kewps were ready for a long bus ride back to Columbia as the Pioneers extended their lead to 18 with 2:39 left to play. A furious Hickman rally would cut the lead to 7 point, however key free throw shooting and offensive execution helped Kirkwood hold on for the 65-58 victory.

The victory gave the Pioneers their first tournament victory since the 2000 season, and helped them improve their record to 11-6 on the season. The Pioneers have earned 9 victories in their past 10 games as the team continues to mesh.

Senior Max Artis led the way with 25 points, Schlotz added 17 points. Artis earned Most Valuable Player honors, Schlotz and senior Louis Erby were also named to the all-tournament team. Erby earned the title in the Dave Sinclair Invitational three point shooting contest.

Game 16 January 18, 2008

Site: Lindbergh High School

Dave Sinclair Automotive Invitational

Howell 10 10 21 15 = 56

Kirkwood 16 18 18 19 = 71

Against a the high powered offense of the No. 2 seeded Francs Howell Vikings the Pioneers would use outstanding defense and hot shooting from both the free throw line and from beyond the arc to earn a 71-56 victory.

In the first quarter senior guard Louis Erby gave the Pioneers and early cushion connecting on a pair of long range baskets helping his squad earn a 16-10 advantage after one quarter.

Sophomore Hunter Ward who has been battling the effects of a holiday illness got healthy at just the right time. Ward connected on three three-point baskets, in a flurry of Pioneer offense as the Pioneers would extend to a 34-20 half time lead.

Howell would mount a charge in the third quarter, but each time the Pioneers would have an answer both inside with Max Artis, Mycole Priutt, and freshman Lawrence Williams who scored his first career varsity points and outside where junior Britton Schlotz would heat up.

In the final quarter the Pioneers did most of their damage from the free throw line as they connected on 81% of their attempts to earn the victory. Kirkwood finished with 8 three point baskets, shooting 67% from beyond the arc.

Schlotz led the way with 18 points, Artis and Ward each added 11, and Erby added 10 points as the Pioneers raised their record to 10-6 advancing to Saturday's championship contest against the Hickman Kewpies.

Game 15 January 17, 2008

Site: Lindbergh High School

Dave Sinclair Automotive Invitational

Owensville 14 10 21 07 = 52

Kirkwood 13 09 15 22 = 59

The Pioneers opened play in the inaugural Sinclair Automotive Invitational as the No. 3 seed against the No. 6 seeded Owensville Dutchmen. In a 4:00 PM tip off the Pioneers jumped out of the gate taking an early 13-2 lead just four minutes into the game.

A seemingly over confident group of Pioneers wouldn't score again for eight minutes as they scored with 3:56 remaining in the second quarter to narrow the score to 22-15 Owensville. A second quarter rally would allow the Neer's to narrow the lead to just two points as the Dutchmen led 24-22 at the intermission.

In the third quarter Dutchmen guard Dustin DeBroeck took over scoring 14 of his game high 23 points as his team extended their lead to 8 points at the end of the third quarter.

As the have many times this season the Pioneers would rally from behind, scoring the first eight points of the fourth quarter, including six on a pair of Britton Schlotz long range bombs to tie the score at 45-45. The Wood would extend their full court pressure defense against the Dutchmen who seemed to wear down against a Pioneer bench that would reach 10 players in this contest.

Kirkwood finished with a 22-7 quarter to earn a 59-52 victory allowing them to advance to the semifinal round of the tournament. Senior Max Artis led the way with 18 points, Schlotz added 16, and sophomore Mycole Pruitt recorded a career high with 10 points.

Kirkwood improves to 9-6 on the season and will face Francis Howell Friday evening at 7:00 PM at Lindbergh High School.

Game 14 January 12, 2008

Site: Denver Miller Gymnasium, Kirkwood High School

Northwest 15 14 10 11 = 50

Kirkwood 06 21 09 17 = 53

The Northwest Lions visited Denver Miller Gym for a rare Saturday evening contest, filling the gym with royal blue clad fans who showed up to watch their team battle against their old coach. Kirkwood head coach Bill Gunn spent four seasons leading the Lion program prior to taking the reigns at Kirkwood.

The Lions were ready for battle and jumped to a 9-0 lead as the Pioneers opened with cold shooting and token full court defensive pressure. Kirkwood scored just six points in the quarter as the hot shooting Lions finished with a 15-6 advantage.

In the second quarter the Pioneers would heat up following the lead of junior guard Britton Schlotz who connected on three long range jump shots and scored 11 points in the frame. With Max Artis saddled with foul trouble and on the bench the Pioneers rallied behind their senior leader outscoring Northwest 21-14 in the frame to close the gap to 29-27 at the intermission.

Just seconds into the third quarter Artis picked up another questionable foul and was limited to the bench. Turon Thomas emerged from the bench providing valuable minutes as the Pioneers kept pace with the Lions for most of the quarter. At the end of three quarters Northwest held a narrow 39-36 advantage.

The Pioneers as they have for much of the season reached down for something special in the fourth quarter picking up the defensive intensity and scoring on 7 of their first 10 possessions in the final quarter.

In the final period Louis Erby opened the scoring on a beautiful backdoor cut , pass, and finish from Schlotz. Artis returned and scored six big points and assisted to sophomore Hunter Ward on the decisive basket.

Once Kirkwood took the lead 52-50 they held the Lions without a shot attempt for the final 2:01 of the contest. A Ward free throw with just 3 seconds remained clinched the victory for the Pioneers who moved to 8-6 on the season.

Kirkwood will now begin play Thursday in the Lindbergh Tournament when they face No. 6 seeded Owensville in a 4:00 PM contest.

Game 13 January 8, 2008

Site: Denver Miller Gymnasium, Kirkwood High School

Beaumont 07 12 14 09 = 42

Kirkwood 11 18 13 20 = 62

The Beaumont Blue Jackets visited Denver Miller Gym Tuesday evening in a non-conference date for the Pioneers. A hot start would see the Pioneers jump to an early lead as sophomore Mycole Pruitt scored 4 early points inside helping his team to an 11-7 lead after just one quarter.

In the second quarter Kirkwood would frustrate the Blue Jackets with a mixture of sagging defenses, while attacking the basket on offense forcing Beaumont into early foul trouble. Junior Britton Schlotz scored 13 points in the quarter, including a pair of long range bombs, helping Kirkwood attain a 29-19 lead at intermission.

In the second half Beaumont would mount a furious rally, drawing to within 3 points of the Pioneers at 44-41 with 5:00 to play in the contest. Senior Max Artis stepped up his play, making a statement that the Pioneers would not lose on this night. Artis scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half.

The Pioneers proved efficient offensively, knocking down several free throws and finishing the game on an impressive 18-1 run. Kirkwood earned an impressive 62-42 non-league victory improving their season mark to 7-6.

Saturday evening the Pioneers will host the Northwest Lions at Denver Miller Gymnasium. Freshman tip at 3:00 PM, sophomores at 4:30 PM, and varsity at 6:00 PM. Former Kirkwood star and current University of Missouri All-American Jeremy Maclin will attend the game.

Game 12 January 4, 2008

Site: Denver Miller Gymnasium, Kirkwood High School

Marquette 08 13 22 15 = 58

Kirkwood 10 07 13 13 = 43

In front of an overflow home crowd on a night the varsity would host Post Game with the Pioneers for area youth the Pioneers struggled to keep up with the Mustangs of Marquette.

A pair of early three point baskets by Mustang senior Chris Rosehill helped Marquette to an early 8-2 advantage. Kirkwood would recover, using a tough defensive effort, and better execution on offense to get back into the game. A Ricky McNabb 10 foot jumper gave the Pioneers a 10-8 advantage after one quarter.

Missed opportunities at the free throw line hurt the Pioneers in the second quarter as Marquette earned a 13-7 scoring advantage taking a 21-17 lead into the half. Senior Max Artis though surrounded by as many as 3 defenders led the way scoring 5 points in the quarter for the Pioneers.

Marquette exploded from the gates once again in the third quarter, outscoring the Pioneers 22-13 on a 9-of-12 shooting effort from the field. The Pioneers had no answer for Mustang post man Andy Rosburg who scored 10 of his 14 points in the quarter.

Any comeback efforts on this night were put down by the defense and toughness of the Mustangs who limited the Pioneer offense and forced several turnovers. One bright spot for the Pioneers was the play of senior guard Louis Erby who scored a career high 15 points in a 58-43 loss.

The loss drops the Pioneers to 6-6 on the season, 1-2 in the Suburban West Conference. Kirkwood will host Beaumont in a non-conference test Tuesday evening, and will also host the Northwest Lions on Saturday evening in a 6:00 PM contest.

Game 11 January 2, 2008

Site: Pattonville High School

Kirkwood 13 19 18 17 = 67
Pattonville 12 19 13 10 = 54

Following a short holiday break for the New Year the Pioneers took their three game winning streak on the road to face the Pattonville Pirates. Better than their record indicated the Pirates were rounding into form following a late start due to a very successful football season.

Pattonville jumped out to an early 9-2 lead as the Pioneers delt with early turnover problems. Later in the first quarter the Pioneers would warm up, Britton Schlotz connected for 3 of his 15 points on the evening, and sophomore post man Mycole Pruitt contributed with 4 early points. At the end of one quarter Kirkwood would come back to take a 13-12 advantage.

Basket for basket each team would rise to the challenge in the second quarter, an evenly matched 19-19 frame. Hunter Ward returned to the lineup, contributing 5 points in the quarter. A spinning Schlotz runner at the end of the half would allow the Pioneers to overcome a hot shooting Pirate team to lead at the intermission 32-31.

Senior Max Artis took over in the second half, scoring 14 third quarter points, finishing with a career high 28 in the contest. Kirkwood would extend their lead to 6 points entering the fourth quarter.

In the final quarter nearly perfect free throw shooting (9-of-10) and timely defense allowed the Pioneers to earn a hard earned road victory 67-54.

The victory brings the Pioneers record to 6-5 on the season, their fourth consecutive win, and leads them to their Friday night home date with the Marquette Mustangs.

Game 10 December 29, 2007

Site: Meramec Community College

Kirkwood 17 19 13 18 = 67
Eureka 15 8 4 25 = 52

The Pioneers squared off with the 9-2 Eureka Wildcats in the final round of the Meramec Holiday Festival. In an exciting first quarter the Pioneers established their inside game, while the Wildcats connected from long range as the teams battled to a 17-15 frame.

In the second quarter the Pioneers used a zone defensive attack to limit the Wildcats to just 8 points. While the defense limited Eureka, the offense heated up led by senior Louis Erby and junior Britton Schlotz. Erby would finish the game with five steals and five assists, and an inspired effort leading the Pioneers. The Wood finished the second quarter on a 14-1 run following a 22-22 tie.

After leaving the half with a 36-23 advantage the Neers' went back on the attack in the third quarter outscoring the Wildcats 13-4 building on their half time advantage.

In the final frame the Wildcats would mount a furious attack of long range of long range three point baskets, ending the game with 11. Kirkwood did most of their damage at the free throw line as they held on for a 67-52 victory.

Britton Schlotz led the way scoring 21 points, Max Artis added 16, and Joe Comfort added his first varsity points with a fourth quarter basket.

The victory gave the Pioneers the Consolation Championship, a 3-1 finish to their week, and evened their mark on the season to 5-5. With great anticipation the Pioneers enter the 2008!

Game 9 December 28, 2007

Site: Meramec Community College

Kirkwood 15 11 17 7 = 50
Vianney 2 9 12 10 = 33

The Pioneers gaining confidence with each contest exploded out of the gates taking an 11-0 lead on the Griffins. Using full court pressure and a stifling half court defense Kirkwood built a 15-2 lead as Max Artis knocked down a three point basket to finish the quarter.

Kirkwood held the Griffins to just one field goal as they built a 26-11 lead at the half. Senior Turon Thomas led the defensive charge, flying all over the court and adding four points.

Sophomore forward Mycole Pruitt saddled with foul trouble for much of the first half would play a large role in the second half scoring 10 points to lead the charge as the Pioneers earned a 50-33 victory over the Griffins.

Artis led the way scoring 15 points, Britton Schlotz added 12 in the victory.

The Pioneers move to 4-5 on the season and will face Eureka(9-2) in the Consolation Championship Saturday afternoon at 2:00 PM.

Game 8 December 27, 2007

Site: Meramec Community College

Kirkwood 16 11 11 19 = 57
Hancock 16 09 09 08 = 42

The Pioneers rebounded against the hot shooting Tigers of Hancock. Max Artis and Britton Schlotz led the way for the Pioneers who withstood four three-point baskets by the Tigers in the first quarter to lead by just one 16-15 after one frame.

Hunter Ward battling illness connected for three points from long range, giving the Pioneers the momentum 27-25 at the half. In the second half the Tigers would battle the Pioneers basket for basket until a final fourth quarter charge led by senior Max Artis.

Pioneer defensive pressure and a pair of clutch three point baskets by Ricky McNabb allowed the Pioneers to advance with a 57-42 victory.

The victory moves the Pioneers to 3-5 and sets up a battle with the Vianney Griffens.

Game 7 December 26, 2007

Site: Meramec Community College

Kirkwood 6 18 13 19 = 56
University City 19 11 19 12 = 61

The Pioneers opened play in the 30th Meramec Holiday Festival as they locked up with the University City Lions in an 8:30 PM contest. University City pressured the Pioneers into multiple turnovers moving out to an 8-0 lead.

The Lions would eventually build their lead to 22 points before the Pioneers mounted their charge. Six different Pioneers would score in the second quarter as Kirkwood pressured the Lions with full court pressure cutting the large lead to just six, 30-24 at the half.

Kirkwood would falter again in the second half by 18 points, only to cut the lead to just a 1 point deficit with :41 seconds to play. In one of the most exciting fourth quarters in recent memory those who stayed around for the late game would be thrilled by the play of both teams. In the end the Lions hit just enough free throws to hold off the Pioneers and advance.

The Pioneers fall to 2-5 on the season, and will play Hancock in the consolation round of the tournament.

Game 6 December 21, 2007

Site: Webster Groves High School

Kirkwood 9 13 15 12 = 49
Webster Groves 18 28 13 21 = 80

The Pioneers made the short trip to neighboring Webster Groves to battle the state ranked, undefeated Statesmen. Just minutes into the game Webster held a narrow 11-9 as the Pioneers competed basket for basket with the Statesmen.

It was nearly time for Webster senior guard Drew Hanlen to take over. Hanlen, who has committed to attend Belmont University, ended an 18-9 first quarter scoring the final basket, providing a preview of things to come. In the second quarter Hanlen scored 19 points as the Statesmen moved to a 46-22 half time advantage.

Kirkwood would battle back in the third quarter outscoring the Statesmen 15-12, but it would not be enough as Webster earned an 80-49 victory.

Max Artis led the team with 13 points, Hunter Ward added 12 as the Pioneers fell to 2-4 on the season. The Pioneers will now face University City in the opening round of the Meramec Holiday Festival.

Game 5 December 14, 2007

Site: Mehlville High School

Kirkwood 18 8 12 15 = 51
Mehlville 8 4 16 13 = 41

The Pioneers traveled South to Mehlville High School to continue the Suburban West Conference season against the 3-3 Panthers.

Kirkwood jumped to an early 16-8 first quarter advantage with many Pioneers contributing including Mark Bearden, Hunter Ward, and Max Artis who each chipped in four points.

The Pioneers put together their best defensive half of the season, limiting Mehlville to 12 first half points and enter the locker room with a 24-12 advantage.

The Panthers would mount a third quarter charge, outscoring Kirkwood 16-12 as senior Alex Reddus began to find seams in the Pioneer defense slashing to the basket for 9 points in the frame. A pair of Ricky McNabb free throws and four points from Artis and Ward.

Mehlville would continue to rally scoring the first 5 points of the fourth quarter and cutting the Pioneer lead to just a point at 33-32. Kirkwood would handle Mehlville pressure, extending their lead and earning the conference victory with a 51-41 decision and moving to 2-3 on the season.

Sophomore Hunter Ward finished with a team high 15 points, senior Max Artis added 14. Juniors Mark Bearden and Ricky McNabb added career scoring highs with 7 and 4 respectively.

The Pioneers will spend the week studying for final exams and preparing to face 5-0 Webster Groves, Friday, December 21 on the road.

Game 4 December 11, 2007

Site: Denver Miller Gym, Kirkwood High School

Lafayette 13 25 19 21 78
Kirkwood 7 10 19 22 58

The Lafayette Lancers and their trio of tall talent, Tyler Griffey, Will Kirksey, and Tony Meier each standing nearly 6-foot-8 inches tall invaded Denver Miller Gym for the opening of the 2007-2008 Suburban West Conference season.

Kirkwood shooting was as cold as the weather outside in the early going as Lafayette solved the Pioneer pressure earning a 13-7 lead after one quarter of play. Kirksey and Griffey began to establish themselves inside, each would finish with 20 points.

Following a rough second quarter in which the Pioneers were outscored 25-10 Kirkwood battled throughout the second half.

Every member of the team contributed, applying full court pressure and attacking on the offensive end. Kirkwood earned a 1-point scoring advantage in the second half, but fell in the contest 78-58.

Junior guard Britton Schlotz led the way scoring 16 points, while sophomore Hunter Ward and senior Max Artis added 14 apiece.

The Pioneers continue Suburban West Conference play Friday evening when they travel South to face the Mehlville Panthers.

Game 3 December 8, 2007

Marquette      13 15 17 17    62
Kirkwood      11 12   4    32   59

Third place games are often difficult for each team to compete, especially when both squads would rather be playing for a tournament championship. Marquette appeared to be more prepared for battle early, jumping to a 5-0 lead over the Pioneers as 6-foot-7 inch senior forward Andy Rosburg led the way. Rosburg would finish the day with 23 points and 16 rebounds.

Kirkwood would battle back, picking up their effort on the defensive end, knocking down long range jumpers from Britton Schlotz and Hunter Ward to close to 13-11 at the end of the first quarter.

In a closely contested second quarter Marquette would use a Rosburg jump shot at the buzzer to take a 28-23 lead to the half. In the third quarter the Pioneers just couldn’t connected on a jump shot, as cold shooting overtook the team in front of a Charter Cable television audience from the outside and inside. Scoring just 4 points in the quarter Marquette pulled to a 45-27 advantage.

Just when fans were ready to change channels the Pioneers rallied for 32 points in the fourth quarter (possibly a school record), knocking down 7 three point baskets and closing to within just 2 points with 40 seconds to play. A difficult illegal screen call would deny the Pioneers the chance to tie, as the Mustangs knocked down free throws down the stretch to hold on for a 62-59 victory.

Schlotz would lead the way with 20 points, connecting on 6-of-7 attempts from beyond the three point line. Sophomore Hunter Ward who earlier won the Webster Classic three point contest scored 12 points, all on three point baskets.

The Pioneers must quickly regroup as Suburban West conference play begins Tuesday when the top ranked Lafayette Lancers visit the Denver Miller Gym.

Game 2     December 7, 2007

Kirkwood   10   15    08   08      41
SLUH        15   12   10    20      57

The semifinal match up between St. Louis University High and Kirkwood looked to be a tight contest and throughout the first half the game lived up to its billing. After falling behind 15-10 in the first quarter, the Pioneers begin to heat up from the outside closing to within two points at the half as St. Louis U. High took a 27-25 lead into the half.

In the second half a cold shooting performance by the Pioneers, in addition to too many defensive breakdowns on the ball led to their downfall. Though trailing by just four points entering the final quarter Kirkwood was unable to catch up. Once again the Billikins spread the floor, knocked down free throws, and extended their lead earning a 57-41 victory.

Senior forward Max Artis finished the game with 12 points , connecting on four-of-four from the free throw line. Junior guard Britton Schlotz added 9 Kirkwood points.

Kirkwood will now face Suburban West foe Marquette at 3:00 PM Saturday in the third place contest at the Webster Classic.

Game 1 December 6, 2007 Site: Webster Groves

Kirkwood 15 3 10 14= 42

Lee's Summit North 2 19 6 9= 34

Kirkwood opened their season with an exciting flurry of activity blitzing visiting Lee's Summit North into multiple turnovers as the Pioneers jumped out to an early 15-2 first quarter lead with junior point guard Britton Schlotz leading the way. Schlotz connected on a pair of long range bombs, finishing the frame with 10 points.

In the second quarter it seemed teams switched uniforms as it was time for Lee's Summit North to dominate a quarter. A long Max Artis basket and a Louis Erby free throw stood as the only Pioneer points as North outscored Kirkwood 17-3 to take 19-18 half time advantage.

In the third quarter Max Artis emerged after setting for much of the first half with foul trouble. Artis scored all 10 points for the Pioneers in the quarter as the Neer's took a 28-25 lead after three quarters.

Kirkwood used timely defense, key rebounds, and pressure free throws by sophomore Mycole Pruitt and Britton Schlotz to hold on for a 42-34 victory.

Artis would finish with 19 points, while Schlotz completed the game with 13 points for the Pioneers. The Broncos of North finished 4-of-16 from the line, while Kirkwood shot 73%, connecting on 11-of-15 attempts.

Kirkwood moves to 1-0 on the season and will face St. Louis University High (2-1) at 8:30 PM Friday evening in the semifinal round of tournament play.

Please make plans to attend, tell your friends, were Red and support your Pioneers!

For all of your Pioneer News go to www.kirkwoodbasketball.com