Game 28 February 27, 2009

Site: the Wood

Vianney 11 08 08 24 = 51

Kirkwood 14 08 15 25 = 62

Kirkwood Defeats Vianney To Take District Boys Basketball Title

Webster-Kirkwood Times

The word is out: Kirkwood is for real.

For the past two weeks, the talk from the high school student body, many of whom dressed the part at the Class 5 District 3 games in support, is the boys basketball team. The opposition is even talking in glowing terms.

The fourth-seeded Pioneers manhandled third-seeded Vianney, 62-51, on Feb. 27 before a sellout crowd at Kirkwood High School. They produced their first Class 5 district title since 2006 – the same year the Pioneers advanced to the Final Four, where they placed third. The district title was the first for Pioneers Coach Bill Gunn in his 14 years as coach, the last three at Kirkwood.

As the final seconds ticked off the clock, the Kirkwood fans rushed the floor to join in on the celebration. The Pioneers (18-10) are to play Chaminade on March 4 at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

"The atmosphere at this school is unbelievable," Gunn said. "Everybody is talking about it all day long. You know, if you live in this community, you're bleeding red and white. You get wrapped up with beating Webster (Groves) around here. Webster is only part of the process."

Kirkwood whipped Webster Groves, 71-63, on Feb. 25 to advance to the district finals.

"To me, coming to Kirkwood, these opportunities are going to be here," Gunn said. "This is how we build a winning program and this is what we do 12 months out of the year. I just picked up where Randy (Kriewall, former coach) left off."

Until senior point guard Darrin Young became eligible on Jan. 23, Kirkwood struggled. The Pioneers have won 10 of 11 games, including the last eight contests with Young running the show and 11 of 12 overall.

Young's ballhandling skills were the missing piece of the puzzle to propel Kirkwood to be a force. The outside shooting combination of senior guard Britton Schlotz and junior guard Hunter Ward and the inside presence of junior center Mycole Pruitt have made the Pioneers a force.

Vianney's game plan was to prevent Kirkwood from scoring easy baskets inside. Ward scored a team-high 21 points, followed by Pruitt with 12, all coming in the final 16 minutes, and Schlotz with 10. Despite being in foul trouble, Young had nine points and had eight assists.

Kirkwood's play overshadowed Vianney forward Mookie Valandra's 26-point effort.

"They have the full package," Vianney Assistant Coach Terry Cochran said. "In high school, that can go far. He's (Young) a very good player. He makes them go. They have a good opportunity over there."

Said Vianney Coach Kevin Walsh: "They're playing as well as anybody. Darrin Young gives them the dimension they were missing. They've got all the pieces now."

Gunn agrees that Young is the difference maker, the missing piece to Kirkwood's puzzle.

"When he became eligible, we all know the obvious things," Gunn said. "All of a sudden, he's got the ball in his hands and everybody moves to their natural positions and feels comfortable. I think we reached a comfort level."

Gunn said he is not surprised by his team's play. Kirkwood is playing with a swagger, a level of confidence that has elevated their play in the post-season. Defeating district champions Oakville and Parkway West to finish the regular season has made a difference, Gunn said.

"I know this," Gunn said. "Our kids never cared what are seed was. Our kids talked from the get-go, we were going to win this district. There was never, never a doubt in their minds. Our kids never used the word upset at any time this week. They felt they were the better team. They went out and got it done."

Schlotz was at the end of the bench as a freshman when Kirkwood advanced to the Final Four in 2006 – his favorite moment until defeating Vianney.

"We love being the underdog" Schlotz said. "We're just enjoying the moment."

Game 27 February 25, 2009

Site: the Wood

Kirkwood 06 21 23 21 = 71

Webster Groves 03 18 16 26 = 63

Kirkwood topples defending champion Webster

Against the roar of a hungry, angry opponent, the defending champion went down without so much as a whimper.

Playing before a frenzied and boisterous home crowd, the Kirkwood boys basketball team ended defending champion, rival and district top seed Webster Groves’ season with a convincing 71-63 victory Wednesday night in the semifinals of the Class 5, District 3 tournament.

The victory pushed Kirkwood (17-10) into Friday’s championship game against Vianney (18-8). Tip off is slated for 7:45 p.m.

Webster Groves (22-5) couldn’t have played a worse game from the opening tip. The Statesmen never led, never looked composed and never found a sense of comfort on the court.

Junior point guard Derrick Dilworth was in foul trouble the entire night. Until the fourth quarter, he had more fouls than points.

“We were so tight that first half,” Webster coach Jay Blossom said. “We were kind of like deer in the headlights.”

While the Statesmen sputtered out of the gate, Kirkwood was so amped it couldn’t get on track. The first quarter ended 6-3 for the Pioneers but it could have been a double digit lead if they hadn’t thrown the ball all over the place.

Webster Groves did find a groove in the second quarter as senior forward Vinnie Raimondo drilled a transition 3-pointer to tie the game at 14.

The Pioneers immediately answered with a four point run. The Statesmen climbed within two late in the half as Raimondo connected on another jumper. Kirkwood senior guard Britton Schlotz answered with a pair of 3-pointers to end the half.

Despite playing a terrible half of basketball with their best player on the bench, Webster Groves was within six at the break and opened the second half with a nice put-back by sophomore forward Jason Meehan.

But, the momentum was quickly lost.

Not 20 seconds after they had cut the lead to four, Dilworth was tagged with his fourth foul and Kirkwood junior forward Mycole Pruitt went to work.

The monster in the middle for the Pioneers, Pruitt scored 10 of his 23 points in the third quarter and never took a jump shot. He paraded to the basket like he was in the lay up line during warm ups.

“He played a complete game,” Kirkwood coach Bill Gunn said. “On defense we pulled out the old 2-3 (zone) and he was good in that. He always rips those rebounds down with two hands.”

As Webster Groves tried in vain to trim the lead to a manageable number, it never could. Kirkwood answered every basket with one of its own and would lead by 13 points going into the final quarter.
Webster Groves, which embarrassed the Pioneers on the same court earlier in the season, had no answer for senior point guard Darrin Young.

A late season transfer from St. Louis University High, Young was a one-man press breaker and beat every defender Webster threw his way off the dribble. He attacked the heart of the defense and if it collapsed he kicked it out to either Schlotz or junior shooting guard Hunter Ward. If they let him to the rack he put up a layup and, more often than not, drew a foul.

He would finish the night with 18 points, hit 10 of his 15 free throws and make life miserable for whoever he checked on the defensive end.

Schlotz scored 18 and Ward chipped in 10.

The Statesmen were led by junior guard Cortez Connors 16 points. Raimondo, the Suburban South Conference Player of the Year, scored 13 while senior guard Bryan Currinder put in 10.

“My three seniors fought to the end,” Blossom said of Raimondo, Currinder and Dante’ Campbell. “(Raimondo and Currinder) had an unbelievable four year run. They’re great ambassadors for our school and community.”

For the second time in the final week of the regular season the Pioneers would battle a team seeking a victory to help them reach the 20-win plateau. For the second time the Pioneers would battle that team into the fourth quarter competing and earning victory.

In front of an overflow senior night crowd the Pioneers jumped out to an early 12-2 lead as junior Hunter Ward drained a pair of long range three pointers. Ward's hot hand would carry the Pioneers throughout the night. Behind his 21 first half points the Pioneers moved out to a 39-31 half time advantage.

The Tigers would mount a charge in the third quarter, but the Pioneers were up to the task. Six different Pioneers scored in the quarter, led by Britton Schlotz who connected on a pair of three point baskets. At the end of three quarters the Pioneers extended their lead to 55-46.

In the final quarter the Tigers would pull within three points, but baskets by Mark Bearden, Darrin Young, and Ward would help the Pioneers retain their lead. Hitting just enough free throws to hold the home team at bay, the Pioneers held on for a 67-63 victory.

The "Special K" on this night goes to junior Hunter Ward who scored a career high 27 points, as well as grabbing three rebounds, and one block. Junior Mycole Pruitt added 8 points and 8 rebounds, Darrin Young and Britton Schlotz each scored 9 points.

The victory allows the Pioneers to finish 6-2 (second) in the Suburban West Conference, and improve to 15-10 on the season.

Kirkwood returns home Monday evening for a 7:30 opening round contest against St. Louis University High in the Class 5 District 3 tournament.

In the final week of preparation before the tip off of the district tournament the Pioneers welcomed the 19-5 Parkway West Longhorns to the varsity gym. Earlier in the season the Longhorns emerged from a fourth quarter tie to earn a 65-57 victory in the Meramec Tournament.

Following senior night festivities the Pioneers struggled in the early going against a triangle and two defense designed to limit Hunter Ward and Britton Schlotz. The Pioneers worked together finding seems in the zone, and helping Schlotz escape for a 3 in his only attempt, and three free throws at the buzzer following a nifty head fake. After one period Kirkwood led 14-7.

Turnovers and missed opportunities hurt the Pioneers in the second quarter as they committed 6 errors giving West easy baskets in transition. Dan Tobik scored 10 points in the paint for the Longhorns who took the lead into the half 21-20.

The Pioneers continued to struggle to find an offensive rhythm in the third quarter committing five additional turnovers, falling further behind the Longhorns 36-33 at the end of three periods.

In the final period the Pioneers came to life converting Longhorn turnovers into key baskets and converting on 9 free throws. A deep Ward three point basket tied the game just under the two minute mark, 30 seconds later Mycole Pruitt connected on a pair of free throws giving the Pioneers a lead they would never relinquish. Ward entered the final quarter with just 3 points, but exploded for 12 in the final period to lead his team to victory.

The Pioneers overwhelmed the Longhorns with pressure defense forcing 7 of their 12 steals in the final frame and earning their second consecutive come-from-behind victory.

Senior Darrin Young dished 5 assists, Mark Bearden grabbed 4 rebounds for the Pioneers. Pruitt contributed four key fourth quarter points and 8 rebounds.

Earning "Special K" honors on senior night Britton Schlotz did a little bit of everything, scoring 14 points, grabbing 5 steals, 5 rebounds, and taking two key charges in the second half.

The victory helps the Pioneers earn their fourth consecutive victory, improving to 14-10 on the season. On Friday they will travel to Oakville for the final Suburban West Conference game against the 19-6 Tigers.

The Pioneers ventured South to Mehlville to play a quality Panther club who entered tied in Suburban West standings at 4-2. Making matters even more difficult junior center Mycole Pruitt and Ricky McNabb were unable to go due to a lingering battle with the flu leaving the Pioneers short handed in the middle and on the bench.

Using outstanding pressure throughout the opening period the Pioneers forced several of the 25 Panther turnovers converting to easy points. Freshman Myles Artis led the way scoring 6 points, junior Ahmad Hicks drilled a buzzer-beating three pointer providing a 20-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Panthers battled back cutting the lead to 6 at the half as they heated up from the outside and began to solve Pioneer pressure.

With Pruitt away the Panthers went to their two-sport (football/basketball) star Aaron Alexander who scored 11 points in the third quarter helping the home team again cut into a double digit Pioneer lead evening the score at 46-46 at the end of the third quarter.

Down by 3, facing multiple foul problems, and missing their talented center the Pioneers battled the Panthers putting together a nearly perfect fourth quarter effort. Darrin Young scored 6 of his 15 points, pressuring the Panthers into key turnovers throughout the final frame. Hunter Ward added a pair of baskets, Britton Schlotz added a three point bomb and key free throws. Senior Mark Bearden returned from the bench following his fourth foul pulling down key defensive rebounds then converting on 4-of-5 free throw opportunities to ice the victory.

The box-and-one defensive attack and efficient offensive effort allowed the Pioneers to earn a hard fought 66-58 victory raising their season mark to 13-10, 5-2 in the Suburban West Conference.

Four Pioneers scored in double figures, but Darrin Young earned "Special K' honors scoring 15 points, grabbing 7 steals, dishing 5 assists, and adding 4 deflections in the victory.

Kirkwood returns home Tuesday evening for a Senior Night battle with 19-5 Parkway West.

The Pioneers continued their winning ways, earning their 5th victory in their past 6 contests sending the Colts to their 19th loss of the season. Every Pioneer contributed in the victory with eleven different players scoring.

As has been the case during the Pioneer recent winning streak quality defense and hot shooting allowed the home team to build an early first quarter advantage. Kirkwood led 20-10 through one period, junior Ahmad Hicks sparked off the bench scoring 4 points and adding 3 deflections.

Pete Krusing provided an exciting burst in the second period scoring on a steal and layup, then collecting his team leading 6th charge to help the Pioneers take a 35-20 advantage to the half.

The second half proved to be a stalemate as every Pioneer played and contributed as the Neers added to their winning streak.

Playing with the flu junior Mycole Pruitt put together an outstanding performance, earning "Special K" honors as he scored 7 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and 5 deflections. Hunter Ward and Britton Schlotz each scored 10 points to lead the Pioneers.

With the victory Kirkwood improved to 12-10 on the season. The Pioneers return to Suburban West Conference play Friday evening when they visit 12-9 Mehlville.

The Pioneers returned to Suburban West Conference play as the Northwest Lions visited the varsity gym. Ready to return to winning ways, while eliminating the sour taste left over from the SLUH loss earlier in the week the home team clicked on all cylinders early in the game.

Using an array of pressure defense and fast break offense the Pioneers overwhelmed the visiting Lions jumping to an early 20-7 advantage through one quarter as senior Darrin Young pushed the pace collected several of his game high 10 assists.

The Pioneer pressure defense continue to frustrate the Lion offense in the second quarter as Kirkwood outscored Northwest 15-4 in the frame, stretching their half time advantage to 24 points. The Pioneers would collect 8 steals in the game and force 18 Lion turnovers, led by Young and Pete Krusing with 2 apiece.

The hot shooting Pioneers connected from near and far in the opening half, senior Britton Schlotz connected on four long range bombs, Hunter Ward added a pair, and Krusing connected from nearly 60-feet thrilling the home crowd just after the buzzer sounded.

The Lions would mount a third quarter charge, but each time the Pioneers would answer winning another quarter 19-17, extending the lead to 54-28 after three frames.

In the final quarter junior Nathan McMahon would find the scoring column adding a field goal and free throw, senior Ricky McNabb added a trifecta as the Pioneers extended their lead completing the 65-34 victory.

The Pioneer “Special K” award for the evening would go to senior point guard Darrin Young who in limited playing time compiled 10 assists, 2 steals, and four points.

The Pioneers improve to 11-10 on the season. 4-2 in Suburban West play. Parkway Central visits the varsity gym Wednesday, February 11.

While the Pioneers entered their non-conference contest with St. Louis University High with their longest winning streak of the season, a motivated group of Billikins ventured to the varsity gym ready to even their season record with the home team and determined to earn a victory against teammate Darrin Young who transferred to KHS in October.

The hot shooting Bills ripped the nets through the opening quarter knocking down an array of jump shots while jumping out to an early 22-14 advantage. While the Bills played with a high level of intensity the home team struggled to match the efforts of their visitors.

Britton Schlotz connected on three first quarter three-point baskets, but was unable to keep the Pioneers in the game as SLUH extended their lead to 43-26 at the half.

A SLUH team that struggled offensively for three quarters in their first meeting with the Pioneers met little resistance as they raced to a big lead connected on nearly every open jumper that presented itself.

In the second half the home team would raise their intensity level pressuring the Bills in both the full and half court. On a night when everything seemed to be a struggle from free throws to inside jumpers the effort of the Pioneers were outstanding, but just not enough as the Bills earned an important victory leading up to the district seed meeting 70-53.

The loss ends the three-game winning streak for the Pioneers and evens their season mark at 10-10. The Northwest Lions will visit on Friday evening as Kirkwood returns to Suburban West Conference play.

After a one day delay, a pair of cross-town rivals meet in the varsity gym in a key pre-district matchup. As they did in their previous win over Marquette the Pioneers exploded out of the game gaining an early lead over the Griffins as junior Mycole Pruitt proved to be a dominant force in the paint scoring 8 points, helping the Pioneers move out to an 18-6 advantage.

In the second quarter the Griffins began to solve the Pioneer defensive pressure for drives to the basket and a pair of long range jump shots. Senior Darrin Young thrilled the home crowd with a steal and dunk, five Pioneers scored in the quarter as the Griffins closed to within 6 points at the half.

Senior Britton Schlotz led the Kirkwood defense throughout the game compiling 10 deflections and three steals. A defensive stalemate plagued both clubs in the third quarter as Joe James scored 9 points to helped the Griffins close to just five points at the end of three quarters.

The Pioneers rebuilt their lead in the fourth quarter increasing their half court pressure, while solving the Griffin pressure defense for back door lay ins. A balanced attack by the home team would see five different players score in the frame, including 7 key free throws.

Vianney would battle throughout, closing to within 5 points once again, but 10 fourth quarter points in the final quarter by junior Ahmad Hicks, the Pioneer “Special K” award winner would preserve the victory for the home team.

Pruitt led the way with 15 points and 9 defensive rebounds. Mark Bearden was perfect on 6 free throw attempts, party of the Pioneer 17-of-20 effort on the evening as the Pioneers improved to 10-9 on the season.

Kirkwood will take a rare Friday evening off as they prepare for a pair of home games next week as St. Louis University High visits on Tuesday evening, and the Northwest Lions visit for a Suburban West Conference battle on Friday, February 6.

Energized by the addition of senior transfer Darrin Young the new look Kirkwood Pioneers opened with a 17-0 run disrupting the Marquette offense with an array of full and half court trapping pressure, while converting on lay-ups and long range bombs.

While the Kirkwood defense was busy forcing 8 Mustang turnovers in the first ten possessions five different Pioneers found the scoring column including freshman Myles Artis as the Neers burst to a 19-4 first quarter advantage.

Mustang guard Garrett Sneed was allowed to knock down a pair of long range three-point baskets and the Mustangs climbed back into the game in the second quarter outscoring the foul prone home club 16-11 to cut the Kirkwood lead at the half to a 30-20 score.

Throughout the second half the Pioneers struggled to find a rhythm on offense, but maintained their lead with outstanding full and half court defense which forced 24 Mustang turnovers led by Britton Schlotz who collected four steals.

In the fourth quarter the Mustangs would close to just five points before the Pioneers regained their advantage as Schlotz found Hunter Ward off a nifty inbounds play for a three in the corner.

Late game execution allowed the Pioneers to hold on for an eleven point victory, their second win over the Mustangs in just over a week.

Schlotz finished with 14 points, Ward and fellow junior Mycole Pruitt each added 12. Young made his presence fell in many ways earning “Special K” honors by dishing five assists, collecting 9 deflections, and igniting the Pioneer offense.

The Pioneers even their record to 9-9 on the season, improving in Suburban West Conference play to 3-2. Vianney comes to town Wednesday in a key contest between potential district foes.

The Pioneers returned to Lindbergh High School, the site they enjoyed so much one season ago earning four victories and the Dave Sinclair Invitational title on the Flyers home court.

In what can be best described as a total team effort the Pioneers overwhelmed the home team with full and half court trapping pressure defense forcing 25 Flyer turnovers and earning a 66-37 victory.

Game highlights included a pair of three pointers in the first quarter by senior Ricky McNabb. Senior Britton Schlotz returned to the lineup after a two-game absence scoring 8 first quarter points and dishing three assists.

Sophomore Lawrence Williams scored a career high 8 points, while junior Ahmad Hicks scored 4 points, distributed 3 assists, and grabbed three steals.

Ten of eleven Pioneers scored in the victory, everyone contributed in the victory including Nathan McMahon who grabbed a steal and a pair of rebounds.

The Pioneers improve to 8-9 on the season, even their conference mark to 2-2 and earn an outstanding victory.

Junior Mycole Pruitt earned the “Special K” scoring a career high 17 points, grabbing 5 steals, compiling 7 deflections, and hauling in 6 rebounds in limited action.

Kirkwood 22 09 05 15 51

In the Denver Miller Classic third place contest the Pioneers met the Normandy Vikings. Kirkwood opened the contest on fire knocking down long range jumpers and carving up the Viking man-to-man pressure with precise passing and back-door cuts.

A pair of Pete Krusing to Hunter Ward back-door cuts highlighted the period as Kirkwood pulled to a 22-12 advantage after one quarter.

Normandy changed their defense to a trapping zone in the second quarter, changing the tempo of the game and forcing several Pioneer turnovers. While the home team sputtered on offense, the Vikings began to heat up connecting on a pair of their 10 three point baskets in the game. At the half the Vikings closed to within two points trailing 31-29.

The Pioneer offensive struggles continued in the third quarter as they could only manage five points and the Vikings finished the period leading 37-36.

An exciting final period would see six different lead changes as the Pioneers and Vikings thrilled the afternoon crowd. Long range shooting and timely free throws proved the difference as Normandy escaped with a 58-51 victory.

Sophomore Lawrence Williams earned the “Special K” putting together his finest varsity performance as he scored 6 points, pulled down 5 rebounds, and 1 block.

Kirkwood falls to 7-9 on the season and will return to Suburban West Conference play Tuesday on the road at Lindbergh.

The Belleville West (Illinois) Maroons and the Kirkwood Pioneers met in the championship semifinal round of the Denver Miller Classic with a birth to the finals on the line.

The Pioneers took the court without senior Britton Schlotz who remained home battling illness. Picking up the load for Schlotz senior Mark Bearden and junior Hunter Ward led the way as West worked for a narrow advantage 20-16 at the end of one quarter. Bearden scored 6 points and Ward 8 in the frame for the Neers.

In the second quarter the Pioneers picked up the defensive intensity limiting the Maroon offense with an array of changing defenses and limited shooting opportunities. Ahmad Hicks sparked the Pioneers off the bench with outstanding on ball defense and a timely basket. A defensive let down just before the half allowed the only Maroon three point basket and West to enter the locker room with a 32-26 advantage.

The third quarter would see a physical battle as the two foes fought for the right to advance. Timely shooting by the Maroons who connected on three from long range allowed separation as they extended their lead to 54-40 at the end of the period.

The Pioneers would battle until the final buzzer, but would come up short falling 67-56. The loss drops the Pioneers to 7-8 on the season and into a third place matchup with Normandy Saturday afternoon.

Ward led the way with 20 points, followed by Bearden who added 13, and Mycole Pruitt with 10.

Junior Pete Krusing earned the “Special K” handling the point guard duties in the absence of Schlotz scoring 4 points, dishing 5 assists, and grabbing a pair of rebounds.

The Marquette Mustangs have been a recent thorn in the side of the Pioneers defeating the red & white three times during the 07-08 season including a season ending loss dealt in district play.

An opening matchup in the Denver Miller Classic which returned for the first time since 1991, matched the No. 3 seeded Kirkwood vs. the No. 6 seed Marquette.

After a turnover marred first quarter in which Marquette freshman center Ryan Rosburg scored 9 points it appeared as the streak would continue as the Pioneers fell behind 16-9.

Led by senior Mark Bearden who scored 9 second quarter points and pulled down 3 of his 5 rebounds the Pioneers stormed back outscoring the Mustangs 17-7 to take the lead to the half.

The third quarter would see a much improved Pioneer pressure defense forcing Marquette into several turnovers and difficult shots. Britton Schlotz grabbed three steals (he would finish with 4) and connected from long range as the Pioneers extended their lead to 38-30 after three periods.

A key for the home team would be free throws, the Pioneers connected on 18-of-22 in the contest, including 7-of-8 from Schlotz in the final quarter as they completed a 51-41 victory.

Three Pioneers reached double figures led by Bearden and Schlotz with 15 and Hunter Ward who added 13.

The Pioneers move to 7-7 on the season and advance to the semifinal round of the Denver Miller Classic.

Senior Mark Bearden earned the “Special K” pulling down 5 rebounds, scoring 15 points, grabbing a steal and a pair of put backs.

Kirkwood 20 12 10 13 55

Parkway South ventured to the campus of Kirkwood High School for a battle with the Pioneers seeking a measure of revenge. One season earlier the Pioneers knocked off the Patriots, ranked No. 2 in the state at that time, costing them an undefeated conference title.

The opening quarter was as exciting as any this season as the Patriots edged the Pioneers 21-20 continuing right where teams left off a season ago in an 80-76 Kirkwood win. Senior Britton Schlotz led the way in the quarter scoring 10 points, Hunter Ward added a pair of three-point baskets.

In the second quarter South extended their lead to four, leading 36-32 at the intermission as Mike Bertram connected on 3 of his game high 6 three point baskets.

The Patriots emerged from the locker room with a new surge of energy in the third quarter the Pioneers were unable to match outscoring Kirkwood 21-10 in the frame as Bertram broke free for three additional long range bombs.

Down 57-42 opening the fourth quarter the Pioneers attempted to mount a charge pressuring the Patriots into turnovers and cutting the margin to 9 points, but they were unable to get any closer. Parkway South earned a 75-55 victory, dropping the Pioneers record to 6-7 on the season, 1-2 in league play.

Junior Mycole Pruitt earned the “Special K” pulling down 10 rebounds, collecting a pair of steals, a block, and three deflections.

University of Illinois bound senior Tyler Griffey (6-8) and the Lafyette Lancers ventured to the varsity gym on the campus of Kirkwood High School for a key Suburban West Conference battle.

Griffey set the tone early scoring 10 first quarter points, including a pair of three-point baskets as the Lancers took an early lead. The Pioneers worked to guard Griffey outside, while also containing 6-foot-7 inch, 260-pound Will Kirksey inside. On offense the Pioneers couldn’t seem to get an early roll trailing 15-8 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter the Pioneers improved their defensive effort and heated up from the outside. Hunter Ward and Pete Krusing connected from long range and the Pioneers closed to margin to 27-22 at the intermission.

The energized Pioneers playing inspired basketball in the third quarter closing the Lafayette to just a point at 29-28. The final two quarters would see the Pioneers pressure the Lancers into several turnovers, while the offense continued to find ways to score over the twin towers of Griffey and Kirksey.

Senior Britton Schlotz did his part to keep the Pioneers in the game scoring 22 points, including 11 in the final quarter. Griffey preserved the Lancer conference victory scoring 8 of his game high 33 points all from the free throw line in the fourth quarter. Kirksey added 15 points for the Lancers who improve to 3-0 in the league.

Kirkwood falls to 6-6 overall and 1-1 in the Suburban West. Another important conference test comes Tuesday when the Parkway South Patriots visit the varsity gym.

The Pattonville Pirates visited Kirkwood as the Pioneers squeezed a non-conference game between their pair of Suburban West Conference opening contests. In the opening quarter the Pirates and Pioneers traded baskets as freshman Myles Artis led the way with 5 points, fellow freshman Ben Crancer connected for a 3, and Britton Schlotz added a three point basket allowing Kirkwood to lead 13-11 at the end of the first quarter.

With Artis scoring six of his game high 13-points in the second quarter the Pioneers continued to play well on the offensive end. On the defensive end the Pioneers struggled to communicate allowing poor matchups and open men to score easy baskets. At the half Kirkwood held a narrow 29-27 advantage.

In the third quarter the Pioneers tightened their defense limiting Pattonville to just 8 points while be efficent with the basketball. Junior guard Ahmad Hicks did his part contiaining the quick Pirates on defense and also connected on four free throw attempts to lead a balnced scoring effort in the quarter.

The final frame would see the Pioneers build their lead to as many as 12 points, then hold on with solid defense and timely free throws to hold off the Pirate charge. Schlotz connected on 4-of-4 from the free throw line, Hunter Warded added a pair and the Pioneers improved to 6-5 on the season with a 54-47 non-conference victory.

Kirkwood 11 12 11 15 49
Fox 10 14 14 09 47

The Pioneers ventured to Jefferson County to open their 2009 Suburban West against a struggling Fox team that hoped the second half of the season was better than they first half. Fox is led by senior forward Alen Hadzimahovic, a 6-foot-7 talent who can score inside as well as outside and is a two-time all-conference performer.

Playing without Mark Bearden and Pete Krusing due to illness the Pioneers struggled through a cold shooting first quarter. Connecting on just 1 of 9 attempts from beyond the arc Kirkwood managed to hold the lead 11-10 following the first frame.

The confident Warriors from Fox took advantage of several Pioneer turnovers converting for easy baskets. Hadzimahovic scored six points against an array of trapping defenses designed to limit his touches. Mycole Pruitt scored four points and in his varsity debut freshman guard Ben Cranser connecting from long range helping Kirkwood close to within one point 24-23 at the half.

The Warriors would extend their lead to 7 with 4:00 remaining in the third quarter. Following a Pioneer timeout senior Britton Schlotz connected for three of his 10 third quarter points sparking the Pioneer offense. As the Pioneers forced Hadzimahovic to give up the ball his teammates heated up helping Fox take a 38-34 lead into the final quarter.

The Pioneers defensive pressure began to wear on the Warriors who committed several of their 22 turnovers. Hunter Ward connected from long range and Pruitt added a pair of baskets as the Neers extended their lead to 5.

Kirkwood played keep away for nearly two minutes as the Warriors refused to leave their zone defense. Eventually it would come down to the free throw line as Kirkwood connected on 4 of their last 6 free throw attempts. With just seconds remaining a Fox three-point attempt rimmed out and Ward swatted away a final two-point attempt preserving the Pioneer victory.

Schlotz finished with 21 points, Ward and Pruitt added 11 as the Pioneers evened their season record at 5-5 and improved in Suburban West Conference play to 1-0. The Pioneers return home Wednesday evening when they host Pattonville.

Next up for the Pioneers a date with No. 5 seeded Parkway West. The Longhorns were upset in their opening round contest and presented an imposing foe for the Kirkwood. A hot start by the Longhorns once again put the Pioneers in an early hole as West took a 22-15 lead at the end of the first quarter converting the 6th Pioneer turnover of the quarter into an early basket.

Hunter Ward led the way on offense connecting on a pair of long range shots and the defense tightened allowing Kirkwood to take a 29-27 lead into the locker room at the intermission.

An exciting third quarter would see the Pioneers take a 10-point lead, before the Longhorns found the range as four different shooters connected for three-point baskets to end the quarter. An 18-17 scoring quarter by the Longhorns cut the Kirkwood lead to 46-45.

The fourth quarter would add more excitement as the Longhorns and Pioneers traded baskets and leads for the first four minutes of the quarter. An an exciting final four minutes of basketball the Pioneers couldn't keep pace with an array of quick Longhorn cards and the Pioneer upset effort came up short falling 65-57.

The loss took away from the career high scoring effort by Ward who finished with 25 points. Junior forward Mycole Pruitt added 12 points and 10 rebounds. Following a much needed break the Pioneers open Suburban West Conference play at Fox on Monday, January 5.

In the second game of the Meramec Holiday Festival the Pioneers hoped to rebound from a disappointing opening round loss against the No. 16 seeded University City Lions.

The Pioneers struggled early falling behind 10-2 as the University City pressure defense began to take it's toll. The frustrated Neers misfired on offense, let it affect their defense, allowing the Lions to get off to a needed confidence boost.

Just as things seemed dim, the Pioneers rallied outscoring the Lions 24-16 in the second quarter to enter the half with a 31-29 advantage. In the quarter senior guard Britton Schlotz stepped up when his club needed him most scoring 10 points in the quarter, junior guard Hunter Ward added nine points.

In what can be best described as an ugly second half Kirkwood managed to make just enough free throws, 28-of-46, and use a matchup zone defense to stymie the Lion offense earning a 55-52 victory.

Schlotz finished the game with 21 points, Ward added 16 for the Pioneers who improve to 4-4 on the season.

TROY 65, KIRKWOOD 55 - The ninth-seeded Trojans, who won the tournament in 2005 and 2006 and finished third a year ago, broke open a close game in the third quarter to advance to Sunday’s quarterfinals.

Eight-seeded Kirkwood led 29-28 at halftime, but Troy outscored the Pioneers 22-10 in the third quarter to build a 50-39 lead going into the fourth.

Troy (4-3) had four players score in double figures. Kyle Peasel led the way with 18 points, including 16 in the second half. Jordan Lasater and Allen McKinney scored 11 points each, and Justin Cockrell added 10.

Britton Schlotz led Kirkwood (3-4) with 14 points, while Mycole Pruitt had 12 and Hunter Ward had 11.

By David Kvidahl, Suburban Journal
The gym was filled to the brim.

Hot dogs were flying out of the concession stand.

The facility might be the best in the state, it still has that new building scent.

The basketball had folks asking, "What's that smell?"

Friday night, the Kirkwood boys basketball team opened its beautiful gymnasium with a gigantic thud.

Rival Webster Groves walked into the newly christened building and set the place on fire.

The Statesmen manhandled, dismantled, slapped around, bludgeoned, battered and bruised the host Pioneers with a 77-41 victory.

They might as well have taken Pioneer Pete's pop gun and beat him with it like the ugly stick. That's what Friday night was for Kirkwood.

U-G-L-Y and they didn't have an alibi.

Webster Groves (3-1) fresh off its first home loss in four years, took out its frustration on Kirkwood (3-3). Junior guard Derrick Dilworth was a man possessed, as he scored a game-high 22 points, despite not playing a second of the mercy-rule shortened fourth quarter. He also tallied five steals, seven rebounds and three of the prettiest assists you've ever seen.

Senior forward Vinnie Raimondo chipped in 14 points, while senior guard Dante Campbell added 10.

Leading the way for Kirkwood was junior forward Hunter Ward with eight points.

As it usually is with the Statesmen, defense is the story. For the game, Webster was credited with 18 steals. Webster coach Jay Blossom said defense was the focus of last week's practice.

"We talked a lot about guarding," he said.

After losing a boatload of senior leadership to graduation, this generation of Statesmen are young and have to be reminded, constantly, where to be, what to do and how to do it.

"It's a different team this year, they're not as mature," Blossom said. "We have to stay on them."

Defense was what Kirkwood coach Bill Gunn wanted to talk about too. Well, kind of.

"I'm very frustrated when people are allowed to play defense and it looks like a wrestling match," Gunn said. "When you're able to extend your arm and put it into the lap of the ball handler (and direct him). I don't think it's fair to ask (my players) to wrestle and play basketball."

Gunn is just the latest in a long line of coaches who've run up against the Statesmen and found their hands-on defensive approach to be over what they perceive as the legal limit for contact.

It's a constant, nagging pressure that drives coaches and players up the walls and out of their minds. Kirkwood came completely unglued when faced with Webster's pressure. Whether fouls or not, the Pioneers got down big early and never recovered. They played out of sync, angry and without their collective head.

"It got away from us and we weren't able to get it back," Gunn said.

Gunn was so hot after Friday's loss he had his team back at the gym at 8 a.m. Saturday. Despite its awful performance, Gunn said he remembers last season's 80-49 loss to Webster and hopes his team responds the way he believes it can. "We go back to work this week," he said. "In my time at Kirkwood, our kids have been resilient, whether in the span of a game or within the season."

That resilience will be tested quickly, as Kirkwood delves into this week's Meramec Holiday Festival with an 8:30 p.m. tip off Friday night with Troy. The winner of that game would more than likely take on top-seeded Hazelwood Central.

As for a potential showdown with Webster Groves down the line, be it in the Meramec tournament or the district tournament (which will be held at Kirkwood)?

"We'll have to get better at wrestling," Gunn quipped.

Two trends developed in the first quarter as the Pioneers scored in four of their first five possessions to open the game. The Pioneers would not be stopped by the Phoenix defense and the Phoenix would hurt the Pioneers on the boards rebounding numerous misses for easy put back opportunities.

Kirkwood built an early 8-2 lead, but fell behind after one quarter 17-16. In the opening quarter Britton Schlotz would lead all scorers with 8 points, connected on a pair of long-range three-point bombs. Career standout Jerome Jones would match Schlotz in the quarter and throughout the afternoon finishing with 7 first quarter points and 25 in the game.

The Phoenix and Pioneers would trade baskets throughout the second quarter as the Pioneers outscored Career 18-17 and the half time score was knotted at 34-34.

The Pioneers emerged determined from the locker room after faltering in the third place contest each of the two previous seasons. The Pioneers scored on 6 of their first 8 possessions to build a 10-point lead as they knifed through the Career full court pressure and began to limit Phoenix second chance opportunities. A 22-14 scoring advantage led by Schlotz’s 13 third quarter points helped Kirkwood take a 56-48 lead into the final quarter.

Timely defense, (the Pioneers would collected 22 defections during the game) and free throws once again proved to be the right recipe as Kirkwood earned a 72-62 victory and the third place trophy in the 2008 National Bank/Webster Classic.

Schlotz led the way with 25 points as four Pioneers reached double figures. Junior Hunter Ward scored 15 points, Mark Bearden added 11, and freshman Myles Artis chipped in 10 points.

A pair of seniors Britton Schlotz and Mark Bearden earned all-tournament honors as the Pioneers improved to 3-2. With finals here the Pioneers will return to the practice floor and their studies until they open the new Kirkwood Varsity gym on Friday, December 19, when the Webster Groves Statesmen visit.

The Kirkwood Pioneers entered the semifinal round against defending Class 3 champion Maplewood and senior guard Bryant Allen, one of the top seniors in the Show-Me State. Looking rattled for the first time this season the Pioneers appeared unprepared for the pressure full court and half court defense applied by the Blue Devils turning the ball over four times in the first six possessions and falling behind 14-5 early in the contest.

While the Pioneers struggled with uncharacteristic turnovers and breakdowns on the defensive end the Blue Devils were clicking on all cylinders. After one quarter Maplewood held a 27-14 advantage.

The second quarter would continue the frustrating theme of the first as Maplewood outscored the Pioneers 21-12 in the frame. A bright spot for the Pioneers was the play of freshman Myles Artis who played like a cagey veteran battling the Blue Devils and scoring 8 of his career high 15 points in the opening half. Kirkwood entered the locker room with at a 48-26 disadvantage.

In the third quarter the Pioneers would show signs of life opening the quarter with a 13-2 run and cutting the lead to 50-39. Following a timeout the defending champions settled down and held on for a comfortable 80-58 victory.

The loss drops the Pioneers to 2-2 on the season and into the third place game Saturday afternoon where they will face Miller Career Academy and Jerome Jones a talented senior forward who will attend Missouri State next season.

The Kirkwood Pioneers opened the 2008 Webster/National Bank Classic just as they had two years earlier battling the St. Louis University High Billikins. The Pioneers came out on fire opening the game with an 8-0 lead, later extending to an 18-6 advantage before losing track of Matt Lynch who connected on three long range bombs. At the end of one quarter Kirkwood led just 18-16.

Over the next two quarters the Pioneer defense clamped down on the Bill's offense allowing just 17 points over two periods and nary a three-point basket. After three quarters the Pioneers held a 45-33 advantage and it looked as though Kirkwood would easily advance to the semifinal round.

On one of the most bizarre quarters you will ever see in a basketball game, two teams that combined for 78 points in the previous three quarters entered an offensive explosion. The Junior Bills begin firing and hitting three point baskets from all over the gym, some from as far as 30 feet, others from off the backboard. A funny thing happened, they all went in. St. Louis U. High would score 39 points in the final quarter, while the Pioneers would handle a barrage of St. Louis U. pressure, and hit just enough free throws (17/24) to score 30 points and hold on for a 75-72 victory.

Four Pioneers found their way to double digits in the victory as Britton Schlotz scored 18 points and Mark Bearden carded a career high 17 points. Junior center Mycole Pruitt added 13 and a highlight reel dunk in the fourth quarter and Hunter Ward added 12 points. Of note Junior Bill Matt Lynch connected on 8 three point baskets scoring 28 points in the losing effort.

The Pioneers improve to 2-1 and advance to the semifinal round at 8:30 PM Friday evening where they will face Class 3 defending champion Maplewood.

The Pioneers hoped to rebound from a tough opening loss on the road facing another road test a little closer to home. On a cold Tuesday evening Kirkwood visited the Summit Falcons in Fenton.

The Falcons entered with a 1-3 mark, but featured 6-foot-10 inch center Will Clark, and 6-foot-7 inch junior guard Kevin Dwyer two of the top players in the Suburban South Conference. The night started well for the Pioneers who jumped out to an early 8-0 as seniors Britton Schlotz and Mark Bearden dialed in from long distance. The home team would rally and the Pioneers trailed 9-8 after one quarter.

In the second quarter Kirkwood would change defenses, surrounding the talented center from Summit in an attempt to limit his effectiveness around the basket. The hot perimeter shooting continued as the Pioneers connected on four three-point baskets, two from Hunter Ward, one from senior Ricky McNabb, and another from Schlotz to lead 28-21 at the intermission.

The Pioneers stormed out of the gate in the third quarter building their lead to 12 points, before Dwyer and Clark began asserting themselves. Ward again connected on a pair of three point baskets, and Schlotz hit one of the 9 Kirkwood treys, but Summit cut into the Pioneer lead trailing 39-35 after three quarters.

In the final frame the Pioneers would hold off a furious Summit rally which included a trio of long range bombs and full court pressure. Myles Artis, a freshman, scored his first points of the season giving the Pioneers a lift when they needed it most. Timely free throws by Mycole Pruitt and Schlotz helped Kirkwood hold on for their first victory of the season.

Hunter Ward led the team with 18 points, Schlotz chipped in 14. The Pioneers improve to 1-1 on the season and will take the court Thursday at 5:30 P.M. against St. Louis University High in the Webster/Pioneer Bank Classic.

The Kirkwood Pioneers ventured over 100 miles West on Highway 70 to open their 2008-2009 season meeting the Moberly Spartans in the Norm Stewart MBCA/Classic. The Spartans finished with a 23-4 mark and returned junior Brennen Hughes one of the top players in the Show-Me State. Hughes opened the season by scoring 41 points in an 82-63 over Chillicothe.

After a slow start the Pioneers jumped started their offense with a pair of long three point shots by senior Ricky McNabb and junior Hunter Ward. While the Pioneers were trying to find their stride the Spartans were racing past them for easy baskets. After one quarter Moberly held an 18-12 advantage.

In the second quarter the Pioneer full court pressure began to rattle the Spartans leading to easy baskets. Kirkwood converted steals into scores outscoring Moberly and cutting the half time deficit to just four points 33-29.

The second half would see four lead changes as the Spartans and Pioneers thrilled the large crowd with an array of dunks, drives to the basket, and hard fought inside play. Following a Ward three point basket the Pioneers trailed the Spartans by just two points with 40 seconds remaining. The Pioneers would have three shots at the basket, but the Spartan defense held as Kirkwood came up just short falling 65-63 in their opener.

Britton Schlotz led Kirkwood scorers with 22 points, Hunter Ward added 14, Mycole Pruitt who sat for much of the game with foul trouble added 12, and Mark Bearden scored 10 points and pulled down 9 rebounds.

The Pioneers fall to 0-1 on the season and will play their next game Tuesday at Rockwood Summit High School in Fenton.