After qualifying for the state playoffs for the first time in 20 years and exceeding everyone’s expectations, the Park Hill boys basketball team still wanted more. Unfortunately, the Lee’s Summit West Titans (25-3) proved to be too much for the Trojans, defeating Park Hill 70-40 in a Class 5 sectional game played March 12 at Independence Events Center. “I know we’re disappointed in the outcome,” Trojans head coach David Garrison said after the loss. “We went out there and had some costly turnovers and had some opportunities to finish that just didn’t come through early.” Lee’s Summit West raced out to a 19-9 first quarter lead, and a short second quarter run by the Trojans was completely erased by halftime when the Titans had extended the lead to 38-19. Deionte Wilson led the Trojans with 16 points with Landry Shamet chipping in 14. Ricky Trammel chipped in six points with Carter Anchors adding four to finish out the scoring for the Trojans. Garrison talked about his team’s mindset before their trip to the Independence Events Center. “We’re very happy with making it (this far),” Garrison said. “But, the best thing about this group is we’re excited for being here, but we weren’t satisfied and we wanted to come out here and make a run.” While they didn’t make that run this year, Park Hill snapped the 20-year playoff drought when they defeated rival Park Hill South for the District 15 title on March 8. The Trojans also improved their season record from 5-20 last year to 14-14 this season, with many key players returning for next season. “We’ve got a lot of experience and a lot of contributors coming back,” Garrison said “I know getting to this point was great and now we have something to work towards this offseason.” The Trojans will have plenty to work with – returning will be their two leading scorers in Wilson and Shamet, along with Anchors, and all will be seniors. A trip to the playoffs sealed by a dramatic win for a district championship will have to serve as a great learning experience for the team if they want to advance further next season.