Overtime has seemingly been the only thing able to stop the Park Hill boys’ basketball team (4-2) so far this season when four extra minutes of action in consecutive contests gave the Trojans their first two losses of 2021.
Marqueas Bell impressed with 27 points, five rebounds and one steal against Blue Springs on Dec. 14.
The Bell brothers combining for 56 points against Blue Springs (3-1) wasn’t enough when the Trojans suffered their first loss of the season on Dec. 14. Park Hill’s first defeat came on an overtime, last second tip-in layup by the Wildcats to secure the victory, 80-78
Kendrick Bell poured out 29 points, along with four rebounds and three steals, and Marqueas Bell impressed with 27 points, five rebounds and one steal. Park Hill started the game off slow and headed into the locker room trailing 34-27.
The Trojans picked up the pace in the third quarter and regained the lead to head into the final frame of regulation leading by a four-point margin. Park Hill had a lead late in regulation, but Blue Springs fought back, and the Kansas City Gold Division teams headed to overtime tied at 68.
In an intense extra period of play, the Wildcats and Trojans were knotted at 78 when Blue Springs converted on a put-back shot to take a 2-point lead and the victory. Sammy Hall added eight points - including one 3-pointer - two assists and two steals.
On Dec. 17, the Trojans hosted the defending Class 6 State Champions and were unable to pull out the victory in overtime, losing 66-57 to Kickapoo. Park Hill led by four points at the end of the second and third quarter, but Kickapoo took a lead late in regulation.
The Trojans sunk a pair of clutch free throws late in regulation to force overtime tied at 54 but were outscored by nine points in the extra period of play. Marqueas Bell was the only Trojan in double digits when the junior finished with 23 points and five rebounds.