Park Hill South scored an impressive early season victory in the 810 Varsity Classic on Saturday, Dec. 3, outscoring Lee’s Summit 78-66 in a matchup of 2016 playoff qualifiers.
Lee’s Summit, which reached the Class 5 semifinals last year, scored just 12 points in the second quarter and couldn’t overcome the double-digit deficit. Lamel Robinson scored a game-high 26 points to lead Park Hill South, which improved to 2-0 coming off a Class 5 sectional appearance a year ago.
Park Hill South hit six 3-pointers total with two from Robinson. Jacob Kline, a senior guard and third-year starter, made three and finished with 17 points. Desi Williams (13 points) and Connor Lee (11 points) gave the Panthers a quartet of players in double figures.
Entering the season, Park Hill South ranked No. 9 in the first Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Class 5 poll of the year. Lee’s Summit was not in the top 10.
Park Hill South 67, William Chrisman 53
Williams and Robinson scored 15 points apiece, and the Panthers had four score in double figures in their season-opener Friday, Dec. 2 in Riverside, Mo.
Park Hill South led 19-9 after the first quarter and scored at least 14 points in each quarter. Kline had a pair of 3s and 13 points, while Saadique Perkins, a transfer from Sumner Academy (Kan.), debuted with 11 points.
Park Hill 59, North Kansas City 53
The Trojans opened the season with a tight victory Friday, Dec. 2 in North Kansas City, Mo.
Ronnie Bell scored 15 points, including a two-handed dunk, while senior guard Dru Smith chipped in 11. Park Hill shot 16 of 21 on free throws to help preserve the lead late.
Park Hill was scheduled to open play in the Liberty North Invitational on Tuesday, Dec. 6, but the result was not available at The Citizen’s deadline. The Trojans were facing St. Pius X in the opening round.