West Platte’s losing skid in KCI Conference play hit four after a tight loss Friday, Feb. 10 in Weston, Mo.
Nealie Niemeier (18 points) and Hannah McGivern (14 points) led the Bluejays’ big comeback attempt that just fell short in a 45-42 victory for Lawson, which led 34-22 entering the final 8 minutes. Niemeier and McGivern combined to hit three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and accounted for all 20 of West Platte’s points in the frame.
Entering the fourth quarter, Niemeier had just four points, but she scored 14 in the final 8 minutes, going 7-for-7 on free throws.
West Platte scored just four points in the first quarter and six in the third quarter, and Lawson took advantage of the slow spells. West Platte dropped to 1-5 in KCI play with the league finale scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 14 vs. Hamilton in Weston, Mo.
The result was not available at The Citizen’s deadline.
At 10-12 overall entering the matchup, West Platte drew the No. 6 seed in the Class 2 District 15 Tournament. The Bluejays are scheduled to open the postseason against third-seeded Northland Christian on Monday, Feb. 20 in Lone Jack, Mo.
Northland Christian won the first meeting between the two teams this season in the North Platte Invitational. Niemeier did not play in the game due to illness.
The two teams play again Wednesday, Feb. 15.
Plattsburg 43, North Platte 36
The Panthers remained winless in KCI play despite a solid second half effort Friday, Feb. 10 in Dearborn, Mo.
At halftime, North Platte trailed 24-13, but the Panthers fought back behind Grace Rice’s game-high 17 points. The sophomore forward has emerged down the stretch as a top scorer despite North Platte’s struggles.
North Platte was at 0-6 in KCI play entering a Tuesday, Feb. 14 game at Mid-Buchanan. At 3-18 overall, North Platte drew the No. 8 seed in Class 2 District 15 and opens the postseason Monday, Feb. 20 against top-seeded Santa Fe.
Those two teams met in a Class 2 sectional last year with Santa Fe advancing. North Platte lost seven seniors from that team and has struggled to rebuild, having lost 14 in a row entering Tuesday’s KCI finale with the Dragons.
Lawson 51, North Platte 40
The Panthers finally hit some shots but still ended up with a loss Tuesday, Feb. 7 in Lawson, Mo.
North Platte finished with seven 3s and trailed just 19-17 at halftime despite a slow second quarter. All six points in that frame came on a pair of 3s.
Janell Manville led North Platte with 11 points, including three 3-pointers. She came into the game with two 3s on the season.
Troy 55, West Platte 32
The Trojans pulled away with 22 points in the fourth quarter of a nonconference matchup Thursday, Feb. 9 in Troy, Kan.
West Platte scored just four points in the second quarter and went into halftime down 22-16. The Bluejays couldn’t stick close in the second half with Niemeier finishing with a team-high 13 points, while McGivern hit two 3-pointers and added eight points.
Mid-Buchanan 61, West Platte 38
The Dragons hit five 3-pointers in the second quarter to pull away in a KCI victory Tuesday, Feb. 7 in Weston, Mo.
West Platte scored just five points in the second quarter and didn’t recover. Niemeier, who finished with a team-high 13 points, scored just two points in the second half.
Faith Stevens added seven points for West Platte — all in the second half.