Pictured are BACK ROW– Jared Highfill, Bryson Rohr, Zach Bass, Nick Irons, John Schnieders, Griffon Johns and Conner Boyt. FRONT ROW-Jonas Pippitt, Devan Toomey, Dalton Rankin and Jace Sprague. The team was coached by John Bass and Dave Johns-not pictured. Submitted photo
Posting a perfect 5-0 record, the Gardner Blazers 14 and under boys basketball team brought back a USSSA Division 3 title last weekend in action at Shawnee Mission West and the Lenexa Family Life Center.
After a first round 47-45 first round win against the Shawnee Vipers, the team easily defeated the Jayhawks 50-30. In third round play, the Blazers defeated New Covenant of Lawrence, 41-27. In semi-final action, the Blazers turned back Team Spirit of Kansas City, 48-34.
In the championship game, the Blazers won a rematch with the Jayhawks by a score of 48-34. Nick Irons led the way with 17 points while Zach Bass added eight points. Dalton Rankin added six points and Conner Boyt had five points. Griffin Johns and Bryson Rohr had three points. Jared Highfill, John Schneiders and Jace Sprague had two points.
Following tourney action, Bass was awarded Most Valuable Player. Highfill and Devan Toomey shared free-throw championship honors.
The Blazers return to the hardwoods this weekend, this time in Division 2 state action.
