SAVANNAH, Mo. — Platte County’s improved season finished with a familiar result on Saturday, March 1.
In a Class 4 District 16 first-round matchup, the Pirates forged a tie with third-seeded Smithville late in the second quarter, and they remained close at the halftime break. However, the Warriors eventually took advantage of miscues and foul trouble to advance with a 63-39 win at Savannah High School.
Platte County (7-18) more than doubled its win total of three in 2013-14 despite having no seniors on the roster, but the Pirates also lost eight games by six points or fewer.
“Young team and a lot of adversity,” Platte County coach Chris Stubbs said. “We finished the season basically with 12 healthy girls. We only had 17 to start with.
“I told them, ‘If you look at where we started and where we finished: completely different team. I think they hurt losing so many close games, but I think they should be proud of how they finished.”
Platte County ended up with 24 turnovers — at least five in each quarter — and couldn’t overcome another slow second half. The Pirates were outscored 40-22 in the second half and finished with fewere than 40 points for a fourth straight game — all losses.
Down 12-5 early, Madysen Fine hit back-to-back buckets in the second quarter to cap a 10-3 run and tie the score at 15. Smithville responded with two three-point plays in the final 3 minutes of the first half to take a 23-17 lead into the break.
Sixth-seeded Platte County’s upset bid fell apart in the early portions of the third quarter.
Rachel Holden picked up her third and fourth fouls in quick succession — the second on a rare double-foul call — and missed much of the second half. She finished with just seven points due to the limited minutes, and without the junior standout’s post presence, Smithville took a 51-31 lead with 5 minutes, 40 seconds to play.
“They picked up their defense,” Stubbs said. “I’m sure coach (Trevor) Mosby gave a nice inspirational talk at halftime and wasn’t real happy that they were only up six at halftime, and the four fouls on Rachel hurt.”
Fine concluded a strong junior season with a team-high 10 points, while Lindsey Bogart tallied nine.
Grandview 38, Platte County 29
Another slow second half doomed the Pirates in their Suburban Conference Blue Division finale Thursday, Feb. 26 at Grandview High School.
Holden scored 14 points to lead Platte County, which scored only 10 total in the second half. The Pirates limited Grandview to 13 but allowed enough for the Bulldogs to extend their 25-19 halftime advantage and score the season sweep.
Platte County attempted just five free throws, while Grandview went 11-for-20 at the line. The win allowed the Bulldogs to claim third place in the division standings at 6-4, while Platte County wound up fourth at 4-6.