ALTAMONT — Enduring an upset bid from their rivals, the Labette County Grizzlies boys overcame a first half deficit to take down the Parsons Vikings, 57-47, on Tuesday night.
“I thought Parsons came out with a lot of energy in that first half and hit some shots,” Labette County head coach Bradley Argabright said. “Our rebounding in the first half was atrocious. We challenged our guys in the second half to go rebound, play with more energy and more effort. We switched some things up in the second half schematically and we played harder. And we made some shots. But our defense carried us.”
Parsons led, 25-16, at halftime. The Grizzlies opened the third quarter on an 11-2 run to tie the contest.
“The things we did great in the first half were missing in the second half,” Parsons head coach Anthony Houk said. “Executing on defense, taking care of the ball and rebounding. They outrebounded us when they got the lead and extended it. In the first half, our guys were gobbling up the loose balls. It was a game of runs and they went on the last two runs to end the game.”
Labette County outscored Parsons, 19-14, in the fourth quarter and eventually kept the Vikings at arm’s reach.
“Labette County did what we did on our home court earlier in the year — we got a lead but they weren’t going to give up,” Argabright said. “They started making some shots. Their trap got us a couple of times. They just stepped up and wanted to defend their homecourt. It was a great rivalry game — back and forth, loud and a fun game to be a part of.”
Colt Weil led the Grizzlies with 17 points, a career high.
“He really shot the ball well,” Argabright said. “He attacked well, too. He’s a kid that puts in a lot of work outside of basketball. He shoots a ton of shots on his own and it’s paying off for him. We needed it tonight. Hopefully this performance is one he can build on.”
Jason Shaw led Parsons with 13 points while fellow senior Connor Largent added 10.
“I’m super proud of the way all of our seniors stepped up and played,” Houk said. “They shot well and took care of the ball. It sucks we’re on this end of it. But I’m proud of how our seniors competed in this environment.”
Labette County improved to 11-7 overall and 5-3 in SEK League play. The Grizzlies are one of five teams in a virtual five-way tie for first place in the league.
“We’ve got to keep getting better on the defensive end,” Argabright said. “In February, you win on defense. We’ve got four guys that average 10 points per game, so we’re a balanced team. That’s dangerous at this time of year. And we’ve got to be a team that wants its more with our rebounding.”
Parsons fell to 1-16 overall and 0-8 in league play.
“All I’ve been asking the guys is to bring a no-quit attitude and effort,” Houk said. “We’re getting tougher. I want us to keep that steady climb up the ladder. At times, our steps have been a little small. I’d like some big steps. But I see progress in this group. That’s where I want to end the year.”
Up next
Labette County heads to Chanute on Friday while Parsons played Humboldt on Thursday.
