MVAO dishes K-P 78-21 loss

The troubles continued for a young Kingsley-Pierson squad, as the Panthers dropped a 78-21 West Valley Conference decision to Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto on Friday in Mapleton.

"It was the best team we have played so far this year," said K-P coach Adam Rapp.

Despite the lopsided final score, Rapp said he was pleased with his team's performance.

"Outside of the points, this was the best team game we've played," he said. 'I know that might sound crazy, but we played a lot better with the team concept."

The Rams pressed the Panthers, but Rapp was pleased with the effort his backcourt duo of freshman Tate Rohde and sophomore Ryan Mercer showed.

"We broke (the press) pretty well," Rapp said. "It was the first game we've been pressed significantly."

MVAO also featured a starting lineup consisting of four seniors and a junior. Rapp said that at one point during the second quarter, all five Panthers on the floor were freshmen.

"You can tell the young kids have played together," Rapp said of his youngsters. "They're very confident with each other."

The Panthers started slowly as they netted just three first-quarter points and found themselves down 37-14 at halftime. The Rams cruised from there for the victory.

"The score doesn't show it, but I told the kids I was proud of how hard they played and that they need to continue to grow together to be successful," Rapp said.

Junior Tyler Sudbeck scored seven points and pulled down eight rebounds which were both team-highs.

The Panthers were without Tyler Donaldson, who is recovering from a shoulder injury.The senior is K-P's second-leading scorer on the season.

K-P (0-3) returns to action Tuesday against West Monona in Onawa. Rapp said the Spartans are also in rebuilding mode this season, and he expects a competitive game.