Team Preview: Piper Lady Pirates

<strong><span style="font-size: 18pt">PGH Team Preview</span></strong> As we enter the 2019/2020 high school basketball season in Kansas.  Prep Hoops will preview some of the Kansas City area high schools.  These preview articles will give you details on key players, season expectations and more. In this article, we preview the <strong>Piper High School Lady Pirates</strong>.  Piper is coming off a 23-1 record, Frontier League Championship and a 4A State appearance in 2018-19. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt"><strong>Players to Watch</strong></span> <span style="font-family: impact, sans-serif">Evelyn Vazquez, Guard, Junior, (2021)</span> Vazquez, the 5’5 basketball and track star has a competitiveness in her that it is seldom seen in athletes her age.   A <span style="font-size: 1rem">defensive dread for opposing coaches; she is one of the best I’ve seen at using her instincts, speed and lateral quickness regardless of the defensive assignment.  She has a extraordinary ball IQ, handle and court awareness. These attributes help make her one of the top two-way point guards in the area.  Look for her output to increase this upcoming season, after a very competitive summer with KC Dream Basketball Club.</span> &nbsp; &nbsp; <span style="font-family: impact, sans-serif">Ali Vigil, Forward, Senior, (2020)</span> <span style="font-size: 1rem">The University of Central Missouri commit, is returning from a season-ending ACL injury a year ago. The 5’11 wing gives the team a deep range threat and size on the perimeter. A good ball-handler and finisher around the hoop. With her size, it will cause all types of match up concerns. As her health progresses, look for to help Piper make a run for the 4A state title.</span> &nbsp; &nbsp; <span style="font-family: impact, sans-serif">Grace Banes, Guard, Senior, (2020)</span> Grace, the multi-sport athlete who recently signed a letter of intent to play softball at the University of Iowa. A 3-year starter for Piper, Banes is a good perimeter defender and consistent shooter from the beyond the arc. Look for her to continue her consistency going her final year of ball. &nbsp; &nbsp; <span style="font-family: impact, sans-serif">Ayreona Carter, Forward, Senior, (2020)</span> Carter, 6'1, unsigned duel sport athlete for Piper. A transfer from Sumner a year ago, she was able to come in and play an effective role for the Lady Pirates. Ayreona is a tenacious rebounder on both sides of the ball and also a great finisher around the hoop. A diverse defender that can use her size, length, and athleticism against sizable post and speedy guards. Look for her to have a great upcoming season for Piper. &nbsp; &nbsp; Piper has some returning key players like Riley Porter, that played valuable minutes a year ago.   They also have some talented juniors such as Jennifer Guilbeax, Dawnyale Bruce that will look to play some well-earned Varsity minutes this year.  Look for Piper to be the front-runner for another Frontier League Championship as well as making their way back to Class 4A State tournament in Salina. &nbsp; <strong><span style="font-size: 18pt">Upcoming Games</span></strong> Friday December 6^th, 2019 at 6:00pm away at Ottawa High School