On a blistering cold night, students filed into Olathe Northwest High School to watch a heavyweight fight: The next battle in the short-lived rivalry between the Owls and Ravens. The energy in the gym was palpable, during pregame introductions highlights of last season’s loss to the Ravens played. The West students were not amused. Both student sections were packed to the brim, with the Northwest students doing a “Black Out” theme, while the West students were in their best country attire. As soon as the lights came on, the game commenced.
As the ball was tipped off, both teams struggled to stop the other, each team seemed to trade the momentum. The officials, maybe understanding the rivalry, let the teams play and be physical with each other. As the quarter ended, both teams were trading blows with each other, but the Owls were ahead 13-11 behind multiple three’s by the Owls.

In the second quarter, the three-point barrage continued. Senior center Bennett Warren hit three shots from long-range. Senior Brady Collar hit a couple three pointers, as well. The Owls scored 26 points in the second quarter, which was their third most points in a quarter this season, trailing the first and third quarters against Paseo Academy. In the second, the Owls pulled away, ending the half up 39-27.
The lead got up to 18 in the third quarter, as the Owls were cruising to the end of the game. However, they encountered a possible speed bump.
When driving to the hoop with three minutes left in the third quarter, senior Brady Collar got his legs taken from under him. After a fall to the floor he was in tremendous pain. The crowd grew silent. After a few tense minutes on the floor, he went to the locker room with Athletic Trainer Ari Meikel and did not return.

After the scare, the Owls were without one of their leaders, their top scorer on the night, one of the key seniors. Junior David Harper entered the game to replace Collar, and quickly made an impact.
After a tipped pass, Harper ran down the court with a head full of steam. When he got near the hoop, he lept and slammed the ball home. The crowd erupted in excitement, the Owls got back momentum, and the Ravens were scrambling to find answers. After the third quarter, the Owls were leading 58-37.
As the clock winded down, students from the Olathe Northwest section filed out of the gym. They were, of course, greeted by waving hands by the Owls students. After the buzzer rang, the Owls came up the victors. After a tough, physical battle the Owls reigned supreme on the night of Jan. 17.
After the Alma Mater was sung by the cheerleaders, basketball team and student section, pandemonium ensued. The students and the players lept towards each other and the students stormed the court, with the chants of “This is our house!” ringing throughout the gym. The chants continued outside the school as well, with the celebration of the owl victory continuing throughout the parking lot.

The Owls look to continue their big stretch of momentum when they compete in the Shawnee Mission West Viking Classic. The tournament tips off on Thursday, Jan 23. and ends on Saturday, Jan 25. Tickets for the tournament can be found at https://gofan.co/