Intro

Familiar faces rose for both teams entering into the night, as many Athletes for both programs met in the opening round of football playoffs. The Cobras and Vikings met in the 2023 football season opening playoff round at Dave Henry Field; Which, Jackson Heights became Victorious 36-12. Now we all know basketball is a whole different playing field, so Coach Plattner had to bring his best game-plan into the night to win. Entering his fourth year at head coach, Brett Plattner steps into the night hosting his first home opener with his boy’s team for a sub-state matchup. Both teams only had one similar opponent coming into the night, St Mary’s, in which both teams got pummeled by early in the season. 

Jackson Heights Vs Mission Valley (57-54)

To start the game early both teams had jitters, but those nerves were swiftly removed by Sophomore Connor Hoelting who crashed a three to start the scoring of the game and for the Vikings. The first quarter ended 11-6 with the Cobras struggling to enter inside the paint, both points coming off of threes, a theme that carried on throughout the first half. The Cobra boys fell to a 26-21 first half; However, it was 23-21 with seconds left until Junior Porter Deters shot a three-point buzzer beater to end the half from the Vikings own perimeter line! Sophomore Drake Mellies for the Cobras had no points in the first half and the Cobra boys had five three-point shots made to keep them into the game. But, once the second half came, it was time for a Cobra Comeback! Despite being at one point down double digits in both the second and third quarter the Snakes were in the lead coming out of the third quarter 39-37, out scoring the Vikings 18-11 in the third. The change of pace and momentum of the game was held up and carried by Junior Jaden Gueye and Senior Brayden McQueen who both combined for nine threes of the twelve total made on the game from the Cobra team. Senior Sean Hayden also played a huge part in the second half by crashing the boards and playing physical for the Cobra Boys. The game finalized ending 57-54 with the Cobras able to hold onto the lead through the entire eight minutes of play left. Brayden McQueen for the Cobras finished the game with eighteen total points and five threes alone, which got him my MVP of the game. 

Summary

Tough loss for the Vikings to end their season on, a matchup in which they came in with a solid game-plan and even held Mellies below double digits, yet were still not able to come up with the win. On the other hand It was an impressive win for the Cobras to have all seven main varsity players touch the board, each one contributing to the success of the game. Despite a down game for Mellies in scoring with only five points, the way he moved the ball and opened the game up for his teammates was remarkable. The Cobra boys will continue to lock in and get ready for Fridays Semi-final substate round in Wabaunsee versus Salina-Sacred Heart. 

Cobra Channel

For more coverage of the Cobra Boys during their substate run tune into the Cobra Channel!