For a program still carrying the sting of last season, Olathe South junior Eve Long made sure Friday night felt different. 

Long delivered a dominant, statement performance with 37 points and 15 rebounds as the No. 6 Falcons earned a 62-56 victory over No. 7 Olathe North last Friday at Olathe North High School, avenging a pair of losses to the Eagles a year ago, including a heartbreaking defeat that ended their season. 

“It means a lot, especially coming off of two losses against them, including one in the state tournament,” Long said. “I think it means a lot to our team and showing all the work that we have put in the offseason to get to where we are right now, and to beat them at their place means a lot.” 

Long, one of the top prospects in the country, wasted little time setting the tone. She scored 22 points in the first half, consistently finding space against a physical North defense and helping South build a double-digit lead in the second quarter before taking a 35-31 advantage into halftime. 

“I think that definitely helps us,” Long said of South’s fast starts. “We usually do come out quick and I think it gives a sense of composure and control of the game.” 

 

The Falcons pushed the lead back to 10 in the third quarter, but Olathe North never went away. Senior Asia Lee, a Florida State commit, kept the Eagles within striking distance with a team-high 32 points, knocking down several big shots down the stretch to cut into the deficit in the fourth quarter. 

“Props to North and we know that they are a great team,” Long said. “Our goal was just to stay consistent throughout the whole game and not let them come out and hit a lot of threes. We were able to stay together and rally around each other and this was a big win for us.” 

While Lee’s scoring surge made it a tense finish, Long and the Falcons were able to pull away late, leaning on composure and execution to seal the six-point road win. 

“The Olathe North defense really challenged me,” Long said. “I had to get to spots and see who is guarding me and try to make better reads and be a smarter basketball player. In the second half I got a little sped up and a little excited, but with great coaches, teammates and trainers, they helped me stay grounded and play well.” 

The win carried extra meaning for South. It served as a measure of revenge after the Falcons lost to North twice last season, including in the state tournament. 

Long and Lee, despite being rivals, share a strong bond. 

 

“I love playing against Asia and it is a little sad that this could be the last time I play against her,” Long said. “She is like a big sister to me. She is going to do great things at Florida State and I really enjoyed the competition and how she pushed me to become a better player.” 

The performance was another highlight in what has been a remarkable stretch for Long, who missed most of December with an injury but has been on a tear since returning. She is currently averaging 32 points per game to go with nine rebounds, three steals and nearly two blocks. 

Earlier this month, Long set the Sophie Cunningham Classic single-game scoring record with 44 points, a performance that also established a new Olathe South single-game scoring mark for both girls and boys basketball. She followed that up by scoring her 1,000th career point on Jan. 13 with a 29-point outing against Shawnee Mission East. 

“That was really special, especially to be able to share that with my team,” Long said. “I give everything to God and my teammates. They helped me get to where I am and I was so happy to be able to celebrate that with my entire school.” 

Long said the experience of playing in the Sophie Cunningham Classic helped prepare South for high-level matchups like the one against North. 

“I really think going to Sophie Cunningham really helped us get that win,” she said. “It helped me with my confidence, especially going into big games like against North.” 

Olathe South head coach Nicole Hoffman said Long’s impact went far beyond the stat sheet and has been a leader for one of the top teams in the state.  

“Eve has had an excellent start to her season,” Hoffman said. “Averaging 32 points a game against tough competition is ridiculous, but I think she is only getting started.  She has come into this year trusting the process and works collaboratively with her teammates. As the season progresses, I anticipate that she and us will only get better. 

“Her desire is to learn and grow in all aspects of the game. Not only does she want to be the best basketball player on the court, she wants to be the best teammate. She is working towards leaving a legacy that goes beyond any statistical record.” 

As college programs circle — Long is currently choosing between Notre Dame, Duke, UCLA, UConn and Kansas — her focus remains firmly on the present. 

“Our goal is always a state championship,” Long said. “This is just another step to get us to where we want to be.” 

Other basketball standouts:  

 

• Blue Valley Southwest’s Mia Hanson set the school’s single game scoring record on Jan. 13 in a win at Louisburg with a game-high 34 points. On the season, Hanson is averaging 15 points, seven rebounds and two steals a game for the Timberwolves. 

• Louisburg freshman Tatum Battle helped the Wildcats get their second win on the season last week against Baldwin. Battle scored a team-high 18 points to go along with six rebounds in a 50-42 victory over the Bulldogs. Earlier in the week in a loss to Blue Valley Southwest, Battle also added 14 points.  

Boys basketball standouts: 
 

• Olathe West’s Malachi Buckner made school history on Jan. 13 as he led the Owls to a win over Shawnee Mission West. Buckner set the school’s single game scoring record with a game-high 41 points and broke the old mark of 38.  
  
   

  

• Olathe Northwest senior Gavin Popik made a little history of his own as he recorded his 1,000th career point. Popik, who is headed to Missouri S&T next season, is off to a good start to his year as he is averaging 24 points a game and has helped the Ravens to a 7-3 record.