EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – COVID-19 has made it difficult for the Excelsior Springs varsity boys basketball team to get into a playing rhythm. The effects of COVID on the team’s season were evident on Jan. 14, when Bishop LeBlond of St. Joseph came to town and Excelsior Springs fell 63-52. The Golden Eagles jumped out early in the first quarter, holding a slim margin for the first four minutes. Big shots and costly Excelsior Springs turnovers allowed the Golden Eagles to stage a 10-0 run and lead 23-12 after one quarter. The Tigers attempted to bounce back by starting the second quarter with a 6-0 run, but the Golden Eagles answered with a 7-0 run to stretch their lead back into double digits. LeBlond led 39-24 at halftime. LeBlond outscored Excelsior Springs 16-8 the third quarter to lead 55-32 entering the fourth quarter. The Tigers finally exploded offensively the fourth quarter, outscoring the Golden Eagles 20-8. Senior Tanner Phillips led the Tigers in scoring with 18 points, going…