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  • A1 Lock & Key Performers December 19, 2022

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    AllenBaughmanmugAllen Baughman

    ALLEN BAUGHMAN, Shawnee Heights

    Baughman, a junior wrestler, went 8-0 with eight pins to win the 175-pound championship in the Johnson County Classic at Blue Valley, helping Shawnee Heights finish fourth as a team in the 25-school tournament. Baughman, 16-4 on the season, pinned Elzie Slaughter of St. Thomas Aquinas at the 3:11 mark of the second period in the title match. Four of Baughman's pins came between 30 seconds and one minute into the first period.

    MollyBusenitzmug2Molly Busenitz

    MOLLY BUSENITZ, Shawnee Heights

    A senior wrestler, Busenitz went 5-0 to win the 120-pound championship in the 30-school Ladycat Classic at Basehor-Linwood, leading Shawnee Heights to a third-place team finish. Now 12-0 on the seasson, Busenitz recorded four straight pins, between 13 seconds and 1 minute, 19 seconds, to advance to the final before earning a 16-1 technical fall over Kadynce Alexton of Chanute.

    FaZyQ8FXEAUiGNBZoe Canfield

    ZOE CANFIELD, Washburn Rural

    Canfield, a 5-foot-11 junior, scored a total of 41 points in two Washburn Rural girls basketball victories over state-ranked Class 6A teams. Canfield, a Kansas commit, scored 26 points with five 3-pointers in Tuesday's 54-45 win over No. 6-ranked Shawnee Mission Northwest and followed that up with 15 points and four 3s in Saturday's 49-34 win over No. 4 Wichita Heights in the GWAC/Centennial/WAC.Challenge in Wichita. 

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers December 12, 2022

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

     XavierAlexandermugXavier Alexander

    XAVIER ALEXANDER, Topeka West

    A 6-foot-1 senior, Alexander combined for 49 points and eight 3-pointers on the week as Topeka West posted pair of United Kansas Conference victories to improve to 2-1 on the season. Alexander scored a career-high 31 points with five 3-pointers in a 74-62 win at Seaman last Tuesday and followed that up with 18 points and three 3s in Friday's 64-51 home win over Shawnee Heights. 

    AddiBroxtermanmug1Addison Broxterman

    ADDISON BROXTERMAN, Washburn Rural

    A week after becoming the 10th Kansas high school girls wrestler to record 100 career victories, Broxterman, a senior, notched her 100th career pin in the Council Bluffs Classic on the way to a runner-up finish in the 125-pound division, improving to 12-1 on the season. Broxterman helped lead the Junior Blues to the team championship in the 32-school Iowa tournament by a 648-433.5 margin over Lewis Central, Iowa.

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers Dec. 6, 2021

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    FExcnI3WUAE4RcGElijah Brooks

    ELIJAH BROOKS, Topeka West

    Brooks, a returning All-Shawnee County first-team pick, opened his senior season with a game-high 32-point performance, including four first-half dunks, as Topeka West's boys basketball team took a 69-57 Centennial League victory over Washburn Rural last Friday night at West.

    DeffebaughConnor Deffebaugh

     CONNOR DEFFEBAUGH, Washburn University

    Deffebaugh, a 6-3 sophomore guard from Fayetteville, Ark., scored a career-high 19 points, including the game-winning basket with two seconds remaining, as Washburn University edged Nebraska-Kearney, 79-77, last Saturday at Lee Arena. Deffebaugh also was credited with five assists and two steals as Washburn evened its record at 4-4.

    BRENNON DODGE, Shawnee Heights

    A sophomore guard, Dodge scored a game-high and career-high 33 points and hit seven 3-pointers as Shawnee Heights opened its 2021-2022 boys basketball season with a 74-37 non-league victory over Bishop Seabury last Friday at Heights.

    Maxwell 3Allison Maxwell 

    ALLISON MAXWELL, Washburn University

    A senior middle hitter, Maxwell registered 14 kills with a scorching .500 hitting percentage and was a part of eight blocks, including two solos, as Washburn earned a berth in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight with a 25-22, 25-20, 25-19 win over Concordia-St. Paul in last Saturday's Central Region championship match in Warrensburg, Mo. Maxwell earned All-Central Region honors.

    Sadler 1Allison Sadler

    ALLISON SADLER, Washburn University  

    Sadler, a senior setter, recorded 39 assists and six digs as fifth-seeded Washburn advanced to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight with a 25-22, 25-20, 25-19 win over Concordia-St. Paul in last Saturday's Central Region championship match at Warrensburg, Mo. Sadler earned All-Central Region honors.

    JacobTangprichaJacob Tangpricha

    JACOB TANGPRICHA, Washburn Rural

    A two-time Class 6A state champion, Tangpricha opened his senior season with the 126-pound championship in last Saturday's Leavenworth Challenger tournament, helping Washburn Rural win the team title by a 351.5-278 margin over Free State. Tangpricha went 4-0 on the day, including a pin over Lawrence senior Kevin Honas in the championship match.

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers Dec. 20, 2021

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    FExcnI3WUAE4RcGElijah Brooks

    ELIJAH BROOKS, Topeka West

    A senior, Brooks scored 50 points on the week and reached the 1,000 point mark for his career in two Topeka West boys basketball wins as the Chargers improved to 4-1. Brooks had 18 points (11 in the fourth quarter) in West's 57-55 Tuesday win at Shawnee Heights and scored 32 points with eight rebounds and seven assists in the Chargers' 78-65 win at Manhattan on Friday.

    JaliahJohnson 2Jaliah Johnson

    JALIAH JOHNSON, Washburn Rural

    Johnson, a two-time state placer, won the 155-pound championship in the LadyCat Classic at Basehor-Linwood, helping two-time state champion Washburn Rural win the team title by a 295-221 margin over Dodge City. Johnson, third at state the past two seasons, improved to 12-1 on the season.

    JuanTarioRobertsmugJuan'Tario Roberts

    JUAN'TARIO ROBERTS, Highland Park

    Roberts, a senior, scored 45 points on the week as Highland Park's boys basketball team posted a pair of victories to improve to 5-0 on the season. Roberts scored 22 points in the Scots' 71-69 win over Seaman on Tuesday and followed that up with a 23-point game on Friday as Highland Park posted a 62-50 win at Topeka High. Roberts hit the 1,000-point mark for his career in Friday's win.

    Kiki SmithKiki Smith

    KIKI SMITH, Topeka High  

    A junior guard, Smith scored 44 points on the week in two Topeka High girls basketball wins as the Trojans improved to 5-0 on the season. Smith led High with 14 points in a 38-36 win over Emporia on Tuesday and had 30 points on Friday in the Trojans' 86-16 romp past USD 501 rival Highland Park.

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers Dec. 13, 2021

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    FExcnI3WUAE4RcGElijah Brooks

    ELIJAH BROOKS, Topeka West

    Brooks scored a game-high 29 points with five dunks as Topeka West's boys basketball team took a 68-41 Centennial League victory over rival Topeka High last Friday night at West. Brooks is averaging 27.7 points for the 2-1 Chargers. 

    Brennon DodgeBrennon Dodge 

    BRENNON DODGE, Shawnee Heights

    A sophomore guard, Dodge scored 29 points to outscore Ottawa by himself as Shawnee Heights improved to 3-0 with a 62-27 non-league road win last Friday. Dodge, who had a 33-point outing in Heights' season-opener, had seven 3-pointers on the night, including four in the first half.

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers August 30, 2022

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Easton BradstreetEaston Bradstreet

    EASTON BRADSTREET, Washburn Rural

    A senior, Bradstreet scored four goals and had two assists as Washburn Rural's soccer team, the Class 6A state runner-up last fall, opened its 2022 season with a 7-1 non-league road romp at Kapaun Mt. Carmel last Friday.

    HaleyCarpentermugHaley Carpenter

    HALEY CARPENTER, Topeka High

    Carpenter, who has teamed with fellow senior Adisyn Caryl to earn back-to-back doubles berths in the Class 6A state tennis tournament, opened the 2022 season with the doubles title in last Thursday's Wamego Invitational. Carpenter and Caryl went 4-0 on the day to help lead the Trojans to the team championship.

    AdisynCarylnewmugAdisyn Caryl

    ADISYN CARYL, Topeka High

    A three-time Class 6A state tennis qualifier, Caryl opened her senior season with the No. 1 doubles championship in last Thursday's Wamego Invitational, teaming with senior Haley Carpenter to post a 4-0 record and help the Trojans win the team championship.

    BelleKennedyWUmugBelle Kennedy

    BELLE KENNEDY, Washburn University

    Kennedy, a freshman midfielder, scored the first two goals of her college career in Sunday's 7-3 Washburn University women's soccer win at William Jewell, with the former Washburn Rural All-Stater helping the Ichabods improve to 2-0 on the 2022 season. 

    DevonRutschmannDevon Rutschmann

    DEVON RUTSCHMANN, Washburn Rural

    A junior, Rutschmann had a goal and three assists for Washburn Rural soccer, which went 19-1-0 last season, in a 7-1 non-league season-opening road win at Kapaun Mt. Carmel last Friday.

    JalynStevensonnewmugJalyn Stevenson

    JALYN STEVENSON, Washburn University

    Stevenson, a sophomore outside hitter from Spring Hill, helped lead No. 2-ranked Washburn University volleyball to a perfect 4-0 record in last weekend's Nebraska-Kearney Fall Classic. Stevenson led the offense with 37 kills and landed 10 service aces. Defensively, she was second on the team in with 29, had seven total blocks and had a .979 reception percentage after receiving 94 out of 96 service attempts.  

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers April 6, 2021

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    ZoeCarylmug2 2Zoe Caryl

    ZOE CARYL, Topeka High

    Caryl, an Illinois signee, got her senior softball season off to a hot start as Topeka High opened the year 4-0. Caryl, a catcher, had seven hits and 11 runs batted in for the Trojans in last Thursday's 19-0, 19-3 doubleheader sweep over Topeka West at Hummer Sports Park. Caryl went 4 for 4 with a double, two triples and four RBI in the first game and was 3 for 4 with a double, a home run and seven RBI in the second game.

    Bethany Druse mugBethany Druse

    BETHANY DRUSE, Seaman

    A sophomore, Druse won the girls 800-meter run in last Thursday's Jerry Beardslee Invitational track and field meet in a time of 2:23.6, a time that ranked third in the state through last week and was the top time by a Class 5A runner. Druse has won two straight 800-meter races this spring.

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers April 4, 2022

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    NiJaree Canady 3NiJaree Canady

    NIJAREE CANADY, Topeka High

    Canady, the reigning Kansas Gatorade Softball Player of the Year, opened her senior season last Thursday with an outstanding performance in the pitching circle and at the plate in Topeka High's 11-1, 6-1 doubleheader sweep over Topeka West. Canady, who has committed to Stanford, picked up the pitching wins in both games, striking out a total of 28 batters while allowing just two hits and two runs on the day. Canady hit a homer and doubled in the Trojans' first-game win.

    EmmersonCopenewmugEmmerson Cope

    EMMERSON COPE, Washburn Rural

    A junior, Cope pitched a five-inning perfect game and hit a three-run walkoff home run in Washburn Rural's 10-0 first-game softball win over Hayden last Tuesday, finishing with 11 strikeouts and four runs batted in. Cope, an All-Class 6A first-teamer last season, added a double in the Junior Blues' 8-1 win over the Wildcats in the second game.

     Dunn 1Parker Dunn

    PARKER DUNN, Washburn University

    Dunn, a senior right-fielder, went 4 for 4 with 4 runs scored and 5 runs batted in for Washburn's baseball team last Saturday as the Ichabods took a 15-4 victory over No. 4-ranked Central Missouri at Falley Field. Dunn hit a pair of home runs for Washburn, which handed Central Missouri its first MIAA loss of the season and ended the Mules' 19-game winning streak while snapping a three-game losing streak. 

    VictoriaReedVictoria Reed

    VICTORIA REED, Highland Park

    A sophomore sprinter, Reed made her debut for Highland Park with three individual wins in last Friday's Jerry Beardslee Invitational track and field meet at Washburn Rural. Reed won the 100-meter dash in 12.6 seconds, the 200 in 26.5 and the 400 in 60.4 seconds.

    TreRichardsonnew2Tre Richardson

    TRE RICHARDSON, Highland Park

    Richardson, a junior, made his 2022 track and field debut in last Friday's Jerry Beardslee Invitational with three wins and a second-place finish. Richardson won the long jump with a best of 22 feet, 2 inches, took the triple jump win at 43-6 and won the 200-meter dash in 21.6 seconds. Richardson added a second-place finish in the 100 in 10.5.

    ZachSulzen WatsonmugZach Sulzen-Watson

    ZACH SULZEN-WATSON, Washburn Rural

    A senior thrower, Sulzen-Watson opened his 2022 track and field season with a pair of wins in last Friday's Jerry Beardslee Invitational at Rural. Sulzen-Watson recorded a personal best with a throw of 52 feet, 5 inches in the shot put and added a win in the discus with a winning throw of 161-1 in the discus. Sulzen-Watson placed fifth in the Class 6A discus as a junior.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers April 3, 2023

    Rick Peterson

     By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    LailahBenz2 2Lailah Benz

    LAILAH BENZ, Shawnee Heights

    Benz, a sophomore midfielder, recorded a three-goal hat track for Shawnee Heights in last Tuesday's 5-0 non-league girls soccer victory over Ottawa at the Bettis Family Sports Complex. Benz helped lead the T-Birds to a 2-1 start to the 2023 season with their second straight win.

    BethanyDrusenewmugBethany Druse

    BETHANY DRUSE, Seaman

    A senior, Druse, the defending Class 5A 800 meters champion, posted individual wins in the 1,600 and 800 in last Thursday's Jerry Beardslee Invitational track and field meet at Washburn Rural and also anchored the Vikings' 4x400 relay team to a come-from-behind victory. Druse won the 1,600 by more than nine seconds in 5 minutes, 37.00 , won the 800 by more than 10 seconds in 2:25.28 and helped Seaman win the 4x400 relay in 4:20.01.

    Alexis FredricksonAlexis Fredrickson

    ALEXIS FREDRICKSON, Washburn Rural

    Fredrickson, a senior, opened her senior track and field season with two wins and two runnerup finishes in last Thursday's Jerry Beardslee Invitational at Washburn Rural. Fredrickson won the 100-meter dash in 14.00 seconds and the 200 in 28.26 while also finishing second in the 400 (62.0) and the pole vault (8 feet, 6 inches). Fredrickson was a three-time Class 6A-5A state medalist and two-time state team champion for Rural's wrestling team.

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers April 27, 2021

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    ZoeCarylmug2Zoe Caryl

    ZOE CARYL, Topeka High

    Caryl, a senior who will play collegiately at Illinois, went 9 of 11 with three doubles, a triple, a home run and 12 runs batted in as Topeka High's softball team remained unbeaten with a 10-0, 27-8 Centennial League doubleheader sweep over Emporia last Tuesday. 

    Bethany Druse Bethany Druse

    BETHANY DRUSE, Seaman

    The Viking sophomore continued her dominating season in the girls 800 meters Monday at Lawrence, posting a win in the Free State Barrier Breakers track and field meet in 2 minutes, 21.02 seconds, winning by nearly two seconds. Druse ranks among the top 10 in the state (all classes) in the 800.

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers April 25, 2022

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Kendra CookKendra Cook

    KENDRA COOK, Silver Lake

    Cook a freshman pitcher, threw a seven-inning no-hitter in a 7-0 second-game Mid-East League victory at St. Marys last Thursday, helping the Eagles complete a doubleheader sweep. Cook allowed one walk and struck out five against the Bears.

    GilesFredericksonGiles Frederickson

    GILES FREDERICKSON, Washburn Rural

    Frederickson, a senior, carded a 4-under-par 68 in last Thursday's Seaman Invitational golf tournament at Village Greens, tying former two-time Class 6A state champion Parker Beal for Washburn Rural's school-record low round. Frederickson took individual medalist honors by five strokes and led the Junior Blues to the team championship by a 14-stroke margin over Manhattan.

    BriarGillum2Briar Gillum

    BRIAR GILLUM, Rossville

    A senior, Gillum set the Rossville school record in the discus with a throw of 133 feet in Friday's Rossville Invitational.  The Rossville school record was previously set at 129-4 by Bridget Weybrew back in 1987. Gillum is the Shawnee County leader in both the discus and shot put, with a best of 39-10.50 in the shot. 

    DaiganKrugerbaseball 2Daigan Kruger 

    DAIGAN KRUGER, Silver Lake

    Silver Lake senior pitcher Daigan Kruger threw his first career no-hitter last Monday in a 6-0 Mid-East League first-game win over Riley County. Kruger went seven innings with five strikeouts while issuing two walks in the win and also went 2 for 4 at the plate with a run scored. The Eagles added an 8-5 victory in the second game to complete the sweep.

    MasonMcConnaugheyMason McConnaughey

    MASON McCONNAUGHEY, Seaman

    A senior pitcher, McConnaughey threw a complete-game no-hitter in Seaman's 3-0 Centennial League road victory over Junction City. McConnaughey recorded 15 strikeouts against the Blue Jays and did not allow a walk.

    TannerNewkirkmugTanner Newkirk

    TANNER NEWKIRK, Hayden

    A senior, Newkirk clocked the 15th fastest boys 3,200 meters time in Kansas high school history in the Barrier Breakers meet in Lawrence last Friday, winning the event in a time of 9 minutes 09.76 seconds. Newkirk improved his own school record in the 3,200 and also finished second in the 1,600 meters in 4:18.59. Newkirk also holds the school record in that event.

     

     

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers April 24, 2023

    Rick Peterson

     By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    AlesecioBatsonmug2Alesecio Batson

    ALESECIO BATSON, Topeka West

    Batson, a sophomore track and field standout, posted a victory in the boys triple jump in last Friday's Free State Barrier Breaker Invitational at Lawrence, jumping a winning distance of 46 feet, 8.25 inches for the Chargers.

    EmmersonCopenewmugEmmerson Cope

    EMMERSON COPE, Washburn Rural

    A senior softball standout, Cope piicked up the pitching victory and also had a home run and a double in Washburn Rural's 14-4 first-game victory over Seaman last Friday. The Nebraska signee also helped the 12-2 Junior Blues complete the sweep with a 10-0 shutout in the second game.

    ZahraFriess 2Zahra Friess 

    ZAHRA FRIESS, Cair Paravel Latin

    A sophomore, Friess scored four goals and was also credited with four assists in the Lions' 10-0 win over Kaw Valley Conference foe Kansas City Christian last Monday. Cair Paravel added a 10-0 league win over Kansas City-Bishop Ward on Thursday, improving to 9-1-1 with its eighth straight victory. 

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers April 20, 2021

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    NiJaree Canady 2NiJaree Canady

    NiJAREE CANADY, Topeka High

    A junior, Canady pitched a three-hitter with 17 strikeouts in a 5-0 win over Centennial League rival Washburn Rural last Tuesday and followed that up with a two-hit, 11-strikeout performance in a 10-0 second-game win over the Junior Blues while also hitting a home run. Canady added two more pitching wins over Olathe West and Shawnee Mission North and allowed just one earned run on the week while hitting three home runs.

     Tyler Clark-ChiapparelliTyler Clark-Chiapparelli

    TYLER CLARK-CHIAPPARELLI, Washburn University

    Clark-Chiapparelli, a sophomore left-fielder, had a big day at the plate as Washburn's baseball team split a doubleheader with Rogers State Sunday to win its second straight MIAA series. Clark-Chiapparelli went 3 for 4 in the opener with a home run, two runs batted, a stolen base and three runs scored and went 3 for 3 in the second game with a three-run homer, a run-scoring double and four RBI.

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers April 18, 2022

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    EmmersonCopenewmugEmmerson Cope

    EMMERSON COPE, Washburn Rural

    Cope, a junior, had a big day last Tuesday as Washburn Rural took a 1-0, 8-1 Centennial League softball sweep over defending Class 6A state champion Topeka High. Cope posted a pair of complete-game pitching victories while recording a total of 15 strikeouts. At the plate Cope hit a pair of home runs and two doubles and knocked in four runs in the second game.

    Jaycee Ginter2Jaycee Ginter

    JAYCEE GINTER, Washburn University

    Ginter, a sophomore pitcher/outfielder, helped the Ichabod softball team boost its winning streak to 16 straight games with weekend MIAA sweeps over Missouri Southern and Pittsburg State as the Ichabods improved to 36-11. Ginter boosted her pitching record to 23-3 with a pair of wins, including a 5-0 shutout victory over Pittsburg State.  At the plate the former Shawnee Heights star and multi-time state champ had eight hits in the four games with five runs batted in.

    MakinseyJonesnewMakinsey Jones

    MAKINSEY JONES, Topeka West

    A junior, Jones posted individual wins in the girls high jump and the triple jump in last Friday's Manhattan Invitational track and field meet. Jones won the high jump with a clearance of 5 foot, 4 inches and won the triple jump at 34-7. Jones is the Shawnee County leader in both events this spring.

    TannerNewkirkmugTanner Newkirk

    TANNER NEWKIRK, Hayden

    A senior, Newkirk broke the Hayden school record in the boys 1,600-meter run in last Wednesday's Little KU track and field meet at Lawrence, clocking a winning time of 4 minutes, 14.43 seconds. Newkirk also posted a second-place finish in the 800 meters, running a Shawnee County-best time of 1:57.99. Newkirk is the boys Shawnee County leader in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs.

    KinseyPerinenewKinsey Perine

    KINSEY PERINE, Rossville

    Perine, a sophomore, hit three home runs in last Monday's 10-1, 9-8 doubleheader softball sweep over rival Silver Lake. Perine accounted for three of the Bulldawgs' six total homers on the day and also added a double for Rossville. The Bulldawgs finished the week with a sweep over St. Marys, improving to 12-0 on the season. 

     AlexValdiviamug 2Alex Valdivia

    ALEX VALDIVIA, Shawnee Heights

    A junior, Valdivia captured the individual championship in last Monday's United Kansas Conference tournament at Lake Shawnee, carding an 18-hole score of 69. Valdivia led the way as Shawnee Heights won the team championship by a 18-stroke margin over runner-up De Soto. Valdivia is a returning All-Shawnee County pick and Class 5A individual state medalist.

     

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers April 17, 2023

    Rick Peterson

     By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    AudreyAppuhnmug2Audrey Appuhn

    AUDREY APPUHN, Washburn Rural

    Appuhn, a freshman girls swimming standout, was a part of three victories in last week's Topeka West Invitational, helping lead Washburn Rural to the team championship. Appuhn won the 200-yard freestyle (2:01.90) and the 500 free (5:23.61) and also swam on the Junior Blues' winning 200 medley relay (2:01.14).

    AlesecioBatsonmug2Alesecio Batson

    ALESECIO BATSON, Topeka West

    Batson, a sophomore track and field standout, posted a third-place finish in the boys triple jump in last Friday's Kansas Relays at Lawrence, jumping a career-best 46 feet, 10.50 inches in the meet.

    NatalieHillebertmugNatalie Hillebert

    NATALIE HILLEBERT, Hayden

    Hillebert, a junior track standout, ran a 58.65-second 400-meter dash in last Friday's Kansas Relays preliminaries, breaking a Hayden school record that had stood since 1986. HIllebert, a returning Class 4A state placer, went on to finish seventh in Saturday's final of the 400. 

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers April 12, 2021

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    NiJaree Canady 2NiJaree Canady

    NiJAREE CANADY, Topeka High

    A junior, Canady picked up the pitching wins in both ends of Friday's 6-3, 10-1 doubleheader softball sweep over Seaman, throwing a four-hitter and striking out 13 in the opener and combining with sophomore Quincy Smith for a four-hitter in the second game. Canady pitched the first five innings in the second game, allowing four hits and a run while striking out seven.

    ZoeCarylmug2 2Zoe Caryl

    ZOE CARYL, Topeka High

    Caryl, a senior catcher, had another big day at the plate for 8-0 Topeka High last Friday, going 4 of 5 with three home runs, a triple and seven runs batted in as the Trojans took a 6-3, 10-1 doubleheader sweep over Centennial League rival Seaman. Caryl, an Illinois signee, had a triple and a two-run homer in the opener against the Vikings and hit two-run and three-run homers in the nightcap.

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers April 11, 2022

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    DagenBrewerDagen Brewer 

    DAGEN BREWER, Seaman

    A senior catcher/infielder, Brewer had a big day in last Friday's 14-1, 12-1 Centennial League doubleheader baseball sweep over Topeka High at Hummer Sports Park. Brewer homered in both games and went 4 of 4 at the plate with two doubles and five runs batted in for the Vikings in the nightcap as Seaman improved to 6-1 on the season.

     TarynBurkhardtmugTaryn Burkhardt

    TARYN BURKHARDT, Silver Lake

    Burkhardt, a senior, went 8 for 8 at the plate in last Monday's 11-1, 14-2 non-league doubleheader softball sweep at Hayden. Burkhardt contributed a triple and a pair of doubles while scoring four runs and knocking in three runs on the day for the Eagles, who finished second in the Class 3A state tournament last spring.

    AdisynCarylmugAdisyn Caryl

    ADISYN CARYL, Topeka High

    A junior infielder, Caryl helped Topeka High remain unbeaten with a 2-1, 9-5 Centennial League softball sweep over Manhattan last Monday at Hummer Sports Park. Caryl was credited with a double and an inside-the-park home run in the second game as the defending Class 6A state champions pushed their winning streak to 31 straight games dating back to last season. 

    Jaycee Ginter2Jaycee Ginter

    JAYCEE GINTER, Washburn University

    Ginter, a sophomore pitcher/outfielder, helped the Ichabod softball team boost its winning streak to 12 straight games with weekend MIAA sweeps at Fort Hays State and Nebraska-Kearney. Ginter boosted her pitching record to 21-3 with a pair of wins, including a 1-hitter and a 4-hitter, and also recorded a save while recording 23 strikeouts in her three appearances. At the plate the former Shawnee Heights star hit two-run home runs against Fort Hays State and Nebraska-Kearney.

    ZachSulzen WatsonmugZach Sulzen-Watson

    ZACH SULZEN-WATSON, Washburn Rural

    A senior thrower, Sulzen-Watson continues his hot start to the 2022 track and field season with two more individual wins in last Friday's Olathe Invitational. Sulzen-Watson recorded personal-bests in both the shot put and discus en route to decisive wins in both events. Sulzen-Watson won the discus title by more than 14 feet with a throw of 172 feet, 10 inches and took the win in the shot put by more than two feet with a winning effort of 54-5.50.

    Avery Walz 2Avery Walz

    AVERY WALZ, Seaman

    Walz, a sophomore swimming standout, won three gold medals in last Wednesday's Topeka High Invitational at the Capitol Federal Natatorium, including a pair of individual victories. Walz won the 100-yard freestyle in 54.52 seconds and the 100 backstroke in 1:02.48 and also swam on the Vikings' winning 400 free relay (2:45.29).

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers April 10, 2023

    Rick Peterson

     By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    IanCusicknewmug2Ian Cusick

    IAN CUSICK, Topeka West

    A senior, Cusick teamed with his twin brother, Miles, to win the doubles championship in Saturday's John Markham Spring Classic tennis tournament at Goddard, with the Cusicks leading the Chargers to their third straight team championship this spring. The Cusicks, defending Class 5A state doubles champions, went 5-0 in the tournament, capped by an 8-1 win over Derby's Isaak Bowman and Hayden Carrillo in the title match.

     MilesCusicknewmug2Miles Cusick

    MILES CUSICK, Topeka West

    Cusick, a senior, teamed with twin brother Ian to win the doubles championship in Saturday's John Markham Spring Classic at Goddard, leading the Chargers to their third straight team championship this spring. The Cusicks, defending Class 5A state doubles champions, went 5-0 in the tournament, capped by an 8-1 win over Derby's Isaak Bowman and Hayden Carrillo in the title match.

    JacksonEsquibel2Jackson Esquibel

    JACKSON ESQUIBEL, Shawnee Heights

    A junior, Esquibel set Shawnee Heights school records in both the boys 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs in Friday's Lansing Invitational track and field meet. A Class 5A state medalist in both track and cross country, Esquibel won the 1,600 in 4 minutes, 23.37 seconds and finished second in the 3,200 in 9:31.56. Esquibel eclipsed the previous school record of 4:24.09 in  the 1,600 and the previous record of 9:31.9, set 34 seasons ago, in the 3,200.  

  • A1 Key Performers January 18th, 2021

    Rick Peterson, TNS Sports Reporter

    by Rick Peterson
    Top Sports News

     Levi Braun mugLevi Braun

    LEVI BRAUN, Washburn University

    Braun, a 6-foot-4 redshirt freshman, turned in the biggest week of his Washburn career, scoring 34 points in two wins while canning 11 of 15 3-pointers. Braun had 19 points and 6 3s against Missouri Southern and 15 points on 5 3s against Pittsburg State.

  • A1 Key Performers January 11, 2021

    Rick Peterson, TNS Sports Reporter

    by Rick Peterson
    Top Sports News

    JaleyBarkleymug

    JALEY BARKLEY, Cair Paravel Latin

    A junior, Barkley scored 20 points, with 3 3-pointers and a 7 of 9 performance at the free throw line, as Cair Paravel took a 46-40 road win at Olathe Heritage Christian to improve to 3-2 on the season.


    MarandaBell2

    MARANDA BELL, Shawnee Heights

    A junior, Bell won the 191-pound championship at Saturday's Blue Valley Southwest Invitational, recording four straight pins. Ranked No. 2 in Division I, Bell improved to improve to 12-0 this season with 12 pins.


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