By Rick Peterson

TopSports.news

Playing their second game in about 19 hours, Hayden's girls rolled to a 56-37 win over defending Class 6A state champion Shawnee Mission South, with the Wildcats improving to a perfect 5-0 on the season while senior Millie Ramsey reached the 1,000-point milestone for her career.

Hayden senior Millie Ramsey scored 13 points in Saturday's 56-37 win over Shawnee Mission South, reaching the 1,000-point milestone for her career. [Hayden girls basketball]

Hayden and SM South (3-3) faced off in the Varsity 810 Showcase Saturday morning at Shawnee Mission Northwest.

Hayden, ranked No. 3 in Class 4A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, was led by senior Brylee Meier, who scored 18 points and connected on four 3-pointers while Ramsey added 13 points and freshman Hailey Schmidtlein 12.

Hayden played SM South on Saturday after rolling to a 61-13 home win over Wichita Independent on Friday.

Hayden's boys improved to 3-2 on Friday with a 91-21 rout over Wichita Independent.

Sophomore Pearmella Carter scored 22 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in Friday's Highland Park 57-39 road win over KC-Wyandotte. [File photo/TSN]

Hi Park girls open conference play with 18-point win

Defending Meadowlark Conference champion Highland Park opened its title defense with a 57-39 road win over Kansas City-Wyandotte Friday night.

Now 3-0 overall after wins on back-to-back nights, Highland Park was led by sophomore Pearmella Carter, who scored 22 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.

Sophomore Zayah Kincade added 12 points for the Scots while senior Tationna Broils scored 7 points with 10 rebounds and 5 steals.

Freshman Ciara Hartz added 8 points and 6 steals.

Senior Kaden Ballard scored 22 points with six 3-pointers in Friday's 71-55 home win over Barstow. [File photo/TSN]

Ballard, Jones power Rural to 71-55 win in home-opener

Seniors Kaden Ballard and Amare Jones combined for 41 points Friday night as Washburn Rural improved to 4-1 with a 71-55 non-league win over Barstow in the Junior Blues' home-opener.

Ballard hit 6 of 9 3-pointers to finish with a career-high 22 points and also grabbed seven rebounds while Jones added 19 points on 7 of 9 shooting from the field and grabbed five rebounds.

Junior John Hoytal scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

Junior Dayne Johnson (2) scored 17 points Friday night in Silver Lake's 70-57 win over Hiawatha. [File photo/TSN]

Silver Lake boys take 70-57 win over Hiawatha

Junior Dayne Johnson led three-double scorers for Silver Lake in the Eagles' 70-57 home win over Hiawatha Friday night.

Johnson led Silver Lake with 17 points while senior Aemon Coffman added 15 points and senior Jared Johnson 13 for the Eagles.

Silver Lake jumped out to a 20-7 first-quarter advantage and used a 21-10 second quarter to open up a 41-17 halftime lead.

Hiawatha outscored Silver Lake 40-29 in the second half but it wasn't enough to make a serious charge at the Eagles.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Easton Bradstreet

EASTON BRADSTREET, Washburn Rural

A senior, Bradstreet scored a total of three goals in two wins on the week as Washburn Rural's soccer team ran its record to 3-0 on the season. Bradstreet scored a goal in Tuesday's 3-1 victory over Shawnee Heights and then added two more goals on Thursday as the Junior Blues survived a double-overtime thriller with Wichita Northwest, 4-3. Bradstreet now has seven goals on the year.

Lois Deeter

LOIS DEETER, Seaman

The Seaman golf star opened her senior season with an individual win in last Tuesday's season-opening Emporia Invitational at Emporia Municipal Golf Course, shooting a 77 to post a one-shot victory. Deeter tied for fifth place in the Class 5A state tournament in her only two seasons of high school golf, including last fall. 

 Branton DeWeese

BRANTON DeWEESE, Washburn Rural

The Junior Blues' standout quarterback opened his junior season with a big night as Washburn Rural came from behind on four occasions to take a 49-42 non-league road win over Wichita East. An All-Shawnee County pick as a sophomore for the 8-2 Junior Blues, DeWeese completed 26 of 38 passes for 302 yards and four touchdowns against East.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

 Allen Baughman

ALLEN BAUGHMAN, Shawnee Heights

Baughman, a junior running back, carried the ball 29 times for 284 yards and three touchdowns in Shawnee Heights' 27-0 United Kansas Conference victory over Basehor-Linwood Friday night at Wetter Field. On the season Baughman has 781 rushing yards and 10 TDs for the 3-1 T-Birds.

Lois Deeter

LOIS DEETER, Seaman

A senior, Deeter won her second straight individual title in last Monday's city girls golf tournament at Western Hills Golf Course, shooting an 81 and carding a birdie on the first sudden playoff berth to take the victory over Washburn Rural's Raegan Petersen. A two-time top-five Class 5A state medalist, Deeter led Seaman to a second-place team finish behind Rural.

Lenny Njoroge

LENNY NJOROGE, Topeka West

The Topeka West senior cross country star posted his third individual victory in four races on the season in Saturday's Rim Clock Classic, clocking a five-kilometer time of 16 minutes, 00.10 seconds to win the Crimson division title by 14 seconds. Njoroge now has three wins and a runner-up finish this fall. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Ma'kenttis Adams

MA'KENTTIS ADAMS, Washburn Rural

A 5-foot-9, 195-pound senior running back, Adams carried the ball 16 times for 179 yards and scored two touchdowns on runs of 19 and 58 yards last Friday night as Washburn Rural improved to 3-0 on the season with a 34-10 non-league win over Piper at Bowen-Glaze Stadium. 

 Allen Baughman

ALLEN BAUGHMAN, Shawnee Heights

Baughman, a junior running back, continued his breakout season in Shawnee Heights' 14-7 United Kansas Conference victory at Seaman Friday night. Baughman carried the ball 27 times for 183 yards and scored both touchdowns against Seaman and has 497 rushing yards and seven TDs on 66 carries on the season for the 2-1 T-Birds.

Lenny Njoroge

LENNY NJOROGE, Topeka West

The Topeka West senior cross country star posted his second individual victory in three races on the season in Saturday's Baldwin Invitational, clocking a five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 52.87 seconds to win by just under 38 seconds. Njoroge now has two wins and a runner-up finish in his three starts this fall. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

 Allen Baughman

ALLEN BAUGHMAN, Shawnee Heights

Baughman, a junior running back, turned in a career-best performance in Shawnee Heights' 46-23 United Kansas Conference football win over Lansing last Friday. Baughman, a 5-foot-8, 180-pounder, carried the ball 22 times for 222 yards and five touchdowns for the T-Birds, who evened their record at 1-1 overall and in the UKC.

Easton Bradstreet

EASTON BRADSTREET, Washburn Rural

A senior, Bradstreet scored four goals in a game for the second time in four games, leading the Junior Blues to a 5-0 non-league soccer victory over De Soto last Thursday at McElroy Field. Bradstreet has now scored at least one goal in every game this season and has 11 goals on the year.

Grant Bruner

GRANT BRUNER, Washburn University

Bruner, a 6-foot, 220-pound senior linebacker, had a career-high 23 tackles (11 solo) with two interceptions for 10 return yards in Washburn University's 40-32 road win at Central Missouri last Thursday, including 17 total tackles in the second half. The 23 tackles by Bruner were the most by an Ichabod since Casey Curran had 22 against Missouri Western in 2009.

Ryin Miller

RYIN MILLER, Seaman

A freshman, Miller claimed her first individual championship in last Saturday's Joe Schrag Invitational cross country meet while helping lead the Vikings to the team title by 27-45 margin over Lee's Summit West, Mo. Miller clocked a winning five-kilometer time of 19 minutes, 01.22 seconds, knocking 90 seconds off her time from the previous week. .

Tre Richardson

TRE RICHARDSON, Highland Park

Richardson, a senior, scored eight touchdowns Friday night as Highland Park ran its record to 2-0 with a 48-29 Meadowlark Conference road victory at Kansas City-Schlagle. Richardson has now had a hand in 14 touchdowns in the first two weeks of the season for the Scots.

Ty Weber

TY WEBER, Washburn Rural

A senior linebacker, Weber was in on 24 tackles last Friday night as Washburn Rural improved to 2-0 with a come-from-behind 28-21 non-league road victory at De Soto. Weber was the TopSports.news Shawnee County defensive player of the year in 2021.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Genna Berg

GENNA BERG, Washburn University

A 5-foot-9 senior outside hitter from Blue Springs, Mo, Berg was named the Most Valuable Player in the Washburn Invitational volleyball tournament after helping lead the Ichabods to a perfect 4-0 tournament record. Berg recorded 19 kills and eight digs as No. 8-ranked Washburn ended its tournament run with a 3-1 win over No. 16 Northern State Saturday at Lee Arena. 

Carter Brian

CARTER BRIAN, Cair Paravel Latin

Brian, a senior quarterback, completed 15 of 16 pass attempts for 298 yards and five touchdowns as the Lions opened their 2021 football season with a 60-14 victory over Kansas City East Christian Academy last Friday night at Highland Park.

Madeline Carter

MADELINE CARTER, Washburn Rural

A returning Class 6A state medalist, Carter opened her junior cross country season with a dominating individual win in last Saturday's Manhattan Invitational at Warner Park. The reigning city champion, Carter clocked a five-kilometer time of 18 minutes, 52.6 seconds to win by just under 34 seconds and lead the Junior Blues to a tie with Manhattan for the team championship.

Brooklyn DeLeye

BROOKLYN DeLEYE, Washburn Rural

A junior two-time All-Stater, DeLeye turned in a dominating performance as Washburn Rural's volleyball team improved to 5-0 on the season with a sweep of last Thursday's home-opening triangular against 25-time state champion Bishop Miege and Gardner-Edgerton. DeLeye, who has orally committed to NCAA national champion Kentucky, was a force at the net throughout the triangular while also recording five straight service aces during a nine-point run against Miege.

Torrey Horak

TORREY HORAK, Rossville

A returning All-State senior quarterback, Horak rushed for 211 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries and completed eight of 15 pass attempts for 77 yards and a TD as the defending 2A state-champion Bulldawgs opened their season with a 38-0 romp past traditional small-school power Centralia.

Tanner Newkirk

TANNER NEWKIRK, Hayden

The defending 4A individual state cross country champion, Newkirk made his 2021 debut with individual and team championships in last Saturday's Missouri Western Griffon Invitational at St. Joseph, Mo. A senior three-time state medalist, Newkirk won by more than a minute in a time of 16:25.18 while leading Hayden to the team title by a 30-48 margin over West Platte, Mo.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

 Allen Baughman

ALLEN BAUGHMAN, Shawnee Heights

Shawnee Heights' star senior running back carried the ball 34 times for 164 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns as the T-Birds opened their 2023 season with a 42-0 United Kansas Conference home victory over Piper last Friday night, avenging an 11-point loss to the Pirates in '22. Baughman also caught two passes for 38 yards. 

Jackson Esquibel

JACKSON ESQUIBEL, Shawnee Heights

The T-Bird senior, a state champion in track and multi-time state placer in cross country, opened his 2023 cross country season with the individual championship in last Thursday's Basehor-Linwood Bobcat Invitational at Wyandotte County Park, posting a five-kilometer time of 16:06.1 to best a field of 176 runners by 17 seconds.

JC Heim

JC HEIM, Washburn Rural

A senior running back/linebacker, Heim stood out on offense, defense and special teams as Washburn Rural held on for a 26-25 non-league victory over Wichita East last Friday night at Bowen-Glaze Stadium. Heim had a pass interception on defense, rushed for 39 yards on seven carries and blocked a Blue Aces extra point attempt late in the game to preserve Rural's one-point advantage. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Lois Deeter

LOIS DEETER, Seaman

A junior former state medalist and Centennial League champion, Deeter captured her first city individual girls golf championship last Monday at Western Hills, shooting an even-par 70 to win the city title by a five-stroke margin over Washburn Rural's Kaitlyn Crough, a former city champ.

Jarin Sanders

JARIN SANDERS, Shawnee Heights

Sanders, a senior running back, had a career night last Friday as Shawnee Heights picked up its first football victory of the season, a 54-6 romp past Kansas City-Schlagle. Sanders carried the ball 15 times for 178 yards and scored five touchdowns as the T-Birds improved to 1-3.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Lauren Borjon

LAUREN BORJON, Hayden

A sophomore girls golf standout, Borjon helped lead Hayden to the team championship in last Monday's City Girls Golf Championship at Western Hills by a 322-335 margin over Washburn Rural, snapping the Junior Blues' 10-year title streak. Borjon shot a 76 to tie Topeka High's Avery Zimmerman for the individual ttle and finished second in a playoff..

Jackson Esquibel

JACKSON ESQUIBEL, Shawnee Heights

The senior boys cross country star won the individual championship in the Crimson division of Saturday's Rim Rock Classic at Rim Rock Farm, north of Lawrence, clocking a winning five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 57 seconds. Esquibel is a two-time Class 5A state medalist and was a state champion in the 5A state track meet last spring. 

Ryin Miller

RYIN MILLER, Seaman

Miller, a sophomore girls cross country standout, captured the individual championship in the Crimson division in Saturday's Rim Rock Classic at Rock Rock Farm, clocking a winning five-kilometer time of 18 minutes, 55 seconds. Miller led Seaman to a second-place team finish in the Crimson division. Miller placed fifth in the Class 5A state meet as a freshman.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Tylan Alejos

TYLAN ALEJOS, Topeka High

Alejos, a senior, rushed for 223 yards and three touchdowns on 32 carries and also had two pass receptions for 19 yards and a TD as Topeka High's football team picked up its first victory of the season, a 28-20 Centennial League decision over Emporia last Thursday at Hummer Sports Park.

Jack Chisham

JACK CHISHAM, Hayden

A senior running back/defensive back, Chisham rushed for 182 yards on 14 attempts and scored on runs of 2 and 69 yards in Hayden's 39-6 victory over Topeka West last Friday night at Hummer Sports Park, helping the Wildcats improve to 2-1 on the season.

+ By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Finn Dunshee

FINN DUNSHEE, Hayden

The 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior rushed for 170 yards on just 11 carries and scored three touchdowns as Hayden improved to 3-0 with a 49-23 road football victory at Rossville last Friday night. Dunshee scored on runs of 68 and 63 yards for the Wildcats and also returned a pass interception 50 yards for a touchdown.. 

 Payton Fink

PAYTON FINK, Washburn Rural

A junior cross country standout, Fink won the individual title in Saturday's Shufelberger Top City Classic at Washburn Rural in a five-kilometer time of 18 minutes, 10.1 seconds. The defending city and Centennial League champion and fifth-place finisher in the 2022 Class 6A state meet, Fink won by a nine-second margin and led the Junior Blues to a runnerup team finish.

Jayden Moore

JAYDEN MOORE, Shawnee Heights

A 6-foot, 170-pound senior wide receiver/safety, Moore caught eight passes for 123 yards and a 15-yard touchdown in Shawnee Heights' 33-30 come-from-behind overtime United Kansas Conference football victory over Seaman Friday night at Heights. Moore, who helped the T-Birds improve to 3-0 on the season overall and in the UKC, also recorded four tackles on defense.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Camden Barta

CAMDEN BARTA, Seaman

A senior quarterback/defensive back, Barta accumulated 285 total offensive yards, including 244 passing yards, as Seaman's football team improved to 2-0 with a 35-14 win over Hayden. Barta passed for three touchdowns and also had a pass interception.

 Bethany Druse

BETHANY DRUSE, Seaman

A returning Class 5A state medalist, Druse finished second in last Saturday's Joe Schrag Invitational cross country meet at the Kanza Park Course in a five-kilometer time of 19 minutes, 45.51 seconds, leading Seaman to the girls team championship by a 30-41 margin over Blue Valley.

Torrey Horak

TORREY HORAK, Rossville

Horak, a senior, rushed for 163 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries and completed 16 of 26 pass attempts for 239 yards and two TDs as the defending 2A state-champion Bulldawgs improved to 2-0 with a 56-14 romp past Rock Creek.

Tanner Newkirk

TANNER NEWKIRK, Hayden

Newkirk, who won the Class 4A state cross country championship last fall at Wamego Country Club, returned to that course last Saturday for the Wamego Invitational, posting a 14-second victory in a field of 114 runners, clocking a five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 47.50 seconds.

 Khloe Schuckman

KHLOE SCHUCKMAN, Washburn University

A freshman, the Bishop Carroll product scored two goals, her first two goals of her college career, over the final 20 minutes of last Thursday's 2-1 road victory at Missouri-Saint Louis, helping Washburn University's soccer team improve to 3-0 on the season.

 Kory Sutton

KORY SUTTON, Shawnee Heights

Hampered by injuries in the 2020 cross country season, Sutton posted his second individual victories in as many races this fall, winning the boys title in last Saturday's Topeka West Joe Schrag Invitational in a personal-record five-kilometer time of 15:58.84.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Finn Dunshee

FINN DUNSHEE, Hayden

A 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior, Dunshee rushed for 154 yards and three touchdowns on just eight attempts as 2-0 Hayden rolled to a 56-7 non-league football victory over Silver Lake last Friday night at Hayden. Dunshee, the reigning Class 4A state 100-meter dash champion in track, scored on runs of 7, 56 and 39 yards for the Wildcats. Dunshee was an All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick as a junior. 

Jackson Esquibel

JACKSON ESQUIBEL, Shawnee Heights

The Shawnee Heights senior cross country star set a personal-best and broke the Heights school record en route to the individual championship in Saturday's Joe Schrag Invitational at Kanza Park. A Class 5A state champion in track and two-time state placer in cross country, Esquibel posted a five-kilometer time of 15:28.20 while setting his PR by about 20 seconds and setting the school record by 13 seconds.

Max Huston

MAX HUSTON, Seaman

A 6-foot-1, 180-pound junior quarterback, Huston threw for seven touchdowns in last Friday's 59-6 United Kansas Conference home romp past Kansas City-Turner. Unofficially, Huston threw for TD passes of 5, 15, 20, 30, 43, 67 and 79 yards against the Bears. Seaman has outscored its two UKC opponents by a 135-1 margin while Huston has thrown for 12 touchdowns on the season.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

 Katie Borough

KATIE BOROUGH, Washburn Rural

A 5-foot-7 senior libero, Borough helped Washburn Rural win the Class 6A state volleyball title Saturday in Salina, with the Junior Blues capping a 45-1 season with a 25-21, 26-24 win over Blue Valley in the state championship match, Rural's 44th straight win. Saturday's championship was the eighth in Rural school history and first since 2012.

Easton Bradstreet

EASTON BRADSTREET, Washburn Rural

A senior forward, Bradstreet scored a pair of goals in Rural's 5-1 soccer win over Wichita Northwest in last Thursday's Class 6A regional final, earning a share of the school career scoring record. Bradstreet is currently tied with former Junior Blues star Austin Halsey with 57 career goals and has 29 goals on the season, one behind Halsey's single-season record of 30.  

Brooklyn DeLeye

BROOKLYN DELEYE, Washburn Rural

The 6-foot-2 senior was a dominant force throughout the Class 6A state tournament, helping lead 45-1 Washburn Rural to the eighth state volleyball championship in school history, capped by a 25-21, 26-24 win over Blue Valley. Also a state champ in basketball, DeLeye played on Rural volleyball teams that finished 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th at state over her four seasons. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Lois Deeter

LOIS DEETER, Seaman

A senior, Deeter shot an 85 to win the individual title by seven strokes in last Tuesday's United Kansas Conference girls golf tournament at Dub's Dread Golf Club in Kansas City, Kan. Deeter captured the second individual league title of her career while leading Seaman to its first-ever league girls golf team championship by a 51-stroke margin.

Troy Heiman

TROY HEIMAN, Silver Lake

Heiman, a 6-foot-2, 165-pound senior, caught a 10-yard touchdown pass and 2-point conversion pass from Tanner Martin in overtime to give 3-2 Silver Lake a 22-21 overtime victory over rival Rossville in the annual War on 24 last Friday night at Silver Lake. Heiman caught nine passes for 112 yards on the night as the Eagles won their Class 2A district opener.

Tanner Martin

TANNER MARTIN, Silver Lake

A 6-foot, 178-pound junior quarterback, Martin completed 18 of 35 pass attempts for 276 yards and three touchdowns in Silver Lake's 22-21 home overtime win over Rossville last Friday night in the Eagles' Class 2A district opener. Martin threw for a 10-yard TD and a 2-point conversion to Troy Heiman in overtime to give Silver Lake the victory.  

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Ma'Kenttis Adams

MA'KENTTIS ADAMS, Washburn Rural

A 5-foot-9, 195-pound senior running back, Adams ran for a career-high 205 yards and scored four touchdowns on just five attempts as Washburn Rural completed a 6-2 regular season and earned a home berth for the Class 6A football playoffs with an 81-12 non-league Senior Night romp past Topeka West at Bowen-Glaze Stadium.

Lois Deeter

LOIS DEETER, Seaman

The Seaman senior completed her banner high school girls golf career with her third state medal, finishing seventh last Tuesday in the Class 5A state meet with a 36-hole total of 156 after a pair of 78s at Hesston Golf Course. Deeter earned state medals in all three of her high school seasons, also placing fifth as a freshman and junior.

Payton Fink

PAYTON FINK, Washburn Rural

Fink, a sophomore, followed up her city and Centennial Leaue titles with the individual win in last Saturday's Class 6A girls regional cross country meet at Manhattan's Warner Park. Fink led the Junior Blues to a second-place team finish by just two points to Free State. Fink clocked a winning five-kilometer time of 18 minutes, 49.90 seconds.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Payton Fink

PAYTON FINK, Washburn Rural

A sophomore, Fink followed up her city title with an individual win in last Saturday's Centennial League girls cross country meet at Manhattan's Warner Park. Fink led the Junior Blues to a one-two-three individual finish and the team championship by a 27-62 margin over Junction City. Fink clocked a winning five-kilometer time of 18 minutes, 53.9 seconds.

 James Letcher Jr.

JAMES LETCHER JR., Washburn University

A 5-oot-8, 175-pound senior, Letcher became Washburn's all-time leader in receptions in last Saturday's 32-30 MIAA loss at Northwest Missouri. Letcher had eight catches for 129 yards to raise his career total to 197 receptions, passing Ichabod Hall of Famer Sam Sissom, who had 191 in his Washburn career. Letcher also passed the 5,000-yard mark in all-purpose yards, moving his total to 5,023 yards, and now trails Washburn's all-time leader, Hall of Famer Troy Slusser, who had 5,210 yards.

Lenny Njoroge

LENNY NJOROGE, Topeka West

The Topeka West senior posted his fifth straight individual win and sixth on the season in last Thursday's United Kansas Conference cross country meet at Shawnee Heights. Njoroge clocked a five-kilometer time of 16 minutes, 04.4 seconds to win by just under 21 seconds while remaining unbeaten against Kansas competition this fall.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Payton Fink

PAYTON FINK, Washburn Rural

A sophomore, Fink won her first individual city girls cross country title last Saturday at Washburn Rural after finishing third as a freshman, leading the Junior Blues to the team championship by a 21-35 margin over Seaman. Fink clocked a winning five-kilometer time of 18 minutes, 10.9 seconds, setting a personal record.

Kate Fritz

KATE FRITZ, Washburn Rural

A senior, Fritz teamed with Meredith Kucera to win a pair of doubles championships last week. Fritz and Kucera won the Centennial League doubles title last Monday and followed that up with a win in last Friday's Class 6A regional win on Friday at Kossover Tennis Center, leading the Junior Blues to the regional team title. Fritz and Kucera posted a 6-0, 6-2 win over Topeka High in the regional final.

Meredith Kucera

MEREDITH KUCERA, Washburn Rural

Kucera, a senior, partnered with Kate Fritz to win Centennial League and Class 6A regional titles last week. After winning the league title with a three-set win over Hayden last Monday, Kucera and Fritz won a regional champioship last Friday at Kossover Tennis Center, leading the Junior Blues to the regional team title. Kucera and Fritz posted a 6-0, 6-2 win over Topeka High in the regional final

Lenny Njoroge

LENNY NJOROGE, Topeka West

The Topeka West senior won his first city crosss country championship in last Saturday's city championship at Washburn Rural, clocking a five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 30 seconds to win by 18 seconds. Njoroge became the Chargers' first city boys champion since Winston Tidwell in 1993 and has now won five individual titles in six races this fall.

Lauren Sweeney

LAUREN SWEENEY, Seaman

A Class 5A state doubles champion as a junior, Sweeney earned an opportunity to try to win a second straight state title with last Saturday's Class 5A regional singles championship at Emporia. Now 29-5 on the season, Sweeney will compete in the 5A state tournament Friday and Saturday at Andover after taking a 6-0, 6-0 win in her regional final, helping the Vikings win the regional team title.

Ainzley Zulueta

AINZLEY ZULUETA, Hayden

Zulueta, who won the Class 4A  state singles championship last season as a freshman, earned the chance to defend her title with last Saturday's regional championship. Zulueta, now 24-2 on the season, took a 6-1, 6-1 win in her regional final, leading the Wildcats to the regional team championship. Zulueta will compete in the 4A state tournament at Harmon Park Friday and Saturday.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Carolina Chedzoy

CAROLINA CHEDZOY, Washburn Rural

A junior tennis standout, Chedzoy won the singles championship in Saturday's Class 6A regional tournament at Wichita, topping Junction City's Hannah Micheel in the title match to help the Junior Blues win the team title. Now 19-8 on the season, Chedzoy finished second in the Centennial League tournament earlier in the week as Rural won the team championship, part of a city, league, regional title sweep.

Jackson Esquibel

JACKSON ESQUIBEL, Shawnee Heights

Esquibel, a senior cross country star, captured his first city individual title on Saturday at Kanza Park after finishing second as a junior. A two-time Class 5A state medalist in cross country and a state champion in track, Esquibel set a new personal record on Saturday with a five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 16.7 seconds, winning by more than 13 seconds.

Jette Glasenapp

 JETTE GLASENAPP, Shawnee Heights

A junior foreign exchange student from Germany, Glasenapp completed a sweep of city, United Kansas Conference and Class 5A regional singles tennis championships. Glasenapp won the UKC title last Tuesday with an 8-2 win over Seaman's Emma Sweeney in the final and followed that up with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Sweeney in Saturday's regional tournament at Kossover Tennis Center.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Tylan Alejos

TYLAN ALEJOS, Topeka High

Alejos, a senior running back, ran for 400 yards and eight touchdowns on 27 carries in Topeka High's 70-42 Centennial League victory over Highland Park last Friday at Hummer Sports Park. Alejos scored on runs of 32, 21, 4, 6, 71, 51, 31 and 21 yards as the Trojans improved to 2-3 on the season.

Carter Brian

CARTER BRIAN, Cair Paravel Latin

A senior quarterback, Brian completed 14 of 19 passes for 236 yards and six touchdowns as Cair Paravel improved to 5-0 with a 54-8 victory over previously-unbeaten St. Mary's Academy last Friday at Highland Park. Brian completed TD passes of 17, 54, 16, 27, 10 and 8 yards to four different receivers in the win.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Jackson Esquibel

JACKSON ESQUIBEL, Shawnee Heights

A senior cross country star, Esquibel capped a sweep of city, United Kansas Conference, regional and Class 5A individual titles Saturday at Rim Rock Farm, capturing his first state cross country championship. A three-time 5A state medalist in cross country and a state champion in track, Esquibel posted a five-second victory in the state meet, clocking a five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 34.47 seconds.

Payton Fink

PAYTON FINK, Washburn Rural

Fink, a junior cross country standout, earned her third Class 6A state medal Saturday at Rim Rock Farm, posting a career-best second-place finish. Fink, the Centennial League and regional winner, was the runnerup to four-time state champion Anjali Hocker Singh of Olathe North, clocking a five-kilometer time of 18 minutes, 12.79 seconds. Fink finished fifth in the 2022 state meet and was 19th as a freshman in 2021.

Brooklyn Gormley

BROOKLYN GORMLEY, Seaman

A 6-foot-1 senior middle-hitter, Gormley was named to the Class 5A All-State Tournament team for the third time, helping lead Seaman to its first-ever 5A state volleyball championship Saturday at Salina. Gormley, who helped Seaman to a perfect 5-0 record at state, capped by a 25-19, 25-22 win over St. Thomas Aquinas in the state championship match, was also named to the All-United Kansas Conference first team.  

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Malachi Berg

MALACHI BERG, Topeka West

A junior quarterback, Berg rushed for one touchdown and threw for two TDs as Topeka West ended a long losing streak against USD 501 rival Topeka High with a 28-22 overtime victory. Berg rushed for 66 yards on 14 carries, including a 22-yard touchdown, and completed 12 of 19 passes for 197 yards and 13 and 60-yard TDs.

Madeline Carter

MADELINE CARTER, Washburn Rural

Carter, a junior, captured the individual girls title in Saturday's Class 6A regional cross country meet at Milford State Park, clocking a five-kilometer time of 18 minutes, 46.20 seconds. Carter led a 1-2-3 finish by the Junior Blues for the fourth straight meet, with Rural winning the regional team championship by a 41-52 margin over Manhattan.

Branton DeWeese

BRANTON DeWEESE, Washburn Rural

A sophomore quarterback, DeWeese completed 11 of 18 passes for 294 yards and four touchdown passes as 7-1 Washburn Rural clinched a share of the Centennial League championship with a 42-31 victory over Seaman. DeWeese threw for 9, 84, 24 and 20-yard touchdowns in the win.

James Letcher Jr.

JAMES LETCHER JR., Washburn University

Letcher put Washburn ahead to stay with a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown with 3:10 remaining as the Ichabods went on to take a 29-17 MIAA win at Central Oklahoma, improving to 6-2 with their third straight victory. Letcher also caught five passes and had 186 all-purpose yards in the Washburn win.

Tanner Newkirk

TANNER NEWKIRK, Hayden

The defending Class 4A state cross country champion, Hayden's senior star won a Class 4A boys individual regional title Saturday at the Kanza Park course, posting a five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 16.67 seconds to win by 54 seconds. Newkirk led the Wildcats to a second-place team finish and a state team berth.

Kory Sutton

KORY SUTTON, Shawnee Heights

A junior, Sutton won his first individual regional title, clocking a five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 45.01 seconds in the Class 5A regional at the Kanza Park course. Sutton led Shawnee Heights to a second-place team finish and a berth in the 5A state meet at Augusta.

By RICK PETERSON

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 Jesiah Bonura

JESIAH BONURA, Cair Paravel Latin

A senior football standout, Bonura compiled 435 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns in last Friday's 74-28 win over Maranatha Academy as Cair Paravel wrapped up a 6-2 regular season in just the Lions' second season as a full KSHSAA member in football. Bonura had four kickoff returns for 195 yards and two touchdowns, rushed for 193 yards and two TDs on five carries and caught four passes for 47 yards and a TD.

Jackson Esquibel

JACKSON ESQUIBEL, Shawnee Heights

Esquibel, a senior cross country star, capped a sweep of city, United Kansas Conference and Class 5A regional individual titles Saturday at Shawnee North Community Center. A two-time 5A state medalist in cross country and a state champion in track, Esquibel posted a 53-second victory in the regional meet, clocking a five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 46.02 seconds.

Payton Fink

PAYTON FINK, Washburn Rural

Fink, a junior cross country standout, followed up her Centennial League individual title with a 10-second win Saturday at Wichita, helping the Junior Blues post a sweep of city, Centennial League and regional team championships. Fink, who placed fifth in the Class 6A state meet as a sophomore, clocked a winning five-kilometer time of 18 minutes, 01.20 seconds in the regional meet.

By RICK PETERSON

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Jaren Heim

JAREN HEIM, Washburn Rural

A 6-foot-2, 215-pound senior outside linebacker, Heim scored a pair of defensive touchdowns as Washburn Rural football improved to 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the Centennial League last Friday night with a 28-7 road win over Junction City. Heim recovered a Blue Jay fumble in the end zone for a touchdown and also scored a touchdown off a blocked punt by his brother, JC.

JC Heim

JC HEIM, Washburn Rural

Heim, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound senior outside linebacker, was a defensive force throughout Friday night's 28-7 Centennial League football win at Junction City as Washburn Rural improved to 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the Centennial League. Heim, who also plays running back for the Junior Blues, blocked a punt that his brother, Jaren, returned for a touchdown and he returned a fumble 77 yards for a touchdown after a Packson Bettis sack.

Tanner Martin

TANNER MARTIN, Silver Lake

Martin, Silver Lake's 6-foot-1, 180-pound senior quarterback, had a hand in five touchdowns in the Eagles' 42-28 Class 3A District 3 road football victory over rival Rossville. Martin carried the ball 20 times for 157 yards and three touchdowns and passed for 134 yards and a pair of TDs. Martin also helped Silver Lake successfully convert three 2-point conversions as the Eagles improved to 4-1 on the season.

By RICK PETERSON

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Madeline Carter

MADELINE CARTER, Washburn Rural

Carter, a junior, captured the individual girls title in Saturday's Centennial League cross country championships at Milford State Park, clocking a five-kilometer time of 18 minutes, 43.3 seconds. Carter led a 1-2-3 finish by the Junior Blues for the third straight meet, with Rural winning the league team championship by a 50-52 margin over Manhattan.

 Corey Catron

COREY CATRON, Rossville

A senior running back/linebacker, Catron was pressed into duty at quarterback after an injury to Torrey Horak and sparked undefeated Rossville to a 24-19 come-from-behind win over rival Silver Lake. Catron rushed for 136 yards and a touchdown and passed for 33 yards and a TD.

By RICK PETERSON

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Jackson Esquibel

JACKSON ESQUIBEL, Shawnee Heights

Esquibel, a senior cross country star, captured his first United Kansas Conference individual title last Thursday at Shawnee North Community Center after finishing second as a junior. A two-time Class 5A state medalist in cross country and a state champion in track, Esquibel posted a 42-second victory in the conference meet, clocking a five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 40 seconds.

Payton Fink

PAYTON FINK, Washburn Rural

A junior cross country standout, Fink posted a 31-second individual victory in Saturday's Centennial League meet at Kanza Park, winning her second straight league individual championship while helping Washburn Rural repeat as the league team champion. Fink, who placed fifth in the Class 6A state meet as a sophomore, clocked a winning five-kilometer time of 17 minutes, 33.3 seconds. 

Jette Glasenapp

JETTE GLASENAPP, Shawnee Heights

A junior foreign exchange student from Germany, Glasenapp completed her first high school tennis season with a runnerup singles finish in Saturday's Class 5A state meet at Salina, capping a 36-3 season. Glasenapp's state performance followed a sweep of city, United Kansas Conference and Class 5A regional championships. Glasenapp led Shawnee Heights to a sixth-place tie (seventh on a tiebreaker) in the 5A team standings as the T-Birds' lone state qualifier. 

By RICK PETERSON

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Malachi Berg

MALACHI BERG, Topeka West

A junior quarterback, Berg led Topeka West to an 80-48 Centennial League football victory over Highland Park Friday night, rushing for 238 yards and five touchdowns on 15 attempts and completing three of four passes for 95 yards and two TDs as the Chargers posted their second victory of the season. 

Madeline Carter

MADELINE CARTER, Washburn Rural

Carter, a junior, won her second straight city title in Saturday's city cross country championships at the Kanza Park Course, clocking a five-kilometer time of 18 minutes, 14.9 seconds. Carter led a 1-2-3 finish by the Junior Blues for the second straight week, with Rural winning the team championship by a 24-33 margin over Seaman.

By RICK PETERSON

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Ma'Kenttis Adams

MA'KENTTIS ADAMS, Washburn Rural

A 5-foot-9, 195-pound senior running back, Adams scored a pair of touchdowns and set up a third TD with a long run as Washburn Rural improved to 8-2 on the season with a 34-7 Class 6A playoff victory at Garden City last Friday night. Adams helped the Junior Blues advance to the state quarterfinals while posting their fifth straight victory.

 JC Cummings

JC CUMMINGS, Hayden

A 5-foot-10, 189-pound senior running back/linebacker, Cummings helped lead 9-1 Hayden to a a come-from-behind 22-19 Class 3A playoff win over previously-unbeaten Wellsville last Friday night on the road. Unofficially, Cummings rushed for 81 yards on 16 attempts and scored the game-winning points on an 11-yard touchdown run and a 2-point conversion in the fourth quarter as the Wildcats advanced to a 3A quarterfinal game at Columbus.

Branton DeWeese

BRANTON DEWEESE, Washburn Rural

DeWeese, Washburn Rural's 6-foot, 185-pound junior quarterback, completed 14 of 21 passes for 157 yards and a pair of touchdowns as the Junior Blues advanced to a Class 6A quarterfinal with a 34-7 road victory at Garden City last Friday night. DeWeese helped Washburn Rural improve to 8-2 on the season with its fifth straight win, setting up a Friday night game at Derby.

Finn Dunshee

FINN DUNSHEE, Hayden

A 5-foot-8, 160-pound junior running back/linebacker, Dunshee scored two touchdowns and a 2-point conversion as 9-1 Hayden advanced to the Class 3A quarterfinals with a come-from-behind 22-19 playoff victory over previously-unbeaten Wellsville. With Hayden trailing 13-0, Dunshee returned a Wellsville kickoff approximately 80 yards for a touchdown and also scored on an 11-yard TD run and added a 2-point conversion. 

 James Letcher Jr.

JAMES LETCHER JR., Washburn University

Letcher, a 5-foot-8, 175-pound senior, caught five passes for 127 yards, including an 84-yard touchdown, in Washburn's 37-23 MIAA loss to No. 4-ranked Pittsburg State last Saturday at Yager Stadium. Saturday's receiving yards boosted Letcher's season total to 1,005 yards, with Letcher the first Ichabod since 2018 to go over the 1,000-yard mark in a season.

Ty Weber

TY WEBER, Washburn Rural

Weber, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound senior, stood out on both sides of the ball as Washburn Rural's 8-2 football team advanced to the Class 6A  state quarterfinals with a 34-7 win at Garden City last Friday night. Weber helped spearhead a No. 1 Rural defensive unit that did not allow a point before leaving the game in the fourth quarer and he also caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Branton DeWeese while filling in on offense for the injured Lukas Hanks.

By RICK PETERSON

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 Easton Bradstreet

 EASTON BRADSTREET, Washburn Rural

The Washburn Rural senior forward was named the Centennial League soccer player of the year after scoring 29 goals and leading the Junior Blues to a 16-5 record and a fourth-place finish in the 6A state tournament. Bradstreet finished his high school career with a share of Rural's career scoring record with 57 goals.

Levi Braun

LEVI BRAUN, Washburn University

A 6-foot-4 sophomore guard, Braun tied his career high with 21 points in just 19 minutes of action as Washburn men's basketball rolled to a 96-63 non-conference win over Ottawa on Saturday at Lee Arena. Braun, a former Hayden standout, hit 7 of 10 field goals overall and 6 of 8 3-pointers against Ottawa while hitting his last six shots of the game.

Brooklyn DeLeye

BROOKLYN DELEYE, Washburn Rural

Deleye, a 6-2 senior, was named the Centennial League volleyball player of the year for the second straight season after helping lead Washburn Rural to the 2022 Class 6A state championship and a 45-1 record. DeLeye was a multi-time All-Class 6A first-team selection, helping Rural finish first, second, third and fourth in four state tournament appearances.

By RICK PETERSON

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 Easton Bradstreet

 EASTON BRADSTREET, Washburn Rural

The Washburn Rural senior forward received Class 6A All-State first-team honors from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association after scoring 29 goals and leading the Junior Blues to a 16-5 record and a fourth-place finish in the 6A state tournament. Bradstreet finished his senior year with a share of Rural's career scoring record with 57 goals.

Brady Christiansen

BRADY CHRISTIANSEN, Washburn University

A 6-foot-7 forward out of Lincoln, Neb., Christiansen scored 9 points and grabbed 19 rebounds, including 11 offensive boards, in Washburn's 70-63 men's basketball win over William Jewell last Wednesday. Christiansen's 19 boards were the most by an Ichabod since former WU star Brady Skeens had a pair of 22-rebound games in 2017.

Aubree Dewey

AUBREE DEWEY, Washburn University

A 5-7 junior guard out of Plainville, Dewey scored a game and career-high 20 points in Washburn's 65-63 women's basketball win over Southern Nazarene last Friday in the Washburn Classic. Dewey hit a pair of 3-pointers and also dished out three assists for the Ichabods.

By RICK PETERSON

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 Austin Broadie

AUSTIN BROADIE, Washburn University

A 6-foot redshirt freshman out of Wichita Trinity Academy, Broadie registered a career-high 18 kills as Washburn's volleyball team captured its first MIAA Tournament championship with a 25-18, 19-25, 25-22, 25-20 victory over Nebraska-Kearney Saturday night in St. Joseph, Mo. Broadie hit .359 on the night as the 24-7 Ichabods earned an NCAA Tournament berth. 

Finn Dunshee

FINN DUNSHEE, Hayden

A 5-8, 160-pound junior running back/linebacker, Dunshee set the tone for the night in Friday's Class 3A sectional football game at Columbus when he ran for a 60-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage as 10-1 Hayden advanced to a 3A sub-state game with a 39-19 victory. Dunshee, who also had a 67-yard run, added a 3-yard TD. 

Mackenzie Gamble

MACKENZIE GAMBLE, Washburn University

Gamble, a 5-7 junior guard out of Highlands Ranch, Colo., scored 19 points and hit 5 of 7 3-pointers as Washburn's women's basketball team opened the 2022-2023 season Friday night with a 71-55 win over Southwestern Oklahoma State in the Washburn Crossover Classic. Gamble added 9 points on three 3-pointers in Saturday's 41-38 loss to Oklahoma Baptist.

Jaden Monday

JADEN MONDAY, Washburn University

A 6-0 sophomore guard out of Independence, Mo., Monday scored a career-high 22 points and connected on 6 of 12 3-pointers to lead the way as Washburn's men's basketball team picked up its first win of the season, a 75-46 romp past No. 18-ranked Augustana Saturday at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. 

Jensen Schrickel

JENSEN SCHRICKEL, Hayden

Schrickel, a 5-9, 145 sophomore, helped lead the 10-1 Hayden football team to a 39-19 Class 3A sectional playoff win Friday night at Columbus. Schrickel caught a 29-yard touchdown pass from Wildcat quarterback Jett Wahlmeier, returned a pass interception 35 yards for a TD and kicked a 28-yard field goal and four extra points as Hayden advanced to a sub-state matchup with Holton. 

Jalyn Stevenson

JALYN STEVENSON, Washburn University

Stevenson, a 5-10 sophomore out of Spring Hill, recorded her 14th double-double of the 2022 volleyball season in Saturday's MIAA Tournament championship match at St. Joseph, Mo., registering 17 kills and 18 digs in Washburn's 25-18, 19-25, 25-22 and 25-20 victory as the 24-7 Ichabods won their first conference tournament title while earning an NCAA Tournament berth.  

By RICK PETERSON

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 Carter Brian

CARTER BRIAN, Cair Paravel Latin

Brian, a senior quarterback, completed 19 of 31 passes for 421 yards and six touchdowns as Cair Paravel improved to 10-0 with Friday's 66-20 win over Wichita Home School in a KCAA playoff semifinal. Brian has completed 117 of 170 pass attempts on the season for 2,179 yards and 48 touchdowns.

Grant Bruner

GRANT BRUNER, Washburn University

A junior linebacker, Bruner registered 20 tackles (10 solo) in Washburn University's 28-26 MIAA win Saturday at Pittsburg State, helping the Ichabods improve to 8-2 on the season with their fifth straight victory. Bruner, who missed five games with an injury, now has 39 tackles (20 solo) on the year.

Corey Catron

COREY CATRON, Rossville

A senior, Catron rushed for 105 yards and three touchdowns and completed 11 of 19 passes for 149 yards and a TD in Rossville's 32-12 second-round Class 2A playoff win over Nemaha Central. Catron has passed for 453 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for 893 yards and 18 touchdowns on 135 carries.

Noah Hastert

NOAH HASTERT, Cair Paravel Latin

A senior receiver, Hastert caught six passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns in Cair Paravel's 66-20 win over Wichita Home School in a KCAA playoff game last Friday. Hastert has now caught 41 passes on the year for 870 yards and 21 touchdowns for the 10-0 Lions.

Brogan Renfro

BROGAN RENFRO, Silver Lake

Renfro, a senior, scored five touchdowns in Friday's 51-36 second-round Class 2A playoff victory over St. Marys Friday night. Renfro ran for four touchdowns and also caught a 22-yard TD pass from senior quarterback Daigan Kruger as Silver Lake improved to 8-2.

Jace Williams

JACE WILLIAMS, Washburn University

A senior receiver, Williams turned in the play of the game in Saturday's 28-26 Ichabod win at Pittsburg State, blocking a 33-yard Gorillas field goal attempt with 30 seconds remaining to clinch the 8-2 Ichabods' fifth straight win. Williams has caught 29 passes for 457 yards and five touchdowns.

By RICK PETERSON

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Allen Baughman

ALLEN BAUGHMAN, Shawnee Heights

A 5-foot-8, 180-pound senior running back, Baughman carried the ball 12 times for 177 yards and three touchdowns in the first half last Thursday night as Shawnee Heights rolled to a 56-20 win over Highland Park in the regional round of the Class 5A football playoffs. Baughman scored on runs of 4, 70 and 20 yards as Shawnee Heights improved to 8-2 on the season.

JC Heim

JC HEIM, Washburn Rural

Heim a 6-2, 225-pound running back/linebacker, starred on both offense and defense Friday night as Washburn Rural improved to 10-0 with a 27-20 win over Junction City in the regional round of the Class 6A playoffs. Unofficially, Heim rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries and caught three passes for 21 yards and a touchdown. Heim scored on a 2-yard run and a 23-yard pass from Branton DeWeese.

Griffin Heinen

GRIFFIN HEINEN, Washburn Rural

A senior midfielder, Heinen had an assist and the game-winning goal on Saturday as Washburn Rural's soccer team capped a 19-2 season with a 2-1 win over Dodge City in the third-place game of the Class 6A state tournament. Heinen was credited with the assist on Hayden Shriver's goal 1:26 into the game and scored the game-winning goal with just 56 seconds remaining off an assist from Devon Rutschmann.

By RICK PETERSON

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Hunter Bentley

HUNTER BENTLEY, Washburn University

Bentley, a 5-foot-9 senior guard out of Bishop Miege, scored 16 points and added 6 rebounds and 3 assists in Washburn University's 71-69 non-conference home loss to Rockhurst University Saturday, including a late 3-pointer that gave the Ichabods a chance at the victory. 

Corey Catron

COREY CATRON, Rossville

A senior, Catron capped off an oustanding senior season in Rossville's 35-12 win over Beloit in Saturday Class 2A championship football game at Salina. Catron starred at linebacker as the Bulldawgs limited the Trojans to two touchdowns and added 73 rushing yards and a touchdown on 20 carries as Rossville captured its second straight undefeated 2A state title.

Connor Deffebaugh

 CONNOR DEFFEBAUGH, Washburn University

Deffebaugh, a 6-3 sophomore guard from Fayetteville, Ark., scored 17 points and grabbed six rebounds last Saturday as Washburn University's men's basketball team evened its record at 3-3 with a 79-69 non-conference victory over Benedictine College at Lee Arena.

Torrey Horak

TORREY HORAK, Rossville

Horak, a senior quarterback, completed 10 of 14 passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns as Rossville completed a second straight 13-0 season with a 35-12 win over Beloit in the Class 2A state championship game last Saturday at Salina. Horak also ran for a touchdown.

Michael Keegan

MICHAEL KEEGAN, Washburn University

A 6-6 freshman guard from Dyersville, Iowa, Keegan scored 27 points in two games on the week as Washburn evened its record at 3-3. Keegan scored 10 points in a 69-63 loss to Oklahoma Baptist and followed that up with 17 points, 8 rebounds and three 3-pointers in Saturday's 79-69 win over Benedictine College at Lee Arena.

 Jalen Lewis

JALEN LEWIS, Washburn University

Lewis, a junior guard from Liberty, Mo., scored a career-high 30 points in a 69-63 loss to nationally-ranked Oklahoma Baptist last Tuesday, hitting 13 of 20 shots with four 3-pointers, and had 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the Ichabods' 79-69 win over Benedictine on Saturday.

By RICK PETERSON

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Camden Barta 

CAMDEN BARTA, Seaman

Barta, a senior quarterback, scored the game's first touchdown on a 77-yard run and went on to a huge night in Seaman's 57-6 Class 5A home playoff win over Emporia Friday night. Barta finished the game with 318 passing yards and four touchdown passes on an 18 of 22 performance and added 87 rushing yards on just four carries as Seaman improved to 6-3 on the season.

 Carter Brian

CARTER BRIAN, Cair Paravel Latin

A senior quarterback, Brian completed 16 of 24 passes for 235 yards and six touchdowns as Cair Paravel moved to 9-0 on the season with Friday's 50-0 win over the Manhattan Eagles. Brian has now passed for 1,758 yards and 42 touchdowns on the season while completing 98 of 139 attempts without an interception.

Madeline Carter

MADELINE CARTER, Washburn Rural

Carter completed an outstanding junior season with a seventh-place individual finish in Saturday's Class 6A state cross country meet in a five-kilometer time of 18 minutes, 35.2 seconds. A two-time state medalist, Carter led the Junior Blues to a fourth-place team finish.

Bethany Druse

BETHANY DRUSE, Seaman

A two-time Class 5A state medalist, Druse completed her junior season with a sixth-place finish in the Class 5A state cross country meet in a time of 19:10.4. Druse, who led Seaman to a fourth-place team finish on Saturday, finished ninth at state as a sophomore.

Giles Frederickson

GILES FREDERICKSON, Washburn Rural

A senior place-kicker, Frederickson went 7 of 7 on extra-point kicks in Rural's 52-7 Class 6A playoff victory over Wichita West Friday night. After suffering a bite from a copperhead snake four weeks ago, Frederickson has returned to kick 13 of 13 PATs the past two weeks and is 89 of 91 in his career.

Tanner Newkirk

TANNER NEWKIRK, Hayden

Newkirk, a senior, earned his fourth Class 4A state medal with his third top-three finish in Saturday's state cross country meet, taking third place individually in 16:24.3. Newkirk, who captured city, Centennial League and regional titles this fall, previously posted state finishes of 12th as a freshman, second as a sophomore and first as a junior.

By RICK PETERSON

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Bethany Druse

BETHANY DRUSE, Seaman

A junior, Druse won three gold medals in last Friday's Joe Schrag City Invitational track and field championships, helping Seaman win the girls team championship by a 146-134 margin over Washburn Rural. Druse won the 1,600 meters in 5:23.31, the 800 in 2:19.96 and anchored the Vikings' 4 x 400 relay to a win in 4:15.31.

Kadence Jeffries

KADENCE JEFFRIES, Topeka West

Jeffries, a senior, posted a pair of individual wins in last Friday's city swimming and diving championships at the Capitol Federal Natatorium, remaining undefeated in individual events on the season. A four-time state champion, Jeffries won the 200-yard freestyle by nearly seven seconds in 1:54.55 and won the 500 free by 14 seconds in 5:04.85.

Tanner Newkirk

TANNER NEWKIRK, Hayden

Newkirk, a senior, set three boys city meet records in last Friday's Joe Schrag City Invitational track and field championships at Hummer Sports Park, winning the 1,600 meters in 4:10.88, the 800 in 1:55.69 and the 3,200 in 9:18.89 to lead the Wildcats to a second-place team finish behind Washburn Rural. 

Makenna Pritchard

MAKENNA PRITCHARD, Washburn Rural

A junior, Pritchard won two individual titles and swam on two second-place relays as Washburn Rural won its 19th straight city swimming and diving team title last Friday at the Capitol Federal Natatorium. Pritchard won the 50-yard freestyle in 24.98 seconds and the 100 free in 54.06 while also swimming on the runner-up 200 medley and 400 free relays as Rural won the title by a 601-440 margin over Seaman.

TAYLIN STALLBAUMER, Seaman

Stallbaumer, a sophomore, captured three gold medals in last Friday's Joe Schrag City Invitational track and field championships, helping lead Seaman to the girls team title by a 146-134 margin over Washburn Rural. Stallbaumer won the 100-meter hurdles in 16.25 seconds, the 300 hurdles in 49.21 seconds and ran a leg on the Vikings' 4 x 400 relay team, which won in 4:15.31.

Zach Sulzen-Watson

ZACH SULZEN-WATSON, Washburn Rural

Sulzen-Watson, a senior, won a pair of individual titles in last Friday's Joe Schrag City Invitational track and field championships at Hummer Sports Park, helping lead Washburn Rural's boys team to its fifth straight city team title. Sulzen-Watson won the shot put with a throw of 51 feet, 7.50 inches and the discus with a best of 163 feet as Rural won by a 138.5-126 margin over Hayden.

 By RICK PETERSON

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Audrey Appuhn

AUDREY APPUHN, Washburn Rural

Appuhn, a freshman swimming standout, was a part of four victories in her first Topeka City Championship Friday at the Capitol Federal Natatorium, helping lead Washburn Rural to its 20th straight city team championship. Appuhn won the 200-yard freestyle in 1 minute, 57.72 seconds and the 500 free in 5:11.08 and also swam on the Junior Blues' winning 200 medley relay (1:54.84) and 400 free relay (3:40.49). 

Ala'Jah Brooks

ALA'JAH BROOKS, Topeka West

A senior track and field standout, Brooks won three individual titles in Friday's Joe Schrag City Championship at Hummer Sports Park. Brooks won the long jump with a best of 16 feet, 7.50 inches, won the 400-meter dash in 57.26 seconds and won the 200 in 25.65 seconds. Brooks was the only athlete to win three individual events in the city meet.

Mason Casebeer

MASON CASEBEER, Washburn Rural

A senior tennis standout, Casebeer captured a pair of singles championships last week, including earning his third Class 6A state tournament berth Friday at Wichita. Casebeer opened his week with a Centennial League title, earning a 6-0, 6-1 win over Manhattan's Advith Nataraja in the final. Casebeer followed up his league title with a regional championship Friday at Riverside Tennis Center, taking a 6-1, 6-1 win over Wichita East sophomore Bo Lu to help Rural win the regional team title by a 19-15 margin over Manhattan.

By RICK PETERSON

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Carter Cool

CARTER COOL, Topeka West

Cool, a sophomore, won the No. 1 singles championship in his first city tennis tournament last Thursday at Kossover Tennis Center, helping the Chargers win the city team title. Cool took an 8-2 win over Shawnee Heights' Jaden Rodriguez in the final, clinching Topeka West's 28-27 win over Washburn Rural. Cool added second-place finishes in Saturday's Emporia tournament and Monday's Centennial League meet.

 Ian Cusick

IAN CUSICK, Topeka West

A sophomore, Cusick teamed with his twin brother, Miles, to win the No. 1 doubles championship in last Thursday's city tournament at Kossover Tennis Center, helping lead West to the city team crown. The Cusicks took an 8-1 win over Nick Luetje and Mason Casebeer of Washburn Rural in the final. The Cusicks also won a tournament title last Saturday in Emporia and claimed the Centennial League doubles crown with an 8-6 win on Monday.

Miles Cusick

MILES CUSICK, Topeka West

Cusick, a sophomore, teamed with twin brother Ian, to win the No. 1 doubles championship in last Thursday's city tournament at Kossover Tennis Center, helping West win the city team championship by a point. The Cusicks took an 8-1 win over Nick Luetje and Mason Casebeer of Washburn Rural in the final. The Cusicks also won a tournament title last Saturday in Emporia and claimed the Centennial League doubles crown Monday with an 8-6 win.

 Bethany Druse

BETHANY DRUSE, Seaman

Druse, a sophomore, posted a pair of girls distance wins in last Friday's Bob Camien/Claudia Welch Seaman Relays to remain undefeated, winning the 1,600 meters in a personal-best time of 5 minutes, 19.90 seconds and returning later in the evening to take the win in the 800 in 2:22.64.

 Luke Leonetti

LUKE LEONETTI, Washburn Rural

Leonetti, a junior, followed up his city boys golf championship with the individual title in Monday's Centennial League tournament at Village Greens Golf Course, shooting a 74 to win by two strokes. Leonetti led the Junior Blues to the Centennial team crown by 11 strokes (312-323) over Emporia.

Sam Shonka

SAM SHONKA, Washburn Rural

Shonka, a senior, claimed the boys high jump title in last Friday's Bob Camien/Claudia Welch Seaman Relays, posting a five-inch improvement over his previous season-best with a clearance at 6 foot, 6 inches.

By RICK PETERSON

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 JahnAsia Anderson

JAHNASIA ANDERSON, Seaman

In her first year competing in track and field as a senior, Anderson eclipsed her previous personal-best by more than a foot and a half en route to winning the Class 5A state girls shot put championship with a throw of 37 feet, 7 inches last Thursday at Wichita State's Cessna Stadium.

 NiJaree Canady

NiJAREE CANADY, Topeka High

Canady, a junior pitcher, turned in a masterful performance in the Class 6A state softball tournament, leading Topeka High to its first-ever state softball title. Canady recorded three complete-game performances, allowing just one unearned run while striking out 48 batters as the Trojans capped a perfect 25-0 season. Canady also hit the game-winning home run in a 1-0 semifinal win over Gardner-Edgerton.

By RICK PETERSON

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NiJAREE CANADY, Topeka High

Canady starred in the pitching circle and at the plate in the Class 6A state softball tournament, ending her high school career with a second straight state championship. The Stanford signee pitched in all three games for the 22-3 Trojans, including a complete-game four-hitter in the Trojans' 2-1 victory over city rival Washburn Rural in last Friday's state championship game. Canady had a home run and a double in the Trojans' 9-0 semifinal win over Wichita Northwest.

Adisyn Caryl

ADISYN CARYL, Topeka High

A junior, Caryl helped lead Topeka High to its second straight Class 6A state softball championship. Caryl had six hits in the state tournament, including two doubles and a home run, as the Trojans capped a 22-3 season with a 2-1 victory over Washburn Rural in last Friday's championship game. Caryl advanced to state in three sports -- tennis, basketball and softball -- for the second straight year and is a three-time state qualifier in tennis and basketball. 

 By RICK PETERSON

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Alesecio Batson

ALESECIO BATSON, Topeka West

After advancing to the Class 5A state track and field championships as a freshman, the Topeka West sophomore captured a Class 5A state championship in the triple jump Friday at Wichita State's Cessna Stadium. Batson took the event lead on his first jump and went wire to wire for the title, jumping a best of 48 feet, 4.25 inches.

Finn Dunshee

FINN DUNSHEE, Hayden

The Wildcat sophomore won three Class 4A gold medals Saturday at Cessna Stadium, helping Hayden finish fifth as a team. Dunshee won the 100-meter dash in 10.84 seconds and also ran on the Wildcats' winning 4x100-meter and 4x400 relay teams. Hayden won the 4x100 relay in 42.65 seconds and the 4x400 in a 4A state meet-record time of 3:20.99.

Brinley Dyche

BRINLEY DYCHE, Rossville

A senior, Dyche picked up the pitching win in all three games as Rossvillle won its first Class 3A state softball title since 2000, capped by Friday's 2-0 win over Santa Fe Trail in the championship game. Dyche was credited with the victory in a 19-7 first-round win over Columbus,  pitched the Bulldawgs to a come-from-behind 6-4 win over Southeast-Saline in the semifinals and twirled a complete-game two-hitter In the title game while striking out 10 and not allowing a walk.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

ANDREW BECKLER, Washburn University

Beckler, who was earlier named the MIAA player of the year, ended his collegiate golf career with a runner-up individual finish among 84 competitors in the NCAA Division II National Championships in Palm Beach Springs, Fla., the highest national tournament finish by an Ichabod in program history. Beckler finished with a 54-hole total of 222 with rounds of 73, 74 and 75. 

NiJAREE CANADY, Topeka High

Canady, a junior, pitched a one-hitter and struck out 16 batters to key the Trojans' 3-1 victory over Manhattan in a Class 6A regional championship softball game at Hummer Sports Park. With the win Topeka High improved to 22-0 on the season and advanced to Thursday's 6A state tournament.

By RICK PETERSON

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Kadence Jeffries

 KADENCE JEFFRIES, Topeka West

Jeffries, a senior, swept the 200 and 500-yard freestyle events in last Saturday's Class 5A-1A state swimming and diving championships for the third straight season that the state meet was held, going six for six in state individual events. Jeffries, who has signed with Nebraska-Omaha, won the 200 free in 1:53.29 and the 500 free in 5:03.55 at the Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center.

Tanner Newkirk

TANNER NEWKIRK, Hayden

A senior, Newkirk swept the 800, 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs in last Friday's Class 4A regional track and field championships at Eudora, helping the Wildcats edge Louisburg for the team championship. A Kansas signee, Newkirk ran the 800 in 1:59.04, the 1,600 in 4:27.52 and the 3,200 in 9:39.51 en route to pulling off the difficult distance triple.

 By RICK PETERSON

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Audrey Appuhn

AUDREY APPUHN, Washburn Rural

Appuhn, a freshman swimming standout, posted two individual top-four finishes in her first Class 6A state meet Saturday at the Capitol Federal Natatorium, helping lead Washburn Rural to an eighth-place team finish. Appuhn finished third in the the 200-yard individual medley in 2 minutes, 10.16 seconds and fourth in the 500 free in 5:14.45. Appuhn also swam on the Junior Blues' 200 medley relay (1:55.03) and 400 free relay (3:45.72), which won 'B' finals..

Jackson Esquibel

JACKSON ESQUIBEL, Shawnee Heights

A junior track and field star, Esquibel pulled off the distance triple in last Thursday's Class 5A regional at the Olathe District Athletic Complex. A returning state medalist, Esquibel won the 1,600 meters in 4 minutes, 23.42 seconds and followed that up with a win in the 800 in 1:59.55 and a victory in the 3,200 in 9:42.42 to qualify for Friday and Saturday's 5A state meet at Wichita State's Cessna Stadium.

Grace Proctor

GRACE PROCTOR, Shawnee Heights

Proctor, a sophomore, pitched a complete-game one-hitter and recorded 13 strikeouts last Tuesday as Shawnee Heights earned a berth in Thursday and Friday's Class 5A state softball tournament at Wichita State's Wilkins Stadium with a 3-0 win over United Kansas Conference rival De Soto in a regional final at Piper. Proctor allowed only a sixth-inning double as Shawnee Heights improved to 15-7 with its third win of the season over the Wildcats.

By RICK PETERSON

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 Ian Cusick

IAN CUSICK, Topeka West

A junior, Cusick teamed with his twin brother, Miles, to win the city tennis championship in No. 1 doubles for the second straight season.in last Thursday's city tournament at Kossover Tennis Center. The Cusicks took an 8-1 win over Washburn Rural's Kyler Knudtson and Nick Luetje in the championship match, helping the Chargers win a share of the city team title with Rural.

Miles Cusick

MILES CUSICK, Topeka West

Cusick, a junior, teamed with his twin brother, Ian, to win the city tennis championship in No. 1 doubles for the second straight season.in last Thursday's city tournament at Kossover Tennis Center. Miles and Ian beat  Washburn Rural's Kyler Knudtson and Nick Luetje in the championship match, 8-1, helping the Chargers win a share of the city team title with Rural.

Bethany Druse

BETHANY DRUSE, Seaman

A junior, Druse set the Seaman school record in the girls 800 meters in last Friday's Bob Camien/Claudia Welch Invitational at Seaman, winning the event in a time of 2 minutes, 15.19 seconds. Druse's time was the best girls 800 meters clocking in the state this spring.

Marrit Mead

MARRIT MEAD, Washburn University

Mead, a sophomore, went 4 for 8 in last Saturday's 5-1, 13-3 doubleheader sweep at Emporia State, helping the Ichabods clinch the MIAA regular-season championship while extending their winning streak to 22 games. Mead, a Santa Fe Trail grad, went 1 for 3 with a run and a run batted in in the first game and went 3 for 5 in the second game with a double and a home run, scoring three runs with five RBI.

Mason Thieu

MASON THIEU, Washburn Rural

Playing his first city tennis tournament since his freshman season, the Washburn Rural senior captured the No. 1 singles championship last Thursday at Kossover Tennis Center with an 8-2 win over Topeka West's James Maag in the final match. Thieu helped lead the Junior Blues to a share of the team title with Topeka West.

Alex Valdivia

ALEX VALDIVIA, Shawnee Heights

Valdivia, a junior, followed up his United Kansas Conference individual golf title with the city championship last Monday at Topeka Country Club. Valdivia, a returning Class 5A state medalist, shot a 27-hole score of 116 to take city medalist honors by two strokes over 2021 city champ Luke Leonetti of Washburn Rural.

By RICK PETERSON

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Kadence Jeffries

KADENCE JEFFRIES, Topeka West

A junior, Jeffries posted a pair of dominating wins in last Thursday's Centennial League girls swimming championships, winning the 200-yard freetyle in 1 minutes, 54.18 seconds and the 500 free in 5:02.60, posting a career-best time in the 500. Jeffries, the 2019 state champion in both events, will compete in the Class 5A-1A state meet on Saturday at the Capitol Federal Natatorium.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Ian Cusick

 IAN CUSICK, Topeka West

A junior, Cusick teamed with his twin brother, Miles, to win the Class 5A state doubles championship last Saturday at Kossover Tennis Center, helping lead the Chargers to a second-place team finish. The Cusicks took a 6-3, 6-2 win over Maize South in the title match, completing a sweep of city, Centennial League, regional and state championships.

Miles Cusick

 MILES CUSICK, Topeka West

Cusick, a junior, teamed with twin brother Ian to win the Class 5A state doubles championship last Saturday at Kossover Tennis Center, helping the Chargers post a second-place team finish. The Cusicks took a 6-3, 6-2 win over Maize South in the title match, completing a sweep of city, Centennial League, regional and state championships.

Gabby Grace

GABBY GRACE, Seaman

A senior leader for the Vikings' swimming team, Grace  was the Centennial League champ in the 100-yard freestyle and 100 backstroke and swam on Seaman's winning 200 medley and 400 free relays in last Thursday's Centennial League meet at the Capitol Federal Natatorium.

Michael Sandstrom

GUS GLOTZBACH, Hayden

Glotzbach, a junior, teamed with Michael Sandstrom to finish second in doubles in last Saturday's Class 4A state tennis tournament at Winfield for the second straight season, helping lead the Wildcats to a third-place team finish. Glotzbach and Sandstrom dropped a 6-1, 6-3 decision to Independence in the state final.

Michael Sandstrom

MICHAEL SANDSTROM, Hayden

A senior three-time state medalist, Sandstrom teamed with Glotzbach to post a state runner-up finish in doubles in last Saturday's Class 4A state tennis tournament at Winfield for the second straight season, helping lead the Wildcats to a third-place team finish. Sandstrom and Glotzbach dropped a 6-1, 6-3 decision to Independence in the state final.

Tae Thomas

TAE THOMAS, Topeka High

Thomas, a senior three-sport standout for the Trojans, recorded a three-goal hat trick in Topeka High's 7-1 Centennial League Senior Nigh soccer romp past Emporia at Hummer Sports Park as High capped an 11-5-0 regular season to earn a home berth for the Class 6A regional playoffs.

 By RICK PETERSON

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Audrey Appuhn

AUDREY APPUHN, Washburn Rural

Appuhn, a freshman swimming standout, was a part of four victories in her first Centennial League meet last Thursday at the Capitol Federal Natatorium, helping lead Washburn Rural to its third straight league team championship. Appuhn won the 200-yard individual medley in 2 minutes, 11.39 seconds and the 500 free in 5:13.53 and also swam on the Junior Blues' winning 200 medley relay (1:55.69) and 400 free relay (3:48.77).

Ian Cusick

IAN CUSICK, Topeka West

A senior, Ian and his twin brother, Miles, capped their high school tennis career with a second straight Class 5A state doubles championship Saturday at Arkansas City. The Cusicks, who earned state medals in all three of their state tournament appearances, led the Chargers to their first-ever 5A state boys team title by a 34-28 margin over Blue Valley Southwest. Ian and Miles took a 6-3, 6-4 win over Arkansas City's Oakley and Dawson O'Donnell in the final, avenging three losses earlier in the season.

Miles Cusick

MILES CUSICK, Topeka West

A senior,  Miles and his twin brother, Ian, closed out their high school tennis career with a second straight Class 5A state doubles championship Saturday at Arkansas City. The Cusicks, who earned state medals in all three of their state tournament appearances, led the Chargers to their first-ever 5A state boys team title by a 34-28 margin over Blue Valley Southwest. Miles and Ian took a 6-3, 6-4 win over Arkansas City's Oakley and Dawson O'Donnell in the final, avenging three losses earlier in the season.

By RICK PETERSON

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Olivia Bruno

OLIVIA BRUNO, Washburn Rural

A senior, Bruno had a monster week as Washburn Rural's softball team rolled to doubleheader sweeps over Centennial League foes Seaman, Manhattan and Junction City. Bruno hit seven home runs with 13 runs batted in on the week and had three-home run days against Manhattan and Junction City. Bruno, who will play collegiately at Kansas, also went 4-0 as a pitcher with 34 strikeouts while not allowing a run.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Carter Cool

CARTER COOL, Topeka West 

A senior tennis standout, Cool won his second city championship in No. 1 singles last Thursday at Kossover Tennis Center, helping Topeka West win its third straight city team title (outright or shared). Cool clinched his individual title with an 8-5 win over Washburn Rural senior standout Mason Casebeer in the final.

Ian Cusick

IAN CUSICK, Topeka West

Cusick, a senior, teamed with his twin brother, Miles Cusick, to win their third straight city tennis title in No. 1 doubles last Thursday while helping the Chargers win their third consecutive city team championship (outright or shared) by a 30-26 margin over Washburn Rural. The Cusicks, defending Class 5A state champs, took an 8-0 win over Rural in the final.

Miles Cusick

MILES CUSICK, Topeka West

A senior, Cusick teamed with his twin brother, Ian Cusick, to win a third straight city tennis title in No. 1 doubles last Thursday while helping Topeka West win its third straight city team championship (outright or shared) by a 30-26 margin over Washburn Rural. The Cusicks, defending Class 5A state champs, took an 8-0 win over Rural in the final.