Cair Paravel Lions

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Two-time senior player of the year Ja'Corey Robinson headlines the 2025 TopSports.news All-Shawnee County boys basketball team.

Highland Park senior Ja'Corey Robinson has been named the TSN Shawnee County boys basketball player of the year for the second straight season. [File photo/TSN] 

Robinson was a repeat pick as the Shawnee County player of the year after leading the Scots to a 24-1 record and a second-place finish in the Class 5A state tournament, the Scots' third straight top-three state finish.

Robinson and senior teammate Mikey Williams are two of the five All-Shawnee County Top 10 repeat picks along with Shawnee Heights senior Jaret Sanchez, Seaman junior KaeVon Bonner and Rossville junior Jack Donovan.

Shawnee Heights senior Deacon Pomeroy, Washburn Rural senior Amare Jones and Silver Lake junior Dayne Johnson all moved up to Top 10 after being named to the Second 10 in 2024 while Hayden senior James Kuta and Washburn Rural junior Simon Rowley round out the all-county team.

 Washburn Rural junior Simon Rowley has been named the TSN Shawnee County boys basketball newcomer of the year. [File photo/TSN]

Rowley was also named the county newcomer of the year after helping 18-5 Washburn Rural win the Centennial League championship and advance to the Class 6A state tournament.

Highland Park coach Mike Williams has been named the Shawnee County boys coach of the year for the third straight season after leading the Scots to a 24-1 record and a runnerup state finish. [Photo by Mac Moore/KSHSAA Covered]

Highland Park's Mike Williams was named the county coach of the year for the third straight season, leading the Scots to a 71-4 record over the past three years.

All-Shawnee County capsules:

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Seaman senior Anna Becker has been tapped as the TopSports.news 2025 All-Shawnee County girls basketball player of the year after helping lead the Vikings to back-to-back championship games in Class 5A.

Seaman senior Anna Becker, a four-time All-Shawnee County Top 10 pick, has been named the county player of the year after helping lead the Vikings to a second-place Class 5A state finish. [File photo/TSN]

A four-time All-Shawnee County Top 10 pick and three-time United Kansas Conference player of the year, Becker helped Seaman post a 24-1 record and a second-place finish behind St. Thomas Aquinas as a senior after the Vikings won the Class 5A state title in 2024.

Becker is one of five repeat picks on the All-Shawnee County Top 10 along with Hayden senior Millie Ramsey, Seaman junior Maddie Gragg, Silver Lake junior Kailyn Hanni and Washburn Rural sophomore Maddie Vickery.

Ramsey and Gragg are three-time all-county Top 10 selections.

Also earning All-Shawnee County Top 10 spots are Washburn Rural senior Kate Hinck, Topeka High junior Keimara Marshall, Trojan sophomore Ahsyierhuajh Rayton, Shawnee Heights sophomore KK Emmot and Hayden freshman Hailey Schmidtlein.

Hayden freshman Hailey Schmidtlein has been named the Shawnee County girls basketball newcomer of the year while also earning Top 10 honors. [File photo/TSN]

Schmeidtlein, who helped Hayden post a third-place state finish in Class 4A, was also named the Shawnee County newcomer of the year, while Topeka High coach Ron Slaymaker was named the county coach of the year.

Topeka High's Ron Slaymaker has been named the Shawnee County girls basketball coach of the year after leading the Trojans to a nine-win improvement in his first season. [File photo/TSN]

The 88-year-old Slaymaker, a Kansas coaching legend and High's third coach in four seasons, led the Trojans to a nine-win improvement in the 2024-2025 campaign, with Topeka High posting a 14-8 record. 

All-Shawnee County capsules:

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Granted, it's only one game, but Hayden girls soccer got the 2025 season off to a big start Friday, topping last season's Class 4A-1A runnerup, Cair Paravel Latin, 1-0 in a non-league contest at Hayden.

Junior Carsyn Broxterman (4) scored the game-winning goal in Hayden's 1-0 season-opening win over Cair Paravel Friday at Hayden. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

"I think a win against a good team is always good,'' Hayden coach Klaus Kreutzer said. "I did see some good things. I think we saw some good passing combinations, I think the communication was good and the hustle. They worked hard and I think that was the best part.''

Hayden and Cair Paravel battled through a scoreless first half before Wildcat junior Carsyn Broxterman scored what proved to be the game-winning goal 41 seconds into the second half.

Hayden was able to make the goal stand up the rest of the way, with Wildcat junior Lauren Borjon picking up the shutout in goal.

Cair Paravel fell to 0-2 on the season, opening its season with a non-league loss to eight-time 4A-1A defending state champion Bishop Miege, which took a 1-0 double-overtime win over the Lions in the 2024 championship game.

Hayden will play a non-league road game at Lawrence Free State on Monday while compete in next week's Wichita South tournament, beginning with a Tuesday game against Dodge City.   

HAYDEN 1, CAIR PARAVEL LATIN 0

Cair Paravel (0-2-0) 0 0 -- 0

Hayden (1-0-0)        0 1 -- 1  

Hayden -- Goal: Carsyn Broxterman. Shutout: Lauren Borjon. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Seaman senior Anna Becker (9) was a first-team All-City and All-UKC soccer honoree last season. [File photo/TSN]

ANNA BECKER, Seaman

A Division I basketball signee with Drake, Becker also received All-City and All-United Kansas Conference first-team soccer honors last spring after helping the Vikings advance to the Class 5A state quarterfinals. 

Hayden junior Carsyn Broxterman (4) was a first-team All-City and All-Centennial League soccer honoree last season. [File photo/TSN]

CARSYN BROXTERMAN, Hayden

Broxterman, a junior forward, is a returning first-team All-City and All-Centennial League honoree for the Wildcats. Broxterman also received second-team All-4A-1A All-State recognition last spring from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association.

Cair Paravel junior Kelly Ann Chada was a first-team All-Class 4A-1A soccer honoree last season. [File photo/TSN]

KELLY ANN CHADA, Cair Paravel Latin 

Chada, a junior forward, helped lead Cair Paravel to a runnerup finish in the Class 4A-1A state tournament last spring, earning All-City first-team recognition as well as first-team All-4A-1A All-State honors from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association. 

ZAHRA FRIESS, Washburn Rural

A forward, Friess will play her senior season at Washburn Rural after helping Cair Paravel Latin finish second in Class 4A-1A last season. Friess earned All-4A-1A first-team honors from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association in 2023 and 2024 and was a former two-time All-City pick for the Lions. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Hayden senior Chase Blaser (left) finished fifth in doubles in the Class 3A-1A state tournament last spring. [File photo/TSN]

CHASE BLASER, Hayden

A senior, Blaser teamed with then-senior Joseph Luke to post a 24-10 record and a fifth-place finish in Class 3A-1A state doubles last spring. An All-City honoree, Blaser and Luke posted a third-place finish in No 1 doubles in the city meet as well as a third in the Centennial League and a fifth-place showing at regionals. A three-sport standout, Blaser helped lead the Wildcats to the 4A-1A state bowling championship this past winter.  

Washburn Rural junior Cale Deutscher and doubles partner Brayden Kohls qualified for the Class 6A state tournament last season. [File photo/TSN] 

CALE DEUTSCHER, Washburn Rural

Deutscher, a junior, was a 2024 All-City honoree after teaming with Brayden Kohls to win the city title in No. 2 doubles. Deutscher and Kohls finished fourth in Centennial League doubles and third in Class 6A regional competition to earn a state tournament berth. Deutscher and Kohls went 1-2 at state to cap an 18-10 season.

A two-time state qualifier, Cair Paravel junior Drew Fay finished fourth in Class 3A-1A state singles last spring. [File photo/TSN]

DREW FAY, Cair Paravel Latin

Fay, a junior, is coming off a fourth-place singles finish in the Class 3A-1A state tournament a year ago, his second straight state tournament appearance. Fay, who posted a 23-11 record on the season, was an All-City honoree after finishing as the No. 1 singles runnerup in the city tournament and also finished second in 3A-1A regional competition.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn Rural senior Tadd Armstrong was a first-team All-Shawnee County selection last season. [File photo/TSN]

TADD ARMSTRONG, Washburn Rural

Armstrong, a senior returning All-Shawnee County first-teamer, helped Washburn Rural capture its 14th straight city team title and a team berth in the Class 6A state meet with a runnerup regional finish last season. Armstrong finished fourth in the city meet (126 for 27 holes), tied for fifth in the Centennial League (79) and tied for 11th at regionals (86).

CALEB CLEVERDON, Topeka High/Cair Paravel Latin

A junior, Cleverdon helped Cair Paravel earn the third-place team trophy in the Class 2A state tournament with a tie for 32nd place with a 36-hole score of 176 after competing for Topeka High in the regular season. A second-team All-Shawnee County pick last season, Cleverdon placed ninth at regionals (84) and placed 15th in the Centennial League (86).

JACK DONOVAN, Rossville

A junior, Donovan earned an individual medal in the Class 3A state tournament, placing 20th with a 36-hole score of 162. A first-team All-Shawnee County pick as a sophomore, Donovan finished third individually in the Mid-East League tournament with an 86 and placed fourth in 3A regional competition with a 74 to earn a state tournament berth.

Hayden senior James Kuta was a first-team All-Shawnee County selection last season after helping the Wildcats finish fourth in Class 3A. [File photo/TSN]

JAMES KUTA, Hayden

A senior, Kuta tied for 14th in the Class 3A state tournament with a 36-hole score of 159 (73-86), helping Hayden finish fourth as a team. A first-team All-Shawnee County selection in 2024, Kuta tied for eighth in the Centennial League meet (82), placed 10th in the city tournament (132 for 27 holes) and tied for 11th in 3A regional competition (83) as the Wildcats finished second as a team.

Washburn Rural senior Tagan Monasmith was a second-team All-Shawnee County pick in 2024. [File photo/TSN]

TAGAN MONASMITH, Washburn Rural

A senior, Monasmith was a second-team All-Shawnee County selection last season. Monasmith finished fifth individually in the city tournament (126 for 27 holes), was eighth at regionals as Washburn Rural qualified for the Class 6A state tournament as a team with a runnerup finish and finished 18th in the Centennial League (88).

By JUSTIN BURKHARDT

TopSports.news

Just a year ago the Wildcats were in Class 3A and entered the postseason 5-13.

What a difference a year makes and the Wildcats, led by first-year coach Dwayne Anthony entered the postseason in Class 4A with a 13-8 record and ranked No. 7 in the last Kansas Basketball Coaches Association poll.

Senior Jacob Deister (4) led Hayden with 15 points in Tuesday's 93-59 Class 4A sub-state win over Independence. [File photo/TSN]

Hayden would end up drawing the Bulldogs of Independence, who would enter the game with a 9-11 record and led by 5-foot-10 sophomore Javen Colbert. Javen's mom is from Topeka so he was able to play in front of a lot of friends and family and would score 14 points on the night. 

"It was very special to be able to play in Topeka tonight because all my family is from here, and I am glad I was able to represent for them just wish the game would of gone a different way,'' Colbert said.

The Wildcats would get off to a 6-0 run to start the game and take off from there as they would stretch that into a 22-10 lead midway thru the first quarter and take a commanding 32-19 lead to end the first quarter.

The Wildcats would start the second quarter with a 12-0 run that would put them up 47-19 as the Wildcats would use their length and speed to go into halftime up 54-29.

The Wildcats would be led by senior Jacob Deister, who would have 13 of his game-high 15 points at halftime.

The Wildcats would roll from there and out-score the Dawgs 39-29 the rest of the game to take a 93-59 semifinal win.

Hayden would get double-digit nights from four athletes as Deister would lead the way with 15 points, followed by Mason Becker’s 14, Connor Hanika’s 13 and Cooper Zweisler with 11 points.

The Wildcats were hot from 3-point range all night as they would shoot 9-17 from outside the arc.

"We came out really hot and our press really got the momentum going for us,'' Hanika said. "We still have a few adjustments to make to get ready for Rock Creek, including watching lots of film before Friday.”

"I really applaud the boys' passion and attention to detail and our energy and effort,'' Anthony said. "We are really, really a strong team when they bring those things. Now we just need to get back to it and watch film on Rock Creek and get ready for Friday.

"I am blessed, I have a team full of leaders, not just Mason, Connor and Jacob, but the senior class alone, each and every one of them is solid individuals and it is the reason that these guys have experienced success so far.''

The Wildcats now turn their attention to the No. 2 team on the East side of sub-state in Rock Creek, which advanced with a 59-39 win over Tonganoxie.

The game will be Friday night at Rock Creek with a game time of 7p.m. The winner will punch their ticket to the Class 4A state tournament next week in Salina.

HAYDEN BOYS 93, INDEPENDENCE 59

Independence 19 10 7 23 — 59

Hayden           32 22 22 17 — 93

Independence (9-12) — Smith 5-12 2-4 15, Colbert 4-11 4-6 14, Lanning 2-7 2-2 7, Veile 1-2 3-6 5, Bunyard 2-3 0-0 4, Sprague 3-3 1-2 7, Small 2-2 0-0 6, Sanders 0-0 1-1 1. Totals 19-40 13-21 59.

Hayden (13-8) — Deister 7-12 0-0 15, Becker 5-8 1-2 14, Hanika 6-9 1-2 13, Mitchell 2-4 0-0 4, Kuta 2-3 0-2 4, Zweisler 4-7 1-1 11, Compton 3-6 2-2 10, Tourtillot 4-6 0-2 9, Banks 3-5 0-0 6, Heinen 2-4 1-1 5, Wolff 1-2 0-0 2, Power 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 39-67 6-12 93.

3-point goals — Indy 8 (Smith 3, Colbert 2, Small 2, Lanning) Hayden 9 (Becker 3, Zweisler 2, Compton 2, Tourtillot, Deister). Total Fouls — Indy 10, Hayden 18.

Highland Park girls roll to 59-11 5A sub-state win

No. 3 Class 5A East girls seed Highland Park opened its sub-state bid with a 59-11 home semifinal win over Meadowlark Conference rival Kansas City-Washington Tuesday night. 

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

Parirings have been finalized for this week's sub-state high school basketball tournaments, with 12 city teams earning home court advantage for at least the semifinals of sub-state competition, which begins Tuesday and continues through Saturday.

Both Washburn Rural (Class 6A), Highland Park (5A) and Seaman (5A) teams, Shawnee Heights' boys (5A) and Hayden's girls (4A) could all stay at home through both rounds of sub-state competition.

Topeka High's girls (6A), Topeka West's boys (5A), Shawnee Heights' girls (5A) and Hayden's boys (4A) will be at home for at least the sub-state semifinals.

Both Silver Lake and Rossville teams and the Cair Paravel Latin boys have already posted first-round sub-state wins to advance to semifinals.

Silver Lake's girls and boys will compete in the Class 3A Hiawatha sub-state while Rossville and the CPLS boys will compete in the Class 2A Valley Heights sub-state.

Here's a look at sub-state tournaments involving Shawnee County teams:

Senior Kaden Ballard and the Washburn Rural boys will open their bid for a Class 6A state tournament berth with a home semifinal game against Wichita West Tuesday night. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

CLASS 6A BOYS

West sub-state No. 3 -- Centennial League champion Washburn Rural (16-4) is the No. 3 West seed and will host No. 14 Wichita West (4-16) a 6 p.m. Tuesday semifinal.

The Washburn Rural-Wichita West winner will advance to a Friday night 7 p.m. sub-state final to face the semifinal winner between No. 6 seed Junction City (13-7) and No. 11 Manhattan (6-14).

Senior standout Kate Hinck and the Washburn Rural girls are the No. 3 West seed for the Class 6A sub-state tournament. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

CLASS 6A GIRLS

West sub-state No. 3 -- Washburn Rural, second in 6A the past two years after winning the title in 2022, is the No. 3 West seed and will host No. 14 Lawrence Free State (3-17) in a 7 p.m. Wednesday semifinal.

The Washburn Rural-Free State winner will advance to a 5 p.m. Saturday sub-state championship game to face the semifinal winner between No. 6 seed Manhattan (13-7) and No. 11 Maize (5-15).

CLASS 6A GIRLS

West sub-state No. 2 --Topeka High, the No. 7 West seed at 13-7, will host No. 10 Wichita South (8-12) Wednesday for a 6 p.m. sub-state semifinal. 

The winner of that game will advance to a 5 p.m. Saturday final to meet the winner of the semifinal between No. 2 seed Wichita Heights (17-3) and No. 15 Dodge City (1-19).

CLASS 5A GIRLS

East sub-state No. 2 -- Shawnee Heights is the No. 7 East seed at 13-7 and will host No. 10 Basehor-Linwood (10-10) in a 7 p.m. Tuesday semifinal. The T-Birds beat the Bobcats twice during the regular season in the United Kansas Conference.

The winner of that game will advance to a 7 p.m. Friday final to face the winner of the semifinal between No. 2 seed Piper (16-4) and No. 15 Kansas City-Harmon (6-14).

East sub-state No. 3 -- Highland Park (16-4) is the No. 3 East seed and will host No. 14 seed Kansas City-Washington (6-14) in a 7 p.m. semifinal on Tuesday. Hi Park owns a pair of Meadowlark Conference wins over the Wildcats this season.

The Highland Park-Washington winner will advance to a 7 p.m. Friday sub-state final to face the semifinal winner between No. 6 Aquinas (13-7) and No. 11 Pittsburg (10-10).

Undefeated Seaman begins defense of its Class 5A state title Tuesday against city rival Topeka West. [File photo/TSN]

West sub-state No. 2 --Defending Class 5A state champion Seaman is the No. 2 West seed with a perfect 20-0 record and will host city and United Kansas Conference rival Topeka West, the No. 15 West seed at 6-14, in a 7 p.m. Tuesday semifinal.

The Seaman-West winner will advance to Friday's 7 p.m. sub-state final to face the winner of the semifinal between No. 7 Kapaun Mt. Carmel (15-5) and No. 10 Valley Center (10-10).

CLASS 5A BOYS

By Todd Fertig

TopSports.news

The Cair Paravel Latin girls basketball team came up short in its bid for a Senior Night victory Thursday. A 48-37 loss to Atchison County closed the Lions’ regular season at 4-15.

Junior KellyAnn Chada led Cair Paravel with 16 points in Thursday's 48-37 loss to Atchison County. [File photo/TSN]

The Lions and Tigers traded leads in a game full of runs. But the Tigers got the momentum when it counted. They turned a 33-26 third-quarter deficit around by reeling off 12 straight points, going up 38-33 midway through the fourth period. In the end, they outscored Cair Paravel 20-4 in the final period.

“In the fourth quarter, (Atchison County) pushed more, they were just fighting, they were being aggressive, and we just didn’t have the execution and the drive,” said Cair Paravel coach Jaley Barkley. “Finishing those last 10 minutes is always hard, but I’m still proud of them. I could see the heart they had.”

Trailing 19-16 at halftime, the Lions got hot in the third period, outscoring the visitors 17-9. Freshman London Backman was the catalyst, scoring nine points in the third. But Backman picked up her fifth foul at a crucial moment early in the final period, depriving the Lions of one of their two primary offensive threats.

Junior KellyAnn Chada scored 16 for the Lions, followed by Backman with 14. Those two combined for 30 of the Lions’ 37 points.

By Todd Fertig

TopSports.news

Cair Paravel Latin's boys celebrated Senior Night and set itself up for the postseason in style Thursday. The Lions raced passed Atchison County 76-30 to finish the regular season with a 9-10 record.

Ben Roeder led Cair Paravel with 21 points in Thursday's 76-30 Senior Night win over Atchison County. [Photo by Jan Pabitzky/Special to TSN]

The outcome was not in doubt from the time Cair Paravel reeled off 12 straight points to start the game. The Lions hit 32-62 from the field and got points from eight different players.

Senior Jase Pavlik scored 15 points as Cair Paravel's boys finished their regular season with a 76-30 win over Atchison County. [Photo by Jan Pabitzky/Special to TSN]

Junior Lucas Marichal scored 14 points Thursday as 9-10 capped its regular season with a 76-30 rout over Atchison County. [Photo by Jan Pabitzky/Special to TSN]

Ben Roeder led the Lions with 21 points in his final regular-season game, while fellow senior Jase Pavlik added 15. Junior Lucas Marichal chipped in 14.

“It’s awesome having this group of people here to support us,” Roeder said. “I love this community and I’m grateful for my senior buddies. We’re looking to let Christ’s light shine through us to our teammates and to the other schools we play.”

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Junior Dayne Johnson scored 35 points Thursday night as Silver Lake's boys improved to 12-4 with a hard-earned 64-60 home Big East League win over St. Marys.

Junior Dayne Johnson (2) scored 35 points Thursday as Silver Lake rallied for a 64-60 win over St. Marys. [File photo/TSN]

Silver Lake trailed 53-47 at the end of the third quarter before outscoring the Bears 17-7 over the final eight minutes to pull out the victory.

Johnson canned 13 field goals and went 9 of 10 at the free throw line on the night to lead the Eagles.

Silver Lake led 19-12 at the end of the first quarter, but the Bears cut their deficit to 30-29 at halftime before outscoring the Eagles 24-17 in the third quarter.

Silver Lake will take aim on its third win of the week on Friday when the Eagles travel to Royal Valley.

Silver Lake girls improve to 14-2

Defending Class 3A champion Silver Lake, currently ranked No. 6 by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, improved to 14-2 Thursday night with a 67-54 home Big East win over St. Marys.

The Eagles led by just a 44-41 margin at the end of the third quarter before taking control with a 23-13 fourth quarter.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Topeka West's boys got back on the winning track Tuesday night, snapping a four-game losing streak against state-ranked teams with a 77-57 United Kansas Conference road romp past Lansing.

Senior Kamoni Ford was one of five double-figure scorers for Topeka West in Tuesday's 77-57 win over Lansing. [File photo/TSN]

The Chargers, who improved to 9-6 overall and 8-4 in the UKC, had five players crack double figures and seven players score at least seven points.

Seniors Kamoni Ford and Jalen Foy and junior Keimani Paul led the Chargers with 12 points apiece while junior Malakyah Duncan added 11 points and senior Javian Chambers 10.

Topeka West trailed 19-17 at the end of the opening quarter and led by just a 34-31 advantage at the half before breaking open the game with a 28-16 third quarter.

The Chargers then outscored the Lions 15-10 over the final eight minutes to finish off the 20-point win.

Topeka West will travel to Leavenworth on Friday for a UKC contest.

West girls pick up fourth win

Topeka West notched its fourth win overall and second United Kansas Conference victory Tuesday night, posting a 56-40 conference win at Lansing.

With the win the Chargers improved to 4-11 and 2-9 in the UKC.

West will travel to Leavenworth on Friday.

Silver Lake girls improve to 13-2

Defending Class 3A champion Silver Lake, currently ranked No. 6 by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Assocation, improved to 13-2 Tuesday night with a 61-36 home romp past Marysville.

The Eagles took control with a 22-13 opening quarter and put the game out of reach with a 19-4 second quarter, opening up a huge 41-17 halftime advantage and cruising the rest of the way.

Six Silver Lake players scored eight or more points, led by Karys Deiter with 13 points and Kailyn Hanni with 12 points.

Jaylie Whitehead and Taylor Zordel scored nine points apiece and Ella Bolan and Savannah Wende had eight each.

The Eagles will host St. Marys on Thursday.

Junior Dayne Johnson led Silver Lake with 16 points in Tuesday's 54-50 win over Marysville. [File photo/TSN]

Eagle boys top Bulldogs, 64-50

Four Silver Lake players cracked double figures Tuesday night as the Eagles posted a 64-50 home win over Marysville.

Junior Dayne Johnson led the Eagles with 16 points, followed by Brody Deiter with 15 points, Jared Johnson with 11 points and Aemon Coffman with 10.

Silver Lake, now 11-4, led 16-12 at the end of the first quarter and took control with a 21-6 second quarter.

TopSports.news

The Cair Paravel Lions boys basketball team never looked back after a 24-point first quarter on its way to a 69-50 victory over the Maranatha Christian Eagles on Tuesday night at Cair Paravel Latin School.

Lucas Marichal led Cair Paravel with 19 points in the Lions' 69-50 win over Maranatha Academy Tuesday night. [File photo/TSN]

The contest started as a scoring duel between Maranatha’s Daniel Dean and Cair Paravel’s Lucas Marichal, with Dean tallying the 3-11 Eagles’ first five points as the visitors took an early 5-2 lead.

Marichal answered with his first of four 3-pointers of the night, and following a free throw from Dean, the Cair Paravel junior made consecutive baskets to give the Lions (6-8) a 9-6 lead they would not relinquish.

The 3-point barrage continued for the Lions, with triples from Chase Hastert and Judah Congdon before Marichal knocked down another shot from behind the arc to give Cair Paravel a 24-17 advantage after the first quarter.

The Lions showed off their defensive prowess in the second quarter, allowing only six points off three Maranatha field goals.

Hastert and Caleb Cleverdon hit 3-pointers in the frame for Cair Paravel, while Jase Pavlik recorded his first five points of the evening in the quarter as the Lions took a 38-23 lead into halftime.

After the break Pavlik and Cleverdon found baskets in the first minute of the third quarter, extending the lead to 19 and forcing a quick timeout from the Eagles.

The Lions pushed the lead as high as 21, but a pair of baskets from Dean and a 3-pointer from Joe Allen brought the deficit back to 13 as Cair Paravel held a 46-33 lead midway through the third quarter.

Any sign of a comeback was quickly put to rest, as Marichal knocked down another 3-pointer and Blaine Durbin added a pair of baskets, with the Lions leading 55-38 after three quarters.

Cair Paravel finished the game with a balanced offensive attack, with five points from Marichal and four from Pavlik in the fourth quarter.

Senior Billy Lanich added a layup in the closing seconds to seal the 19-point victory for the Lions. Marichal led all scorers with 19 points for Cair Paravel.

Pavlik recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Hastert added 10 points off the bench.

The Lions shot just over 48 percent from the field and out-rebounded the Eagles, 34-18.

Dean led Maranatha with 18 points on 7-10 shooting while also pulling down six rebounds. Pennbrook Shaver tallied 14 points, while center Luke Shrader scored nine points with six rebounds.

Cair Paravel coach Chip Kueffer was impressed with all aspects of his team’s performance in the win.

“I think defense always leads to offense,'' Kueffer said. "We were really focused defensively on (Maranatha’s Owen Smail and Luke Shrader), both of those guys can get 25 a night,” Kueffer said. “We really just focused on making them uncomfortable, picking them up at halfcourt, and then offensively, you don’t have anything to think about.”

Despite a significant size disadvantage, Cair Paravel grabbed 16 more rebounds than Maranatha, and the effort did not go unnoticed by Kueffer.

“We’re giving up a lot of size, and they play their hearts out,” Kueffer said of his squad. “Everybody has to do their part to defend and rebound. If you’re on the floor, you’re rebounding. If you’re on the floor, you’re defending, no excuses. So I was glad to see that out of everybody today.”

Cair Paravel will be back in action on Thursday against Eskridge-Mission Valley. The Lions will look to avenge a 50-48 loss on Jan. 21.

By NICHOLAS GAINEY

Special to TopSports.news

Down by seven points midway through the third quarter in their Tuesday night non-conference matchup with Maranatha Christian, the Cair Paravel Lions girls basketball team stormed back with a 14-0 run on their way to a 39-31 home win.

Karsyn Hastert tied for game-high honors with 12 points in Tuesday's 39-31 home win over Maranatha Academy. [File photo/TSN]

The teams battled back and forth for much of the first period, with Maranatha’s Rose Baumler knocking down a three-pointer for the first field goal of the game.

The host Lions (3-11) answered with a layup from Karsyn Hastert, her first two of a 12-point night. Cair Paravel would add three-pointers from London Backman and KellyAnn Chada to take a 9-7 lead later in the period, but a late basket from Risa Johnson tied the game at 9 after the first quarter.

The Lion offense struggled in the second quarter, only scoring five points on two field goals in the period. Hastert added her second basket of the contest early in the frame before the hosts went several minutes scoreless.

Freshman Eriana Donaldson broke the drought with a layup and a foul, converting the three-point play to give Cair Paravel a 14-13 lead. The next four points belonged to the visiting Eagles (6-8), with Maranatha taking a 18-14 lead into the half following a basket from Baumler.

Cair Paravel opened the second half with a basket from Kameron Welshans to draw within two, but the Eagles’ Ava Oglesby answered with a score of her own to stretch the lead to 20-16. Quinn Sramek hit a 3-pointer to give Maranatha its largest lead of the night at 23-16, forcing a timeout from Cair Paravel coach Jaley Barkley with 4:19 to play in the third quarter.

Following the timeout, the Lions turned the tables. Cair Paravel scored the final 10 points of the quarter, including six points from Hastert.

By Rick Peterson

TopSports.news

Highland Park took command of the Meadowlark Conference boys basketball race Tuesday night with a hard-earned 51-48 road win at Atchison.

Senior Mikey Williams led Highland Park with 17 points in Tuesday's 51-48 Meadowlark Conference victory over Atchison. [File photo/TSN]

Top-ranked (Class 5A) Highland Park, which improved to 12-0 overall and 5-0 in the conference, led 14-12 at the end of the opening quarter and 23-18 at halftime before Atchison (7-4, 3-2) cut its deficit to 39-38 at the start of the fourth quarter.

The Scots held a 12-10 advantage over the final eight minutes to hold on for the win.

Highland Park senior Mikey Williams scored 8 of the Scots' 12 fourth-quarter points and went 4 of 4 at the free throw line en route to finishing with 17 points.

Senior Ja'Corey Robinson added 14 points for the Scots.

Junior Kailyn Hanni (4) scored 16 points in Silver Lake's 50-49 win over Rock Creek Tuesday night. [File photo/TSN]

Silver Lake girls edge Rock Creek, 50-49

Junior Kailyn Hanni led the way with 16 points as Silver Lake improved to 9-1 with a 50-49 non-league win at Rock Creek Tuesday night.

The Eagles trailed 15-14 after one quarter, 26-24 at the half and 42-39 at the start of the fourth quarter before Silver Lake closed with an 11-7 edge over the final eight minutes to pull out the win.  

Taylor Zordel and Ella Bolan added 12 points apiece for the Eagles.

Lucy Martinie led Rock Creek with 13 points and Kylee Frazee added 10.

By Rick Peterson

TopSports.news

Silver Lake advanced to the championship games in both the girls and boys divisions of the Burlington Invitational with Friday semifinal wins.

Junior Dayne Johnson (2) scored 28 points Friday as Silver Lake advanced to the title game in the Burlington Invitational with a 97-88 triple-overtime win over Burlington. [File photo/TSN]

Junior Kailyn Hanni led Silver Lake with 22 points in Friday's 50-48 semifinal win over Girard in the Burlington Invitational. [File photo/TSN]

Silver Lake's boys needed three overtimes to outlast host Burlington 97-88 while the Lady Eagles edged Girard, 50-48.

Silver Lake and Burlington were stll deadlocked after two overtime periods before the Eagles outscored the Wildcats 13-4 in the third OT to close out the win.

Junior Dayne Johnson and senior Jared Johnson scord 28 points apiece to lead Silver Lake while senior Brody Deiter added 21 points.

Silver Lake and Girard's girls were close throughout before the Eagles eked out the two-point win.

Junior Kailyn Hanni led the Eagles with 22 points, followed by Jaylie Whitehead and Ella Bolan with 10 points each.

Silver Lake faced Labette County in Saturday's girls final while the Eagle boys faced Ottawa.

Ballard leads way with 20 as Rural boys advance to title game

Senior Kaden Ballard scored 20 points with four 3-pointers to lead four double-figure scorers for Washburn Rural Friday as the Junior Blues advanced to the championship game of the Bill Hanson Memorial Tournament at Pittsburg with a 64-58 semifinal win over Webster Groves, Mo.

Ballard was backed by senior Amare Jones with 14 points, junior Simon Rowley with 12 points and junior John Hoytal with 10.

Webster Groves led 19-15 at the end of the first quarter before Washburn Rural (8-2) used a 21-15 second quarter to take a 36-34 halftime lead.

Webster Groves regained the lead at 47-46 at the start of the fourth quarter but the Junior Blues closed out the game with an 18-11 fourth quarter to pull out the win.

Rural was scheduled to take on Owasso, Okla. for the championsip at 2:30 p.m.

Shawnee Heights roll to Viking Classic championship contest

Shawnee Heights' boys were ahead by just five points at the end of the third quarter Friday night before taking control over the final eight minutes for a 65-51 win over Ozark, Mo. in the semifinals of the Viking Classic at Shawnee Mission West.  

Senior Jaret Sanchez led the T-Birds with 20 points, followed by junior JaiMarion Cook with 16 points and junior Ontarius Emmot with 11.

Heights advanced to Saturday's championship game to face Blue Valley North.

Bulldawgs advance to tourney title game with 66-60 win

Rossville's boys advanced to Saturday's championship game in the Valley Falls Invitational with a 66-60 win over the Northeast Kansas Nighthawks.

Rossville got a game-high 28 points from junior Cameron Miller while senior Kameron Badura added 17 and junior Jack Donovan 14 for the Bulldawgs.

By Rick Peterson

TopSports.news

Playing in a midseason tournament championship game for the fourth straight season, Shawnee Heights' boys basketball team completed the final piece of the puzzle on Saturday, claiming the championship in Shawnee Mission West's Viking Classic with a 68-41 romp past traditional Class 6A stalwart Blue Valley North, No. 7-ranked by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association.

Shawnee Heights' boys basketball team poses for a picture after winning the Viking Classic championship on Saturday. [Submitted photo]

Senior Jaret Sanchez led Shawnee Heights with 21 points in Saturday's 68-41 win over Blue Valley North. [File photo/TSN]

The No. 4-ranked (5A) T-Birds built a 14-12 first-quarter advantage and poured it on the Mustangs from there.

Shawnee Heights used 14-5 second quarter to take a 28-17 halftime lead and outscored North 26-16 in the third quarter to turn the game into a rout.

Heights (8-2) finished off the win with a 14-8 fourth quarter, with Blue Valley North needing a late 3-pointer to top the 40-point mark.

"Probably one of the biggest wins at SHHS,'' said veteran coach Ken Darting, who coached five state championship teams at Silver Lake and Highland Park. "That (Blue Valley North) team is really good. Our defense took them out of everything they wanted to do. Need to build on it now.''

Senior Jaret Sanchez led Shawnee Heights with 21 points while JaiMarion Cook added 12 points on four 3-pointers and Ontarius Emmot added 11.

The T-Birds also got 8 points from Deacon Pomeroy and 6 from DaQuan Lee.

Silver Lake's girls basketball team poses for a team picture after winning the tournament championship in the Burlington Invitational. [Silver Lake basketball]

Silver Lake girls claim Burlington title

Silver Lake's girls, No. 3-ranked in Class 3A, captured the Burlington Invitational championship with a 70-60 win over previously-unbeaten Labette County.

Junior Kailyn Hanni, who was named the tournament's most outstanding player, led the 8-1 Eagles with 22 points, backed by Savannah Wende with19 points and Jaylie Whitehead with 11.

Labette County, No. 6-ranked in 4A, fell to 10-1.

Hanni, who scored 64 points in the tournament, was joined on the all-tournament team by Ella Bolan.

Silver Lake's boys also advanced to the tournament championship game, with the Eagles dropping a 67-38 decision to Ottawa, top-ranked in Class 4A and 10-0 on the season.

Junior Dayne Johnson led Silver Lake (7-2) with 19 points while tournament most outstanding player Aiden McCullough scored a game-high 26 points for the Cyclones.

D. Johnson, who scored 68 points in the tournament, was named to the all-tournament team along with the Eagles' Jared Johnson, who had 57 points in his three tournament games.

Rossville's boys basketball team poses for a team picture on Saturday after winning the tournament championship in the Valley Falls Invitational. [Rossville Athletics]

Rossville boys claim Valley Falls title

Rossville boys basketball downed Perry-Lecompton 49-41 Saturday to cap off its championship run in the Valley Falls Invitational.

Senior Kameron Badura paced 8-3 Rossville with 21 points and averaged 17 points in the tournament for the Bulldawgs.

Juniors Jack Donovan and Cameron Miller both added 9 points for Rossville, No. 8-ranked in Class 2A, with both Donovan and Miller being named to the all-tournament team.

By Rick Peterson

TopSports.news

Shawnee Heights junior Henry Schattilly bowled a perfect 300 game in Tuesday's high school bowling meet at Lawrence, earning the individual title while leading the T-Birds to the team crown.

Shawnee Heights junior Henry Schattilly bowled a 300 game Tuesday in Lawrence, winning the individual title with a 693 series. [File photo/TSN]

Schattilly bowled his 300 in his second game after a first-game 182 and finished his series with a 212 to take individual honors by two pins over Ottawa's Shane Circle with a 693 series.

The T-Birds also got a fourth-place individual finish from Caden Cochrane (680) and a fifth-place showing from Trey Donath (662) en route to the team championship by a 2,703-2,342 margin over Free State.

Chevy Stallbaumer added a 634 series for Shawnee Heights while Donovan Davis had a 597 and Cooper Brown a 552.

Shawnee Heights also won the girls team title in Tuesday's event by a 2,068-2,020 margin over Lawrence Free State.

Reese Bell posted a fourth-place individual finish for the T-Birds with a 533 series.

T-Birds sweep titles in home quadrangular

Shawnee Heights swept the individual and team titles in Wednesday's home quadrangular at Gage Bowl.

Junior Henry Schattilly won his second individual championship in as many days, rolling a 643 three-game series to claim top honors by five pins over teammate Chevy Stallbaumer (638).

Trey Donath also posted a top-five finish, placing fourth with a 591 series, as the T-Birds finished first as a team by a 2,479-2,306 margin over Piper. Topeka West finished fourth as a team with a 2,197 team score.

Shawnee Heights sophomore Addison VanMetre won the girls individual title with a 540 series as the T-Birds edged Piper by a 1,953-1,942 margin in the team standings. Topeka West was fourth with a 1,417 total.

Heights' Sophie Scheve finished fifth individually with a 482 series.

Manhattan wins titles in Topeka High bowling quad

Manhattan dominated Tuesday's Topeka High bowling quadrangular at Gage Bowl, sweeping both the girls individual and team championships.

Manhattan's boys swept the top five individual spots on the way to a 2,603-2,212 margin over Highland Park, while Topeka West (2,109) was third and Topeka High (2,030).

Cristian Reyes led Highland Park with a 579 series while Allen McCracken had a 572 series and Aaron Poe a 565 for the Scots.

 Alec Rutschmann led Topeka West with a 556 series while Austin Mitchell paced Topeka High with a 551.

Manhattan went one-two individually in the girls division on the way to a 1,997-1,469 margin over Topeka West in the team standings. Highland Park finished third with a 1,336 team score while Topeka High was fourth at 1,297.

West's Kaitlyn Leeburg finished third with a 459 series while Highland Park was led by Thalia Villanueva, who finished fifth with a 434.

Lilly Krohe led Topeka High with a 380 series.

Lady Scots bounce back with 23-point Meadowlark Conference win

Highland Park girls basketball, which suffered its first loss on Tuesday to USD 501 rival Topeka High, bounced back with a 61-38 Meadowlark Conference victory over Atchison Wednesday night.

Sophomores Zayah Kincade and Pearmella Carter scored 15 points apiece to lead Highland Park, which Carter also grabbed 15 rebounds with five steals and Kincade connected on four 3-pointers.

Highland Park improved to 7-1 with a perfect 5-0 record in the Meadowlark Conference.

Malakyah Duncan led the way with 18 points in Tuesday's 50-49 Topeka West UKC win over Basehor-Linwood, the Chargers' fourth straight. [File photo/TSN]

West boys tune up for tourney with 50-49 UKC win over Bobcats

Juniors Malakyah Duncan and Keimani Paul combined for 30 points Tuesday night as No. 7-ranked Topeka West held on for a 50-49 United Kansas Conference win over Basehor-Linwood.

Duncan scored 18 points to lead the Chargers while Paul added 12 points as West improved to 6-2 overall and in the UKC with its fourth straight win.

West led 10-9 at the end of the first quarter and used a 16-10 second quarter to take a 26-19 halftime advantage.

West went up 42-33 after three quarters and held on for the win after Basehor-Linwood closed with a 16-8 fourth quarter.

Topeka West is competing Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the Topeka Invitational Tournament at Topeka High.

By Rick Peterson

TopSports.news

Topeka High will host the 64th annual Topeka Invitational Tournament Thursday through Saturday, with Highland Park, Topeka High and Topeka West's boys teams taking part in the event.

Ja'Corey Robinson and the undefeated Highland Park boys are the team to beat in this week's Topeka Invitational Tournament at Topeka High. [File photo/TSN] 

Undefeated Highland Park, top-ranked in Class 5A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, will open the tournament at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, with the 8-0 Scots facing Shawnee Mission North.

Lawrence and Wichita Southeast are on the same side of the bracket with Highland Park and SM North and will play a first-round game at 5 p.m.

The Hi Park-North winner will face the Lawrence-Wichita Southeast winner in a 6:30 p.m. semifinal on Friday.

Topeka West, 5-2 entering a regular-season game Tuesday at Basehor-Linwood, will open its tournament bid at 6:30 p.m. Thursday against its United Kansas Conference rival Lansing.

Host Topeka High (0-8) will close out the first round at 8 p.m. against Olathe East, with the High-East winner advancing to an 8 p.m. semifinal on Friday.

The tournament will conclude on Saturday, starting with the seventh-place game at 10 a.m., followed by the fifth-place and third-place games and the championship contest at 2:30 p.m.

TOPEKA INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT
 
At Topeka High

Thursday

3:30 p.m. -- Highland Park vs. Shawnee Mission North.

5 -- Lawrence vs. Wichita Southeast.

6:30 -- Topeka West vs. Lansing.

8 -- Topeka High vs. Olathe East.

Friday

3:30 p.m. -- Highland Park-SM North loser vs. Lawrence-Wichita State loser.

5 -- Topeka West-Lansing loser vs. Topeka High-Olathe East loser.

6:30 -- Highland Park-SM North winner vs. Lawrence-Wichita Southeast winner.

8 -- Topeka West-Lansing winner vs. Topeka High-Olathe East winner, 8 p.m.

Saturday

10 a.m. -- Seventh place.

11:30 -- Fifth place.

1 p.m. -- Third place.

2:30 -- Championship.

Hayden boys set to compete at Baldwin

Hayden will compete in the six-school Baldwin Invitational this week, opening its tournament bid at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday against Wellsville.

Hayden will take a 4-4 record into the tournament after a tight 46-43 Centennial League loss to Class 6A Manhattan.

The Wildcats will play Augusta at 5:30 Friday and will wrap things up on Saturday in the place games.

The fifth-place game is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, followed by the third-place game at 2:30 and the championship game at 4 o'clock.

BALDWIN INVITATIONAL

Tuesday

5:30 p.m. -- Wellsville vs. Augusta, 5:30 p.m.

7 -- Bishop Seabury vs. Baldwin.

Wednesday

5:30 p.m. -- Hayden vs. Wellsville.

7 -- Christ Prep vs. Bishop Seabury

Friday

5:30 p.m. -- Hayden vs. Augusta.

7 -- Christ Prep vs. Baldwin.

Saturday

1 p.m. -- Fifth place.

2:30 p.m. -- Third place.

4 p.m. -- Championship.

Junior Simon Rowley (facing) and Washburn Rural will compete in the Bill Hanson Memorial Tournament at Pittsburg. [File photo/TSN]

Rural boys headed to Pittsburg

Washburn Rural, 6-2 on the season after a Centennial League win over Emporia, will compete this week in the Bill Hanson Memorial Tournament at Pittsburg.

The Junior Blues will play an 8:30 p.m. first-round game on Thursday against Joplin, Mo.

Also on Rural's side of the tournament bracket are Webster Groves, Mo. and Branson, Mo., who will play at 7 p.m. Thursday.

The Rural-Joplin winner will play the Webster Groves-Branson winner in a 7:30 p.m. semifinal on Friday.

The place games will be played on Saturday, capped by the championship game at 2:30 p.m.

BILL HANSON MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT
 
At Pittsburg
 
Thursday

7 p.m. -- Willard, Mo. vs. Pittsburg (main gym); Webster Groves, Mo. vs. Branson, Mo. (Mallatt gym).

8:30 -- Owasso, Okla. vs. Wichita West (main gym); Washburn Rural vs. Joplin, Mo. (Mallatt gym). 

Friday

6 p.m. -- Owasso-Wichita West winner vs. Willard-Pittsburg winner (main gym); Owasso-Wichita West loser vs. Willard-Pittsburg loser (Mallatt gym).

7:30 -- Webster Groves-Branson winner vs. Washburn Rural-Joplin winner (main gym); Webster Groves-Branson loser vs. Washburn Rural-Joplin loser (Mallatt gym).

Saturday

11:30 a.m. -- Third place (main gym); seventh place (Mallatt gym).

2:30 p.m. -- Championship game (main gym); fifth-place game (Mallatt gym).

Senior Jaret Sanchez (3) leads Shawnee Heights into this week's Shawnee Mission West Viking Classic. [File photo/TSN]

T-Bird boys to compete in Viking Classic

Shawnee Heights will open competition in the Shawnee Mission West Viking Classic with a 6 p.m. Thursday quarterfinal against the host team.

The T-Birds, ranked No. 4 in Class 5A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association rankings, are 5-2 on the season while SM West is 1-4.

The Shawnee Heights-West winner will advance to a 7:30 semifinal on Friday to take on the first-round winner between Ozark, Mo. and Louisburg.

The place games will be played on Saturday, with the title game set for 3 p.m.

By Todd Fertig

TopSports.news

The Cair Paravel Latin boys withstood a furious fourth quarter rally by West Franklin Friday to hold off the Falcons to win on the Lions’ home floor, 71-67.

 Senior Jase Pavlik scored 18 points to lead the way as Cair Paravel topped West Franklin 71-67 Friday night. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Cair Paravel coach Chip Kueffer and the Lions' bench react to a big play in Friday's 71-67 win over West Franklin. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

The Lions led by 17 with five minutes remaining, but had to hit free throws in the final couple of minutes to stave off the comeback.

The Lions improved to 4-5 on the season, 2-3 in the Flint Hills League. Cair Paravel had to replace eight players from last year’s squad and coach Chip Kueffer said the learning process is ongoing.

“It helped tonight that we were at home, for sure,” Kueffer said. “The way the game played out says a lot about our youth, because we were playing a lot of young guys, and it says a lot about our leadership. So, we were able to hold onto it. Ideally, you’d like to win that game by 20. But I think we learned more from it because we were able to win a close one.”

Providing leadership, as well as 18 points, Friday was senior guard Jase Pavlik. Juniors Caleb Cleverdon and Lucas Marichal added 12 and 10 points respectively.

Coming off the bench to combine for 20 points were freshmen Chase Hastert with 13 and Blaine Durbin with seven.

“These new guys, they’ve been in the system and they’re very skilled,” Pavlik said. “The thing I like about our team is we’re smart. But we’ve got to learn to play in pressure situations. Coach said we had four turnovers at half, and I think we ended up with like 18. After the game we discussed that we haven’t been in that scenario yet.”

“To lose eight guys at a small school, that’s tough,” the Lions’ second-year coach said. “It kind of feels like my first year again because of the new league, the new schedule, playing a lot of the teams for the first time.

“The kids love each other and that makes it easier, but we’re not playing well yet. Once we get it figured out, I think we can be good.”