Cair Paravel Lions

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(Allkickoffs at 7 p.m.)

THURSDAY NIGHT'S GAME

ATCHISON (3-2, 3-1 Meadowlark) vs. HIGHLAND PARK (3-2, 3-1 Meadowlark)

At Hummer Sports Park

JoJo Kingcannon, Highland Park 

Highland Park will play for the first time in three weeks, returning to action after forfeiting back to back games to Kansas City-Harmon and Wichita East. The Scots will be facing an Atchison team that is coming off an 82-44 Meadowlark Conference loss to KC-Washington. Highland Park senior quarterback Dontrail Fox has completed 9 of 20 passes for 274 yards and 3 touchdowns while junior JoJo Kingcannon has caught 5 passes for 200 yards and 2 TDs. Kingcannon leads the Scots with 293 rushing yards and 4 TDs on 13 carries while junior G'Honi Montgomery has 256 yards and 3 TDs on 32 attempts. 

FRIDAY NIGHT'S GAMES

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (1-4, 1-3 UKC) at SEAMAN (3-2, 3-1 UKC)

Quentin Moravec, Seaman

Aiden Scott, Shawnee Heights

Seaman ran its winning streak to three games last Friday with a 48-8 United Kansas Conference romp past Lansing while Shawnee Heights is coming off a 50-48 UKC heartbreaker to De Soto. Seaman junior quarterback Cale Ketter has completed 82 of 125 passes for 1,118 yards and 15 touchdowns while junior Josh Brown has 22 catches for 303 yards and 6 TDs, junior Coy Barta has 18 catches for 223 yards and 4 TDs and senior Noah Kobuszewski has 19 catches for 300 yards and 2 TDs. Viking junior Quentin Moravec has carried the ball 92 times for 644 yards and 11 TDs. Heights senior quarterback Aiden Scott passed for more than 600 yards last Friday and has completed 127 of 200 attempts for 1,956 yards and 15 touchdowns while junior AJ Gallegos has 40 catches for 601 yards and 3 TDs, while Dallas Owens has 33 catches for 419 yards and 3 TDs and senior Tyren Parker 22 receptions for 500 yards and 3 scores.

HOLTON (3-2, 1-1 Class 3A District 4) at HAYDEN (5-0, 1-0 Class 3A District 4)

Kade Mitchell, Hayden

Rivals Hayden and Holton square off in a key Class 3A District 4 contest Friday night. Hayden rolled to a 51-0 district win over Hiawatha last week while Holton dropped a 27-17 district decision to Jefferson West. Hayden senior quarterback Connor Hanika has completed 40 of 73 passes for 612 yards and 7 touchdowns while senior Kade Mitchell has carried the ball 38 times for 399 yards and has scored nine total TDs and senior Jackson McGivern has 250 yards on 28 carries and scored five total touchdowns. Junior Mason Becker is 24 of 24 on extra point attempts while also scoring two TDs and two 2-point conversions.

JUNCTION CITY (3-2, 1-0 Centennial League) vs. TOPEKA HIGH (3-2, 1-1 Centennial)

At Hummer Sports Park

Zane Smith, Topeka High

Both the Blue Jays and Trojans are coming off losses, with Junction City dropping a 34-28 non-league decision to Hays and Topeka falling to Centennial League foe Washburn Rural, 35-6. Topeka High senior quarterback Zane Smith completed 12 of 26 passes for 284 yards against Washburn Rural while also carrying the ball 17 times for 85 yards. Junior Courtney Sanders caught 5 passes for 192 yards, including a 76-yard touchdown reception. Junction City is 1-0 in the Centennial League race after beating Manhattan 28-14 two weeks ago.

ROSSVILLE (4-1, 2-0 Class 1A District 2) vs. CAIR PARAVEL LATIN (1-4, 0-2 Class 1A District 2)

At Yager Stadium

Conner Bush, Rossville

Defending Class 1A District 2 champ Rossville is off and running in the district race again this fall, improving to 2-0 with a 55-6 win over Mission Valley last week. Cair Paravel is coming off a 53-25 district loss to Wabaunsee. Rossville, which advanced to the 1A semifinals a year ago, opened up a commanding 43-6 halftime lead over the Vikings and cruised the rest of the way. Senior quarterback Canann Mitchell passed for two touchdown and ran for a 52-yard TD in the Rossville win while Conner Bush ran for a pair of TDs. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Silver Lake football took control in the second half to extend its win streak to three games Friday night with a 47-7 non-league home win over Baldwin.

Kipton Kruger, Silver Lake

Dayne Johnson, Silver Lake

The 3-2 Eagles trailed 7-6 midway through the second quarter before ending the game with 41 unanswered points to turn the game into a rout.

Senior Bryson Burgos scored on a 7-yard run to give Silver Lake a slim 13-7 halftime advantage before the Eagles outscored the 3-2 Bulldogs 20-0 in the third quarter and 14-0 in the fourth.

Junior Owen Rottinghaus began Silver Lake's big second half with an 80-yard kickoff return before freshman quarterback Kipton Kruger and senior receiver Dayne Johnson connected on touchdown passes of 78, 17 and 4 yards.

Sophomore Jake Workman scored Silver Lake's final TD on a 27-yard run.

Now 3-2 overall, the Eagles will return to Class 2A District 4 play next Friday, traveling to Riley County. 

Silver Lake is 1-0 in the district while Riley County is 1-4 overall and 0-2 in the district.

Rossville improves to 2-0 in 1A district play with 55-6 romp

Rossville improved to 2-0 in the Class 1A District 2 race Friday night with a 55-6 home romp past Mission Valley.

The Bulldawgs, now 4-1 overall, took control with a pair of first-quarter touchdowns, from Landen Lewis on an 8-yard run and from Andre Johnson on a 38-yard run, and scored 29 points in the second quarter to build a huge 43-6 halftime advantage over the Vikings (3-2, 1-1).

Canann Mitchell, Rossville

Conner Bush scored a pair of second-quarter TDs on runs of 52 and 25 yards while quarterback Canann Mitchell  completed a 25-yard TD pass to Cameron Miller and a 35-yard scoring strike to Cale Horak.

Mitchell added a 52-yard touchdown run in the third quarter before Ryder Foster finished the Bulldawgs' scoring with a 29-yard pick six.

Mitchell completed 7 of 8 passes for 125 yards and the twoTDs and carried the ball three times for 61 yards and a touchdown.

Bush scored on both of his carries while Johnson carried the ball four times for 55 yards and a TD and Miller had four catcthes for 80 yards and a score.

Rossville will face Cair Paravel Latin Friday night at Washburn's Yager Stadium.

Unbeaten Hayden routs Hiawatha, 51-0

Hayden opened Class 3A District 4 play with a 51-0 road romp past Hiawatha Friday night, improving to 5-0 on the season.

The Wildcats took control with a 22-point opening quarter and led 29-0 at halftime.

Hayden finished off the rout with a 22-point third quarter to build its final margin.

The Wildcats will be at home next Friday to host Holton in a district game. Holton is 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the district after a 27-17 Friday night loss to Jefferson West. 

Seaman stretches win streak to three games with 48-8 romp past Lansing

Seaman won its third straight United Kansas Conference game Friday night, rolling to a 48-8 road win at Lansing.

The Vikings are now 3-2 overall and 3-1 in the UKC.

Seaman will be at home Friday to face UKC and city rival Shawnee Heights. 

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

FRIDAY NIGHT'S GAMES

(Allkickoffs at 7 p.m.)

John Hoytal, Washburn Rural [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

TOPEKA HIGH (3-1, 1-0 Centennial) at WASHBURN RURAL (3-1, 0-0 Centennial)

Both Topeka High and Washburn Rural are coming off victories, with the Trojans opening Centennial League play wih a 13-12 home win over Emporia while the Junior Blues rolled to a 31-7 non-league road win at Blue Valley Northwest. Friday is Rural's Centennial League opener. Junior Blues senior quarterback John Hoytal threw for three touchdowns against Northwest while junior Jadyn Baum caught a touchdown pass and ran for a TD and senior Brody Haas picked off two passes, returning one for a TD. Topeka High's defense came up big in last week's win over Emporia, including stuffing the Spartans' two-point conversion attempt to preserve the Trojans' one-point lead.

Aiden Scott, Shawnee Heights [File photo/TSN]

DE SOTO (3-1, 3-1 UKC) at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (1-3, 1-2 UKC)

Both teams are coming off United Kansas Conference losses, with De Soto dropping a 42-38 nailbiter to undefeated Basehor-Linwood while Shawnee Heights fell 43-29 on the road at Leavenworth. Heights senior quarterback Aiden Scott has completed 95 of 153 passes for 1,330 yards and 12 touchdowns while senior AJ Gallegos has a team-high 28 catches for 391 yards and a pair of TDs and junior Dallas Owens has 27 receptions for 312 yards and two TDs. Senior David Wakes has 281 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 60 attemps. Senior Dayton Vanderpool leads Heights with 36 tackles, including 23 solo stops.

Jackson McGivern, Hayden [File photo/TSN] 

HAYDEN (4-0, 0-0 Class 3A District 4) at HIAWATHA (1-3, 0-1 Class 3A District 4)

Hayden is coming of a 42-7 home win over Wamego, with the Wildcats avenging one of their two defeats in the 2024 season, while Hiawatha opened Class 3A District 4 play with a 12-7 loss to Jefferson West. Hayden senior quarterback Connor Hanika hit Jackson McGivern, Xander Blasing and Kade Mitchell for touchdowns and Hanika also ran for a TD in the Wildcats' win. Junior Mason Becker returned a pass interception for a touchdown and also went 6 for 6 on extra-point kicks.

Quentin Moravec, Seaman [File photo/TSN]

SEAMAN (2-2, 2-1 UKC) at LANSING (2-2, 2-1 UKC)

Seaman won its second straight game last Friday, a 56-6 United Kansas Conference win over Kansas City-Turner, while Lansing took a 36-20 conference win over Topeka West. Seaman sophomore running back Quentin Moravec has carried the ball 70 times for 510 yards and nine touchdowns while junior quarterback Cale Ketter has completed 68 of 102 passes for 892 yards and 11 TDs. Junior Josh Brown has 20 pass receptions for 266 yards and six TDs. Senior Cameron Brian leads the Vikings with 54 tackles, including 28 solo stops and five tackles for loss.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

As Cair Paravel Latin prepares to return -- at least for the next two seasons -- to 8-man football, the Lions proved again Friday night that despite facing a numbers crunch they are capable of competing in the 11-man ranks.

Cair Paravel sophomore quarterback Chase Hastert (1) passed for 168 yards and a touchdown in Friday's 21-7 loss to Mission Valley. [Photo by Barry Benteman/Special to TSN]

Cair Paravel senior Lucas Marichal had six catches for 91 yards and a 19-yard TD in Friday's 21-7 loss to Mission Valley. [Photo by Barry Benteman/Special to TSN]

But although the Lions, who suited up 22 players, went toe to toe with Mission Valley for most of Friday's Class 1A District 2 opener, a few self-inflicted errors turned the tide as the Vikings posted a 21-7 victory at Yager Stadium.

"It's the little things and we didn't do the little things well,'' Cair Paravel coach Doug Bonura said. "It was some guys wanting it so bad they tried to take the team on their own rather than just doing their job.

"It's tough losing, but if we can come out of this and learn, then great. It's wasting that learning that would be the problem.''

Cair Paravel, 1-3 overall and 0-1 in District 2, was locked in a scoreless tie with the Vikings at the end of the first quarter, but Mission Valley (3-1, 1-0) never trailed after scoring 14 points in a 31-second span in the second quarter.

Mission Valley got on the board at the 8:47 mark of the second quarter on a 1-yard plunge from junior quarterback Jake Mills and Hemi Duehring tacked on the extra point to give the Vikings a 7-0 lead.

The ensuing kickoff looked like it was going to go out of bounds but the ball stopped just inside the sideline and Mission Valley senior Bryce Bunger grabbed the ball to give the Vikings the ball at the Lions' 22, leading to a 17-yard TD pass from Mills to sophomore Parker Kelley (Duehring kick) with 8:16 left in the half. 

Cair Paravel got back in the hunt on its ensuing drive, with sophomore quarterback Chase Hastert hitting senior Lucas Marichal for a 19-yard TD (Marichal kick) with 5:17 left before halftime.

The score remained 14-7 well into the second half before Mission Valley picked up a huge insurance score with 3:04 left in the third quarter on a 9-yard TD pass from Mills to Bunger (Duehring kick). 

Cair Paravel had its chances to get back in the game but hurt itself with three turnovers on the night, costly penalties and multiple dropped passes.

"We have some challenges other teams don't have,'' Bonura said. "We're one of the smallest teams out there and we've got a lot of young guys. We had to play some freshman tonight that we didn't want to put on the field, but that's what you have to do.

"That's just a disadvantage that you have trying to overcome some of those things, but I think if we can continue to grow we're going to be alright. Right now we've just got to get our guys to be disciplined on what they need to do and do their job and not worry about someone else's job.''

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(Allkickoffs at 7 p.m.)

THURSDAY'S GAMES

Josiah Wilkie, Topeka West

LANSING (1-2, 1-1 UKC) vs. TOPEKA WEST (0-3, 0-3 UKC)

At Hummer Sports Park

Topeka West is coming off a 61-0 United Kansas Conference loss to Seaman while Lansing dropped a 40-15 non-league loss to Tonganoxie last week. Junior running back Damon Webb, senior wide receiver Gad Munganga and sophomore quarterback Josiah Wilkie are top players for Topeka West. Lansing junior quarterback Caden Garcia has completed 28 of 60 passes for 403 yards and 3 TDs while junior running back Jaxon Pollard has rushed for 362 yards and 8 TDs 59 attempts. 

Kellan Roth, Washburn Rural

WASHBURN RURAL (2-1) at BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST (2-1)

Both Washburn Rural and Blue Valley Northwest suffered their first losses of the season last week, with Rural dropping a 60-28 non-league decision to Missouri state champion Platte County and Blue Valley Northwest falling to St. James Academy, 21-7. Northwest junior quarterback Aidan Ihm has completed 46 of 70 passes for 604 yards and 7 touchdowns while senior running back LJ Bowens has carried the ball 40 times for 268 yards and 3 TDs. Senior quarterback John Hoytal and senior wide receiver Kellan Roth are both off to hot starts this fall for Washburn Rural.   

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Kade Mitchell, Hayden

WAMEGO (2-1) at HAYDEN (3-0)

Hayden will get the opportunity to avenge one of its two losses in the 2024 season Friday night against the visiting Red Raiders. Wamego is coming off a 34-8 win over Marysville last Friday while Hayden rolled to a 46-7 road win over Kansas-City Bishop Ward and has now outscored its three opponents by a 123-13 margin. Wamego junior quarterback Logan Fulton has completed 32 of 53 passes for 562 yards and 4 TDs. Seniors Connor Hanika and Kade Mitchell and junior Mason Becker have been key offensive threats for the Wildcats.

Ricardo Dowd, Topeka High

EMPORIA (2-1, 0-0 Centennial) vs. TOPEKA HIGH (2-1, 0-0 Centennial)

At Hummer Sports Park

Both Emporia and Topeka High will be opening Centennial League play Friday night. The Spartans have won their last two games by a 102-6 margin, including a 50-0 non-league romp past Coffeyville last week. The Trojans were shut out 6-0 by Wichita Southeast last Thursday. Topeka High will be looking for a big night from senior quarterback Zane Smith,  while sophomore running back Ricardo Dowd has also been an offensive threat for the Trojans. 

Cale Ketter, Seaman

KANSAS CITY-TURNER (0-3, 0-3 UKC) at SEAMAN (1-2, 1-1 UKC)

Seaman rolled to a 61-0 United Kansas Conference win over Topeka West last Friday while Turner dropped a 56-0 conference decision to Leavenworth. Seaman junior quarterback Cale Ketter has completed 53 of 81 pass attempts for 628 yards and 7 touchdowns, including five against West. Junior running back Quentin Moravec has carried the ball 58 times for 426 yards and 6 TDs while junior Josh Brown has 16 pass receptions for 207 yards and 4 TDs.

 Aiden Scott, Shawnee Heights

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (1-2, 1-1 UKC) at LEAVENWORTH (2-1, 2-1)

Shawnee Heights dropped a 35-22 United Kansas Conference decision to Basehor-Linwood last Friday while Leavenworth rolled to a 56-0 UKC win over KC-Turner. T-Bird senior quarterback Aiden Scott has completed 69 of 116 passes for 921 yards and 9 touchdowns. Senior David Wakes has 217 rushing yards and 3 TDs on 56 attempts while senior AJ Gallegos has caught 19 passes for 234 yards and senior Tyren Parker has 10 catches for 245 yards and 2 touchdows. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Seaman's girls tennis team had put itself in position to win the city championship the previous two seasons, only to fall just short.

Seaman's girls tennis team poses for a picture after winning the city championship Thursday at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

And Jamie Robinson's Vikings had to sweat another down-to-the-wire finish again on Thursday at Kossover Tennis Center, but this time Seaman got the job done, earning its first city title since 2015 by a 32-28 margin over Washburn Rural.

"We're happy,'' Robinson said. "This is what our goal was at the beginning of the year, to win city. It kind of got to the point where we didn't want to talk about it. We didn't want to jinx ourselves because we were so pumped up to win city this year. 

"We'd been snakebit in the past and were so close, so it meant a lot to the girls. Look at them, they're excited.''

Seaman junior Emma Sweeney won the city No. 1 singles title Thursday, posting three 8-0 wins on the day. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Seaman senior Molly Gorman won the city No. 2 singles title Thursday for the city champion Vikings. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Viking junior Emma Sweeney rolled to the No. 1 singles title without dropping a game in her three matches on the day, including an 8-0 win over Topeka High's Madeline Deters in the finals, while senior Molly Gorman won her second straght No. 2 singles championship, outlasting Hayden freshman Lena Hull in the title match, 8-7 (7-2 in a tiebreaker).

Seaman also got runnerup doubles finishes from Peyton Henry and Camryn Lux in No. 1 doubles and from Kaylyn Hiebsch and Cadence Speer in the No. 2 bracket.

Sweeney agreed with her coach that the city title meant a lot to the Vikings.

"We talk about it every year,'' Sweeney said. "We're always so close and our coach really wanted it because he'd never won city since he's been coaching. We always talk about it and we were ready.

"It means so much and we're all so excited.''

Washburn Rural put itself in the city title picture with a sweep of the doubles championships.

Washburn Rural's Julia Katzer teamed with Halle Owen to win the city No. 1 doubles title Thursday at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Washburn Rural's Halle Owen (left) teamed with Julia Katzer to win the No. 1 doubles city title Thursday. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Julia Katzer teamed with Halle Owen to take an 8-3 win over Seaman's Henry and Lux in the No. 1 final while Alizah Chedzoy and Annie Henderson took an 8-3 win over Seaman's Hiebsch and Speer in the No. 2 title match.

Hayden, the 2024 city champion, finished third as a team with 23 points, one point ahead of fourth-place Topeka High, as the Wildcats posted top-four finishes in all four divisions.

CITY GIRLS TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Hayden, ranked No. 2 in Class 3A by the Kansas Football Coaches Association, improved to 3-0 Friday night with a 46-7 road win at Kansas City Bishop Ward.

The Wildcats took control from the outset, building a 25-0 first-quarter lead and taking a 32-0 advantage to the locker room at halftime.

Hayden led 39-0 at the end of the third quarter before both teams scored TDs in the fourth quarter.

The Wildcats will be at home next Friday, hosting a Wamgo team that handed Hayden one of its two losses in 2024.

Senior quarterback John Hoytal attempts a pass in Friday's 60-28 home loss to Missouri power Platte County. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN] 

Platte County pulls away for 60-28 win over Blues

Washburn Rural scored touchdowns against powerhouse Platte County, a defending Missouri state champion, but the Pirates, who improved to 4-0, rolled up 60 points in a 60-28 win over the Junior Blues at Bowen-Glaze Stadium.

Washburn Rural senior Nate Selm scores a touchdown in Friday's 60-28 loss to Platte County, Mo. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Now 2-1 on the season, Washburn Rural will travel to Blue Valley Northwest next Friday for a non-league contest. 

Rossville suffers first loss, 56-28 to Thunder

After a 2-0 start with thrilling wins over Silver Lake and St. Marys, Rossville fell to undefeated Nemaha Central Friday night, 56-28.

The Bulldawgs, now 2-1 overall and in the Big East League, scored in every quarter against last season's Class 2A runnerup Nemaha Central, but the 3-0 Thunder scored 14 points in all four quarters.

Rossville senior quarterback Canann Mitchell threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to senior Cameron Miller and also scored on a 4-yard run, while the Bulldawgs also got a 4-yard run from senior Jack Donovan and a 6-yard run from senior Andre Johnson.

The Bulldawgs will travel to Maranatha Christian Academy next Friday. 

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

THURSDAY'S GAME

(Kickoff at 7 p.m.)

Zane Smith, Topeka High

WICHITA SOUTHEAST (1-1) at TOPEKA HIGH (2-0)

Topeka High will be playing its second Thursday night game in the first three weeks of the season and will be looking to start the season 3-0 after beginnning the 2024 season 4-0. The Trojans are coming off a 28-20 come-from-behind road win over Wichita Heights while Wichita Southeast lost 33-6 to Bishop Carroll last week. Senior quarterback Zane Smith is off to a hot start this fall for Topeka High while sophomore running back Ricardo Dowd is in the midst of a breakout season.

FRIDAY'S GAMES

(Highland Park-KC Schlagle kickoff at 4 p.m.)

(All other kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

G'Honi Montgomery, Highland Park

KC-SCHLAGLE (1-1, 1-0) vs. HIGHLAND PARK (2-0, 2-0 Meadowlark)

At Hummer Sports Park

The undefeated Scots will play the first game of a city doubleheader at Hummer Sports Park, kicking off at 4 p.m. Highland Park has yet to be tested thus far, rolling to Meadowlark Conference wins over Kansas City-Wyandotte and last week's 44-16 victory over KC-Sumner. Schlagle is coming off a 44-0 win over Wyandotte last week. Scot junior JoJo Kingcannon has rushed for 247 yards on just nine carries while junior G'Honi Montgomery has rushed for 187 yards on 26 carries. Montgomery scored three touchdowns last week, including a pair of kickoff returns for TDs.

SEAMAN (0-2, 0-1) vs. TOPEKA WEST (0-2, 0-2)

At Hummer Sports Park

Seaman and Topeka West will play the second game of Friday's twinbill at Hummer Sports Park, with the Vikings and Chargers both looking for their first victories in the United Kansas Conference contest. Seaman is coming off a 41-21 non-league loss to Shawnee Mission East while Topeka West dropped a 76-35 UKC decision to Shawneee Heights. Seaman junior quarterback Cale Ketter has completed 41 of 66 passes for 348 yards and two TDs while sophomore Quentin Moravec has carried the ball 40 times for 227 yards and four scores. West sophomore quarterback Josiah Wilkie completed 19 of 46 passes for 323 yards and three TDs against Shawnee Heights. Jayden Lindsay accounted for 155 yards receiving while Gad Munganga added 125 yards receiving.

Kellan Roth, Washburn Rural

PLATTE COUNTY, MO. (3-0) at WASHBURN RURAL (2-0)

Washburn Rural is coming off a thrilling 31-30 come-from-behind non-league win over Blue Valley last Friday while Platte County rolled to a 46-7 win over Fort Osage, Mo. The Pirates went 14-0 and captured a Missouri state title in 2024 and have outscored their first three opponents by a 156-37 margin this season. Rural quarterback John Hoytal threw for four TDs last week, including three to senior Kellan Roth. Junior Ryan Austin kicked a 31-yard field goal and the game-winning extra point against Blue Valley. 

Canann Mitchell, Rossville

NEMAHA CENTRAL (2-0, 1-0) at ROSSVILLE (2-0, 2-0)

Rossville pulled out its second straight nail-biting Big East League win last Friday, edging St. Marys, 40-34, while Nemaha Central topped Big East League foe Silver Lake, 42-7. Rossville senior quarterback Canann Mitchell has completed 26 of 45 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns and carried the ball 33 times for 219 yards and three TDs. Senior Cameron Miller has caught 11 passes for 152 yards and two TDs.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Senior quarterback John Hoytal threw for four touchdowns, including three to senior Kellan Roth, capped by the game-tying strike with 7:15 left, as Washburn Rural pulled out a 31-30 non-league win over Blue Valley Friday night at Bowen-Glaze Stadium.

Washburn Rural senior quarterback John Hoytal threw for four touchdowns Friday night as the Junior Blues edged Blue Valley, 31-30. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Senior Kellan Roth caught three touchdown passes in Washburn Rural's 31-30 win over Blue Valley Friday night. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN] 

Hoytal connected with Roth for 13 and 9-yard TD strikes before hooking up for the 9-yard score that tied the game at 30-30. Junior Ryan Austin broke the tie with the extra-point kick and the Junior Blues held on the rest of the way to improve to 2-0.

Hoytal also hit junior Gavin Vantuyl for a 15-yard touchdown while Austin kicked a 31-yard field goal in the first half.

Roth's first touchdown of the night put the Junior Blues up 7-0 and Austin's field goal broke a 7-7 tie.

Vantuyl's score at the 1:04 mark of the second quarter put Rural in front 16-14 at the half and Hoytal's 9-yard TD pass to Roth and a subsequent 2-point conversion gave the Junior Blues a 24-22 advantage midway through the third quarter.

Blue Valley regained the lead at 30-24 before the Junior Blues came through with the game-winning points.

Washburn Rural will host Platte County, Mo. next Friday.

Rossville senior quarterback Canann Mitchell ran for two touchdowns and threw for two TDs in Friday's 40-34 win over St. Marys. [File photo/TSN]

Rossville senior Andre Johnson (1) scored the game-winning touchdown in the Bulldawgs' 40-34 win over St. Marys Friday night. [File photo/TSN]

Bulldawgs rally for 40-34 win over Bears

Rossville trailed much of the night and the game was tied with a minute left before senior Andre Johnson scored on a 4-yard run with 55 seconds remaining as the Bulldawgs pulled out a 40-34 Big East road win.

Rossville, now 2-0 overall and in the league, trailed 8-0, 16-6, 22-13 at the half and 28-20 after three quarters before pulling out the win with a 20-point fourth quarter.

Bulldawg senior quarterback Canann Mitchell ran for 56 and 3-yard runs and threw for an 11-yard TD to senior Jack Donovan and a 10-yard TD to senior Cameron Miller.

Johnson had a pair of touchdowns on the night, also scoring on a 3-yard run.

Rossville will be at home next Friday to host 2-0 Nemaha Central.

By TODD FERTIG

TopSports.news

A good serve in a high school volleyball match can travel 50 miles per hour or faster. A good spike at the net can move even faster. Advanced players put spin on the ball to make it move in the air similar to a baseball pitcher. During each play, the volleyball is passed around to players darting in different directions to execute plays designed to hammer the ball at the opponent.

Cair Paravel senior Karsyn Hastert has become a multi-sport star for the Lions despite losing the sight in her left eye as a two-year-old. [Photo by Todd Fertig/TSN]

You better have your eye on the ball and your head on a swivel if you’re going to excel.

The nature of the sport makes what Cair Paravel Latin School’s Karsyn Hastert does remarkable.

Before her second birthday, the CPLS senior was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, an eye cancer that tends to plague small children. She had a surgery as a two-year old that cost her the sight in her left eye. She spent a lot of her earliest years in hospitals and doctors’ offices.

But from the minute she was old enough to play with her peers, Hastert was determined to not let the impairment slow her down.

“I don’t have a lot of memories of it. I think I was always trying to prove myself, that I wanted to just be normal when I was younger,” Hastert recalled. “I wanted to be as good as everyone else. So, I never really thought of it as a disadvantage because I was always telling myself 'I’m normal. I’m normal. I’m normal.’ ”

Cair Paravel senior volleyball star Karsyn Hastert listens to Lions coach Craig Congdon during Thursday's Topeka West quadrangular. [Photo by Todd Fertig/TSN]

Hastert is not normal on the volleyball court. She is a standout for the Lions, a middle hitter who leads with intensity and positivity. Last year, she was one of just four players to receive unanimous all-conference honors from the Flint Hills League. Cair Paravel coach Craig Congdon said he is often asked by opposing coaches about Hastert’s eyes.

“They come up and say ‘Wait, does she have a visual impairment?’” Congdon recounted. “And they all say, ‘We can’t believe it.’ Usually, the other teams don’t realize it until they’re shaking hands and then suddenly they go, ‘Wait a second, that girl just killed us.’”

Congdon says there isn’t much he could do to prevent Hastert’s vision from being a problem. He says even if he could, the senior leader wouldn’t need the help.

“I don’t have to do anything to put her in positions to fight. She’s always going to do that herself,” Congdon said. “She is such a fierce competitor. I don’t know if, growing up, she felt like she had to make up for something. What she does is just incredible.”

Congdon admits he wasn’t always sure Hastert would play at such a high level.

“I’ve coached Karsyn for all of her high school career, so freshman year was the first time I interacted with her,” Congdon said. “It was then that I noticed something different about that eye, so I asked her dad, and he said she had a disease when she was a kid and lost it. I thought, ‘Oh, well, she’s surely not going to be able to judge balls in the air.’ And boy, she tracks the ball better than any of the other players I’ve had.”

“It’s all I’ve ever known,” Hastert said. “It’s not like I randomly lost it. I’ve always seen like this, so for me it’s just normal. When I don’t make a play, I never blame it on my eyes. I just think ‘I should have got there quicker.’ ”

The 5-foot-10 senior admits the visual impairment probably causes her more problems on the basketball court, where she is a post player. Volleyball has always been her best sport. She has not made decisions about college yet, but is open to the thought of playing at the next level.

Prior to this season, Hastert was hesitant to let others know about her visual impairment. But as a senior, she has decided to share her story.

“I’m more open to people knowing about it now than before, because when I was younger, I was really insecure about it,” Hastert said. “Before this year, I probably, just because of embarrassment, didn’t want people to think about it. But now I can say I wouldn’t want it any other way. I think it’s who I am and it’s part of my testimony, so I am willing to talk about it.

“I hope that, if someone has a story that’s similar, I can be an encouragement that they can be able to play. There are so many kids out there who have cancer or disabilities that don’t have to let that be a restriction. I think (my message to others) would be ‘You don’t need to worry about being normal. You can embrace who you are.’ ”

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

FRIDAY'S GAMES

(All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

Shawnee Heights senior quarterback Aiden Scott threw for 428 yards and four touchdowns in last Friday's 51-41 loss to Washburn Rural. [File photo/TSN]

Topeka West junior Damon Webb is one of the area's top running backs. [File photo/TSN]

TOPEKA WEST (0-1, 0-1 UKC) at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (0-1, 0-0 UKC)

Topeka West opened its season with a home 47-12 United Kansas Conference loss to De Soto while Shawnee Heights dropped a 51-41 home non-league decision to city rival Washburn Rural. Heights senior quarterback Aiden Scott completed 30 of 52 passes for 428 yards and four touchdowns against Rural while senior David Wakes carried the ball 21 times for 67 yards, senior Tyren Parker caught seven passes for 172 yards and two TDs and senior AJ Gallegos caught 10 passes for 113 yards. Top players for Topeka West include senior lineman Logan Hunninghake, senior wide receiver Gad Munganga and junior running back Damon Webb.

Junior running back G'Honi Montgomery rushed for 113 yards in Highland Park's 32-6 win at KC-Wyandotte last Friday. [File photo/TSN]

KC-SUMNER (0-1, 0-1 Meadowlark) vs. HIGHLAND PARK (1-0, 1-0 Meadowlark)

At Hummer Sports Park 

Highland Park opened its quest for a fourth straight winning season with a 32-6 Meadowlark Conference road win at Kansas City-Wyandotte while KC-Sumner is coming off a 62-20 Meadowlark loss to KC-Washington. Highland Park junior running back G'Honi Montgomery rushed for 113 yards on 12 carries while junior JoJo Kingcannon had 103 yards on just four attempts and senior quarterback Dontrail Fox threw for a TD. Defensively junior Rayshon Pollard had seven tackles with two sacks.

OSAGE CITY (1-0, 0-0 Flint Hills) vs. CAIR PARAVEL LATIN (1-0, 1-0 Flint Hills)

At Yager Stadium, Washburn University

Cair Paravel rolled to a 60-14 Flint Hills League win over West Franklin in its 2025 opener at Washburn's Yager Stadium while Osage City opened with a 41-13 non-league win over Olpe. The Lions opened up a 20-0 first-quarter lead, led 26-8 at halftime and 52-8 at the start of the fourth quarter. Cair Paravel is one win away from equaling its win total in a 2-7 season last fall in its first season in the 11-man ranks.

SM EAST (1-0) at SEAMAN (0-1)

Seaman dropped a 33-22 United Kansas Conference home decision to Piper in its 2025 season-opener and will go outside league play to host Class 6A Shawnee Mission East Friday night. The Lancers are 1-0 after a 31-28 win over Olathe Northwest. Seaman junior quarterback Cale Ketter completed 30 of 42 passes for 192 yards against Piper while sophomore Quentin Moravec rushed for 112 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries and junior Josh Brown caught 10 passes for 74 yards.

Junior Jadyn Baum (26) rushed for 84 yards and scored two touchdowns in Washburn Rural's 51-41 season-opening win over Shawnee Heights. [File photo/TSN]

BLUE VALLEY (1-0) at WASHBURN RURAL (1-0) 

Washburn Rural outlasted city rival Shawnee Heights 51-41 at Heights last week while Blue Valley opened with a 28-21 win over Blue Valley Southwest. Rural senior quarterback John Hoytal completed 11 of 20 passes for 201 yards and a pair of touchdowns while senior TJ Minikwu was 28 for 77 yards rushing and junior Jadyn Baum picked up a game-high 84 yards on 12 attempts. Minikwu and Baum scored two TDs apiece, while senior Nate Selm also had two TDs, including a 47-yard return of an onsides kick attempt.

By TODD FERTIG

TopSports.news

The Cair Paravel Latin volleyball team took down two Topeka public school teams and then measured itself against the defending Class 2A champion Thursday at the Topeka West quadrangular.

Cair Paravel volleyball celebrates its victory over Topeka West in Thursday's Topeka West volleyball quadrangular. [Photo by Todd Fertig/TSN]

Cair Paravel junior Karsyn Hastert prepares to spike the ball in Thursday's Topeka West volleyball quadrangular. [Photo by Todd Fertig/TSN]

Maranatha Christian Academy from Shawnee, winners of the 2A title a year ago, swept through the field Thursday night, never giving up more than 16 points in a game.

Cair Paravel won what wound up being the tightest battle of the evening in their opening match with Topeka West. The Lions edged the Chargers, 25-19, 25-22.

“We’re a young team. We start two freshmen,” Cair Paravel coach Craig Congdon said. “I saw some girls grow in ways that I haven’t seen them play. I saw them compete. And it’s fun playing against local teams. Highland Park has really improved. They’re coming out with a lot more fire than in past years.”

Coach Isaach Johnson talks to his Highland Park volleyball team during Thursday's Topeka West quadrangular. [Photo by Todd Fertig/TSN]

Highland Park did not win a game, but it received a lot of praise for how competitive the Scots were in each match.

“Having more competitive teams to play against really helps us to be able to outshine the other teams in (the Meadowlark) League, which is our first goal,” said second-year coach Isaach Johnson. “Ultimately, we don’t want Highland Park to just stay at the same level forever. For the last two years, we’ve tried to continue to include more competitive teams (on the schedule). And it’s already shown that, whereas two years ago against a team like Topeka West where Highland Park was losing 25-0, now we’re actually having competitive games. So, this is a great way for us to be prepared against high level of play.”

Topeka West defeated Highland Park in their final match of the evening, sending the Chargers home on a high note.

Topeka West junior Sydney VanDyke serves the ball during Thursday's Topeka West quadrangular. [Photo by Todd Fertig/TSN]

“This is always a very fun home quad for us to kick off on,” said Charger coach Alyx Nash. “I’m kind of sad the way we competed tonight. That was definitely not the team that you will usually see in purple and the way we are expecting to play this year. But we had a lot of good competition tonight and saw some good things to build on.”

By TODD FERTIG

TopSports.news

Shawnee Heights' soccer teamused its speed and attacking style to post eight scores in the first half against Cair Paravel Latin Monday at the Bettis Family Sports Complex, taking an 8-0 non-league win.

Senior Camden Granado sliced through the Lions’ defense for four goals to lead the T-Birds.

The game gave the T-Birds a boost of confidence going into a match versus Topeka High on Thursday at Hummer Sports Park. For Class 2A Cair Paravel, it was a chance to challenge itself against a much bigger school.

Defeating Cair Paravel was another step in the journey for the T-Birds who bounced back with a win last Thursday over Free State after dropping the season opener at Washburn Rural.

“Opening with Rural, that was a pretty tough way to open the season,” Shawnee Heights coach Nic Simons said. “But we bounced back really well against a great Free State team, and it was great to see us come out tonight and kind of take care of some things and get things where we want going into Thursday against Topeka High.”

The Lions held Shawnee Heights off the board for the first five minutes of the game. But once Granado got rolling, the T-Birds took command. They netted four goals in the next nine minutes, three of them off the foot of the senior captain.

“To score as many goals as we did in the first half just gives us confidence in our offense,” Granado said. “I can’t take the credit because (my teammates) did great getting me the ball. We did great just making passes in order to move the ball up the field.”

“Some of the creativity on the offensive side of the field is kind of what I’ve been wanting to see,” Simons said. “And I think our ability to push the ball up the field is something that we’re going to need to bring on Thursday.

Once the T-Birds were comfortably in the lead, Simons began substituting liberally.

“It’s good for us to get some guys some experience,” Simons said. “We played quite a few sophomores off our bench tonight and it was incredible to see some of those guys step on the field and give us some great minutes.

“We knew coming into the season that we could have a good team. Almost everybody played varsity last year,” Granado said. “It’s just living up to those expectations. Obviously, we have goals that are going to come later in the season, but it’s just working towards them every game and making sure that every game matters.”

Though the score wasn’t what the Lions would have liked, they had several near misses that kept things interesting. Coach Mark Congdon believed trying to match the speed and intensity of the 5A T-Birds was a good learning experience.

“We’ve got more experience than we usually do, but we’re still starting several freshmen and sophomores,” Congdon said. “They were a little bit shell-shocked – this was a pace of play they hadn’t experienced before. They were chasing their tails most of the night.

“We played a team last night that is struggling and having a down year, so we mercy-ruled somebody last night, and tonight we get mercy-ruled. So, it was great to see both sides of the spectrum, to learn things like how to play with class no matter what the score is.”

Congdon said he expects this to be the best team the Lions have fielded in the last several years. Playing a powerful opponent early in the season can be to their benefit.

“That’s great soccer. How can we mimic that?” Congdon said. “I told the guys, 'You learn from your opponent. What made them so difficult to defend? What were the passes that broke our backs? What things can we take into the rest of our season and copy them?’ ”

Congdon noted a goal scored by Cair Paravel senior Nathan Keys that was wiped out by an offside penalty.

“This is the first game Nathan Keys was shut out since 2023,” Congdon said. “He scored in every game last year, and in our first three games this year. That (call) was unfortunate because I thought he might keep his streak going.”

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS 8, CAIR PARAVEL 0

Cair Paravel (2-2-0)          0 X — 0

Shawnee Heights (2-1-0) 8 X — 8

Shawnee Heights — Goals: Granado 4, Curvelo-Montenegro 2, Lindecrantz, Retana. Assists: Lilly. Shutout: Arteaga.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Rossville volleyball stretched its winning streak to seven matches with a dominating performance in Saturday's Rossville Invitational, with the Bulldawgs posting five straight-set victories to claim the tournament championship.

Rossville volleyball is now 7-0 on the 2025 season after winning its invitational tournament on Saturday with a 5-0 day. [Rossville volleyball]

Rossville, which was ranked No. 10 in the Kansas Volleyball Association Class 2A preseason state rankings, opened its day with a 25-11, 25-21 win over Waverly, followed by a 25-14, 25-23 win over Baldwin, a 25-20, 25-17 victory over Iola and a 25-19, 25-15 win over Iola before winning the tournament title with a 25-19, 25-19 win over Burlington.

Dani Dodge's Bulldawgs got a dominating performance at the net from junior Nora Burdiek, who registered double-digit kills in all five matches.

Burdiek had 11 kills against Waverly, 15 against Baldwin, 14 versus Iola, 12 against Wellsville and 12 kills in the Bulldawgs' final match win over Burlington. 

Burdiek now has 90 kills on the season for the 7-0 Bulldawgs after posting 26 kills in a pair of Big East League wins over Sabetha earlier in the week.

Rossville also got a big day from freshman setter Kenna Perine on Saturday, with Perine contributing 117 assists in her five matches.

Perine registered 27 assists against Waverly, 21 against Baldwin, 24 against Iola, 21 against Wellsville and 24 against Burlington.

Perine had a total of 35 assists in her high school debut on Tuesday against Sabetha and now has 152 assists on the year.

Junior G'Honi Montgomery rushed for 113 yards on 12 carries in Friday's 32-6 Highland Park win at KC-Wyandotte. [File photo/TSN]

Scots roll to 32-6 season-opening win over Bulldawgs

Highland Park football began its quest for a fourth straight winning season Friday night with a 32-6 Meadowlark Conference road win over Kansas City-Wyandotte. 

Scot junior G'Honi Montgomery rushed for 113 yards on just 12 attempts against Wyandotte while junior JoJo Kingcannon had 103 yards on just four carries.

Senior quarterback Dontrail Fox had 22 passing yards and a touchdown for Hi Park.

Defensively, junior Rayshon Pollard led the Scots with seven tackles while also recording a pair of sacks.

Highland Park will be at Hummer Park Friday to host KC-Sumner Academy in a Meadowlark Conference contest (7 p.m. kickoff). 

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

THURSDAY'S GAME

Jason Filbeck begins his second season at Topeka High Thursday night after leading the Trojans to a 4-5 mark last fall. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

WICHITA WEST vs. TOPEKA HIGH

At Hummer Sports Park

Jason Filbeck begins his second season as Topeka High's head coach after leading the Trojans to a 4-5 record last fall, including four straight wins to open the season. High returns a solid group of returners to build around this season , returning four starters on offense and eight on defense. Senior defensive back Malachi Murph has received All-Centennial League first-team recognition the past two seasons and was an All-Shawnee County Second 22 honoree last fall while quarterback Zane Smith, linebacker Rock Williamson and defensive lineman Trey Lutz received All-Centennial League and All-Shawnee County honorable mention in 2024. Wichita West posted a 2-7 record in 2024, including a 52-19 season-opening loss to Topeka High. The Trojans will be looking to snap a five-game losing streak Thursday night. Two of Topeka High's first three games are Thursday night contests, with the Trojans hosting Wichita Southeast on Sept. 18.

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Silver Lake senior Dayne Johnson (11) is a returning All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick. [File photo/TSN]

Rossville senior Conner Bush helped the Bulldawgs advance to the Class 1A semifinals last season. [File photo/TSN]

SILVER LAKE at ROSSVILLE

For the second straight season the Bulldawgs and Eagles will open the 2025 season with one of the state's most storied rivalries. Rossville is coming off an 8-4 record a year ago and advanced to the Class 1A state semifinals while Silver Lake went 7-3. The Eagles took a 33-26 overtime win over the Bulldawgs in last year's opener. Rossville returns TopSports.news All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick Conner Bush (senior running back/defensive back) and All-Shawnee County Second 22 honorees Jack Donovan (senior wide receiver/defensive back) and Andre Johnson (senior running back/linebacker) to build around. Silver Lake senior wide receiver/safety Dayne Johnson received TopSports.news All-Shawnee County Top 22 honors a year ago after catching 51 passes for 835 yards and nine touchdowns and picking off six passes on defense. Junior lineman Myles Fisher and sophomore lineman Kendrick Vande Velde received all-county honorable mention last season while senior safety Grady Bergmann received All-Big East honorable mention.

 Washburn Rural senior running back TJ Minikwu earned All-Centennial League recognition last fall. [File photo/TSN]

Shawnee Heights senior quarterback Aiden Scott passed for more than 3,000 yards last fall. [File photo/TSN]

WASHBURN RURAL at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS

City rivals Washburn Rural and Shawnee Heights will both be looking to bounce back this fall after tough 2024 campaigns. Rural went 3-6 a year ago, including a 42-21 win over Shawnee Heights, while Heights went 2-7. Washburn Rural senior running back TJ Minikwu received first-team All-Centennial League recognition last season while senior quarterback John Hoytal, senior wide receiver Kellan Roth, senior defensive lineman Ayden Crosswhite and senior linebacker Jordy Heim were second-team all-league picks. Senior offensive lineman Jayden Cooper, junior running back Jadyn Baum, junior linebacker Brody Haas and senior linebacker Elijah Gaines received all-league honorable mention and Minikwu, Cooper, Baum, Hoytal, Roth, Crosswhite, Heim, Haas, Gaines, senior Sammy Brumley and senior Dylan Tajchman all received All-Shawnee County honorable mention. Leading the T-Bird returning cast are senior quarterback Aiden Scott and senior wide receiver/defensive back Tyren Parker, who both were TopSports.news All-Shawnee County Top 22 picks a year ago. Scott, who was named the county offensive newcomer of the year last fall, completed 190 of 317 passes for 3,102 yards and 32 touchdowns while Parker caught 50 passes for 946 yards with 11 touchdowns and was in on 48 tackles with a pair of interceptions. Scott has committed to Washburn and Parker to Kansas. 

Senior linebacker Jude Krentz led Hayden with 132 tackles last fall, earning All-Shawnee County Top 22 honors. [File photo/TSN]

EUDORA at HAYDEN  

Hayden went 11-2 and finished second in Class 3A for the second straight season last fall while Eudora is coming off a 4-5 season, including a 35-7 season-opening loss to the Wildcats. Headlining the list of Hayden returners are senior running back/defensive back Kade Mitchell and senior fullback/linebacker Jude Krentz, who were both TopSports.news All-Shawnee County Top 22 honors last season. Mitchell rushed for 808 yards on 104 carries last fall and scored 26 total touchdowns while Krentz led the Wildcats with 132 tackles (75 solo). Other top senior returners include quarterback Connor Hanika, center/defensive lineman Julian McGivern, running back/linebacker Jackson McGivern, tight end/linebacker Xander Blasing, offensive tackle Jackson Haas, offensive guard Andrew Rohr and linebacker Logan Saenz. 

Topeka West junior Damon Webb is one of the area's top returning running backs. [File photo/TSN]

DE SOTO at TOPEKA WEST

At Hummer Sports Park

Trey Parker begins his third full season as head coach at Topeka West after taking over on an interim basis in 2022. The Chargers will be looking to take a step forward this fall after three straight 1-8 seasons. Topeka West faces a tough task Friday night, with De Soto coming off a 7-2 season last fall. De Soto took a 56-6 season-opening win over West last season. Top returners for Topeka West include senior lineman Logan Hunninghake, senior wide receiver Gad Munganga, junior lineman Dorian Rhoten Jr. and junior running back Damon Webb Jr. Webb carried the ball 17 times for 192 yards and three touchdowns in last fall's 32-20 United Kansas Conference win over Kansas City-Turner. The Chargers also return sophomore quarterback Josiah Wilke, who took over as West's starter the second half of the 2024 season.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Editor's note: TopSports.news will post preview stories for all 10 Shawnee County high school football programs over the coming days, leading into the opening games of the 2025 season on Sept. 4 and 5.

                                                                       ----------------------------------------

After posting a 9-3 record and advancing to the Eight-Man Division I state semifinals in 2023, Doug Bonura's Cair Paravel Latin football team had to, in many ways, learn a whole new game last fall as the young Lions began the transition into the 11-man ranks.

Doug Bonura's Cair Paravel Latin Lions will be looking to make big strides this fall in the Lions second season of 11-man football. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

And for a team that graduated nine seniors from '23 and had only 19 total players last season, it wasn't a big shock that the Lions struggled to a 2-7 record.

But Bonura said the Lions gained a ton of experience from playing a schedule chock full of traditional small-school powers and are ready to make strides this fall.

"It was a big change coming into that and playing good teams is helpful in that because it exposes your weaknesses really quickly, especially having such a young team,'' Bonura said. "Last year we had three returning starters and a total of four returning lettermen.

"This year I have eight returning starters per side, which is really helpful. They're young, but they've had a year of experience and learning, 'Oh, that's what it is,' and this year I think they'll be like, "Oh, that's not so bad.' ''

Even though making the switch to 11-man football has been a challenge, Bonura said his team has embraced the change.

"I think they love 11-man because there's some things about 11-man that are nice compared to 8-man,'' Bonura said. "There's just more things you can do, but you also have more bodies to deal with and that's a challenge for a small school.''

Top senior returners for the Lions include fullback/linebacker Tobias Bonura, wide receiver/defensive back Luke Budden, offensive lineman/linebacker Caleb Cleverdon, tight end/defensive end Oliver Ellis and wide receiver/defensive back Lucas Marichal.

Bonura received TopSports.news All-Shawnee County honorable mention in 2024.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Jadyn Baum, Washburn Rural

JADYN BAUM, Washburn Rural

A junior running back, Baum received All-Centennial League and TopSports.news All-Shawnee County honorable mention last fall and has the potential to be one of the top backs in the county this season. Baum was also a first-team all-county pick in wrestling last season, posting a third-place finish in the Class 6A state tournament at 190 pounds.

GRADY BERGMANN, Silver Lake

A senior, Bergmann will serve as a team captain for the Eagles this season and could be a starter on both sides of the ball for Silver Lake, which is coming off a 7-3 campaign. Bergmann received All-Big East honorable mention as a defensive back in 2024.

Xander Blasing, Hayden

XANDER BLASING, Hayden

A 6-foot-2, 225-pound senior tight end/linebacker, Blasing received All-Shawnee County Second 22 recognition last season as Hayden posted an 11-2 record and advanced to the Class 3A state championship game for the second straight season. Blasing was in on 67 tackles (39 solo) with nine tackles for loss, two interceptions, a fumble recovery and a touchdown. 

TOBIAS BONURA, Cair Paravel Latin

Bonura will be looking to provide senior leadership for a Cair Paravel Latin team which is coming off a 2-7 2024 season in the Lions' first season in 11-man football (Class 1A). Bonura received All-Flint Hills second-team recognition at running back last fall and also received All-Shawnee County honorable mention.

Cameron Brian, Seaman

CAMERON BRIAN, Seaman

Brian, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound senior linebacker, was named to the All-Shawnee County Top 22 last season and named the county defensive newcomer of the year. Brian was also a first-team All-United Kansas Conference selection after registering 112 tackles with 10 tackles for loss for the 8-3 Vikings.

BROGEN BROWN, Seaman

A 6-1, 240 senior, Brown is a returning starter at offensive guard for Seaman, earning All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season after helping the Vikings go 8-3 and capture the United Kansas Conference title in 2024.

Conner Bush, Rossville

CONNER BUSH, Rossville

A 5-foot-11, 176-pound senior running back/defensive back, Bush received All-Shawnee County Top 22 recognition last fall after helping power the Bulldawgs to an 8-4 record and the Class 1A semifinals. Bush rushed for 690 yards and 10 touchdowns last season and also was in on 120 tackles with nine tackles for loss. Bush received All-Big East honorable mention.

JACK DONOVAN, Rossville

A senior wide receiver/defensive back, Donovan earned second-team All-Shawnee County recognition last season and earned All-Big East honorable mention after helping the Bulldawgs post an 8-4 record and reach the Class 1A semifinals. Donovan is also a standout for the Bulldawgs in both golf and basketball, earning first-team All-Shawnee County recognition in both sports.

MYLES FISHER, Silver Lake

Fisher, a junior, received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season after helping Silver Lake post a 7-3 record in the Eagles' first season in the Big East League.

AJ GALLEGOS, Shawnee Heights

A 5-9, 150 senior wide receiver, Gallegos received All-Shawnee County Second 22 and All-United Kansas Conference second-team recognition last fall for the 2-7 T-Birds. Gallegos caught 51 passes for 842 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior.

Connor Hanika, Hayden

CONNOR HANIKA, Hayden

Hanika, a 6-5, 190 senior, is in line to take over as the Wildcats' starting quarterback this fall after backing up Jett Wahlmeier last season. Hanika helped lead Hayden to the Class 3A state final as a sophomore after an injury to Wahlmeier and Hanika, who received all-county honorable mention, caught 24 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns last season as Hayden went 11-2 and returned to the title game.

Jordy Heim, Washburn Rural

JORDY HEIM, Washburn Rural

A senior linebacker, Heim earned second-team All-Centennial League recognition for the 3-6 Junior Blues last season and received All-Shawnee County honorable mention. 

John Hoytal, Washburn Rural

JOHN HOYTAL, Washburn Rural

Hoytal, a senior, took over as Washburn Rural's starting quarterback last fall, earning second-team All-Centennial League recognition and All-Shawnee County honorable mention. Hoytal was also a standout for the Rural basketball team, helping the Junior Blues reach the Class 6A state tournament.

ANDRE JOHNSON, Rossville

A 6-0, 211 senior fullback/linebacker, Johnson was a Second 22 All-Shawnee County selection last season after helping lead Rossville to an 8-4 record and the Class 1A state semifinals. Johnson received All-Big East honorable mention. 

Dayne Johnson, Silver Lake

DAYNE JOHNSON, Silver Lake

Johnson, a 6-2, 175 senior wide receiver/defensive back, earned All-Shawnee County Top 22 recognition last season for the 7-3 Eagles and was a first-team All-Big East selection on both offense and defense. Johnson caught 51 passes for 835 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024 and also picked off six passes on defense.

Noah Kobuszewski, Seaman

NOAH KOBUSZEWSKI, Seaman

Kobuszewski, a 6-4, 240 senior tight end, received All-Shawnee County Second 22 recognition last fall for the 8-3 Vikings, who captured the United Kansas Conference championship. Kobuszewski compiled 325 receiving yards and a touchdown as a junior.

Jude Krentz, Hayden

JUDE KRENTZ, Hayden

A 5-foot-8, 180-pound senior linebacker, Krentz was an All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick last season after registering 132 tackles for the 11-2 Wildcats, who advanced to the Class 3A championship game for the second straight season. Krentz also rushed for 128 yards on 21 attempts.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Hailey Caryl, Topeka High

HAILEY CARYL, Topeka High

A sophomore, Caryl teamed with Ava Ritter to advance to the Class 6A state tournament in doubles last fall. Caryl and Ritter finished fourth in the city meet in No. 1 doubles, third in the Centennial League meet in doubles and fifth in 6A regional competition to advance to state.

Madeline Deters, Topeka High

MADELINE DETERS, Topeka High

Deters, a senior, earned a Class 6A state medal last season, posting an eighth-place singles finish. Deters placed third in the city meet in No. 1 singles, second in singles in the Centennial Laague tournament and third in 6A regional competition. Deters also qualified for state as a sophomore.

Grace Funk, Hayden

GRACE FUNK, Hayden

A senior, Funk has earned Class 4A state singles medals in three straight seasons for the Wildcats. Funk posted a career-best ninth-place singles finish last fall to help the Wildcats win the 4A team title. Funk finished second in the city meet in No. 2 singles and placed fifth in singles in the Centennial League tournament and third at regionals.

Molly Gorman, Seaman

MOLLY GORMAN, Seaman

Gorman, a senior, switched to singles last fall after earning back-to-back Class 5A doubles state medals as a freshman and sophomore. Gorman helped Seaman win United Kansas Conference and regional team titles with perfect team scores. Gorman was the city champion in No. 2 singles and also placed second in singles in UKC and regional competition before finishing 10th at state as the Vikings finished third as a team.

Peyton Henry, Seaman

PEYTON HENRY, Seaman

Henry, a senior, teamed with graduated senior Sydney Chinn last season to post a 12th-place state finish in Class 5A doubles. Henry and Chinn swept United Kansas Conference and regional doubles titles after finishing third in the city tournament in No. 1 doubles. Henry and Chinn helped thv Vikings record perfect team scores at league and regionals.

KAYLYN HIEBSCH, Seaman

Hiebsch, a junior, teamed with Camryn Lux to finish second in the city meet in No. 2 doubles and Hiebsch and Lux also finished second in doubles in the United Kansas Conference and regional tournaments as the Vikings won team titles in both tournaments with perfect team scores. 

Julia Katzer, Washburn Rural

JULIA KATZER, Washburn Rural 

Katzer, a junior, qualified for the Class 6A state tournament in singles last season, earning her state berth with a fifth-place regional finish while helping the Junior Blues win a regional team title. Katzer finished third in No. 2 singles in the city meet. 

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

CARLOS ACOSTA-MARTINEZ, Topeka High

Acosta-Martinez, a junior, was a second-team All-Centennial League selection last season for the Trojans while also earning All-City honorable mention.

Draden Chooncharoen, Washburn Rural

DRADEN CHOONCHAROEN, Washburn Rural

A senior midfielder, Chooncharoen received first-team All-Centennial League honors last fall as the 15-3-3 Junior Blues won their 30th straight league title (outright or shared) on the way to a third-place finish in the Class 6A state tournament. Chooncharoen also received All-6A and All-City honorable mention and is a two-time 6A state track champion in the 4x400-meter relay.

Miles Cook, Washburn Rural

MILES COOK, Washburn Rural

Cook, a senior goalkeeper, helped 15-3-3 Washburn Rural win its 30th straight Centennial League championship (outright or shared) en route to a third-place finish in Class 6A. Cook received second-team Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association All-6A and All-Centennial recognition as well as All-City honorable mention.

JUDAH CONGDON, Cair Paravel Latin

A junior, Congdon earned All-Class 4A-1A honorable mention from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association last season and also received All-City honorable mention. 

Valentin Del Real, Topeka West

VALENTIN DEL REAL, Topeka West

Del Real, a sophomore midfielder, had a big freshman season for the Chargers last fall as Topeka West posted a breakout 13-4-1 campaign. Del Real earned first-team All-City recognition and also was a first-team All-United Kansas Conference pick. 

NERI DIAZ, Highland Park

Diaz, a senior midfielder, earned first-team All-City recognition for Highland Park in the 2024 season and was one of the top players in the Meadowlark Conference.

Juan Garcia, Shawnee Heights

JUAN GARCIA, Shawnee Heights

A senior, Garcia received All-Class 5A honorable mention from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association last season while also receiving All-City honorable mention. 

Diego Gonzalez-Talavera, Topeka West

DIEGO GONZALES-TALAVERA, Topeka West

A junior forward, Gonzales-Talavera helped lead the 13-4-1 Chargers to a breakout season in 2024, earning All-City and All-United Kansas Conference first-team recognition.

Camden Granado, Shawnee Heights

CAMDEN GRANADO, Shawnee Heights

Granado, a senior forward, received All-Class 5A honorable mention from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association last season while also earning first-team All-City and All-United Kansas Conference recognition. Granado was also a standout kicker for the T-Bird football team last fall. 

Mason Haas, Shawnee Heights

MASON HAAS, Shawnee Heights

Haas, a junior midfielder, received All-Class 5A honorable mention from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association last season while also earning first-team All-City and All-United Kansas Conference recognition.

Brandon Hamiton, Washburn Rural

BRANDON HAMILTON, Washburn Rural

A senior defender, Hamilton received second-team All-Class 6A honors from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association while also earning first-team All-City and All-Centennial League recognition for the 15-3-3 Junior Blues, who finished third in 6A after winning their 30th straight league championship (outright or shared).

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Nora Burdiek, Rossville

NORA BURDIEK, Rossville

A junior outside hitter, Burdiek was a first-team TopSports.news All-Shawnee County and first-team Kansas Volleyball Association All-Class 2A selection last fall after recording 491 kills, 368 digs and 22 blocks for the 22-18 Bulldawgs. Burdiek was also an All-Big East second-team selection in as a sophomore after being named the Shawnee County newcomer of the year as a freshman in 2023. Burdiek is also one of 2A's top basketball players, receiving all-county recognition the past two seasons.

Campbell Dawson, Topeka High

CAMPBELL DAWSON, Topeka High

Dawson, a junior, turned in a solid sophomore season for an improving Topeka High program last season, with the Trojans posting a 17-19 record. Dawson, who is entering her third season as a varsity player, earned second-team TSN All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League recognition as a sophomore. Also a standout for Topeka High in softball, Dawson helped the Trojans advance to the Class 6A state tournament. 

Ella Foster, Hayden

ELLA FOSTER, Hayden

A senior libero, Foster helped lead the Wildcats to a 32-12 record and a third-place finish in the Class 4A state tournament last fall. Foster was a second-team TSN All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League selection last season while also receiving All-Class 4A honorable mention from the Kansas Volleyball Association. Foster is a multi-sport athlete for the Wildcats, also playing basketball and soccer.

Harper Hafenstine, Seaman

HARPER HAFENSTINE, Seaman

A senior, Hafenstine is a leading returner for Seaman, which has advanced to the Class 5A state championship match the past two seasons, including the state championship in 2023. Hafenstine received TSN All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season after helping the Vikings post a 41-3 record on the year.

KYLIE HANNI, Silver Lake

Hanni is a returning junior standout for traditional Class 3A state power Silver Lake. Hanni was named to the TSN All-Shawnee County second team following the 2024 season while also earning All-Big East League second-team recognition.

KARSYN HASTERT, Cair Paravel Latin

Hastert, a senior, has earned second-team TSN All-Shawnee County honors the past two seasons for the Lions after receiving all-county honorable mention as a freshman. Hastert is also a basketball standout for Cair Paravel Latin, earning all-county recognition.

Karsyn Horyna, Washburn Rural (21)

KARSYN HORYNA, Washburn Rural

Horyna, a senior, earned a first-team berth on the TSN All-Shawnee County team last season after helping the 31-8 Junior Blues win the Centennial League championship and advance to the Class 6A state tournament. In addition to receiving her all-county honor Horyna was a second-team All-Centennial selection.

Reese Huscher, Hayden

REESE HUSCHER, Hayden

A senior, Huscher earned TSN All-Shawneee County second-team recognition last fall after helping the Wildcats post a 32-12 record and a third-place finish in the Class 4A state tournament. Huscher received All-Centennial League honorable mention. Huscher was also a member of Hayden's basketball team that finished third in 4A and the Wildcat soccer team that was the 4A-1A state runnerup.

Stelly Kelly, Washburn Rural

STELLA KELLY, Washburn Rural 

Kelly, a senior, earned a second-team berth on the TSN All-Shawnee County team last season after helping the 31-8 Junior Blues win the Centennial League championship and advance to the Class 6A state tournament. In addition to receiving her all-county recognition Kelly was a second-team All-Centennial selection.

 Hailey Schmidtlein, Hayden

HAILEY SCHMIDTLEIN, Hayden

A sophomore middle blocker/outside hitter, Schmidtlein helped lead 32-12 Hayden to a third-place finish in Class 4A last fall, receiving All-State Tournament and second-team Class 4A All-State honors from the Kansas Volleyball Association. Schmidtlein, who registered 440 kills and 242 digs, was a first-team TSN All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League pick and named the county co-newcomer of the year. Schmidtlein also helped Hayden finish third in 4A basketball and second in 4A-1A soccer.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

The 2024-2025 sports year was full of near-misses for Shawnee County boys teams, with Hayden bowling the lone team to garner a championship in a school year that included seven top-three state trophy finishes in six sports.

But individually there was plenty to celebrate, most notably for Washburn Rural on the wrestling mat and track as seven Junior Blues combined for all six county titles

Following is a pick by pick look at the TopSports.news Top 10 county boys prep stories of '24-'25:

Washburn Rural 2025 grad Easton Broxterman won his third straight Class 6A state wrestling title in his fourth straight trip to the state finals. [File photo/TSN]

1. DOMINATING FINISH TO DOMINATING CAREER -- Washburn Rural superstar wrestler Easton Broxterman put the capper on one of the top high school careers in Shawnee County history with his third straight Class 6A state championship in his fourth straight trip to the state finals, helping lead the Junior Blues to a third-place team finish in the 6A state tournament in Overland Park. Broxterman, who will wrestle collegiately at Army, finished off a 41-2 senior season with the 145-pound state title.

Hayden captured the school's first-ever state bowling title in 2025. [File photo/TSN]

2. ROLLING TO HISTORY --Hayden garnered the first state bowling championship in school history, winning the Class 4A-1A state event by a 3,666-3,571 margin over Mulvane as four Wildcats earned individual state medals. Trevor Christy rolled a 698 series to finish third individually while John Strickland finished fifth with a 685, Chase Blaser was seventh with a 676 and Reese Renyer placed 16th with a 636.

Washburn Rural 2025 grad Kristjan Marshall won back-to-back Class 6A state wrestling titles in '24 and '25.'[File photo/TSN] 

 Washburn Rural senior to be Landen Kocher-Munoz won his second Class 6A state wrestling titles in '25.'[File photo/TSN]

3. REPEAT FEAT --Washburn Rural wrestling stars Kristjan Marshall and Landen Kocher-Munoz captured the second Class 6A state titles of their careers as the Junior Blues finished third as a team. Marshall, a senior, won his second straight championship, winning the 157-pound crown to finish off a 37-5 season while Kocher-Munoz, a junior, won his second career championship in his third straight state final, winning at 138 pounds to finish 34-3 on the season.

Washburn Rural's Matthew Houser, Liam Morrison, Draden Chooncharoen and Isaiah Terry set the Class 6A state meet record in the 4x400 relay in the 2025 state meet. [File photo/TSN]

4. REPEAT FEAT PART II --Washburn Rural won the Class 6A state title in the 4x400-meter relay for the second straight season in the final event of the state meet at Wichita State's Cessna Stadium as senior Matthew Houser, junior Liam Morrison, junior Draden Chooncharoen and senior Isaiah Terry set a 6A state meet record in a winning time of 3 minutes, 16.23 seconds. Morrison, Chooncharoen and Terry ran on Rural's state-champion relay in both '24 and '25 while Houser won his first state title. 

5. DOUBLING THEIR PLEASURE --In addition to helping Washburn Rural set a Class 6A state meet 4x400 relay record in the 2025 state meet, senior Isaiah Terry and junior Liam Morrison both doubled up with their first career individual state titles. Terry won the 400-meter dash in 47.92 seconds while Morrison won the 300 hurdles in 37.68 seconds. Terry and Morrison also both have a pair of state wins as part of the Junior Blues' 4x400 relay, giving them three career state golds.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

How successful was the 2021-22 sports year for Shawnee County high schools? Good enough that girls and boys individuals/teams deserve their own lists.

First up is TopSports.news' look at the county girls year in review, which will be followed by a look at the boys successes of the past year.

Shawnee County schools claimed three state girls team championships and several others came up just short while 10 county standouts claimed individual titles in four different sports.

While a case can always be made for any number of stories to sit at the top of the list, here's one opinion on the Top 10 Shawnee County girls prep stories of '21-'22: 

 Topeka High celebrates its second straight Class 6A state softball title after last Friday's 2-1 win over Washburn Rural. [Photo by Isaac Deer/TSN]

1. TROJAN RERUN -- After claiming the school's first Class 6A state softball championship in 2021, Topeka High made it two titles in a row last Friday against a familiar foe, with the Trojans edging past city and Centennial League rival Washburn Rural, 2-1, in the championship game. After leading High to a perfect 25-0 record as a junior, Stanford signee NiJaree Canady came up big again in the pitching circle and at the plate last weekend, leading the Trojans to the title.

Washburn Rural won its second Class 6A state basketball championship since 2019, taking a 40-23 win over Derby in the state final. [Submitted]

2. RURAL RULES --Washburn Rural's girls basketball team celebrated a 6A state championship for the second time since 2019, completing a 23-2 season with a 40-23 romp past Derby in the state final at Wichita State's Koch Arena. And while the basketball crown was the lone title for the Lady Blues in '21-'22, they threatened in sport after sport, finishing second in the state in golf, soccer, wrestling and softball and turning in strong cross country, volleyball and bowling campaigns.

Topeka West junior Kadence Jeffries ended her high school swimming career with a sweep of the Class 5A-1A 200 and 500 freestyle events for the third straight season. [File photo/TSN]

3. CHARGER IN CHARGE --The only thing that stopped Topeka West swimming star Kadence Jeffries during a dominating high school career was COVID-19. After sweeping the 200-yard freestyle and 500 free Class 5A-1A state titles as a freshman, Jeffries had her sophomore season wiped out by the pandemic beore returning to sweep the same two events as both a junior and senior to complete a six for six performance in state individual events. Seaman sophomore Avery Walz joined Jeffries as a 5A-1A state champ this past season, winning the 100-yard breaststroke and earning four state medals overall as the Vikings finished fourth as a team.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn Rural, which captured its first-ever Class 6A girls state championship this spring, put a city-high six players on the 15-member 2025 All-City girls soccer first team.

The All-City team is based on recommendations and voting from city coaches.

Rural is represented on the All-City first team by seniors Destiny Higgs, Kate Hinck, Addyson Kaberline, Zahra Friess and Madison Lemke and junior Dayne Shriver while Junior Blues coach Brian Hensyel was named the city coach of the year

Higgs, Hinck and Kaberline are all first-team repeat picks after helping Washburn Rural post a 19-2 rcord, capped by a 1-0 win over Mill Valley in penalty kicks (4-1). 

Destiny Higgs, Washburn Rural

Kate Hinck, Washburn Rural

Addyson Kaberline, Washburn Rural

Zahra Friess, Washburn Rural

Madison Lemke, Washburn Rural

Dayne Shriver, Washburn Rural

Seaman, which advanced to the 5A state quarterfinals, is represented on the All-City team by seniors Anna Becker and Maegan Mills and junior Ava Golightley, with Becker a repeat pick and Mills receiving honorable mention in 2024.

Anna Becker, Seaman

Ava Golightley, Seaman 

Hayden, which advanced to the 4A-1A championship game before losing in double overtime to Bishop Miege, put junior Carsyn Broxterman and senior Camryn McDonald on the All-City first team, with Broxterman a repeat selection and McDonald moving up to the first team after receiving honorable mention in 2024. 

Carsyn Broxterman, Hayden

Camryn McDonald, Hayden

Shawnee Heights senior Izzy Van Fleet is a repeat first-team selection while T-Bird senior Bayli Benson was voted to the first team after receiving honorable mention a year ago.

Izzy Van Fleet, Shawnee Heights

Bayli Benson, Shawnee Heights

Rounding out the All-City first team are Highland Park sophomore Micah Williams and Topeka High junior Natalie Barnes.

 Micah Williams, Highland Park

 Natalie Barnes, Topeka High

Williams is a two-time All-City pick while Barnes earned All-City recognition for the first time after helping Topeka High reach the 6A quarterfinals.

ALL-CITY GIRLS SOCCER 2025

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn Rural, which captured three Class 6A state championships, including a state-meet record, headlines the 2025 All-Shawnee County boys track and field team.

Isaiah Terry, Washburn Rural

Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural

Matthew Houser, Liam Morrison, Draden Chooncharoen, Isaiah Terry, Washburn Rural

Rural senior Isaiah Terry won the 6A state title in the 400-meter dash in 47.92 seconds and junior Liam Morrison won the 300 hurdles in 37.68 before Morrison and Terry teamed with senior Matthew Houser and junior Draden Chooncharoen for a 6A meet-record time of 3:16.23 in the 4x400 relay.

Peyton Holmes, Seaman

Bryce Cochran, Seaman

Brody Anderson, Seaman

Seaman senior Peyton Holmes was the 5A runnerup in the 100 dash (10.82) while Viking senior Bryce Cochran finished third in the 400 (48.85) and Seaman junior Brody Anderson placed third in the 800 (1:55.52).

Ben Roeder, CPLS/Topeka High

Senior Ben Roeder, who competed for Cair Paravel Latin in postseason after running for Topeka High in the regular season, finished third in the 2A 400 (49.37).

Silver Lake's foursome of seniors Trent Rollenhagen and Evan Scheid and juniors Joel Miller and Braxton Rupp posted a third-place finish in the 3A 4x100 relay (42.57).

Jensen Schrickel, Hayden

Despite missing the state meet after an injury at regionals, Hayden senior multi-time state champion Jensen Schrickel earned All-City honors for the fourth straight season.

In addition to its state champions, Washburn Rural put seniors Braylon Badger, Ben Buesing, Connor Olsen and Chris Quarles, junior Brooks Kehoe and sophomore Christian Hartman-Babb on the All-City team.

Adrian Lehman and Mark Wilkie, Topeka West

Topeka West is represented on the All-City team by senior distance standouts Adrian Lehman and Mark Wilkie, who were both 5A state medalists, while Shawnee Heights senior Liam Benz and Seaman sophomore Jack Esser were also state medalists.

All-Shawnee County picks were based on meeting minimum performance standards as well as coaches' recommendations and postseason performances.

ALL-SHAWNEE COUNTY 2025 BOYS TRACK AND FIELD

The 2025 All-Shawnee County boys golf team: From left -- Jack Donovan, Rossville; Higgins Hawks, Washburn Rural; Tadd Armstrong, Washburn Rural; Tagan Monasmith, Washburn Rural; Tagen Rodriguez, Hayden; James Kuta, Hayden. Not pictured: Mateo Garcia, Hayden. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

First-team repeat selections Tadd Armstrong of Washburn Rural, Jack Donovan of Rossville and Hayden's James Kuta and Tagen Rodriguez headline the 2025 All-Shawnee County boys golf team. 

Seniors Armstrong and Kuta finished one-two in the city tournament, with Armstrong winning the title in a playoff, while Kuta and Rodriguez, a junior, both posted top-10 finishes in the Class 4A state tournament as Hayden finished second as a team and Donovan was a regional champion as a junior and earned a sixth-place tie in 2A-1A, his second straight state medal

Washburn Rural, which won its 15th straight city team championship, is also represented on the All-Shawnee County team by senior Tagan Monasmith and junior Higgins Hawks while Hayden also put junior Mateo Garcia on the first team.

All-Shawnee County capsules:

By CHARLES SPURLOCK

Special to TopSports.news

WICHITA -- Washburn Rural's boys claimed three state championships to highlight championship Saturday for the Shawnee County contingent in the state track and field championships at Wichita State. 

Washburn Rural celebrates after setting the Class 6A state meet record in the 4x400 relay Saturday night in Wichita. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Washburn Rural's Matthew Houser, Liam Morrison, Draden Chooncharoen and Isaiah Terry set the Class 6A state meet record in the 4x400 relay Saturday night in Wichita. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Senior Isaiah Terry won the 400-meter dash, followed by junior Liam Morrison's win in the 300 hurdles and wrapping things up with a record-setting performance by senior Matthew Houser, Morrison, junior Draden Choonchareon and Terry in the 4x400-meter relay.

Terry started Rural's late-meet gold medal haul with his win in the 400 in 47.92 seconds.

Washburn Rural senior Isaiah Terry won the Class 6A state title in the 400-meter dash in 47.92. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

"It felt great,'' Terry said. "I switched up my stride a little bit and decided to go back to my roots... and felt way better. I actually got off fast this time and the rest was history.

''I'm so ectstatic after last year when I absolutely did horrible and got fifth place, the worst day of my life. Ever since sophomore year when I said I would quit cross country and start running track all year around I've been dreaming of moments like this and it feels good for it to come true.''

Washburn Rural junior Liam Morrison (3779) ran on Rural's record-setting Class 6A 4x400 relay after winning the title in the 300 hurdles Saturday in Wichita. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Morrison followed with the state championship in the 300 hurdles with a time of 37.68. He also finished sixth earlier in the day in the 110 hurdles with a time of 14.52.

“I feel great with the (personal record) in the state championship race,'' Morrison said. "The 110 didn’t go as I wanted, but I definitely knew it would be a great opportunity to show that I deserve to be here. I know what I can do and I’m happy that I was able to go out and do it.”

Houser, Morrison, Chooncharoen and Terry then went out and captured Rural's second straight state championship in the 4x400 in a meet record time of 3:16.23. 

"After our league meet at Junction (City) we saw the time we got and we were like, 'We can definitely do this, we can get this record,' '' Chooncharoen said. "My teammates, we push each other every day. Everyone did their part and it was amazing.''

Houser came on board this season as Rural's leadoff runner, joining returners Morrison, Chooncharoen and Terry from the 2024 state winners.

"We've been training all season since the start so we could try to get this record because that was our mindset all year,'' Houser said. "I've been training all summer and winter with Isaiah so I could get better for this exact reason and I guess it helped out at the end.'' 

Saturday's other county medalists:

• Senior Peyton Holmes of Seaman finished second in the Class 5A 100 meters in a time of 10.82 seconds after placing sixth in Friday's long jump.

Seaman senior Peyton Holmes (3767) finished second in the Class 5A 100 dash Saturday in Wichita. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

“I was really hoping to get first,'' Holmes said. "Second is good and my goal was to get in the top three. I thought I had it for a little bit, but he (Jack Guthridge) is really tough.”

• Seaman junior Brody Anderson finished third in a tough 5A 800 meters field in a time of 1:55.52.

Seaman junior Brody Anderson (3760) posted a third-place finish in the Class 5A 800 meters Saturday in Wichita. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Anderson battled on the second lap and held on for the third-place finish.

“I don’t think I could have done it if I hadn’t prepared all week with the help of coach (Luke) Wiens,'' Anderson said. "Every rep this week, I simulated the race situation and it set me up to be where I wanted to be today.”

• Senior Bryce Cochran of Seaman finished third in the 5A 400 meters with a time of 48.85.

Seaman senior Bryce Cochran (3763) finished third in the Class 5A 400 while Shawnee Heights senior Liam Benz (3733) was seventh Saturday in Wichita. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

“I feel awesome and I got a little emotional after the race seeing that all the hard work pay off,'' Cochran said. "To do what I dreamed of after not even making it to state last year, I’m just appreciative of everyone that’s worked with me in the offseason to get me here. I’m just proud of myself.”

• Senior Adrian Lehman of Topeka West finished fourth in the 1,600 meters with a time of 4:16.70.

Topeka West senior Adrian Lehman (3785) posted a fourth-place finish and set a West school record in Saturday's Class 5A state meet in Wichita. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Lehman broke the 50-year-old West school record of 4:17.7 set by Bill Myers in 1975.

"(That's) two school records this season, not bad for only his second season of high school track,'' West coach Donnie Palmer said of Lehman.

By CHARLES SPURLOCK

Special to TopSports.news

WICHITA - On Day 1 of the KSHSAA State Track Meet at Wichita State’s Cessna Stadium, several local boys competed in preliminary races in an attempt to qualify for the finals on Saturday. There were also some field event finals on Friday.

Qualifiers for Saturday’s Finals

Senior Ben Roeder of Cair Paravel qualified fifth in the Class 2A 400 meters with a time of 50.40 seconds.

Senior Evan Scheid of Silver Lake qualified second in the 3A 200 meters in a time of 22.32 seconds.

Silver Lake’s 4x100-meter relay team (Brandon Rupp, Evan Scheid, Joel Miller and Trent Rollenhagen) qualified fourth in 43.46 seconds.

Seaman senior Bryce Cochran qualified fifth in the 5A 400 meters in a time of 49.04 seconds.

Shawnee Heights senior Liam Benz qualified seventh in the 400 meters with a time of 49.86 seconds.

Washburn Rural senior Braylon Badger qualified fifth in the 300 meter hurdles in a time of 40.40 seconds.

Washburn Rural junior Liam Morrison qualified second in the 110 meter hurdles in a time of 14.64 seconds. He also qualified third in the 300 meter hurdles with a time of 40.05 seconds.

Washburn Rural senior Isaiah Terry qualified fourth in the 400 meters in a time of 49.32 seconds.

Washburn Rural junior Draden Chooncharoen competes in the Class 6A 4x400 relay prelims Friday night in Wichita. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Washburn Rural’s 4x400 meter relay team (Matthew Houser, Liam Morrison, Draden Choonchareon, Isaiah Terry) qualified second with a time of 3:22.61.

Medalists from Friday’s Finals

Seaman senior Peyton Holmes finished sixth in the Class 5A long jump Friday in Wichita. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Seaman senior Peyton Holmes finished sixth in the 5A long jump with a distance of 22 feet, 1 inch.

Topeka West senior Adrian Lehman finished fifth in Friday's Class 5A 3,200 meters at Wichita. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Topeka West senior Adrian Lehman finished fifth in the 6A 3,200 meters with a time of 9:18.60.

Washburn Rural junior Brooks Kehoe finished fifth in Friday's Class 6A 3,200 meters at Wichita. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Washburn Rural junior Brooks Kehoe finished fifth in the 3,200 meters with a time of 9:20.97.

The remaining events will be contested beginning Saturday morning at 8:30 with the preliminaries for the 100 meters for girls and boys. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Wamego won its third straight Class 4A team championship Wednesday at Newton's Sand Creek Station.

But it took a strong finish for the Red Raiders to survive a second-day rally from Hayden, with Wamego finishing with a three-stroke victory over the Wildcats (621-624) after starting the day with a seven-stroke advantage.

Hayden senior James Kuta finished fourth in the Class 4A state golf tournament, leading the Wildcats to a second-place team finish. [Photo by Brent Maycock/KSHSAA Covered]

"Early in the round, it did not look good,'' Hayden coach Carvel Reynoldson told KSHSAA Covered. "We got down pretty big. But the fact that we stormed back and took the lead there on the second nine was fun.

"Credit Wamego. We didn't blow it. They stepped up."

Despite the fact that the Wildcats' title bid came up short, Reynoldson said he was extremely proud of his team.

"What I love about this group is it's hard to get them to go home before dark,'' Reynoldson said. "It's 6 o'clock and I'm heading home and they're still working. They really wanted this and to come up short hurts."

Senior James Kuta led Hayden with a fourth-place individual finish at 152 (77-75) while senior Tagen Rodriguez finished ninth at 156 (81-75). 

Lions finish fourth in Class 2A

Cair Paravel Latin finished fourth as a team in the Class 2A state tournament at the Turkey Creek Golf Course in McPherson.

Cair Paravel junior Caleb Cleverdon for sixth individually at 155 (76-79).

Rossville junior Jack Donovan tied Cleverdon for sixth place at 155 (76-79) Bulldawg senior Jonathan Hart tied for 15th at 162 (78-84) to earn a state medal.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Hayden's boys golf team put itself in position to challenge for a Class 4A state championship after a solid opening round in the state tournament at Newton's Sand Creek Station.

Hayden senior James Kuta shot a 77 in Tuesday's first round of the Class 4A state tournament, tying for fifth individually, while the Wildcats are second as a team entering Wednesday's final round at Newton. [File photo/TSN]

Hayden is in second place in the team standings entering Wednesday's final round at 28-over-par, seven strokes behind Wamego. The Red Raiders and Wildcats went one-two in last week's regional tournament at Wamego.

"We left some strokes out there, but we are excited that we've put ourselves in position to compete for a championship tomorrow,'' Hayden coach Carvel Reynoldson said in a text.

The Wildcats are seven strokes in front of third-place Bishop Miege after Day 1. The Stags placed third as a team in the Wamego regional. 

Senior James Kuta led Hayden Tuesday with a 5-over-par 77 and is tied for fifth place starting the final 18 holes.

Junior Mateo Garcia and senior Nick Gorman shot 79s to tie for ninth place Tuesday while senior Tagen Rodriguez shot an 81, senior Colin Scott an 83 and junior Austin Bean an 86.

Lions fourth in 2A entering final round

Regional champion Cair Paravel Latin is in fourth place in the Class 2A state tournament after the opening round at the Turkey Creek Golf Course in McPherson, advancing to Wednesday's final round. 

Cair Paravel junior Caleb Cleverdon led the Lions with a 76, tying for sixth in the opening round, while senior Jase Pavlik shot a first-round 81 and freshman Chase Hastert and junior Luke Budden carded 85s. 

Also advancing to Round 2 as individuals are Rossville junior Jack Donovan, a regional champion, and Bulldawg senior Jonathan Hart.

Donovan is tied for sixth place with a 76 while Hart is tied for 11th after a 78.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Four Shawnee County schools earned team berths in four different classes for state golf, which will be contested across the state Tuesday and Wednesday.

Cair Paravel Latin posted an eight-stroke team victory in last Monday's Class 2A golf regional at Horton while Hayden qualified for state with a runnerup finish in the 4A regional at Wamego, Washburn Rural was third in the 6A regional at Topeka Country Club and Seaman placed third in the 5A regional at Lake Shawnee.

This week's state tournaments at a glance:

Washburn Rural golf earned a Class 6A state tournament berth with a third-place finish in last Monday's regional tournament at Topeka Country Club. [Washburn Rural golf]

Class 6A at Winfield

Washburn Rural qualified for the Class 6A state tournament at Winfield with a solid third-place finish in last Monday's regional tournament at Topeka Country Club.

All of the Junior Blues' top four posted top-10 individual medals as Rural carded a team score of 316 to finish behind Manhattan (306) and Free State (313). The Junior Blues earned their state berth by a whopping 41 strokes over fourth-place Gardner-Edgerton.

Senior Tagan Monasmith tied for fourth place with a 77 to lead Rural while senior Tadd Armstrong tied for seventh with a 79 and junior Higgins Hawks and senior Brady Goeden tied for 10th with 80s.

Juniors Michael Wilson (81) and Peyton Goehring (91) rounded out the Junior Blues' lineup, tying for 13th and 23rd, respectively.

SHAWNEE COUNTY QUALIFIERS

At Quail Ridge Golf Course, Winfield

(Tuesday's tee times in parentheses)

Washburn Rural -- Peyton Goehring, jr. (10 a.m, No. 10); Brady Goeden, sr. (10:10 a.m., No. 10); Michael Wilson, jr. (10:20 a.m., No. 10);  Higgins Hawks, jr. (10:30 a.m., No. 10); Tagan Monasmith, sr. (10:40 a.m., No. 10); Tadd Armstrong, sr. (10:50 a.m., No. 10).

Seaman golf earned a team berth for the Class 5A state tournament on a tiebreaker. [Seaman golf] 

Class 5A at Emporia

Seaman earned a team berth for the Class 5A state tournament at Emporia Municipal Golf Course by the narrowest of margins last Monday at Lake Shawnee, topping Basehor-Linwood on a tiebreaker to claim the third and final state berth.

The tie with Basehor-Linwood was broken by the score of the fifth man of each team and Seaman’s Alex Flanagan shot an 88 while the Bobcats’ fifth man recorded a 92.

Leading the Vikings' regional performance was sophomore Evan Michalski with an 82 while senior Bradley Williamson was right behind with an 83.

Joining the Vikings at state will be Shawnee Heights junior Ayden Valdivia, who shot an 81 to qualify as an individual for his second straight state tournament.

SHAWNEE COUNTY QUALIFIERS

At Emporia Municipal Golf Course

(Tuesday's tee times in parentheses)

Seaman -- Jordan Burghart, jr. (10 a.m, No. 10); Nicholas Hill, so. (10:10 a.m., No. 10); Hunter Gerhardt (10:20 a.m., No. 10); Evan Michalski, so. (10:30 a.m., No. 10); Alexander Flanagan, sr. (10:40 a.m., No. 10); Bradley Williamson, sr. (10:50 a.m., No. 10).

Shawnee Heights -- Ayden Valdivia, jr. (9:40 a.m., No. 10).

The 2025 All-City boys tennis team -- Front, from left: Chase Blaser, Hayden; Evan George, Hayden; Ethan Winters, Seaman; Tres Lassiter, Topeka High; Keegan Knudtson, Washburn Rural; Kieffer O'Connor, Washburn Rural; Greyson Jones, Washburn Rural. Back, from left: Drew Fay, Cair Paravel Latin; Cole Fay, Cair Paravel Latin; Eric Buchenau, Cair Paravel Latin; Ben Tryhus, Washburn Rural; Cale Deutscher, Washburn Rural; Dylan Willingham, Washburn Rural. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Cair Paravel Latin Class 3A-1A state doubles finalists Eric Buchenau and Drew Fay headline the 2025 All-City boys tennis team, which includes seven state medalists and 12 state qualifiers. 

Buchenau and Fay, both juniors, went 29-2 on the season, with both losses coming against Wichita Collegiate's undefeated state champions, Carter and Maddox Drumright, who took a three-set win over Cair Paravel in the state final.

Hayden seniors Chase Blaser and Evan George placed fourth in 4A doubles while Washburn Rural juniors Cale Deutscher and Dylan Willingham finished seventh in 6A doubles and Cair Paravel freshman Cole Fay was 10th in 3A-1A singles.

All six Washburn Rural players earned All-City spots as the Junior Blues swept city, Centennial League and Class 6A regional team championships before finishing ninth in the 6A state tournament at Junction City.

In addition to Deutscher and Willingham, Rural is also represented on the All-City team by Greyson Jones, Keegan Knudtson, Kieffer O'Connor and Ben Tryhus.

Rounding out the All-City team are junior city No. 1 singles champion and 6A state qualifier Tres Lassiter and Seaman senior 5A state singles qualifier Ethan Winters, who helped lead the Vikings to United Kansas Conference and 5A regional team titles.

All-City tennis capsules:

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Cair Paravel Latin posted an eight-stroke team victory in Monday's Class 2A golf regional at Horton while Rossville junior Jack Donovan ran away with the individual title by 12 strokes.

Cair Paravel Latin golf won Monday's Class 2A Horton regional by eight strokes. [Cair Paravel Athletics]

The Lions placed all of their top four players in the top 12 spots individually en route to a 333-341 win over host Horton while Rossville's Donovan shot a sizzling four-under- par 68 to set a school record.

Cair Paravel's Chase Hastert and Jase Pavlik shot 82s to tie for seventh individually while Caleb Cleverdon placed 10th with an 83 and Luke Budden was 12th with an 86.

Regional champion Jack Donovan (left) and Rossville teammate Jonathan Hart qualified for the Class 2A state tournament as individuals Monday at Horton. [Rossville golf]

Rossville's Jonathan Hart joined teammate Donovan as an individual state qualifier, tying for third place with an 81.

The 2A state tournament will be contested next Tuesday and Wednesday in McPherson.

Hayden golf finished second in Monday's Class 4A regional at Wamego, qualifying for the 4A state tournament. [Hayden golf]

Wildcats punch 4A state ticket with runnerup finish

Hayden golf qualified for next week's Class 4A state tournament in Newton with a second-place finish in Monday's regional tournament at Wamego Country Club.

Tournament host Wamego won the team title by a 300-314 margin over Hayden while Bishop Miege was third at 337.

Hayden senior James Kuta tied for third place individually with a 75 while Mateo Garcia finished eighth with a 79 and Colin Scott and Tagen Rodriguez tied for ninth place with 80s.

Hayden's Austin Bean narrowly missed the top 10, tying for 12th with an 81 while Nick Gorman tied for 19th with an 85.

The 4A state tournament will be held next Tuesday and Wednesday at Sand Creek Station.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Eric Buchenau and Drew Fay used a gritty second-set comeback to give themselves a chance to win Cair Paravel Latin's first-ever state tennis championship Saturday at Kossover Tennis Center.

Cair Paravel juniors Eric Buchenau (left)and Drew Fay posted a runnerup state doubles finish Saturday at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

But like they had all season, Wichita Collegiate senior Carter Drumright and his sophomore brother, Maddox, found a way to get the job done, dominating the third set to take a 6-2, 6-7 (5-7 tiebreaker), 6-0 victory in the state final.

The three-set victory capped off a perfect 25-0 season for the Drumrights while Buchenau and Fay, both juniors, went 29-2, with both losses coming against Collegiate's top team.

Cair Paravel junior Drew Fay returns a shot in Saturday's Class 3A-1A state doubles final at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

"The end didn't finish how we wanted, but I'm proud of how we played,'' Fay said. "We played hard and gave it our all and I don't have any regrets personally.

"We definitely did better this time around. It was 8-2 the first time so I'm proud of how we played today.''

Cair Paravel junior Eric Buchenau (above) teamed with Drew Fay to post a runnerup doubles finish in Class 3A-1A state doubles Saturday at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

"It didn't end how we wanted it to,'' Buchenau said. "We believed we had a shot and we never stopped believing it.''

A foreign exchange student from Germany, Buchenau was disappointed that he couldn't end his stint in the United States with a storybook finish.

"I had one shot at a state championship and I didn't make it, but of course I'm proud of how we did,'' he said. 

Buchenau and Fay, the No. 3 seed, opened their day with a 6-4, 6-3 win over No. 2 seeds William Farha and Vihaan Ganganola of Wichita Collegiate in the semis.

Cair Paravel freshman Cole Fay posted a 10th-place state singles finish Saturday at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Cair Paravel freshman singles player Cole Fay also earned a state medal in his first state tournament, finishing 10th in singles.

Wichita Trinity senior Alex Hobson took an 8-1 win over Fay in the ninth-place match.

Wichita Collegiate rolled to the team championship by a 58-24 margin over Conway Springs, with Collegiate junior Charlie Gentile and freshman Amir Khisha finishing one-two in singles as Gentile took a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 win over his teammate.  

Cair Paravel tied for fourth place with 19 points. 

Hayden's Blaser and George fourth in 4A semis

Hayden seniors Chase Blaser and Evan George posted a fourth-place Class 4A doubles finish Saturday in Winfield to close out their high school tennis careers.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Cair Paravel Latin juniors Eric Buchenau and Drew Fay had to sweat out a few anxious moments in their Class 3A-1A quarterfinal doubles match Friday at Kossover Tennis Center, but the Lion standouts got the job done, advancing to Saturday's 9 a.m. state semifinal. 

Cair Paravel Latin's Drew Fay (left) and Eric Buchenau advanced to the Class 3A-1A doubles semifinals Friday at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Buchenau and Fay, the No. 3 seed, went 2-0 on the day, including a 6-2, 6-4 quarterfinal win over Central Plains' Paxton Dody and Peyton Dody to improve to 28-1 on the season and will face No. 2 seeds William Farha and Vihaan Ganganola of Wichita Collegiate in the semis.

After a 6-0, 6-0 romp in their first match of the day, Fay and Buchenau jumped in front 5-2 in the second set of the quarterfinals before Dody and Dody cut their deficit to 5-4.

Central Plains seemed to have some momentum at that point, but the Lions were able to hold serve and close out the win.

"It was definitely frustrating,'' said Buchenau about the close second set, "but even if you play bad you have to find a way to win and we did that.''

Fay agreed.

"It definitely wasn't how we wanted it to go and we struggled for sure, but we were just scrapping out every point and got the win,'' Fay said. 

"We hopefully got the bad bullets out today so we can just play our game tomorrow.''

Cair Paravel freshman singles player Cole Fay advanced to Saturday's Class 3A-1A medal matches with a 3-1 day. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Cair Paravel freshman singles player Cole Fay also advanced to Saturday's medal matches, going 3-1 on the day.

Cole Fay moved on to Saturday with an 8-5 win over Phillipsburg senior Nathan Fischer and can still finish as high as fifth place.

Hayden seniors Chase Blaser (left) and Evan George will compete in a Class 4A doubles semifinal Saturday in Winfield. [File photo/TSN]

Hayden's Blaser and George in 4A semis

Hayden regional doubles champions Chase Blaser and Evan George won both of their Class 4A doubles matches Friday in Winfield to advance to Saturday's 9 a.m. semifinals.

The fourth-seeded Wildcat seniors, now 25-6, advanced to the semifinals with a hard-earned 3-6, 7-6 (7-5 tiebreaker), 6-3 win over McPherson.

Blaser and George will face No. 1 seed Asher Deutschendorf and Braiden Liechty of Hesston in the semifinals.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Audrey Appuhn

AUDREY APPUHN, Washburn Rural

Appuhn, a junior, captured four gold medals in last Friday's city swimming championships at Capitol Federal Natatorium, helping lead Washburn Rural to its 22nd straight city team title. Appuhn won the 200-yard freestyle in 1 minute, 57.66 seconds and the 100 breaststroke in 1:07.60 and swam on the Junior Blues' winning 200 medley (2:01.75) and 400 free (4:04.31) relays as Rural won the team title by a 526-430 margin over Seaman.

Cale Deutscher

CALE DEUTSCHER, Washburn Rural

A junior, Deutscher teamed with Dylan Willingham to win the doubles championship in last Monday's Centennial League tennis tournament at Junction City and followed that up with a Class 6A regional doubles title Saturday at Wichita, helping the Junior Blues capture the team championships in both tournaments. Deutscher and Willingham won the league title with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Hayden's Chase Blaser and Evan George and took the regional title with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Derby's Collin Bale and Garrett Haupt.

Cole Fay

COLE FAY, Cair Paravel Latin

Fay, a freshman, captured a Class 3A-1A regional singles championship last Friday at Kossover Tennis Center, helping lead Cair Paravel Latin to the regional team championship with by a 15-13 margin over Kansas City Christian. Fay, who improved to 20-7 on the season, topped Kansas City Christian's Isaac Seitz 6-1, 6-2 in the singles final, qualifying for this weekend's 3A-1A state tournament at Kossover.

By TODD FERTIG

TopSports.news

Hayden senior Kaylee Gregg pulled off a rare feat in Friday's Topeka City Girls Swimming Championships at Capitol Federal Natatorium.

Washburn Rural took first in the city meet for the 22nd straight season, with two of their leading swimmers taking two first places each.

Trailing the Junior Blues’ 526 points was Seaman with 430. Topeka High finished in third place with 307.

Hayden senior Kaylee Gregg won a pair of city titles Friday, winning the one-meter diving competition and the 50-meter freestyle. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Gregg accomplished the rare feat of winning the dive competition early in the day, then coming back to win an individual swim event. Gregg won the 50-yard freestyle and was also a part of two second-place relay teams for Hayden.

Gregg said she started swimming and diving as a freshman, having had no previous training. As a swimmer, she participates only on short races. But, in truth, she admitted she doesn’t train for swimming.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been to a swim practice,” Gregg said. “I just show up and do my best.

“I did gymnastics growing up and now I do cheer, so I had the stamina to be able to get through the 50s and the 100s,” Gregg said. “My dive coach is actually my gymnastics coach growing up. She really helped me. You’re going into water like we go into (gymnastics) pits, so it’s not that different.”

Gregg has qualified for state all four years as a diver and has participated at state on relay teams. She is holding out hope to qualify for the 50 freestyle, with one chance – the Centennial League meet – remaining.

While she didn’t quite eclipse the required time to qualify for state in the 50 freestyle, she received some other great news at the city meet.

“This has been a really cool night for me because I made the KU Cheer team today,” Gregg said. “I found out as soon as I got done with our first relay.”

Seaman senior Joslynn Grace was a double city champion Friday at the Capitol Federal Natatorium. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Having a good day in her own right was Seaman senior Joslynn Grace, who took first in the 200 individual medley and the 100 butterfly. The senior has committed to swim at the University of Nebraska-Kearney after high school. She said she enjoyed participating in the city meet one last time.

“This was really exciting for me because I’m happy with my times,” Grace said. “The city meet is really fun to just watch everybody and see them all do their thing, too.

“Swim is like my second life. I love it so much. To practice and see yourself get better is like therapy for me. I’ve enjoyed it so much.”

Audrey Appuhn captured four gold medals Friday, helping Washburn Rural win the city team championship. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Genevieve Miranda helped lead Washburn Rural to the city swimming team title Friday, posting two individual wins and swimming on two city-champion relays. [File photo/TSN]

Also placing first in two individual events were Washburn Rural’s Audrey Appuhn and Genevieve Miranda, with Appuhn winning the 200 freestyle and 100 breaststroke and Miranda winning the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke. Appuhn and Miranda also swam on the Junior Blues' winning 200 medley and 400 freestyle relay.

TEAM SCORES

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Cair Paravel Latin had a big day in Friday's Class 3A-1A regional tennis tournament at Kossover Tennis Center, sweeping the singles, doubles and team titles.

Caid Paravel tennis won the team championship in Friday's Class 3A-1A regional by a 15-13 margin over Kansas City Christian. [Cair Paravel Athletics]

Freshman Cole Fay won the singles championship for the Lions and juniors Drew Fay and Eric Buchenau captured the doubles crown as CPLS won the team title by a 15-13 margin over Kansas City Christian.

Cair Paravel freshman Cole Fay won the singles championship in Friday's tennis regional at Kossover Tennis Center. [Cair Paravel Athletics] 

Cole Fay earned a regional title and his first 3A-1A state tournament berth with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Kansas City Christian's Isaac Seitz in the final, improving to 20-7 on the season.

Cair Paravel junior Drew Fay (above) teamed with Eric Buchenau to win the doubles championship in Friday's regional tennis tournament at Kossover Tennis Center. [File photo/TSN]

Cair Paravel juniors Drew Fay and Eric Buchenau won the doubles championship in Friday's regional tennis tournament at Kossover Tennis Center. [File photo/TSN]

City champions Drew Fay and Eric Buchenau won the regional doubles championship with a 6-1, 6-0 win over Bishop Seabury's Sabastian Borjas and Gabe Rinnert, with the Lion duo improving to 26-1.

Cair Paravel will compete in the 3A-1A state tournament Friday and Saturday at Kossover.

Hayden seniors Chase Blaser (left) and Evan George won a Class 4A regional doubles title Friday at Harmon Park. [File photo/TSN]

Wildcat duo wins 4A regional doubles title 

Hayden seniors Chase Blaser and Evan George, now 23-6 on the season, won the doubles championship in Friday's Class 4A regional tennis tournament at Harmon Park, taking a 7-5, 6-2 decision over Clay Center seniors John Alton and Anthony Davies in the final.

Hayden senior Chase Blaser (above) and doubles partner Evan George will take a 23-6 record into the Class 4A state tournament. [File photo/TSN] 

The Wildcats also qualified senior singles player Palmer Heskett and junior William Luke for the state tournament, with Heskett (11-15) taking a 6-3, 6-4 win over Luke (13-7) in the fifth-place match.

Clay Center won the regional team championship by a 21-19 margin over Bishop Miege, with Hayden third with 13 points.

The 4A state tournament will be played Friday and Saturday in Winfield. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Tadd Armstrong 

TADD ARMSTRONG, Washburn Rural

A senior golf standout, Armstrong captured the individual championship in last Monday's city golf tournament at Topeka Country Club, posting a 27-hole score of 118 and winning his first city title in a playoff over Hayden's James Kuta as Washburn Rural won the team crown by a single stroke (489-490) over the Wildcats.

Eric Buchenau 

ERIC BUCHENAU, Cair Paravel Latin

A junior foreign exchange student from Germany, Buchenau teamed with fellow Cair Paravel junior Drew Fay to win the No. 1 doubles title in last Thursday's city tennis tournament at Kossover Tennis Center. Buchenau and Fay registered a 6-4, 7-6 (7-4 tiebreaker) win over Washburn Rural's Cale Deutscher and Dylan Willingham in the city title match, improving to 20-1 on the season.

Drew Fay

DREW FAY, Cair Paravel Latin

Fay, a junior, teamed with fellow Cair Paravel junior Eric Buchenau to win the city title in No. 1 doubles title in last Thursday's city tennis tournament at Kossover Tennis Center. Fay and Buchenau won the city championship with a 6-4, 7-6 (7-4 tiebreaker) win over Washburn Rural's Cale Deutscher and Dylan Willingham in the city title match.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Not everything went Washburn Rural's way in Thursday's city boys tennis tournament, but advancing to the finals in all four divisions was enough to give the Junior Blues a second straight city team championship at Kossover Tennis Center.

Washburn Rural dropped tight decisions in both the No. 1 singles and doubles championship matches, but the Junior Blues swept both No. 2 titles on the way to a 32-23 margin over runnerup Seaman while Topeka High was a point behind the Vikings in third place.

Greyson Jones won the city championship in No. 2 singles, helping Washburn Rural win its second straight city team title Thursday at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Ben Tryhus and Kieffer O'Connor won a city title in No. 2 doubles for team champion Washburn Rural Thursday at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Rural got a title from Greyson Jones in No. 2 singles and from Ben Tryhus and Kieffer O'Connor in No. 2 doubles while while Keegan Knudtson was the No. 1 singles runnerup and Cale Deutscher and Dylan Willingham finished second in No. 1 doubles.

"We're a young team, we're still piecing together who's fitting with who and what arrangements work best for the team as opposed to the individual and we've come a long way since the first practice,'' said Michelle Rose, who is in her first season as Rural's coach.

"They're excited, I'm excited for them. I think we've got great opportunities ahead of us and it's going to be fun. We have incredible talent in boys tennis in Topeka.''

Individually, Thursday was a big day for Topeka High junior Tres Lassiter in singles and the Cair Paravel doubles team of juniors Eric Buchenau and Drew Fay.

Topeka High junior Tres Lassiter won the city title in No. 1 singles Thursday at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Lassiter, in his first season of high school tennis, won the city championship in No. 1 singles with a 7-6 (8-6 tiebreaker), 6-4 win over Washburn Rural's Knudtson.

"This was one of my goals to win city,'' Lassiter said. "This was a big goal. I'm enjoying my high school season. I have a winning record right now and that's all I wanted this season, was just to have a winning record.

"Every day when I'm at practice my coach (Duane Pomeroy) and my teammates are getting me better and that gives me confidence for these up and coming meets that I'm about to do.''

Cair Paravel's Drew Fay (left) and Eric Buchenau won the city championship in No. 1 doubles Thursday at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Cair Paravel's Fay and Buchenau, a foreign exchange student from Germany, captured the No. 1 doubles title with a 6-4, 7-6 (7-4 tiebreaker) win over Washburn Rural's Deutscher and Willingham.

Fay had finished second in the city meet and fourth in Class 3A-1A in singles as a sophomore before making the decision to switch to doubles this spring.

"I want to play college tennis and you need to be able to play doubles to play college tennis,'' Fay said. "I wanted to get that experience and I also thought it would be fun and it's been a lot of fun.''

Fay and Buchenau are now 20-1 on the season after Thursday's hard-fought win over Deutscher and Willingham.

"We just wanted to stay level, play hard and whatever happened would happen,'' Fay said. "We didn't want to go out there and play scared and if we didn't play scared we would have been happy with the result. This was our best match of the year, so it gives us a lot of confidence.''

Seaman finished second as a team on the strength of three top-three finishes.

Ethan Winter placed third in No. 1 singles while Camden Dutton was the runnerup in No. 2 singles and the Vikings also finished second in No. 2 doubles.

CITY BOYS TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

By TODD FERTIG

TopSports.news

The Seaman girls soccer team – led by an assortment of multi-sport athletes – took down a depleted Cair Paravel team 8-0 in a shortened affair at the Bettis Family Sports Complex Tuesday.

After tallying four scores in the first half, the Vikings scored four more in rapid succession following the intermission. With 22:15 remaining in the second half, the mercy rule was invoked, giving Seaman its sixth win of the season.

The Vikings are led by a number of athletes who have experienced great success in other sports. Having placed second in the Class 5A volleyball and basketball tournaments this school year, Seaman knows a thing or two about winning.

Anna Becker (9) and Ryin Miller are part of a large group of multi-sport athletes who are playing a major role for the Seaman soccer team, which shut out Cair Paravel 8-0 Tuesday night. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]tg

Utilizing multi-sport athletes is both a blessing and a curse, Seaman coach Kyle Seevers said.

“They’ve all chosen track, basketball, volleyball, whatever,” said Seevers. “But they still love (soccer) so when they come out here, it’s like every year we wait … as soon as basketball is over, we can have all our players. But they are a lot of fun because they compete at the highest level at everything they do.”

Seevers said he has to be patient with players who have put so much into other sports throughout the school year. By the time they arrive on the soccer field, their skills aren’t sharp, and they are worn down by the intensity of competition.

“Our practice may not always be crisp. But when the whistle blows, they’re going to give it their all,” Seevers said. “I could get upset with it, but then we wouldn’t have some of the best athletes (go out for soccer).”

“It’s kind of preached at our school that we want to have multi-sport athletes and that’s a good thing,” said senior Anna Becker, who is committed to play basketball at Drake University. “We have a lot of athletic girls, and I think at our school we know how to win. So, it helps having that core of a lot of different girls who play different sports.”

Seevers said Seaman banks on significant improvement throughout the course of the soccer season as the players regain their touch and feel for the game. The Vikings advanced to the 5A state quarterfinals last year with many of the same players.

Junior Maya Martin had a pair of assists in Tuesday's 8-0 Seaman soccer win over Cair Paravel. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]  

“I think we had our ups and downs in the first half, but we are looking for a big second half,” Becker said. “We have three big games this week and we’re looking for three wins.”

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Cair Paravel Latin's junior doubles team of Drew Fay and Eric Buchenau captured the No. 1 doubles championship in Friday's John Markham Invitational at Goddard, remaining undefeated on the season.

Cair Paravel junior Drew Fay and junior doubles partner Eric Buchenau are 13-0 after winning the championship in Friday's Goddard tournament. [File photo/TSN]

Fay and Buchenau went 5-0 in the tournament and are now 13-0 on the season.

The Lion duo opened its season with a 3-0 record in the Paola quadrangular before going undefeated in the Marysville Invitational.

Fay finished fourth in Class 3A-1A singles last season. 

Hayden baseball sweeps Nemaha Central

Hayden baseball, which won the Class 3A state championship last season, improved to 8-0 this spring with a 10-0, 12-3 non-league doubleheader sweep over Nemaha Central Friday at Hayden.

Hayden senior Jett Wahlmeier delivers a pitch in Friday's 12-3 second-game win over Nemaha Central. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Hayden senior Cooper Grace tags out a runner at third base in Friday's 12-3 second-game win over Nemaha Central. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

The Wildcats ended the first game by way of a 10-run spread in the fifth inning and scored the final nine runs of the second game after the game was tied 3-3.

Hayden will travel to Emporia on Tuesday for a Centennial League twinbill.

Hayden, Rossville battle to softball split 

Hayden held off Rossville to take a 3-2 first-game win before the Bulldawgs answered with a 12-0 victory in the nightcap of Friday's non-league softball twinbill at Hayden.

Sophomore Maura Valdivia delivers a pitch in Friday's 3-2 first-game softball win over Rossville Friday at Hayden. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Rossville sophomore Leni Lewis slides safely into third base in Friday's doubleheader softball split at Hayden. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

The Wildcats took a 1-0 lead in the first inning of the opener and went up 2-0 in the third on a run-scoring single from sophomore catcher Emberly Connell before adding another run in the fourth.

Rossville's offense came to life in the top of the seventh, getting a run-scoring triple from sophomore Leni Lewis and a run-scoring hit from sophomore Nora Burdiek, but Hayden freshman pitcher Blakely Walter came on to record the final out and preserve the Wildcat victory.

Sophomore Maura Valdivia picked up the pitching win in relief of junior Emmy Jeffers while Walter was credited with a save.

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.