Cair Paravel Lions

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

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

ANNA BECKER, Seaman

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

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

CARSYN BROXTERMAN, Hayden

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

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

KELLY ANN CHADA, Cair Paravel Latin 

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

ZAHRA FRIESS, Washburn Rural

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

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

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

CHASE BLASER, Hayden

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

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

CALE DEUTSCHER, Washburn Rural

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

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

DREW FAY, Cair Paravel Latin

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

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

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

TADD ARMSTRONG, Washburn Rural

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

CALEB CLEVERDON, Topeka High/Cair Paravel Latin

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

JACK DONOVAN, Rossville

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

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

JAMES KUTA, Hayden

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

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

TAGAN MONASMITH, Washburn Rural

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

By JUSTIN BURKHARDT

TopSports.news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HAYDEN BOYS 93, INDEPENDENCE 59

Independence 19 10 7 23 — 59

Hayden           32 22 22 17 — 93

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

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

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

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

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

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLASS 6A BOYS

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

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

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

CLASS 6A GIRLS

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

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

CLASS 6A GIRLS

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

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

CLASS 5A GIRLS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLASS 5A BOYS

By Todd Fertig

TopSports.news

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Todd Fertig

TopSports.news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

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

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

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

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

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

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

Silver Lake girls improve to 14-2

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

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

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

West girls pick up fourth win

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

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

West will travel to Leavenworth on Friday.

Silver Lake girls improve to 13-2

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

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

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

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

The Eagles will host St. Marys on Thursday.

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

Eagle boys top Bulldogs, 64-50

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

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

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

TopSports.news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By NICHOLAS GAINEY

Special to TopSports.news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Rick Peterson

TopSports.news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Silver Lake girls edge Rock Creek, 50-49

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

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

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

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

By Rick Peterson

TopSports.news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shawnee Heights roll to Viking Classic championship contest

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

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

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

Bulldawgs advance to tourney title game with 66-60 win

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

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

By Rick Peterson

TopSports.news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Silver Lake girls claim Burlington title

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rossville boys claim Valley Falls title

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

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

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

By Rick Peterson

TopSports.news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

T-Birds sweep titles in home quadrangular

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

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

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

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

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

Manhattan wins titles in Topeka High bowling quad

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lilly Krohe led Topeka High with a 380 series.

Lady Scots bounce back with 23-point Meadowlark Conference win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Rick Peterson

TopSports.news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOPEKA INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT
 
At Topeka High

Thursday

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

5 -- Lawrence vs. Wichita Southeast.

6:30 -- Topeka West vs. Lansing.

8 -- Topeka High vs. Olathe East.

Friday

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

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

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

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

Saturday

10 a.m. -- Seventh place.

11:30 -- Fifth place.

1 p.m. -- Third place.

2:30 -- Championship.

Hayden boys set to compete at Baldwin

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

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

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

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

BALDWIN INVITATIONAL

Tuesday

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

7 -- Bishop Seabury vs. Baldwin.

Wednesday

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

7 -- Christ Prep vs. Bishop Seabury

Friday

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

7 -- Christ Prep vs. Baldwin.

Saturday

1 p.m. -- Fifth place.

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

4 p.m. -- Championship.

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

Rural boys headed to Pittsburg

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

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

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

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

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

BILL HANSON MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT
 
At Pittsburg
 
Thursday

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

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

Friday

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

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

Saturday

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

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

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

T-Bird boys to compete in Viking Classic

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

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

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

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

By Todd Fertig

TopSports.news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Todd Fertig

TopSports.news

The Cair Paravel Latin girls battled to the wire in search of their second win of the season, coming up just short at home against West Franklin 36-33 Friday.

Karsyn Hastert led Cair Paravel with 10 points in Friday's 36-33 Flint Hills League loss to West Franklin. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

First-year coach Jaley Barkley praised the Lions' effort and sees improvement from the eight players suited up.

“We’ve played some tough teams but we’ve learned so much these past couple of games,” Barkley said. “This was one of our first games that was close to the end, so just learning to finish those last couple of minutes in the fourth quarter is huge, being able to push with our small team, just being able to figure out how to finish strong.”

The Lions are navigating the Flint Hills League for the first time, with a small roster and limited experience. Barkley had to juggle the lineup in the final minutes after two players fouled out. But she is happy with the chemistry of the group.

“The girls have grown so much and they are great together,” Barkley said. “I wouldn’t say it’s a struggle (to have just eight players). It’s more of a joy just being able to figure out how to work with these eight girls.”

Freshman London Backman (12) scored seven points Friday in Cair Paravel's 36-33 home loss to West Franklin. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

The Lions were led Friday by 10 points from junior Karsyn Hastert. Freshman London Backman added seven.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

EMPORIA (0-6, 0-1 Centennial League) at WASHBURN RURAL (4-2, 0-1 Centennial League)

Washburn Rural, ranked No. 4 in Class 6A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, was off Tuesday after a tough 46-44 Centennial League loss at Hayden last Friday. Sophomore Maddie Vickery led Rural with 15 points against Hayden while senior Kate Hinck added 11 points. Both of Rural's losses have been two-point road losses. Emporia is still looking for its first win after dropping a 66-12 decision to Hays on Tuesday. Game time: 6 p.m.

JUNCTION CITY (1-4, 0-1 Centennial League) at TOPEKA HIGH (3-3, 0-1 Centennial League)

Topeka High is coming off a 56-41 Centennial League loss to undefeated Hayden on Tuesday while Junction City dropped a 93-25 league game to Manhattan. Sophomore Ahsieyrhuajh Rayton and freshman Hailey Caryl led the Trojans with 11 points apiece against Hayden. Game time: 6 p.m.

KC-TURNER (0-5, 0-4 United Kansas Conference) at TOPEKA WEST (0-6, 0-6 United Kansas Conference)

Topeka West will be looking for its first win of the season Friday against the winless Bears after dropping a 71-29 UKC decision at undefeated and top-ranked Seaman Tuesday night. Turner is coming off a 70-11 loss to Basehor-Linwood Wednesday night. Game time: 5:45 p.m.

WEST FRANKLIN (2-6, 2-3 Flint Hills League) at CAIR PARAVEL LATIN (1-7, 0-4 Flint Hills League)

Cair Paravel is coming off a 69-10 Flint Hills loss to Osage City on Tuesday while West Franklin is coming off a 47-37 league win over Mission Valley. Game time: 6 p.m.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

EMPORIA (4-2, 0-0 Centennial League) at WASHBURN RURAL (5-2, 1-0 Centennial League)

Washburn Rural is coming off a 52-46 home non-league loss to Blue Valley West on Tuesday while Emporia is coming off a 41-36 non-league victory over Hays. Senior Kaden Ballard scored 15 points and hit three 3-pointers for Washburn Rural against Blue Valley West while junior Simon Rowley added 13 points. Game time: 7:30 p.m.

JUNCTION CITY (6-0, 1-0 Centennial League) at TOPEKA HIGH (0-7, 0-1 Centennial League)

Topeka High is coming off a 65-50 Centennial League loss to Hayden on Tuesday while Junction City took a 66-62 league win over Manhattan. Junior Jalen Aldridge led Topeka High with 17 points and hit three 3-pointers against Hayden. Game time: 7:30 p.m.

KC-TURNER (1-6, 0-5 United Kansas Conference) at TOPEKA WEST (4-2, 4-2 United Kansas Conference)

Topeka West will be looking for its third win of the week Friday, with the Chargers coming off a 59-57 come-from-behind United Kansas Conference win over Seaman Tuesday night. West is ranked No. 8 in Class 5A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association while Seaman is No. 7. Junior Keimani Paul scord 17 points and junior Malakyah Duncan 14 points against Seaman, with Duncan hitting the game-winning free throws. Turner is coming off a 77-27 UKC loss to Basehor-Linwood Wednesday night. Game time: 7:15 p.m.

WEST FRANKLIN (3-5, 2-4 Flint Hills League) at CAIR PARAVEL LATIN (3-5, 1-3 Flint Hills League)

Cair Paravel is coming off a 61-37 Flint Hills loss to Osage City on Tuesday while West Franklin is coming off a 53-42 league league loss to Mission Valley. Lucas Marichal scored 12 points to lead Cair Paravel in the Lions' loss to Osage City. Game time: 7:30 p.m.

By Rick Peterson

TopSports.news

Rossville boys basketball bounced back from a Big East League loss against Hiawatha with a 65-42 home league romp past Riley County Tuesday night.

The Bulldawgs, ranked No. 6 in Class 2A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, improved to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the league with Tuesday's victory.

Brandon McDonnell's Rossville boys basketball team improved to 5-2 Tuesday night with a 65-42 romp past Riley County. [File photo/TSN]

Senior Kameron Badura paced three Rossville players in double figures with 18 points.

Junior Jack Donovan added 16 points and junior Cameron Miller 13 for the Bulldawgs.

Rossville's girls fell to 3-4 overall and 0-4 in the Big East with a 55-33 loss to the Falcons.

Senior Mikey Williams scored 20 points in Highland Park's 86-42 win over KC-Sumner Tuesday night. [File photo/TSN]

Top-ranked Hi Park boys keep rolling with 86-42 win

Highland Park's boys, No. 1-ranked in Class 5A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, improved to 7-0 overall and 3-0 in the Meadowlark Conference with an 86-42 road romp past Kansas City-Sumner Tuesday night.

The Hi Park win was its second in as many nights and the Scots will play their third game of the week at KC-Harmon on Friday.

Senior Mikey Williams led Highland Park with 20 points against Sumner while senior Ja'Corey Robinson added 19 points and senior Elijah Thomas 17.

Highland Park sophomore Pearmella Carter scored 23 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in the Scots' 54-42 win over KC-Sumner. [File photo/TSN]

Carter posts huge double-double in Hi Park girls win

Sophomore Pearmella Carter scored 23 points and grabbed 20 rebounds as Highland Park improved to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the Meadowlark Conference with a 54-42 win at Kansas City-Sumner Tuesday night.

Carter grabbed 13 of her 20 rebounds on the offensive end and also had 3 assists and 3 steals for the Scots.

Senior Tahtionna Broils added 8 points for the Scots.

Piper earns home UKC sweep over Shawnee Heights

The No. 2-ranked (Class 5A) Piper boys rolled to a 67-50 United Kansas Conference victory over No. 4 Shawnee Heights while the Pirate girls, No. 5 in 5A, took a 73-49 win over the T-Birds.

Piper's boys improved to 6-1 overall and 5-1 in the UKC while Shawnee Heights fell to 5-2, 4-2.

The Piper girls improved to 6-1, 5-1 while Heights dropped to 4-4, 4-3.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Senior Millie Ramsey scored a game-high 17 points in Hayden's 46-44 Centennial League win over Washburn Rural last Friday night. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

HAYDEN (7-0, 1-0 Centennial League) at TOPEKA HIGH (3-2, 0-0 Centennial League)

Hayden, ranked No. 3 in Class 4A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, stayed unbeated with a 46-44 home Centennial League win over Washburn Rural on Friday, with senior Millie Ramsey pacing the Wildcats with 17 points and senior Brylee Meier adding 12 points. Topeka High has been off since earning a 48-42 win over Wichita Life Prep on Jan. 3. Sophomore Ahsieyrhuajh Rayton scored 25 points, including 19 in the second half, in the win over Life Prep and is averaging 21.6 points on the season. Game time: 6 p.m.

TOPEKA WEST (0-5, 0-5 United Kansas Conference) at SEAMAN (6-0, 6-0 United Kansas Conference)

Seaman, top-ranked in Class 5A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, made its 2025 debut on Friday with a 72-9 United Kansas Conference road win at Lansing. The Vikings got 21, 8 assists and 4 steals from senior Anna Becker while senior Kinley Wilhelm had 14 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals against the Lions. Topeka West returned to action Monday night, dropping a 62-50 UKC decision to Leavenworth in the Chargers' 2025 debut. Junior Imani McGlory led the Chargers with a 16.5 scoring average and had connected on 14 3-pointers going into the holiday break. Game time: 5:45 p.m.

Sophomore Nora Burdiek (22) scored a career-high 31 points in Friday's 70-62 Rossville loss to Hiawatha. [File photo/TSN]

RILEY COUNTY (4-2, 3-0 Big East League) at ROSSVILLE (3-3, 0-3 Big East League)

Rossville will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak, all in Big East League play, and faces another tough league test against a Riley County team that is unbeaten in the league. Rossville is coming off a 70-62 road loss to Hiawatha Friday night despite a career-high 31 points from sophomore Nora Burdiek and 25 points from junior Rylee Dick. Riley County is coming off a 52-21 league win over Jefferson West. Game time: 6 p.m. 

JEFFERSON WEST (3-3, 1-2 Big East League) at SILVER LAKE (4-1, 4-0 Big East League)

Silver Lake, ranked No 5 in Class 3A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, has been idle since a 60-27 Big East League win over Hiawatha on Dec. 20, with the Eagles' game at Holton last Friday postponed by inclement weather. Jefferson West is coming off a 52-21 loss to Riley County on Friday. Game time: 6 p.m.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Senior James Kuta scored 12 points in Hayden's 67-54 Centennial League loss to Washburn Rural last Friday. [File photo/TSN]

HAYDEN (3-4, 0-1 Centennial League) at TOPEKA HIGH (0-6, 0-0 Centennial League)

Hayden is coming off a 67-54 loss to Washburn Rural last Friday night in the Wildcats' Centennial League opener while Topeka High's scheduled league game at Manhattan was postponed due to inclement weather. The Trojans have been off since an 81-42 loss to undefeated Highland Park on Jan. 3. Senior James Kuta and junior Kade Mitchell scored 12 points apiece for Hayden in Friday's loss to Rural. Game time: 7:30 p.m.

Junior Kae Von Bonner led Seaman with 25 points in Friday's 57-43 UKC road win at Lansing. [File photo/TSN]

TOPEKA WEST (3-2, 3-2 United Kansas Conference) at SEAMAN (5-1, 5-1 United Kansas Conference)

Topeka West made its 2025 debut Monday night in a 71-38 United Kansas Conference romp past Leavenworth while Seaman is coming off a 57-43 UKC road win at Lansing last Friday. Pending today's rankings Seaman is ranked No. 7 and Topeka West No. 9 in Class 5A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. Sophomore Prince Lassiterled the way for West in Monday's win over Leavenworth as seven Chargers scored 7 or more points while junior KaeVon Bonner scored 25 points in Seaman's win over Lansing, backed by senior Bryer Finley with 11 points. Game time: 7:15 p.m.

Junior Simon Rowley led Washburn Rural with 18 points in Friday's 67-54 win over Hayden. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

BLUE VALLEY WEST (3-5) at WASHBURN RURAL (5-1)

Washburn Rural takes a break from Centennial League action to host Blue Valley West in a non-league contest. The Junior Blues are coming off a 67-54 league win at Hayden last Friday night as junior Simon Rowley led four double-figure scorers with a game-high 18 points. Senior Amare Jones added 15 points, junior John Hoytal 11 and Kaden Ballard 10 points for Rural. Blue Valley West is coming off a 55-41 victory over Lee's Summit West, Mo. Game time: 7:30 p.m.

RILEY COUNTY (2-4, 1-2 Big East League) at ROSSVILLE (4-2, 2-1 Big East League)

Riley County is coming off a 63-55 Big East League road win at Jefferson West last Friday while Rossville dropped a 57-55 road decision to league foe Hiawatha. Junior Jack Donovan paced Rossville with 18 points against Hiawatha while Kameron Badura added 11 points and Andre Johnson 10 points for the Bulldawgs. Rossville was ranked No. 5 in Class 2A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association in last week's state rankings. Game time: 7:30 p.m. 

JEFFERSON WEST (3-3, 1-2 Big East League) at SILVER LAKE (4-1, 3-1 Big East League)

Silver Lake had games against St. Marys and Holton postponed last week due to inclement weather, with the Eagles now idle since a 70-57 Big East win over Hiawatha on Dec. 20. Jefferson West dropped a 63-55 league decision to Riley County last Friday. Game time: 7:30 p.m.

By Rick Peterson

TopSports.news

Highland Park senior star Ja'Corey Robinson surpassed the 1,000-point milestone for his career Monday night with a 32-point game as the Scots rolled to an 80-29 Meadowlark Conference win at Kansas City-Schlagle.

Highland Park senior Ja'Corey Robinson (23) scored 32 points Monday night at KC-Schlagle, surpassing the 1,000-point milestone for his career. [File photo/TSN]

Senior Mikey Williams scored 22 points Monday in top-ranked Highland Park's 80-29 romp past KC-Schlagle. [File photo/TSN]

Senior Mikey Williams backed Robinson with a 22-point night as Highland Park, top-ranked in Class 5A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, improved to 6-0 overall and 2-0 in the conference.

The Scots will be right back in action Tuesday night, traveling to KC-Sumner for a Meadowlark Conference contest.

Sophomore Pearmella Carter scored 28 points in Highland Park's 70-22 Meadowlark Conference win over KC-Schlagle Monday night. [File photo/TSN]

 Carter leads Hi Park girls with 28 points in 70-22 rout over Stallions

Highland Park posted a 70-22 Meadowlark Conference win Monday night at KC-Schlagle as sophomore Pearmella Carter led the Scots with 28 points.

Senior Tahtionna Broils added 16 points and had 6 rebounds while senior De'Asia Sanders was credited with 14 assists and sophomore Majesty Grace had 7 steals as the Scots improved to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in the conference.

Highland Park will be back in action Tuesday night, traveling to KC-Sumner for a conference game.

Senior Javian Chambers (21) scored 8 points Monday night in Topeka West's 71-38 UKC win over Leavenworth. [File photo/TSN]

No. 9-ranked Charger boys roll to 71-38 UKC win

Topeka West boys basketball ended its long layoff with a 71-38 home United Kansas Conference victory over Leavenworth Monday night in the Chargers' 2025 debut.

The Chargers, ranked No. 9 in Class 5A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, showed exceptional balance in the win, with seven players scoring 7 or more points as West improved to 3-2 overall and in the UKC.

Sophomore Prince Lassiter led Topeka West with a game-high 11 points while junior Gad Munganga and senior Javian Chambers added 8 points piece and senior Kamoni Ford, junior Malakyah Duncan, sophomore Damon Webb and senior Jalen Foy all scored 7 points.

NOTE: Statistics for city girls basketball teams were compiled by Seaman girls coach Matt Tinsley. The following stats are the first of three statistical reports which will be released during the 2024-2025 season, capped by the season-ending stats.

Washburn Rural sophomore Maddie Vickery leads the city of Topeka in scoring with a 22.6 average. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

SCORING

Name, school                    Gms.  Pts.    Avg

Vickery, Washburn Rural       5       113    22.6

Carter, Highland Park            3        64     21.3

Rayton, Topeka High             4        83     20.8

Emmot, Shawnee Heights     4        82     20.5

Becker, Seaman                     5        93     18.6

I. McGlory, Topeka West        4        66     16.5

Ramsey, Hayden                    4        55     13.8

Gragg, Seaman                      5        66     13.2

Meier, Hayden                       4        52     13.0

Schmidtlein, Hayden             4        51     12.8

Torrez, Shawnee Heights       4        50     12.5

Esser, Seaman                        5        60     12.0

Marshall, Topeka High           4         45     11.3

Hinck, Washburn Rural          5         52     10.4

Broils, Highland Park             3          31     10.3

Highland Park sophomore Pearmella Carter is the city leader in rebounding with a 10.7 average. [File photo/TSN]

REBOUNDING

Name, school                    Gms.   Total    Avg.

Carter, Highland Park             3         32       10.7

Benning, Topeka High            4         39         9.8

Ramsey, Hayden                    4          37        9.3

Vickery, Washburn Rural        5          46        9.2

Hinck, Washburn Rural          5           44        8.8

Torrez, Shawnee Heights       4           35        8.8

Broils, Highland Park              3           25        8.3

Esser, Seaman                        5            39        7.8

Caryl, Topeka High                 4            29        7.3

Hall, Topeka West                  4             29        7.3

Vega, Shawnee Heights         4             28        7.0

Becker, Seaman                      5             31        6.2 

Wilhelm, Seaman                   5             31        6.2 

Keeling, Topeka West             4             23        5.8

Meier, Hayden                        4             23        5.8

Seaman senior Anna Becker leads the city of Topeka with a 6.4 assist average. [File photo/TSN]

ASSISTS

Name, school                     Gms.   Total    Avg.

Becker, Seaman                      5          32      6.4

Brees, Shawnee Heights         4          14      3.5

Hinck, Washburn Rural           5          17      3.4

Sanders, Highland Park           3          10     3.3

Marshall, Topeka High            4           12     3.0

Wilhelm, Seaman                    4           14     2.8

Vega, Shawnee Heights          4            11    2.8

Beaton, Seaman                      5            13    2.6

Gragg, Seaman                       5            13     2.6

Emmot, Shawnee Heights      4             10     2.5

Meier, Hayden                        4             10     2.5

Greco, Hayden                        4             10     2.5

Vickery, Washburn Rural         5             12     2.4

Schmidtlein, Hayden               4               9     2.3

Hirschi, Washburn Rural          5             11     2.2

Highland Park senior Tahtionna Broils is the city steals leader with 4.7 per game. [File photo/TSN]

STEALS

Name, school                     Gms.    Total     Avg.

Broils, Highland Park               3            14       4.7

Hartz, Highland Park               3            14       4.7

Greco, Hayden                        4             18       4.5

Schmidtlein, Hayden               4             18       4.5

Sanders, Highland Park           3             13       4.3

Marshall, Topeka High            4              17       4.3

Hinck, Washburn Rural           5               19      3.8

Jones, Highland Park              3               10       3.3

Becker, Seaman                      5               14       2.8

Torrez, Shawnee Heights        4               11       2.8

Brees, Shawnee Heights         4               11       2.8

Rayton, Topeka High              4               11       2.8

Vega, Shawnee Heights          4               10       2.5

I. McGlory, Topeka West         4               10       2.5

Miller, Seaman                        4                 9       2.3

Keeling, Topeka West              4                 9       2.3

NOTE: Statistics for city boys basketball teams were compiled by Seaman girls coach Matt Tinsley. The following stats are the first of three statistical reports which will be released during the 2024-2025 season, capped by the season-ending stats.

Highland Park senior Ja'Corey Robinson leads the city in scoring, rebounding, steals and blocked shots. [File photo/TSN]

SCORING

Name, school                    Gms.  Pts.  Avg

Robinson, Highland Park        4      90   22.5

Sanchez, Shawnee Heights     4      71   17.8

Bonner, Seaman                      5      82   16.4

Finley, Seaman                         5     78    15.6

Williams, Highland Park           4      58   14.5

Rowley, Washburn Rural          5      72   14.4

Ballard, Washburn Rural           5      70   14.0

Paul, Topeka West                     4      55   13.8

Guest, Topeka High                   5      66   13.2

Pavlik, Cair Paravel                    6       77   12.8

Aldridge, Topeka High              5       59    11.8

Kelley, Highland Park                4       45    11.3

Pomeroy, Shawnee Heights      4        44   11.0

Wiltz, Seaman                           5        53    10.6

Hales, Highland Park                 4        41    10.3 

REBOUNDING

Name, school                       Gms.   Total    Avg.

Robinson, Highland Park           4        44     11.0

Pomeroy, Shawnee Heights       4        38      9.5

Kelley, Highland Park                 4        34      8.5

Sanchez, Shawnee Heights        4        30      7.5

Ford, Topeka West                     4         27      6.8

Finley, Seaman                           5         28      5.6

Roeder, Cair Paravel                   6         33      5.5

Lee, Shawnee Heights                4         22      5.5

Paul, Topeka West                      4         22      5.5

Ballard, Washburn Rural             5         27      5.4

Rowley, Washburn Rural            5          27      5.4

Kuta, Hayden                              5          26      5.2

Smith, Seaman                           5           26      5.2

Hanika, Hayden                          5           25      5.0

Hoytal, Washburn Rural             5           25      5.0

Highland Park junior Jamon Wilson (3) leads the city in assists with a 7.8 average. [File photo/TSN]

ASSISTS

Name, school                       Gms.   Total    Avg.

Wilson, Highland Park              4          31      7.8

Robinson, Highland Park          4          25      6.3

Pavlik, Cair Paravel                    6          35       5.8

Hales, Highland Park                4           19       4.8

Leonard, Washburn Rural         5           20       4.0

Williams, Highland Park            4           16       4.0

Sanchez, Shawnee Heights       4           14       3.5

Bonner, Seaman                        5           17       3.4

Ballard, Washburn Rural            5           16       3.2

Finley, Seaman                           5           15       3.0

Hoytal, Washburn Rural             5           13       2.6

Rowley, Washburn Rural            5            13       2.6

McFadden, Topeka High            5            12       2.4

Zuniga, Seaman                         5            11       2.2

Guest, Topeka High                    5            11       2.2

Hastert, Cair Paravel                   6            13       2.2

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

Shawnee County girls high school sports teams and individuals enjoyed another banner year in 2024, with county schools capturing six state team championships in four different sports in five different classifications and posted seven runnerup team finishes, including a pair of local teams that came within a tiebreaker of state crowns

Individually, local athletes combined for five individual/relay titles.

That across-the-board success made it nearly impossible to narrow down TopSports.news' list of the top Shawnee County girls sports stories to just 10, and even harder to decide which accomplishments deserve to be at the top of the list.

In fact, if you polled five different people you could have five different No. 1s. But having said that, here's one person's opinion.

Rossville wrestling star Kendra Hurla capped her prep career with a fourth straight individual title while helping lead the Bulldawgs to the Class 4A-1A team title. [Photo by Rick Peterson Jr./KSHSAA Covered]

1. FOUR FOR FOUR, PLUS TWO MORE  -- Rossville 120-pound girls wrestling star Kendra Hurla capped one of the most dominant high school careers in state history with her fourth straight Class 4A-1A state championship in the 2024 state meet at Hays. But Hurla's four-peat wasn't the only thing the Bulldawgs had to celebrate, with fellow senior Hailey Horton adding the 155-pound championship and as the Bulldawgs won thir first-ever state team crown by a half point, 82.5-82.0 over Oakley.

Molly Spader (with trophy) celebrates with her teammates after helping Washburn Rural win its fourth straight girls wrestling state title in five seasons. [File photo/TSN] 

2. UNPARALLELED DOMINANCE --Damon Parker's Washburn Rural Junior Blues continued to set the standard for all Kansas high school girls wrestling programs in 2024, with Rural winning its fourth team title in the five seasons that girls wrestling has been an official sport in Kansas. After the Junior Blues had their two-year title reign snapped in 2022, finishing second to Dodge City, Rural has bounced back to win the last two Class 6A-5A championships, including a win by a 118-96 margin over Garden City in 2024. Then-junior state runnerup Molly Spader (105 pounds) led the way as six Junior Blues earned state medals.

Silver Lake girls basketball posted a perfect 26-0 record in the 2023-2024 season, winning the Class 3A state title. [File photo/TSN] 

3. WIRE TO WIRE -- Traditional state girls basketball power Silver Lake added to its legacy with a dominating 2023-2024 campaign, capping a perfect 26-0 season with a 66-61 win over Hesston in the Class 3A state championship game. Makenzie McDaniel, now a freshman at Emporia State, was named the TopSports.news Shawnee County co-player of the year while fellow 2024 senior McKinley Kruger and then-sophomore Kailyn Hanni joined McDaniel on the all-county Top 10 and five Eagles earned all-county recognition.

Hayden senior Ainzley Zulueta won her third Class 4A state singles title this past fall, helping the Wildcats win the 4A team championship for the second time in three seasons. [File photo/TSN]

4. PICKING UP WHERE SHE LEFT OFF -- After dominating Class 4A singles as a freshman and sophomore Hayden tennis star Ainzley Zulueta sat out her junior high school season after attending an out-of-state tennis academy. But Zulueta was back on the court this past fall, capturing her third state championship in as many tries while leading Hayden to its second team title in three seasons by a 40-28 margin over McPherson. Zulueta capped an 24-0 undefeated season without dropping a single game in either regional or state competition, posting eight straight 6-0, 6-0 victories. All six members of Hayden's team earned state medals, including a runnerup doubles finish from senior two-time state champ Emily Sheetz and freshman Sophia Wichman.

By Rick Peterson

TopSports.news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Park girls open conference play with 18-point win

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

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

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

Freshman Ciara Hartz added 8 points and 6 steals.

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

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

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

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

Junior John Hoytal scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

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

Silver Lake boys take 70-57 win over Hiawatha

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

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

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

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

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

Hayden, which advanced to the Class 3A state championship game for the second straight season, and 5A quarterfinalist and United Kansas Conference champion Seaman combined for 10 Top 22 spots to lead the TopSports.news' 2024 All-Shawnee County football team.

Hayden, which posted a 11-2 record this fall, is represented on the Top 22 by senior three-time honoree Jensen Schrickel along with seniors Broderick Desch, Treyton Tetuan and Jett Wahlmeier and juniors Jude Krentz and Kade while Seaman, 8-3 on the year, put seniors Briar Finley, Max Huston and Kaden Jordan and junior Cameron Brian on the Top 22.

Seaman quarterback Huston and wide receiver Finley were named the Shawnee County co-offensive players of the year while Jordan, a nose tackle, was named the county defensive player of the year and Brian was selected as the defensive newcomer of the year.

Hayden's Schrickel was selected as the Shawnee County all-purpose athlete of the year while Wildcat coach Bill Arnold, now 222-68 as a head coach, was named the county coach of the year.

Shawnee Heights junior quarterback Aiden Scott was a Top 22 pick and selected as the county offensive newcomer of the year after throwing for more than 3,100 yards.

Washburn Rural senior safety Kingston Leonard joins Schrickel and Huston as All-Shawnee County Top 22 repeat selections while the Junior Blues are also represented on the Top 22 by senior linemen Caden Estrada and Jacob Hawks. 

Shawnee Heights also put junior Tyren Parker on the all-county Top 22, while 1A semifinalist Rossville is represented by senior Tayson Horak and junior Conner Bush, Silver Lake by senior Braden Strausbaugh and junior Dayne Johnson, Highland Park by seniors Ricky Crawford and Jamon Wilson and Topeka High by senior Jayden Norman.

All 10 Shawnee County high schools have representatives on either the Top 22, Second 22 or honorable mention list. Five county teams won at least six games this fall, with four winning at least one playoff contest.

TopSports.news selected the 2024 All-Shawnee County team after receiving input from county head coaches.

All-Shawnee County Top 22 capsules:

By RICK PETERSON             

TopSports.news

 Kaden Ballard, Washburn Rural

KADEN BALLARD, Washburn Rural

Ballard, a 5-foot-10 senior guard, received Top Sports News All-Shawnee County Second 10 and All-Centennial League second-team recognition last season. A Washburn University signee, Ballard averaged 12.0 points, 3.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game while hitting 44 of 127 3-point attempts and 56 of 76 free throws for a 73.7-percent average.

Mason Becker, Hayden

MASON BECKER, Hayden

A sophomore, Becker was named the TSN All-Shawnee County newcomer of the year and received Second 10 all-county recognition last season as a freshman after helping the 8-16 Wildcats advance to the Class 3A state tournament. Becker averaged 5.7 points, hit 17 3-pointers, shot 75.5 percent from the free throw line and registered 1.3 assists and 1.0 steals.

KaeVon Bonner, Seaman

KAEVON BONNER, Seaman

Bonner, a 6-foot-1 junior, moved up to the TSN All-Shawnee County first team last season after being named the Shawnee County co-newcomer of the year and receiving honorable mention as a freshman. A first-team All-United Kansas Conference selection, Bonner averaged 15.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals this past season for the 9-12 Vikings while hitting 32 3-pointers and shooting 76 percent from the free throw line.

Jack Donovan, Rossville

JACK DONOVAN, Rossville

A 5-foot-11 junior, Donovan made the All-Shawnee County Top 10 for the first time last season after being named the co-newcomer of the year and receiving honorable mention as a freshman. Donovan averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds and 2.4 assists for the 15-7 Bulldawgs while setting a school record with 59 3-point baskets. He was a first-team All-Mid-East League pick. Donovan is also a standout in football and golf for the Bulldawgs, earning All-Shawnee County first-team golf honors.

Ontarius Emmot, Shawnee Heights

ONTARIUS EMMOT, Shawnee Heights

Emmot, a junior, received TSN All-Shawnee County honorable mention recognition last season after helping Shawnee Heights post a 19-4 record and advance to the Class 5A state tournament. Emmot shot 49.2 percent from 3-point range last season, draining 31 treys on the season. Emmot also shot 79.7 percent from the free throw line and blocked 15 shots.

Bryer Finley, Seaman

BRYER FINLEY, Seaman

Finley, a 6-foot-5 senior, played in just four games for the Vikings a year ago before missing the remainder of the season with an injury. Before being sidelined Finley averaged 13.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Finley is coming off an oustanding football season as a wide receiver, being named the United Kansas Conference offensive player of the year after helping Seaman reach the Class 5A quarterfinals.

Kamoni Ford, Topeka West 

KAMONI FORD, Topeka West

A 6-foot-7 senior, Ford averaged 7.9 points and 5.0 rebounds for the 14-8 Chargers last season. Ford shot 57.5 percent on 2-point field goal attempts, hit 20 3-pointers and shot 70 percent from the free throw line. Ford received TSN All-Shawnee County honorable mention as a junior.

Jalen Foy, Topeka West

JALEN FOY, Topeka West

Foy, a 6-foot-2 senior guard, turned in a breakout junior season for the Chargers, earning TSN All-Shawnee County Top 10 and first-team All-United Kansas Conference recognition last season for 14-8 West. Foy averaged 13.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.4 blocked shots while hitting 31 3-pointers.

Connor Hanika, Hayden

CONNOR HANIKA, Hayden

Hanika, a junior, received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season after helping the 8-16 Wildcats advance to the Class 3A state tournament. Hanika averaged 5.1 points and 3.3 rebounds in 2023-2024 while shooting 52.4 percent on 2-point field goals. Hanika is also a football standout for Hayden, helping the Wildcats post back-to-back runnerup finishes in 3A.

By RICK PETERSON        
TopSports.news 

Anna Becker, Seaman

ANNA BECKER, Seaman

A 5-foot-11 senior, Becker was named the TopSports.news All-Shawnee County co-player of the year after helping lead Seaman to the Class 5A state championship last season. Becker scored 15 points with 8 rebounds, 5 assists and two steals in the Vikings' 54-41 win over Maize South in the state final as Seaman capped a 23-2 season. A Drake signee, Becker is a three-time All-Shawnee County Top 10 pick and has been named the United Kansas Conference player of the year the past two seasons. Becker averaged 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.8 steals while shooting 61.3 percent from 2-point range as a junior.

Tahtionna Broils, Highland Park

TAHTIONNA BROILS, Highland Park

A senior, Broils earned second-team All-Meadowlark Conference honors and TSN All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season for the 14-6 Scots. Broils averaged 9.7 points and 6.4 rebounds as a junior to go with 2.6 steals, 1.6 assists and 1.3 blocked shots for the Scots, who won the Meadowlark Conference championship. 

Tenly Bunck, Washburn Rural

TENLY BUNCK, Washburn Rural

A 5-foot-5 senior guard, Bunck helped Washburn Rural reach the Class 6A state championship game for the third straight season. Bunck helped the Junior Blues post a 17-8 record on the season while averaging 3.5 points and 2.9 rebounds and shooting 66.7 percent from the free throw line. Bunck received TSN All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League honorable mention as a junior.

Nora Burdiek, Rossville

NORA BURDIEK, Rossville

Burdiek, a 5-foot-11 sophomore forward, had a breakout season for Rossville as a freshman, earning TSN All-Shawnee County Second 10 and All-Mid-East League second-team recognition. Burdiek averaged 15 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals per game last season as Rossville posted an 18-4 record. Burdiek earned all-county first-team honors in volleyball this fall. 

Pearmella Carter, Highland Park

PEARMELLA CARTER, Highland Park

The 5-foot-10 Carter burst on the city and Meadowlark Conference scene last season as a freshman, leading the city in scoring and rebounding, averaging 18.1 and 10.2 rebounds while also averaging 3.9 steals and shooting 61.4 percent on 2-point field goals. Carter was named the Meadowlark Conference Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year and also received Second 10 All-Shawnee County recognition. 

Rylee Dick, Rossville

RYLEE DICK, Rossville

A junior, Dick had a big sophomore season for the Bulldawgs, helping Rossville post an 18-4 record. Dick, a 5-foot-6 guard, received TSN All-Shawnee County Second 10 and All-Mid-East second-team honors last season after averaging 15 points, 3 assists and 3 steals and shooting 36 percent from 3-point range.

KK Emmot, Shawnee Heights

KK EMMOT, Shawnee Heights

A 5-foot-7 sophomore, Emmot made an immediate impact for Shawnee Heights last season, averaging 13.5 points while connecting on 35 3-point goals and shooting 75 percent from the free throw line. Emmot earned All-United Kansas Conference second-team recognition last winter while also being named to the TSN All-Shawnee County Second 10. 

Ava Esser, Seaman

AVA ESSER, Seaman

Esser, a 6-foot senior, earned All-Shawnee County Second 10 recognition last season after helping Seaman win the Class 5A state championship and post a 23-2 record. Esser, who received All-United Kansas Conference honorable mention as a junior, averaged 5.6 points and grabbed 7.3 rebounds while shooting 47.6 percent from the field.

Maddie Gragg, Seaman 

MADDIE GRAGG, Seaman

A 5-foot-10 junior, Gragg was an TSN All-Shawnee County Top 10 and All-United Kansas Conference first-team pick for the second straight season after helping lead Seaman post a 23-2 record and win the Class 5A state title. Gragg registered a double-double in the Class 5A state final, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the Vikings' 54-41 win over Maize South. Gragg averaged 12.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals last season while shooting 51.6 percent on 2-point field goals, 44.4 percent on 3-point attempts with 28 3s and 77.0 percent from the free throw line. 

Kailyn Hanni, Silver Lake

KAILYN HANNI, Silver Lake

Hanni, a 5-foot-7 junior, had a breakout season for Silver Lake, helping the Eagles cap a perfect 26-0 season with a 66-61 win over Hesston in the Class 3A state championship game. Hanni, an All-Shawnee County Top 10 and first-team All-Mid-East League pick, scored 26 points for Silver Lake in the title game while connecting on 14 of 15 free throw attempts, with many of her charities coming in crunch time. Hanni scored a total of 50 points at state, with three double-figure games.

Karsyn Hastert, Cair Paravel

KARSYN HASTERT, Cair Paravel Latin

A junior, Hastert earned TSN All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season for the 6-16 Lions. Hastert averaged 7.3 points as a sophomore and ranked fifth in the city of Topeka with an 8.2 rebounding average and fourth with 1.4 blocked shots. Hastert is also a volleyball standout for Cair Paravel, earning All-Shawnee County second-team recognition this fall.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn Rural, which captured its 30th straight Centennial League boys championship (outright or shared) and finished third in the Class 6A state tournament, leads the 2024 Topeka All-City boys soccer team with four first-team picks.

Ryder Nikkel, Washburn Rural

Brandon Hamiton (14), Washburn Rural

Liam Morrison (4), Washburn Rural

Dylan Willingham, Washburn Rural

The Junior Blues are represented on the 16-member first team, selected by city coaches, by senior Ryder Nikkel (defense) and juniors Brandon Hamilton (defense), Liam Morrison (defense) and Dylan Willingham (midfield).

Valentin Del Real (3), Topeka West

Diego Gonzalez-Talavera, Topeka West

Jafet Rodriguez, Topeka West

Topeka West is represented on the All-City team by freshman Valentin Del Real (midfield), sophomore Diego Gonzalez-Talavera (forward) and senior Jafet Rodriguez (defense) while Charger coach Josh Kutter was named the 2024 city coach of the year after being named co-coach of the year in 2023.

Jaime Alvarado, Topeka High

Antonio Aguirre, Topeka High

Billy Lutz, Topeka High

Topeka High also put three players on the All-City team, with first-team repeat pick Jaime Alvarado (forward) joined by senior Antonio Aguirre (midfield) and junior Billy Lutz (goalkeeper).

Camden Granado (6), Shawnee Heights

Mason Haas, Shawnee Heights

Dalton Smith, Seaman

Logan Townsend, Seaman

Shawnee Heights is represented on the All-City team by junior Camden Granado (forward) and sophomore Mason Haas (midfield) while Seaman is represented by senior Dalton Smith (defense) and senior Logan Townsend (midfield).

Cooper Grace (18), Hayden

Hayden senior Cooper Grace (defense) earned All-City first-team honors for the second straight season while Highland Park junior Neri Diaz (midfield) rounds out the first team.

Aguirre, Granado, Lutz, Rodriguez, Nikkel and Willingham all moved up to the first team after receiving honorable mention in 2023.

Willingham was named the Centennial League player of the year this fall while Rural's Hamilton, Morrison and Nikkel and High's Alvarado, Aguirre and Lutz and Hayden's Grace were also first-team picks.

Seaman's Smith and Townsend, Topeka West's Del Real, Gonzalez-Talavera and Rodriguez and Shawnee Heights' Granado and Haas were all named All-United Kansas Conference first team and Highland Park's Diaz made the All-Meadowlark Conference first team.

2024 TOPEKA ALL-CITY SOCCER

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Cair Paravel Latin senior Ben Roeder received All-Flint Hills League first-team football honors, one of eight Lions to receive all-league recognition.

Ben Roeder

Jase Pavlik

Roeder was named to the All-Flint Hills first-team offense as a utility player and also received all-league honorable mention at linebacker.

CPLS senior Jase Pavlik was a second-team selection at quarterback and defensive back while Billy Lanich was a second-team pick as both an offensive and defensive lineman while Tobias Bonura was a second-team selection at running back and James Osborne at receiver.

Bonura also received special teams honorable mention while Caleb Clevenger received honorable mention as an offensive lineman and Cole Haubold and Cole Stafford received honorable mention at linebacker. 

Story Links

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Fourteen soccer standouts have received All-State recognition from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association, led by All-Class 6A first-team pick Dylan Willingham of Washburn Rural.

 Willingham, a junior midfielder, was earlier named the Centennial League player of the year and received first-team All-City recognition after helping lead the Junior Blues to a third-place finish in the 6A state tournament.

Dylan Willingham, Washburn Rural

Rural juniors Brandon Hamilton, Liam Morrison and Miles Cook were all named to the All-6A second team while senior Ryder Nikkel and junior Draden Chooncharoen received honorable mention.

Six city players earned All-5A honorable mention, with Shawnee Heights represented by juniors Camden Granado and Juan Garcia and sophomore Mason Haas and Seaman by seniors Blake Toyne, Logan Townsend and Kaelin Loy.

Cair Paravel Latin junior Nathan Keys received second-team honors in All-4A-1A while Lion sophomore Judah Congdon received honorable mention.

Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

State tournament teams Seaman, Washburn Rural and Hayden combined to put 10 players on the TopSports.news 2024 All-Shawnee County volleyball first team, led by Seaman two-time player of the year Maegan Mills.

Seaman senior Maegan Mills (23) has been named the TSN Shawnee County volleyball player of the year for the second straight season. [Photo by Jesse Bruner/Special to TSN]

Seaman's Tatiana Dowling has been named the Shawnee County coach of the year for the second straight season. [File photo/TSN]

Seaman, which finished second in Class 5A this fall after winning the state title in 2023, put a county-high four players on the all-county first team, with Mills joined by fellow Viking seniors Campbell Chabot, Ava Esser and Kinley Wilhelm while Viking coach Tatiana Dowling, a Seaman grad, was named the coach of the year for the second straight season after leading her team to a county-best 41-3 record and a county-best state tournament finish.

Hayden freshman Hailey Schmidtlein has been named the Shawnee County co-newcomer of the year. [File photo/TSN]

Hayden freshman Blakely Walter has been named the Shawnee County volleyball co-newcomer of the year. [File photo/TSN]

Hayden, which placed third in the 4A state tournament, is represented on the first team by senior Reagan McGivern and freshmen Hailey Schmidtlein and Blakely Walter, who were named co-Shawnee County newcomers of the year. McGivern is a first-team all-county repeat pick after earning first-team honors at Seaman as a junior.

Washburn Rural is represented on the all-county first team by seniors Layla Collins and Kate Hinck and junior Karsyn Horyna after helping the Junior Blues win the Centennial League championship and advance to the 6A state tournament.

Collins is a first-team All-Shawnee County repeat pick after being a second-team pick as a sophomore.

Shawnee Heights put seniors Kaydence Torrez and Taylor Brees on the first team while Silver Lake is represented by senior Ella Bolan, Rossville by sophomore Nora Burdiek and Topeka High by senior Jo'Mhara Benning.

Torrez and Bolan are first-team repeat picks while Burdiek was named the county newcomer of the year as a freshman.

All-Shawnee County first-team capsules:

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Topekan Peyton Williams is headed overseas for her fifth season of professional basketball, this time to China.

The product of Cair Paravel Latin and Kansas State University is now a veteran of four professional seasons. She played in Russia upon graduation, then spent a season in France and two in Hungary.

Former Cair Paravel and Kansas State star Peyton Williams is getting ready for her fifth professional basketball season and her first in China. [Submitted photo]

Williams will play this season for the Wuhan Shengfan Basketball Club.

“My agent and I talked about Spain, Turkey and China, all of which have really good leagues. Because China is a little bit farther away, he wanted to make sure I was actually interested in that. I said, ‘Let’s give it a try,’ '' Williams said. "He was able to connect with some people and help me find a team.”

An anthropology major at K-State, Williams is looking forward to the opportunity to experience a different part of the world.

“I have really enjoyed playing in the Europe circuit. But I’ve never been to China and have been really interested in the culture, as well as to see what basketball is like there.” Williams said. “I know that they have a really competitive league. So, it’s a chance to push myself as a professional and also to experience a different culture.”

Williams said the Chinese league, made up of 21 teams, covers such a large geographic area that the league is split into divisions. She said unlike Europe, where most of the travel was done in vans or on commuter trains, the team in China will travel primarily by airplane or on the country’s “bullet trains.”

“It will be somewhat similar to what we did in Russia,” Williams said. “There, almost all our travel was by plane, and sometimes those flights were across four or five time zones.”

Williams said the level of play she has experienced thus far in her career would be a step up from what she saw in the Big 12. She noted that a lot of the best players from the Big 12 have been among her opponents in Europe. She expects the Chinese league to be as challenging as anywhere she’s played, if not more so.

“I think every league that I’ve played in has had a lot of talent, but I’ve heard the Chinese league is really good because it attracts a lot of really good players from the U.S.,” Williams said.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

THURSDAY'S GAME

Highland Park senior Jamon Wilson has compiled 1,449 all-purpose yards this fall for the 5-2 Scots. [File photo/TSN]

KC-WASHINGTON (6-1, 4-1 Meadowlark) vs. HIGHLAND PARK (5-2, 4-1 Meadowlark)

At Hummer Sports Park

Highland Park snapped a two-game losing streak with a 70-0 non-league rout over Kansas City-East, Mo. last Thursday at Hummer Sports Park while Kansas City-Washington is coming off a 20-6 Meadowlark Conference victory over KC-Schlagle. Thursday's game could have serious implications on seeding for the Class 5A playoffs, with Washington tied for the No. 2 East seed and Highland Park tied for the No. 7 East seed. The top eight seeds will host games in the first round of the playoffs next week. Scot senior Jamon Wilson has accumulated 1,449 all-purpose yards, including 510 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 45 carries, 16 receptions for 349 yards and three TDs and 565 kick/punt return yards. Sophomore quarterback G'Honi Montgomery has carried the ball 67 times for 590 yards and six TDs while junior Dontrail Fox has completed 48 of 100 passes for 899 yards and 10 TDs.

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Seaman senior Max Huston has passed for 1,650 yards and 18 TDs and rushed for 443 yards and seven TDs for the 6-1 Vikings. [File photo/TSN]

DE SOTO (6-1, 5-1 UKC) at SEAMAN (6-1, 6-0 UKC)

Seaman clinched a share of the United Kansas Conference title with a 28-14 win over previously-unbeaten Basehor-Linwood last Friday and can clinch the outright championship with a win over De Soto. The Vikings are currently tied for the No. 2 West Class 5A seed. De Soto rolled to a 67-28 non-league win over Blue Valley Southwest last Friday and the Wildcats are tied for the No. 2 East 5A seed. Seaman senior Max Huston has completed 96 of 151 passes for 1,650 yards and 18 touchdowns and has rushed for 443 yards and seven TDs on 70 attempts. Senior Bryer Finley has 53 receptions for 1,069 yards and 14 TDs while junior Kaden McKinney has carried the ball 94 times for 598 yards and 10 TDs. Junior Carter Brian leads the Vikings with 75 tackles (42 solo) with seven tackles for loss.

PIPER (2-5, 2-4 UKC) vs. TOPEKA WEST (1-6, 1-6 UKC)

At Hummer Sports Park

Topeka West dropped a 57-0 United Kansas Conference decision to Leavenworth last week while Piper took a 51-16 UKC win over Kansas City-Turner. West enters the final game of the regular season tied for the No. 12 seed in Class 5A West.

COUNCIL GROVE (5-2, 1-2 Class 2A District 3) at SILVER LAKE (5-2, 2-1 Class 2A District 3)

Both Silver Lake and Council Grove will be looking to bounce back from losses, with the Eagles dropping a 35-21 Class 2A District 3 decision to undefeated Osage City while Council Grove lost a 22-6 district game to St. Marys. Silver Lake had a four-game win streak snapped by Osage City, which pulled away late in a game that was tied 14-14 at halftime. 

Hayden senior quarterback Jett Wahlmeier has passed for 1,175 yards and 14 TDs for the 6-1 Wildcats. [Photo by Kyle Manthe/Special to TSN]

HAYDEN (6-1, 3-0 Class 3A District 4) at JEFFERSON WEST (1-6, 0-3 Class 3A District 4)

Hayden clinched the Class 3A District 4 championship last Friday with a 50-16 district win over Perry-Lecompton while Jefferson West posted its first win of the season, taking a 29-6 non-district win over Atchison County. Wildcat senior quarterback Jett Wahlmeier has completed 78 of 114 passes for 1,175 yards and 14 touchdowns while junior Kade Mitchell has carried the ball 60 times for 546 yards, caught 21 passes for 374 yards and scored 16 total touchdowns. Senior Jensen Schrickel has caught 22 passes for 356 yards and scored nine total TDs. Junior Jude Krentz leads Hayden with 68 total tackles (38 solo) while sophomore Mason Becker is 38 of 38 on extra-point attempts.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Silver Lake in Class 3A and Rossville in 2A opened volleyball postseason in impressive fashion on Monday, with both the Eagles and Bulldawgs going 3-0  to capture regional tournament titles and advance to sub-state competition on Saturday.

Silver Lake went 3-0 with three straight-set wins to win Monday's Class 3A volleyball tournament at Silver Lake. [Silver Lake volleyball]

Rossville went 3-0 with three straight-set wins to win Monday's Class 2A volleyball tournament at Atchison. [Rossville volleyball]

Silver Lake posted three straight-set wins to win the 3A regional it hosted while Rossville duplicated that feat in the 2A event at Atchison.

The 27-9 Eagles advanced to a Saturday 3A sub-state at Royal Valley while the 20-14 Bulldawgs will compete in a 2A sub-state at Maranatha Academy in Shawnee.

Silver Lake opened its regional bid with a 25-15, 25-15 win over Sabetha, followeed by a 25-10, 25-13 victory over Riley County and a 25-13, 25-18 win over Perry-Lecompton.

The Eagles are the No. 2 seed for Saturday's Royal Valley sub-state and will play the second match against No. 3 Santa Fe Trail (28-8).

The Silver Lake-Santa Fe Trail winner will take on the winner of the first match between No. 1 Royal Valley (29-7) and No. 4 Marysville (13-19) for the sub-state title, with the winner advancing to the 3A state tournament at Hutchinson Nov. 1-2.

 Rossville took a 25-8, 25-17 win over Cair Paravel Latin in its first regional match before taking a 25-2, 25-11 win over Valley Falls and a 25-21, 25-21 win over Maur Hill Mt. Academy.

Cair Paravel went 1-2 on the day, posting a 25-15, 25-16 win over Valley Falls. The Lions dropped a three-set decision to Maur Hill-Mt. Academy, which took a 25-22, 15-25, 25-20 win.

Rossville is the No. 2 seed for the Maranatha Academy sub-state on Saturday and will play the second match of the day aganst No. 3 Pleasant Ridge (21-13).

The winner of that match will play for the sub-state title against the winner of the match between top seed Maranatha Academy (34-6) and No. 4 Jefferson North (16-20).

The sub-state champ will advance to the state tournament Nov. 1-2 at Dodge City.

Other Saturday sub-states involving local schools:

Class 6A at Washburn Rural

Washburn Rural (28-6) is the No. 1 6A West seed and will host a four-school sub-state Saturday.

The Junior Blues will face No. 16 West seed Liberal (4-29) in the 1 p.m. match, followed by a match between No. 8 seed Topeka High (16-18) and No. 9 Free State (13-17).

The two winners will face off at approximately 3 p.m. for the sub-state title, with the winner moving on to the 6A state tournament Nov. 1-2 at Salina.

Class 5A at Seaman

Defending 5A champion Seaman will host a 5A sub-state Saturday, with the 35-2 Vikings the No. 1 West seed.

Seaman will play No. 16 Topeka West (13-21) in the first match of the tournament followed by the other semifinal between No. 8 Emporia (23-12) and No. 9 Maize South (23-13).

The two winners will advance to the sub-state final, with the tournament champion advancing to the 5A state tournament Nov. 1-2 at Salina.

Class 5A at Blue Valley Southwest

Shawnee Heights (17-18) is the No. 8 East seed and will face No. 9 Basehor-Linwood (17-18) in the second match of the day.

The winner will advance to take on the winner between No. 1 seed Blue Valley Southwest (29-5) and No. 16 Kansas City-Turner (9-21).

The sub-state champ will move on to the 5A state tournament Nov. 1-2 at Salina.

Class 5A at St. Thomas Aquinas

Highland Park is the No. 10 East seed (11-12) and will face No. 7 Spring Hill (19-17) in a sub-state semifinal.

The winner of that match will face the semifinal winner between No. 2 Aquinas (27-5) and No. 15 Leavenworth (11-20) for the sub-state title, with the winner advancing to the 5A state tournament Nov. 1-2 at Salina.

Class 4A at Hayden

Hayden, the No. 3 East seed at 27-10, will host a 4A sub-state on Saturday (2 p.m. start).

The Wildcats will face No. 14 Baldwin (10-22) in a semifinal match while No. 6 Paola (21-12) will take on No. 11 Parsons (15-18) in the other semifinal.

The winner of those two matches will play for the sub-state title, with the winner advancing to the 4A state tournament Nov. 1-2 at Hutchinson.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Rossville posted its fourth straight Class 1A District 2 win on Friday while improving to 4-3 overall with a 28-0-home win over Olpe.

The Bulldawgs were in control throughout the game, scoring the only touchdown they would need on a 28-yard run by senior quarterback Tayson Horak at the 7:23 mark of the opening quarter (Vincent Daniel kick). 

Rossville senior quarterback Tayson Horak threw for a touchdown and ran for a TD in the Bulldawgs' 28-0 district win over Olpe Friday night. [File photo/TSN]

Horak added a 10-yard passing touchdown to Kameron Badura (Daniel kick) with 3:26 left in the second quarter to give Rossville a 14-0 halftime advantage.

Seth Catron scored on a 15-yard run with 1:21 left in the third quarter (Daniel kick) to put the Bulldawgs in front 21-0 and Mahki Jackson added a 5-yard TD run midway through the fourth quarter (Daniel kick) to give Rossville its final margin. 

Rossville goes on the road to face district foe Wabaunsee (3-4, 2-2) on Friday.

CAIR PARAVEL LATIN 74, MARANATHA ACADEMY 6 -- Cair Paravel Latin snapped its five-game losing streak in resounding fashion Friday night at Yager Stadium, rolling to a Class 1A District 2 victory over Maranatha Academy.

The Lions improved to 2-5 overall and 1-3 in the district.

CPLS will close out its regular season Friday night at Olpe (5-2, 3-1).

Washburn Rural's Jordy Heim and the Rural defense come up with a touchdown-saving stop to end the first half Friday night against Junction City. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

JUNCTION CITY 17, WASHBURN RURAL 0 -- Junction City entered the game giving up 35 points a game before blanking the Junior Blues 17-0 in a Centennial League game at Bowen-Glaze Stadium.

The Blue Jays took advantage of a Rural turnover to go up 7-0 in the first quarter on a 2-yard run by junior Justice Fonoti.

The Blue Jays added a 31-yard field goal from senior Ethan Hileman to take a 10-0 halftime advantage, forcing two Rural turnovers and three punts in the opening half.

Junction City used a nine-play, 80-yard drive to get its final score of the night on a 6-yard TD run by junior Jamarcus Tyson.

Junction City improved to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in the Centennial League while Rural fell to 3-4 and 2-1.

The Junior Blues will close out the regular season at undefeated Manhattan Friday night.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Hayden girls tennis stars Ainzley Zulueta and Emily Sheetz kept their bids for a third Class 4A state championships on Friday at Kossover Tennis Cente while Seaman sophomore Emma Sweeney also advanced to the state semifinals in the 5A state tournament.

Zulueta, the two-time state singles champ and the No. 1 seed this weekend, went 2-0 on Friday without dropping a game and will face the No. 5 seed in a 9 a.m. semifinal while Sheetz, who won back-to-back doubles championships in 2022 and 2023 with '24 Hayden graduate Lauren Sandstrom and will try for a third crown on Saturday with freshman Sophia Wichman.

Hayden senior Ainzley Zulueta will be shooting for her third Class 4A state tennis championship Saturday at Kossover Tennis Center. [File photo/TSN]

Hayden freshman Sophia Wichman (left) and senior Emily Sheetz are the No. 2 doubles seed in the Class 4A state tournament and advanced to Saturday's semifinals with two straight wins on Friday. [File photo/TSN]

Sheetz and Wichman, who are coming off a regional championship and are the No. 2 seed for state and went 2-0 Friday to advance to a 9 a.m. semifinal doubles showdown with No. 6 seed Circle.

Seaman sophomore Emma Sweeney, a state medalist as a freshman, advanced to Saturday's Class 5A singles semifinals. [File photo/TSN]

Sweeney, a state singles medalist as a freshman, went 2-0 in the 5A state tournament on Friday to advance to a 9 a.m. semifinal to face the No. 1 tournament seed.

Seaman junior Molly Gorman, a two-time state medalist in doubles, went 3-1 on Friday in her first state tournament in singles and can still finish as high as fifth place on Saturday.

Seaman's doubles team of senior Sidney Chinn and junior Peyton Henry also went 3-1 on Friday and can still finish as high as fifth in 5A.  

Hayden junior Grace Funk in singles and the junior doubles team of Izzy Glotzbach and Avery O'Bray both went 2-1 in their first three matches on Friday.

Topeka High junior singles player Madeline Deters won her first two 6A singles matches on Friday before losing in the quarterfinals to the No. 2 seed.

Washburn Rural seniors Emerie Catlin and Izzy Haggard fell in the 6A doubles quarterfinals.

Both Deters and Catlin and Haggard can still finish as high as fifth place.

Related Stories and Videos

By RICK PETERSON                                                                                                           

TopSports.news

Cair Paravel sophomore girls tennis standout Madilyn Poole and Topeka West sophomore running back Damon Webb have been selected by the Dan Key Farmers Insurance Agency as the Rising Stars of the Week.

The Dan Key Agency will recognize top Shawnee County underclassmen throughout the bulk of the 2024-2025 school year.

Here’s a brief look at the accomplishments of Poole and Webb over the past week:

Cair Paravel sophomore Madilyn Poole is the Dan Key Farmers Insurance Agency female Rising Star of the Week after becoming her school's first girls tennis state qualifier. [File photo/TSN]

MADILYN POOLE, Cair Paravel Latin

Cair Paravel Latin sophomore Madilyn Poole finished as the singles runnerup in last Saturday's Class 3A-1A regional tennis tournament at Marysville, becoming the Lions' first-ever girls state tennis qualifier.

Poole, 19-6 on the 2024 season, dropped a 6-4, 6-1 decision to Kansas City Christian senior Lauren Seitz (24-4) in the regional championship match.

Poole, who scored all six of fifth-place Cair Paravel's team points at regionals, will compete in the 3A-1A state tournament at Wichita Friday. 

Topeka West sophomore running back Damon Webb has been selected as the Dan Key Farmers Insurance Agency male Rising Star of the Week after a 192-yard, three-touchdown rushing performance against KC-Turner. [File photo/TSN]

DAMON WEBB, Topeka West

Webb, a sophomore running back, rushed for 192 yards and three touchdowns on 17 attempts as the Chargers' football team picked up its first win of the 2024 season last Friday.

Webb scored touchdowns on 4, 8 and 17 yards in Topeka West's 32-20 United Kansas Conference victory over Kansas City-Turner at Hummer Sports Park.

Webb also plays basketball for the Chargers, seeing varsity action last season as a freshman.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

THURSDAY'S GAME

Highland Park sophomore running back G'Honi Montgomery has helped lead the Scots to a 4-2 start to the 2024 season. [File photo/TSN]

KC-EAST, MO. (0-6) vs. HIGHLAND PARK (4-2)

At Hummer Sports Park

Highland Park will be looking to bounce back with a big non-league victory Thursday night against winless Kansas City-East, Mo. after suffering back-to-back road losses at Wichita East and Meadowlark Conferference power Atchison. The Scots are coming off a 62-21 loss to Atchison and will be eyeing a big offensive game Thursday after being outscored 136-27 over its past two games. Highland Park has outscored its foes 201-136 on the eason while East has been outscored 353-43 on the year. Senior running back Jamon Wilson, junior quarterback Dontrail Fox and sophomore running back G'Honi Montgomery have turned in big years for the Scots.

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Hayden junior Kade Mitchell has rushed for 507 yards and scored 15 total TDs this fall. [File photo/TSN]

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

Hayden is coming off a big 31-7 Class 3A District 4 road win at Holton last week and is in control of the District 4 race. Perry-Lecompton is also coming off a win, taking a 43-14 decision over Jefferson West. Hayden junior Kade Mitchell has carried the ball 54 times for 507 yards and caught 17 passes for 251 yards while scoring 15 total touchdowns. Senior quarterback Jett Wahlmeier has completed 62 of 95 passes for 934 yards and 11 touchdowns while senior Jensen Schrickel has caught 17 passes for 295 yards and scored seven TDs. Sophomore Mason Becker is 32 of 32 on extra point attempts while senior Jude Krentz leads the Wildcats with 53 tackles (30 solo).

Seaman junior Kaden McKinney (9) has rushed for 574 yards and 10 TDs while senior quarterback Max Huston (7) has passed for 1,365 yards and 17 TDs. [File photo/TSN]

BASEHOR-LINWOOD (6-0, 5-0) at SEAMAN (5-1, 5-0 UKC)

Friday's game is likely to decide the United Kansas Conference championship, with both the Bobcats and Vikings entering the night 5-0 in the conference. Seaman took a 59-34 UKC win at Shawnee Heights last week while Basehor-Linwood took a 44-6 non-league win over Tonganoxie. Seaman has won four straight games since a non-league loss to Class 6A Shawnee Mission East. Viking senior quarterback Max Huston has completed 75 of 121 passes for 1,365 yards and 17 touchdowns and has rushed for 381 yards and four TDs on 51 attempts. Junior Kaden McKinney has carried the ball 84 times for 574 yards and 10 TDs while senior Bryer Finley has caught 43 passes for 879 yards and 13 touchdowns. Junior linebacker Cameron Brian leads Seaman with 60 tackles (31 solo), while recording five tackles for loss.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

By this point in the 2024 high school tennis season, Seaman singles players Emma Sweeney and Molly Gorman have faced off against each other more than they can probably count.

Seaman sophomore Emma Sweeney is 27-3 and the No. 5 singles seed for Friday and Saturday's Class 5A state tennis tournament at Andover. [File photo/TSN]

Seaman sophomore Molly Gorman is 25-4 on the season and the No. 11 singles seed for the Class 5A state meet Friday and Saturday in Andover. [File photo/TSN]

Sweeney and Gorman play each other most every day in practice and also faced each other in the championship matches of the United Kansas Conference and Class 5A regional tournaments.

Gorman, a junior, and sophomore Sweeney admit that constantly going up against a teammate and close friend can get old, but the Viking standouts would welcome another meeting in this Friday and Saturday's Class 5A state tournament at the Andover District Tennis Complex.

Sweeney, who placed 11th in 5A as a freshman, is the No. 5 state seed with a 27-3 record while Gorman, a two-time state doubles medalist, is the No. 11 seed at 25-4, with two of her losses coming against Sweeney.

"It's hard, especially because me and Molly are such good friends off the court that it's just so hard and upsetting always having to play and go against her,'' Sweeney said.

Gorman agreed.

"At practice yes (it gets old) and I don't like playing her when it comes to meets, but we've got to do it,'' Gorman said.

But both players agree that playing each other also makes them both better.

"She hits the ball super aggressive and she's good on moving me around,'' Sweeney said of Gorman. "It's either way at practice at the end of the day. Me and Molly just are always trying to push each other and make each other better each day.''

Said Gorman: "Even though it gets tiring, it benefits me and it should benefit her I think.''

The good news for both Sweeney and Gorman is that if they face each other this weekend it's likely to be a very good weekend for both of them, with the two players on opposite sides of the bracket and will only play if both players advance to the state final or end up facing off in a place match.

Seaman is coming off United Kansas Conference and regional team championships -- posting perfect team scores in both events -- and will be looking to take home a team trophy (top three) this weekend after qualifying its entire team for state.

Seaman senior Sidney Chinn and junior Peyton Henry won the regional doubles title last Saturday in Bonner Spring while topping sophomore teammates Kaylyn Hiebsch and Camryn Lux in the championship match.

Chinn and Henry are 23-5 on the season and the No. 10 seed for state while Hiebsch and Lux are 22-8 and seeded No. 13.

The 5A state tournament will start at 10 a.m. Friday.

Class 6A at Prairie Village Harmon Park Tennis Complex

Washburn Rural and Topeka High combined for seven state qualifiers for this weekend's Class 6A state meet at Harmon Park.

Washburn Rural seniors Emerie Catlin (left) and Izzy Haggard followed up their city doubles title with Centennial League and regional championships and are the No. 5 seed for the Class 6A state tournament. [File photo

Regional team champion Rural qualified the senior doubles team of Emerie Catlin and Izzy Haggard and senior singles player Carolina Chedzoy and sophomore Julia Katzer for state out of last Thursday's regional tournament at Wichita while Topeka High qualified junior singles player Madeline Deters and the doubles team of junior Ava Ritter and freshman Hailey Caryl.

Catlin and Haggard won the regional doubles title after earlier winning city and Centennial League titles while Chedzoy and Katzer finished second and fifth in singles.

Catlin and Haggard are 21-4 on the year and are the No. 5 state seed while Chedzoy, a returning state medalist, is 17-10 and the No. 9 singles seed while Katzer is 17-10 and the No. 20 seed.

Topeka High's Deters placed third at regionals and is the No. 10 state seed with a 24-6 record while Caryl and Ritter took fifth at reegionals and are the No. 18 doubles seed with a 22-8 record.

The first round of state competition will begin at 10 a.m. Friday.

Class 3A-1A at Wichita Riverside Tennis Complex

Cair Paravel Latin sophomore Madilyn Poole finished second in singles in the Class 3A-1A regional tournament last Saturday at Marysville, becoming the school's first girls state tennis qualifier.

Poole is 19-6 on the season and has been installed as the No. 8 seed for Friday and Saturday's state meet at Wichita's Riverside Tennis Complex.

CITY STATE TENNIS QUALIFIERS

Class 6A

At Harmon Park, Prairie Village

Topeka High -- Singles: Madeline Deters, sr., 24-6. Doubles: Hailey Caryl, fr., and Ava Ritter, jr., 22-8. 

Washburn Rural -- Singles: Carolina Chedzoy, sr., 17-10; Julia Katzer, so., 17-10. Doubles: Emerie Catlin, sr., and Izzy Haggard, sr., 21-4.

Class 5A

At Andover District Tennis Complex

Seaman -- Singles: Emma Sweeney, so., 27-3; Molly Gorman, jr., 25-4. Doubles: Peyton Henry, jr., and Sidney Chinn, sr., 23-5; Kaylyn Hiebsch, so., and Camryn Lux, so., 22-8.

Class 4A

At Kossover Tennis Center, Topeka

Hayden -- Singles: Ainzley Zulueta, sr., 20-0; Grace Funk, jr., 8-3. Doubles: Emily Sheetz, sr., and Sophia Wichman, fr., 12-2; Izzy Glotzbach, jr., and Avery O'Bray, jr., 11-7.

Class 3A-1A

At Riverside Tennis Complex, Wichita

Cair Paravel Latin -- Singles: Madilyn Poole, so., 19-6.

Related Stories and Videos

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Hayden girls tennis stars Ainzley Zulueta and Emily Sheetz will be in familiar territory when they take the court Friday and Saturday at Topeka's Kossover Tennis Center to make their bids for their third Class 4A state championships.

Zulueta is a two-time state singles champ and back in the 4A field this weekend after not competing as a junior after attending a tennis academy in Texas while Sheetz won back-to-back doubles championships in 2022 and 2023 with '24 Hayden graduate Lauren Sandstrom and will try for a third crown with freshman Sophia Wichman.

Hayden senior Ainzley Zulueta will be shooting for her third Class 4A state tennis championship Friday and Saturday at Kossover Tennis Center. [File photo/TSN]

Hayden freshman Sophia Wichman (left) and senior Emily Sheetz are the No. 2 doubles seed for the Class 4A state tournament, with Sheetz trying to become a three-time state champ. [File photo/TSN]

Zulueta has been installed as the No. 1 seed for this weekend's state meet and is a perfect 20-0 on the season after winning city, Centennial League and regional titles. Zulueta went 4-0 at regionals with four straight 6-0, 6-0 victories.

Zulueta, who played over the summer in California, said she is enjoying her final go-around in the high school ranks.

"I'm having fun, I'm enjoying it,'' Zulueta said. "I've enjoyed what we've done so far (including a state team title in '22) and I'm glad we're hosting it for my final year. I think it will be exciting.''

Zulueta, who plans to play collegiately at Ferris State (Mich.), said she is confident entering her final high school tournament.

"I don't really know the No. 2 seed (29-3 Buhler freshman Sophia Spies) but I think if I can just play my game I think I'll be fine, as long as I get over my nerves and don't think too much about the people watching me,'' she said.

Zulueta knows that playing in her home town is likely to mean bigger crowds, especially from the Hayden community, but she said she is happy to be playing on courts that she knows like the back of her hands.

"I love playing on the Kossover courts, so I think I like that,'' Zulueta said. "I think it helped that regionals was here. With some people watching I think that kind of helped me get over nerves and the expectation I think some people might have when watching me.

"I know they're will be a lot more people this time around, but I'm excited and I think I'll be ready.''

Sheetz played with Sandstrom her first three high school seasons before compiling a 12-2 record in her partial season with Wichman.

Sheetz and Wichman are coming off a regional championship and have been installed as the No. 2 seed for state.

"For state we're going in open-minded and we're ready,'' Sheetz said. "I feel like we know how to play the game, so whatever happens happens and I'm just trying to go out with a bang my senior year.

"There is no pressure. I know we know how to play and we'll finish strong.'' 

Hayden qualified its entire team for state while capturing last Saturday regional team title at Kossover.

The Wildcats also qualified junior Grace Funk in singles and the junior doubles team of Izzy Glotzbach and Avery O'Bray.

Funk (8-3) is a year ago and placed second in the regional tournament while Sexton (12-18) qualified for state with a sixth-place regional finish.

Funk is the No. 10 singles seed for state and Sexton the No. 24 seed.

Glotzbach and O'Bray (15-15) finished fourth at regionals and are the No. 15 seed in the state doubles field.

The first round of state competition will get under way at 10 a.m. Friday.

CITY STATE TENNIS QUALIFIERS

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Saturday was business as usual for Washburn Rural's boys cross country team, which rolled to its 18th straight city boys team title at Kanza Park.

Seaman junior Brody Anderson captured his first city boys individual cross country championship Saturday at Kanza Park. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

But there was also some new in the city championships, with Seaman junior standout Brody Anderson winning his first city individual crown after finishing second in 2023 while freshman Henry Laubach made an immediate impact in his first city meet with a third-place finish to pace the perennial-champion Junior Blues. 

Matt Swedlund's Washburn Rural team used its pack mentality to produce a decisive 30-79 margin over Topeka West in the team race, with Laubach leading the way as Junior Blues put three runners in the top five and all of their top five in the top 10 places.

Anderson clocked a winning five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 36.7 seconds in his second city meet, winning by a 21-second-plus margin over Topeka West senior standout Adrian Lehman (15:58.3). 

"It was good,'' Anderson said. "I went out pretty fast. I knew the course changed beforehand (approximately 80 meters longer)  and I went out and walked it. It was good to see something a little extra on Kanza and I still ran a great time.

"It's championship season and I've been looking forward to it all season. I came out guns a blazing I feel like and it's paid off and I keep seeing some great times.''

Freshman Henry Laubach finished a team-high third in Saturday's city meet as Washburn Rural won its 18th straight boys team title. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Laubach continued his outstanding rookie campaign for the Junior Blues with a third-place time of 16:17.0.

"He's so natural,'' Swedlund said. "He's just a natural talent and having the middle school right there and being ablt to watch him compete and seeing him in the summers and stuff, he's where we thought he'd be.''

Junior Brooks Kehoe finished fourth (16:38.0) for the Junior Blues while senior Bodie King was fifth (16:42.8), senior Connor Olsen eighth (16:59.0) and freshman Duke Graf 10th (17:17.2) to complete Rural's top five.

"I was happy,'' Swedlund said. "Our two through four, five, that's right where we wanted them to be so I was happy with that.''

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

The Hayden and Seaman girls tennis teams will be out in full force next Friday and Saturday for state tournaments after qualifying their entire teams and capturing regional team championships on Saturday. 

Two-time Class 4A state singles champion Ainzley Zulueta won a regional title Saturday at Kossover Tennis Center. [File photo/TSN]

Hayden senior Emily Sheetz, a two-time state champion, won a Class 4A regional doubles championship Saturday at Kossover Tennis Center. [File photo/TSN]

Hayden senior Ainzley Zulueta captured the regional singles title in the Class 4A regional at Kossover Tennis Center while senior Emily Sheetz and freshman Sophia Wichman won the doubles championship as the Wildcats topped Bishop Miege for the team title.

Zulueta and Sheetz earned their shot at their third state titles with Saturday's regional championships.

Zulueta, undefeated on the season, rolled through her four regional matches will dropping a game, posting four straight 6-0, 6-0 victories, including a 6-0, 6-0 win over Bishop Miege sophomore Ella Daniel in the championship match.

Sheetz and Wichman won the doubles title with a 6-0, 6-1 win over Chapman juniors Avery Baer and Meredith Kuntz.

Hayden also got a third-place singles finish from junior Grace Funk and a fifth-place doubles showing from senior Avery O'Bray and junior Izzy Glotzbach.

Funk's lone regional loss came in the semifinals to teammate Zulueta.

Hayden will be back at Kossover for the 4A state meet next Friday and Saturday.

Seaman pulled off the rare feat of compiling a perfect team score for the second straight tournament Saturday at Bonner Springs.

The Vikings, who were perfect in last Monday's United Kansas Conference tournamet, repeated that performance at regionals, with sophomore Emma Sweeney and junior Molly Gorman going one-two in singles and senior Sidney Chinn and junior Peyton Henry winning the doubles championship in an all-Seaman final against sophomores Kaylyn Hiebsch and Camryn Lux.

Seaman sophomore Emma Sweeney captured the singles championship in Saturday's Class 5A regional tennis tournament at Bonner Springs. [File photo/TSN]

Seaman senior Sidney Chinn (right) and junior Peyton Henry won the doubles title in Saturday's Class 5A regional tennis meet at Bonner Springs. [File photo/TSN]

Sweeney, now 27-3 on the season, took a 6-1, 6-1 win over Gorman (26-4) in the singles final while Chinn and Henry (24-5) took a 6-4, 6-0 win over Hiebsch and Lux (6-4, 6-0) as Seaman won the regional team title by a 26-14 win over Piper.

Seaman will compete in the 5A state tournament next Friday and Saturday at the Andover District Tennis Complex.

Lions' Poole qualifies for 3A-1A state meet

Cair Paravel Latin sophomore Madilyn Poole finished as the singles runnerup in the Class 3A-1A regional tournament at Marysville on Saturday, becoming the Lions' first-ever girls state qualifier.

Sophomore Madilyn Poole finished second in Saturday's Class 3A-1A regional at Marysville to qualify for state. [File photo/TSN]

Poole, 19-6 on the season, dropped a 6-4, 6-1 decision to Kansas City Christian senior Lauren Seitz (24-4) in the regional championship match.

Poole scored all six of Cair Paravel's team points as the Lions finished fifth.

Sophomore Madilyn Poole became Cair Paravel's first girls tennis state qualifier Saturday in Marysville. [File photo/TSN]

Poole will compete in the 3A-1A state tournament next Friday and Saturday at Wichita's Riverside Tennis Complex.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Rossville posted its third straight Class 1A District 2 win while evening its record at 3-3 with a 71-24 home romp past Cair Paravel Latin Friday night.

Rossville senior quarterback Tayson Horak had a hand in five touchdowns in the Bulldawgs' 71-24 district win over Cair Paravel. [File photo/TSN]

Rossville senior quarterback Tayson Horak had a hand in five touchdowns for the Bulldawgs, including kickoff and punt returns for TDs.

Horak opened the game with an 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to help Rossville open up a commanding 21-0 first-quarter advantage.

The Bulldawgs also got a 9-yard TD run from Conner Bush and a 1-yard TD from Andre Johnson in the opening quarter and opened up a 49-6 advantage at the half.

Rossville's four second-quarter touchdowns came on a 50-yard Bush run, a 30-yard pass from Horak to Mahki Jackson, a 42-yard Horak run and a 47-yard Horak punt return to end the first half.

Horak added a 47-yard third-quarter touchdown pass to Jack Donovan in the third quarter before Canann Mitchell scored on 10 and 24-yard TD runs in the fourth quarter to wrap up Rossville's scoring.

Vincent Daniel kicked seven extra points while Seth Catron and Remi Droegemeier converted 2-point conversions.

Cair Paravel (1-5, 0-3 district) struck for three long touchdowns in the game -- 38 and 50-yard passes and a 63-yard run.

Cair Paravel is scheduled to be at Yager Stadium next Friday to host Maranatha Christian Academy in a district game while Rossville will be at home to host Olpe.

Washburn Rural sophomore Cade Danielson tackles an Emporia ball-carrier for a safety in Friday's 53-8 Rural win over the Spartans. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

 Washburn Rural junior Kellan Roth is congratulated by junior teammate Sammy Brumley (58) after scoring his second TD in Friday's 53-8 win over Emporia. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

WASHBURN RURAL 53, EMPORIA 8 --Washburn Rural picked up its second straight Centennial League victory while evening its overall mark at 3-3 with a 53-8 romp past winless Emporia Friday night at Bowen-Glaze Stadium.

The Junior Blues' defense turned in a dominating performance, including a pair of safeties while junior John Hoytal hooked up with junior Kellan Roth for a pair of touchdown passes and junior TD Minikwu ran for a pair of TDs.

Washburn Rural opened up a 14-0 first-quarter lead and led 32-0 at halftime.

Emporia fell to 0-5 overall and 0-3 in the Centennial League.

Washburn Rural will be back at home next Friday for a league game against Junction City.

JUNCTION CITY 50, TOPEKA HIGH 21 -- Junction City snapped a four-game losing streak and picked up its first Centennial League victory Friday night with a 50-21 home win over Topeka High.

Junction City improved to 2-4 overall and 1-1 in the league while handing Topeka High its second straight loss.

The Trojans are 4-2 overall and 1-2 in the league entering Friday night's home Centennial League matchup with Manhattan.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Seaman senior Bryer Finley had three touchdown receptions in last Friday's 43-22 UKC win over Lansing. [Photo by Jesse Bruner/Special to TSN]

SEAMAN (4-1, 4-0 UKC) at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (1-4, 1-3 UKC)

Seaman is coming off a 43-22 United Kansas Conference victory over Lansing last Friday while Shawnee Heights dropped a 69-57 UKC scorefest to De Soto. Seaman senior quarterback Max Huston has completed 62 of 104 passes for 1,155 yards and 15 touchdowns while senior receiver Bryer Finley has 33 receptions for 680 yards and 11 TDs. Viking junior Kaden McKinney has carried the ball 64 times for 357 yards and scored eight TDs. Shawnee Heights junior quarterback Aiden Scott has completed 110 of 188 passes for 1,752 yards and 16 TDs. Junior AJ Gallegos has 35 catches for 520 yards and six touchdowns while junior Tyren Parker has 28 catches for 513 yards and five TDs. T-Bird junior David Wakes has 452 rushing yards on 91 attempts with three TDs.  

Junior TJ Minikwu rushed for 149 yards and scored three touchdowns in Washburn Rural's 49-21 Centennial League win over Topeka High last Friday. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

EMPORIA (0-5, 0-2 Centennial) at WASHBURN RURAL (2-3, 1-0 Centennial)

Washburn Rural snapped a three-game non-league losing streak with a 49-21 win over Topeka High last Friday in the Junior Blues' Centennial League opener. Junior TD Minikwu carried the ball 24 times for 149 yards and three touchdowns against Topeka High while sophomore Jadyn Baum added 70 yards and a touchdown on 14 attempts. Emporia is still looking for its first win of the season after taking a 59-0 league loss to Manhattan last week. The Spartans have been outscored 249-67 on the season.

KC-TURNER (0-5, 0-4 UKC) vs. TOPEKA WEST (0-5, 0-5 UKC)

At Hummer Sports Park

Either the Chargers or the visiting Bears will pick up a much-needed victory in Friday's United Kansas Conference matchup. Topeka West is coming off a 59-6 UKC loss to undefeated Basehor-Linwood last week while Turner remained winless with a 34-6 loss to KIPP Legacy. Topeka West's lone win the past two seasons has come against Turner. The Chargers scored their lone touchdown against Basehor-Linwood last week on a 79-yard pass play from Jacob Brewster to Alesecio Batson.

Hayden senior quarterback Jett Wahlmeier has passed for 684 yards and eight TDs for the 4-1 Wildcats. [File photo/TSN]

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

Hayden will be on the road to face Holton in a battle between teams who are unbeaten in Class 3A District 4. Hayden is coming off a 49-0 district win over Hiawatha while Holton took a 48-9 win over Jefferson West. Hayden junior Kade Mitchell has carried the ball 41 times for 432 yards and scored 14 total touchdowns while senior quarterback Jett Wahlmeier has completed 47 of 66 passes for 684 yards and eight touchdowns. Senior Jensen Schrickel has 13 catches for 220 yards and has scored five TDs. Holton senior Kyler Jackson has 406 yards and five touchdowns on 76 carries while senior Bodie Dillon has carried the ball 32 times for 253 yards and five TDs and junior Korban Wilson has 255 yards and five TDs on 47 attempts.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

After picking up a forfeit victory a week earlier, Rossville posted its second straight Class 1A District 2 win, and first on-field triumph, on Friday night, with the Bulldawgs rolling to a 43-0 decision over Mission Valley.

Rossville senior quarterback Tayson Horak helped lead the Bulldawgs to a 43-0 district win over Mission Valley Friday night. [File photo/TSN]

The Bulldawgs scored the only points they would need on a 1-yard Andre Johnson run (Vincent Daniel kick) at the 6:48 mark of the opening quarter and Rossville made it a 14-0 game with 2:10 left in the quarter on a 4-yard pass from Tayson Horak to Conner Bush (Daniel kick).

Rossville doubled up its lead with a pair of second-quarter TDs -- a 19-yard pass from Horak to Kameron Badura (Bush 2-point conversion run) 25 seconds into the quarter and a 1-yard Horak run (Daniel kick) with 8:35 left before halftime.

The Bulldawgs scored their final two touchowns of the night in the third quarter -- a 74-yard Bush run (Daniel kick) at the 10:36 mark and a 30-yard interception return from Bush with 8:30 left in the quarter (Daniel kick).

Rossville will be at home next Friday night to face Cair Paravel Latin in a district matchup.

Senior quarterback Dysen Schooler and the Silver Lake Eagles improved to 4-1 with Friday's 50-0 win over Baldwin. [File photo/TSN]

SILVER LAKE 50, BALDWIN 0 --Silver Lake posted its third straight win to improve to 4-1 on the season, rolling to a 50-0 non-league win over winless Baldwin.

The Eagles will return to Class 2A District 2 play next Friday, hosting Riley County.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

THURSDAY NIGHT'S GAME

BASEHOR-LINWOOD (4-0, 4-0 UKC) vs. TOPEKA WEST (0-4, 0-4 UKC)

At Hummer Sports Park

Still looking for its first win of the 2024 season, Topeka West faces another tough United Kansas Conference test Thursday night, with league-leading Basehor-Linwood visiting Hummer Sports Park to face the Chargers. Topeka West is coming off a 63-0 UKC loss to Lansing while Basehor-Linwood took a 21-7 league win over De Soto. Bobcat junior quarterback Carson Dixon has completed 37 of 74 passes for 496 yards and seven touchdowns while senior Nick Doering has carried the ball 76 times for 425 yards and seven TDs.

FRIDAY NIGHT'S GAMES

Topeka High senior Tevante Ewing rushed for 169 yards in last Friday's 47-14 Centennial League win over Emporia. [File photo/TSN]

WASHBURN RURAL (1-3, 0-0 Centennial) vs. TOPEKA HIGH (4-0, 1-0 Centennial)

At Hummer Sports Park

Topeka High will be looking to extend its winning streak to five games while Washburn Rural, a Class 6A semifinalist last season, will be aiming to snap a three-game non-league losing streak to teams that are a combined 12-1 on the season. Washburn Rural, coming off a 49-23 loss to undefeated Blue Valley Northwest, will be playing its Centennial League opener Friday night while Topeka High opened league play last week with a 47-14 road win over Emporia. Topeka High senior Tevante Ewing rushed for 169 yards on 13 attempts while junior Zane Smith completed five of eight passes for 191 yards and Savon Carter caught two passes for 144 yards. Washburn Rural junior quarterback John Hoytal completed 23 of 32 throws for 235 yards against Northwest while junior receiver Kellan Roth hauled in 11 of Hoytal’s throws for 99 yards and a score. Sophomore Jadyn Baum exploded for an 80-yard touchdown run and junior TJ Minikwu blasted in from 10 yards out for another score.

Hayden junior Kade Mitchell (25) has rushed for 296 yards and scored six touchdowns this fall. [File photo/TSN]

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

Hayden, the Class 3A runnerup a year ago, is coming off a 31-28 non-league loss at Wamego last Friday while Hiawatha opened Class 3A District 4 play with a 21-0 win over Jefferson West. Hayden will open district competition Friday night. Wildcat senior quarterback  Jett Wahlmeier has completed 41 of 57 pass attempts for 619 yards and seven touchdowns while junior running back Kade Mitchell has carried the ball 33 times for 296 yards and six touchdowns. Senior Jensen Schrickel has caught 13 passes for 220 yards and scored five touchdowns.

Seaman senior quarterback Max Huston has passed for 806 yards and 12 touchdowns this fall for the 3-1 Vikings. [File photo/TSN]

LANSING (3-1, 3-0 UKC) at SEAMAN (3-1, 3-0 UKC)

Friday's game will match up United Kansas Conference co-leaders Lansing and Seaman, who are both a perfect 3-0 in league play. Seaman is coming off a 49-0 win over Kansas City-Turner while Lansing rolled to a 62-0 win over Topeka West. Seaman senior quarterback Max Huston has completed 47 of 85 passes for 806 yards and 12 touchdowns while junior Kaden McKinney has carried the ball 40 times for 235 yards and five TDs while senior Bryer Finley has caught 21 passes for 382 yards and eight TDs. Lansing senior Reid Oakley has completed 46 of 93 passes for 798 yards while sophomore Jaxon Pollard has carried the ball 61 times for 379 yards and five TDs.

WABAUNSEE (1-3, 0-1 Class 1A District 2) vs. CAIR PARAVEL LATIN (1-3, 0-1 Class 1A District 2)

At Yager Stadium

Cair Paravel will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak after opening Class 1A District 2 play last Friday with a 46-22 loss to Mission Valley. Wabaunsee is also 1-3 and 0-1 in the district after a 14-7 loss to Olpe last week. Cair Paravel will be playing its second home game of the season at Washburn University's Yager Stadium. Top players for the Lions include senior quarterback Jase Pavlik and senior running back Ben Roeder.