Highland Park Scots
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 Rick Peterson
TopSports.news
Coming off a tough two-point home loss to United Kansas Conference and city rival Topeka West, the No. 7-ranked (Class 5A) Seaman boys bounced back with an 84-58 UKC road romp at Leavenworth Friday night.
The Vikings improved to 6-2 overall and in the UKC as junior KaeVon Bonner and senior Bryer Finley combined for 43 points.
Junior KaeVon Bonner scored a game-high 22 points Friday night as Seaman improved to 6-2 with an 84-58 road win at Leavenworth. [File photo/TSN]
Seaman senior Bryer Finley (2) scored 21 points in Friday's 84-58 win over Leavenworth. [File photo/TSN]
Bonner led the way with 22 points while Finley was right behind with 21 points.
Junior Landon Wiltz was the third Viking in double figures with 16 points.
No. 1-ranked Seaman girls roll to 67-14 UKC win
The undefeated and top-ranked Seaman girls tuned up for what promises to be a big week next week with a 53-point 67-14 United Kansas Conference road win at Leavenworth Friday night.
Junior Maddie Gragg led the Vikings (8-0 overall, 8-0 UKC) with 15 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals while Cara Beaton had 14 points and four 3-pointers, Anna Becker 12 points, 8 assists and six steals and Jaida Stallbaumer 11 points.
Senior Ava Esser was 2 points away from a double-double, finishing with 8 points and 10 rebounds.
Seaman will host perennial power St. James Academy on Tuesday in a makeup game before going on the road Thursday to face No. 4-ranked De Soto.
Highland Park senior Ja'Corey Robinson scored 33 points Friday night at KC-Harmon in an 89-24 Scot win. [File photo/TSN]
Hi Park boys stay perfect with 65-point win
Senior star Ja'Corey Robinson scored 33 points, easily out-scoring Highland Park's opponent by himself as top-ranked (Class 5A) Highland Park remained undeated with an 89-24 Meadowlark Conference road win over Kansas City-Harmon.
Highland Park scored an amazing 40 points in the eight-minute first quarter and tacked on 33 points in the second quarter to build a 73-10 halftime advantage.
Seniors Mikey Williams and Isaiah Kelley added 12 points each as the Scots improved to 8-0 overall and 4-0 in the conference.
Highland Park will be the top seed in next week's Topeka Invitational Tournament at Topeka High.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Highland Park sophomore girls basketball standout Pearmella Carter and Topeka West junior basketball standout Malakyah Duncan 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 Carter and Duncan over the past week:
Highland Park sophomore Pearmella Carter is the Dan Key Farmers Insurance Agency female Rising Star of the Week. [File photo/TSN]
PEARMELLA CARTER, Highland Park
Carter had 28 points, 5 rebounds and 5 steals in a 70-22 Meadowlark Conference win over Kansas City-Schlagle on Monday and scored 23 points and grabbed 20 rebounds (13 offensive), with 3 assists and 3 steals in a 54-42 conference win over KC-Sumner on Tuesday as Highland Park remained unbeaten on the season.
Topeka West junior Malakyah Duncan has been named the Dan Key Farmers Insurance Agency male Rising Star of the Week. [File photo/TSN]
MALAKYAH DUNCAN, Topeka West
Duncan had 14 points and hit the game-winning free throws in Tuesday's 59-57 come-from-behind 59-57 United Kansas Conference win at Seaman. Duncan had 7 points in a 71-38 win over Leavenworth on Monday for the Chargers, who are 4-2 on the season and eighth-ranked in Class 5A by the KBCA.
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.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Norma Greco
NORMA GRECO, Hayden
A 5-foot-6 senior, Greco scored a game-high 17 points as Hayden's girls basketball team made its 2025 debut Friday night with a 60-47 non-league home victory over Shawnee Heights. Greco scored 15 points in the first half with four 3-pointers, helping the Wildcats improve to 6-0 on the season.
Deacon Pomeroy
DEACON POMEROY, Shawnee Heights
Pomeroy, a 6-foot-5 senior, had a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds as Shawnee Heights' boys basketball team improved to 4-1 with a 61-52 non-league road win Friday night at Hayden. Pomeroy hit three 3-pointers and went 4 of 4 at the free throw linee for the T-Birds.
Ahsieyrhuajh Rayton
AHSIEYRHUAJH RAYTON, Topeka High
Rayton, a 5-foot-6 sophomore, scored a game-high 25 points, including 19 in the second half and the Trojans' final nine points, as Topeka High's girls basketball team improved to 3-2 with a 50-42 home non-league win over Wichita Life Prep Academy.
By Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
Highland Park boys basketball coach Mike Williams notched his 100th career victory in an 81-42 romp at Topeka High Friday night.
Following the contest, Williams received the game ball from Trojans coach Geo Lyons and a plaque from Highland Park athletic director Boshner Whitaker to commemorate the accomplishment.
Highland Park coach Mike Williams receives a plaque commemorating his 100th win from Hi Park athletic director Boshner Whitaker after Friday's 81-42 win at Topeka High. [Photo by Todd Fertig/TSN]
Highland Park coach Mike Williams celebrates his 100th career victory with his Scots after Friday's 81-42 win at Topeka High. [Photo by Todd Fertig/TSN]
Williams took over the Scots program in 2018, a season in which they won just three games. His son, Mikey, a senior on the current Scots team, recalls those difficult days.
“It was hard on him,” Mikey Williams said. “He would come home and tell me, ‘I wish things were different, but I’m never going to give up.’ So, I just watched him keep working to get to this point. It’s just a testimony to who he is as a person.”
Senior MIkey Williams slams down a dunk in Friday's 81-42 Highland Park win at Topeka High. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
The younger Williams threw down several impressive dunks to spark the Scots. He finished with 19 points on the special night.
“When I got into coaching, I didn’t know it would come to this point,” coach Williams said. “I got into it to coach my son. I wanted to impact him, and then some things changed. Some coaching positions came open and I was an assistant. You get into something because you love the game, you love teaching and working with young people. You want to impact the community.
“Then you look up and, through the grace of the Most High, you’re winning games and things are coming together.”
Williams said lessons learned during the losing seasons helped him harness his optimism and channel it into a coaching style.
“The crazy thing about it was, I never thought we would lose,” Williams said. “I always had belief. I’m a competitor. I’m a winner. Even in those years where we were losing, I didn’t think we were (losing).
“That’s what I want to get across to the guys. That you can manipulate situations through your focus, through your approach, through doing things right, day in and day out. Doing things together. And I think we’re finding that recipe this year, and I think we’re onto something really special.”
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
The 2025 portion of the Shawnee County high school basketball season begins with a pair of doubleheaders on Friday, Jan. 3.
Highlighting Friday's slate is a boys clash between USD 501 rivals Highland Park and Topeka High as well as an all-city twinbill between Hayden and Shawnee Heights. Topeka High's girls will also be in action Friday, hosting Wichita Life Prep Academy.
Here's a glance at all four of Friday's games involving county teams:
FRIDAY GIRLS
Senior Millie Ramsey leads 5-0 Hayden with a 13.8 scoring average. [File photo/TSN]
Sophomore KK Emmot is averaging a team-high 20.5 points for Shawnee Heights. [File photo/TSN]
SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (3-1) at HAYDEN (5-0)
Shawnee Heights completed its pre-holiday slate with a 57-40 United Kansas Conference win at Topeka West while Hayden, third-ranked in Class 4A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, remained unbeaten with a 56-37 win over defending 6A champion Shawnee Mission South to close out 2024. Shawnee Heights sophomore KK Emmot ranks No. 4 in the city of Topeka with a 20.5 scoring average and has hit 13 3-pointers while T-Bird senior Kaydence Torrez is averaging 12.5 points and a team-high 8.8 rebounds. Senior Millie Ramsey is averaging a team-high 13.8 points and 9.3 rebounds for Hayden and reached the 1,000-point milestone for her career against SM South. Senior Brylee Meier is averaging 13 points and 5.8 rebounds for the Wildcats with 11 3-pointers while freshman Hailey Schmidtlein is averaging 12.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.5 steals. Game time: 4 p.m.
Sophomore Ahsieyrhuajh Rayton leads Topeka High's girls with a 20.8 scoring average and has hit a city-high 14 3-pointers. [File photo/TSN]
WICHITA LIFE PREP ACADEMY (5-7) at TOPEKA HIGH (2-2)
Topeka High has been idle since posting a 58-40 win over Notre Dame de Sion in the third-place game of the De Soto Hardwood Classic and will be facing a Life Prep Academy team that has already played 12 games while facing schools from seven different states. The Fire are coming off a 51-42 loss to Fort Smith, Ark.-Northside. Trojan sophomore Ahsieyrhuajh Rayton is No. 3 in the city in scoring with a 20.8 average and has connected on a city-high 14 3-pointers while junior Keimara Marshall is averaging 11.3 points and is also averaging 4.3 steals and 3.0 assists. Game time: 6 p.m.
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
The names are well known to anyone who has followed area sports over the past several years, but a long and growing list of athletes who starred at Shawnee County high schools have made a big impact at the college and/or professional level this fall and winter.
Here's a look at just some of the stars who continue to make their fans proud:
Sophomore guard Jack Bachelor has helped Washburn University achieve a 12-0 record and a No. 2 national ranking this season. [File photo/TSN]
JACK BACHELOR, Washburn Rural/Washburn -- The 6-foot-2 sophomore guard has played a major role as the Ichabods are off to a 12-0 start this season while achieving a No. 2 national ranking in NCAA Division II. Bachelor, who has started all 12 games for the Ichabods, is currently averaging 12.7 points with 20 3-pointers while hitting 28 of 33 free throws (84.8 percent). Bachelor is also averaging 4.0 rebounds with a team-high 60 assists and 21 steals.
Former Shawnee Heights and Washburn standout Corey Ballentine has put together a six-year NFL career as a defensive back. [packers.com]
COREY BALLENTINE, Shawnee Heights/Washburn/Green Bay Packers --A 5-foot-11, 196-pound cornerback, the former Shawnee Heights and Washburn Univerity star has played in 11 games with one start this season for the 11-4 Packers. The sixth-year pro has played in 65 career games with 11 starts for the Giants, Jets, Lions and Packers, recording 100 tackles, including 76 solo stops with two forced fumbles and an interception.
Former Topeka West star Elijah Brooks had a career-high 29 points for Houston Christian earlier this season. [Houston Christian Athletics]
ELIJAH BROOKS, Topeka West/Houston Christian -- A 6-foot-4 junior guard, the former Mr. Kansas Basketball for Topeka West has appeared in all 13 games with 11 starts for the 4-9 Huskies, averaging 9.9 points and 4.1 rebounds with 25 assists. Brooks, who began his college career at North Dakota, scored a career-high 29 points earlier this season and also had a 21-point game.
Former Washburn Rural star Brooklyn DeLeye was a first-team AVCA All-American, the SEC Player of the Year and a finalist for the AVCA National Player of the Year this fall for Kentucky. [Kentucky Athletics]
BROOKLYN DELEYE, Washburn Rural/Kentucky -- The former three-sport Washburn Rural star, a 6-foot-2 sophomore outside hitter, had a huge 2024 season for Kentucky volleyball, being named the SEC Player of the Year, a first-team American Volleyball Coaches Association All-America selection and one of four finalists for the AVCA National Player of the Year award. DeLeye helped lead the 23-8 Wildcats to their eighth straight conference championship and the fourth round (regional final) of the NCAA Tournament. DeLeye started all 31 matches, leading the Wildcats with 531 kills while also compiling 179 digs and 36 blocks.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Kaden Ballard
KADEN BALLARD, Washburn Rural
Ballard, a 5-foot-11 senior, scored a career-high 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds while connecting on 6 of 9 3-pointers Friday night as Washburn Rural's boys improved to 4-1 with a 71-55 non-league win over Kansas City, Mo.-Barstow in the Junior Blues' home-opener.
Anna Becker
ANNA BECKER, Seaman
A 5-foot-11 senior, Becker reached the 1,000-point milestone for her career with a 20-point performance in last Tuesday's 81-11 United Kansas Conference girls win over Kansas City-Turner and followed that up with 18 points and four 3-pointers in Friday's 53-50 UKC win over De Soto for the 5-0 Vikings.
Pearmella Carter
PEARMELLA CARTER, Highland Park
Carter, a 6-foot-2 sophomore, scored 52 points in two Highland Park wins on back-to-back nights last Thursday and Friday, scoring 30 points in a 76-18 home win over Kansas City-Turner and registering 22 points and 14 rebounds in a 57-39 Meadowlark Conference road win at KC-Wyandotte.
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 Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
The No. 2-ranked Highland Park boys basketball team celebrated its return to the Scots' home gym with an 88-20 flying circus against Wyandotte.
Ja'Corey Robinson, who had 33 points, finishes off a dunk in Friday's 88-20 Meadowlark Conference win over KC-Wyandotte. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
The Scots go to the holiday break with a 4-0 record, a trophy from the Shawnee Mission East Championship Showdown, and much bigger goals.
Due to water damage to the Highland Park gym floor in January, the team was unable to use the gym last spring. This year, the schedule did not have the Scots at home until the night before the break. Senior Jacorey Robinson scored 33 points in the return.
“It was real fun to have the home crowd, everybody being loud with the crowd on our side,” Robinson said. “Not being able to play here for a year was bad.”
“Last year was so unique,” coach Mike Williams said. “We practiced in the (Highland Park) South Gym or at Washburn University. We played our home games at Topeka High and Topeka West. We’re thankful that our district was able to provide the opportunity for us to still maintain our season. But it wasn’t like playing at home. But that’s the resiliency of our group. These guys don’t care where we play.”
The Scots’ full-court pressure was too much for the Bulldogs. Robinson soared to seven dunks – several of the alley oop variety – in the first period as Highland Park ran out to a 26-4. The Scots didn’t let up, outscoring Wyandotte 32-9 in the second period and 25-6 in the third.
Williams said the Scots are able to make improvements even in a game that gets quickly out of hand.
“We’ve got to remember that the way we play, and who we are, is way more important than who we’re playing against,” Williams said. “So even if we’re playing against a team that we can beat by 70 or 80 points, we’ve still got to do it right. I’ve still got to coach you hard. Because we’re still working for something. And what we’re working toward isn’t on December 20th.”
By Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
After waiting 13 days to get back on the court after their opening game, the Highland Park girls were ready to take it to any opponent.
Kansas City-Turner was the unfortunate team on the receiving end of that pent up energy.
Sophomore Pearmella Carter (24) led Highland Park with 30 points in Thursday's 76-18 win over KC-Turner. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
In its first home game of the season, Highland Park steamrolled the visiting Lady Golden Bears 76-18 Thursday night as sophomore Pearmella Carter led the Scots with 30 points.
“We were in the lab for 13 days, beating up on each other,” Highland Park coach Rob Brown said. “You could tell the girls were getting tired of playing each other, so they’ve been hungry for this game tonight.”
Although the game got out of hand quickly, Brown said it was a helpful experience.
“This was good for keeping the girls engaged and disciplining them,” Brown said. “We have a young group, so this was good for them to keep them learning and getting good practice reps in.”
The 6-foot-2 Carter overwhelmed the visitors from the opening tip. She hit 10-15 attempts in the first half for 24 points. She even hit a 3-point shot early in the contest.
“Coming in as a freshman, she wouldn’t do that,” Brown said. “But she’s going to show that more this year.”
“I like to score and be aggressive,” Carter said. “I feel like I can use (my size) to get points in the paint.”
Everyone on the Scots’ bench got meaningful minutes against Turner. Nine different players scored.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
KaeVon Bonner
KAEVON BONNER, Seaman
A 6-foot-3 junior guard, Bonner scored 42 points in two Seaman boys basketball wins on the week as the Vikings improved to 2-1 on the season. Bonner scored 25 points in a 70-50 Tuesday night United Kansas Conference home win over Lansing, hitting 10 of 17 shots from the field with five 3-pointers, and scored 17 points with three 3-pointers Friday as the Vikings took a 60-57 UKC road victory over No. 8-ranked Topeka West.
Nora Burdiek
NORA BURDIEK, Rossville
Burdiek, a 5-foot-11 sophomore, was named the most valuable player in last week's Fighting Irish Classic at Chapman after averaging 20.7 points and 13 rebounds for the tournament-champion Bulldawgs. Burdiek scored 26 points in an 89-9 win over Kansas City-Bishop Ward, scored 20 points in a 57-50 win over Sacred Heart and had 16 points in the Bulldawgs' 65-25 win over Chapman on Saturday as Rossville wrapped up the championship.
Rylee Dick
RYLEE DICK, Rossville
A 5-foot-6 junior, Dick helped lead Rossville to three straight wins and the tournament championship in last week's Fighting Irish Classic, earning all-tournament honors. Dick scored 26 points with four 3-pointers in an 89-9 win over Kansas City-Bishop Ward, had 25 points with six treys in a 57-50 win over Sacred Heart and finished her week with 25 points and four 3-pointers in Saturday's 65-25 win over Chapman. Dick also averaged five assists on the week.
