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  • TSN Shawnee County high school boys track honor roll April 20

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly track and field honor roll for Shawnee County high schools throughout the 2025 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Coaches should designate whether times were fully automatic (FAT) or hand-timed. FAT times are considered .024 of a second faster than hand times. TopSports.news will rank the Top 5 in each event.

    BOYS

    100 METERS

    Peyton Holmes, Seaman                             11.03

    Evan Scheid, Silver Lake                              11.13

    Ben Roeder, Topeka High                           11.17

    Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 11.26

    Alberto Gallegos, Shawnee Heights           11.36

    200 METERS

    Bryce Cochran, Seaman                              22.57

    Trent Rollenhagen, Silver Lake                    22.90

    Matthew Houser, Washburn Rural              22.91

    Liam Stegman, Hayden                               23.16

    Jayden Lindsey, Topeka West                      23.45

    IsaiahTerry2025 1Isaiah Terry, Washburn Rural

    400 METERS

    Isaiah Terry, Washburn Rural                    48.41

    Jensen Schrickel, Hayden                          48.68

    Bryce Cochran, Seaman                            49.58

    Ben Roeder, Topeka High                          50.10

    Liam Benz, Shawnee Heights                    51.50

    BrodyAnderson2025 7Brody Anderson, Seaman

    800 METERS

    Brody Anderson, Seaman                       1:56.22

    Mark Wilkie, Topeka West                       1:58.62

    Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural               2:00.38

    Adrian Lehman, Topeka West                  2:02.10

    Ben Buesing, Washburn Rural                 2:02.47

    1,600 METERS

    Brody Anderson, Seaman                         4:18.55

    Adrian Lehman, Topeka West                   4:24.40

    Mark Wilkie, Topeka West                         4:26.19

    Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural                 4:26.34

    Jonah Stewart, Hayden                              4:38.90

    AdrianLehman2025 Adrian Lehman, Topeka West

    3,200 METERS

    Adrian Lehman, Topeka West                    9:19.16

    Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural                 9:44.76

    Henry Laubach, Washburn Rural               9:54.82

    Clayton Fink, Washburn Rural                   10:03.37

    Mark Wilkie, Topeka West                         10:12.39

    110-METER HURDLES

    Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural                  15.17

    Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural   15.65

    Desean Lunkins, Topeka High                       15.80

    Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park                    16.11 

    Isaac Song, Shawnee Heights                       16.50

    300-METER HURDLES

    Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural                    40.25

    Isaac Song, Shawnee Heights                        41.44

    Michael Hurla, Seaman                                  41.64

    Braylon Badger, Washburn Rural                   42.10

    Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park                     42.25

    4x100-METER RELAY

    Silver Lake                                                       43.28

    Seaman                                                           43.77

    Washburn Rural                                              43.93

    Topeka High                                                    44.02

    Hayden                                                            44.86

    4x400-METER RELAY

    Washburn Rural                                       3:21.58

    Seaman                                                    3:27.17

    Topeka High                                             3:29.39

    Hayden                                                     3:32.11

    Shawnee Heights                                      3:32.78

    4x800-METER RELAY

    Washburn Rural                                         8:01.63

    Shawnee Heights                                       8:46.63

    Seaman                                                      8:51.18

    Topeka High                                               8:53.23

    Silver Lake                                                  9:02.38

    HIGH JUMP

    Blake Toyne, Seaman                                   6-2

    Bryson Burgos, Silver Lake                           6-0

    Jack Esser, Seaman                                      6-0

    Cody Quy, Seaman                                      6-0

    Rondell Harris, Hayden                                6-0

    TylerWedl2025 4Tyler Wedl, Shawnee Heights

    POLE VAULT

    Tyler Wedl, Shawnee Heights                   11-6

    Luke Deering, Washburn Rural                 10-0 

    Desmond Grindol, Washburn Rural           9-6

    Kaden Soden, Washburn Rural                   9-0

    Quinton White, Seaman                             9-0

    JensenSchrickelSTATE 1Jensen Schrickel, Hayden

    LONG JUMP

    Jensen Schrickel, Hayden                            21-11

    Peyton Holmes, Seaman                             21-5.5

    Te'Vante Ewing, Topeka High                      21-5

    Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park                  20-11

    Ethan Surey, Washburn Rural                      20-11

    TRIPLE JUMP

    Kaden Whitehurst, Seaman                       42-0

    Ethan Surey, Washburn Rural                    40-7.50

    Lucas Marichal, Topeka High                     40-7

    Anthony Jones, Topeka High                     40-6.5

    Javion Akins, Topeka High                          39-9

    Cody Quy, Seaman                                    39-9

    SHOT PUT

    Brogen Brown, Seaman                              50-11

    Clayton Johnson, Seaman                           44-5

    Amir Bass, Shawnee Heights                      43-9

    Ethan Fisher, Shawnee Heights                  42-6

    Doian Rhoten, Topeka West                       42-5

    Treyton Tetuan, Hayden                             41-9.75

    DISCUS

    Myles Fisher, Silver Lake                          140-3

    Dorian Rhoten, Topeka West                   132-7

    Ethan Fisher, Shawnee Heights                129-10

    Samuel Scott, Washburn Rural                 128-11

    Treyton Tetuan, Hayden                           125-9

    JAVELIN 

    Oliver Perez, Washburn Rural                   155-2

    Jackson Haas, Hayden                             150-8

    Andre Johnson, Rossville                         149-6

    Taylor Gabriel, Washburn Rural                142-7

    Miles Barnes, Topeka High                       141-9

     

  • TSN Shawnee County high school girls track honor roll April 20

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly track and field honor roll for Shawnee County high schools throughout the 2025 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Coaches should designate whether times were fully automatic (FAT) or hand-timed. FAT times are considered .024 of a second faster than hand times. TopSports.news will rank the Top 5 in each event.

    GIRLS

    100 METERS

    Keimara Marshall, Topeka High          12.44

    Morgan Robinson, Shawnee Heights  12.80

    Ally Steiner, Seaman                            12.98

    Jurnee Cole, Highland Park                  13.04

    Karys Deiter, Silver Lake                       13.08

    KeimaraMarshall2025 2Keimara Marshall, Topeka High

    200 METERS

    Keimara Marshall, Topeka High          26.09

    Morgan Robinson, Shawnee Heights 26.58

    Molly Worley, Washburn Rural           26.93

    Ally Steiner, Seaman                           27.30

    Emme Blanco, Washburn Rural           27.39

    400 METERS

    Ryin Miller, Seaman                           57.65

    Keimara Marshall, Topeka High         61.57

    Madison Blanco, Washburn Rural      61.65

    Ali Gerber, Silver Lake                        63.61

    Shayla Rezac, Rossville                       63.81

    RyinMillerCityTrack 1Ryan Miller, Seaman

    800 METERS

    Ryin Miller, Seaman                         2:11.87     

    Rylee Ismert, Washburn Rural          2:23.09

    Brooklyn Nolte, Washburn Rural     2:28.61

    Sofia Harper, Hayden                       2:31.14

    Taylie Heston, Seaman                     2:36.22

    1,600 METERS

    Ryin Miller, Seaman                        4:46.03

    Rylee Ismert, Washburn Rural         5:17.92

    Brooklyn Nolte, Washburn Rural     5:25.99

    Brynn Spencer, Seaman                  5:36.25

    Sofia Harper, Hayden                      5:41.39

  • Weekend prep roundup: Undefeated Cair Paravel tennis duo claims tournament championship

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

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

    DrewFayTennisCity 3Cair Paravel junior Drew Fay and junior doubles partner Eric Buchenau are 13-0 after winning the championship in Friday's Goddard tournament. [File photo/TSN]

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

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

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

    Hayden baseball sweeps Nemaha Central

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

    JettWahlmeier2025 1Hayden senior Jett Wahlmeier delivers a pitch in Friday's 12-3 second-game win over Nemaha Central. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

    CooperGrace2025 4Hayden senior Cooper Grace tags out a runner at third base in Friday's 12-3 second-game win over Nemaha Central. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

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

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

    Hayden, Rossville battle to softball split 

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

    MauraValdivia2025 4Sophomore Maura Valdivia delivers a pitch in Friday's 3-2 first-game softball win over Rossville Friday at Hayden. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

    LeniLewis2025 1Rossville sophomore Leni Lewis slides safely into third base in Friday's doubleheader softball split at Hayden. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

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

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

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

  • TSN Shawnee County high school boys track honor roll April 13

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly track and field honor roll for Shawnee County high schools throughout the 2025 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Coaches should designate whether times were fully automatic (FAT) or hand-timed. FAT times are considered .024 of a second faster than hand times. TopSports.news will rank the Top 5 in each event.

    BOYS

    100 METERS

    Peyton Holmes, Seaman                             11.03

    Evan Scheid, Silver Lake                              11.13

    Ben Roeder, Topeka High                           11.17

    Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 11.26

    Matthew Houser, Washburn Rural             11.38

    200 METERS

    Bryce Cochran, Seaman                            22.57

    Trent Rollenhagen, Silver Lake                 22.90

    Matthew Houser, Washburn Rural           22.91

    Liam Stegman, Hayden                            23.16

    Jayden Lindsey, Topeka West                   23.45

    400 METERS

    Jensen Schrickel, Hayden                          48.68

    Isaiah Terry, Washburn Rural                    48.68

    Bryce Cochran, Seaman                            49.58

    Ben Roeder, Topeka High                          50.96

    Liam Benz, Shawnee Heights                    51.50

    BrodyAnderson2025 7Brody Anderson, Seaman

    800 METERS

    Brody Anderson, Seaman                       1:56.22

    Mark Wilkie, Topeka West                       1:58.62

    Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural               2:00.38

    Adrian Lehman, Topeka West                  2:02.10

    Ben Buesing, Washburn Rural                 2:02.47

    1,600 METERS

    Brody Anderson, Seaman                        4:18.55

    Adrian Lehman, Topeka West                   4:24.40

    Mark Wilkie, Topeka West                         4:26.19

    Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural                 4:26.34

    Jonah Stewart, Hayden                              4:38.90

    AdrianLehman2025 Adrian Lehman, Topeka West

    3,200 METERS

    Adrian Lehman, Topeka West                    9:31.43

    Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural                 9:44.76

    Henry Laubach, Washburn Rural               9:54.82

    Clayton Fink, Washburn Rural                   10:03.37

    Mark Wilkie, Topeka West                         10:12.39

    110-METER HURDLES

    Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural                  15.17

    Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural   15.65

    Desean Lunkins, Topeka High                       15.96

    Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park                    16.11 

    Isaac Song, Shawnee Heights                       16.52

    300-METER HURDLES

    Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural                    40.25

    Isaac Song, Shawnee Heights                        41.44

    Michael Hurla, Seaman                                  41.64

    Braylon Badger, Washburn Rural                   42.10

    Christian Labrador, Shawnee Heights            44.08

    4x100-METER RELAY

    Silver Lake                                                 43.64

    Washburn Rural                                        43.93

    Topeka High                                              44.02

    Hayden                                                       44.86

    Seaman                                                     45.72

    IsaiahTerry2025 1Isaiah Terry, Washburn Rural

    4x400-METER RELAY

    Washburn Rural                                       3:21.58

    Seaman                                                    3:27.17

    Topeka High                                             3:29.39

    Hayden                                                     3:32.11

    Shawnee Heights                                      3:32.78

    4x800-METER RELAY

    Washburn Rural                                         8:01.63

    Seaman                                                      8:51.18

    Silver Lake                                                  9:03.03

    Shawnee Heights                                       9:04.94

    Hayden                                                       9:06.62

    HIGH JUMP

    Blake Toyne, Seaman                                   6-2

    Jack Esser, Seaman                                      6-0

    Cody Quy, Seaman                                      6-0

    Rondell Harris, Hayden                                6-0

    Jared Johnson, Silver Lake                           5-10

    Tad McGee, Seaman                                    5-10

    Deondre Razzano, Silver Lake                      5-10

    Bryson Burgos, Silver Lake                            5-10

    POLE VAULT

    Tyler Wedl, Shawnee Heights                   11-6

    Quinton White, Seaman                             9-0

    JensenSchrickelSTATE 1Jensen Schrickel, Hayden

    LONG JUMP

    Jensen Schrickel, Hayden                          21-11

    Te'Vante Ewing, Topeka High                     21-5

    Peyton Holmes, Seaman                             21-2.5

    Elijah Berg, Topeka West                            20-2

    Nasir Helton, Topeka West                         19-7.75

    TRIPLE JUMP

    Kaden Whitehurst, Seaman                      42-0

    Lucas Marichal, Topeka High                    40-7

    Anthony Jones, Topeka High                     40-6.5

    Cody Quy, Seaman                                    39-9

    Javion Akins, Topeka High                         39-4

    SHOT PUT

    Brogan Brown, Seaman                              48-8.5

    Amir Bass, Shawnee Heights                      43-3

    Ethan Fisher, Shawnee Heights                  42-6

    Royce Daniels, Shawnee Heights               41-11

    Treyton Tetuan, Hayden                             41-9.75

    DISCUS

    Myles Fisher, Silver Lake                          133-1

    Treyton Tetuan, Hayden                           125-9

    Zachary Hancock, Washburn Rural          125-7

    Dorian Rhoten, Topeka West                   124-0

    Eden Thompson, Rossville                        120-4

    JAVELIN 

    Jackson Haas, Hayden                             150-8

    Andre Johnson, Rossville                         149-6

    Miles Barnes, Topeka High                       141-9

    Oliver Perez, Washburn Rural                   141-7

    Treyton Tetuan, Hayden                            138-5

  • TSN Shawnee County high school girls track honor roll April 13

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly track and field honor roll for Shawnee County high schools throughout the 2025 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Coaches should designate whether times were fully automatic (FAT) or hand-timed. FAT times are considered .024 of a second faster than hand times. TopSports.news will rank the Top 5 in each event.

    GIRLS

    100 METERS

    Keimara Marshall, Topeka High          12.44

    Morgan Robinson, Shawnee Heights  12.80

    Ally Steiner, Seaman                            12.98

    Ciara Hartz, Highland Park                   13.14

    Karys Deiter, Silver Lake                       13.08

    KeimaraMarshall2025 2Keimara Marshall, Topeka High

    200 METERS

    Keimara Marshall, Topeka High          26.09

    Morgan Robinson, Shawnee Heights 26.58

    Molly Worley, Washburn Rural           26.93

    Ally Steiner, Seaman                           27.30

    Emme Blanco, Washburn Rural           27.39

    400 METERS

    Ryin Miller, Seaman                           57.65

    Keimara Marshall, Topeka High         61.57

    Madison Blanco, Washburn Rural      61.65

    Shayla Rezac, Rossville                       63.81

    Ali Gerber, Silver Lake                        65.07

    RyinMillerCityTrack 1Ryan Miller, Seaman

    800 METERS

    Ryin Miller, Seaman                         2:11.87     

    Rylee Ismert, Washburn Rural          2:23.09

    Brooklyn Nolte, Washburn Rural     2:28.61

    Sofia Harper, Hayden                       2:31.14

    Taylie Heston, Seaman                     2:36.22

    1,600 METERS

    Ryin Miller, Seaman                        4:51.22

    Rylee Ismert, Washburn Rural         5:17.92

    Brooklyn Nolte, Washburn Rural     5:25.99

    Brynn Spencer, Seaman                  5:36.25

    Sofia Harper, Hayden                      5:41.39

  • TSN Shawnee County high school boys track honor roll

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly track and field honor roll for Shawnee County high schools throughout the 2025 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Coaches should designate whether times were fully automatic (FAT) or hand-timed. FAT times are considered .024 of a second faster than hand times. TopSports.news will rank the Top 5 in each event.

    BOYS

    100 METERS

    Evan Scheid, Silver Lake                              11.13

    Ben Roeder, Topeka High                           11.25

    Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 11.31

    Matthew Houser, Washburn Rural             11.38

    Trent Rollenhagen, Silver Lake                    11.41

    200 METERS

    Trent Rollenhagen, Silver Lake                22.90

     Liam Stegman, Hayden                           23.16

    Joel Miller, Silver Lake                              23.55

    Tyren Parker, Shawnee Heights               23.58

    Liam Benz, Shawnee Heights                   23.80 

    Ben Roeder, Topeka High                        23.80

    400 METERS

    Isaiah Terry, Washburn Rural                    48.68

    Bryce Cochran, Seaman                            49.86

    Liam Benz, Shawnee Heights                    51.91

    Ben Roeder, Topeka High                          51.91

    Stuart Campbell, Topeka High                   53.25

    BrodyAnderson2025 7Brody Anderson, Seaman

    800 METERS

    Brody Anderson, Seaman                       1:58.48

    Mark Wilkie, Topeka West                       2:00.36

    Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural               2:00.38

    Ben Buesing, Washburn Rural                 2:02.47

    Draden Chooncharoen, Washburn Rural 2:05.80

    1,600 METERS

    Brody Anderson, Seaman                        4:18.55

    Adrian Lehman, Topeka West                   4:25.65

    Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural                4:26.34

    Mark Wilkie, Topeka West                         4:30.56

    Evan Carter, Shawnee Heights                  4:46.02

  • TSN Shawnee County high school girls track honor roll

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly track and field honor roll for Shawnee County high schools throughout the 2025 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Coaches should designate whether times were fully automatic (FAT) or hand-timed. FAT times are considered .024 of a second faster than hand times. TopSports.news will rank the Top 5 in each event.

    GIRLS

    100 METERS

    Keimara Marshall, Topeka High          12.45

    Morgan Robinson, Shawnee Heights  12.80

    Karys Deiter, Silver Lake                       13.08

    Ally Steiner, Seaman                            13.13

    Ciara Hartz, Highland Park                   13.14

    KeimaraMarshall2025 2Keimara Marshall, Topeka High

    200 METERS

    Keimara Marshall, Topeka High          26.20

    Morgan Robinson, Shawnee Heights 26.58

    Molly Worley, Washburn Rural           27.65

    Mi'Luv Cosey, Highland Park              27.80

    Ella Bolan, Silver Lake                       27.87

    400 METERS

    Ryin Miller, Seaman                           57.65

    Keimara Marshall, Topeka High         61.57

    Shayla Rezac, Rossville                       63.81

    Ke'Ahjahnae Rice, Highland Park       65.38

    Kinley Robinson, Seaman                   66.61

    RyinMillerCityTrack 1Ryan Miller, Seaman

    800 METERS

    Ryin Miller, Seaman                         2:17.80        

    Rylee Ismert, Washburn Rural          2:23.09

    Brooklyn Nolte, Washburn Rural     2:29.08

    Taylie Heston, Seaman                     2:36.22

    Arantza Urbina-Archundia, S. Hts.   2:41.47

    1,600 METERS

    Ryin Miller, Seaman                        4:59.08

    Rylee Ismert, Washburn Rural         5:17.92

    Brooklyn Nolte, Washburn Rural     5:25.99

    Brynn Spencer, Seaman                  5:36.25

    Tessa Gerber, Silver Lake                 5:51.65

  • Silver Lake christens new baseball, softball fields against War on 24 rival Rossville

    Todd Fertig

    By Todd Fertig

    TopSports.news

    Silver Lake USD 372 christened new fields for baseball and softball Monday with a ribbon cutting followed by simultaneous doubleheaders with rival Rossville.

    SLdedication2025 1Silver Lake USD  372 school board president Jason Seele (second from left) cuts the ribbon dedicating Silver Lake's new baseball and softball complex Tuesday in Silver Lake. [Photo by Todd Fertig/TSN]

    The Eagles swept the softball set, highlighted by senior pitcher Kendra Cook’s no-hitter. The baseball teams split their twin bill.

    The fields are the latest result of a 2023 $16. million bond issue that is also producing new throwing facilities for track and field and a new weight room as well as a number of other projects within the district.

    School children and members of the community – including former players and coaches – were on hand to witness the beginning of a new chapter for Silver Lake baseball and softball.

    “Silver Lake has a long and storied tradition of excellence in softball and baseball,” school board president Jason Seele said during the ribbon cutting ceremony. “Our programs have built a legacy of hard work, discipline and success, earning championships, developing outstanding student-athletes and instilling values that last far beyond the playing field. This new facility is not just a place to play. It is a testament to that legacy and a promise to that future.”

    Situated between the adjoining fields, which lie to the east of the grade school building, are restrooms and a concession stand. The complex – which cost about $4.5 million – was constructed by Meriden-based Mammoth Sports Construction, which installed the Silver Lake turf football field in 2021.

    Seele said a committee of about 30 people, including current and former coaches, worked to gather information and help Mammoth design the facility. Design of the complex began in February of 2024. Mammoth broke ground on the fields in April and completed construction in December of last year.

    “They had a vision for what they wanted this to look like and they were there every step of the way to bring this to life,” said Connor Harris, Director of Project Management for Mammoth. “I think they’re going to love it. I can’t wait to see what they do to continue the rich traditions that they have with this new facility.”

    Throwing out ceremonial first pitches on the softball field were former player and coach Kathy Mohler Harrington and former player Megan Deiter. First pitches on the baseball field were thrown by former player and coach Alan Cunningham and Samuel Burton, representing relative Mike Burton and family.

    LoganCathcart2025 1Silver Lake senior pitcher Logan Cathcart notched a complete-game victory in Monday's 3-0 win over Rossville. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

    Senior shortstop and pitcher Logan Cathcart relishes the chance to play on the all-turf surface after spending three seasons on the school’s dirt field.

    “This field is just a complete change and it's great,” Cathcart said. “We practiced hard and got in a lot of reps just to get used to (the dirt field) we had before, just to play the best baseball you can with what you’ve got. But it’s awesome to get perfect hops every time and the first baseman can really help you because he gets perfect hops to scoop.”

    Cathcart spun a complete-game 3-0 shutout in the opener on the baseball field.

    The second game was sent to extra innings when Rossville errors permitted Silver Lake to tie the score at 5-5 in the bottom of the seventh inning.

    CameronMiller2025 1Rossville junior Cameron Miller scored the go-ahead run in the Bulldawgs' second-game baseball win over Silver Lake Monday in Silver Lake. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

    But Rossville junior Cameron Miller picked up the visitors when he reached base on a hit-by-pitch and scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch in the top of the 10th inning.

  • Player of year repeat pick Robinson headlines 2025 TSN All-Shawnee County boys basketball

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

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

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

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

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

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

     SimonRowley2025Hay 3Washburn Rural junior Simon Rowley has been named the TSN Shawnee County boys basketball newcomer of the year. [File photo/TSN]

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

    MikeWilliamsState 2Highland Park coach Mike Williams has been named the Shawnee County boys coach of the year for the third straight season after leading the Scots to a 24-1 record and a runnerup state finish. [Photo by Mac Moore/KSHSAA Covered]

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

    All-Shawnee County capsules:

  • Repeat player of the year Becker tops TopSports.news All-Shawnee County girls basketball

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

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

    AnnaBecker2025AndoverState 2
    Seaman senior Anna Becker, a four-time All-Shawnee County Top 10 pick, has been named the county player of the year after helping lead the Vikings to a second-place Class 5A state finish. [File photo/TSN]

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

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

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

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

    Hayden freshman Hailey Schmidtlein drives down the court against Bishop Miege in the Class 4A State Semifinals game in Salina on Friday, March 14, 2025.Hayden freshman Hailey Schmidtlein has been named the Shawnee County girls basketball newcomer of the year while also earning Top 10 honors. [File photo/TSN]

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

    RonSlaymaker2025WR 1Topeka High's Ron Slaymaker has been named the Shawnee County girls basketball coach of the year after leading the Trojans to a nine-win improvement in his first season. [File photo/TSN]

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

    All-Shawnee County capsules:

  • TopSports.news' 2025 Shawnee County softball players to watch

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    JoMharaBenningSOFTBALL 2Topeka High senior Jo'Mhara Benning was a first-team All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League pick last season. [File photo/TSN]

    JO'MHARA BENNING, Topeka High

    A senior pitcher, Benning earned first-team TopSports.news All-Shawnee County recognition last season after helping the Trojans post a 17-11 record. Benning also was a first-team All-Centennial League pick and earned All-Class 6A second-team recognition from the Kansas Softball Coaches Association.

    TAYLOR BREES, Shawnee Heights

    Brees, a senior infielder, was a first-team TSN All-Shawnee County pick last season while also earning All-United Kansas Conference first-team honors and being named to the Kansas Softball Coaches Association second team. Brees has signed a letter of intent with Washburn University.

    ReaganChapman2025 1Washburn Rural junior Reagan Chapman is a two-time All-Shawnee County first-team pick. [File photo/TSN]

    REAGAN CHAPMAN, Washburn Rural

    A junior, Chapman earned second-team All-Class 6A honors from the Kansas Softball Coaches Association last season while also being named to the TSN All-Shawnee County first team for the second straight season after helping lead the Junior Blues to a 20-8 record and a third-place finish in 6A.

    LAYLA COLLINS, Washburn Rural

    Collins, a senior, received second-team TSN All-Shawnee County honors last season after helping Washburn Rural post a third-place finish in the Class 6A state tournament. Collins also earned second-team All-Centennial League recognition for the Junior Blues, 20-8 on the year.

    KendraCook2025 1Silver Lake senior Kendra Cook is a two-time All-Shawnee County first-team pick and earned All-Class 3A first-team honors last spring. [File photo/TSN]

    KENDRA COOK, Silver Lake

    A senior pitcher, Cook earned TSN All-Shawnee County first-team recognition for the second straight season in 2024 after helping 24-3 Silver Lake post a runnerup state finish in Class 3A. A Washburn University signee, Cook, who compiled a 1.244 earned run average with 92 strikeouts, also received All-3A first-team honors from the Kansas Softball Coaches Association.

    KAILYN HANNI, Silver Lake

    Hanni, a left-fielder, earned first-team All-Shawnee County first-team recognition last season as a sophomore after helping Silver Lake post a 24-3 record and a runnerup finish in the Class 3A state tournament. Hanni, who hit .518 with 15 stolen bases, was also named to the Kansas Softball Coaches Association All-3A second team.

    OliviaKoch2025 1Washburn Rural sophomore Olivia Koch was named the Shawnee County newcomer of the year last spring. [File photo/TSN]

    OLIVIA KOCH, Washburn Rural 

    A sophomore, Koch was named the Shawnee County newcomer of the year last season and was named to the All-Centennial League first team and the Kansas Softball Coaches Association All-Class 6A second team after helping Rural post a 20-8 record and a third-place finish in the 6A state tournament. 

    KiraLowrey2025 1Silver Lake senior Kira Lowrey was an All-Shawnee County first-team pick last spring. [File photo/TSN]  

    KIRA LOWREY, Silver Lake 

    A senior third baseman/pitcher, Lowrey earned first-team All-Shawnee County first-team recognition last season as a sophomore after helping Silver Lake post a 24-3 record and a runnerup finish in the Class 3A state tournament. Lowrey, who hit .467 with 35 RBI, also received Kansas Softball Coaches Association All-3A honorable mention.

  • TopSports.news' 2025 Shawnee County baseball players to watch

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    DRAYDEN ACOSTA, Topeka High

    A junior, Acosta earned second-team All-Shawnee County recognition last season after helping Topeka High advance to the Class 6A state tournament for the second straight season.  

    LIAM ANNAND, Hayden

    Annand, a senior, helped Hayden post an 18-12 record and capture the Class 3A state championship last season. Annand earned second-team All-Shawnee County honors as a junior.

    ISAAC ANSLEY, Washburn Rural

    A junior pitcher, Ansley will be counted on to fill a major role for a Washburn Rural team that posted a 13-10 record last spring but graduated six seniors who received first or second-team all-county recognition last season.

    MasonBeckerHaydenbaseball2025 1Hayden sophomore Mason Becker was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick and the county newcomer of the year last season. [File photo/TSN]

    MASON BECKER, Hayden

    Becker, a sophomore, earned first-team All-Shawnee County honors and was named the county newcomer of the year last season after helping lead the Wildcats to an 18-12 record and the Class 3A state championship. 

    AXTON BREWER, Seaman

    A sophomore, Brewer made an impact last season for the 18-7 Vikings as a freshman pitcher/designated hitter, receiving second-team All-United Kansas Conference recognition and All-Class 5A and All-Shawnee County honorable mention.  

    COOPER CAMPIDILLI, Silver Lake

    A senior catcher, Campidilli has been a second-team All-Shawnee County honoree for the last two seasons while also earning All-Mid-East League recognition for the Eagles. 

    DavidDobbs2025 1Seaman senior catcher David Dobbs was a first-team All-Shawnee County and All-Class 5A pick last season. [File photo/TSN]

    DAVID DOBBS, Seaman

    A senior catcher, Dobbs was named to the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches All-Class 5A first team last season while also earning All-Shawnee County and All-United Kansas Conference first-team recognition for the 18-7 Vikings.

    CooperGraceBASEBALL 2Hayden senior Cooper Grace was named the Centennial League and Shawnee County co-player of the year last season. [File photo/TSN]

    COOPER GRACE, Hayden

    Grace, a senior, was named the Shawnee County and Centennial League co-player of the year last season while earning first-team All-Class 3A honors and all-county and Centennial League recognition for the second straight season. A Nebraska signee, Grace helped lead the Wildcats to an 18-12 record and the 3A state title in 2024.

  • TopSports.news' 2025 Shawnee County boys golfers to watch

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    TaddArmstrong2025 1Washburn 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 CLEVERDONTopeka 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.

    JamesKuta2025 1Hayden 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.

    TaganMonasmith2025 1Washburn 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).

  • All-Shawnee County boys wrestling: Three-time state champ Broxterman headlines 2025 team

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Washburn Rural three-time Class 6A state champion and four-time finalist Easton Broxterman headlines the TopSports.news 2025 All-Shawnee County boys wrestling team.

    EastonBroxterman2025Statechamp 1Shawnee County wrestler of the year Easton Broxterman ended his high school career with three Class 6A state titles and four straight trips to the 6A championship match. [Photo by Mac Moore/KSHSAA Covered]

    County wrestler of the year Broxterman, who won the 144-pound championship to wrap up a 37-2 season, is joined on the All-Shawnee County team by two-time Washburn Rural state champions Kristjan Marshall and Landen Kocher-Munoz as the Junior Blues finished third as a team.

    KristjanMarshall2025Statechamp 1Washburn Rural senior Kristjan Marshall won his second straight Class 6A state title in 2025. [Photo by Mac Moore/KSHSAA Covered]

    LandenKocher Munoz2025Statechamp 1Washburn Rural junior Landen Kocher-Munoz won his second Class 6A state title in his third straight state final in 2025. [Photo by Mac Moore/KSHSAA Covered] 

    Marshall, a senior, won the 157-pound championship to cap a 33-5 season with his second straight title while junior L. Kocher-Munoz won his second state title in his third straight trip to the finals, winning the 138-pound crown with a 30-3 record.   

    JoshHoganStatefinal 1Washburn Rural wrestling coach Josh Hogan has been named the Shawnee County coach of the year after three Rural wrestlers won state titles and Rural finished third as a team. [Photo by Selena Favela/Special to TSN]

    Washburn Rural, which finished third in the 6A team standings, put a county-high nine wrestlers on the all-county first team, while Rural's Josh Hogan was named the county coach of the year and freshman 215-pounder Kaiden Marshall was selected as newcomer of the year.

    The TopSports.news all-county team is based in part on selections made by the seven Topeka head coaches as well as at large selections for county schools Rossville and Silver Lake.

    Also earning All-Shawnee County first-team honors for Rural in addition to the three state champions were 120-junior Ryder Harrison (27-15), senior 126-pounder Walker Doyal (28-14), junior 132-pounder Cooper Stivers (26-8), sophomore 150-pounder Brodye Kocher-Munoz (16-7), sophomore 190-pounder Jadyn Baum (28-6) and K. Marshall (17-11).

    Topeka High and Hayden both put two wrestlers on the all-county first team.

    Topeka High is represented by 106-pound sophomore Jose Gomez (24-13) and 165-pound senior Nick Davis (40-7) while Hayden is represented by 175-pound junior Jude Krentz (42-2) and 285-pound senior Hunter Diederich (24-10). 

    Shawnee Heights is represented on the first team by 113-pound sophomore Jacob Reyes (15-14).

    ALL-SHAWNEE COUNTY BOYS WRESTLING

  • All-Shawnee County girls wrestling: Hi Park state champ Makayla Cadet headlines 2025 team

    Rick Peterson

     By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Class 5A state champion Makayla Cadet of Highland Park headines the TopSports.news 2025 All-Shawnee County girls wrestling team while third-place teams Washburn Rural and Shawnee Heights combined for 13 spots on the first team.

    TopSports.news picked the All-Shawnee County team based in part on city coaches' picks for the All-City team while also adding at-large selections.

    MakaylaCadet2025State 1Highland Park junior Makayla Cadet has been named the Shawnee County wrestler of the year after winning the Class 5A 190-pound state title. [Photo by Selena Favela/Special to TSN]

    County wrestler of the year Cadet, a junior, won the Class 5A state championship at 190 pounds, becoming Highland Park's first-ever girls state champion while posting a 23-4 record on the season.   

    MollySpaderStatefinal 2Washburn Rural senior Molly Spader posted a runnerup Class 6A state finish for the second straight season, leading Rural to a third-place team finish. [File photo/TSN]

    Washburn Rural put seven wrestlers on the TSN All-Shawnee County first team, led by senior Molly Spader (37-6), who posted a runnerup Class 6A state finish for the second straight season to lead the Junior Blues to a third-place team finish in 6A after winning back-to-back state titles. 

    In addition to Spader, Washburn Rural is represented on the all-county team by senior 115-pounder Maddy Blow (35-11), junior 120-pounder Lacey Middleton (37-9), junior 135-pounder Madison Blanco (30-8), junior 140-pounder Emme Blanco (35-10), junior 170-pounder Elia Smith (36-8) and sophomore 235-pounder Justice McBurney (15-7).

    Smith placed third in 6A while Blow, Middleton, M. Blanco and E. Blanco all placed fourth at state and McBurney posted a sixth-place finish.

    Spader and Blow are three-time first-team all-county selections while M. Blanco and Smith are first-team repeat picks and Middleton and E. Blanco moved up from the second team.

    IsabelReyes2025State 1Shawnee Heights senior Isabel Reyes posted a second-place Class 5A state finish at 130 pounds, helping the T-Birds finish third as a team. [File photo/TSN]

    Shawnee Heights, which earned the third-place team trophy in 5A, is represented on the all-county first team by senior Isabel Reyes (37-3), the 5A runnerup at 130 pounds, along with freshman 100-pounder Ava Gutierrez (19-13), senior 125-pounder Reece Taylor (37-4), senior 140-pounder Madison Freeland (32-7), junior 145-pounder Olivia Stevens (35-10) and junior 155-pounder Cianna Graves (39-3).

    Taylor, Freeland and Graves finished third in 5A while Stevens finished fourth.    

    Shawnee Heights' Chad Parks was named the county coach of the year after the T-Birds posted a program-best third as a team.

    TaylieHeston2025State 1Seaman senior Taylie Heston was the 120-pound runnerup in Class 5A. [File photo/TSN]

    KotiBest2025State 1Seaman senior Koti Best was the 125-pound runnerup in Class 5A. [File photo/TSN]

    Seaman put senior state 120-pound runnerup Taylie Heston (32-8) and senior 130-pound runnerup Koti Best (20-3) on the All-Shawnee County first team, along with 110-pound senior Natalie Smith (28-11).

    Best was a two-time state finalist will Heston is an all-county first-team repeat pick.

    Rounding out the all-county first team are Silver Lake senior 110-pounder Karley Holmes (40-12) and Rossville 145-pounder Madelyn Wonnell (34-11).

    Holmes posted a third-place finish in 4A while Wonnell finished fifth in 3A-1A after helping the Bulldawgs win the 3A-1A state team championship in 2024.  

    ALL-SHAWNEE COUNTY GIRLS WRESTLING

  • Rossville's Rylee Dick, Silver Lake's Kailyn Hanni earn All-Big East girls first-team honors

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Rossville junior Rylee Dick and Silver Lake junior Kailyn Hanni have been named to the All-Big East girls basketball first team. 

    RyleeDickSL 1Rossville junior Rylee Dick has been named to the All-Big East girls basketball first team. [File photo/TSN]

    KailynHanniRoss 4Silver Lake junior Kailyn Hanni has been named the All-Big East first team after leading the Eagles to a second-place state finish. [File photo/TSN]

    Dick led to a Class 2A sub-state final while Hanni led Silver Lake to a runnerup state finish in 3A after helping the Eagles win the state title as a sophomore.

    Silver Lake freshman Karys Deiter has been named to the All-Big East second team while sophomore Nora Burdiek, who missed considerable time with an injury, was a third-team pick.

    Silver Lake senior Ella Bolan received honorable mention.    

    ALL-BIG EAST LEAGUE GIRLS BASKETBALL

  • Rossville's Jack Donovan, Silver Lake's Dayne Johnson earn All-Big East first-team honors

    Rick Peterson

    By Rick Peterson

    TopSports.news

    Rossville junior Jack Donovan and Silver Lake junior Dayne Johnson, who helped lead their teams to state tournament berths, have been named to the All-Big East League boys basketball first team.

    JackDonovan 1Rossville junior Jack Donovan has been named to the All-Big East League first team after helping lead the Bulldawgs to a Class 2A state berth. [File photo/TSN]

    DayneJohnson2024Ross 2Silver Lake junior Dayne Johnson (2) earned a spot on the All-Big East first team. [File photo/TSN]

    Donovan helped Rossville post a 16-8 record this winter, with the Bulldawgs dropping an 82-78 first-round Class 2A state decision to Ell-Saline, while Johnson helped lead Silver Lake to a 20-6 campaign and a third-place finish in 3A.

    Silver Lake senior Jared Johnson and Rossville junior Cameron Miller earned spots on the all-league second team while Silver Lake senior Brody Deiter was a third-team pick.

    Rossville senior Kameron Badura and junior Jakoby McDonnell received honorable mention.

    ALL-BIG EAST LEAGUE BOYS BASKETBALL

  • Breaking down the 14 state HS basketball tournaments, with title picks, contenders

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON 

    TopSports.news

    It's been an outstanding 2024-2025 high school basketball season for Shawnee County teams, with 10 of 20 making it to state tournaments in five different classifications.

    Now we wait to see how many of those teams can achieve the ultimate goal of a state championship on Saturday.

    For what it's worth -- and it's not much -- here's my take on what we could see in all 14 of this week's state  tournaments across the state.

    If I didn't pick your team don't fret because it could bode well for you.

    If I did pick the team/teams you root for, good luck.

    By Saturday night we'll know, and win or lose, it promises to be a fun week. Enjoy!

    CLASS 6A BOYS

    Finalists -- Shawnee Mission Northwest (4: 19-3) vs. Wichita Heights (3: 20-2).

    Champion -- Wichita Heights. I give Heights, the 6A runnerup the past two seasons, a very slight edge in what could be a repeat of the 2024 title game, won by Northwest to cap a 25-0 season.

    Other contenders -- Shawnee Mission South is the top seed at 21-1, with its lone loss coming against SM Northwest, while Derby is also 21-1 and the No. 2 seed. Washburn Rural (6: 18-4) is certainly capable of knocking off Wichita Heights while Derby could get a big test from No. 7 Olathe North (16-6). 

    CLASS 6A GIRLS

    Finalists -- Blue Valley North (3: 18-4) vs. Olathe South (4: 18-4). 

    Champion -- Blue Valley North. It's worth noting that although North has lost four times, but none of those four losses came against Kansas teams. The Mustangs finished third last season after winning the championship in 2023.

    Other contenders -- It's been an up and down season for Washburn Rural (6: 16-6) but never count out a Kevin Bordewick team in postseason. The Hall of Fame coach has led Washburn Rural to three straight 6A championship games (title in 2022, runnerup in 2023 and 2024) and the Junior Blues have won a pair of championships since 2019. Derby is the top seed at 19-3 and the pre-tournament team to beat.

    JaCoreyRobinson2025BL 5Highland Park standout Ja'Corey Robinson and the 22-0 Scots will be looking for a Class 5A state title this week after back-to-back third-place finishes. [File photo/TSN]

    CLASS 5A BOYS

    Finalists -- Highland Park (1: 22-0) vs. Kapaun Mt. Carmel (2: 19-3).

  • Shawnee County state BB preview: Scots out to finish quest for 5A title after near-misses

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Highland Park's boys basketball team has put together an amazing run of success over the past three seasons, advancing to the Class 5A state tournament all three years while posting a 65-8 overall record, including a 47-3 mark over the past two campaigns.

    HighlandParkboys2025substate 1Highland Park boys basketball celebrates its Class 5A sub-state championship after Saturday's 53-35 win over Bashor-Linwood. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

    But there's a feeling of emptiness that remains for those closest to the Scot program after back-to-back heartbreaking semifinal losses to the eventual state champions the past two years.

    Two years ago Highland Park led virtually the entire game against Andover before the Trojans pulled out a 55-54 win with a late 7-0 run. The drama continued last season when Kapaun Mt. Carmel outlasted the Scots in overtime, 67-64.

    Highland Park bounced back both seasons for dominating wins in the third-place game, but that provided little consolation to the Scots.

    And now the Scots' main focus -- really their only focus -- is on doing everything they can to wipe that bad taste out of their mouths with a state title run this week in Emporia's White Auditorium.

    "I feel like the last three or so years we get down there and I'm not saying we were playing bad but I feel like we could have played a little better,'' Highland Park coach Mike Williams said. "So we are really, really focused on wanting to get to state and kind of show a little bit of the essence that we saw tonight.

    "I like our prep, I like what we're doing going into it and we're looking forward to next week.''

    Scot senior standout Ja'Corey Robinson agreed.

    "We've got some fire under us,'' Robinson said. "We're trying to go out with a win. We're tired of getting third place. We're trying to finish it all out and win a state championship.''

    Highland Park, which has had only three single-digit games all season, enters this year's state tournament as the top seed with a perfect 22-0 record and will face off with No. 8 Andover Central (14-8) at 2 p.m. Thursday in the opening game of the 5A boys event.

    Highland Park made it back to the state tournament with a 53-35 romp past Basehor-Linwood in Saturday's sub-state final at Hi Park.

    Senior Mikey Williams led the Scots with a game-high 18 points, including three 3-pointers, against the Bobcats, while Robinson added 15 points.

    The Highland Park-Andover Central winner will advance to a 4 p.m. semifinal on Friday to face the first-round winner between No. 4 seed Shawnee Heights (19-3) and No. 5 Piper (19-3).

    "We're just making it a point to come out every day in the state tournament with the same fire and the same juice and the same fire that we've had throughout this whole season so we can end up hoisting the state championship trophy,'' Mikey Williams said. "

    The Shawnee Heights-Piper first-round contest at 4 p.m. Thursday is a rematch of last year's first-round game that saw Piper close with a 14-1 run to pull out a 72-71 win on the way to a runnerup state finish.

    Heights and Piper will be playing for the third time this season, with the Pirates winning the first two games. 

    Shawnee Heights earned its second straight state berth under Ken Darting with a 49-42 sub-state win over St. Thomas Aquinas on Saturday.

    On the other side of the bracket, No. 2 seed and defending champion Kapaun Mt. Carmel (19-3) will play a 6 p.m. first-round game against No. 7 Topeka West (14-8) and No. 3 Andover (19-3) will face No. 6 Bonner Springs (18-4) at 8 o'clock, with the winners playing an 8 p.m. Friday semifinal.

    Topeka West is making its first state tournament appearance under coach Christian Ulsaker after making it to state with an 81-54 home win over Valley Center in Saturday's sub-state final. 

    Here's a team-by-team glance at the other first-round games involving Shawnee County teams:

  • Wednesday prep BB roundup: Rural girls advance to 6A sub-state final with 72-26 win

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Washburn Rural's girls, who have advanced to the Class 6A championship game three straight seasons, put themselves in position to earn another trip to state with a 72-26 semifinal victory over Lawrence Free State Wednesday night at Rural.

    GracieHayes2025FS2 1Washburn Rural sophomore Gracie Hayes scored 18 points on six 3-pointers in Wednesday's 72-26 Class 6A sub-state semifinal win over Free State. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

    The Junior Blues, now 15-6, took control with a 20-5 first quarter and opened up a 45-12 advantage over the Firebirds (3-18). Rural led 63-21 at the start of the fourth quarter, forcing a running clock over the final eight minutes.

    Sophomore Gracie Hayes had a big night for Rural, hitting six 3-pointers to lead the Junior Blues with 18 points.

    KateHinck2025FS2 2Senior Kate Hinck scored 10 points in Wednesday's 72-26 Washburn Rural sub-state semifinal win over Free State. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

    MaddieVickery2025FS2 2Washburn Rural sophomore Maddie Vickery scored 10 points in Wednesday's 72-26 sub-state win over Free State. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

    Senior Kate Hinck and sophomores Brooklyn Rutherford and Maddie Vickery added 10 points apiece while junior Ella Hirschi added nine points.

    With Wednesday's win the Junior Blues advanced to Saturday's 3:30 p.m. sub-state championship game to host Centennial League rival Manhattan, a 51-27 winner over Maize.

    The Junior Blues and Indians will be playing for the third time this season, with Rural winning the first two meetings.

    Undefeated Hi Park boys take 72-51 win over Bears

    Highland Park, the top Class 5A East boys seed, improved to 21-0 on the season with a 72-51 home semifinal win over No. 16 Kansas City-Turner Wednesday night.

    The Scots, third in 5A the past two seasons, will host Basehor-Linwood on Saturday in a 5 p.m. sub-state final at Highland Park.

    The Bobcats advanced to the championship game with a 44-37 win over Spring Hill.

    Silver Lake boys survive Osage City rally, 64-62

    Silver Lake's boys built a double-digit advantage over Osage City Wednesday night and needed every bit of it, holding on for a 64-62 home sub-state semifinal decision over the Indians.

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