Seaman VikingsBy CHARLES SPURLOCK
Special to TopSports.news
The top-ranked Seaman Lady Vikings hosted the ninth-ranked De Soto Wildcats to wrap up their schedule before the holiday break, with Seaman holding off the Wildcats for a 53-50 United Kansas Conference win.
The first four minutes of the first quarter was back and forth, but over the last four minutes, Seaman stretched out its lead to 16-9.
Senior Anna Becker led the way with 18 points as Seaman held off De Soto 53-50 Friday night, improving to 5-0. [File photo/TSN]
Seaman extended the lead to 22-11 over the first two minutes of the second quarter, leading to a De Soto timeout. The Lady Vikes held the Wildcats scoreless for over three minutes in the middle of the quarter and their lead grew to 27-11.
However, the Wildcats battled back with a pair of old fashioned 3-point plays by senior Makenzie Farmer and cut the Lady Vikes lead to 30-18 at halftime.
“We had a great first half moving the ball against their zone. I thought we were being hard to guard,'' Seaman coach Matt Tinsley said.
De Soto continued to cut into Seaman’s lead and trailed 34-25 with 3:33 remaining in the third quarter, causing Seaman to call a timeout.
Senior Jaida Stallbaumer hit four straight free throws to close out the quarter and Seaman led 43-33 going to the fourth quarter.
The teams matched baskets for the first five minutes of the final quarter and Seaman called a timeout leading 51-43.
Over the next two minutes, De Soto scored seven straight points to trail only 51-50 with 1:07 remaining.
Senior Ava Esser scored to give Seaman a 3-point lead with just under a minute remaining. De Soto failed to score on their next possession and had to commit three fouls in the final 30 seconds to send Seaman to the line to shoot free throws.
After two misses by Esser, De Soto called a timeout with six seconds remaining and missed a game-tying 3-pointer at the buzzer, sending Seaman to the winter break with the 53-50 victory.
By CHARLES SPURLOCK
Special to TopSports.news
The sixth-ranked Seaman boys faced off against the De Soto Wildcats Friday night in their final game before the winter break, with the Vikings rallying from a 10-point deficit at halftime and from nine down at the start of the fourth quarter to take 59-53 home United Kansas Conference decision.
Junior KaeVon Bonner led Seaman with 17 points in the Vikings' 59-53 come-from-behind win over De Soto. [File photo/TSN]
"De Soto deserves a lot of credit for the way they shot the ball in the first half,'' Seaman coach Craig Cox said. "We made the adjustment at halftime and it was working, but we shot ourselves in the foot by giving up three offensive rebounds and putbacks. After all of the effort in the third quarter and feeling like we were playing better, we were still down nine points going to the fourth quarter.
"To be able to turn it on, outscoring them 25-10 in the quarter and get it done, was pretty amazing."
Both teams came out shooting well from the field and De Soto closed out the first quarter on a 7-2 run to lead 17-13 heading to the second quarter.
Over the first four minutes of the second quarter, De Soto doubled their lead to 27-19. The Wildcats extended their lead to 10 by halftime and led 31-21 at the break.
Seaman began the third quarter on a 7-2 scoring spurt to cut the lead to 33-28 with five minutes left in the quarter.
The Wildcats responded over the next four minutes, rebuilding their lead back to 43-31 with a minute left in the quarter. The Vikings scored the final three points and trailed 43-34 going into the final quarter.
By CHARLES SPURLOCK
Special to TopSports.news
The Seaman Viking boys pulled away from the Kansas City-Turner Bears after a close first quarter Tuesday night, taking a 66-47 home United Kansas Conference victory.
In the first quarter, the Vikings jumped out to a quick lead, but the Bears were able to cut into the deficit and trail 14-11 at the end of the quarter.
Senior Bryer Finley (2) tied for game-high scoring honors with 19 points in Seaman's 66-47 win over Turner. [File photo/TSN]
But for the remainder of the game, Seaman was able to lock in defensively.
“I thought the key for us was our defense in the second quarter,” Seaman coach Craig Cox said. The Vikings held the Bears to 2-9 shooting from the field and only 4 points.
The defensive intensity continued in the third quarter as Seaman extended its lead to 51-31.
Cox commented on the play of a couple of his players, “It was nice to see junior Landon Wiltz and senior Bryer Finley take advantage of the opportunities they had throughout the game.”
By CHARLES SPURLOCK
Special to TopSports.news
The top-ranked Seaman Lady Vikings hosted the Turner Bears Tuesday night as they began the final week before the holiday break.
Senior Anna Becker scored 20 points in Tuesday's 81-11 Seaman win over KC-Turner, reaching the 1,000-point milestone for her career. [File photo/TSN]
The Lady Vikes dominated the game from the opening tip and led at the end of the first quarter, 34-0. The Lady Vikes shot 74 percent (17-23) from the field in the quarter.
The Lady Vikes outscored the Bears in the second quarter 14-1, taking a commanding 48-1 lead to the halftime break.
“We shared the ball and got everyone involved. It was good to see some kids get their head up,” commented Seaman coach Matt Tinsley.
Turner was able to score 8 points in the third quarter, but still was outscored by 10 and trailed 66-9 heading into the fourth quarter.
The running clock was enforced in the final quarter and the Lady Vikes were victorious, 81-11.
Tinsley said, “These girls are very unselfish and they know it’s not about them individually, but always team first.”
The Lady Vikes were led by senior Anna Becker with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. She also surpassed 1,000 points for her career. Fellow senior Ava Esser dropped in 18 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Senior Kinley Wilhelm pitched in 16 points.
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.
By Rick Peterson
TopSports.news
Perennial state girls wrestling power Washburn Rural reigned supreme in the 35-school Council Bluffs Wrestling Classic on Saturday in Iowa, with the Junior Blues winning the team championship by a 501.5-493 margin over Raccoon River.
Washburn Rural's girls wrestling team won the championship in the Council Bluffs Wrestling Classic on Saturday in Iowa. [Washburn Rural girls wrestling]
Rural got runnerup finishes from senior 105-pounder Molly Spader and sophomore 235-pounder Justice McBurney to lead the way as the Junior Blues had nine wrestlers post top-eight finishes.
Spader, a runnerup, in Class 6A last season, is now 9-1 on the season after dropping a 12-2 major decision in the championship match while McBurney is 4-2 after being pinned in her final.
The Junior Blues also got third-place finishes from senior 115-pounder Maddy Blow (9-1) and junior 145-pounder Emme Blanco (8-3).
Washburn Rural won two team titles on the day Saturday, with a split squad taking the championship in the Melvin Douglas Invitational at Highland Park.
Shawnee Heights' girls wrestling team claimed the team championship in the Clay Center Invitational, with six individual champs. [Shawnee Heights wrestling]
T-Bird girls capture Clay Center team crown
Shawnee Heights piled up 195 points to win the girls championship in Saturday's Clay Center Invitational, with six T-Birds claiming individual titles.
Heights got titles from senior 130-pounder Isabel Reyes, freshman 135-pounder Olive Jones, senior 140-pounder Madison Freeland, 145-pounder Olivia Stevens, junior 155-pounder Ciana Graves and sophomore 170-pounder Brooklyn Binkley.
Posting runnerup finishes for the T-Birds were freshman Ava Gutierrez (100), senior Reece Taylor (125) and junior Shelby Watson (190).
Rossville finished eighth as a team, getting a win from 100-pound freshman Nora Mitchell and a runnerup finish from 155-pound sophomore Madelyn Wonnell.
Silver Lake boys sweep Bluejay Duals
Silver Lake's boys went 5-0 on the day to claim the championship in Saturday's Bluejay Duals at Sabetha.
The Eagles took a 66-12 win over Nemaha Central, a 68-12 win over a split squad from Washburn Rural, a 45-34 win over Seaman, a 62-9 win over Rock Creek and a 47-35 win over Sabetha.
Silver Lake 132-pounder Garrett Holmes, 157-pounder Trent Harris, 165-pounder Kayden Clelland, 215-pounder Carter Spreer and 285-pounder Kendrick VandeVelde all went 5-0 on the day for the Eagles.
Holmes recorded four pins and an 18-2 technical fall, while Harris had four wins by pin and an 11-8 decision.
Clelland, Spreer and VandeVelde all recorded two pins on the day.
Seaman posted a 3-2 record to finish third, posting a 65-18 win over Rock Creek, a 65-12 win over Nemaha Central and a 68-12 win over Washburn Rural while dropping a 40-33 decision to Sabetha and the 45-34 loss to Silver Lake.
Seaman 138-pounder Deegan Frazier and 144-pounder Ross Shipley both went 5-0 for the Vikings, with Shipley posting five pins and Frazier four pins.
Washburn Rural's split squad went 1-4, with the Junior Blues' lone win a 42-36 win over Nemaha Central.
Silver Lake's girls went 2-1 as a team in a quadrangular held in conjunction with the Bluejay Duals.
The Eagles took a 52-24 win over Sabetha and a 42-17 win over Nemaha Central while dropping a 36-30 decision to Riley County.
Karley Holmes (110/115), McKenna Harris (130) and MaKayla Connor (155) all went 3-0 on the day.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Boys and girls wrestlers from Highland Park, Topeka High and Topeka West and a girls team representing Washburn Rural combined to win 13 individual titles in Saturday's Melvin Douglas Invitational at Highland Park.
A split team from Washburn Rural won the title in the 13-school girls division by a 128-120 margin over host Highland Park while Topeka High finished a city-best third in the 17-school boys division.
Here's a rundown of both the boys and girls tournaments:
Washburn Rural poses for a picture after winning the team championship in Saturday's Melvin Douglas Invitational at Highland Park. [Washburn Rural girls wrestling]
Rural girls edge host Scots for team championship
Washburn Rural's two-time defending Class 6A state-champion girls wrestling team posted a pair of team championships on Saturday in two different states, posting a win in the Melvin Douglas Invitational by a 128-120 margin over the host Scots and also winning the team title in the prestigious multi-state event in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Washburn Rural got individual titles in the Melvin Douglas tourney by Jordan Shatto at 125 pounds, Reece Garrett at 145 and Janiah Matthie-Johnson at 170 while Dixie Day (120), Hayden Hedstrom (135) and Leah MacPherson (155) posted runnerup finishes.
Shatto is 4-0 on the season while Garrett is 3-0 and Matthie-Johnson 4-0.
The Junior Blues posted top-four finishes in 10 of 14 weight divisions.
Runnerup Highland Park got championships from Kimberly Rodriguez at 105 pounds, Bethanie Kagle at 110, Connie Burns at 115 and Makayla Cadet at 190.
Rodriguez is 5-2 this season while Kagle is 4-0, Burns 7-0 and Cadet 8-1.
Topeka High finished fourth as a team, getting titles from Ingrid Cabrera at 100 pounds and Jenea Bratton at 140, while Topeka West got a win from Monica Stewart at 235.
Cabrera is now 6-2 while Bratton is 6-2 and Stewart is 4-2.
Champions Stiner, Davis power High boys to third-place finish
Topeka High's boys scored 147 points on Saturday, finishing just 10 points behind Summit Christian Academy, Mo. for second while Gardner-Edgerton won the team title with 220.5 points.
Topeka High junior Jordan Stiner (left) won the 157-pound title in Saturday's Melvin Douglas Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Topeka High senior 157-pounder Nick Davis (top) remained undefeated on the season in Saturday's Melvin Douglas Invitational, improving to 11-0. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
The Trojans got individual titles from Jordan Stiner at 157 pounds and Nick Davis at 165 while Topeka High posted top-four finishes in seven of 14 weight classes.
Davis is now 11-0 on the season while Stiner is 9-2.
Topeka High senior 157-pounder Nick Davis (top) remained undefeated on the season in Saturday's Melvin Douglas Invitational, improving to 11-0. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Highland Park finished seventh as a team, getting an individual title from senior 175-pounder Adrian Burney, who is 5-1 on the season.
Head official Ronnie Bailey (second from right) and his officiating crew of Dan Pray, Austin Gibson, Mike Brown and Shawn Binkley worked Saturday's Melvin Douglas Invitational wrestling tournament. [Submitted photo]
Melvin Douglas Invitational
By Rick Peterson
TopSports.news
The underdog Topeka West girls scored the first basket Friday night and were still within four points of top-ranked Seaman with two and a half minutes remaining in the opening quarter.
But the rest of the night belonged to the defending Class 5A champs, with the Vikings improving to 3-0 overall and in the United Kansas Conference with an 80-33 romp past West on the Chargers' home floor.
Junior Maddie Gragg (32) scored a game-high 21 points in Seaman's 80-33 UKC win at Topeka West Friday night. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Seaman senior Anna Becker puts up a shot in Friday's 80-33 UKC win at Topeka West. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
"We talked about it before the game, 'What are three things that we want to accomplish this game that after the game we said we did a good job of those things?' '' Seaman coach Matt Tinsley said. "One was running our offense, which means not settling just for any shot and I thought the girls ran their offense the best we've run so far all year, so they accomplished that.
"And we talked about limiting paint touches and (the Chargers) didn't get too many, so we handled that, and our goal was 60 percent from the field and 75 percent from the line was a goal and I thought our goals played great tonight.''
Seaman ended the first quarter with a 13-0 run and extended the run to 25 straight points with the first 12 points of the second stanza before West (0-2, 0-2) finally scored with 4:45 left in the half.
Seaman ended the half with a commanding 44-14 advantage and scored the final 13 points of the third quarter go in front 71-22 and force a running clock over the final eight minutes.
By Rick Peterson
TopSports.news
Seaman's boys started Friday night's United Kansas Conference game at Topeka West short-handed and things got worse for the Vikings when No. 8-ranked Topeka West took a nine-point lead midway through the second quarter.
Junior KaeVon Bonner scored a game-high 17 points as Seaman knocked off No. 8-ranked Topeka West 60-57 Friday night. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
But a 13-0 run to end the first half reversed the Vikings' fortunes, with Seaman never trailing again and surviving a late West rally to take a 60-57 United Kansas Conference decision over the Chargers at West.
Seaman senior Bryer Finley (2) had 13 points in the Vikings' 60-57 UKC win at Topeka West Friday night. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Seaman, which played without key injured reserves Matthew McConnaughey and Axton Brewer, got a game-high 17 points from junior KaeVon Bonner, 13 from senior Bryer Finley and 11 points from senior Dalton Smith while junior Landon Wiltz and junior Griffin Zuniga added 8 and 7 points, respectively.
"We were a little short on the bench, but the other guys just held it together enough to get it done,'' Seaman coach Craig Cox said. "It's always going to be difficult against a team like Topeka West that's going to be a active as they are with their length and athleticism.
"We had a lot of turnovers and we forced some shots, but we overcame that and we can build off of that as we move forward.''
By Rick Peterson
TopSports.news
Local coaching legends CJ Hamilton of Silver Lake and Steve Bushnell of Seaman are part of a five-member class of individuals who have been selected for induction into the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame in 2025.
Silver Lake coaching legend CJ Hamilton will be inducted into the KSHSAA Hall of Fame in 2025. [KSHSAA Covered]
Former Seaman baseball coach and athletic director Steve Bushnell is part of a five-member class that will be inducted into the KSHSAA Hall of Fame in 2025. [File photo/TSN]
Hamilton is Kansas’ all-time winningest football coach with a 447-98 record. At the conclusion of the 2021 season Hamilton retired after teaching and coaching at Silver Lake for 47 years.
A Silver Lake native, Hamilton began his coaching career in 1973. After a brief departure to coach at Washburn for the 1977-78 seasons, Hamilton firmly entrenched himself as coach in 1979.
In his 47 seasons as head coach of the Eagles, Silver Lake made the playoffs 40 times. The Eagles won 39 Mid-East League titles and advanced to the state championship 18 times, including seven straight from 2002-08 and 11 times in a 12-year stretch from 2002-13.
Silver Lake won the Class 3A state title in 2013 to cap that remarkable stretch -- the eighth state championship for the Eagles under Hamilton. The 18 state championship game appearances are a state record.
In addition to football, Hamilton was the head coach for the Silver Lake baseball team that won state championships in 1975, 1977 and 1982.
Bushnell guided one of Kansas’ most dominant baseball programs at Seaman, leading the Vikings to 18 state tournament appearances, nine Class 5A state championships and four runner-up finishes in 21 seasons.
In his 21years at the helm for the Vikings, Bushnell culminated a 401-103 record (.796) which included a record of 42-9 in the state tournament. Seaman won at least 20 games for 10 consecutive years during the Bushnell era.
Bushnell served as athletic director at Seaman HS for three years before retiring this past spring.
Awards will be presented during 2025 in conjunction with a KSHSAA-sponsored state function/championship, or locally at the inductee's request. The time and location of each induction ceremony will be announced at a later date at www.kshsaa.org.
The Hall of Fame is housed in the Kansas State High School Activities Association offices, 601 SW Commerce Place in Topeka and is open Monday–Friday during business hours (directions at www.kshsaa.org). The Hall of Fame is also available via the KSHSAA “Gallery of Champions” at http://www.kshsaachamps.org/.
The honorees were chosen from nominations reviewed by a selection committee. To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, an individual must have made an unusually outstanding contribution in interschool activities, either as a student with exceptional talent, or as an adult working with youth (such as an activity coach, director or sponsor, an administrator, an official or a contributor). Hall of Fame inductees may no longer be active in the field for which they are nominated (exception: contributor with over 30 years of outstanding service).
Each year schools and communities throughout Kansas submit nominations of individuals who have made tremendous contributions in the field of interschool activities. Hall of Fame information is available on the KSHSAA website at www.kshsaa.org. Nomination forms are available by contacting the KSHSAA. Any nominations to be considered for induction in 2026 must be submitted prior to November 1, 2025.
By CHARLES SPURLOCK
Special to TopSports.news
Seaman's boys hosted Lansing in their home opener Tuesday night, with the Vikings picking up their first victory in a 70-50 decision over the Lions.
Junior KaeVon Bonner led Seaman with 25 points in Tuesday's 70-50 UKC win over Lansing. [Photo by Kyle Manthe/Special to TSN]
The Vikings and Lions, who were playing their first game, played a back-and-forth first quarter, with the Vikings hitting a basket right before the buzzer to lead 12-10.
Both teams seemed to settle in offensively during the second quarter and the game was tied at 31 at the break.
Seaman went on a 9-0 run to begin the third quarter and kept the nine-point margin with 2:44 left in the quarter, leading 42-33.
Junior KaeVon Bonner scored the last eight points for the Vikings and they led going to the fourth quarter, 50-37.
The fourth quarter began just like the third quarter, with the Vikings starting with an 8-0 run, expanding the lead to 58-37.
The remainder of the quarter was even and the Vikings won the game, 70-50.
“I was really happy with our defense in the first quarter and then our defense in the entire second half,'' Seaman coach Craig Cox said. "We had a letdown in the second quarter and let them get back into the game. Lansing’s Mehki Stephens was hurting us, but Dalton Smith and Matthew McConnaughey combined to lock him down in the second half, which made it difficult for them.”
Senior Bryer Finley scored 24 points in Seaman's 70-50 UKC victory over Lansing. [Photo by Kyle Manthe/Special to TSN]
The Vikings were led by Bonner with 25 points while senior Bryer Finley totaled 24 points. McConnaughey led the Vikings with 8 rebounds, followed by Finley with 7 and Bonner with 6.
By CHARLES SPURLOCK
Special to TopSports.news
The defending state Class 5A champion and current top-ranked Seaman Lady Vikings hosted the Lansing Lions in their first home game of the season on Tuesday, improving to 2-0 with a 70-22 romp past the Lions.
Seaman senior Anna Becker led the way with 17 points in Tuesday's 70-22 UKC win over Lansing. [Photo by Kyle Manthe/Special to TSN]
The Lady Vikes jumped out to an 11-0 lead in the first three minutes of the game, forcing a Lansing timeout. The lead was extended to 17-0 before Lansing scored its first basket. The quarter ended with Seaman leading 32-5.
The hot shooting of the Lady Vikes cooled in the second quarter and they only outscored the Lions 15-9, taking a commanding 47-14 lead into halftime.
The third quarter began like the start of the game, with the Lady Vikes scoring the first nine points of the quarter to lead 56-14 and forcing the Lions to take a timeout. Lansing hit two 3-pointers to end the quarter and the Lady Vikes led 63-20 going to the fourth quarter.
The running clock was in effect for the fourth quarter and the Lady Vikes cruised to the 48-point victory.
“The conversation before the game was to come out and be sharp and keep building those good habits,'' Seaman coach Matt Tinsley said. "The ball will find the right person to shoot if you keep moving it and I thought we did that tonight, especially in the first quarter.”
The Lady Vikes had six players score at least six points which Tinsley commented, “I like our balance.”
Seaman junior Maddie Gragg scored 14 points Tuesday as the Vikings rolled to a 70-22 win over Lansing. [Photo by Kyle Manthe/Special to TSN]
Seaman junior Ryin Miller scored 14 points as the Vikings improved to 2-0 with a 70-22 win over Lansing. [Photo by Kyle Manthe/Special to TSN]
The Lady Vikes were led in scoring by senior Anna Becker with 17 points while juniors Maddie Gragg and Ryin Miller tallied 14 points each. Becker also had 7 steals, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and one block for the game. With her seven steals Becker took over the No. 1 spot on Seaman's all-time list with 214 for her career.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
THOMAS APPUHN, Washburn Rural
Appuhn opened the 2024-2025 season with a strong performance in last Wednesday's Topeka West Invitational at the Capitol Federal Natatorium. Appuhn posted a fourth-place individual finish in the 200-yard medley relay and finished sixth in the 100-yard backstroke and swam on the Junior Blues' fourth-place 400 freestyle relay.
KINSER BARBOSA, Seaman
Barbosa earned second-team All-City honors last season and is one of the Vikings' top returners. In last Wednesday's Topeka West Invitational Barbosa finished fifth in the 100-yard breaststroke, sixth in the 50-yard freestyle and swam on the Vikings' sixth-place 200 medley relay.
Dawson Blankenship, Topeka High
DAWSON BLANKENSHIP, Topeka High
Blankenship is a top returner for Topeka High after earning second-team All-City honors last season. Blankenship opened his 2024-2025 season with a third-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly and swam on the Trojans' fourth-place 200 free relay in last Wednesday's Topeka West Invitational.
Truman Brede, Shawnee Heights
TRUMAN BREDE, Shawnee Heights
A senior returning All-City first-teamer, Brede finished off his 2024 season with a win in the Class 5A 'B' final in the 100-yard backstroke. Brede finished second in the 200-yard freestyle, third in the 100 backstroke and second in the 200 free relay for the T-Birds in the city meet and finished second in the United Kansas Conference meet in the 200 freestyle and 100 back and fourth in the 200 free relay. Brede finished third in last Wednesday's Topeka West Invitational in the 200 freestyle and finished fourth in the 100 backstroke.
RYAN CARSON, Hayden
Carson will be counting on to provide leadership for the Wildcats this winter after earning a spot on the All-City second team last season. Carson finished eighth in the 100-yard butterfly in last Wednesday's Topeka West Invitational and swam on Hayden's 200 medley, 200 free and 400 free relays.
Jaxon Cowdin, Topeka High
JAXON COWDIN, Topeka High
Cowdin, a senior, won his third straight city championship in one-meter diving for Topeka High last season and went on to claim his second Centennial League championship. A three-time first-team All-City honoree, Cowdin advanced to the Class 6A diving finals for the third straight year, posting a 12th-place state finish.
PALMER HESKETT, Hayden
A second-team All-City honoree last season, Heskett is one of Hayden's top returning swimmers. In last Wednesday's Topeka West Invitational Heskett finished sixth in the 200-yard freestyle and sixth in the 500 freestyle while also swimming on the Wildcats' 200 medley relay and 400 free relays.
Evan Hoobler, Shawnee Heights
EVAN HOOBLER, Shawnee Heights
Hoobler, a senior, was a first-team All-City honoree last season, placing second in the 100-yard breaststroke and third in the 200 individual medley and second in the 200 free relay in the city championships and placed second in the 100 breaststroke, third in the 200 IM and fourth in the 200 free relay in the United Kansas Conference meet.
Alex Lanterman, Washburn Rural
ALEX LANTERMAN, Washburn Rural
Lanterman earned a first-team All-City berth last season with a strong performance in the city meet as Washburn Rural won its fifth straight city team championship. Lanterman placed third in the city in 200-yard freestyle and third in the 100 butterfly and was part of Rural's 'B' 400 free relay team that finished third.
Luke Lemke, Washburn Rural
LUKE LEMKE, Washburn Rural
Lemke, a senior, earned All-City first-team honors last season, helping Washburn Rural win city and Centennial League team titles and tying for third place in Class 6A. Lemke was part of Rural's 400-yard free relay team that placed second in the 6A state meet. Lemke placed second in the city meet in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100 backstroke and was part of the Junior Blues' winning 200 medley and 200 free relays. Lemke took third in the 200 individual medley in the Centennial League meet and was part of Rural's winning 200 free and 400 free relay teams.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Anna Becker
ANNA BECKER, Seaman
Becker, a 5-foot-11 senior, scored 20 points and had eight assists in the Vikings' 69-67 season-opening United Kansas Conference girls basketball road win at Piper, with Becker become Seaman's all-time leader in career assists.
Maddie Gragg
MADDIE GRAGG, Seaman
A 5-foot-10 junior, Gragg scored 21 points to lead defending Class 5A state girls basketball champion Seaman to a hard-earned 69-67 season-opening United Kansas Conference road victory at Piper on Friday night.
Dayne Johnson
DAYNE JOHNSON, Silver Lake
Johnson, a 6-foot-3 junior multi-sport star, scored 21 points in the Eagles' 59-52 season-opening basketball win over Perry-Lecompton after being named to the All-Shawnee County football Top 22 earlier in the week.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Editor's note: The 20 girls wrestlers to watch are primarily based on performances in the 2023-2024 season. TopSports.news is still in the process of receiving preseason information from local coaches and will update information as needed.
Koti Best, Seaman
KOTI BEST, Seaman
Best, a senior, had her junior season disrupted by injury after finishing second in Class 5A as a sophomore. Best received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season and is ranked No. 1 at 115 pounds in the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association's second of two preseason state 5A rankings.
MADISON BLANCO, Washburn Rural
A junior, Blanco earned first-team All-Shawnee County recognition last season at 130 pounds after helping Washburn Rural win its second straight Class 6A state team title. Blanco posted a 28-9 record and placed sixth in 6A. She is ranked No. 3 in 6A at 135 pounds in the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Assocation's second preseason rankings.
MADDY BLOW, Washburn Rural
Blow, a senior, was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick for the second straight season at 115 pounds after qualifying for the Class 6A state tournament and posting a 22-12 record on the season. Blow is ranked sixth at 115 in 6A by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in its second of two preseason rankings.
CONNIE BURNS, Highland Park
Burns, a junior, posted a 23-6 record and was a second-team All-Shawnee County selection last season at 105 pounds for Shawne Heights before transferring to Highland Park this season. Burns is 5-0 on the season for the Scots after winning the 115-pound title in Saturday's Highland Park Invitational.
MAKAYLA CADET, Highland Park
A junior, Cadet earned All-Shawnee County honorable mention in the 2023-2024 season and is ranked No. 6 in Class 5A at 190 pounds by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in its second preseason rankings. Cadet won the 235-pound title in Saturday's Highland Park Invitational.
Maddie Freeland, Shawnee Heights
MADDIE FREELAND, Shawnee Heights
A senior, Freeland is a three-time state qualfier and finished second in Class 5A at 135 pounds last season while compiling a 27-4 record. Freeland was a second-team All-Shawnee County selection as a junior and is ranked No. 2 at 135 in 5A by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in its second preseason state rankings.
ANNIE GALLEGOS, Washburn Rural
Gallegos, a senior, received second-team All-Shawnee County honors last season at 125 pounds and is a two-time state medalist. Gallegos was a state qualifier last season, posting a 19-5 record on the season, and is ranked No. 3 in the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association's first preseason rankings.
TESSA GERBER, Silver Lake
A senior multi-sport standout for Silver Lake, Gerber is currently ranked No. 3 in Class 3A-1A at 135 pounds by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in its second of two preseason staate rankings.
Cianna Graves, Shawnee Heights
CIANNA GRAVES, Shawnee Heights
A junior, Graves received first-team All-Shawnee County honors at 155 pounds last season after posting a 32-8 record and finishing fifth in the Class 5A state tournament. Graves, a two-time state placer, is currently top-ranked in 5A by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in its second preseason state rankings.
McKENNA HARRIS, Silver Lake
Harris, a junior for the Eagles, is currently ranked No. 4 at 125 pounds in Class 3A-1A by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in the second of two preseason rankings.
Taylie Heston, Seaman
TAYLIE HESTON, Seaman
Heston, a senior, finished fourth in Class 5A last season at 120 pounds and posted a 30-10 record en route to earning All-Shawnee County first-team recognition for the second straight season. Heston is ranked second in 5A in the second Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association preseason state rankings at 120.
By Rick Peterson
TopSports.news
Seaman's girls basketball team opened defense of its Class 5A state championship Friday night, surviving a tough test from Piper to take a 69-67 United Kansas Conference road win.
"What a great atmosphere for the first game of the season,'' Seaman coach Matt Tinsley said. "Im proud of our girls. We were tough when we needed to be and we had some kids step up and be brave.''
Junior Maddie Gragg scored 21 points to lead Seaman in Friday's 69-67 UKC win over Piper. [File photo/TSN]
Junior Maddie Gragg led four double-figure scorers for the Vikings with 21 points while junior Anna Becker added 20 points, senior Jadyn Stallbaumer 14 points and senior Ava Esser 13.
Senior Anna Becker moved into the all-time career assist lead for Seaman in Friday's 69-67 win over Piper. [File photo/TSN]
Esser grabbed 10 rebounds to give her a double-double while senior Kinley Wilhelm also had 10 rebounds and Becker had eight assists and moved into the top spot on the Seaman all-time list.
The game was tight throughout, with Seaman leading 23-19 at the end of the first quarter before the Pirates used a 13-6 second quarter to take a 32-29 halftime advantage.
Seaman still trailed by a point (53-52) at the start of the fourth quarter before the Vikings outscored the Pirates 17-14 over the final eight minutes to pull out the two-point victory, hitting 8 of 8 free throws late in the game.
"Before the game we talked about our journey and taking the first step and this is a good win,'' Tinsley said.
The Vikings will be at home Tuesday to face Lansing.
Piper boys take 69-51 win over Vikings
Piper, the Class 5A boys state runnerup last season, opened its 2024-2025 campaign with a 69-51 home United Kansas Conference victory over Seaman.
Piper led 14-9 after one quarter and took control with a 19-8 second quarter, taking a 33-17 advantage to the locker room at halftime.
The Pirates went on to open up a 51-30 advantage at the start of the fourth quarter before Seaman outscored Piper 21-18 the rest of the way.
Seaman got a team-high 12 points from junior KaeVon Bonner while newcomer Cameron Brian and Axton Brewer added nine points apiece.
Seaman will be at home Tuesday to host UKC rival Lansing.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Editor's note: The 20 boys wrestlers to watch are primarily based on performances in the 2023-2024 season. TopSports.news is still in the process of receiving preseason information from local coaches and will update information as needed.
JADYN BAUM, Washburn Rural
Baum, a sophomore, earned second-team All-Shawnee County recognition at 175 pounds last season for Washburn Rural, posting a 31-20 record as a freshman. Baum is ranked No. 3 at 175 pounds in the latest of two Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Class 6A preseason rankings and is ranked 10th in the All-Class rankings. Baum was a Centennial League champion as a freshman and was selected as the league newcomer of the year.
GABE BRANNICK, Seaman
Brannick, a senior, was a Class 5A state qualifier last season, posting a 36-17 record through regionals, and earned All-Shawnee County honorable mention at 157 pounds. Brannick is ranked sixth in 5A at 157 pounds in the second of two Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association 5A preseason state rankings. Brannick posted a third-place finish in the United Kansas Conference tournament last season.
BRODY BROWN, Shawnee Heights
Brown, a sophomore, earned second-team All-Shawnee County recognition at 126 pounds as a freshman and qualified for the Class 5A state tournament with a sixth-place regional finish. Brown is expected to wrestle at 138 pounds for the T-Birds this season. He posted a 22-18 record last season and placed fourth in the United Kansas Conference tournament.
Easton Broxterman, Washburn Rural
EASTON BROXTERMAN, Washburn Rural
A senior, Broxterman is a two-time Class 6A state champion and has advanced to the state finals three straight seasons. Broxterman, who posted a 49-1 record en route to the 132-pound title last season, was named the Shawnee County wrestler of the year last winter after helping the Junior Blues finish third as a team and is a three-time all-county selection. Broxterman is ranked No. 1 at 144 pounds in the second of two Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association 6A preseason rankings and is also No. 1 in the All-Class rankings.
TRISTAN BUCE, Shawnee Heights
Buce, a junior, was a Class 5A state qualifier and earned second-team All-Shawnee County recognition last season at 106 pounds and is expected to wrestle at 120 pounds this season. Buce posted a 26-6 record last season for the T-Birds and qualified for state with a sixth-place regional finish. Buce was a United Kansas Conference champion as a freshman and finished second a year ago.
Adrian Burney, Highland Park
ADRIAN BURNEY, Highland Park
Burney, a senior, was the lone Highland Park Class 5A boys state qualifier last season and earned All-Shawnee County honorable mention. Burney posted a 17-8 record through regional competition last season, punching his ticket to state with a sixth-place finish.
Hunter Diederich, Hayden
HUNTER DIEDERICH, Hayden
Diederich, a senior, earned second-team All-Shawnee County recognition at 285 pounds last season, posting a 22-9 record on the season. Diederich was a Class 4A state qualifier in 2023.
TRENT HARRIS, Silver Lake
A senior, Harris received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season after qualifying for the Class 4A state tournament with a third-place regional finish at 150 pounds, posting a 31-15 record through regional competition. Harris is ranked No. sixth in 4A at 157 pounds in the second of two Kansas Wrestling Coaches Assocation preseason rankings.
RYDER HARRISON, Washburn Rural
Harrison, a junior, was a first-team All-Shawnee County selection at 106 pounds as a sophomore, posting a 47-14 record for the Junior Blues, who finished third in Class 6A as a team. Harrison finished fourth at state last season and is ranked No. 5 at 120 pounds in the second of two Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association 6A preseason rankings and is listed third a 113 pounds in the All-Class rankings. Harrison was a Centennial League champ in 2024.
GAVIN HARTMAN, Shawnee Heights
A junior, Hartman received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season and is a former Class 5A state qualifier. Hartman was a United Kansas Conference champion in 2023 and finished fourth in the conference meet last season.
EVAN JOHNSON, Shawnee Heights
Johnson, a junior, was a second-team All-Shawnee County pick at 157 pounds as a sophomore and is a two-time Class 5A state qualifier for the T-Birds. Johnson posted a 29-15 record last season and qualified for state with a fourth-place regional finish. Johnson was a second-place finisher in the United Kansas Conference tournament.
BRODYE KOCHER-MUNOZ, Washburn Rural
A sophomore, Kocher-Munoz was named the Shawnee County newcomer of the year as a freshman and was a second-team all-county selection at 144 pounds for Washburn Rural, which posted a third-place team finish in Class 6A. Munoz finished fourth in 6A last season and is ranked third at 150 pounds in the second of two Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association 6A preseason rankings and seventh in the All-Class rankings at 138.
Landen Kocher-Munoz, Washburn Rural
LANDEN KOCHER-MUNOZ, Washburn Rural
Kocher-Munoz, a junior, posted a 36-5 record at 138 pounds last season, earning All-Shawnee County first-team recognition for a second straight season. Kocher-Munoz finished second in Class 6A last season after winning a state championship as a freshman. Kocher-Munoz helped the Junior Blues finish third as a team in 6A. Kocher-Munoz is ranked No. 4 at 132 pounds in the second of two Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association preseason All-Class rankings. Kocher-Munoz won a Centennial League title last season.
JUDE KRENTZ, Hayden
A junior, Krentz earned All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season at 165 pounds last season after earning his second straight trip to the Class 4A state tournament. Krentz qualified for the 2024 state meet with a third-place regional finish and posted a 27-3 record through regional competition.
Kristjan Marshall, Washburn Rural
KRISTJAN MARSHALL, Washburn Rural
A senior, Marshall earned first-team All-Shawnee County recognition last season after compiling a 39-4 record and capturing the Class 6A 150-pound state championship for Washburn Rural, which finished third in the 6A team race. Marshall, who finished fourth at state as a sophomore, is ranked No. 1 in 6A at 157 pounds in the second of two Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association preseason rankings and is No. 7 in the All-Class rankings at 150. Marshall won a Centennial League title in 2024.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
When Washburn Rural had a vacancy for a girls swimming coach back in 2020, veteran coach Bob Burdick stepped in for the Junior Blues.
Senior Luke Lemke (front) led Washburn Rural to a third-place team finish in Wednesday's 11-school Topeka West Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
This winter is deja vu all over again for Burdick, who took over the reins of the Rural boys program after Janson Garman stepped down.
"He graduated from college and got a job,'' Burdick said. "I hoped Janson would stay because he had a lot of energy and he's a young coach and I want to see these young coaches move up because people like me, we're going to be retiring. But he just couldn't do it.''
Burdick had put together a long coaching career in Missouri before retiring in that state and moving over to Washburn Rural, where he teaches history and eventually took on the girls coaching position.
And as fate would have it, the timing worked out perfectly this winter for Burdick to take on the added responsibility of coaching both Rural teams.
"About two or three years ago I told our athletic director (Charlie Nimz) that I couldn't do this (coach the boys) because I used to coach the boys and the girls back in Missouri and when I took the girls my wife said, 'Promise me you're not going to take the boys until our last son's in college,' '' Burdick said.
"Well, he's at K-State now, so she said, 'You can do whatever the heck you want with swimming now, so enjoy.' Charlie came to me and said, 'Are you going to do this?' And I was like, 'Yes, I'm going to do it,' so that's how it all went down.''
Burdick's Washburn Rural boys team made its debut in Wednesday's 11-school Topeka West Invitational at the Capitol Federal Natatorium, posting a third-place finish.
"I'm enjoying it,'' Burdick said. "I love swimming, so I enjoy watching these guys swim, I enjoy the races. We had a lot of surprises tonight for our team and there's a lot of great teams out here and I love seeing all the other coaches.
"This has been a great start and it was getting the bugs out for everybody.''
Washburn Rural suffered heavy graduation losses, including state champions Brogan Meier and Jack Miranda, off last year's team that tied for third in Class 6A, but Burdick said the team is coming around.
"It's going to take awhile, but we can see it on the horizon,'' he said.
Luke Lemke led Rural in Wednesday's opener, placing second in the 200-yard individual medley (2 minutes, 10.90 seconds) and the 100 backstroke (58.98) while also swimming on the Junior Blues' third-place 200 medley relay (1:49.96) and fourth-place 400 free relay (3:40.96).
Lemke teamed with Castle Wallace, Alexander Lanterman and Andres Morao-Jaspe on the 200 medley relay and with Morao-Jaspe, Thomas Appuhn and Joseph Jensen on the 400 free relay.
Rural's foursome of Wallace, Ethan Overbey, Lanterman and Jensen posted a third-place finish in the 200 free relay (1:42.93) while Wallace finished third in the 100 breaststroke (1:08.19).
Topeka High's Dawson Blankenship posted a third-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly in Wednesday's 11-school Topeka West Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Topeka High finished sixth as a team, led by Dominic Delgado (209.65) and Malichi Delgado (166.70), who went one-two in one-meter diving. The Trojans also got a third-place finish from Dawson Blankenship in the 100 butterfly (1:00.40).
Shawnee Heights senior Truman Brede posted a third-place finish in the 200 freestyle in Wednesday's Topeka West Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Shawnee Heights' Evan Hoobler finished third in the 100-yard freestyle in the Topeka West Invitational on Wednesday. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Shawnee Heights got a third-place finish from Truman Brede in the 200 freestyle (2:02.51) and a third from Evan Hoobler in the 100 free (53.02).
TOPEKA WEST INVITATIONAL
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Hayden, which advanced to the Class 3A state championship game for the second straight season, and 5A quarterfinalist and United Kansas Conference champion Seaman combined for 10 Top 22 spots to lead the TopSports.news' 2024 All-Shawnee County football team.
Hayden, which posted a 11-2 record this fall, is represented on the Top 22 by senior three-time honoree Jensen Schrickel along with seniors Broderick Desch, Treyton Tetuan and Jett Wahlmeier and juniors Jude Krentz and Kade while Seaman, 8-3 on the year, put seniors Briar Finley, Max Huston and Kaden Jordan and junior Cameron Brian on the Top 22.
Seaman quarterback Huston and wide receiver Finley were named the Shawnee County co-offensive players of the year while Jordan, a nose tackle, was named the county defensive player of the year and Brian was selected as the defensive newcomer of the year.
Hayden's Schrickel was selected as the Shawnee County all-purpose athlete of the year while Wildcat coach Bill Arnold, now 222-68 as a head coach, was named the county coach of the year.
Shawnee Heights junior quarterback Aiden Scott was a Top 22 pick and selected as the county offensive newcomer of the year after throwing for more than 3,100 yards.
Washburn Rural senior safety Kingston Leonard joins Schrickel and Huston as All-Shawnee County Top 22 repeat selections while the Junior Blues are also represented on the Top 22 by senior linemen Caden Estrada and Jacob Hawks.
Shawnee Heights also put junior Tyren Parker on the all-county Top 22, while 1A semifinalist Rossville is represented by senior Tayson Horak and junior Conner Bush, Silver Lake by senior Braden Strausbaugh and junior Dayne Johnson, Highland Park by seniors Ricky Crawford and Jamon Wilson and Topeka High by senior Jayden Norman.
All 10 Shawnee County high schools have representatives on either the Top 22, Second 22 or honorable mention list. Five county teams won at least six games this fall, with four winning at least one playoff contest.
TopSports.news selected the 2024 All-Shawnee County team after receiving input from county head coaches.
All-Shawnee County Top 22 capsules:
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Kaden Ballard, Washburn Rural
KADEN BALLARD, Washburn Rural
Ballard, a 5-foot-10 senior guard, received Top Sports News All-Shawnee County Second 10 and All-Centennial League second-team recognition last season. A Washburn University signee, Ballard averaged 12.0 points, 3.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game while hitting 44 of 127 3-point attempts and 56 of 76 free throws for a 73.7-percent average.
Mason Becker, Hayden
MASON BECKER, Hayden
A sophomore, Becker was named the TSN All-Shawnee County newcomer of the year and received Second 10 all-county recognition last season as a freshman after helping the 8-16 Wildcats advance to the Class 3A state tournament. Becker averaged 5.7 points, hit 17 3-pointers, shot 75.5 percent from the free throw line and registered 1.3 assists and 1.0 steals.
KaeVon Bonner, Seaman
KAEVON BONNER, Seaman
Bonner, a 6-foot-1 junior, moved up to the TSN All-Shawnee County first team last season after being named the Shawnee County co-newcomer of the year and receiving honorable mention as a freshman. A first-team All-United Kansas Conference selection, Bonner averaged 15.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals this past season for the 9-12 Vikings while hitting 32 3-pointers and shooting 76 percent from the free throw line.
Jack Donovan, Rossville
JACK DONOVAN, Rossville
A 5-foot-11 junior, Donovan made the All-Shawnee County Top 10 for the first time last season after being named the co-newcomer of the year and receiving honorable mention as a freshman. Donovan averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds and 2.4 assists for the 15-7 Bulldawgs while setting a school record with 59 3-point baskets. He was a first-team All-Mid-East League pick. Donovan is also a standout in football and golf for the Bulldawgs, earning All-Shawnee County first-team golf honors.
Ontarius Emmot, Shawnee Heights
ONTARIUS EMMOT, Shawnee Heights
Emmot, a junior, received TSN All-Shawnee County honorable mention recognition last season after helping Shawnee Heights post a 19-4 record and advance to the Class 5A state tournament. Emmot shot 49.2 percent from 3-point range last season, draining 31 treys on the season. Emmot also shot 79.7 percent from the free throw line and blocked 15 shots.
Bryer Finley, Seaman
BRYER FINLEY, Seaman
Finley, a 6-foot-5 senior, played in just four games for the Vikings a year ago before missing the remainder of the season with an injury. Before being sidelined Finley averaged 13.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Finley is coming off an oustanding football season as a wide receiver, being named the United Kansas Conference offensive player of the year after helping Seaman reach the Class 5A quarterfinals.
Kamoni Ford, Topeka West
KAMONI FORD, Topeka West
A 6-foot-7 senior, Ford averaged 7.9 points and 5.0 rebounds for the 14-8 Chargers last season. Ford shot 57.5 percent on 2-point field goal attempts, hit 20 3-pointers and shot 70 percent from the free throw line. Ford received TSN All-Shawnee County honorable mention as a junior.
Jalen Foy, Topeka West
JALEN FOY, Topeka West
Foy, a 6-foot-2 senior guard, turned in a breakout junior season for the Chargers, earning TSN All-Shawnee County Top 10 and first-team All-United Kansas Conference recognition last season for 14-8 West. Foy averaged 13.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.4 blocked shots while hitting 31 3-pointers.
Connor Hanika, Hayden
CONNOR HANIKA, Hayden
Hanika, a junior, received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season after helping the 8-16 Wildcats advance to the Class 3A state tournament. Hanika averaged 5.1 points and 3.3 rebounds in 2023-2024 while shooting 52.4 percent on 2-point field goals. Hanika is also a football standout for Hayden, helping the Wildcats post back-to-back runnerup finishes in 3A.
