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  • Star power! Local products continue to stand out on big stage

    Rick Peterson, Top Sports News Writer

    By RICK PETERSON
    TopSports.news

    It probably doesn't come as a big surprise to anyone who has followed local sports over the past several years, but a long and growing list of athletes who starred at Topeka/Shawnee County schools have continued to make a big impact at the college level over the winter and spring seasons.

    Here's a look at just some of the stars who continue to make their high school alma maters and fans proud:

    CampbellBagshawmug 1Campbell Bagshaw

    CAMPBELL BAGSHAW, Washburn Rural/Kansas -- After seeing spot for Kansas softball in 2023 as a freshman, Bagshaw has fueled a breakout season for the No. 18-ranked Jayhawks (22-8-1) while putting together a big sophomore season. An infielder, Bagshaw leads the Jayhawks with a .317 batting average while compiling a .500 slugging percentage and a .380 on-base percentage. The former Washburn Rural multi-sport standout has five doubles, two triples and two home runs on the season while also compiling a .995 fielding percentage. 

    OliviaBrunomug 1Olivia Bruno 

    OLIVIA BRUNO, Washburn Rural/Kansas -- A junior, Bruno has teamed with former Washburn Rural teammates Bagshaw and Kasey Hamilton to help No. 18-ranked Kansas get off to a 22-8-1 start on the season. Bruno, who earned All-Big 12 second-team honors as a freshman, has made 23 starts this season for the Jayhawks with a home run and nine runs batted in while compiling a .338 on-base percentage. Bruno is 1-1 in the pitching circle in 2024 with a 1.95 earned run average and 12 strikeouts in 14.1 innings.

    NijaCanadymug 1NiJaree Canady

    NiJAREE CANADY, Topeka High/Stanford -- After being named the NCAA Division I National Freshman of the Year in 2023, the former Topeka High star has continued to establish herself as arguably the most dominant pitcher in college softball as a sophomore this spring. Canady is currenty 10-2 on the season for the No. 9-ranked Cardinal (25-5) while compiling an 0.59 earned run average with 152 strikeouts in 95.1 innings pitched. In 18 appearances Canady has thrown eight complete games while also earning three saves and holding opponents to a .126 batting average. As a freshman Canady helped lead Stanford to the College World Series with a 17-3 record and led the nation with an 0.57 ERA and 11.3 strikeouts for every seven innings pitched.

  • A1 Lock & Key Performers March 25, 2024

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    JacksonEsquibelnewmug 1Jackson Esquibel

    JACKSON ESQUIBEL, Shawnee Heights

    Esquibel, who has won Class 5A state titles in track and field and cross country, opened his senior track season with a sweep of the 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs in last Friday's Free State Early Bird Invitational. Esquibel, a Kansas State signee, won the 1,600 in 4 minutes, 36.23 seconds and took the 3,200 win in 9:44.51.

    JoslynnGracemug 1Joslynn Grace

    JOSLYNN GRACE, Seaman

    Grace opened her junior swimming season with four gold medals in last Thursday's Topeka West Invitational at the Capitol Federal Natorium. Grace won the 200-yard individual medley (2:15.94) and the 100 breaststroke (1:11.27) and swam on the Vikings' winning 200-yard medley relay (1:58.69) and 200 free relay (1:49.24).

    AshleyHeavnermug 2Ashley Heavner

    ASHLEY HEAVNER, Washburn University

    Heavner, a sophomore from Frisco, Texas, broke a 44-year-old Washburn University track and field program record at the Fort Hays State Spring Invitational in the 400-meter hurdles in a time of 1 minute, 3.21 seconds. Heavner broke her own personal best in the event while breaking Pam Blackwell's WU record of 1:03.64.

  • TSN Shawnee County high school girls track & field honor roll March 25

    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 2024 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

    KeimaraMarshallTRACK 2Keimara Marshall, Topeka High

    100 METERS

    Marshall, Topeka High                13.21

    Steiner, Seaman                          13.44

    Connell, Hayden                         13.47

    Phillips, Topeka West                  14.01

    Washington, Topeka High           14.04

    200 METERS

    Marshall, Topeka High                 27.37

    Steiner, Seaman                           27.79

    Cosey, Highland Park                   28.14

    Rayton, Topeka High                    28.23

    Jowers, Seaman                            29.87

    NatalieHillebertTRACKNatalie Hillebert, Hayden

    400 METERS

    Hillebert, Hayden                          63.31

    Connell, Hayden                            65.38

    Robinson, Seaman                        66.22

    North, Hayden                               66.84

    Imani, Shawnee Heights                71.99

    TaylieHestonTRACKTaylie Heston, Seaman

    800 METERS

    Heston, Seaman                                 2:37.14

    Wempe, Seaman                                2:50.15

    Urbina-Archundia, Shawnee Heights 2:58.91

    Wolff, Hayden                                     3:01.98

    Garcia, Highland Park                          3:08.13

    1,600 METERS

    Spencer, Seaman                           5:53.36

    Harper, Hayden                              6:12.41

  • TSN Shawnee County high school boys track & field honor roll March 25

    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 2024 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

    Merritt, Seaman                           10.77

    Murph, Topeka High                    11.18

    Patterson, Topeka High                11.91

    Berry-Briggs, Shawnee Heights    11.99

    Parker, Shawnee Heights              12.03

    AaronMerrittTRACK 4Aaron Merritt, Seaman

    200 METERS

    Merritt, Seaman                            22.08

    Murph, Topeka High                     23.05

    Cochran, Seaman                          23.41

    Holmes, Seaman                           23.89

    Batson, Topeka West                     24.12

    400 METERS

    Benz, Shawnee Heights                 52.79

    Batson, Topeka West                     53.64

    Roeder, Topeka High                     54.08

    Lindsey, Topeka West                    55.19

    Ewing, Topeka High                       56.30

    BrodyAndersonTRACK 2Brody Anderson, Seaman

    800 METERS

    Anderson, Seaman                      2:01.23

    Walker, Seaman                           2:12.91

    Wilkie, Topeka West                     2:14.29

    Campbell, Topeka High                2:14.34

    Stewart, Hayden                           2:17.20

    JacksonEsquibelTRACK 2Jackson Esquibel, Shawnee Heights

    1,600 METERS

    Esquibel, Shawnee Heights            4:36.23

    Lehman, Topeka West                    4:48.72

    Carter, Shawnee Heights                4:52.44

    Moore, Hayden                               4:56.13

    Wilkie, Topeka West                        4:58.18

  • TSN city high school girls swimming and diving honor roll March 25

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly girls swimming and diving honor roll for Topeka high schools throughout the 2024 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..  TopSports.news will rank the Top 5 in each event.

    200-YARD MEDLEY RELAY

    Seaman                             1:58.69                      

    Washburn Rural                2:07.69

    Shawnee Heights              2:13.79

    Hayden                              2:19.71

    Topeka High                      2:35.89

    AveryWalzSWIM 2Avery Walz, Seaman

    200-YARD FREESTYLE

    Avery Walz, Seaman                         2:03.60

    Madeline O'Brien, Washburn Rural  2:21.80

    Bailee Heincker, Seaman                  2:23.56 

    Ella Bombardier, Washburn Rural    2:30.35

    Ava Von Lintel, Washburn Rural       2:30.97

    JoslynnGraceSWIM 2Joslynn Grace, Seaman

    200-YARD INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY

    Joslynn Grace, Seaman                     2:15.94

    Audrey Appuhn, Washburn Rural    2:21.88

    Presley Green, Hayden                     2:37.76             

    Lizzie Gould, Seaman                       2:41.95

    Georgia Cole, Shawnee Heights       2:46.59   

    TaurenWalzSWIM 2Tauren Walz, Seaman                   

    50-YARD FREESTYLE

    Tauren Walz, Seaman                        26.11 

    Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights   27.26

    Jella Belgardt, Washburn Rural         28.04

    Kaylee Gregg, Hayden                       29.03

    Caroline Toland, Topeka High           29.24

    KayleeGreggSWIM 2Kaylee Gregg, Hayden

    ONE-METER DIVING

    Kaylee Gregg, Hayden                        202.30

    Rhiannon Good, Washburn Rural       183.05

    Natalee Grauberger, Washburn Rural 171.90

    Giselle Soto, Washburn Rural              130.55

    Maddie Gregg, Hayden                        113.90 

  • TopSports.news' 2024 Shawnee County boys track and field athletes to watch

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    BrodyAndersonTRACK 3Brody Anderson, Seaman

    BRODY ANDERSON, Seaman

    A sophomore distance standout, Anderson received All-Shawnee County honorable mention in track last spring and was a first-team all-county pick in cross country in the fall. Anderson set the fastest five-kilometer time in Seaman cross country history at the city meet, clocking a time of 15 minutes, 50 seconds, and Anderson finished third at regionals to lead the Vikings to a state team berth. Anderson opened his track season with a win in the 800 meters in the Topeka West Invitational (2:01.23).

    AlesecioBatsonTRACK 2Alesecio Batson, Topeka West

    ALESECIO BATSON, Topeka West

    A junior, Batson is the returning Class 5A state champion in the triple jump, winning the title with a leap of 48 feet, 4.25 inches. An All-Shawnee County first-team pick, Batson was the county leader in the event with a season-best jump of 48-11. Batson is easing back into competition this spring after suffering a leg injury over the summer but finished third in the 400-meter dash (53.64) in the season-opening Topeka West Invitational.

    TRISTAN BERG, Seaman

    Berg is a standout senior long-jumper for the Vikings and earned All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season. Berg finished his 2023 eason tied for fourth in Shawnee County with a top jump of 21 feet, 5 inches.

    BRYCE COCHRAN, Seaman

    A junior, Cochran earned All-Shawnee County first-team recognition last season after a solid season for the Vikings in the sprints and jumps. Cochran ranked third in the county last season in the 200-meter dash (22.34) and fifth in the triple jump (41-10). Cochran opened the 2024 season in Thursday's Topeka West Invitational, finishing fourth in the 200 (23.41) and running on Seaman's second-place 4x100 and 4x400 relays, with the 4x100 setting a school record.

    ALEX DITTMAN, Shawnee Heights

    A senior, Dittman was a first-team All-Shawnee County selection in 2023 after finishing fifth in the 5A javelin (165 feet, 9 inches). Dittman had a season-best of 175-1, which ranked No. 2 in the county. Dittman opened his season at Friday's Free State Early Bird Invitational with a runnerup finish in the javelin at 157-9.

    FinnDunsheeState 5Finn Dunshee, Hayden

    FINN DUNSHEE, Hayden

    A returning All-Shawnee County first-teamer, Dunshee, a senior, won the 4A 100-meter dash (10.84) last spring and also ran on the Wildcats' winning 4x100 (42.65) and 4x400 relays while helping Hayden set the 4A meet record in the 4x400 relay (3:20.99). Dunshee was also an all-county Top 22 selection in football after helping the Wildcats advance to the 3A state championship game. 

    JacksonEsquibelTRACK 2Jackson Esquibel, Shawnee Heights

    JACKSON ESQUIBEL, Shawnee Heights

    A senior Kansas State signee, Esquibel won the 5A 3,200-meter run in 9 minutes, 18.67 seconds in the 2023 state track meet and added a runnerup finish in the 1,600 (4:15.26). A multi-time All-Shawnee County pick, Esquibel added the 5A cross country championship this past fall. Esquibel opened his senior track campaign with a sweep of the 1,600 meters (4:36.23) and 3,200 (9:44.51) in Friday's Free State Early Bird Invitational.

  • All-City girls bowling: Repeat picks, state medalists headline 2024 team

    Rick Peterson

    All Citygirlsbowling 2The 2024 All-City girls bowling team: From left -- Paige Snyder, Seaman; Megan Glinka, Washburn Rural; Megan Wood, Topeka West; Brenna Rutschmann, Topeka West; Cheyenne Turkin, Seaman. Not pictured: Claire Ireland, Washburn Rural. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    The 2024 girls All-City bowling team is a mix between some of the city's most experienced high school bowlers and two promising newcomers.

    ClaireIrelandBOWLINGSenior Claire Ireland earned a Class 6A state medal for the second straight season, helping Washburn Rural finish second as a team. [File photo/TSN]

    The All-City team, selected by city coaches, includes senior first-team repeaters Claire Ireland of Washburn Rural, Cheyenne Turkin of Seaman and Brenna Rutschmann and Megan Wood of Topeka West, while the six-member team is rounded out by Seaman freshman Paige Snyder and Washburn Rural freshman Megan Glinka.

    Ireland, Turkin, Rutschmann and Wood all earned state individual medals during their high school careers and Snyder medaled in her first state meet as four of the six first-team picks earned state medals in the 2024 state meet.

    Ireland and Glinka helped Washburn Rural finish second as a team in the Class 6A state tournament while Snyder and Turkin helped Seaman post a third-place finish in 5A.

    All-City capsules:

  • Prep roundup: Junior Blues open Galliart era with twinbill sweep over Trojans

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Washburn Rural softball opened the Joy Marie Galliart era with a pair of hard-earned wins over Centennial League foe Topeka High Friday at Hummer Sports Park.

    JoyMarieGalliartTH 2Joy Marie Galliart (center) notched her first two wins as Washburn Rural's softball coach Friday against Topeka High. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

    The Junior Blues broke a 4-4 tie with four runs in their last at bat to take an 8-4 first-game win and earned the sweep with an 11-7 win in the nightcap.

    ReaganChapmanTH 3Washburn Rural sophomore shortstop Reagan Chapman throws out a Topeka High base-runner in Friday's softball twinbill. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

     MakaylaEkisTH 2Washburn Rural senior pitcher Makayla Ekis (right) confers with sophomore catcher Henley Rapp during Friday's doubleheader against Topeka High. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

    Washburn Rural has been to the Class 6A championship game the past two seasons, finishing as the state runnerup both years, while Topeka High won 6A titles in 2021 and 2022.

     Seaman softball rolls to UKC sweep over Topeka West

    Seaman's softball team opened its 2024 season in impressive fashion Friday at Seaman, taking a pair of wins over United Kansas Conference foe Topeka West.

    The Vikings took an 18-3 first-game win over the Chargers and followed that up with a 17-1 second-game victory. 

  • TopSports.news' Shawnee County 2024 girls track and field athletes to watch

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    PaytonFinkTRACK 1Payton Fink, Washburn Rural

    PAYTON FINK, Washburn Rural

    Fink, a first-team All-Shawnee County pick last spring, is one of Class 6A's premier distance runners and will also run relays for the Junior Blues. Fink was part of Washburn Rural's fifth-place 4x800-meter relay team (9:52.27) in the 2023 6A state meet. Fink finished second in the 6A cross country meet last fall. 

    TaylieHestonTRACKTaylie Heston, Seaman  

    TAYLIE HESTON, Seaman

    A junior, Heston earned first-team All-Shawnee County recognition last season after earning a 5A state medal as a member of Seaman's sixth-place 4x800 relay team. Heston opened her season in Thursday's Topeka West Invitational with a second-place finish in the 800 meters (2:37.14) while also running on Seaman's winning 4x400 and 4x800 relays.

    NatalieHillebertState1Natalie Hillebert (left), Hayden

    NATALIE HILLEBERT, Hayden

    A first-team All-Shawnee County selection last spring, Hillebert placed second in the 4A 400 meters. A senior, Hillebert clocked a time of 58.83 seconds at state and ranked No. 2 in the county with a season-best of 58.15. Hillebert also ranked among the county leaders in the 200 dash. Hillebert finished second in the 400 in Friday's season-opener at Free State (63.31).

    RyleeIsmertTRACK 3Rylee Ismert, Washburn Rural

    RYLEE ISMERT, Washburn Rural

    A junior distance runner, Ismert helped Washburn Rural post a fifth-place finish in 6A in the 4x800 relay (9:25.27) in the 6A state meet. Ismert, a first-team All-Shawnee County team last season, ranked among the county leaders in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 meters last spring. Ismert placed 16th in the 6A cross country meet last fall.

    KAIBRYN KRUGER, Silver Lake

    A senior, Kruger earned All-Shawnee County first-team recognition last season after placing sixth at state in the 3A triple jump (34-10). Kruger was the county leader in the triple jump with a season-best of 35 feet and tied for the county lead in the long jump with a season-best of 16-10.

    MAGGIE LESMEISTER, Seaman

    A senior, Lesmeister is a standout javelin thrower for the Vikings, earning All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season. Lesmeister ranked third in the county last spring with a season-best of 121-6 and took first place in Thursday's season-opening Topeka West Invitational (107-11).

    KeimaraMarshallTRACK 2Keimara Marshall, Topeka High

    KEIMARA MARSHALL, Topeka High

    A sophomore, Marshall established herself as one of the area's top sprinters last spring, earning first-team all-county honors. Marshall ranked No. 2 in the county in the 100 (12.74) and fourth in the 200 (26.70) in 2023 and opened the current season with second-place finishes in the 100 and 200 in the Topeka West Invitational.

    RyinMillerTRACK 4Ryin MIller, Seaman

    RYIN MILLER, Seaman 

    Miller, a sophomore, was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick in 2023, earning a pair of 5A state medals. Miller ran on Seaman's third-place 4x400 relay and the Vikings' sixth-place 4x800 relay team. Miller is one of the top cross country runners in 5A and is coming off a third-place 5A state finish last fall.

    BROOKLYN NOLTE, Washburn Rural

    A junior, Nolte earned All-Shawnee County first-team honors last spring after running on Washburn Rural's 4x800 relay team that finished fifth in 6A (9:52.27). Nolte ran on the Junior Blues' cross country team that finished fourth as a team in the 6A state meet last fall, placing 41st individually.

    RAE NORTH, Hayden 

    A junior sprinter, North was a first-team All-Shawnee County first-team selection last season after earning a 4A state medal with an eighth-place individual finish in the 400-meter dash. North will also compete in relays for the Wildcats.

    RAEGAN PETERSEN, Washburn Rural

    Petersen, a senior, is one of Shawnee County's top throwers, earning all-county honorable mention last season. Petersen was the Shawnee County leader in the discus with a season-best of 119 feet, 2 inches. Petersen was also a standout for Washburn Rural's golf team, capping her career with a 17th-place state finish last fall.

    AVA ROTTINGHAUS, Silver Lake

    A senior, Rottinghaus placed sixth in the 3A girls javelin last spring (126 feet, 2 inches) and also ran on the Eagles' fourth-place 4x400 relay (4:11.98). A first-team All-Shawnee County pick in 2023, Rottinghaus ranked second in the county in the javelin, with her throw at state her personal best.

    JaidaStallbaumerTRACK 1Jaida Stallbaumer, Seaman

    JAIDA STALLBAUMER, Seaman

    Stallbaumer, a junior, was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick in 2023 after finishing fifth in the 5A 100-meter high hurdles (16.04) and running on the Vikings' third-place 4x400 relay. Stallbaumer ranked No. 1 in Shawnee County last season in the 300 hurldes and was second in the 100 hurdles. Stallbaumer opened her 2024 season with a win in the 300 hurdles and ran on the Vikings' winning 4x400 relay.

  • All-City boys bowling: State-champion T-Bird duo, state medalists top 2024 team

    Rick Peterson

    All Cityboysbowling 2The 2024 All-City boys bowling team: From left -- Evan Jones, Shawnee Heights; Trey Donath, Shawnee Heights; Cody Spangler, Washburn Rural; Logan Glinka, Washburn Rural; Riley Parkhurst, Seaman; Alex Prescott, Seaman. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Class 5A state champion Shawnee Heights put freshmen Trey Donath and Evan Jones on the 2024 All-City boys bowling team while 5A third-place 5A finisher Seaman and Washburn Rural also put two bowlers on the six-member team, selected by city coaches.

    Donath finished eighth and Jones ninth in the state tournament as the T-Birds won the state title by a 3,547-3,519 margin over Kansas City-Turner at Wichita's Bowlero-Northrock.

    Seaman senior state medalist Riley Parkhurst and junior Alex Prescott made the All-City first team after helping the Vikings earn their third-place team finish in 5A, while Washburn Rural is represented by senior Logan Glinka and sophomore Cody Spangler.

    Spangler finished sixth individually in his first 6A state tournament while city champion Glinka is the lone first-team All-City repeater after helping lead the Junior Blues to the 6A team championship in 2023.

    All-City capsules:

    TreyDonathEvanJonesBOWLINGEvan Jones and Trey Donath, Shawnee Heights

    TREY DONATH, Shawnee Heights -- A freshman, Donath helped lead Shawnee Heights to its first-ever boys Class 5A team bowling championship by a 3,547-3,519 margin over United Kansas Conference foe Kansas City-Turner. Donath finished eighth individually with a 667 three-game series. Donath finished 13th in regional competition with a 569 series to help the T-Birds qualify for state with a second-place team finish and he shot a 617 series in the UKC meet and a 614 in the city tournament.

    LoganGlinkaRuralCity 5Logan Glinka, Washburn Rural 

    LOGAN GLINKA, Washburn Rural -- A junior, Glinka earned All-City first-team honors for the second straight season after winning the city title with a 729 series (279 game) and finishing second in the Centennial League for the team-champion Junior Blues with a 653. As a sophomore Glinka posted a seventh-place finish in the Class 6A state tournament, helping the Junior Blues win the team championship.

    EVAN JONES, Shawnee Heights --Jones, a freshman, helped Shawnee Heights win the first boys Class 5A state team bowling title in school history, with the T-Birds winning by a 3,547-3, 519 margin over United Kansas Conference rival Kansas City-Turner. Jones finished ninth in 5A with a 665 three-game series. Jones placed third in the city meet with a 666 series and fifth in the UKC with a 666. 

  • Schmidt looking to cap quarter century as T-Birds' head baseball coach with a bang this spring

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Shawnee Heights' Ryan Schmidt has accomplished about everything a coach can accomplish in his 25-year run as the T-Birds' head baseball coach.

    Now the Heights veteran just wants to add a few more highlights before bringing his long tenure to an end later this spring.

    RyanSchmidtBASEBALLREX 1Ryan Schmidt will end his 25-year run as Shawnee Heights' baseball coach at the conclusion of the 2024 season. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

    The 54-year-old Schmidt, who has coached the T-Birds to a pair of Class 5A state championships as Heights' head coach while also having a hand in two other state titles as an assistant under Craig Cox, will retire as a coach and teacher at the end of the current school year.

    "It's time to maybe turn it over to younger guys to come up and bring their energy,'' said Schmidt, who has coached multiple players who went on to play professional baseball.

    "We still have a lot of energy as a coaching staff and I love our coaches, but I just kind of made up my mind that after 25 years as a head coach and 31 years at Shawnee Heights and 31 years in the baseball program it just felt right.''

    Schmidt said the thing he'll miss the most is the relationships he's built with his players and assistant coaches, including longtime assistant Derek Pomeroy.

    "I've always let our coaches coach and I couldn't do it without coach Pom,'' Schmidt said. "His knowledge is incredible and every relationship is what I'll miss, but especially with the coaches.''

    RyanSchmidtBASEBALLREX 2Ryan Schmidt (left) has been part of four Class 5A state baseball championships at Shawnee Heights, two as a head coach and two as an assistant. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

    The goal now is to end the '24 season with one more trip to the 5A state tournament at Wichita State's Eck Stadium.

    "Absolutely, that's our main goal,'' Schmidt said. "That's what we want. We want that this year for these guys.''

  • Final 2023-24 city high school girls basketball statistics

    Rick Peterson

    NOTE: Final 2023-2024 statistics for city girls basketball teams were compiled by Seaman girls coach Matt Tinsley after receiving reports from city coaches.

    SCORING

    Name, school                    Gms.  Pts.  Avg

    Carter, Highland Park          19       343    18.1

    PearmellaCarterHarmon 2Highland Park freshman Pearmella Carter averaged a city-best 18.1 points and 10.2 rebounds in 2023-2024. [File photo/TSN]

    Vickery, Washburn Rural    25       388    15.5

    Rayton, Topeka High          20       302    15.1

    Ramsey, Hayden                 21       312    14.9

    Becker, Seaman                  23       340    14.8

    Gowan-Britt, Highland Park 16      217    13.6 

    Emmot, Shawnee Heights   22       297    13.5

    Canfield, Washburn Rural    22       291    13.2

    I. McGlory, Topeka West      21       277    13.2

    Gragg, Seaman                    21       261    12.4

    Sandstrom, Hayden             26       320    12.3

    Meier, Hayden                     25       318    12.2

    T. Stallbaumer, Seaman       24       276    11.5

    Broils, Highland Park           16       155     9.7

    Vega, Shawnee Heights       22       207     9.4

    Marshall, Topeka High         20       188     9.4

    REBOUNDING

    Name, school                    Gms.   Total    Avg.

    Carter, Highland Park            19      193       10.2

    Bearman, Topeka West          21      213       10.1

    Ramsey, Hayden                    21      191        9.1

  • Final 2023-2024 city high school boys basketball statistics

    Rick Peterson

    NOTE: Final statistics for city boys basketball teams for the 2023-2024 season were compiled by Seaman girls coach Matt Tinsley after receiving reports from city coaches.

    SCORING

    Name, school                    Gms.  Pts.  Avg

    Robinson, Highland Park       25    545   21.8

    JaCoreyRobinsonNW 1Highland Park junior Ja'Corey Robinson (23) led the city in scoring and rebounding, averaging a double-double on the season. [File photo/TSN]

    J. Sanchez, Shawnee Heights 19    366   19.3

    Everhart, Cair Paravel              21    349  16.6

    Dodge, Shawnee Heights       21    348   16.6

    Williams, Highland Park          25    409   16.6

    Bonner, Seaman                     18     283   15.7

    Foy, Topeka West                    22    296   13.5

    Anderson, Highland Park        23    291   12.7

    Pavlik, Cair Paravel                  21    265   12.6

    Hales, Topeka High                 20    244   12.2

    Ballard, Washburn Rural          22   264   12.0

    Durst, Washburn Rural            22    256   11.6

    Finley, Seaman                        21     234  11.1

    Pomeroy, Shawnee Heights    21     233  11.1

    Lyons, Topeka High                 16     176  11.0 

    REBOUNDING

    Name, school                    Gms.   Total    Avg.

    Robinson, Highland Park         25     289   11.6

    J. Sanchez, Shawnee Heights   19     171     9.0

  • TopSports.news' 2024 Shawnee County baseball players to watch

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    JORDAN ARMBRUSTER, Shawnee Heights

    A senior, Armbruster earned TopSports.news All-Shawnee County second-team recognition as a junior and also earned All-United Kansas Conference second-team honors last spring.

    EASTON BLOSSER, Hayden

    Blosser was a frontline player for the 11-6 Wildcats last season and will be counted on to provide senior leadership for Hayden this spring. Blosser has signed a letter of intent to play collegiately at Central Methodist.

    COOPER CAMPIDILLI, Silver Lake

    A junior catcher, Campidilli was a first-team All-Mid-East selection last season after hitting .355 with 16 runs batted in for Silver Lake, which posted a 15-7 record last season. Campidilli also received TSN All-Shawnee County second-team honors in 2023.

    AVERY CROSSWHITE, Rossville

    Crosswhite, a senior, hit .365 last season for the 9-13 Bulldawgs with a .422 on-base percentage. Crosswhite had 27 hits with seven doubles, three home runs, 23 runs scored and 27 runs batted in. Crosswhite was a second-team TSN All-Shawnee County pick.

    DAVID DOBBS, Seaman

    A junior catcher, Dodge is being counted to play a key role this spring for Seaman, which is coming off an 18-5 record and a state-record 19th straight Class 5A state tournament appearance last spring.

    HoldenFinleyBASEBALL 2Holden Finley, Seaman

    HOLDEN FINLEY, Seaman

    Finley, a senior, was a first-team TSN All-Shawnee County pick in 2023 after helping the 18-5 Vikings reach the Class 5A state tournament for a state-record 19th straight time. Finley also earned All-5A honorable mention from the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches and was a second-team All-United Kansas Conference pick.

    MattGenrichBASEBALL 2Matt Genrich, Topeka High

    MATT GENRICH, Topeka High

    A senior, Genrich was a second-team TSN All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League selection last season after helping Topeka High post a 16-7 record and earn a Class 6A state tournament berth, the Trojans' first state tournament appearance in more than seven decades.

    CooperGraceBASEBALL 2Cooper Grace, Hayden

    COOPER GRACE, Hayden

    Grace, a junior, earned TSN All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League first-team recognition last season and was a second-team Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches All-4A selection after helping lead the Wildcats to an 11-6 record.

    BradyHeinenBASEBALL 2Brady Heinen, Hayden 

    BRADY HEINEN, Hayden

    A junior, Heinen was named the TSN Shawnee County newcomer of the year last season after helping Hayden post an 11-6 record. Heinen received All-Shawnee County honorable mention.

  • TopSports.news' 2024 Shawnee County softball players to watch

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    JoMharaBenningSOFTBALL 2Jo'Mhara Benning, Topeka High

    JO'MHARA BENNING, Topeka High

    A junior pitcher, Benning earned second-team TopSports.news All-Shawnee County recognition last season after helping the Trojans post a 10-12 record. Benning also was a second-team All-Centennial League pick and earned All-Class 6A honorable mention from the Kansas Softball Coaches Association. 

    KarlynBowmanSOFTBALL 2Karlyn Bowman, Shawnee Heights

    KARLYN BOWMAN, Shawnee Heights

    Bowman, a senior infielder, earned second-team TSN All-Shawnee County honors last season and was also a second-team All-United Kansas Conference selection after helping Shawnee Heights post a 17-8 record and a third-place finish in the 5A state tournament. Bowman has signed a letter of intent with Washburn.

    ReaganChapmanSOFTBALL 1Reagan Chapman, Washburn Rural

    REAGAN CHAPMAN, Washburn Rural

    A sophomore, Chapman earned first-team All-Class 6A honors as a freshman while also being named the TSN Shawnee County newcomer of the year and earning first-team all-county honors after helping lead the Junior Blues to a 21-4 record and a second straight berth in the 6A championship game.

    LAYLA COLLINS, Washburn Rural

    Collins, a junior, received second-team TSN All-Shawnee County honors last season after helping Washburn Rural post a second-place finish in the 6A state tournament. Collins also earned second-team All-Centennial League recognition for the Junior Blues, 21-4 on the year.

    KendraCookSOFTBALL 1Kendra Cook, Silver Lake

    KENDRA COOK, Silver Lake

    A junior pitcher, Cook earned TSN All-Shawnee County first-team recognition last season after helping Silver Lake post a 19-3 record. Cook received All-3A honorable mention from the Kansas Softball Coaches Association after compiling a 0.627 earned run average with 73 strikeouts.

  • State-champion Eagles, Vikings headline TopSports.news All-Shawnee County girls basketball

    Rick Peterson

     By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Seaman junior Anna Becker and Silver Lake senior Makenzie McDaniel have been tapped as the TopSports.news 2024 All-Shawnee County co-girls basketball players of the year after helping lead their teams to state championships.

    AnnaBeckerMS 1Seaman junior Anna Becker, a three-time All-Shawnee County Top 10 pick, has been named the county co-player of the year after helping lead the Vikings to the Class 5A state title. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

    MaKenzieMcDanielRossnew 1Senior Makenzie McDaniel, who helped lead Silver Lake to a 26-0 record and the Class 3A state title, has been named the Shawnee County co-player of the year. [File photo/TSN]

    Becker helped Seaman post a 23-2 record on the way to the Class 5A state title while McDaniel helped lead Silver Lake to a perfect 26-0 record and the 3A crown.

    The four Shawnee County teams that posted top-four state finishes in three different classes, including 6A state runnerup Washburn Rural and third-place Hayden in 3A, combined to earn every spot on the All-Shawnee County Top 10 while Seaman, Silver Lake and Washburn Rural combined to sweep the individual awards.

    MattTinsleyTW 1Matt Tinsley has been named the Shawnee County co-coach of the year after leading Seaman to the Class 5A state championship. [File photo/TSN]

    KylePorterRoss 1Silver Lake coach Kyle Porter has been named the Shawnee County co-coach of the year after the Eagles went 26-0 and won the Class 3A state title. [File photo/TSN]

    In addition to co-players of the year Becker and McDaniel, Seaman's Matt Tinsley and Silver Lake's Kyle Porter share the Shawnee County coach of the year award while Washburn Rural freshman Maddie Vickery has been named the county newcomer of the year.

    MaddieVickeryHaydennew 2Freshman Maddie Vickery has been named the Shawnee County newcomer of the year after helping lead Washburn Rural to a runnerup finish in the Class 6A state tournament. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

    Becker is joined on the All-Shawnee County Top 10 by Seaman senior teammate Taylin Stallbaumer and Viking sophomore Maddie Gragg after Seaman captured its first girls state championship since 1991 with a 54-41 win over Maize South Saturday night in Emporia.

    Silver Lake also earned three Top 10 all-county spots with senior McKinley Kruger and sophomore Kailyn Hanni joining McDaniel on the team after the Eagles finished off their perfect run to the 3A title with a 66-61 win over Hesston.

    Washburn Rural senior Zoe Canfield and Vickery were both named to the Top 10 along with Hayden senior Lauren Sandstrom and Wildcat junior Amelia Ramsey.

    Canfield and Vickery helped lead the Junior Blues to their third straight 6A state final, where the Junior Blues dropped a 47-37 decision to Shawnee Mission South, while Ramsey and Sandstrom helped Hayden bounce back from a semifinal loss to Silver Lake to finish third with a 50-39 win over Goodland. 

    Becker, McDaniel and Kruger all earned Top 10 honors for the third straight season while Gragg and Ramsey are repeat picks. 

    Canfield and Stallbaumer also made the Top 10 for the second time, with both players also earning that honor in 2022.

    All-Shawnee County capsules:

  • TopSports.news' 2024 Shawnee County girls swimmers/divers to watch

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    AudreyAppuhnSWIM 2Audrey Appuhn, Washburn Rural

    AUDREY APPUHN, Washburn Rural

    A sophomore, Appuhn capped her freshman season with a pair of top-four individual finishes in the Class 6A state meet, taking third in the 200-yard individual medley and fourth in the 500 free while also helping Rural win 'B' finals (ninth place) in the 200 medley and 400 free relays. Appuhn won four golds (two individual, two relays) in the city meet to earn All-City honors as the Junior Blues won their 20th straight team title and also won four golds in the Centennial League meet, earning all-league recognition, as Rural won its third straight title.

    ELLA BOMBARDIER, Washburn Rural

    Bombardier, a senior, earned second-team All-City honors in 2023 as Washburn Rural won its 20th straight city team title. Bombardier finished third in the Centennial League meet in the 50-yard freestyle and sixth in the 500 free.

    HARA DEL CASTILLO, Topeka High

    A sophomore, Del Castillo earned All-City honors as a freshman, finishing second in the 200-yard individual medley and third in the 100 backstroke in the city meet. Del Castillo also earned first-team All-Centennial League recognition, placing second in the 100 backstroke and third in the 200 individual medley for the Trojans. Del Castillo competed in the 6A state meet in the 100 backstroke and 200 individual medley.

    JoslynnGraceSWIM 2Joslynn Grace, Seaman

    JOSLYNN GRACE, Seaman

    Grace, a junior, earned second-team All-State honors in 5A-1A last season after finishing fifth in the 200-yard individual medley, eighth in the 100 breaststroke and on the Vikings' third-place 200 free relay and fifth-place 200 medley relay. Grace won city titles in

  • TopSports.news' 2024 Shawnee County girls soccer players to watch

    Rick Peterson

    By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    LailahBenzSOCCER 2Shawnee Heights junior Lailah Benz (2) is a returning All-City and All-UKC pick. [File photo/TSN]

    LAILAH BENZ, Shawnee Heights

    A junior, Benz was a repeat first-team All-City honoree last spring as a sophomore for the 7-10-0 T-Birds and was also a first-team All-United Kansas Conference selection for the second straight season. Benz earned All-Class 5A honorable mention from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association last season.

    ZahraFriessSOCCER 3Cair Paravel junior Zahra Friess (3) is a two-time All-City soccer pick. [File photo/TSN]

    ZAHRA FRIESS, Cair Paravel Latin

    A junior forward, Friess helped lead Cair Paravel to a 16-2-1 record last season, earning a spot on the All-City team for the second straight season. Friess earned All-4A-1A first-team honors from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association in 2023. 

    DestinyHiggsSOCCER 2Washburn Rural junior Destiny Higgs was a first-team All-Centennial League pick last season. [File photo/TSN]

    DESTINY HIGGS, Washburn Rural

    Higgs, a junior, earned All-Centennial League first-team recognition last season as well as All-6A honorable mention from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association.

    KateHinckSOCCER 2Washburn Rural junior Kate Hinck (9) is a returning All-City and All-Centennial League first-team selection. [File photo/TSN]

    KATE HINCK, Washburn Rural

    A junior forward, Hinck earned first-team All-City and All-Centennial League recognition for the second straight season. Hinck, who received All-6A honorable mention from the KHSSCA, helped the Junior Blues post a 15-5-1 record en route to the Centennial title

  • Scots' Robinson, repeat pick Dodge headline 2024 TSN All-Shawnee County boys basketball

    Rick Peterson

     By RICK PETERSON

    TopSports.news

    Highland Park junior Ja'Corey Robinson and Shawnee Heights senior repeat pick Brennon Dodge headline the 2024 TopSports.news All-Shawnee County boys basketball team.

    JaCoreyRobinsonAndover 1Highland Park junior Ja'Corey Robinson has been named the Shawnee County player of the year after helping lead the Scots to a 23-2 record and a third-place finish in Class 5A. [Photo by Selena Favela/Special to TSN]

    Robinson was tapped as the Shawnee County player of the year after leading the Scots to a 23-2 record and a second straight third-place finish in the Class 5A state tournament, posting double-doubles in all three of Highland Park's state tournament games.

    Dodge, the lone all-county first-team repeat pick, helped lead Shawnee Heights to a 19-4 record and the T-Birds' first 5A state tournament berth since 2017.   

    The Scots, who dropped a three-point overtime loss in the semifinals to eventual state champion Kapaun Mt. Carmel, also put senior Tamir Anderson and junior Mikey Williams on the TSN Shawnee County Top 10.

    MikeWilliamsState 2Highland Park coach Mike Williams has been named the Shawnee County boys coach of the year after leading the Scots to a 23-2 record and a second straight third-place state finish. [Photo by Mac Moore/KSHSAA Covered]

    Highland Park's Mike Williams was named the county coach of the year for the second straight season, leading the Scots to a 47-3 record over the past two years.

    Dodge is joined on the all-county first team by junior teammate Jaret Sanchez while five other county schools put one player apiece on the Top 10.

    That group includes seniors Simon Everhart of Cair Paravel Latin and Griffin Durst of Washburn Rural along with junior Jalen Foy of Topeka West and sophomores KaeVon Bonner of Seaman and Jack Donovan of Rossville.

    Robinson and Sanchez both moved up to the Top 10 after being Second 10 picks in 2023 while Anderson, Bonner, Donovan, Everhart and Williams received honorable mention a year ago. 

    MasonBeckerPL 2Hayden freshman Mason Becker has been named the Shawnee County newcomer of the year after helping lead the Wildcats to a Class 3A state tournament berth. [File photo/TSN]

    Hayden freshman Mason Becker was selected as this season's Shawnee County newcomer of the year after helping the 8-16 Wildcats put together a strong postseason run to reach the 3A state tournament.

    All-Shawnee County capsules:

  • Four city players earn All-UKC first-team boys basketball recognition

    Rick Peterson

    By Rick Peterson

    TopSports.news

    City players earned four of the seven spots on the All-United Kansas Conference boys basketball first team, selected by league coaches.

    BrennonDodgeSTA 1Shawnee Heights senior Brennon Dodge has been named to the All-UKC boys first team after helping lead the T-Birds to a 19-4 record and a Class 5A state tournament berth. [File photo/TSN]

    JaretSanchezTW 2Junior Jaret Sanchez earned All-UKC first-team honors after helping Shawnee Heights reach the Class 5A state tournament. [File photo/TSN]

    Shawnee Heights, which advanced to the Class 5A state tournament, is represented on the All-UKC first team by senior Brennon Dodge and junior Jaret Sanchez while Seaman put sophomore KaeVon Bonner on the first team and Topeka West is represented by junior Jalen Foy.

    KaeVonBonnerTH 1Seaman's KaeVon Bonner was the lone sophomore to earn a spot on the All-UKC first team. [File photo/TSN]

    JalenFoyTurner 1Junior Jalen Foy represents Topeka West on the All-UKC boys basketball first team. [File photo/TSN]

    Heights junior Deacon Pomeroy and Topeka West sophomore Keimani Paul were named to the All-UKC second team while Seaman senior Holden Finley and Shawnee Heights senior Dylan Sanchez received honorable mention.

    De Soto senior David Cobin was named the UKC player of the year after leading the Wildcats to a berth in the 5A state tournament while Piper coach Steve Wallace, whose Pirates finished second in 5A, was named the conference coach of the year.

    ALL-UNITED KANSAS CONFERENCE BOYS BASKETBALL

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