Shawnee Heights Thunderbirds
By Rick Peterson
TopSports.news
Shawnee Heights' girls had both good and not so good stretches in Friday's United Kansas Conference game at Topeka West.
But the T-Birds ended the 2024 portion of their schedule on a high note, riding a big first half to a 57-40 win over the Chargers.
Sophomore KK Emmot (1) led Shawnee Heights with 23 points in the T-Birds' 57-40 UKC win at Topeka West Friday night. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
"To come in on the night of Christmas break I didn't know if we would have any focus of if they would have any focus and exactly how this game was going to roll,'' Shawnee Heights coach Bob Wells said. "I'm just glad that we got rolling in the first half.
"I was a little disappointed in our second half, but we just need to work on the mental part of that and not get caught up in some of the stuff that we let affect us.''
Shawnee Heights, now 3-1 overall and in the UKC, ended the first quarter with a 7-2 run to take a 15-7 advantage and outscored West 17-6 in the second quarter to take a commanding 32-13 into the locker room at the half.
Topeka West, 0-4, 0-4, came to life in the second half, however, holding Heights without a field goal in the third quarter and outscoring the T-Birds 11-5 in the stanza to get as close as 11 before trailing 37-24 at the start of the final quarter.
By Rick Peterson
TopSports.news
After suffering a 25-point loss to No. 6-ranked Piper last Tuesday, Shawnee Heights' girls basketball team had a few days to regroup before returning to action Tuesday against Lansing.
The result was a dominating 67-21 home United Kansas Conference romp past the Lions as the T-Birds improved to 2-1 overall and in the UKC.
Sophomore KK Emmot outscored Lansing by herself with 27 points and seven 3-pointers in Tuesday's 67-21 win over Lansing. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
"It was good for us to just look at some of the silly mistakes that we made (against Piper),'' Shawnee Heights coach Bob Wells said. "It was induced some by Piper, but a lot of it was self-inflicted, just making dumb passes and not putting enough zip on the ball and not coming to catch the ball, all those things that you have to do against a really good team.
"And we learned that we better do those things and tonight against Lansing I thought we stayed focused and worked on those things.''
Sophomore KK Emmot keyed Shawnee Heights' attack with 27 points and seven 3-pointers as the T-Birds scored the first 23 points of the game en route to the 46-point victory.
Emmot scored the first five points of the night and had 11 points and three 3-pointers in the opening quarter and Shawnee Heights made it a 23-0 game before Lansing finally got on the board at the 5:23 mark of the second stanza.
"That's what we wanted to do,'' Wells said of the quick start. "We wanted to execute and we wanted to be in control and to me it looked like no matter what the score was it looked like we were playing with a purpose and the girls did a really good job.''
Shawnee Heights went on to take a commanding 38-10 lead at the half and outscored the Lions 24-7 in the third quarter to take a 45-point advantage (62-17) into the final quarter.
By Rick Peterson
TopSports.news
Barring a huge upset, the No. 3 state-ranked Shawnee Heights boys basketball team was going to win Tuesday night's home United Kansas Conference game against winless Lansing.
But after relinquishing a 14-point lead in a three-point loss to Piper its last time out, Shawnee Heights coach Ken Darting wanted a lot more out of his team than just a victory.
Senior Jaret Sanchez scored a game-high 15 points in Shawnee Heights' 66-24 win over Lansing Tuesday night. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
And Darting got exactly what he was looking for, with Shawnee Heights improving to 2-1 overall and in the UKC with a 66-24 romp past the Lions.
"Believe me, they were challenged to have energy tonight, and that's what I enjoyed,'' Darting said. "The thing you wanted to do tonight was play yourself. Play the game right, don't make turnovers, go to the boards, shoot free throws and we did that I think.
"I always worry about playing up, playing down to the competition and just want to play us every night and I thought we did that.''
Shawnee Heights missed some shots early and actually trailed 5-2 and 7-6 but the T-Birds scored the final seven points of the opening quarter to take a 13-7 lead and never looked back.
The T-Birds hit the Lions with a 23-9 second quarter to take a 36-16 advantage to the locker room at halftime and then limited Lansing to just eight second-half points as Shawnee Heights pulled away for the 42-point win.
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
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
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 Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
The Shawnee Heights girls ran into a buzz saw in their second game of the season Tuesday night, losing at home to Piper, 72-47.
The Pirates, seventh in the state in the latest Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Class 5A rankings, outscored Shawnee Heights 26-8 in the second period, turning a 13-11 Shawnee Heights lead into a rout.
Shawnee Heights senior Kaydence Torrez paced the T-Birds with 16 points in Tuesday's 72-47 UKC loss to Piper. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
The Pirates did most of their damage with defense. They picked up Shawnee Heights in the backcourt and created havoc. Some of the damage, T-Bird coach Bob Wells said, was self-inflicted.
“I’m not so much inclined to think it was their pressure, because really, they weren’t putting that much pressure on us,” Wells said. “They put a double team out there, but they weren’t all over us. We just got sped up and made some really bad decisions.
“We had some people decide to not do the things we’ve been working on in practice to get past (the pressure). They had a (19-3 run) and all of a sudden, it’s a different ballgame.”
By Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
Piper overcame a 14-point halftime deficit to claim a matchup of two of the state’s top Class 5A boys teams at Shawnee Heights, 59-56.
The game turned into an experiment to see which team would win despite a six-point quarter. Piper was limited to just six points in the second period. Shawnee Heights managed just six in the third period.
Senior Jaret Sanchez scored 13 points for Shawnee Heights in Tuesday's 59-56 UKC loss to Piper. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
The T-Birds watched their lead dwindle during a nearly three-minute scoreless stretch to start the third period. By the end of the quarter, their 34-20 advantage had been whittled to 40-37.
The Pirates claimed the lead for the first time since the first period with 4:40 remaining on a dunk by junior Cooper Crawford. Back-to-back 3-pointers by T-Bird sophomore Camron Ross seemed to stem the bleeding, but Piper junior Derrick Jackson took over the final minute of the game. His bucket with four seconds remaining put Piper in front for good. He scored seven of his 12 points in the final 52 seconds.
“We’re not more talented, but we’re a better team than they are, and we let it get away,” Shawnee Heights coach Ken Darting said. “We had three or four or five opportunities every quarter that, if you make one of those, you win the game. If you don’t, you lose the game.”
Senior Deacon Pomeroy puts up a shot in Shawnee Heights' 59-56 UKC home loss to Piper. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Darting found plenty to like from individual players, but said the T-Birds need to play better as a unit.
“We are not talented enough individually to beat great teams,” Darting said. “We can do that against every-day teams, but to beat great teams, we have to play together. We have to get shots for each other. We have to rebound.”
Shawnee Heights senior Jaret Sanchez scored 11 points in the first half, but was held to just one field goal attempt in the second half.
“We were getting Jaret picks, and if you get Jaret a little room, he’s dangerous,” Darting said, noting Piper took many of those opportunities away after halftime.
Lee led the T-Birds with 15 points. Sanchez finished with 13.
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.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Anna Becker, Seaman
ANNA BECKER, Seaman
A 5-foot-11 senior, Becker was named the TopSports.news All-Shawnee County co-player of the year after helping lead Seaman to the Class 5A state championship last season. Becker scored 15 points with 8 rebounds, 5 assists and two steals in the Vikings' 54-41 win over Maize South in the state final as Seaman capped a 23-2 season. A Drake signee, Becker is a three-time All-Shawnee County Top 10 pick and has been named the United Kansas Conference player of the year the past two seasons. Becker averaged 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.8 steals while shooting 61.3 percent from 2-point range as a junior.
Tahtionna Broils, Highland Park
TAHTIONNA BROILS, Highland Park
A senior, Broils earned second-team All-Meadowlark Conference honors and TSN All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season for the 14-6 Scots. Broils averaged 9.7 points and 6.4 rebounds as a junior to go with 2.6 steals, 1.6 assists and 1.3 blocked shots for the Scots, who won the Meadowlark Conference championship.
Tenly Bunck, Washburn Rural
TENLY BUNCK, Washburn Rural
A 5-foot-5 senior guard, Bunck helped Washburn Rural reach the Class 6A state championship game for the third straight season. Bunck helped the Junior Blues post a 17-8 record on the season while averaging 3.5 points and 2.9 rebounds and shooting 66.7 percent from the free throw line. Bunck received TSN All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League honorable mention as a junior.
Nora Burdiek, Rossville
NORA BURDIEK, Rossville
Burdiek, a 5-foot-11 sophomore forward, had a breakout season for Rossville as a freshman, earning TSN All-Shawnee County Second 10 and All-Mid-East League second-team recognition. Burdiek averaged 15 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals per game last season as Rossville posted an 18-4 record. Burdiek earned all-county first-team honors in volleyball this fall.
Pearmella Carter, Highland Park
PEARMELLA CARTER, Highland Park
The 5-foot-10 Carter burst on the city and Meadowlark Conference scene last season as a freshman, leading the city in scoring and rebounding, averaging 18.1 and 10.2 rebounds while also averaging 3.9 steals and shooting 61.4 percent on 2-point field goals. Carter was named the Meadowlark Conference Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year and also received Second 10 All-Shawnee County recognition.
Rylee Dick, Rossville
RYLEE DICK, Rossville
A junior, Dick had a big sophomore season for the Bulldawgs, helping Rossville post an 18-4 record. Dick, a 5-foot-6 guard, received TSN All-Shawnee County Second 10 and All-Mid-East second-team honors last season after averaging 15 points, 3 assists and 3 steals and shooting 36 percent from 3-point range.
KK Emmot, Shawnee Heights
KK EMMOT, Shawnee Heights
A 5-foot-7 sophomore, Emmot made an immediate impact for Shawnee Heights last season, averaging 13.5 points while connecting on 35 3-point goals and shooting 75 percent from the free throw line. Emmot earned All-United Kansas Conference second-team recognition last winter while also being named to the TSN All-Shawnee County Second 10.
Ava Esser, Seaman
AVA ESSER, Seaman
Esser, a 6-foot senior, earned All-Shawnee County Second 10 recognition last season after helping Seaman win the Class 5A state championship and post a 23-2 record. Esser, who received All-United Kansas Conference honorable mention as a junior, averaged 5.6 points and grabbed 7.3 rebounds while shooting 47.6 percent from the field.
Maddie Gragg, Seaman
MADDIE GRAGG, Seaman
A 5-foot-10 junior, Gragg was an TSN All-Shawnee County Top 10 and All-United Kansas Conference first-team pick for the second straight season after helping lead Seaman post a 23-2 record and win the Class 5A state title. Gragg registered a double-double in the Class 5A state final, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the Vikings' 54-41 win over Maize South. Gragg averaged 12.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals last season while shooting 51.6 percent on 2-point field goals, 44.4 percent on 3-point attempts with 28 3s and 77.0 percent from the free throw line.
Kailyn Hanni, Silver Lake
KAILYN HANNI, Silver Lake
Hanni, a 5-foot-7 junior, had a breakout season for Silver Lake, helping the Eagles cap a perfect 26-0 season with a 66-61 win over Hesston in the Class 3A state championship game. Hanni, an All-Shawnee County Top 10 and first-team All-Mid-East League pick, scored 26 points for Silver Lake in the title game while connecting on 14 of 15 free throw attempts, with many of her charities coming in crunch time. Hanni scored a total of 50 points at state, with three double-figure games.
Karsyn Hastert, Cair Paravel
KARSYN HASTERT, Cair Paravel Latin
A junior, Hastert earned TSN All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season for the 6-16 Lions. Hastert averaged 7.3 points as a sophomore and ranked fifth in the city of Topeka with an 8.2 rebounding average and fourth with 1.4 blocked shots. Hastert is also a volleyball standout for Cair Paravel, earning All-Shawnee County second-team recognition this fall.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural, which captured its 30th straight Centennial League boys championship (outright or shared) and finished third in the Class 6A state tournament, leads the 2024 Topeka All-City boys soccer team with four first-team picks.
Ryder Nikkel, Washburn Rural
Brandon Hamiton (14), Washburn Rural
Liam Morrison (4), Washburn Rural
Dylan Willingham, Washburn Rural
The Junior Blues are represented on the 16-member first team, selected by city coaches, by senior Ryder Nikkel (defense) and juniors Brandon Hamilton (defense), Liam Morrison (defense) and Dylan Willingham (midfield).
Valentin Del Real (3), Topeka West
Diego Gonzalez-Talavera, Topeka West
Jafet Rodriguez, Topeka West
Topeka West is represented on the All-City team by freshman Valentin Del Real (midfield), sophomore Diego Gonzalez-Talavera (forward) and senior Jafet Rodriguez (defense) while Charger coach Josh Kutter was named the 2024 city coach of the year after being named co-coach of the year in 2023.
Jaime Alvarado, Topeka High
Antonio Aguirre, Topeka High
Billy Lutz, Topeka High
Topeka High also put three players on the All-City team, with first-team repeat pick Jaime Alvarado (forward) joined by senior Antonio Aguirre (midfield) and junior Billy Lutz (goalkeeper).
Camden Granado (6), Shawnee Heights
Mason Haas, Shawnee Heights
Dalton Smith, Seaman
Logan Townsend, Seaman
Shawnee Heights is represented on the All-City team by junior Camden Granado (forward) and sophomore Mason Haas (midfield) while Seaman is represented by senior Dalton Smith (defense) and senior Logan Townsend (midfield).
Cooper Grace (18), Hayden
Hayden senior Cooper Grace (defense) earned All-City first-team honors for the second straight season while Highland Park junior Neri Diaz (midfield) rounds out the first team.
Aguirre, Granado, Lutz, Rodriguez, Nikkel and Willingham all moved up to the first team after receiving honorable mention in 2023.
Willingham was named the Centennial League player of the year this fall while Rural's Hamilton, Morrison and Nikkel and High's Alvarado, Aguirre and Lutz and Hayden's Grace were also first-team picks.
Seaman's Smith and Townsend, Topeka West's Del Real, Gonzalez-Talavera and Rodriguez and Shawnee Heights' Granado and Haas were all named All-United Kansas Conference first team and Highland Park's Diaz made the All-Meadowlark Conference first team.
2024 TOPEKA ALL-CITY SOCCER
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Fourteen soccer standouts have received All-State recognition from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association, led by All-Class 6A first-team pick Dylan Willingham of Washburn Rural.
Willingham, a junior midfielder, was earlier named the Centennial League player of the year and received first-team All-City recognition after helping lead the Junior Blues to a third-place finish in the 6A state tournament.
Dylan Willingham, Washburn Rural
Rural juniors Brandon Hamilton, Liam Morrison and Miles Cook were all named to the All-6A second team while senior Ryder Nikkel and junior Draden Chooncharoen received honorable mention.
Six city players earned All-5A honorable mention, with Shawnee Heights represented by juniors Camden Granado and Juan Garcia and sophomore Mason Haas and Seaman by seniors Blake Toyne, Logan Townsend and Kaelin Loy.
Cair Paravel Latin junior Nathan Keys received second-team honors in All-4A-1A while Lion sophomore Judah Congdon received honorable mention.
Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Editor's note: TopSports.news will post letter of intent signing updates as they are received. Email any signing information and signing day pictures to Rick Peterson at
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Shawnee Heights baseball star Deacon Pomeroy and Highland Park basketball star Ja'Corey Robinson have signed NCAA Division I letters of intent.
Shawnee Heights senior Deacon Pomeroy, surrounded by T-Bird coaches, signs his ceremonial baseball letter of intent with Oklahoma State Wednesday at Heights. [Submitted photo]
Highland Park senior Ja'Corey Robinson, with Scots coach Mike Williams, signed to play basketball at Austin Peay on Wednesday at Highland Park. [Submitted photo]
Pomeroy signed with Oklahoma State on Monday while Robinson signed with Austin Peay Wednesday.
A three-time All-Shawnee County first-team selection, Pomeroy was named the United Kansas Conference and Kansas Asssociation of Baseball Coaches Class 5A player of the year last season after helping lead Shawnee Heights
Robinson, a 6-foot-4 junior, was named the boys basketball player of the year in Shawnee County and the Meadowlark Conference after leading 23-2 Highland Park to a second straight third-place state finish in 5A last season.
Robinson registered three straight double-doubles in the state tournament, scoring a total of 61 points and grabbing 35 rebounds. Robinson was a Second 10 all-county selection as a sophomore.
Four Rural standouts sign college letters
Four Washburn Rural standouts signed letters of intent on Thursday morning, including three with hometown Washburn University.
Layla Collins, Washburn Rural
Kate Hinck, Washburn Rural
Destiny Higgs, Washburn Rural
Zahra Friess, Washburn Rural
Layla Collins signed with Washburn University to play volleyball while Kate Hinck and Destiny Higgs to play soccer for the Junior Blues.
Zahra Friess signed with the Air Force Academy to play soccer.
Collins was named the Centennial League volleyball player of the year and was named to the All-Shawnee County first team while Hinck has received all-league, all-county and All-State honors in multiple sports and Higgs and Friess have received multiple soccer honors.
Other signing pictures:
Former Washburn Rural standouts Max and Sam Bettis have signed letters of intent to play baseball at Kansas State. [Submitted photo]
Perry-Lecompton standout Eli Dean has signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Washburn University. [Submitted photo]
Shawnee Mission North's Cash Messenger has signed to play baseball at Washburn University. [Submitted photo]
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
State tournament teams Seaman, Washburn Rural and Hayden combined to put 10 players on the TopSports.news 2024 All-Shawnee County volleyball first team, led by Seaman two-time player of the year Maegan Mills.
Seaman senior Maegan Mills (23) has been named the TSN Shawnee County volleyball player of the year for the second straight season. [Photo by Jesse Bruner/Special to TSN]
Seaman's Tatiana Dowling has been named the Shawnee County coach of the year for the second straight season. [File photo/TSN]
Seaman, which finished second in Class 5A this fall after winning the state title in 2023, put a county-high four players on the all-county first team, with Mills joined by fellow Viking seniors Campbell Chabot, Ava Esser and Kinley Wilhelm while Viking coach Tatiana Dowling, a Seaman grad, was named the coach of the year for the second straight season after leading her team to a county-best 41-3 record and a county-best state tournament finish.
Hayden freshman Hailey Schmidtlein has been named the Shawnee County co-newcomer of the year. [File photo/TSN]
Hayden freshman Blakely Walter has been named the Shawnee County volleyball co-newcomer of the year. [File photo/TSN]
Hayden, which placed third in the 4A state tournament, is represented on the first team by senior Reagan McGivern and freshmen Hailey Schmidtlein and Blakely Walter, who were named co-Shawnee County newcomers of the year. McGivern is a first-team all-county repeat pick after earning first-team honors at Seaman as a junior.
Washburn Rural is represented on the all-county first team by seniors Layla Collins and Kate Hinck and junior Karsyn Horyna after helping the Junior Blues win the Centennial League championship and advance to the 6A state tournament.
Collins is a first-team All-Shawnee County repeat pick after being a second-team pick as a sophomore.
Shawnee Heights put seniors Kaydence Torrez and Taylor Brees on the first team while Silver Lake is represented by senior Ella Bolan, Rossville by sophomore Nora Burdiek and Topeka High by senior Jo'Mhara Benning.
Torrez and Bolan are first-team repeat picks while Burdiek was named the county newcomer of the year as a freshman.
All-Shawnee County first-team capsules:
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Thirteen Shawnee County players have earned Kansas Volleyball Association All-State recognition, including four first-team picks.
Seaman senior Campbell Chabot earned KVA All-State first-team honors in Class 5A after helping the Vikings finish second in Class 5A this fall. [Photo by Jesse Bruner/Special to TSN]
Seaman senior Maegan Mills earned first-team KVA All-State honors in Class 5A for the second straight season after helping lead the Vikings to a runnerup state finish. [Photo by Jesse Bruner/Special to TSN]
Hayden senior Reagan McGivern earned a spot on the KVA Class 4A All-State first team after helping the Wildcats finish third in 4A. [Photo by Selena Favela/Special to TSN]
Rossville sophomore Nora Burdiek was named to the KVA All-Class 2A All-State team. [Submitted photo]
Seniors Campbell Chabot and Meagan Mills, who helped lead Seaman to a runnerup finish in Class 5A, were named to the All-5A first team while Hayden senior Reagan McGivern earned first-team honors in 4A after helping the Wildcats post a third-place state finish and Rossville sophomore Nora Burdiek was a first-team pick in 2A after helping the Bulldawgs win a regional championship this fall.
Washburn Rural senior Layla Collins received second-team all-state recognition in 6A while Seaman senior Ava Esser was a second-team All-5A pick, freshmen Hailey Schmidtlein and Blakely Walter were second-team selections in 4A and Silver Lake senior Ella Bolan was a second-team honoree in 3A.
Rural senior Kate Hinck received All-6A honorable mention while Seaman seniors Maggie Moulden and Kinley Wilhelm received honorable mention in 5A and Hayden junior Ella Foster received honorable mention in 4A.
KANSAS VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION 2024 ALL-STATE
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
League-champion Seaman put six players on All-United Kansas Conference football first team, led by UKC offensive player of the year Bryer Finley, a senior wide receiver.
Seaman senior Bryer Finley (1) was named the United Kansas Conference offensive player of the year after helping lead the Vikings to the conference title this fall. [File photo/TSN]
Seaman coach Jared Swafford was named the United Kansas Conference football coach of the year for the 2024 season after being named the co-coach of the year in 2023. [File photo/TSN]
Vikings coach Jared Swafford was named the conference coach of the year after Seaman posted an 8-3 record and advanced to the Class 5A state quarterfinals.
Seaman senior Max Huston was a repeat pick as the All-UKC first-team quarterback while senior Dallas Gardenhire was a first-team pick as an offensive lineman.
Defensively, senior lineman Kaden Jordan and senior defensive back were named to the first team along with junior linebacker Cameron Brian.
Shawnee Heights is represented on the All-UKC first team by junior receiver Tyren Parker, who also voted to the second team as a defensive back.
The top pick for Topeka West was senior Elijah Berg, who was named to the second-team offense as an all-purpose player.
Thirty Seaman, Shawnee Heights and Topeka West players received mention on either the first, second or honorable mention lists.
