Silver Lake Eagles
By Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
The Silver Lake girls gathered themselves after losing for the first time in a year and half and won 62-53 at rival Rossville Tuesday night.
Coming off a 68-58 loss at Centralia, the Eagles faced another road test while many in Silver Lake’s rotation were learning tough lessons under fire.
Junior Kailyn Hanni scored 22 points for Silver Lake in Tuesday's 62-53 win over rival Rossville. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Sophomore Savannah Wende scored 16 points with four 3-pointers in Silver Lake's 62-53 win over Rossville Tuesday night. [Photo by Rex Wolfe/TSN]
“Every game for us is a growing experience and we grew so much having this experience tonight and last Friday at Centralia,” Silver Lake coach Kyle Porter said. “Getting a road win is awesome, particularly anytime you play in the ‘War on 24.’ You know it’s going to be a battle.”
Perhaps still recovering from the defeat at Centralia, the Eagles fell in an early hole to the Lady Dawgs. The home team extended its advantage to 18-12 late in the first quarter.
But that’s when the Eagles’ Savannah Wende hit the first of several big shots on the evening. She knocked down a 3-pointer, which Kailyn Hanni followed with a 2-pointer to cut the deficit to 18-17.
The second period was all Silver Lake. The Eagles ran off an 18-0 run, holding the Lady Dawgs scoreless for about six minutes. Wende hit three more 3-pointers and tallied 11 points in the period.
“My teammates help me so much. They give me good looks all the time,” Wende said. “I’m mostly a shooter, but I think there’s more to my game than just that. I’m really confident in all levels of my game.”
By Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
The Rossville boys overcame a 14-point second-quarter deficit to pull away from Silver Lake in a wild second half, winning 79-74.
As would be expected in the heated “War on 24,” the intensity lasted from wire-to-wire Tuesday night at Rossville.
Junior Jack Donovan (3) scored 28 points in Rossville's 79-74 win over Silver Lake Tuesday night. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Down 28-14 two minutes into the second period, the Bulldawgs kept the faith and let junior Jack Donovan start chipping away. His seven points keyed a 14-6 run the rest of the period. The Bulldawgs went to the locker room down just 34-30.
The Bulldawgs continued to roll on the other side of the intermission. They went on a 29-3 run that saw them lead by as much as 19.
“We’ve been in this situation before. We’ve got to learn how to deal with that adversity and the boys have to figure that out on the court,” Rossville coach Brandon McDonnell said. “So, when we get into these pressure situations, they embrace it. And that makes it even sweeter when they get out of that pressure situation.”
“I think we were fine, but we were ready to fight back,” Donovan said about falling behind early. “Coach is fiery. He gets us to play hard and it’s fun. We just started hitting shots, playing better defense, getting stops. That’s what let us go on that run.”
After being held to just two points in the opening period, Donovan lit up the Eagles for 28, including four long-range 3-pointers.
“When he’s pulling these long-distance threes, we’re not surprised by it because that’s what he does,” McDonnell said. “If he misses, we’re like ‘You sick? What’s wrong?’ ”
“I’ve been watching these games my entire life, and it’s just fun to play in them,” Donovan said of the rivalry with Silver Lake. “It’s definitely a different atmosphere.”
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
Local coaching legends CJ Hamilton of Silver Lake and Steve Bushnell of Seaman are part of a five-member class of individuals who have been selected for induction into the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame in 2025.
Silver Lake coaching legend CJ Hamilton will be inducted into the KSHSAA Hall of Fame in 2025. [KSHSAA Covered]
Former Seaman baseball coach and athletic director Steve Bushnell is part of a five-member class that will be inducted into the KSHSAA Hall of Fame in 2025. [File photo/TSN]
Hamilton is Kansas’ all-time winningest football coach with a 447-98 record. At the conclusion of the 2021 season Hamilton retired after teaching and coaching at Silver Lake for 47 years.
A Silver Lake native, Hamilton began his coaching career in 1973. After a brief departure to coach at Washburn for the 1977-78 seasons, Hamilton firmly entrenched himself as coach in 1979.
In his 47 seasons as head coach of the Eagles, Silver Lake made the playoffs 40 times. The Eagles won 39 Mid-East League titles and advanced to the state championship 18 times, including seven straight from 2002-08 and 11 times in a 12-year stretch from 2002-13.
Silver Lake won the Class 3A state title in 2013 to cap that remarkable stretch -- the eighth state championship for the Eagles under Hamilton. The 18 state championship game appearances are a state record.
In addition to football, Hamilton was the head coach for the Silver Lake baseball team that won state championships in 1975, 1977 and 1982.
Bushnell guided one of Kansas’ most dominant baseball programs at Seaman, leading the Vikings to 18 state tournament appearances, nine Class 5A state championships and four runner-up finishes in 21 seasons.
In his 21years at the helm for the Vikings, Bushnell culminated a 401-103 record (.796) which included a record of 42-9 in the state tournament. Seaman won at least 20 games for 10 consecutive years during the Bushnell era.
Bushnell served as athletic director at Seaman HS for three years before retiring this past spring.
Awards will be presented during 2025 in conjunction with a KSHSAA-sponsored state function/championship, or locally at the inductee's request. The time and location of each induction ceremony will be announced at a later date at www.kshsaa.org.
The Hall of Fame is housed in the Kansas State High School Activities Association offices, 601 SW Commerce Place in Topeka and is open Monday–Friday during business hours (directions at www.kshsaa.org). The Hall of Fame is also available via the KSHSAA “Gallery of Champions” at http://www.kshsaachamps.org/.
The honorees were chosen from nominations reviewed by a selection committee. To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, an individual must have made an unusually outstanding contribution in interschool activities, either as a student with exceptional talent, or as an adult working with youth (such as an activity coach, director or sponsor, an administrator, an official or a contributor). Hall of Fame inductees may no longer be active in the field for which they are nominated (exception: contributor with over 30 years of outstanding service).
Each year schools and communities throughout Kansas submit nominations of individuals who have made tremendous contributions in the field of interschool activities. Hall of Fame information is available on the KSHSAA website at www.kshsaa.org. Nomination forms are available by contacting the KSHSAA. Any nominations to be considered for induction in 2026 must be submitted prior to November 1, 2025.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Anna Becker
ANNA BECKER, Seaman
Becker, a 5-foot-11 senior, scored 20 points and had eight assists in the Vikings' 69-67 season-opening United Kansas Conference girls basketball road win at Piper, with Becker become Seaman's all-time leader in career assists.
Maddie Gragg
MADDIE GRAGG, Seaman
A 5-foot-10 junior, Gragg scored 21 points to lead defending Class 5A state girls basketball champion Seaman to a hard-earned 69-67 season-opening United Kansas Conference road victory at Piper on Friday night.
Dayne Johnson
DAYNE JOHNSON, Silver Lake
Johnson, a 6-foot-3 junior multi-sport star, scored 21 points in the Eagles' 59-52 season-opening basketball win over Perry-Lecompton after being named to the All-Shawnee County football Top 22 earlier in the week.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Editor's note: The 20 girls wrestlers to watch are primarily based on performances in the 2023-2024 season. TopSports.news is still in the process of receiving preseason information from local coaches and will update information as needed.
Koti Best, Seaman
KOTI BEST, Seaman
Best, a senior, had her junior season disrupted by injury after finishing second in Class 5A as a sophomore. Best received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season and is ranked No. 1 at 115 pounds in the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association's second of two preseason state 5A rankings.
MADISON BLANCO, Washburn Rural
A junior, Blanco earned first-team All-Shawnee County recognition last season at 130 pounds after helping Washburn Rural win its second straight Class 6A state team title. Blanco posted a 28-9 record and placed sixth in 6A. She is ranked No. 3 in 6A at 135 pounds in the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Assocation's second preseason rankings.
MADDY BLOW, Washburn Rural
Blow, a senior, was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick for the second straight season at 115 pounds after qualifying for the Class 6A state tournament and posting a 22-12 record on the season. Blow is ranked sixth at 115 in 6A by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in its second of two preseason rankings.
CONNIE BURNS, Highland Park
Burns, a junior, posted a 23-6 record and was a second-team All-Shawnee County selection last season at 105 pounds for Shawne Heights before transferring to Highland Park this season. Burns is 5-0 on the season for the Scots after winning the 115-pound title in Saturday's Highland Park Invitational.
MAKAYLA CADET, Highland Park
A junior, Cadet earned All-Shawnee County honorable mention in the 2023-2024 season and is ranked No. 6 in Class 5A at 190 pounds by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in its second preseason rankings. Cadet won the 235-pound title in Saturday's Highland Park Invitational.
Maddie Freeland, Shawnee Heights
MADDIE FREELAND, Shawnee Heights
A senior, Freeland is a three-time state qualfier and finished second in Class 5A at 135 pounds last season while compiling a 27-4 record. Freeland was a second-team All-Shawnee County selection as a junior and is ranked No. 2 at 135 in 5A by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in its second preseason state rankings.
ANNIE GALLEGOS, Washburn Rural
Gallegos, a senior, received second-team All-Shawnee County honors last season at 125 pounds and is a two-time state medalist. Gallegos was a state qualifier last season, posting a 19-5 record on the season, and is ranked No. 3 in the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association's first preseason rankings.
TESSA GERBER, Silver Lake
A senior multi-sport standout for Silver Lake, Gerber is currently ranked No. 3 in Class 3A-1A at 135 pounds by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in its second of two preseason staate rankings.
Cianna Graves, Shawnee Heights
CIANNA GRAVES, Shawnee Heights
A junior, Graves received first-team All-Shawnee County honors at 155 pounds last season after posting a 32-8 record and finishing fifth in the Class 5A state tournament. Graves, a two-time state placer, is currently top-ranked in 5A by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in its second preseason state rankings.
McKENNA HARRIS, Silver Lake
Harris, a junior for the Eagles, is currently ranked No. 4 at 125 pounds in Class 3A-1A by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in the second of two preseason rankings.
Taylie Heston, Seaman
TAYLIE HESTON, Seaman
Heston, a senior, finished fourth in Class 5A last season at 120 pounds and posted a 30-10 record en route to earning All-Shawnee County first-team recognition for the second straight season. Heston is ranked second in 5A in the second Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association preseason state rankings at 120.
By Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
There were plenty of questions surrounding this year’s version of the Silver Lake girls basketball team. At least some of those questions were answered Friday night when the defending Class 3A state champs steamrolled Perry Lecompton, 78-23.
Junior guard Kailyn Hanni scored 12 points as Silver Lake opened its season with a 78-23 romp past Perry-Lecompton. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Silver Lake lost five seniors – four of them starters – from the team that stormed to a title last March. A lot of experience, and a lot of offensive production, must be replaced. The early results were positive.
“I wanted us to play free, I wanted us to play aggressive, and I wanted us to play confident. We did that,” said Silver Lake coach Kyle Porter. “So now the goal is to play a little more under control. To understand time and score and how the officials are calling the game, and just grow from the experience. I always think that if you start aggressive and confident, you can always rein that in a little bit.”
The new-look Eagles exploded out of the gate, ripping off 16 points before the visiting Kaws could get on the board. They rolled on from there, holding the opponents to fewer than eight points in each period.
“We played through mistakes. I think that was the biggest thing,” Porter said. “First game, you’re always going to have things happen. I think we were getting over those mistakes pretty well.”
By Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
The Silver Lake boys basketball team stormed back from a third-period deficit to get by visitor Perry Lecompton Friday night, 59-52.
When Perry Lecompton’s Marius Carlsen and Eli Dean buried back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Kaws a 48-42 lead with a minute remaining in the third quarter, all the momentum shifted away from the Eagles.
Senior Jared Johnson (33) sparked a second-half Silver Lake rally in Friday's 59-52 win over Perry-Lecompton. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
But senior Jared Johnson grabbed the momentum right back by canning a three of his own. Johnson sparked a 12-0 run that swung the game. The Eagles locked down on defense, holding Perry Lecompton to just four points over the final nine minutes of the game.
“I wasn’t really shooting the ball that well and I just felt like I wasn’t getting my shot,” Johnson said. “But one of my teammates said, ‘Just let the thing fly.’ And I thought, 'I can’t let my team down. They need me to shoot.’ So, I did, and it turned from there.”
Perry Lecompton had to adjust with their leading scorer, Ronnie Baker, relegated to the bench with foul trouble. After missing much of the first half, the junior reeled off eight points in the first 2:30 of the third period. But two more fouls ended his evening.
Carlsen, a senior exchange student from Norway, introduced himself with 22 points for the Kaws, including four 3-pointers.
“That’s a good team over there,” Silver Lake coach Shannon Kruger said. “We had a lot of respect for them coming in, and they were as advertised. They made a few plays and hit a couple of shots.”
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
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
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
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
Twelve Rossville and Silver Lake football standouts have received All-Big East football recognition for the 2024 season, including four first-team selections.
Silver Lake junior Dayne Johnson earned All-Big East first-team honors on both offense and defense for the 7-3 Eagles. [File photo/TSN]
Rossville senior Tayson Horak, who has helped lead the Bulldawgs to the Class 1A sub-state round, earned All-Big East first-team honors as an all-purpose pick. [File photo/TSN]
Silver Lake junior Dayne Johnson received first-team honors at both wide receiver and defensive back while senior Braden Strausbaugh was a first-team pick as an offensive lineman and defensive end/outside linebacker for the 7-3 Eagles.
Rossville, which will play in a Class 1A sub-state game Friday at Centralia, is represented on the All-Big East first team by senior defensive lineman Leo Wehrli and senior all-purpose pick Tayson Horak. The Bulldawgs are 8-3 with eight straight wins entering Friday night's playoff game.
Silver Lake senior quarterback Dysen Schooler and senior defensive back Logan Cathcart were second-team all-league picks along with Rossville senior defensive end/outside linebacker Will Koch and senior linebacker Brock Bush.
Rossville juniors Jack Donovan and Conner Bush both received honorable mention as did Horak as a returner in addition to his first-team selection on offense, while Silver Lake senior Trent Rollenhagen and junior Grady Bergmann also received honorable mention.
2024 ALL-BIG EAST FOOTBALL TEAM
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
Washburn University softball head coach Brenda Holaday has announced the signing of 10 future Ichabods who will join the squad for the 2025-26 academic year.
The class includes eight high school signees and two junior college transfers, including three Shawnee County products.
Former Seaman star Aspen Burgardt will join the Ichabods after finishing up her two seasons at Johnson County Community College whil Taylor Brees is a senior at Shawnee Heights and Kendra Cook is in her final season at Silver Lake.
Signing capsules:
Aspen Burgardt, Johnson County (Seaman)
ASPEN BURGARDT, Johnson County Community College
The former Seaman standout, a third baseman/utility player, was named the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II National Player of the Year as a freshman and was named a first-team All-American by the NJCAA and National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Burgardt earned Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference first-team recognition and was selected as the KJCCC D-II MVP and Freshman of the Year. She led the conference with a .503 batting average, collecting 86 hits in 171 at bats. Her 86 hits also led the conference along with 33 doubles, 58 extra base hits and 84 RBI. Burgardt belted 26 home runs, which ranked second in the conference and her 33 doubles and 58 extra base hits also led the NJCAA while her 84 RBI ranked fifth. At Seaman she was a three-year starter and was named a an All-Class 5A All-State infielder twice, earning honorable mention as a junior and first-team as a senior. She was a two-time All-Centennial League selection, earning second-team as a junior and first-team her senior year and was named All-Shawnee County as a senior. She batted .473 with 35 hits, 15 doubles, two triples, eight home runs, 22 runs and 38 RBI as a senior. Burgardt is the daughter of Tim and Shanna Burgardt and has a brother, Josh.
"Aspen is the reigning NJCAA Division II Player of the Year and we are excited that she has chosen Washburn and will be coming home to finish her softball career,'' Holaday said. "We expect her to step into the middle of our lineup and provide our offense with production and power. She is a tremendous athlete and will bring that skill set to the field as well, playing both infield corner positions. Aspen goes about her business in a quiet manner, but her impact in our program will be huge.''
"I chose Washburn because of the welcoming atmosphere and the girls on the team,'' Burgardt said. "I love the competitive edge that Washburn brings to the game.''
JALIN LAVERS, Johnson County Community College
A right-handed pitcher, Lavers is a former Mulvane star and is in her second season at Johnson County. As a freshman she appeared in 14 games, 13 as a starter, and finishing with a record of 10-1 with eight complete games, one shutout and an earned run average of 4.15. She struck out 60 batters over 571/3 innings, allowing 59 hits and 34 earned runs which ranked sixth, tied for seventh and 17th respectively on JCCC's career charts. Lavers was a three-year starter at Mulvane and was named Class 4A All-State honorable mention bh the Kansas Softball Coaches Association her senior year. She was selected All-State second-team by Sports in Kansas and was a three-time All-Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League D-IV selection. Lavers batted .415 with 22 hits, 10 RBI and was 11-3 with 144 strikeouts and a 2.47 ERA in 99.1 innings as a senior while helping the Wildcats to a regional title and a state tournament berth. She is daughter of Chris Mize and Michelle Mize and has two siblings, Emma and Kreedence.
"Jalin will give us some experience and depth on the mound,'' Holaday said. "She continues to grow her game at JCCC and will be counted on this season as they try to get back to the national tournament. She is a hard worker, understands pitching and is focused on getting the most out of her opportunities. I think she will be a great fit in our program.''
"I chose Washburn because I loved the family-like feel and sisterhood of the program,'' Lavers said. "I could also tell that the coaches and school would create a great atmosphere for me to excel as an athlete and student.''
Taylor Brees, Shawnee Heights
TAYLOR BREES, Shawnee Heights High
As a junior at Shawnee Heights, Brees batted .507 with five doubles, one triple, and 21 RBI while also stealing 17 bases. Brees was named All-UKC first-team, All-State second-team and All-Shawnee County first team by Top Sports News as a junior as the T-Birds finished 17-8, reaching the regional championship. As a sophomore, hit .463 with nine doubles and 20 RBI while being named to All-State second team, All-UKC second team and All-Shawnee County second-team. Brees also plays basketball and volleyball, earning All-UKC first-team in volleyball as a senior. She serves as class president at Shawnee Heights and is a member of Spirit Club, Student Council, FCA, and National Honor Society. Thee daughter of Lindsey and Rory Brees, Taylor has two sisters, Lauryn and Aubrey. Shee plans to major in biology.
"Taylor is a three-sport athlete and we are excited about the versatility and athleticism she will bring to our program,'' Holaday said. "Her competitive spirit, skill set and team-first approach is infectious and she will help us in many ways.''
"I feel like Washburn is a place where I can make an impact,'' Brees said. "The coaches are very welcoming and the facilities are incredible. The culture and community is like no other.''
Kendra Cook, Shawnee Heights
KENDRA COOK, Silver Lake
A star pitcher for the Eagles, Cook earned first-team All-Mid-East League, All-Shawnee and All-State honors as a junior, helping Silver Lake post a second-place finish in the Class 3A state tournament. Cook went 15-2 in the circle with a 1.24 ERA and 92 strikeouts while also finishing with a .450 batting average. As a sophomore she was a first-team all-league and all-county selection after going 19-3 in the circle and was an honorable mention All-State pick after striking out 73 with a 0.63 earned run average. Cook is the daughter of Jarod and Alysia Cook and has a brother, Alek. Cook plans to major in elementary education.
"Kendra is an All-State pitcher for a reason and we are excited to have another Silver Lake product in our program,'' Holaday said. "She is an integral part of the success at Silver Lake and we expect her to make an impact here quickly. Kendra has a great skill set and she works hard on her game, but what sets her apart is the competitive attitude she takes to the mound.''
"Washburn has a great atmosphere, immediately when you step on campus it feels special, and you know its where you belong,'' Cook said. "They also have a great coaching staff.''
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Silver Lake senior Ella Bolan earned a first-team spot on the All-Big East League volleyball team while seven Silver Lake and Rossville players earned all-league recognition.
Ella Bolan
Bolan helped lead the Eagles to a 28-10 record and a Class 3A regional champonship.
Silver Lake sophomores Jaylie Whitehead and Kylie Hanni and Rossville sophomore Nora Burdiek were named to the All-Big East second team while Silver Lake junior Jaiden Wise made the third team.
Rossville's Sydney Sumner and Silver Lake's Paige Heiman received honorable mention.
ALL-BIG EAST LEAGUE VOLLEYBALL
First team
Cali Honeyman, Nemaha Central; Samantha Klotz, Royal Valley; Hayden Heim, St. Marys; Ella Bolan, Silver Lake; Tinley Wilson, Holton; Hallie Holthaus, Nemaha Central.
Second team
Erin Boltz, Sabetha; Jaylie Whitehead, Silver Lake; Nora Burdiek, Rossville; Zoey Sudbeck, Nemaha Central; KiWe Miller, Royal Valley; Kylie Hanni, Silver Lake.
Third team
Addison Schwinn, Jefferson West; Macie Corcoran, Perry-Lecompton; Jaiden Wise, Silver Lake; Elizabeth Schuster, Holton; Kolbie Noel, Jefferson West; Maddy Simmons, Hiawatha.
Honorable mention
Reagan Gerety, Nemaha Central; Sadie Gross, Holton; Madison Blackwood, Royal Valley; Gracie Scofield, Riley County; Harriet Dean, Jefferson West; Hope Billings, Perry-Lecompton; Sydney Sumner, Rossville; Cami Dalinghaus, Nemaha Central; Isabel Hurla, St. Marys; Paige Heiman, Silver Lake.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Editor's note: The college fall letter of intent signing period gets under way this week and TopSports.news will post signing updates as they are received. Email any signing information and signing day pictures to Rick Peterson at
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Silver Lake stars Kendra Cook, Ella Bolan and Alana Brewster will sign college letters of intent at 2:45 p.m. Thursday at the school.
Silver Lake senior softball star Kendra Cook, who is headed to Washburn University, will hold a signing ceremony at 2:45 p.m. Thursday at Silver Lake. [File photo/TSN]
Eagles softball star Kendra Cook will sign with Washburn University while Ella Bolan will sign a volleyball letter of intent with Butler County Community College and Alana Brewster will sign with Johnson County Community College.
Cook helped lead the Eagles to a runnerup finish in the Class 3A state softball tournament last spring while Bolan and Brewster helped Silver Lake finish third in the 3A volleyball tournament in 2023 and win a regional title this fall.
West's Jones to sign softball letter with Cloud County
Topeka West senior softball standout Callie Jones will sign a letter of intent with Cloud County on Thursday at Topeka West.
Callie Jones
Jones is scheduled to sign her letter of intent at 3:15 p.m. Thursday in Topeka West's Leadership Studies room.
The 2024 All-Shawnee County girls cross country team: Front row, from left -- Stella Appelhanz, Seaman; Kinley Robinson, Seaman; Ryin Miller, Seaman; Brynn Spencer, Seaman; Sofia Harper, Hayden; Elliot Wrench, Hayden. Back row, from left -- coach Matt Swedlund, Washburn Rural; Emily Graf, Washburn Rural; Rylee Ismert, Washburn Rural; Kenzie Maddox, Washburn Rural; Payton Fink, Washburn Rural; Brooklyn Nolte, Washburn Rural. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
A whopping nine first-team repeat selections and seven state medalists headline the 2024 All-Shawnee County girls cross country team.
Leading the way are top-five individual state finishers Ryin Miller of Seaman and Rylee Ismert and Payton Fink of Washburn Rural, with Miller, a junior, the Class 5A runnerup and seniors Ismert and Fink finishing third and fifth in 6A.
Hayden senior Elliot Wrench posted a sixth-place finish in 4A while junior Emily Graf placed 14th in 6A and Seaman senior Stella Appelhanz and sophomore Brynn Spencer finished 17th and 18th in 5A.
Miller, Ismert, Fink, Wrench, Graf, Appelhanz and Spencer are all first-team All-Shawnee County repeat picks along with Washburn Rural senior Brooklyn Nolte and Hayden sophomore Sofia Harper.
Earning first-team all-county honors for the first time are Washburn Rural junior Kenzie Maddox and Seaman sophomore Kinley Robinson.
Washburn Rural coach Matt Swedlund was named the girls Shawnee County coach of the year after his Junior Blues swept city, Centennial League and Class 6A regional team titles and tied for the 6A team championship, finishing second to five-time champion Olathe West on a tiebreaker.
All-Shawnee County girls capsules:
The 2024 All-Shawnee County boys cross country team: Front row, from left -- Evan Carter, Shawnee Heights; Bodie King, Washburn Rural; Henry Laubach, Washburn Rural; Clayton Fink, Washburn Rural; Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural; Brody Anderson, Seaman. Back row, from left -- coach Matt Swedlund, Washburn Rural; Connor Olsen, Washburn Rural; Connor Baldwin, Hayden; Max Esquibel, Shawnee Heights; Adrian Lehman, Topeka West; Mark Wilkie, Topeka West. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Three state medalists and five first-team repeat picks headline the 2024 All-Shawnee County boys cross country team.
Topeka West senior Adrian Lehman and Seaman junior Brody Anderson finished seventh and ninth individually in the Class 5A state meet while Washburn Rural freshman Henry Laubach finished 14th in 6A in his first state meet.
Lehman and Anderson are both all-county first-team repeat selections along with Shawnee Heights senior Evan Carter, Washburn Rural junior Brooks Kehoe and Rural senior Conner Olsen.
Washburn Rural, which won the city team championship, is also represented on the all-county team by senior Bodie King and freshman Clayton Fink, who helped the Junior Blues qualify for the 6A state meet as a team, while Rural coach Matt Swedlund was named the city boys coach of the year.
Topeka West's senior Mark Wilkie, Hayden junior Connor Baldwin and Shawnee Heights junior Max Esquibel were named to the all-county team for the first time.
All-Shawnee County boys capsules:
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Rossville rolled to its seventh straight win Friday night while advancing to the Class 1A quarterfinals with a 42-0 home shutout over McLouth.
Rossville senior quarterback Tayson Horak (12) scored three touchdowns Friday night as the Bulldawgs advanced to the Class 1A quarterfinals with a 42-0 win over McLouth. [File photo/TSN]
Now 7-3 on the season, the Bulldawgs scored the only points they would need on a 3-yard run from senior quarterback Tayson Horak with 4:13 left in the opening quarter (Vincent Daniel kick).
The Bulldawgs added a pair of touchdowns in the second quarter to build a 20-0 halftime advantage, with Horak scoring on a 55-yard run (Daniel kick) and a 5-yard run from junior Conner Bush (extra point failed).
Senior Seth Catron scored on third-quarter runs of 61 and 19 yards, with Canann Mitchell connecting on a 2-point conversion and Daniel kicking an extra point.
Horak completed Rossville's scoring with his third TD of the night early in the fourth quarter on a 28-yard run (Daniel kick), while the Bulldawg defense picked up its third shutout of the season.
With Friday's win the Bulldawgs advanced to a 1A quarterfinal next Friday, traveling to undefeated Jackson Heights to face the 10-0 Cobras, the No. 1 seed in the East.
COUNCIL GROVE 30, SILVER LAKE 8 --Council Grove avenged an earlier 17-point district loss to Silver Lake with a 30-8 road win over the Eagles in the second round of the Class 2A playoffs.
Council Grove, the No. 13 East seed, improved to 7-3 on the season while advancing to next Friday's state quarterfinals while Silver Lake ended its season 7-3.
Council Grove will be back on the road next week, facing No. 1 East seed Humboldt (10-0).
The Cubs advanced with a 64-7 win over Riverton.
