Topeka High Trojans

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

The ultimate goal is always to finish first, but Seaman girls tennis still had plenty to celebrate in Saturday's Class 5A state tournament at Kossover Tennis Center.

Andover ruled the day, sweeping the singles, doubles and team championships, but Seaman junior Emma Sweeney posted a runnerup singles finish to lead the way as the tournament-host Vikings finished second as a team, just six points behind the champion Trojans (39-33).

Seaman junior Emma Sweeney earned her third straight Class 5A singles medal Saturday with a career-best runnerup finish as the Vikings finished second as a team. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

"A great weekend,'' Seaman coach Jamie Robinson said. "Of course that's why we wanted to host is we wanted to give an advantage to a team that we thought was going to be one of the best teams in the state, and we were. We proved it.''

And it was a day of breakthroughs for the Vikings, with Sweeney advancing to the title match after finishing fourth as a sophomore, while senior Molly Gorman finished sixth in singles after a 10th-place finish as a junior and the Viking doubles team of senior Peyton Henry and junior Camryn Lux finished seventh to cap their first season as a doubles team.

Sweeney, who captured her third straight 5A state medal, finished her season 30-2, with both losses coming against Andover senior Mia Jaramillo, who took a 6-4, 6-3 decision in Saturday's championship match.

Jaramillo, who beat Sweeney in the third-place match in 2024, jumped out to 3-0 and 5-2 leads in the first set before Sweeney rallied to within 5-4 and Jaramillo went up 5-1 in the second set before Sweeney cut her deficit to 5-3.

"We did the same thing in Olathe, so I was kind of expecting it, but I feel like I pushed through,'' Jaramillo said. "She's a great player, so she did good.

"I felt I had a lot of pressure, but we have a great team, so we all pushed through.''

While obviously upset with her near miss, Sweeney knows that someday soon she'll be proud of her accomplishment.

"I'll be pleased after a little bit,'' Sweeney said. "The goal after last year, and I was surprised I made it (to the semifinals), I made it my new goal to try and win, but it's okay and I'll come back next year even harder.

"This gives me more experience and it gives me the experience of playing in front of a big crowd in a big situation, so I think I'm just going to take what I learned today and it will help me grow and make me work even harder in the offseason.''

"Runnerup is so impressive,'' Robinson said of Sweeney's performance. "She's lost to one person this year and that was Mia, so credit to her. She came to play.

''Emma had a couple of runs, but it just wasn't quite enough, so hey, let's learn from it and grow from it.''

Seaman senior Molly Gorman captured her fourth Class 5A state medal Saturday, finishing sixth in singles at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Gorman, who dropped an 8-1 decision to Eisenhower sophomore Quinn Scheideman in the fifth-place match, capped her prep career with her fourth state medal in as many tries -- two singles, two doubles.

Henry and Lux finished off state with a win, taking an 8-6 win over Bishop Carroll senior Macy Wetta and freshman Leah Jackson in the seventh-place match. 

Wildcats earn third-place 4A team trophy

Hayden singles players Lana Hull and Grace Funk and the doubles team of Sophia Wichman and Avery O'Bray all earned Class 4A state medals on Saturday at Harmon Park in Prairie Village, leading the Wildcats to a third-place team finish.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(Allkickoffs at 7 p.m.)

FRIDAY NIGHT'S GAMES

Josiah Wilkie, Topeka West

LEAVENWORTH (5-1, 5-1 UKC) vs. TOPEKA WEST (1-5, 1-5 UKC)

At Hummer Sports Park

Topeka West picked up its first win of 2025 last Friday, rallying for a 42-27 United Kansas Conference victory at Kansas City-Turner, while Leavenworth posted its fifth straight win, a 27-14 UKC decision over De Soto.

Dayne Johnson, Silver Lake

OSAGE CITY (6-0, 2-0 Class 2A District 3) at SILVER LAKE (4-2, 2-0 Class 2A District 3)

Osage City and Silver Lake will square off in a game that is likely to decide the Class 2A District 3 championship. Osage City remained unbeaten last week with a 49-14 district win over St. Marys while Silver Lake ran its winning streak to four straight games with a 42-8 district win over Riley County.

John Hoytal, Washburn Rural [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

WASHBURN RURAL (5-1, 2-0 Centennial League)at JUNCTION CITY (4-2, 2-0 Centennial League)

Washburn Rural will put its three-game winning streak on the line in a game that will give the winner a leg up in the Centennial League race. Washburn Rural is coming off a 38-0 league road win at Emporia while Junction City took a 44-6 league win over Topeka High.

TOPEKA HIGH (3-3, 1-2 Centennial League) at MANHATTAN (4-2, 1-1 Centennial League)

Topeka High is coming off a 44-6 Centennial League loss to Junction City while Manhattan dropped a 40-13 non-league decision to Wichita Northwest last week. The Indians will be looking to keep their Centennial League title hopes alive while the Trojans will be trying to snap a two-game league losing streak.

AJ Gallegos, Shawnee Heights

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (2-4, 2-3 UKC) at LANSING (2-4, 2-3 UKC)

Shawnee Heights posted its biggest win of the season last Friday, riding an outsanding defensive effort to a 20-3 United Kansas Conference road win at city rival Seaman, while Lansing dropped a 44-13 UKC decision to Piper.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

With a pair of dominating victories Friday at Kossover Tennis Center, Seaman junior Emma Sweeney, the No. 2 seed, assured herself of a top-four Class 5A state singles finish for the second straight season.

Seaman junior Emma Sweeney advanced to the Class 5A singles semifinals for the second straight season with a pair of dominant victories Friday at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

But after finishing fourth as a sophomore, the Seaman star has her sights on bigger things Saturday.

"Last year I wasn't really expected to make it, so I didn't really know what was going on and not winning my semifinal match, it was OK and it was a learning moment,'' Sweeney said. "But this year I'm really looking forward to taking that step and competing and trying to make it to the championship.''  

Now 29-1 on the season, Sweeney dropped just one game on Friday, posting a 6-0, 6-0 win over St. James Academy's Jenna Peltzer and a 6-1, 6-0 quarterfinal victory over Kapaun Mt. Carmel's Clara Hocker to advance to Saturday's 9 a.m. semifinal.

Sweeney said she felt relaxed for the most part during Friday's matches.

"I had a talk with my mental performance coach the other day and we talked about winning over my nerves and I think after I won them over it helps me play a lot more confident and loose,'' Sweeney said.

Sweeney will face No. 3 seed Allison Munhall of Valley Center in one semifinal while top seed Mia Jaramillo of Andover will face No. 5 seed Kali Keough of Emporia in the other semifinal. 

Seaman senior singles player Molly Gorman and the Viking doubles team of senior Peyton Henry and junior Camryn Lux also assured themselves of state medals while advancing to Saturday's place matches.

Gorman, who lost 6-0, 6-2 to Jaramillo in the singles quarterfinals, can still finish as high as fifth, as can Henry and Lux, who also lost in the doubles quarterfinals.

Viking juniors Kaylyn Hiebsch and Cadence Speer were eliminated Friday, just one win away from advancing to the place rounds.

Seaman coach Jamie Robinson said he was pleased overall with the Vikings' first-day state performance as the team tries to earn a top-three state finish for the second straight season.

"We won the matches we were supposed to win,'' Robinson said. "So far, so good. It could have been a little better, it could have been a lot worse.''

Cair Paravel junior Madilyn Poole advanced to Saturday's Class 3A-1A singles semifinals with a pair of Friday wins. [File photo/TSN] 

Lions' Poole advances to 3A-1A semis

Cair Paravel Latin junior Madilyn Poole, making her second straight Class 3A-1A state appearance, has assured herself of a top-four finish and her first state medal after advancing to Saturday's singles semifinals at the Salina Tennis Center.

Poole, the No. 3 seed, posted a 6-0, 6-1 win in her first match of the day before rallying for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 win over No. 6 seed Lauren Sleder of Larned in the quarterfinals.

Poole will face No. 2 seed Karli Haase of Ellsworth in a 9 a.m. semifinal Saturday.

Silver Lake junior Evelynn Thompson came within one win of advancing to Saturday's place matches. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Junior Emma Sweeney has been a star for the Seaman girls tennis team since she stepped on campus.

Seaman junior Emma Sweeney, the No. 2 seed, will be aiming for her third straight Class 5A singles medal in this weekend's state tournament at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Megan Sweeney roots on big sister Emma Sweeney during last Saturday's Class 5A regional tournament at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

And after earning a Class 5A state medal with an 11th-place singles finish as a freshman and turning in a strong fourth-place showing as a sophomore, Sweeney feels like she's in position to take another big step in Friday and Saturday's state meet at Kossover Tennis Center.

Sweeney has put together a banner 27-1 campaign so far with a sweep of city, United Kansas Conference and 5A regional titles and earned the No. 2 seed for this weekend's state event. 

"I'm excited,'' Sweeney said. "I'm nervous, but nerves are good. I've been hitting really good, really loose and just hitting good shots.

"And then from a mental standpoint, I think my head's pretty clear, too.'' 

Seaman is coming off a sweep of city, United Kansas Conference and regional team championships and will be aiming for a second straight 5A team trophy after finishing third a year ago.

"I think we're aiming for third or above,'' Sweeney said. "We got it last year so, I think that's what we're looking for this year, and we've all made it (to state), so if we are all able to make it to the second day and place I think we're putting ourself in a good position.''

Two-time regional champ Sweeney led the way last Saturday at Kossover as the Vikings edged St. James Academy for the regional crown.

Seaman senior Molly Gorman is a three-time Class 5A state medalist entering this weekend's state tournament at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Viking senior Molly Gorman finished second to Sweeney at regionals for the second straight season and will be shooting for her fourth straight state medal.

Gorman finished 10th in 5A singles last season after teaming with Katie Krumins to earn state medals in doubles as a freshman and sophomore.

Gorman is 24-6 on the season and has been installed as the eighth seed for state.

Seaman senior Peyton Henry and junior Camryn Lux finished third at regionals while Viking juniors Kaylyn Hiebsch and Cadence Speer finished fourth.

Henry and Lux are 25-5 on the season and the No. 6 seed for state while Hiebsch and Speer are 22-8 and seeded No. 13.

The 5A state tournament will start at 10:30 a.m. Friday and continue on Saturday with a 9 a.m. start.

Class 6A at Olathe College Boulevard Activity Center

Washburn Rural and Topeka High finished one-two in the Class 6A regional at Wichita while combining for eight state qualifiers for this weekend's state meet at the College Boulevard Activity Center in Olathe.

Topeka High senior Madeline Deters won a Class 6A regional title last Friday and will be aiming for her second straight state medal this weekend. [File photo/TSN]

Washburn Rural junior Julia Katzer is headed to her second Class 6A state tournament this weekend after advancing in singles last season. [File photo/TSN]

Washburn Rural junior Halle Owen (above) teamed with Julia Katzer to win a Class 6A regional doubles title last Friday. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

The Trojans and Junior Blues swept the regional singles and doubles championships, with Topeka High senior Madeline Deters taking the singles crown and Washburn Rural juniors Julia Katzer and Halle Owen winning the doubles title.

Deters, a three-time state qualifier who placed eighth at state in 2024, is 29-4 this fall and has been installed as the No. 4 seed for state.

Katzer and Owen will take a 25-4 into the state meet and are seeded No. 9. Katzer will be making her second straight state appearance after qualifying in singles a year ago.

Rural also qualified freshman singles player Bridget Hoopes and the doubles team of senior Alizah Alvarez-Chedzoy and sophomore Annie Henderson for state while Topeka High qualified the doubles team of senior Ava Ritter and sophomore Hailey Caryl.

Hoopes (18-5) finished third at regionals and is seeded No. 14 for state while Alvarez-Chedzoy and Henderson (7-2) posted a fifth-place regional finish and are seeded 21st for state.

Caryl and Ritter (24-8) took third at regionals to earn their second straight state berth and are the No. 17 doubles seed.

The first round of state competition will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday.

Class 4A at Prairie Village Harmon Park Tennis Complex

Hayden will enter the Class 4A state tournament as the defending state champion and is coming off a regional team title Saturday at Marysville while qualifying its entire team for state at the Harmon Park Tennis Complex in Prairie Village.

Wildcat senior Avery O'Bray and sophomore Sophia Wichman won the regional doubles championship and will take an 11-5 record into the state meet as the ninth seed. Wichman teamed with then-senior Emily Sheetz to finish second in the 2024 state meet while O'Bray teamed with Izzy Glotzbach to earn an 11th-place medal.

Hayden freshman Lana Hull (20-8) and senior Grace Funk (5-5) posted third and fourth-place singles finishes at regionals and are seeded No. 11 and No. 12 for state.

Funk is a two-time state medalist, including a ninth-place finish in 2024.

Senior Kinsey Bullock and junior Kaelyn Gerdel (4-8) qualified for state with a fifth-place regional finish and are the 21st seed for this weekend's tournament. 

The first round of state competition will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday.

By TODD FERTIG

TopSports.news

When Topeka-area soccer teams meet on the pitch, they leave it all on the field. The intense battles leave players bruised and drenched in sweat. They jostle for position and jockey for balls, pushing the boundaries of legal physicality.

But when someone within that soccer community needed help recently, the team loyalties faded instantly.

Topeka High sophomore soccer player Carson Bradney (behind bench), who is battling bone cancer, was on hand to support his team during Wednesday's match against Topeka West. [Photo by Todd Fertig/TSN]

Rivals from throughout the Capital City are rallying behind Topeka High sophomore Carson Bradney, who in August was diagnosed with bone cancer.

Bradney is described by Trojan coach Derek Snook as one of the fiercest competitors on the field. But his opponents, as well as his teammates, are going all out to encourage him in his fight against osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that typically affects adolescents and young adults.

Topeka High's soccer team wears T-shirts to bring attention to teammate Carson Bradney's cancer fight during warmups Wednesday at Hummer Sports Park. [Photo by Todd Fertig/TSN]

Fundraising tables were set up Wednesday at Hummer Sports Park to raise money to benefit Topeka High sophomore Carson Bradney and his family. [Photo by Todd Fertig/TSN]

Recent games between Topeka High and Topeka West have turned into fundraisers for the Bradney family, with shirts worn by both teams to draw attention to the cause. Chili and baked items, wrist bands and other items have been sold or raffled to help the Bradneys financially.

Other schools in the community have also gotten into the act. Seaman, which devotes a game every year to benefit cancer victims, raised more than $1,000 for the Bradneys earlier this week.

“It’s been heartwarming and amazing,” said Nicole Lutz, mother of a Topeka High player, who has helped organize fundraising efforts. “These schools who are showing up to help this family are rivalries in some aspects. But the camaraderie and team effort for this cause is amazing and beautiful.”

“It’s a terrible thing that should never happen for someone his age. But our community here in Topeka, our soccer community is amazing,” said Topeka West coach Josh Kutter. “Everyone understands that there’s things more important than sports and that when there’s a student, an athlete, that needs something, everyone’s going to come together and provide that support.”

Topeka High sophomore soccer player Carson Bradney (left), who is battling bone cancer, roots on the Trojans during Wednesday's match against Topeka West. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

A tall, athletic defender, Bradney started nearly every game as a freshman and earned Centennial League honorable mention. Snook had penciled Bradney into his lineup for this season, but a sore right knee prevented him from being a full participant in summer drills.

“I had a stress fracture in my knee, so I was out for pretty much the whole summer,” Bradney said. “I started to come back the first week of the season. It was rough. I played the first game. Then after that we went to the doctor. And that’s when they found all the tumor and cancer.”

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Brody Anderson

BRODY ANDERSON, Seaman

Anderson, a senior cross country standout, won his second straight boys city individual title Saturday at the Shawnee North Community Center while posting his fourth individual victory of the 2025 season. A Class 5A state medalist in cross country and track, Anderson set a course record with a five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 00.11 seconds.

Madeline Deters

MADELINE DETERS, Topeka High

A senior tennis standout, Deters won her first Centennial League singles championship last Tuesday in Junction City and followed that up with the singles title in Friday's Class 6A regional tournament at Wichita. Deters posted a 6-2, 6-1 final-round win over Emporia's Kali Keough in the Centennial League tournament and took a 6-2, 6-4 win over Junction City's Hannah Micheel in the regional final.

Emily Graf

EMILY GRAF, Washburn Rural

Washburn Rural senior cross country standout Graf won her first city girls individual championship Saturday at the Shawnee North Community Center, leading the Junior Blues to their seventh straight city team title. Coming off a hip injury, Graf clocked winning time of 19 minutes, 18.57 seconds in the city meet.

By CHARLES SPURLOCK

Special to TopSports.news

For a second consecutive Saturday, Seaman High School hosted a cross country meet in north Topeka.

Washburn Rural senior Emily Graf won the city individual cross country title Saturday, leading the Junior Blues to their seventh straight team title. [File photo/TSN]

Seaman senior Brody Anderson won his second straight city individual cross country title Saturday. [File photo/TSN]

Last week, it was the Seaman Invitational. This week, the city championships at Shawnee County North Park, with Washburn Rural's girls and boys sweeping the team championships. 

Rural's boys stretched their city meet winning streak to 19 straight seasons while the Junior Blue girls won their seventh straight crown. 

 In the girls race, Washburn Rural senior Emily Graf won the city championship in a time of 19:18.57. It was her first race since the Shufelberger Top City Classic on the third week of September due to an injury.

 “Coming back from a hip injury I’ve had over the past three weeks, it felt great to come out, run and get the win,” Graf said.

Graf was joined by three of her teammates in the top five -- freshman Alyson Hinck (second in 19:38.05), senior Kenzie Maddox (fourth in 19:44.75) and sophomore Reese Beardslee (fifth in 19:57.07). Overall, the Jr. Blues had eleven girls finish in the top 20 to earn city medals.

The only non-Washburn Rural runner to finish in the top five was Seaman junior Brynn Spencer. She was pleased with her third-place finish, where she also finished last week in the Seaman Invitational, but was able to trim almost 25 seconds off her time in the city meet.

“I’m very proud of myself for improving my time from last week and I knew I had a chance to be top three and break up the Washburn Rural girls a little bit,'' Spencer said. "They provide great competition so I wanted to stay up with them throughout the race.”

Spencer was joined by four teammates as medalists -- junior Kinley Robinson (ninth in 21:29.35), junior Hannah Wempe (10th in 21:42.04), junior Jaydin Frickey (16th in 23:23.29) and sophomore Avery Villines (19th in 24:17.54).

Other medalists included Hayden junior Sofia Harper (seventh in 20:34.43), Topeka West freshman Phebe Phelps (12th in 22:34.71), Shawnee Heights freshman Kendall Lewis (15th in 23:04.35) and Topeka senior Breanna Maldonado (20th in 24:28.02). 

In the boys race, Seaman senior Brody Anderson won his fourth race of the season, breaking the course record in a time of 15:00.11.

“I knew after last week, I knew the course was fast. Coach (Luke) Wiens and I were planning to come out, run fast and set a PR,” Anderson said.

Being so close to breaking the fifteen minute barrier was a hope of Anderson.

“I was close to the fourteen mark, I know I’m fit enough to do it, but things happen for a reason.”

Washburn Rural senior Brooks Kehoe finished second in Saturday's city cross country meet, leading the Junior Blues to their 19th straight city team title. [File photo/TSN]

The winning Washburn Rural team had the next four finishers to round out the top five -- senior Brooks Kehoe (second in 16:10.45), sophomore Duke Graf (third in 16:46.96), sophomore Clayton Fink (fourth in 16:52.01) and sophomore Jaxson Adams (fifth in 17:03.47). The Jr. Blues had eight other runners finish in the top twenty as medalists.

Hayden had two runners finish in the top ten -- sophomore Nick Newkirk finished sixth (17:04.74) and senior Connor Baldwin finished seventh (17:06.38).

Shawnee Heights’ senior Max Esquibel finished eighth in a time of 17:07.46.

Seaman had two other medalists -- junior Conner Bloom finished ninth in 17:13.81 and senior Drake Spurlock finished 20th with a time of 17:46.87.

Topeka sophomore Easton Davis finished in 17th in 17:33.64 while junior Ezra Phelps of Topeka West finished 18th with a time of 17:36.33. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Fresh off a sweep of city, United Kansas Conference and Class 5A regional team championships, Jamie Robinson's Seaman girls tennis team will now turns its focus on trying to earn a top-three state finish for the second straight season.

Emma Sweeney won the singles title in Saturday's Class 5A regional at Kossover Tennis Center, helping the Vikings win the team championship. [File photo/TSN]

Seaman senior Molly Gorman finished second in singles in Saturday's Class 5A regional at Kossover Tennis Center, helping the Vikings win the team championship. [File photo/TSN]

The Vikings tuned up for state with a team title in Saturday's regional at Kossover Tennis Center and will be back at Kosover Friday and Saturday for the state meet.

Seaman achieved its goal of qualifying all six of its varsity players for state while edging St. James Academy for the team championship, 22-21.

"That is so huge,'' Robinson said of Seaman's qualifying effort. "And that's something you don't want to take for granted is getting your six in. That's huge for team morale, it's huge for people coming back the next year and we've done it for three, four years in a row, so that's exciting.

 "Everybody's rooting for each other and our parent base is happy and proud and it makes the whole program proud when you take six to state. That is not a given, not even with good teams.''   

Viking junior Emma Sweeney and senior Molly Gorman went one-two in singles while the Vikings' doubles teams of senior Peyton Henry and junior Camryn Lux and juniors Cadence Speer and Kaylyn Hiebsch placed third and fourth.

Sweeney and Gorman advanced to the regional singles final for the second straight season, with Sweeney taking a 6-0, 6-1 win in the final.

After both Seaman doubles teams dropped semifinal matches to St. James Academy, Henry and Lux took a 6-1, 6-3 win in the third-place match.

Topeka West's senior doubles team of Jordan Felsburg and Taryn Gilbert is also headed to state after finishing fifth Saturday with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Piper's Allison Ochs and Aubrey Eidson.

Felsburg and Gilbert are West's first girls state qualifiers since 2021.

Washburn Rural girls tennis poses for a team picture after winning the championship in Friday's Class 5A regional at Wichita. [Submitted photo]

Junior Blues, Trojans finish one-two in 6A regional

Washburn Rural claimed the team title in Friday's Class 6A regional at Wichita's Riverside Tennis Complex by a 15-12 margin over Topeka High while the city schools swept the singles and doubles championships.

Topeka High senior Madeline Deters, the Centennial League champion, won the regional singles title with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Junction City's Hannah Micheel while Washburn Rural juniors Julia Katzer and Halle Owen, the city champs, took the regional doubles crown with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Manhattan's Keylee Schartz and Jackie Hsu.

Rural freshman singles player Bridget Hoopes qualified for state with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Derby's 5 2 Ella Boline and the Junior Blues' doubles team of senior Alizah Chedzoy and sophomore Annie Henderson defeated Derby's Katie Brehm and Karlie Demel in the fifth-place match, 6-1, 6-2.

In addition to Deters, Topeka High qualified its doubles team of senior Ava Ritter and sophomore Hailey Caryl, who posted a third-place regional finish with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Wichita East's Charlotte Docking and Jane Docking.

The 6A state tournament will be played at the College Boulevard Activity Center in Olathe.

By TODD FERTIG

TopSports.news

Two Topeka soccer teams who are pouring it on down the stretch battled to a 1-1 tie Wednesday night at Hummer Sports Park.

Topeka High senior Bruno Nunez (10) celebrates his goal in Wednesday's 1-1 tie with USD 501 rival Topeka West. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Topeka West junior Diego Gonzalez-Talavera (9) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring the Chargers' lone goal on a PK in a 1-1 tie with Topeka High Wednesday night at Hummer Sports Park. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Topeka West hosted Topeka High, hoping to avenge a thrilling 2-1 loss two weeks earlier. But both team’s goalkeepers turned away a barrage of shots to preserve the 1-1 tie through two overtime periods.

Twenty minutes into the first period, Topeka High got on the scoreboard first on a free kick blast by senior Bruno Nuñez.

However, the Trojans didn’t protect that lead for even one minute of game action. When Topeka High was called for a foul near their goal, the Chargers were rewarded with a penalty kick that junior Diego Gonzalez-Talavera hammered past Trojan keeper Billy Lutz.

Each team saw near misses swatted away or gobbled up by the goalkeepers the rest of the night.

“Every year, every game that we see (Topeka High), we know it’s going to be competitive, hard fought. And this game was nothing short,” said Topeka West coach Josh Kutter. “Both teams played all out. Both goalkeepers had to make their amazing saves. As stressful as it is, it’s fun to watch and I’m proud of both sides.”

The Chargers stand at 10-2-2 following the tie with Topeka High, who are now 7-4-2. Trojans coach Derek Snook said his hopes to repeat the 2-1 victory of two weeks ago came up just short.

Topeka High senior goalkeeper Billy Lutz makes a diving save in Wednesday's 1-1 tie with Topeka West. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

“We had a couple (of shots) that we should have tucked away, no doubt. And maybe they did as well,” Snook said. “I don’t know that they had the essentially point-blank shots that we did. They were shooting from afar. The best game was being played 120 yards apart and both goalkeepers were just on top of it.”

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Defending Class 1A District 2 champion Rossville improved to 3-0 in the district and 5-1 overall with a 49-14 win over Cair Paravel Latin Friday night at Yager Stadium.

Andre Johnson, Rossville

Conner Bush, Rossville

The Bulldawgs jumped out to a 14-0 first-quarter advantage and went up by a commanding 34-6 margin at the half before outscoring the Lions 15-8 in the second half as Cair Paravel fell to 1-5 overall and 0-3 in the district.

Seniors Conner Bush and Andre Johnson both had a pair of rushing touchdowns on the night, with Bush scoring on 3 and 8-yard runs and Johnson scoring on 2 and 5-yard runs.

Senior quarterback Canann Mitchell threw for a 31-yard touchdown to Cale Horak and completed a 9-yard TD strike to Jack Donovan.

The Bulldawgs also got a 10-yard TD scamper from Landen Lewis while Austin Dohrman kicked three extra points and Donovan added a pair of PATs. Johnson also scored on a two-point conversion in addition to his two TDs. 

With Friday's win Rossville set up a district showdown at Olpe next Friday. The Eagles are 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the district.

 Chargers rally to pick up first win

Topeka West used a 30-point fourth quarter to pull out a 42-27 United Kansas Conference road win at Kansas City-Turner Friday night.

Trey Parker, Topeka West

Josiah Wilkie, Topeka West

Turner, 1-5 overall and 0-5 in the UKC, led Topeka West, 1-5, 1-5, by a 7-6 margin at the end of the first quarter and built a 21-12 halftime advantage that also held up through a scoreless third quarter.

But the Chargers played their best football over the final 12 minutes, outscoring the Bears 30-6 to pull out the 15-point victory.

Topeka West has yet to lose to Turner since joining the UKC.

The Chargers will be back at Hummer Sports Park next Friday to host red-hot Leavenworth in a UKC contest.

The Pioneers are 5-1 overall and in the UKC after taking a 27-14 win over De Soto Friday night.

Eagles push win streak to four games

Silver Lake posted its fourth straight victory Friday night, improving to 4-2 overall and 2-0 in Class 2A District 3 with a 42-8 road win at Riley County.

The Eagles rode a strong defensive effort to the decisive win, led by senior Jayden Waterer.

Waterer had 10 tackles on the night, including three of Silver Lake's seven sacks.

Waterer caused two fumbles and had a fumble recovery while senior Dayne Johnson had a pass interception.

Silver Lake will be back at home next Friday to host undefeated Osage City in a district showdown.

The Indians are 6-0 overall and 2-0 in the district after a 49-14 win over St. Marys.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(Allkickoffs at 7 p.m.)

THURSDAY NIGHT'S GAME

ATCHISON (3-2, 3-1 Meadowlark) vs. HIGHLAND PARK (3-2, 3-1 Meadowlark)

At Hummer Sports Park

JoJo Kingcannon, Highland Park 

Highland Park will play for the first time in three weeks, returning to action after forfeiting back to back games to Kansas City-Harmon and Wichita East. The Scots will be facing an Atchison team that is coming off an 82-44 Meadowlark Conference loss to KC-Washington. Highland Park senior quarterback Dontrail Fox has completed 9 of 20 passes for 274 yards and 3 touchdowns while junior JoJo Kingcannon has caught 5 passes for 200 yards and 2 TDs. Kingcannon leads the Scots with 293 rushing yards and 4 TDs on 13 carries while junior G'Honi Montgomery has 256 yards and 3 TDs on 32 attempts. 

FRIDAY NIGHT'S GAMES

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (1-4, 1-3 UKC) at SEAMAN (3-2, 3-1 UKC)

Quentin Moravec, Seaman

Aiden Scott, Shawnee Heights

Seaman ran its winning streak to three games last Friday with a 48-8 United Kansas Conference romp past Lansing while Shawnee Heights is coming off a 50-48 UKC heartbreaker to De Soto. Seaman junior quarterback Cale Ketter has completed 82 of 125 passes for 1,118 yards and 15 touchdowns while junior Josh Brown has 22 catches for 303 yards and 6 TDs, junior Coy Barta has 18 catches for 223 yards and 4 TDs and senior Noah Kobuszewski has 19 catches for 300 yards and 2 TDs. Viking junior Quentin Moravec has carried the ball 92 times for 644 yards and 11 TDs. Heights senior quarterback Aiden Scott passed for more than 600 yards last Friday and has completed 127 of 200 attempts for 1,956 yards and 15 touchdowns while junior AJ Gallegos has 40 catches for 601 yards and 3 TDs, while Dallas Owens has 33 catches for 419 yards and 3 TDs and senior Tyren Parker 22 receptions for 500 yards and 3 scores.

HOLTON (3-2, 1-1 Class 3A District 4) at HAYDEN (5-0, 1-0 Class 3A District 4)

Kade Mitchell, Hayden

Rivals Hayden and Holton square off in a key Class 3A District 4 contest Friday night. Hayden rolled to a 51-0 district win over Hiawatha last week while Holton dropped a 27-17 district decision to Jefferson West. Hayden senior quarterback Connor Hanika has completed 40 of 73 passes for 612 yards and 7 touchdowns while senior Kade Mitchell has carried the ball 38 times for 399 yards and has scored nine total TDs and senior Jackson McGivern has 250 yards on 28 carries and scored five total touchdowns. Junior Mason Becker is 24 of 24 on extra point attempts while also scoring two TDs and two 2-point conversions.

JUNCTION CITY (3-2, 1-0 Centennial League) vs. TOPEKA HIGH (3-2, 1-1 Centennial)

At Hummer Sports Park

Zane Smith, Topeka High

Both the Blue Jays and Trojans are coming off losses, with Junction City dropping a 34-28 non-league decision to Hays and Topeka falling to Centennial League foe Washburn Rural, 35-6. Topeka High senior quarterback Zane Smith completed 12 of 26 passes for 284 yards against Washburn Rural while also carrying the ball 17 times for 85 yards. Junior Courtney Sanders caught 5 passes for 192 yards, including a 76-yard touchdown reception. Junction City is 1-0 in the Centennial League race after beating Manhattan 28-14 two weeks ago.

ROSSVILLE (4-1, 2-0 Class 1A District 2) vs. CAIR PARAVEL LATIN (1-4, 0-2 Class 1A District 2)

At Yager Stadium

Conner Bush, Rossville

Defending Class 1A District 2 champ Rossville is off and running in the district race again this fall, improving to 2-0 with a 55-6 win over Mission Valley last week. Cair Paravel is coming off a 53-25 district loss to Wabaunsee. Rossville, which advanced to the 1A semifinals a year ago, opened up a commanding 43-6 halftime lead over the Vikings and cruised the rest of the way. Senior quarterback Canann Mitchell passed for two touchdown and ran for a 52-yard TD in the Rossville win while Conner Bush ran for a pair of TDs. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Topeka High senior standout Madeline Deters captured her first Centennial League tennis championship Tuesday at Junction City, pacing city players in the league meet.

Topeka High senior Madeline Deters won the Centennial League singles championship Tuesday at Junction City. [File photo/TSN]

Deters won the singles championship with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Emporia's Kali Keough in the title match.

Hayden freshman Lana Hull finished fourth in singles, dropping a 6-1, 6-2 decision to Junction City's Hannah Micheel in the third-place match while Wildcat senior Grace Funk finished fifth with a 6-3, 6-0 win over Manhattan's Sally Kastner.

Hayden's Sophia Wichman and O'Bray finished third in doubles, taking a 6-4, 6-2 win over Topeka High's Ava Ritter and Hailey Caryl in the third-place match.

Emporia won the league team championship by a 33-28 margin over Hayden and Manhattan, who tied for second place.

Topeka High finished fifth as a team with 24 points while Washburn Rural, playing a split squad, was sixth with 17 points.

Topeka High and Washburn Rural will both compete in a Class 6A regional Friday at Wichita while Hayden will compete in a 4A regional Friday and Saturday at Marysville. 

CENTENNIAL LEAGUE TENNIS

By CHARLES SPURLOCK

Special to TopSports.news

On a beautiful morning as the calendar flipped to the second month of the cross country season, Seaman High School hosted the Seaman Invitational at Shawnee North Park.

Brody Anderson, Seaman

Brynn Spencer, Seaman

In the varsity girls race, the Washburn Rural, Seaman and Shawnee Heights teams finished in fourth, fifth and sixth place, respectively.

Washburn Rural had two medalists -- freshmen Clara Dillon finished ninth in a time of 21:47.96 and Lily Palmer finished in 19th with a time of 22:23.98.

Topeka West’s lone runner, freshman Phebe Phelps, finished 16th in a time of 22:09.56.

The top local finisher was Seaman junior Brynn Spencer, who finished third in a time of 20:16.43. Fellow Seaman junior Hannah Wempe earned medalist honors by finishing 17th with a time of 22:18.22.

“I didn’t do as well as I had hoped time-wise, but I knew I had a chance to finish in the top three,'' Spencer said. "So my main goal was to push up toward the front and use my home course advantage.”

Looking ahead to next week’s city meet, Spencer talked about getting to run once again on her home course.

“It will help me since I have one race under my belt here and to know where my advantage points,'' she said. "It will also be helpful to know the parts of the course where I’ll need to push myself more.”

In the varsity boys race, Seaman senior Brody Anderson won his third race of the season, finishing in a time of 15:25.07. After dealing with a heat-related issue last week at Rim Rock, Anderson talked about his plan going into Saturday's race.

“It was a good day. I went out slower than normal, which was the plan, but I wanted to progress through the race and that went well. My hope was to stay healthy through the state meet.”

Anderson was also looking to next week and the city meet, one last time to run at his home course.

“I’m confident after today, but there is good competition throughout the city,'' he said. "I’m hoping to get good work in next week.” 

Washburn Rural finished second as a team and had five medalists. Senior Wyatt Shorb finished ninth in a time of 17:32.10, freshman Julius Wood-Nichols finished 12th with a time of 17:35.85, senior Rylan Rake was 14th with a time of 17:39.03, sophomore Brady Meek was 16th in a time of 17:39.30 and senior Wesley Meek finished 20th with a time of 17:51.88.

Seaman finished third overall and had one other medalist, junior Conner Bloom, who finished eighth in a time of 17:25.55.

Shawnee Heights had one medalist, senior Max Esquibel, who finished sixth with a time 17:24.12.

Topeka West also had one medalist, junior Ezra Phelps, who was 15th, finishing with a time of 17:39.27.

Next week all of the Topeka city schools will return to Shawnee North for the city meet beginning at 9 a.m. for the girls race, following by the boys race at 9:45.

SEAMAN INVITATIONAL

Team Scores & Local Results

Girls Varsity

Piper 40, Blue Valley Northwest 50, Lawrence 59, Washburn Rural 99, Seaman 114, Shawnee Heights 145

(Local team finishes)

4. Washburn Rural

9. Clara Dillon 21:47.96; 19. Lily Palmer 22:23.88; 24. Katherine Wolgast 23:17.42; 25. Harper Tenbrink 23:22.64; 26. Rayauna Huey 23:29.51; 32. Lily McCoy 24:20.79; 39. Lacey Middleton 25:44.98

5. Seaman

3. Brynn Spencer 20:16.43; 17. Hannah Wempe 22:18.22; 28. Avery Villines 23:32.88; 34. Jaydin Frickey 24:49.24; 40. Emma Gonzalez 26:02.90

6. Shawnee Heights

22. Hazel Rondash 23:02.36; 27. Kendall Lewis 23:30.71; 33. Arantza Urbina 24:35.07; 37. Adelaide Davis 25:23.73; 38. Piper Geil 25:24.21

Topeka West

16. Phebe Phelps 22:09.56

Topeka

35. Victoria Reynaga 25:10.58; 36. Breanna Maldonado 25:22.32; 41. Lyzet Cortez-Castro 26:43.92; 42. Maricruz MerriWeather 28:51.54

Boys Varsity

Lawrence 39, Washburn Rural 57, Seaman 82,Piper 94, Shawnee Heights 137, Topeka West 149, Topeka 186

(Local team finishes)

2. Washburn Rural

9. Wyatt Shorb 17:32.10; 12. Julius Wood-Nichols 17:35.85; 14. Rylan Rake 17:39.03; 16. Brady Meek 17:39.30; 20. Wesley Meek 17:51.88; 21. Cohen Thiessen 18:00.99; 22. Gauge Dial 18:04.27; 25. Cadin Stratman 18:13.74

3. Seaman

1. Brody Anderson 15:25.07; 8. Conner Bloom 17:25.55; 24. Drake Spurlock 18:07.36; 33. Emmanuel Armstead 18:45.04; 34. Weston Kennedy 18:51.28; 36. Maddox Moore 18:58.53; 38. Abe Heffley 19:00.42; 46. Camden Dutton 19:39.60

5. Shawnee Heights

6. Max Esquibel 17:24.12; 28. Andrew Schulte 18:28.44; 42. Cash Reitcheck 19:16.09; 43. Ronin Wiggs 19:20.05; 47. Deyton Coufal 19:58.92; 49. Carter Vincent 20:26.52

6. Topeka West

15. Ezra Phelps 17:39.27; 27. Cameron Parrett 18:26.29; 40. Rhys Green 19:04.37; 44. Maks Rodriguez 19:33.68; 55. Mason Gore 22:13.52

7. Topeka

35. Oliver Snethen 18:51.89; 37. Will Toland 18:58.54; 51. Nicholas McDonald 20:55.49; 52. Amir El-Jammal 21:01.21; 54. Matthew Hanes 21:26.50; 56. Sam Stanton 22:17.70; 57. Dexter Lonergan 23:32.99; 58. Salis Bechard 24:23.87; 59. Sebastian Homerding 28:56.17

Girls JV (local results)

Seaman

4. Zoey Gooden 25:37.93; 5. Kennedy Gatewood 25:57.54; 12. Bailey Martin 28:35.17 

Shawnee Heights

6. Natalia Venegas 26:14.04; 10. Alyson Moss 27:48.98; 13. Brooklyn Binkley 29:45.57; 18. Eva Austin 31:24.42 

Topeka West

8. Lily Phelps Roper 26:23.67

Boys JV

Washburn Rural 15, Seaman 73,Lawrence 77, Blue Valley Northwest 85, Piper 127, Shawnee Heights 181

1. Washburn Rural

1. Bennett Wells 18:08.81; 2. Trey Recob 18:22.50; 3. Oliver Haberman 18:28.31; 4. Ayden Mooney 18:47.68; 5. Ethan Koci 19:02.92; 6. Jackson Svaty 19:05.13; 9. Kael Harman 19:19.08; 11. Ethan Lake 19:36.03; 12. Marlon Barrios Martinez 19:55.32; 13. Blake Harader 19:56.70; 15. Dylan Ragsdale 20:03.07; 17. Jackson Buesing 20:07.06; 19. Charles Stones 20:19.82; 22. Thomas Reed 20:24.70; 31. Cole Replogle 20:39.04; 32. Eli Replogle 20:42.11; 34. Cedric Geotz 20:49.61; 38. Asher Denman 20:57.08; 39. Alex Jeffries 20:57.78; 42. Ryan Olsen 21:09.22; 43. Korbin Jones 21:26.23; 44. Avery Knappenberger 21:36.75; 46. Antonio Fernkopf 21:37.19; 47. Ryder McClintock 21:40.16; 51. Jacob Eilert 21:59.14; 60. Ethan Lanier 23:07.38; 77. Zachary Inloes 25:09.88; 80. Jason Hall 26:06.97; 81. Grady Wells 26:07.23; 82. Dylan Weigel 26:24.39; 84. Caleb Pearce 26:29.13

2. Seaman

8. Tate Oliva 19:17.75; 18. Trace La Row 20:17.10; 20. Cody Moses 20:19.84; 24. Stephen Miano 20:27.30; 28. Nick Horton 20:35.07; 29. Max Roark 20:36.16; 40. Eli Mott 20:58.20; 48. Wesley Eckert 21:41.45; 55. Levi Rodecap 22:15.64; 56. Josh Horton 22:20.91; 65. Gabe Ferguson 23:06.22; 67. John Holloway 23:45.83; 68. Davis Yarnell 24:02.82; 76. Aaron Haynes 24:56.39

6. Shawnee Heights

57. Jakob Rowland 22:22.91; 58. Xain Brown 22:23.88; 62. Lennox Garretson 22:39.11; 75. Colton Geil 24:43.94; 87. Jackson Osborne 29:45.39

Topeka West

83. Erich Abbo-Mott 26:28.77; 85. Jack Morgan 26:45.44

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By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Perennial Class 6A state volleyball power Washburn Rural got off to a bit of a slow start this season both in terms of a so-so 5-4 record and the number of matches played.

Washburn Rural volleyball celebrates a point during Saturday's 5-0 run to the Centennial League championship. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

But a busy stretch has paid big dividends for the Junior Blues, with No. 6-ranked Washburn Rural running off 11 straight victories over the past week, seven in the past three days and five on Saturday as host Rural dominated the Centennial League tournament en route to the league championship.

"We haven't played near as many matches as some of those other teams have,'' Rural coach Kevin Bordewick said. "We've got this kind of weird schedule where we don't play very much and then we play a lot.

"But the fact is we've got to get out and play and we had some good matches today that tested us pretty good.''

Washburn Rural freshman Brynn Anderson (20) celebrates a kill during Saturday's 5-0 run to the Centennial League championship. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Now 16-4 on the season, Rural dropped a 25-20 decision to Manhattan in its first set of the day, but the Junior Blues proceeded to win 10 straight sets over the remainder of the league meet.

After its first-set loss to the Indians, Rural bounced back to top Manhattan with 25-18, 25-17 wins and then followed that performance with a 25-16, 25-14 victory over No. 3 (4A) Hayden, a 25-14, 25-13 win over Junction City, a 25-13, 25-17 win over Emporia and a 25-9, 25-8 romp past Topeka High.

Washburn Rural senior Taylor Guffey sets the ball during Saturday's 5-0 run to the Centennial League championship. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Bordewick said he feels like his team is making progress.

"I do, and we still have a pretty high ceiling,'' Bordewick said. "Manhattan and Hayden are really good teams and I thought we clicked in the second and third set against Manhattan pretty well and against Hayden I thought both sets we played pretty well, but I think we've got more in us.''

Washburn Rural senior Dayne Shriver spikes the ball during Saturday's Centennial League championships. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Rural senior Dayne Shriver said she agrees with Bordewick that the Junior Blues are starting to gain momentum.

"In the beginning of the season we hadn't played as many games, so I feel like now we're starting to get into the flow of it playing more games and connecting better,'' Shriver said. "I just really think that as the season goes we're flowing better.

"It's nice sometimes to have it be go, go, go.''

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

FRIDAY NIGHT'S GAMES

(Allkickoffs at 7 p.m.)

John Hoytal, Washburn Rural [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

TOPEKA HIGH (3-1, 1-0 Centennial) at WASHBURN RURAL (3-1, 0-0 Centennial)

Both Topeka High and Washburn Rural are coming off victories, with the Trojans opening Centennial League play wih a 13-12 home win over Emporia while the Junior Blues rolled to a 31-7 non-league road win at Blue Valley Northwest. Friday is Rural's Centennial League opener. Junior Blues senior quarterback John Hoytal threw for three touchdowns against Northwest while junior Jadyn Baum caught a touchdown pass and ran for a TD and senior Brody Haas picked off two passes, returning one for a TD. Topeka High's defense came up big in last week's win over Emporia, including stuffing the Spartans' two-point conversion attempt to preserve the Trojans' one-point lead.

Aiden Scott, Shawnee Heights [File photo/TSN]

DE SOTO (3-1, 3-1 UKC) at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (1-3, 1-2 UKC)

Both teams are coming off United Kansas Conference losses, with De Soto dropping a 42-38 nailbiter to undefeated Basehor-Linwood while Shawnee Heights fell 43-29 on the road at Leavenworth. Heights senior quarterback Aiden Scott has completed 95 of 153 passes for 1,330 yards and 12 touchdowns while senior AJ Gallegos has a team-high 28 catches for 391 yards and a pair of TDs and junior Dallas Owens has 27 receptions for 312 yards and two TDs. Senior David Wakes has 281 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 60 attemps. Senior Dayton Vanderpool leads Heights with 36 tackles, including 23 solo stops.

Jackson McGivern, Hayden [File photo/TSN] 

HAYDEN (4-0, 0-0 Class 3A District 4) at HIAWATHA (1-3, 0-1 Class 3A District 4)

Hayden is coming of a 42-7 home win over Wamego, with the Wildcats avenging one of their two defeats in the 2024 season, while Hiawatha opened Class 3A District 4 play with a 12-7 loss to Jefferson West. Hayden senior quarterback Connor Hanika hit Jackson McGivern, Xander Blasing and Kade Mitchell for touchdowns and Hanika also ran for a TD in the Wildcats' win. Junior Mason Becker returned a pass interception for a touchdown and also went 6 for 6 on extra-point kicks.

Quentin Moravec, Seaman [File photo/TSN]

SEAMAN (2-2, 2-1 UKC) at LANSING (2-2, 2-1 UKC)

Seaman won its second straight game last Friday, a 56-6 United Kansas Conference win over Kansas City-Turner, while Lansing took a 36-20 conference win over Topeka West. Seaman sophomore running back Quentin Moravec has carried the ball 70 times for 510 yards and nine touchdowns while junior quarterback Cale Ketter has completed 68 of 102 passes for 892 yards and 11 TDs. Junior Josh Brown has 20 pass receptions for 266 yards and six TDs. Senior Cameron Brian leads the Vikings with 54 tackles, including 28 solo stops and five tackles for loss.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

The Washburn Rural special teams were really special Friday night at Bowen-Glaze Stadium, powering the Junior Blues to a 35-6 Homecoming win over Centennial League and city rival Topeka High.

The Junior Blues, who improved to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in the league, were in front 14-0 before the Rural offense ever touched the ball as senior Elijah Gaines got the Junior Blues on the board when he returned a blocked punt 33 yards for a touchdown at the 6:09 mark of the opening quarter and then added a second TD with 45 seconds left in the quarter when he scooped up a blocked field goal attempt and rambled 74 yards to the end zone.

Washburn Rural blocked a first-quarter Topeka High field goal, resulting in an Elijah Gaines touchdown. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Washburn Rural senior Elijah Gaines returns a blocked field goal for a touchdown in Rural's 35-7 win over Topeka High. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

"We watched a lot of film on them and we felt like the line up front was a little soft, so we just wanted to rush through there and try to get blocks as soon as possible,'' said Gaines, who now has three defensive/special team TDs in his career.

"I feel like we take pride in all three levels -- offense, defense and special teams -- and we just want to be the best in eveything we do.'' 

The Junior Blue special teams struck again on the ensuing kickoff after Gaines' second TD when Rural recovered an onsides kick at the Trojan 48-yard-line.

Finally getting a chance to get on the field, the Junior Blues' offense drove the remaining 48 yards in eight plays, with a 20-yard pass play from senior quarterback John Hoytal to senior Nate Selm setting up a 13-yard touchdown run by junior Jadyn Baum that put Rural in command 21-0 with 9:50 left in the first half.

"The special teams were huge for the defense and for us,'' Hoytal said. "We didn't get the ball until 32 seconds left (in the first quarter) and we're up 14-0, so it was kind of a relief.

"It also kind of threw off our momentum, but I'm super happy, super glad for the guys.''

It took Topeka High (3-2, 1-1) just two plays to find the end zone on its ensuing possession, with Trojan senior quarterback Zane Smith hooking up with junior Courtney Sanders for a 76-yard TD strike with 8:41 left in the half (kick blocked).

Washburn Rural added to its 21-6 lead late in the half when Hoytal broke loose for a 53-yard QB keeper and hit junior Peyton Glaze for a 32-yard pass play to set up a 4-yard Baum touchdown that put Rural up 28-6 with with 38 seconds left before halftime. 

The Junior Blues and Trojans continued to move the ball in the second half, but the scoring pace slowed drastically, with Baum's third TD of the night on a 6-yard run with four seconds remaining in the third quarter the only score of the half.

Senior John Hoytal (10) rushed for 144 yards and passed for 131 yards in Washburn Rural's 35-7 win over Topeka High. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Junior Jadyn Baum rushed for 101 yards and three TDs in Washburn Rural's 35-7 win over Topeka High. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Hoytal finished the night with 144 rushing yards on just eight attempts while Baum added 101 yards on17 carries.

Hoytal also passed for 131 yards on a 12 of 17 night.

By TODD FERTIG

TopSports.news

Having led city rival Topeka West 1-0 for more than 60 minutes of game time, the Topeka High soccer team could have been devastated when it allowed the Chargers to tie the score with 9:18 remaining. But the Trojans didn’t wilt. They struck back.

Topeka High freshman Emyr Vargas scored the game's first goal in Thursday's 2-1 win over rival Topeka West. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Barely a minute after surrendering the lead, Trojan senior Neri Diaz-Mayorga raced downfield with a pass from fellow senior Santiago Ovalle and crossed up the Topeka West goalkeeper to reclaim the advantage.

Topeka High senior goalkeeper Billy Lutz (right) and Topeka West senior Morris Blick battle for the ball in Thursday's 2-1 Trojan win over the Chargers. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Topeka High then played keep away and blasted the ball deep into the Charger end to run out the clock and take a 2-1 win.

Diaz-Mayorga said it was important for the Trojans to respond right away to the Topeka West goal.

“I could see how the defense was looking crumbled,” Diaz-Mayorga said. “So, I just thought we, the attackers, had to step up. We started pressing hard, attacking.

“I saw (the Topeka West defender) coming at me … I took a big touch. I knew I was going to beat the other guy on pace. I saw the short post and I just tapped it by him. It feels amazing. I’m just glad to be a part of it.”

Topeka High coach Derek Snook said while the Charger’s game-tying goal was deflating, it wasn’t surprising. He was proud that his team didn’t surrender all the momentum.

“Those are the most intense, the two or three minutes after the other team, or you score a goal,” Snook said. “It could be a little bit of a letdown. But the mentality of these guys has been fantastic. This year, if we go down or maybe aren’t finishing the way we should, they just keep after it and keep after it.”

Snook said it was key that his team regain the lead quickly.

“If it goes any longer, I think they have the run of play at that point,” Snook said. “They were taking it to us, and we knew they would in the second half. West has a really good team. We were lucky to get out of here (with a win.)”

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Nothing came easy for Topeka West volleyball Wednesday night, but the Chargers showed resiliency and perseverance to go 2-0 and earn top honors in the USD 501 triangular at Topeka High.

After topping Highland Park 25-14, 25-14 in its first match of the night, Topeka West let a lead get away in a 26-24 first-set loss to Topeka High before rebounding to take a 25-14 second-set win over the Trojans and surviving a late High rally to hold on for a 25-20 match-clenching win in the third set.

Topeka West celebrates a point in Wednesday's USD 501 volleyball triangular at Topeka High. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

"I do think that my girls are battling and we're doing the things that we need to do,'' West coach Alyx Nash said. "We know what our game is and we know that we have to have a hitting game and they definitely clicked and they came together.

"I'm very proud of the girls and the way they pulled out those last two sets.''

Topeka West junior Sydney VanDyke returns a serve in Wednesday's USD 501 volleyball triangular at Topeka High. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

West junior Sydney Van Dyke was also proud of the way the Chargers performed in crunch time.

"I think there was more fire in us that we couldn't let another 501 beat us in our own city,'' VanDyke said. "And I think we just came together as a team and really had that leadership as a team.''

Topeka High junior Campbell Dawson (20) celebrates a kill with her teammates Wednesday night against Topeka West. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Now 12-13 on the season, West took a 17-12 first-set lead and led 20-16 and 22-20 before Topeka High rallied to go up 23-22 on a service ace from sophomore Itzel Woods and 24-22 on a kill from junior Campbell Dawson.

West scored two straight points to pull even at 24-24 on a kill from VanDyke but the Trojans answered with the set-winning points, closing out a 26-24 win on a kill from sophomore Sophia Brown.

The Chargers turned the tables on the Trojans in the second set, jumping out to an 18-9 advantage on a VanDyke kill and scored five of the final six points to close out the 11-point win.

Topeka West senior Bre Keeling (11) celebrates with her teammates after scoring the final point in Wednesday's win over USD 501 rival Topeka High. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

West also jumped out to a big lead in the third set, opening up a 22-11 cushion but the Trojans battled back to get within 22-18 and 24-20 before the Chargers closed out the win on a kill from senior Bre Keeling.

Keeling, who has been fighting through a knee injury, came up big at the net for the Chargers.

"She played really well,'' Nash said. "She's battling and her leadership is great. She's talking to the girls, she's communicating, and when we go down she's definitely one that the girls look at, and Sydney as well, that they look at and they help us stay in control of our game.''

By JUSTIN BURKHARDT

TopSports.news

Friday was Homecoming for Topeka High as the Trojans would play host to the red hot Emporia Spartans, who had outscored their previous two opponents, 102-6, in a battle of 2-1 football teams at Hummer Sports Park.

Sophomore Ricardo Dowd rushed for 83 yards and a TD in Topeka High's 13-12 win over Emporia. [File photo/TSN]

The Centennial League opener for both schools went down to the wire, with Topeka High hanging on for a 13-12 win. 

The game would get started with the Spartans receiving the ball and turning it over on downs before forcing a quick Trojan three and out.

That would give the Spartans the ball back and help get them on the board, with freshman quarterback Cael Claibourn finding sophomore Oliver Kline for a 2-yard touchdown pass (conversion failed).

The Trojans would get the ball back and go for a field goal to cut their deficit to three but the Spartans would find a way to block the field goal.

Topeka High would force a quick Spartan three and out and the Trojans would drive down the field on the legs of sophomore running back Ricardo Dowd, who would gain 45 of his team-high 83 yards on the drive and would punch it into the end zone with a 1-yard run.

Emporia blocked High's extra point to leave the game tied at 6-6 at halftime.

Topeka High coach Jason Filbeck on Dowd's performance: “Absolutely not shocked at all, he is the right kind of kid. He works hard, he gets good grades and he just does everything right and he has alot of talent. He can be really special down the road. He is only a sophomore and he is already toting the rock how you should.

"I mean, he runs through arm tackles and protects the football and he has done a good job. I am not surprised at all. We saw it last year before he got hurt , that he was going to be good.”

Trojan quarterback Zane Smith on Dowd: “He does his magic, but with the help of the team. He’s young, but he has great eyes, he has older eyes then what he is. He finds a hole and he hits it and then just makes guys miss, he is truly special.”

The Trojans would then strike again as Smith would find junior Courtney Sanders on a 11-yard pass to get into the end zone.

The biggest play of the night would come on a Spartan touchdown with four minutes to go to get within 13-12.

Emporia would go for the 2-point conversion to get the lead, but the Trojan defense would stuff the Spartans at the goal line and take the ball and the lead.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(Allkickoffs at 7 p.m.)

THURSDAY'S GAMES

Josiah Wilkie, Topeka West

LANSING (1-2, 1-1 UKC) vs. TOPEKA WEST (0-3, 0-3 UKC)

At Hummer Sports Park

Topeka West is coming off a 61-0 United Kansas Conference loss to Seaman while Lansing dropped a 40-15 non-league loss to Tonganoxie last week. Junior running back Damon Webb, senior wide receiver Gad Munganga and sophomore quarterback Josiah Wilkie are top players for Topeka West. Lansing junior quarterback Caden Garcia has completed 28 of 60 passes for 403 yards and 3 TDs while junior running back Jaxon Pollard has rushed for 362 yards and 8 TDs 59 attempts. 

Kellan Roth, Washburn Rural

WASHBURN RURAL (2-1) at BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST (2-1)

Both Washburn Rural and Blue Valley Northwest suffered their first losses of the season last week, with Rural dropping a 60-28 non-league decision to Missouri state champion Platte County and Blue Valley Northwest falling to St. James Academy, 21-7. Northwest junior quarterback Aidan Ihm has completed 46 of 70 passes for 604 yards and 7 touchdowns while senior running back LJ Bowens has carried the ball 40 times for 268 yards and 3 TDs. Senior quarterback John Hoytal and senior wide receiver Kellan Roth are both off to hot starts this fall for Washburn Rural.   

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Kade Mitchell, Hayden

WAMEGO (2-1) at HAYDEN (3-0)

Hayden will get the opportunity to avenge one of its two losses in the 2024 season Friday night against the visiting Red Raiders. Wamego is coming off a 34-8 win over Marysville last Friday while Hayden rolled to a 46-7 road win over Kansas-City Bishop Ward and has now outscored its three opponents by a 123-13 margin. Wamego junior quarterback Logan Fulton has completed 32 of 53 passes for 562 yards and 4 TDs. Seniors Connor Hanika and Kade Mitchell and junior Mason Becker have been key offensive threats for the Wildcats.

Ricardo Dowd, Topeka High

EMPORIA (2-1, 0-0 Centennial) vs. TOPEKA HIGH (2-1, 0-0 Centennial)

At Hummer Sports Park

Both Emporia and Topeka High will be opening Centennial League play Friday night. The Spartans have won their last two games by a 102-6 margin, including a 50-0 non-league romp past Coffeyville last week. The Trojans were shut out 6-0 by Wichita Southeast last Thursday. Topeka High will be looking for a big night from senior quarterback Zane Smith,  while sophomore running back Ricardo Dowd has also been an offensive threat for the Trojans. 

Cale Ketter, Seaman

KANSAS CITY-TURNER (0-3, 0-3 UKC) at SEAMAN (1-2, 1-1 UKC)

Seaman rolled to a 61-0 United Kansas Conference win over Topeka West last Friday while Turner dropped a 56-0 conference decision to Leavenworth. Seaman junior quarterback Cale Ketter has completed 53 of 81 pass attempts for 628 yards and 7 touchdowns, including five against West. Junior running back Quentin Moravec has carried the ball 58 times for 426 yards and 6 TDs while junior Josh Brown has 16 pass receptions for 207 yards and 4 TDs.

 Aiden Scott, Shawnee Heights

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (1-2, 1-1 UKC) at LEAVENWORTH (2-1, 2-1)

Shawnee Heights dropped a 35-22 United Kansas Conference decision to Basehor-Linwood last Friday while Leavenworth rolled to a 56-0 UKC win over KC-Turner. T-Bird senior quarterback Aiden Scott has completed 69 of 116 passes for 921 yards and 9 touchdowns. Senior David Wakes has 217 rushing yards and 3 TDs on 56 attempts while senior AJ Gallegos has caught 19 passes for 234 yards and senior Tyren Parker has 10 catches for 245 yards and 2 touchdows. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Seaman's girls tennis team had put itself in position to win the city championship the previous two seasons, only to fall just short.

Seaman's girls tennis team poses for a picture after winning the city championship Thursday at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

And Jamie Robinson's Vikings had to sweat another down-to-the-wire finish again on Thursday at Kossover Tennis Center, but this time Seaman got the job done, earning its first city title since 2015 by a 32-28 margin over Washburn Rural.

"We're happy,'' Robinson said. "This is what our goal was at the beginning of the year, to win city. It kind of got to the point where we didn't want to talk about it. We didn't want to jinx ourselves because we were so pumped up to win city this year. 

"We'd been snakebit in the past and were so close, so it meant a lot to the girls. Look at them, they're excited.''

Seaman junior Emma Sweeney won the city No. 1 singles title Thursday, posting three 8-0 wins on the day. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Seaman senior Molly Gorman won the city No. 2 singles title Thursday for the city champion Vikings. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Viking junior Emma Sweeney rolled to the No. 1 singles title without dropping a game in her three matches on the day, including an 8-0 win over Topeka High's Madeline Deters in the finals, while senior Molly Gorman won her second straght No. 2 singles championship, outlasting Hayden freshman Lena Hull in the title match, 8-7 (7-2 in a tiebreaker).

Seaman also got runnerup doubles finishes from Peyton Henry and Camryn Lux in No. 1 doubles and from Kaylyn Hiebsch and Cadence Speer in the No. 2 bracket.

Sweeney agreed with her coach that the city title meant a lot to the Vikings.

"We talk about it every year,'' Sweeney said. "We're always so close and our coach really wanted it because he'd never won city since he's been coaching. We always talk about it and we were ready.

"It means so much and we're all so excited.''

Washburn Rural put itself in the city title picture with a sweep of the doubles championships.

Washburn Rural's Julia Katzer teamed with Halle Owen to win the city No. 1 doubles title Thursday at Kossover Tennis Center. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Washburn Rural's Halle Owen (left) teamed with Julia Katzer to win the No. 1 doubles city title Thursday. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Julia Katzer teamed with Halle Owen to take an 8-3 win over Seaman's Henry and Lux in the No. 1 final while Alizah Chedzoy and Annie Henderson took an 8-3 win over Seaman's Hiebsch and Speer in the No. 2 title match.

Hayden, the 2024 city champion, finished third as a team with 23 points, one point ahead of fourth-place Topeka High, as the Wildcats posted top-four finishes in all four divisions.

CITY GIRLS TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP

By TODD FERTIG

TopSports.news

A 1-1 Centennial League soccer tie with Junction City was a disappointment to the Topeka High Trojans Tuesday night at Hummer Sports Park.

Senior Noah Storrer (6) scored Topeka High's lone goal in Tuesday's 1-1 Centennial League tie with Junction City. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Topeka High jumped on top at the 25:30 mark of the first period when Trojan senior Noah Storrer received a centering pass from Neri Diaz-Mayorga and crossed up the goalkeeper with a shot that ricocheted off the left post and in.

Senior Neri Diaz-Mayorga (29) had the assist on Topeka High's lone goal in Tuesday's 1-1 Centennial League tie with Junction City. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Topeka High clung to the 1-0 advantage for more than 55 minutes of game action. But the Trojans let the lead slip away with just 10:00 remaining in regulation. Junction City’s Biel Fenor received a long cross in front of the Trojan goal and blasted a shot that was deflected off a Topeka High defender into the net.

“An own-goal took the win away from us, and that hurt,” said Topeka High coach Derek Snook. “We were just trying to clear it, and it didn’t happen.”

With the lead snatched away, Topeka High battled the Blue Jays through two scoreless extra periods. Adding to the bad taste in the Trojans’ mouths was a penalty kick in the first extra period that slammed off the crossbar.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

THURSDAY'S GAME

(Kickoff at 7 p.m.)

Zane Smith, Topeka High

WICHITA SOUTHEAST (1-1) at TOPEKA HIGH (2-0)

Topeka High will be playing its second Thursday night game in the first three weeks of the season and will be looking to start the season 3-0 after beginnning the 2024 season 4-0. The Trojans are coming off a 28-20 come-from-behind road win over Wichita Heights while Wichita Southeast lost 33-6 to Bishop Carroll last week. Senior quarterback Zane Smith is off to a hot start this fall for Topeka High while sophomore running back Ricardo Dowd is in the midst of a breakout season.

FRIDAY'S GAMES

(Highland Park-KC Schlagle kickoff at 4 p.m.)

(All other kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

G'Honi Montgomery, Highland Park

KC-SCHLAGLE (1-1, 1-0) vs. HIGHLAND PARK (2-0, 2-0 Meadowlark)

At Hummer Sports Park

The undefeated Scots will play the first game of a city doubleheader at Hummer Sports Park, kicking off at 4 p.m. Highland Park has yet to be tested thus far, rolling to Meadowlark Conference wins over Kansas City-Wyandotte and last week's 44-16 victory over KC-Sumner. Schlagle is coming off a 44-0 win over Wyandotte last week. Scot junior JoJo Kingcannon has rushed for 247 yards on just nine carries while junior G'Honi Montgomery has rushed for 187 yards on 26 carries. Montgomery scored three touchdowns last week, including a pair of kickoff returns for TDs.

SEAMAN (0-2, 0-1) vs. TOPEKA WEST (0-2, 0-2)

At Hummer Sports Park

Seaman and Topeka West will play the second game of Friday's twinbill at Hummer Sports Park, with the Vikings and Chargers both looking for their first victories in the United Kansas Conference contest. Seaman is coming off a 41-21 non-league loss to Shawnee Mission East while Topeka West dropped a 76-35 UKC decision to Shawneee Heights. Seaman junior quarterback Cale Ketter has completed 41 of 66 passes for 348 yards and two TDs while sophomore Quentin Moravec has carried the ball 40 times for 227 yards and four scores. West sophomore quarterback Josiah Wilkie completed 19 of 46 passes for 323 yards and three TDs against Shawnee Heights. Jayden Lindsay accounted for 155 yards receiving while Gad Munganga added 125 yards receiving.

Kellan Roth, Washburn Rural

PLATTE COUNTY, MO. (3-0) at WASHBURN RURAL (2-0)

Washburn Rural is coming off a thrilling 31-30 come-from-behind non-league win over Blue Valley last Friday while Platte County rolled to a 46-7 win over Fort Osage, Mo. The Pirates went 14-0 and captured a Missouri state title in 2024 and have outscored their first three opponents by a 156-37 margin this season. Rural quarterback John Hoytal threw for four TDs last week, including three to senior Kellan Roth. Junior Ryan Austin kicked a 31-yard field goal and the game-winning extra point against Blue Valley. 

Canann Mitchell, Rossville

NEMAHA CENTRAL (2-0, 1-0) at ROSSVILLE (2-0, 2-0)

Rossville pulled out its second straight nail-biting Big East League win last Friday, edging St. Marys, 40-34, while Nemaha Central topped Big East League foe Silver Lake, 42-7. Rossville senior quarterback Canann Mitchell has completed 26 of 45 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns and carried the ball 33 times for 219 yards and three TDs. Senior Cameron Miller has caught 11 passes for 152 yards and two TDs.

By TODD FERTIG

TopSports.news

Topeka High football had ample opportunities to stretch its undefeated streak to three games Thursday night, but just couldn’t muster the offense needed to take advantage of an inspired defensive effort.

The Trojans fell to Wichita Southeast at Hummer Sports Park by a score of 6-0.

With their backs against the wall numerous times, the Trojan defense managed to shut out the visiting Golden Buffaloes. Twice Topeka High forced the visitors to fumble on the Trojans’ 3-yard line.

Topeka High's defense came up with several big plays, but it wasn't enough as the Trojans dropped a 6-0 decision to Wichita Southeast. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

The Trojans’ failure to capitalize left Topeka High coach Jason Filbeck at a loss.

“No part of it was how I wanted it, other than our defense was really good all night,” Filbeck said. “They did a great job. Took the ball away multiple times, got stops, even in bad field position. Down to the wire, our defense kept giving us chances, and we just did not execute on offense.”

Topeka High's defense did not allow a point Thursday, with Wichita Southeast's lone TD coming on an interception return as the Trojans dropped a 6-0 decision. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Topeka High entered the Thursday night tilt averaging 34 points per game. But the Trojans amassed just 127 yards from scrimmage against the Golden Buffaloes. The Trojans turned the ball over just once, but it was a backbreaker.

Eager to continue a drive that started on the Topeka High 3-yard line early in the fourth period, the Trojans faced third and 10 from their own 33. Quarterback Zane Smith looked for a receiver over the middle, but his pass was intercepted by Wichita Southeast’s William O’Bar, who veered to the right sideline and picked his way through the Trojans for a 40-yard touchdown return.

It was the only scoring play of the night. The Trojan defense stuffed the Golden Buffaloes on the two-point conversion, keeping the hope of a victory alive. But Topeka High’s next two drive deep into the opponents’ territory came up empty.

“(Wichita Southeast) brought some pressure and we had trouble running it early, which makes it hard,” Filbeck said. “But then, you know, we’ve got to catch balls. We have open guys and we’re just not connecting either the throw or the catch. You get to where you’re just running out of ideas because nothing seems to click. Nothing’s connecting, and that wound up being the story of the night.”

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Topeka High tennis came up short in its three Topeka High Invitational championship matches Wednesday at Kossover Tennis Center en route to a third-place team finish.

Topeka High senior Madeline Deters finished second in No. 1 singles in Wednesday's Topeka High Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Hailey Caryl (left) celebrates Topeka High's No. 1 doubles semifinal victory with teammate Ava Ritter in Wednesday's Topeka High Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

And although Trojan coach Duane Pomeroy would have loved for his team to claim a title or two or three, he had zero complaints about High's performance.

"I was really happy with how we worked today,'' Pomeroy said. "All of them did a great job.''

Topeka High's Madeline Deters dropped an 8-5 decision to Emporia's Kali Keough in the No. 1 singles final, while High's Hailey Caryl and Ava Ritter also dropped a close match in the No. 1 doubles final, with Emporia's Peyton Chanlee and Kinsley Hines prevailing, 8-6.

Topeka High's No. 2 doubles team of Astra Fizell (left) and Sasha Gotru finished second in Wednesday's Topeka High Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

The Trojans' No. 2 doubles team of Sasha Gotru and Astra Fizell also advanced to the championship match, falling 8-2 to Emporia's Alexa Tovar and Chelsea Mendez.

"It's amazing that we've got Sasha, that had never played tennis before the first day of practice,'' Pomeroy said.

Caryl and Ritter rallied from a 7-2 deficit to win their semifinal match over Junction City in a tiebreaker.

"My one doubles, the way they came back was the best they've ever played, that five-game stretch plus the tiebreaker, each game they just got more and more confident,'' Pomeroy said. 

Deters showed her mettle in the singles final, rallying from 4-1 and 7-3 deficits to challenge Keough late.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Topeka West's boys soccer team went 3-0 on the week to claim the championship in the Salina South Invitational.

The Chargers, now 4-0, finished off their title run with a 3-2 win over tournament host Salina South in Saturday's championship game.

Diego Gonzalez-Talavera was named the tournament Most Valuable Player after helping lead Topeka West to the championship in the Salina Invitational. [File photo/TSN]

West got goals from JP Ayella, Valentin Del Real and Morris Blick against Salina South, while Ayella, Makaly Martinez and Giancarlo Valenzuela were credited with assists.

The Chargers scored all three of their goals in the opening half and West held on for the win despite two second-half goals by the Cougars. 

West reached the final with an 8-0 first-round win over Salina Central on Tuesday and a 1-0 win over Hays in Thursday's semifinal. 

Diego Gonzalez-Talavera scored four goals with one assist against Central while Blick had a brace with two goals. Camilo Garcia and D'Ante Smith-Dilone both had a goal and an assist for the Chargers while additional assists were provided by Ayella and Del Real.

Gage Kindred-Noragon was in goal behind Valenzuela Kameron Ortiz, Navi Lopez, Martinez and Neko Juarez for the shutout.

Ortiz scored the game-winning goal against Hays on a corner kick from Del Real. Kindred-Noragon was in goal for a team effort in another shutout.

Gonzalez-Talavera was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament while Del Real and Valenzuela were named to the all-tournament team.

Eckert, Vikings claim titles in Seaman Invitational 

Elise Eckert carded a 74 to win the individual championship by five strokes in Thursday's Seaman Invitational girls golf tournament at Village Greens, leading the Vikings to the team championship by 22 strokes.

Elise Eckert, Seaman   

Eckert was a three-time Class 5A state medalist for Emporia before moving to Topeka for her senior year.

The Vikings won the team title with a four-person score of 328 as Makenna Stuke finished fourth with an 84 and Chloe Schmidtlein and Kaitlynn Frye both shot 85s to tie for fifth place.

Hayden senior Izzy Glotzbach finished second with a 79 while Wildcat senior Lauren Borjon was third with an 81 as Hayden finished third as a team.

Washburn Rural finished second in the team standings, with Lauren Cox tying for fifth individually with an 85 while Kailyn Petersen placed eighth (86), Briley Miles ninth (89) and Peyton Merrick 10th (90).

Hayden's volleyball team poses for a team picture after winning Saturday's Baldwin tournament and improving to 12-0 on the season. [Hayden volleyball]

Hayden volleyball rolls to Baldwin Invitational championship

Top-ranked (Classs 4A) Hayden is 12-0 on the season after capturing the championship in Saturday's Baldwin Invitational. 

Hayden finished third in 4A last season.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Senior quarterback John Hoytal threw for four touchdowns, including three to senior Kellan Roth, capped by the game-tying strike with 7:15 left, as Washburn Rural pulled out a 31-30 non-league win over Blue Valley Friday night at Bowen-Glaze Stadium.

Washburn Rural senior quarterback John Hoytal threw for four touchdowns Friday night as the Junior Blues edged Blue Valley, 31-30. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Senior Kellan Roth caught three touchdown passes in Washburn Rural's 31-30 win over Blue Valley Friday night. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN] 

Hoytal connected with Roth for 13 and 9-yard TD strikes before hooking up for the 9-yard score that tied the game at 30-30. Junior Ryan Austin broke the tie with the extra-point kick and the Junior Blues held on the rest of the way to improve to 2-0.

Hoytal also hit junior Gavin Vantuyl for a 15-yard touchdown while Austin kicked a 31-yard field goal in the first half.

Roth's first touchdown of the night put the Junior Blues up 7-0 and Austin's field goal broke a 7-7 tie.

Vantuyl's score at the 1:04 mark of the second quarter put Rural in front 16-14 at the half and Hoytal's 9-yard TD pass to Roth and a subsequent 2-point conversion gave the Junior Blues a 24-22 advantage midway through the third quarter.

Blue Valley regained the lead at 30-24 before the Junior Blues came through with the game-winning points.

Washburn Rural will host Platte County, Mo. next Friday.

Rossville senior quarterback Canann Mitchell ran for two touchdowns and threw for two TDs in Friday's 40-34 win over St. Marys. [File photo/TSN]

Rossville senior Andre Johnson (1) scored the game-winning touchdown in the Bulldawgs' 40-34 win over St. Marys Friday night. [File photo/TSN]

Bulldawgs rally for 40-34 win over Bears

Rossville trailed much of the night and the game was tied with a minute left before senior Andre Johnson scored on a 4-yard run with 55 seconds remaining as the Bulldawgs pulled out a 40-34 Big East road win.

Rossville, now 2-0 overall and in the league, trailed 8-0, 16-6, 22-13 at the half and 28-20 after three quarters before pulling out the win with a 20-point fourth quarter.

Bulldawg senior quarterback Canann Mitchell ran for 56 and 3-yard runs and threw for an 11-yard TD to senior Jack Donovan and a 10-yard TD to senior Cameron Miller.

Johnson had a pair of touchdowns on the night, also scoring on a 3-yard run.

Rossville will be at home next Friday to host 2-0 Nemaha Central.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

FRIDAY'S GAMES

(All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

Shawnee Heights senior quarterback Aiden Scott threw for 428 yards and four touchdowns in last Friday's 51-41 loss to Washburn Rural. [File photo/TSN]

Topeka West junior Damon Webb is one of the area's top running backs. [File photo/TSN]

TOPEKA WEST (0-1, 0-1 UKC) at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (0-1, 0-0 UKC)

Topeka West opened its season with a home 47-12 United Kansas Conference loss to De Soto while Shawnee Heights dropped a 51-41 home non-league decision to city rival Washburn Rural. Heights senior quarterback Aiden Scott completed 30 of 52 passes for 428 yards and four touchdowns against Rural while senior David Wakes carried the ball 21 times for 67 yards, senior Tyren Parker caught seven passes for 172 yards and two TDs and senior AJ Gallegos caught 10 passes for 113 yards. Top players for Topeka West include senior lineman Logan Hunninghake, senior wide receiver Gad Munganga and junior running back Damon Webb.

Junior running back G'Honi Montgomery rushed for 113 yards in Highland Park's 32-6 win at KC-Wyandotte last Friday. [File photo/TSN]

KC-SUMNER (0-1, 0-1 Meadowlark) vs. HIGHLAND PARK (1-0, 1-0 Meadowlark)

At Hummer Sports Park 

Highland Park opened its quest for a fourth straight winning season with a 32-6 Meadowlark Conference road win at Kansas City-Wyandotte while KC-Sumner is coming off a 62-20 Meadowlark loss to KC-Washington. Highland Park junior running back G'Honi Montgomery rushed for 113 yards on 12 carries while junior JoJo Kingcannon had 103 yards on just four attempts and senior quarterback Dontrail Fox threw for a TD. Defensively junior Rayshon Pollard had seven tackles with two sacks.

OSAGE CITY (1-0, 0-0 Flint Hills) vs. CAIR PARAVEL LATIN (1-0, 1-0 Flint Hills)

At Yager Stadium, Washburn University

Cair Paravel rolled to a 60-14 Flint Hills League win over West Franklin in its 2025 opener at Washburn's Yager Stadium while Osage City opened with a 41-13 non-league win over Olpe. The Lions opened up a 20-0 first-quarter lead, led 26-8 at halftime and 52-8 at the start of the fourth quarter. Cair Paravel is one win away from equaling its win total in a 2-7 season last fall in its first season in the 11-man ranks.

SM EAST (1-0) at SEAMAN (0-1)

Seaman dropped a 33-22 United Kansas Conference home decision to Piper in its 2025 season-opener and will go outside league play to host Class 6A Shawnee Mission East Friday night. The Lancers are 1-0 after a 31-28 win over Olathe Northwest. Seaman junior quarterback Cale Ketter completed 30 of 42 passes for 192 yards against Piper while sophomore Quentin Moravec rushed for 112 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries and junior Josh Brown caught 10 passes for 74 yards.

Junior Jadyn Baum (26) rushed for 84 yards and scored two touchdowns in Washburn Rural's 51-41 season-opening win over Shawnee Heights. [File photo/TSN]

BLUE VALLEY (1-0) at WASHBURN RURAL (1-0) 

Washburn Rural outlasted city rival Shawnee Heights 51-41 at Heights last week while Blue Valley opened with a 28-21 win over Blue Valley Southwest. Rural senior quarterback John Hoytal completed 11 of 20 passes for 201 yards and a pair of touchdowns while senior TJ Minikwu was 28 for 77 yards rushing and junior Jadyn Baum picked up a game-high 84 yards on 12 attempts. Minikwu and Baum scored two TDs apiece, while senior Nate Selm also had two TDs, including a 47-yard return of an onsides kick attempt.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Topeka High soccer looks forward to every game it plays, but the Trojans get a little extra pep in their step when they get the opportunity to face a USD 501 rival, particularly now that the three 501 schools are in three separate leagues.

Topeka High senior Bruno Nunez (right), who had a goal and an assist, advances the ball in Monday's 8-0 win over Highland Park while Scot sophomore Ronaldo Mijares defends. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Topeka High got that chance to square off with a district rival on Monday at Hummer Sports Park and took full advantage, rolling to an 8-0 win over Highland Park in a game that was ended by the eight-goal spread rule with eight and a half minutes remaining.

"We just started playing Highland Park again and it's nice because these guys all know one another,'' said Topeka High coach Derek Snook, whose Trojans improved to 3-1. "They hang out in neighborhoods together and they might be neighbors as far as I know, but playing against a city team and playing well, that always helps.

"It helps with the confidence and I think it helps with community camaraderie as well because no matter how fierce it is on the field, it's still family at times.''

Topeka High got the only goal it would need at the 30:41 mark of the opening half on a shot by senior Noah Storrer and added first-half goals from junior John Martinez, freshman Emyr Vargas on a penalty kick and senior Neri Diaz-Mayorga to take a commanding 4-0 advantage at the break.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

THURSDAY'S GAME

Jason Filbeck begins his second season at Topeka High Thursday night after leading the Trojans to a 4-5 mark last fall. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

WICHITA WEST vs. TOPEKA HIGH

At Hummer Sports Park

Jason Filbeck begins his second season as Topeka High's head coach after leading the Trojans to a 4-5 record last fall, including four straight wins to open the season. High returns a solid group of returners to build around this season , returning four starters on offense and eight on defense. Senior defensive back Malachi Murph has received All-Centennial League first-team recognition the past two seasons and was an All-Shawnee County Second 22 honoree last fall while quarterback Zane Smith, linebacker Rock Williamson and defensive lineman Trey Lutz received All-Centennial League and All-Shawnee County honorable mention in 2024. Wichita West posted a 2-7 record in 2024, including a 52-19 season-opening loss to Topeka High. The Trojans will be looking to snap a five-game losing streak Thursday night. Two of Topeka High's first three games are Thursday night contests, with the Trojans hosting Wichita Southeast on Sept. 18.

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Silver Lake senior Dayne Johnson (11) is a returning All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick. [File photo/TSN]

Rossville senior Conner Bush helped the Bulldawgs advance to the Class 1A semifinals last season. [File photo/TSN]

SILVER LAKE at ROSSVILLE

For the second straight season the Bulldawgs and Eagles will open the 2025 season with one of the state's most storied rivalries. Rossville is coming off an 8-4 record a year ago and advanced to the Class 1A state semifinals while Silver Lake went 7-3. The Eagles took a 33-26 overtime win over the Bulldawgs in last year's opener. Rossville returns TopSports.news All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick Conner Bush (senior running back/defensive back) and All-Shawnee County Second 22 honorees Jack Donovan (senior wide receiver/defensive back) and Andre Johnson (senior running back/linebacker) to build around. Silver Lake senior wide receiver/safety Dayne Johnson received TopSports.news All-Shawnee County Top 22 honors a year ago after catching 51 passes for 835 yards and nine touchdowns and picking off six passes on defense. Junior lineman Myles Fisher and sophomore lineman Kendrick Vande Velde received all-county honorable mention last season while senior safety Grady Bergmann received All-Big East honorable mention.

 Washburn Rural senior running back TJ Minikwu earned All-Centennial League recognition last fall. [File photo/TSN]

Shawnee Heights senior quarterback Aiden Scott passed for more than 3,000 yards last fall. [File photo/TSN]

WASHBURN RURAL at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS

City rivals Washburn Rural and Shawnee Heights will both be looking to bounce back this fall after tough 2024 campaigns. Rural went 3-6 a year ago, including a 42-21 win over Shawnee Heights, while Heights went 2-7. Washburn Rural senior running back TJ Minikwu received first-team All-Centennial League recognition last season while senior quarterback John Hoytal, senior wide receiver Kellan Roth, senior defensive lineman Ayden Crosswhite and senior linebacker Jordy Heim were second-team all-league picks. Senior offensive lineman Jayden Cooper, junior running back Jadyn Baum, junior linebacker Brody Haas and senior linebacker Elijah Gaines received all-league honorable mention and Minikwu, Cooper, Baum, Hoytal, Roth, Crosswhite, Heim, Haas, Gaines, senior Sammy Brumley and senior Dylan Tajchman all received All-Shawnee County honorable mention. Leading the T-Bird returning cast are senior quarterback Aiden Scott and senior wide receiver/defensive back Tyren Parker, who both were TopSports.news All-Shawnee County Top 22 picks a year ago. Scott, who was named the county offensive newcomer of the year last fall, completed 190 of 317 passes for 3,102 yards and 32 touchdowns while Parker caught 50 passes for 946 yards with 11 touchdowns and was in on 48 tackles with a pair of interceptions. Scott has committed to Washburn and Parker to Kansas. 

Senior linebacker Jude Krentz led Hayden with 132 tackles last fall, earning All-Shawnee County Top 22 honors. [File photo/TSN]

EUDORA at HAYDEN  

Hayden went 11-2 and finished second in Class 3A for the second straight season last fall while Eudora is coming off a 4-5 season, including a 35-7 season-opening loss to the Wildcats. Headlining the list of Hayden returners are senior running back/defensive back Kade Mitchell and senior fullback/linebacker Jude Krentz, who were both TopSports.news All-Shawnee County Top 22 honors last season. Mitchell rushed for 808 yards on 104 carries last fall and scored 26 total touchdowns while Krentz led the Wildcats with 132 tackles (75 solo). Other top senior returners include quarterback Connor Hanika, center/defensive lineman Julian McGivern, running back/linebacker Jackson McGivern, tight end/linebacker Xander Blasing, offensive tackle Jackson Haas, offensive guard Andrew Rohr and linebacker Logan Saenz. 

Topeka West junior Damon Webb is one of the area's top returning running backs. [File photo/TSN]

DE SOTO at TOPEKA WEST

At Hummer Sports Park

Trey Parker begins his third full season as head coach at Topeka West after taking over on an interim basis in 2022. The Chargers will be looking to take a step forward this fall after three straight 1-8 seasons. Topeka West faces a tough task Friday night, with De Soto coming off a 7-2 season last fall. De Soto took a 56-6 season-opening win over West last season. Top returners for Topeka West include senior lineman Logan Hunninghake, senior wide receiver Gad Munganga, junior lineman Dorian Rhoten Jr. and junior running back Damon Webb Jr. Webb carried the ball 17 times for 192 yards and three touchdowns in last fall's 32-20 United Kansas Conference win over Kansas City-Turner. The Chargers also return sophomore quarterback Josiah Wilke, who took over as West's starter the second half of the 2024 season.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Coming off a three-goal loss, Topeka High soccer delivered a strong bounce-back peformance Thursday at Hayden, scoring three goals in the final 16:10 to take a 4-1 Centennial League victory.

Topeka High junior John Martinez (8) scored two goals in the Trojans' 4-1 soccer win over Hayden. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

"It's a bounce back as far as the win goes,'' said Trojan coach Derek Snook, whose team was coming off a 4-1 loss to Lawrence. "Obviously playing on grass instead of turf it slows things down, so we got out of sorts a little bit, but with the way we played coming through and to keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting, we had our opportunities and it's looking good.

"The boys are starting to talk about what they see, so that's a good thing.'' 

Junior John Martinez scored a pair of goals for the 2-1 Trojans, who also got goals from seniors Noah Storrer and Eric McKinley. 

Senior Aiden Roberts (4) scored Hayden's lone goal in Thursday's 4-1 soccer loss to Topeka High. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Martinez scored the lone goal of the first half at the 11:16 mark but Hayden (0-2) needed just 1:01 into the second half to knot the score at 1-1 on a goal from senior Aiden Roberts.

Topeka High junior John Martinez (8) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring his second goal in the Trojans' 4-1 soccer win over Hayden. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

The score remained deadlocked for nearly 23 minutes before Martinez scored what proved to be the game-winning goal for the Trojans.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Editor's note: TopSports.news has finished its tour of preseason football practices at all 10 Shawnee County high schools and will post preview stories over the coming days leading into the opening games of the 2025 season on Sept. 4 and 5.

                                                                    -----------------------------------------

Coming off back-to-back 1-8 seasons, Topeka High football took a big step forward in Jason Filbeck's first year at the school last fall, posting a three-win improvement in a 4-5 campaign.

Jason Filbeck led Topeka High football to a three-win improvement last season in his first year at the school. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

But five straight season-ending losses, including four defeats to Centennial League schools, proved to Filbeck that the Trojans still have work to do.

"The level of competition in our league is high, so  a 4-0 start is cool and it's great and everything, but having to play the Washburn Rurals and Manhattans and Junction Citys in our league, we've got work to do,'' Filbeck said. "They're good teams and we're going to have to earn it if we want to play with them.''

Filbeck said that the Trojans' improvement has to come not only during the season but over the offseason as well.

"It's a big culture shift here and we're trying to get it to where it's an expectation that you're involved in the summer and in the stuff that is, quote, optional,'' he said. "We made strides in the right direction, but it's still not where we want it to be for sure.''

Topeka High returns a solid group of returners to build around this fall, returning four starters on offense and eight on defense.

That group includes quarterback Zane Smith, offensive linemen Jeremiah Lopez and Isaac Romero-Chavez and wide receiver Courtney Sanders on offense and defensive linemen Trey Lutz, Connor McKee and Adam Humphrey, linebackers Aidan Flannagan and Rock Williamson and defensive backs Malachi Murph, Jones Erby and Ant Jones on defense.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

After putting together a legendary four-year high school career for Topeka High, Ky Thomas' college career took him to Minnesota, Kansas and, most recently, Kent State, with Thomas enjoying varying degrees of success at all three Division I schools.

Topeka High legendary tailback Ky Thomas is set for his final collegiate football season at Washburn. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]

But now the 5-foot-11, 205-pound tailback is back in the city where it all started, playing for the hometown Washburn Ichabods, and he couldn't be happier.

"I'm definitely excited to get going, especially now that we're putting on the pads,'' Thomas said following Thurday's Washburn practice in Yager Stadium. "Everybody's excited.''

A 2020 Topeka High graduate, Thomas finished his prep football career for the Trojans in 2019 as the city's all-time rushing leader and the No. 2 rusher in state history with 7,703 yards, including 3,009 yards as a senior, when he was named the Gatorade Player of the Year.

Thomas began his college career at Minnesota, where as a redshirt freshman he led the Gophers with 824 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 166 carries and capped his Minnesota career with 144 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, earning offensive most valuable player honors in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix.

Thomas then transferred to Kansas for the 2022 season, rushing for 162 yards and two touchdowns on 53 carries while catching five passes for 39 receiving yards and a TD. Thomas scored two touchdowns, on a 29-yard pass reception and a 2-yard run, in Kansas’ 55-53 triple-overtime loss to Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl.

After re-entering the transfer portal, Thomas spent the past two seasons at Kent State. Thomas had to sit out the 2023 season due to a now-abolished NCAA transfer rule before leading the Golden Flashes in rushing last fall by more than 400 yards with 549 yards and a TD on 135 carries (4.1 average).

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Jadyn Baum, Washburn Rural

JADYN BAUM, Washburn Rural

A junior running back, Baum received All-Centennial League and TopSports.news All-Shawnee County honorable mention last fall and has the potential to be one of the top backs in the county this season. Baum was also a first-team all-county pick in wrestling last season, posting a third-place finish in the Class 6A state tournament at 190 pounds.

GRADY BERGMANN, Silver Lake

A senior, Bergmann will serve as a team captain for the Eagles this season and could be a starter on both sides of the ball for Silver Lake, which is coming off a 7-3 campaign. Bergmann received All-Big East honorable mention as a defensive back in 2024.

Xander Blasing, Hayden

XANDER BLASING, Hayden

A 6-foot-2, 225-pound senior tight end/linebacker, Blasing received All-Shawnee County Second 22 recognition last season as Hayden posted an 11-2 record and advanced to the Class 3A state championship game for the second straight season. Blasing was in on 67 tackles (39 solo) with nine tackles for loss, two interceptions, a fumble recovery and a touchdown. 

TOBIAS BONURA, Cair Paravel Latin

Bonura will be looking to provide senior leadership for a Cair Paravel Latin team which is coming off a 2-7 2024 season in the Lions' first season in 11-man football (Class 1A). Bonura received All-Flint Hills second-team recognition at running back last fall and also received All-Shawnee County honorable mention.

Cameron Brian, Seaman

CAMERON BRIAN, Seaman

Brian, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound senior linebacker, was named to the All-Shawnee County Top 22 last season and named the county defensive newcomer of the year. Brian was also a first-team All-United Kansas Conference selection after registering 112 tackles with 10 tackles for loss for the 8-3 Vikings.

BROGEN BROWN, Seaman

A 6-1, 240 senior, Brown is a returning starter at offensive guard for Seaman, earning All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season after helping the Vikings go 8-3 and capture the United Kansas Conference title in 2024.

Conner Bush, Rossville

CONNER BUSH, Rossville

A 5-foot-11, 176-pound senior running back/defensive back, Bush received All-Shawnee County Top 22 recognition last fall after helping power the Bulldawgs to an 8-4 record and the Class 1A semifinals. Bush rushed for 690 yards and 10 touchdowns last season and also was in on 120 tackles with nine tackles for loss. Bush received All-Big East honorable mention.

JACK DONOVAN, Rossville

A senior wide receiver/defensive back, Donovan earned second-team All-Shawnee County recognition last season and earned All-Big East honorable mention after helping the Bulldawgs post an 8-4 record and reach the Class 1A semifinals. Donovan is also a standout for the Bulldawgs in both golf and basketball, earning first-team All-Shawnee County recognition in both sports.

MYLES FISHER, Silver Lake

Fisher, a junior, received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season after helping Silver Lake post a 7-3 record in the Eagles' first season in the Big East League.

AJ GALLEGOS, Shawnee Heights

A 5-9, 150 senior wide receiver, Gallegos received All-Shawnee County Second 22 and All-United Kansas Conference second-team recognition last fall for the 2-7 T-Birds. Gallegos caught 51 passes for 842 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior.

Connor Hanika, Hayden

CONNOR HANIKA, Hayden

Hanika, a 6-5, 190 senior, is in line to take over as the Wildcats' starting quarterback this fall after backing up Jett Wahlmeier last season. Hanika helped lead Hayden to the Class 3A state final as a sophomore after an injury to Wahlmeier and Hanika, who received all-county honorable mention, caught 24 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns last season as Hayden went 11-2 and returned to the title game.

Jordy Heim, Washburn Rural

JORDY HEIM, Washburn Rural

A senior linebacker, Heim earned second-team All-Centennial League recognition for the 3-6 Junior Blues last season and received All-Shawnee County honorable mention. 

John Hoytal, Washburn Rural

JOHN HOYTAL, Washburn Rural

Hoytal, a senior, took over as Washburn Rural's starting quarterback last fall, earning second-team All-Centennial League recognition and All-Shawnee County honorable mention. Hoytal was also a standout for the Rural basketball team, helping the Junior Blues reach the Class 6A state tournament.

ANDRE JOHNSON, Rossville

A 6-0, 211 senior fullback/linebacker, Johnson was a Second 22 All-Shawnee County selection last season after helping lead Rossville to an 8-4 record and the Class 1A state semifinals. Johnson received All-Big East honorable mention. 

Dayne Johnson, Silver Lake

DAYNE JOHNSON, Silver Lake

Johnson, a 6-2, 175 senior wide receiver/defensive back, earned All-Shawnee County Top 22 recognition last season for the 7-3 Eagles and was a first-team All-Big East selection on both offense and defense. Johnson caught 51 passes for 835 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024 and also picked off six passes on defense.

Noah Kobuszewski, Seaman

NOAH KOBUSZEWSKI, Seaman

Kobuszewski, a 6-4, 240 senior tight end, received All-Shawnee County Second 22 recognition last fall for the 8-3 Vikings, who captured the United Kansas Conference championship. Kobuszewski compiled 325 receiving yards and a touchdown as a junior.

Jude Krentz, Hayden

JUDE KRENTZ, Hayden

A 5-foot-8, 180-pound senior linebacker, Krentz was an All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick last season after registering 132 tackles for the 11-2 Wildcats, who advanced to the Class 3A championship game for the second straight season. Krentz also rushed for 128 yards on 21 attempts.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Hailey Caryl, Topeka High

HAILEY CARYL, Topeka High

A sophomore, Caryl teamed with Ava Ritter to advance to the Class 6A state tournament in doubles last fall. Caryl and Ritter finished fourth in the city meet in No. 1 doubles, third in the Centennial League meet in doubles and fifth in 6A regional competition to advance to state.

Madeline Deters, Topeka High

MADELINE DETERS, Topeka High

Deters, a senior, earned a Class 6A state medal last season, posting an eighth-place singles finish. Deters placed third in the city meet in No. 1 singles, second in singles in the Centennial Laague tournament and third in 6A regional competition. Deters also qualified for state as a sophomore.

Grace Funk, Hayden

GRACE FUNK, Hayden

A senior, Funk has earned Class 4A state singles medals in three straight seasons for the Wildcats. Funk posted a career-best ninth-place singles finish last fall to help the Wildcats win the 4A team title. Funk finished second in the city meet in No. 2 singles and placed fifth in singles in the Centennial League tournament and third at regionals.

Molly Gorman, Seaman

MOLLY GORMAN, Seaman

Gorman, a senior, switched to singles last fall after earning back-to-back Class 5A doubles state medals as a freshman and sophomore. Gorman helped Seaman win United Kansas Conference and regional team titles with perfect team scores. Gorman was the city champion in No. 2 singles and also placed second in singles in UKC and regional competition before finishing 10th at state as the Vikings finished third as a team.

Peyton Henry, Seaman

PEYTON HENRY, Seaman

Henry, a senior, teamed with graduated senior Sydney Chinn last season to post a 12th-place state finish in Class 5A doubles. Henry and Chinn swept United Kansas Conference and regional doubles titles after finishing third in the city tournament in No. 1 doubles. Henry and Chinn helped thv Vikings record perfect team scores at league and regionals.

KAYLYN HIEBSCH, Seaman

Hiebsch, a junior, teamed with Camryn Lux to finish second in the city meet in No. 2 doubles and Hiebsch and Lux also finished second in doubles in the United Kansas Conference and regional tournaments as the Vikings won team titles in both tournaments with perfect team scores. 

Julia Katzer, Washburn Rural

JULIA KATZER, Washburn Rural 

Katzer, a junior, qualified for the Class 6A state tournament in singles last season, earning her state berth with a fifth-place regional finish while helping the Junior Blues win a regional team title. Katzer finished third in No. 2 singles in the city meet. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Brody Anderson, Seaman 

BRODY ANDERSON, Seaman

Anderson, a senior, earned All-Shawnee County first-team recognition for the second straight season after winning city and United Kansas Conference individual titles and finishing second in Class 5A regional competition and ninth in the 5A state meet. Anderson broke his own school record with a five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 17 seconds. Anderson was also an all-county pick in track, finishing third in the 5A 800 meters in the 2025 state meet.  

Connor Baldwin, Hayden

CONNOR BALDWIN, Hayden

A senior, Baldwin was a first-team All-Shawnee County selection last fall after posting a ninth-place individual finish in the city meet, a 13th-place showing in the Centennial League and a fifth-place finish in Class 4A regional competition. Baldwin capped his junior season with a 28th-place finish in the 4A state championships.

CONNER BLOOM, Seaman

A junior, Bloom received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last fall. Bloom finished 19th in the city meet, 15th in the United Kansas Conference and 20th in a Class 5A regional as the Vikings earned a team berth for the 5A state meet. Bloom finished 62nd at state. 

EASTON DAVIS, Topeka High 

Davis, a sophomore, received All-Shawnee County honorable mention as a freshman. Davis finished 15th in the city meet, 22nd in the Centennial League and 31st in Class 6A regional competition.

MAX ESQUIBEL, Shawnee Heights

A senior, Esquibel was a first-team All-Shawnee County selection last fall after finishing 11th in the city meet and 11th in the United Kansas Conference. Esquibel posted a 28th-place finish in Class 5A regional competition.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

CARLOS ACOSTA-MARTINEZ, Topeka High

Acosta-Martinez, a junior, was a second-team All-Centennial League selection last season for the Trojans while also earning All-City honorable mention.

Draden Chooncharoen, Washburn Rural

DRADEN CHOONCHAROEN, Washburn Rural

A senior midfielder, Chooncharoen received first-team All-Centennial League honors last fall as the 15-3-3 Junior Blues won their 30th straight league title (outright or shared) on the way to a third-place finish in the Class 6A state tournament. Chooncharoen also received All-6A and All-City honorable mention and is a two-time 6A state track champion in the 4x400-meter relay.

Miles Cook, Washburn Rural

MILES COOK, Washburn Rural

Cook, a senior goalkeeper, helped 15-3-3 Washburn Rural win its 30th straight Centennial League championship (outright or shared) en route to a third-place finish in Class 6A. Cook received second-team Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association All-6A and All-Centennial recognition as well as All-City honorable mention.

JUDAH CONGDON, Cair Paravel Latin

A junior, Congdon earned All-Class 4A-1A honorable mention from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association last season and also received All-City honorable mention. 

Valentin Del Real, Topeka West

VALENTIN DEL REAL, Topeka West

Del Real, a sophomore midfielder, had a big freshman season for the Chargers last fall as Topeka West posted a breakout 13-4-1 campaign. Del Real earned first-team All-City recognition and also was a first-team All-United Kansas Conference pick. 

NERI DIAZ, Highland Park

Diaz, a senior midfielder, earned first-team All-City recognition for Highland Park in the 2024 season and was one of the top players in the Meadowlark Conference.

Juan Garcia, Shawnee Heights

JUAN GARCIA, Shawnee Heights

A senior, Garcia received All-Class 5A honorable mention from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association last season while also receiving All-City honorable mention. 

Diego Gonzalez-Talavera, Topeka West

DIEGO GONZALES-TALAVERA, Topeka West

A junior forward, Gonzales-Talavera helped lead the 13-4-1 Chargers to a breakout season in 2024, earning All-City and All-United Kansas Conference first-team recognition.

Camden Granado, Shawnee Heights

CAMDEN GRANADO, Shawnee Heights

Granado, a senior forward, received All-Class 5A honorable mention from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association last season while also earning first-team All-City and All-United Kansas Conference recognition. Granado was also a standout kicker for the T-Bird football team last fall. 

Mason Haas, Shawnee Heights

MASON HAAS, Shawnee Heights

Haas, a junior midfielder, received All-Class 5A honorable mention from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association last season while also earning first-team All-City and All-United Kansas Conference recognition.

Brandon Hamiton, Washburn Rural

BRANDON HAMILTON, Washburn Rural

A senior defender, Hamilton received second-team All-Class 6A honors from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association while also earning first-team All-City and All-Centennial League recognition for the 15-3-3 Junior Blues, who finished third in 6A after winning their 30th straight league championship (outright or shared).

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Nora Burdiek, Rossville

NORA BURDIEK, Rossville

A junior outside hitter, Burdiek was a first-team TopSports.news All-Shawnee County and first-team Kansas Volleyball Association All-Class 2A selection last fall after recording 491 kills, 368 digs and 22 blocks for the 22-18 Bulldawgs. Burdiek was also an All-Big East second-team selection in as a sophomore after being named the Shawnee County newcomer of the year as a freshman in 2023. Burdiek is also one of 2A's top basketball players, receiving all-county recognition the past two seasons.

Campbell Dawson, Topeka High

CAMPBELL DAWSON, Topeka High

Dawson, a junior, turned in a solid sophomore season for an improving Topeka High program last season, with the Trojans posting a 17-19 record. Dawson, who is entering her third season as a varsity player, earned second-team TSN All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League recognition as a sophomore. Also a standout for Topeka High in softball, Dawson helped the Trojans advance to the Class 6A state tournament. 

Ella Foster, Hayden

ELLA FOSTER, Hayden

A senior libero, Foster helped lead the Wildcats to a 32-12 record and a third-place finish in the Class 4A state tournament last fall. Foster was a second-team TSN All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League selection last season while also receiving All-Class 4A honorable mention from the Kansas Volleyball Association. Foster is a multi-sport athlete for the Wildcats, also playing basketball and soccer.

Harper Hafenstine, Seaman

HARPER HAFENSTINE, Seaman

A senior, Hafenstine is a leading returner for Seaman, which has advanced to the Class 5A state championship match the past two seasons, including the state championship in 2023. Hafenstine received TSN All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season after helping the Vikings post a 41-3 record on the year.

KYLIE HANNI, Silver Lake

Hanni is a returning junior standout for traditional Class 3A state power Silver Lake. Hanni was named to the TSN All-Shawnee County second team following the 2024 season while also earning All-Big East League second-team recognition.

KARSYN HASTERT, Cair Paravel Latin

Hastert, a senior, has earned second-team TSN All-Shawnee County honors the past two seasons for the Lions after receiving all-county honorable mention as a freshman. Hastert is also a basketball standout for Cair Paravel Latin, earning all-county recognition.

Karsyn Horyna, Washburn Rural (21)

KARSYN HORYNA, Washburn Rural

Horyna, a senior, earned a first-team berth on the TSN All-Shawnee County team last season after helping the 31-8 Junior Blues win the Centennial League championship and advance to the Class 6A state tournament. In addition to receiving her all-county honor Horyna was a second-team All-Centennial selection.

Reese Huscher, Hayden

REESE HUSCHER, Hayden

A senior, Huscher earned TSN All-Shawneee County second-team recognition last fall after helping the Wildcats post a 32-12 record and a third-place finish in the Class 4A state tournament. Huscher received All-Centennial League honorable mention. Huscher was also a member of Hayden's basketball team that finished third in 4A and the Wildcat soccer team that was the 4A-1A state runnerup.

Stelly Kelly, Washburn Rural

STELLA KELLY, Washburn Rural 

Kelly, a senior, earned a second-team berth on the TSN All-Shawnee County team last season after helping the 31-8 Junior Blues win the Centennial League championship and advance to the Class 6A state tournament. In addition to receiving her all-county recognition Kelly was a second-team All-Centennial selection.

 Hailey Schmidtlein, Hayden

HAILEY SCHMIDTLEIN, Hayden

A sophomore middle blocker/outside hitter, Schmidtlein helped lead 32-12 Hayden to a third-place finish in Class 4A last fall, receiving All-State Tournament and second-team Class 4A All-State honors from the Kansas Volleyball Association. Schmidtlein, who registered 440 kills and 242 digs, was a first-team TSN All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League pick and named the county co-newcomer of the year. Schmidtlein also helped Hayden finish third in 4A basketball and second in 4A-1A soccer.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

The top Shawnee County athletes from the class of 2025 are getting ready to embark on their college careers while offseason preparations for the 2025-2026 school year are well under way.

But it's also important to remember the accomplishments that made the '24-'25 campaign a special one for county athletes and teams.

Shawnee County schools claimed three state girls team championships and seven others came up just short over the past school year while three county standouts combined to claim five individual titles in three different sports.

While a case can always be made for any number of stories to sit at the top of the list, here's just one opinion on the Top 10 county girls prep stories of '24-'25.

 Washburn Rural soccer celebrates its first Class 6A state championship after a 1-0 win over Mill Valley in PKs. [Photo by KSHSAA Covered]

1. HISTORIC BREAKTHROUGH -- Washburn Rural, already well established as one of the state's premier girls soccer programs, added the only missing piece from its impressive resume with its first Class 6A state championship on May 31 in Wichita. Making their 11th straight Final Four appearance, including four runnerup state finishes, the Junior Blues broke through with a 1-0 win over Mill Valley, taking the win with a 4-1 edge in penalty kicks as senior Madison Lemke came up huge in goal for Brian Hensyel's 19-2-0 Rural team.

Seaman junior Ryin Miller won three gold medals in the 2025 Class 5A state track meet at Wichita, giving her five wins in her career. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

2. MILLER TIMES --Seaman superstar runner Ryin Miller capped off her junior track and field season by sweeping Class 5A state championships in her three individual events, taking wins in the 3,200 (10:19.53), 1,600 (4:57.33) and 800-meter (2:11.14) runs at Wichita State. Miller's three wins in 2025 gave her five career titles and came on the heels of a banner cross country season last fall, which included the fastest five-kilometer run in Kansas history (16:32.62) and a runnerup finish in the 5A state meet (17:26.36) by the Viking four-sport athlete.

Hayden senior Ainzley Zulueta earned her third Class 4A singles title last fall, leading the Wildcats to their second team title in three seasons. [File photo/TSN]

3. ZULUETA, WILDCATS BACK ON TOP --After sitting out her junior high shool tennis season due to KSHSAA eligibility guidelines, Zulueta returned to the courts last fall and turned in a dominating postseason performance (eight straight 6-0, 6-0 wins in regional and state competition) en route to her third Class 4A singles championship in as many tries while leading Hayden to its second team title in three seasons by a 40-28 margin over McPherson. In addition to Zulueta's title, Christy Sheetz's Wildcats got a runnerup doubles finish from senior Emily Sheetz and freshman Sophia Wichman, a ninth-place singles finish from junior Grace Funk and an 11th-place doubles showing from juniors Izzy Glotzbach and Avery O'Bray.

Hayden's girls golf team captured its second straight Class 4A state championship last fall by 15 strokes over Wellington. [Submitted photo]

4. REPEAT FEAT --Hayden rolled to its second straight Class 4A girls golf team championship last fall, posting a 698-713 win over Wellington at Hesston as three Wildcats earned individual medals. Junior Lauren Borjon paced Hayden with a third-place state finish (76-81 -- 157) while junior Izzy Glotzbach tied for 12th (89-82 -- 171) and senior Addyson Baer tied for 16th (86-88 -- 174). Glotzbach helped the Wildcats win state titles in tennis and golf three days apart. 

Highland Park junior Makayla Cadet has her hand raised as the Class 5A 190-pound state champ last winter. [Photo by Selena Favela/Special to TSN]

5. A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY --Highland Park junior Makayla Cadet celebrated her 17th birthday in one of the best ways you could imagine last winter, with a Class 5A state wrestling championship. Cadet, who went 23-4 on the season, became the first girls wrestler in Highland Park history to win a state championship when she pinned Basehor-Linwood junior Izzy Renfro at the 1:36 mark of the first period in Park City. Cadet's win over Renfro avenged a regional loss to the Bobcat standout.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

How successful was the 2021-22 sports year for Shawnee County high schools? Good enough that girls and boys individuals/teams deserve their own lists.

First up is TopSports.news' look at the county girls year in review, which will be followed by a look at the boys successes of the past year.

Shawnee County schools claimed three state girls team championships and several others came up just short while 10 county standouts claimed individual titles in four different sports.

While a case can always be made for any number of stories to sit at the top of the list, here's one opinion on the Top 10 Shawnee County girls prep stories of '21-'22: 

 Topeka High celebrates its second straight Class 6A state softball title after last Friday's 2-1 win over Washburn Rural. [Photo by Isaac Deer/TSN]

1. TROJAN RERUN -- After claiming the school's first Class 6A state softball championship in 2021, Topeka High made it two titles in a row last Friday against a familiar foe, with the Trojans edging past city and Centennial League rival Washburn Rural, 2-1, in the championship game. After leading High to a perfect 25-0 record as a junior, Stanford signee NiJaree Canady came up big again in the pitching circle and at the plate last weekend, leading the Trojans to the title.

Washburn Rural won its second Class 6A state basketball championship since 2019, taking a 40-23 win over Derby in the state final. [Submitted]

2. RURAL RULES --Washburn Rural's girls basketball team celebrated a 6A state championship for the second time since 2019, completing a 23-2 season with a 40-23 romp past Derby in the state final at Wichita State's Koch Arena. And while the basketball crown was the lone title for the Lady Blues in '21-'22, they threatened in sport after sport, finishing second in the state in golf, soccer, wrestling and softball and turning in strong cross country, volleyball and bowling campaigns.

Topeka West junior Kadence Jeffries ended her high school swimming career with a sweep of the Class 5A-1A 200 and 500 freestyle events for the third straight season. [File photo/TSN]

3. CHARGER IN CHARGE --The only thing that stopped Topeka West swimming star Kadence Jeffries during a dominating high school career was COVID-19. After sweeping the 200-yard freestyle and 500 free Class 5A-1A state titles as a freshman, Jeffries had her sophomore season wiped out by the pandemic beore returning to sweep the same two events as both a junior and senior to complete a six for six performance in state individual events. Seaman sophomore Avery Walz joined Jeffries as a 5A-1A state champ this past season, winning the 100-yard breaststroke and earning four state medals overall as the Vikings finished fourth as a team.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Class 6A state champion Washburn Rural and Class 4A-1A runnerup Hayden combined to earn nine of 12 first-team berths on the 2025 All-Centennial League girls soccer team, selected by league coaches.

Kate Hinck, Washburn Rural

Senior player of the year Kate Hinck leads six Washburn Rural players on the all-league team, with seniors Destiny Higgs, Zahra Friess, Delaney Hill and Madison Lemke and junior Dayne Shriver also earning first-team berths while  Junior Blues coach Brian Hensyel was named the coach of the year and Rural sophomore Emery Hall was named the league newcomer of the year.

Destiny Higgs, Washburn Rural

Zahra Friess, Washburn Rural

Madison Lemke, Washburn Rural

Dayne Shriver, Washburn Rural

Delaney Hill, Washburn Rural

Hayden, which dropped a double overtime decision to Bishop Miege in the 4A-1A final, put senior Camryn McDonald and juniors Carsyn Broxterman and Reese Huscher on the All-Centennial first team.

Carsyn Broxterman, Hayden

Camryn McDonald, Hayden

Reese Huscher, Hayden

Topeka High junior Natalie Barnes also earned a first-team All-Centennial League spot after helping lead the Trojans to the 6A state quarterfinals.

Natalie Barnes, Topeka High

2025 All-Centennial League girls soccer

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn Rural, which captured its first-ever Class 6A girls state championship this spring, put a city-high six players on the 15-member 2025 All-City girls soccer first team.

The All-City team is based on recommendations and voting from city coaches.

Rural is represented on the All-City first team by seniors Destiny Higgs, Kate Hinck, Addyson Kaberline, Zahra Friess and Madison Lemke and junior Dayne Shriver while Junior Blues coach Brian Hensyel was named the city coach of the year

Higgs, Hinck and Kaberline are all first-team repeat picks after helping Washburn Rural post a 19-2 rcord, capped by a 1-0 win over Mill Valley in penalty kicks (4-1). 

Destiny Higgs, Washburn Rural

Kate Hinck, Washburn Rural

Addyson Kaberline, Washburn Rural

Zahra Friess, Washburn Rural

Madison Lemke, Washburn Rural

Dayne Shriver, Washburn Rural

Seaman, which advanced to the 5A state quarterfinals, is represented on the All-City team by seniors Anna Becker and Maegan Mills and junior Ava Golightley, with Becker a repeat pick and Mills receiving honorable mention in 2024.

Anna Becker, Seaman

Ava Golightley, Seaman 

Hayden, which advanced to the 4A-1A championship game before losing in double overtime to Bishop Miege, put junior Carsyn Broxterman and senior Camryn McDonald on the All-City first team, with Broxterman a repeat selection and McDonald moving up to the first team after receiving honorable mention in 2024. 

Carsyn Broxterman, Hayden

Camryn McDonald, Hayden

Shawnee Heights senior Izzy Van Fleet is a repeat first-team selection while T-Bird senior Bayli Benson was voted to the first team after receiving honorable mention a year ago.

Izzy Van Fleet, Shawnee Heights

Bayli Benson, Shawnee Heights

Rounding out the All-City first team are Highland Park sophomore Micah Williams and Topeka High junior Natalie Barnes.

 Micah Williams, Highland Park

 Natalie Barnes, Topeka High

Williams is a two-time All-City pick while Barnes earned All-City recognition for the first time after helping Topeka High reach the 6A quarterfinals.

ALL-CITY GIRLS SOCCER 2025

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

State tournament qualifiers Silver Lake, Seaman, Shawnee Heights, Washburn Rural and Topeka High combined to earn 15 of 16 spots on the 2025 TopSports.news All-Shawnee County softball first team.

Silver Lake, the Class 3A runnerup for the second straight season, put four players on the first team, including Shawnee County player of the year Kendra Cook, while 5A state qualifiers Seaman and Shawnee Heights combined for six first-teamers and 6A state runnerup Washburn Rural and fellow 6A state qualifier Topeka High combined for five first-teamers.

Kendra Cook, Silver Lake

Topeka High freshman London Backman and Hayden freshman Blakely Walter were named the co-county newcomers of the year while Washburn Rural coach Joy Marie Galliart and Silver Lake coach Nick Hamilton share the county coach of the year award for the second straight year.

London Backman, Topeka High

Blakely Walter, Hayden

Cook is joined on the All-Shawnee County first team by Eagle seniors Taylor Zordel and Kira Lowrey and junior Kailyn Hanni after Silver Lake recorded a 25-7 record.

Taylor Zordel, Silver Lake

Kira Lowrey, Silver Lake

Kailyn Hanni, Silver Lake

Seaman put seniors Kaelyn O'Rourke, Raegan McConnell and Anna McLaughlin and junior Aubrey Warren on the first team after the Vikings posted a 20-9 record, including a 3-2 17-inning loss to Maize South in the opening round of the 5A state tournament.

Kaelyn O'Rourke, Seaman

Raegan McConnell, Seaman

Anna McLaughlin, Seaman

Aubrey Warren, Seaman

Washburn Rural, which went 22-8 and advanced to the 6A championship game before dropping an 8-7 decision to Olathe West, put Centennial League player of the year Olivia Koch, a sophomore, on the all-county first team along with juniors Henley Rapp and Reagan Chapman.

Olivia Koch, Washburn Rural

Reagan Chapman, Washburn Rural

Henley Rapp, Washburn Rural

Shawnee Heights, which posted a 20-7 record and dropped a 3-2 decision to eventual 5A state champion St. Thomas Aquinas in the first round of the 5A state tournament, is represented by seniors Taylor Brees and Grace Proctor.

Taylor Brees, Shawnee Heights

Grace Proctor, Shawnee Heights

State qualifier Topeka High put Backman and senior Jo'Mhara Benning on the all-county first team while Hayden senior Keira Carswell rounds out the all-county squad.

Jo'Mhara Benning, Topeka High

Keira Carswell, Hayden

2025 ALL-SHAWNEE COUNTY SOFTBALL

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

City softball players earned seven of the 11 spots on the 2025 All-Centennial League team while sweeping the individual awards.

Olivia Koch, Washburn Rural

Washburn Rural sophomore Olivia Koch was named the Centennial League player of the year after helping lead the Junior Blues to a runnerup finish in the Class 6A state tournament while Topeka High freshman London Backman and Hayden freshman Blakely Walter were named the league's co-newcomers of the year and Hayden coach Cody Reynolds was selected by league coaches as the coach of the year.

London Backman, Topeka High

Blakely Walter, Hayden

Topeka High, which advanced to the 6A state tournament, put a league-high three players on the all-league first team -- Backman, senior Jo'Mhara Benning and sophomore Campbell Dawson.

Washburn Rural is represented on the first team by Koch and junior Reagan Chapman while Hayden put senior Keira Carswell and Walter on the first team.

Manhattan put junior Kat Ball and senior Isabelle Peabody on the all-league first team while Junction City is represented by senior Cassidy Miller and Emporia by junior Alivia Barrett.

Washburn Rural put senior Layla Collins, junior Henley Rapp, sophomore Justice McBurney and freshman Addalyn Boleski on the second team while Topeka High is represented by sophomore Madilyn Poole and Hayden by junior Emily Peterson and freshman Carley McAllister.

Nine city players earned all-league honorable mention.

ALL-CENTENNIAL LEAGUE SOFTBALL

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Fourteen Shawnee County standouts have received All-State recognition from the Kansas Softball Coaches Association, including nine first-team picks.

Silver Lake put four players on the All-Class 3A first team after advancing to the state championship game for the second straight season while state qualifiers Seaman and Shawnee Heights combined for four first-team All-5A selections and state runnerup Washburn Rural put sophomore standout Olivia Koch on the All-6A first team.

Kendra Cook, Silver Lake

 Kira Lowrey, Silver Lake

Taylor Zordel, Silver Lake

Kailyn Hanni, Silver Lake

Silver Lake is represented on the All-3A first team by senior pitcher Kendra Cook, senior infielders Kira Lowrey and Taylor Zordel and junior outfielder Kailyn Hanni.

Kaelyn O'Rourke, Seaman

Raegan McConnell, Seaman

Grace Proctor, Shawnee Heights

Taylor Brees, Shawnee Heights

Seaman put senior pitcher Kaelyn O'Rourke and senior catcher Raegan McConnell on the All-5A team while Shawnee Heights is represented by senior pitcher Grace Proctor and senior infielder Taylor Brees. 

Olivia Koch, Washburn Rural

Washburn Rural's Koch made the All-6A team as an outfielder after being named the Centennial League player of the year this spring.

Seaman junior infielder Aubrey Warren and senior outfielder Anna McLaughlin were named to the All-5A second team.

Topeka High sophomore outfielder Campbell Dawson and freshman infielder Landon Backman received All-6A honorable mention after helping the Trojans make it to the state tournament.

Hayden senior catcher Keira Carswell received honorable mention in 4A.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Hayden senior Cooper Grace and Shawnee Heights senior Deacon Pomeroy headline the TopSports.news 2025 All-Shawnee County baseball team.

Cooper Grace, Hayden

Deacon Pomeroy, Shawnee Heights

Grace has been named the co-county player of the year for the second straight season while Pomeroy is a four-time all-county first-team pick.

Grace, a pitcher and third baseman, helped lead Hayden to a county-best 23-1 record and the Centennial League championship this spring while Pomeroy, a pitcher and catcher, helped lead Shawnee Heights to the United Kansas Conference title and a Class 5A state tournament berth. 

Grace was earlier named the player of the year in the Centennial League and the co-player of the year in 4A by the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches while Pomeroy was named the UKC player of the year and a KABC All-5A first-team selection.

Hayden sophomore Caleb Menke, a first-team All-Centennial League pick at designated hitter, was named the Shawnee County newcomer of the year while Shawnee Heights' Jason Brown was named the county coach of the year after leading the T-Birds to a 21-8 record and a 5A state tournament berth in his first season as Heights' head coach.

Grace and Silver Lake senior infielder Dysen Schooler are both three-time all-county first-team selections while Seaman senior catcher David Dobbs is a first-team repeater.

 Dysen Schooler, Silver Lake

David Dobbs, Seaman

Axton Brewer, Seaman

Kade Mitchell, Hayden

Dobbs is joined on the all-county first team by sophomore pitcher/designated hitter Axton Brewer and Grace and Menke are joined on the first team by Wildcat senior infielder/pitcher Liam Annand and Hayden junior outfielder Kade Mitchell.

Logan Cathcart, Silver Lake

Silver Lake senior catcher Cooper Campidilli and senior pitcher Logan Cathcart join Schooler on the all-county first team after the Eagles advanced to the 3A state tournament.

Camdren Floberg, Shawnee Heights

Shawnee Heights junior Cambren Floberg, named the UKC pitcher of the year, was a first-team selection along with teammate Pomeroy while 6A state tournament qualifier Washburn Rural is represented on the first team by junior pitcher Isaac Ansley and junior infielders Austin Ditch and Nate Selm.

Isaac Ansley, Washburn Rural

Austin Ditch, Washburn Rural

Nate Selm, Washburn Rural

Rossville, a 2A-1A state tournament qualifier, is represented on the first team by junior pitcher Cameron Miller and junior infielder Canann Mitchell.

Cameron Miller, Rossville

2025 ALL-SHAWNEE COUNTY BASEBALL

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Seaman junior Ryin Miller, who has established herself as one of Kansas' all-time distance greats in three high school seasons, headlines the 2025 All-Shawnee County girls track and field team after sweeping Class 5A state titles in her three individual events last weekend at Wichita.

Ryin Miller, Seaman

Miller, who has now won five 5A state track titles over the past two seasons, won Friday's 3,200 meters in 10 minutes, 19.53 seconds before doubling up in Saturday's 1,600 meters in 4:57.33 and the 800 in 2:11.14 and adding a fourth state medal when she anchored the Vikings' 4x400 relay to a fourth-place finish (4:03.44).

Morgan Ray, Washburn Rural

Ahsieyrhuajh Rayton, Topeka HIgh

Payton Fink, Washburn Rural

Miller was Shawnee County's only state champion, but Washburn Rural junior Morgan Ray was the state runnerup in the 6A javelin (138 feet, 1 inch) and Topeka High sophomore Ahsieyrhuajh finished second in the 6A triple jump (37-4.25) and Rural senior Rylee Ismert, junior Emily Graf, senior Brooklyn Nolte and senior Payton Fink finished second in the 4x800 relay (9:29.84).

Fink also finished fifth in the 3,200 (10:59.39) and fifth in the 1,600 (5:09.90) while Rural sophomore Kailyn Petersen was fourth in the discus (124-6) and seventh in the shot put (36-6.75) and senior Molly Worley placed seventh in the long jump (17-2.75) and eighth in the high jump (5-2).

Seaman seniors Taylie Heston, Jaida Stallbaumer and Ally Steiner teamed with Miller for the fourth-place finish in the 5A 4x400 relay while the Vikings also put senior Grace Jowers and sophomores Kinley Robinson and Brynn Spencer on the all-county team.

Hayden senior Bella Reid, Rossville junior Rylee Dick and Silver Lake freshman all earned state medals in the 100-meter hurdles en route to earning all-county berths while also earning first-team spots were Topeka High junior Keimara Marshall, Highland Park senior Ke'Ahjahnae Rice, Silver Lake sophomore Ali Gerber and Rural junior Kenzie Maddox, who were all state qualifiers.

Keimara Marshall, Topeka High

All-Shawnee County selections were picked on the basis of meeting minimum standards established by local coaches as well as coaches' recommendations and performances in postseason competition.

ALL-SHAWNEE COUNTY 2025 GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn Rural, which captured three Class 6A state championships, including a state-meet record, headlines the 2025 All-Shawnee County boys track and field team.

Isaiah Terry, Washburn Rural

Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural

Matthew Houser, Liam Morrison, Draden Chooncharoen, Isaiah Terry, Washburn Rural

Rural senior Isaiah Terry won the 6A state title in the 400-meter dash in 47.92 seconds and junior Liam Morrison won the 300 hurdles in 37.68 before Morrison and Terry teamed with senior Matthew Houser and junior Draden Chooncharoen for a 6A meet-record time of 3:16.23 in the 4x400 relay.

Peyton Holmes, Seaman

Bryce Cochran, Seaman

Brody Anderson, Seaman

Seaman senior Peyton Holmes was the 5A runnerup in the 100 dash (10.82) while Viking senior Bryce Cochran finished third in the 400 (48.85) and Seaman junior Brody Anderson placed third in the 800 (1:55.52).

Ben Roeder, CPLS/Topeka High

Senior Ben Roeder, who competed for Cair Paravel Latin in postseason after running for Topeka High in the regular season, finished third in the 2A 400 (49.37).

Silver Lake's foursome of seniors Trent Rollenhagen and Evan Scheid and juniors Joel Miller and Braxton Rupp posted a third-place finish in the 3A 4x100 relay (42.57).

Jensen Schrickel, Hayden

Despite missing the state meet after an injury at regionals, Hayden senior multi-time state champion Jensen Schrickel earned All-City honors for the fourth straight season.

In addition to its state champions, Washburn Rural put seniors Braylon Badger, Ben Buesing, Connor Olsen and Chris Quarles, junior Brooks Kehoe and sophomore Christian Hartman-Babb on the All-City team.

Adrian Lehman and Mark Wilkie, Topeka West

Topeka West is represented on the All-City team by senior distance standouts Adrian Lehman and Mark Wilkie, who were both 5A state medalists, while Shawnee Heights senior Liam Benz and Seaman sophomore Jack Esser were also state medalists.

All-Shawnee County picks were based on meeting minimum performance standards as well as coaches' recommendations and postseason performances.

ALL-SHAWNEE COUNTY 2025 BOYS TRACK AND FIELD

The 2025 All-Shawnee County boys golf team: From left -- Jack Donovan, Rossville; Higgins Hawks, Washburn Rural; Tadd Armstrong, Washburn Rural; Tagan Monasmith, Washburn Rural; Tagen Rodriguez, Hayden; James Kuta, Hayden. Not pictured: Mateo Garcia, Hayden. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

First-team repeat selections Tadd Armstrong of Washburn Rural, Jack Donovan of Rossville and Hayden's James Kuta and Tagen Rodriguez headline the 2025 All-Shawnee County boys golf team. 

Seniors Armstrong and Kuta finished one-two in the city tournament, with Armstrong winning the title in a playoff, while Kuta and Rodriguez, a junior, both posted top-10 finishes in the Class 4A state tournament as Hayden finished second as a team and Donovan was a regional champion as a junior and earned a sixth-place tie in 2A-1A, his second straight state medal

Washburn Rural, which won its 15th straight city team championship, is also represented on the All-Shawnee County team by senior Tagan Monasmith and junior Higgins Hawks while Hayden also put junior Mateo Garcia on the first team.

All-Shawnee County capsules:

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Silver Lake's Dayne Johnson and Kailyn Hanni, Rossville's Jack Donovan and Seaman's Ryin Miller, who recently completed their junior years of high school, were honored Tuesday night at The Foundry as the Dan Key Farmers Insurance Agency 2025 Rising Stars of the year.

Silver Lake's Dayne Johnson and Rossville's Jack Donovan were named the Dan Key Farmers Agency 2025 co-male Rising Stars of the Year Tuesday night while Silver Lake's Kailyn Hanni and Seaman's Ryin Miller were named the co-female winners. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Donovan and Johnson were named the co-boys winners while Hanni and Miller shared the girls honor.

The four overall winners were picked from five girls and boys finalists chosen from weekly Rising Stars who were selected through the 2024-2025 school year.

Johnson was a football, basketball and baseball standout for the Eagles while Donovan was a football and basketball standout and a state golf medalist for the Bulldawgs.

Hanni helped lead Silver Lake to runnerup Class 3A state finishes in basketball and softball this past season and has been a state champion in basketball and golf while Miller won three individual 5A state track championships last weekend in Wichita, was the state runnerup in cross country and basketball and was a 5A state basketball champion as a sophomore.