Washburn Rural Junior Blues

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

In a marquee boys wrestling matchup between Class 6A's No. 1-ranked Garden City and No. 3-ranked Washburn Rural, the Buffaloes prevailed 49-27 in Thursday night's dual at Rural.

Washburn Rural two-time state champion Easton Broxterman won a 15-0 technical fall in Thursday's home dual against Garden City. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

But Junior Blues coach Josh Hogan knows that the experience of squaring off with one of the state's premier teams early in the season will only help his team moving forward.

"That's what I just told the boys in the circle there,'' Hogan said. "We train to beat people that are better than us so any time we get a chance to wrestle people that are quote, unquote better than us or maybe actually better than us we'll take our swings.''

Rural had three reigning or former state champs in its lineup but Hogan said Thursday's experience could be particularly valuable for the newcomers and up-and-comers for the Junior Blues.

"Some of the guys that dropped matches tonight were definitely in position to be able to win a match or capable of winning a match, but it's a big environment,'' Hogan said. "Things can get a little scrambled in the brain of a teenager when they've got everybody in the crowd watching them and hooping and hollering.

"Ultimately it will help prepare us for these type of situations that are still yet to come.''

Washburn Rural defending state champion Kristjan Marshall (top) recorded a pin in Thursday's home dual against Garden City. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Thursday's dual started with the 150-pound match due to random draw, and after defending 6A champion and top-ranked Kristjan Marshall picked up a second-period pin for Rural at 157 to tie the match 6-6, Garden City won eight of the next nine matches to build a commanding 49-12 lead. The Junior Blues' lone win during that stretch was a forfeit to Rural sophomore 190-pounder Jadyn Baum.

Junior Landen Kocher-Munoz, a former Class 6A state champion and a two-time state finalist, registered a win by major decision Thursday night against Garden City. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Rural's No. 4-ranked 132-pounder Cooper Stivers, No. 1-ranked 138-pounder Landen Kocher-Munoz and top-ranked 144-pounder Easton Broxterman swept the last three matches of the night, but the Junior Blues were unable to make up the early deficit.

Stivers recorded a first-period pin while former state champ Landen Kocher-Munoz took a 13-5 major decision and Broxterman registered a 15-0 technical fall over Logan Avalon in a match that pitted two-time state champ and three-time state finalist Broxterman against No. 2-ranked Avalon.

By Rick Peterson

TopSports.news

Washburn Rural's girls, ranked No. 4 in Class 6A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, took control with a huge first half on the way to a 59-38 home non-league victory over No. 3 Shawnee Mission Northwest Tuesday night at Rural.

Sophomore Maddie Vickery scored a game-high 19 points in Washburn Rural's 59-38 win over Shawnee Mission Northwest Tuesday night. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Washburn Rural, now 4-1 on the season, jumped out to a 20-5 first-quarter lead over the Cougars and followed that up with a 19-6 second quarter to take a commanding 39-11 advantage at the half.

Northwest (2-1) outscored the Junior Blues 27-20 in the second half, but Washburn Rural was never seriously threatened.

Maddie Vickery, a 6-foot-1 sophomore, led Washburn Rural with a game-high 19 points while seniors Kate Hinck and Tenly Bunck added 15 and 14 points, respectively.

Senior Tenly Bunck had 14 points with three 3-pointers in Washburn Rural's 59-38 win over Shawnee Mission Northwest Tuesday night. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Senior Kate Hinck scored 15 points with a pair of 3-pointers in Washburn Rural's 59-38 win over Shawnee Mission Northwest Tuesday night. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Bunck connected on three 3-pointers and Hinck two as five Rural players combined for eight treys.

Shawnee Mission Northwest did not have a player score more than eight points.

By Rick Peterson

TopSports.news

Perennial state girls wrestling power Washburn Rural reigned supreme in the 35-school Council Bluffs Wrestling Classic on Saturday in Iowa, with the Junior Blues winning the team championship by a 501.5-493 margin over Raccoon River.

Washburn Rural's girls wrestling team won the championship in the Council Bluffs Wrestling Classic on Saturday in Iowa. [Washburn Rural girls wrestling]

Rural got runnerup finishes from senior 105-pounder Molly Spader and sophomore 235-pounder Justice McBurney to lead the way as the Junior Blues had nine wrestlers post top-eight finishes.

Spader, a runnerup, in Class 6A last season, is now 9-1 on the season after dropping a 12-2 major decision in the championship match while McBurney is 4-2 after being pinned in her final.

The Junior Blues also got third-place finishes from senior 115-pounder Maddy Blow (9-1) and junior 145-pounder Emme Blanco (8-3).

Washburn Rural won two team titles on the day Saturday, with a split squad taking the championship in the Melvin Douglas Invitational at Highland Park.

Shawnee Heights' girls wrestling team claimed the team championship in the Clay Center Invitational, with six individual champs. [Shawnee Heights wrestling]

T-Bird girls capture Clay Center team crown

Shawnee Heights piled up 195 points to win the girls championship in Saturday's Clay Center Invitational, with six T-Birds claiming individual titles.

Heights got titles from senior 130-pounder Isabel Reyes, freshman 135-pounder Olive Jones, senior 140-pounder Madison Freeland, 145-pounder Olivia Stevens, junior 155-pounder Ciana Graves and sophomore 170-pounder Brooklyn Binkley.

Posting runnerup finishes for the T-Birds were freshman Ava Gutierrez (100), senior Reece Taylor (125) and junior Shelby Watson (190).

Rossville finished eighth as a team, getting a win from 100-pound freshman Nora Mitchell and a runnerup finish from 155-pound sophomore Madelyn Wonnell.

Silver Lake boys sweep Bluejay Duals

Silver Lake's boys went 5-0 on the day to claim the championship in Saturday's Bluejay Duals at Sabetha.

The Eagles took a 66-12 win over Nemaha Central, a 68-12 win over a split squad from Washburn Rural, a 45-34 win over Seaman, a 62-9 win over Rock Creek and a 47-35 win over Sabetha.

Silver Lake 132-pounder Garrett Holmes, 157-pounder Trent Harris, 165-pounder Kayden Clelland, 215-pounder Carter Spreer and 285-pounder Kendrick VandeVelde all went 5-0 on the day for the Eagles.

Holmes recorded four pins and an 18-2 technical fall, while Harris had four wins by pin and an 11-8 decision.

Clelland, Spreer and VandeVelde all recorded two pins on the day.

Seaman posted a 3-2 record to finish third, posting a 65-18 win over Rock Creek, a 65-12 win over Nemaha Central and a 68-12 win over Washburn Rural while dropping a 40-33 decision to Sabetha and the 45-34 loss to Silver Lake.

Seaman 138-pounder Deegan Frazier and 144-pounder Ross Shipley both went 5-0 for the Vikings, with Shipley posting five pins and Frazier four pins.

Washburn Rural's split squad went 1-4, with the Junior Blues' lone win a 42-36 win over Nemaha Central.

Silver Lake's girls went 2-1 as a team in a quadrangular held in conjunction with the Bluejay Duals.

The Eagles took a 52-24 win over Sabetha and a 42-17 win over Nemaha Central while dropping a 36-30 decision to Riley County.

Karley Holmes (110/115), McKenna Harris (130) and MaKayla Connor (155) all went 3-0 on the day.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Boys and girls wrestlers from Highland Park, Topeka High and Topeka West and a girls team representing Washburn Rural combined to win 13 individual titles in Saturday's Melvin Douglas Invitational at Highland Park.

A split team from Washburn Rural won the title in the 13-school girls division by a 128-120 margin over host Highland Park while Topeka High finished a city-best third in the 17-school boys division.

Here's a rundown of both the boys and girls tournaments:

Washburn Rural poses for a picture after winning the team championship in Saturday's Melvin Douglas Invitational at Highland Park. [Washburn Rural girls wrestling]

Rural girls edge host Scots for team championship

Washburn Rural's two-time defending Class 6A state-champion girls wrestling team posted a pair of team championships on Saturday in two different states, posting a win in the Melvin Douglas Invitational by a 128-120 margin over the host Scots and also winning the team title in the prestigious multi-state event in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Washburn Rural got individual titles in the Melvin Douglas tourney by Jordan Shatto at 125 pounds, Reece Garrett at 145 and Janiah Matthie-Johnson at 170 while Dixie Day (120), Hayden Hedstrom (135) and Leah MacPherson (155) posted runnerup finishes.

Shatto is 4-0 on the season while Garrett is 3-0 and Matthie-Johnson 4-0.

The Junior Blues posted top-four finishes in 10 of 14 weight divisions.

Runnerup Highland Park got championships from Kimberly Rodriguez at 105 pounds, Bethanie Kagle at 110, Connie Burns at 115 and Makayla Cadet at 190.

Rodriguez is 5-2 this season while Kagle is 4-0, Burns 7-0 and Cadet 8-1.

Topeka High finished fourth as a team, getting titles from Ingrid Cabrera at 100 pounds and Jenea Bratton at 140, while Topeka West got a win from Monica Stewart at 235.

Cabrera is now 6-2 while Bratton is 6-2 and Stewart is 4-2.

Champions Stiner, Davis power High boys to third-place finish

Topeka High's boys scored 147 points on Saturday, finishing just 10 points behind Summit Christian Academy, Mo. for second while Gardner-Edgerton won the team title with 220.5 points.

 Topeka High junior Jordan Stiner (left) won the 157-pound title in Saturday's Melvin Douglas Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Topeka High senior 157-pounder Nick Davis (top) remained undefeated on the season in Saturday's Melvin Douglas Invitational, improving to 11-0. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

The Trojans got individual titles from Jordan Stiner at 157 pounds and Nick Davis at 165 while Topeka High posted top-four finishes in seven of 14 weight classes.

Davis is now 11-0 on the season while Stiner is 9-2.

Topeka High senior 157-pounder Nick Davis (top) remained undefeated on the season in Saturday's Melvin Douglas Invitational, improving to 11-0. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Highland Park finished seventh as a team, getting an individual title from senior 175-pounder Adrian Burney, who is 5-1 on the season.

Head official Ronnie Bailey (second from right) and his officiating crew of Dan Pray, Austin Gibson, Mike Brown and Shawn Binkley worked Saturday's Melvin Douglas Invitational wrestling tournament. [Submitted photo]

Melvin Douglas Invitational

By RICK PETERSON                                                                                                           

TopSports.news

Hayden junior wrestling standout Jude Krentz and Washburn Rural sophomore girls basketball standout Maddie Vickery have been selected by the Dan Key Farmers Insurance Agency as the Rising Stars of the Week.

The Dan Key Agency will recognize top Shawnee County underclassmen throughout the bulk of the 2024-2025 school year.

Here’s a brief look at the accomplishments of Krentz and Vickery over the past week:

Hayden junior Jude Krentz (facing) has been named the Dan Key Farmers Insurance Agency male Rising Star of the Week after winning the 175-pound title in last Saturday's Highland Park Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

JUDE KRENTZ, Hayden

Krentz opened the 2024-2025 wrestling season with the 175-pound championship in last Saturday's Highland Park Invitational.

Krentz went 3-0 on the day with three wins by fall, recording pins in 3 minutes, 23 seconds, 59 seconds and 1:38.

A two-time state qualifier, Krentz was also named to the All-Shawnee County Top 22 this fall after helping lead Hayden to its second straight 3A state championship game. 

Washburn Rural sophomore Maddie Vickery has been named the Dan Key Farmers Insurance Agency female Rising Star of the Week after leading Rural to a 3-0 start with 70 points in the three games. [File photo/TSN]

MADDIE VICKERY, Washburn Rural

The 6-foot-1 Vickery has led Washburn Rural to a 3-0 start to the 2024-2025 season, scoring 70 points over the three games.

Vickery opened the year with a 26-point, 12-rebound performance in a 44-43 win over Blue Valley Northwest last Friday before scoring 17 points in a 45-42 win over Liberty, Mo. on Tuesday and 27 points in Thursday's 68-44 win over Topeka High in the semifinals of the De Soto Hardwood Classic.

As a freshman Vickery received All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League first-team honors and was named the county and league newcomer of the year.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

THOMAS APPUHN, Washburn Rural

Appuhn opened the 2024-2025 season with a strong performance in last Wednesday's Topeka West Invitational at the Capitol Federal Natatorium. Appuhn posted a fourth-place individual finish in the 200-yard medley relay and finished sixth in the 100-yard backstroke and swam on the Junior Blues' fourth-place 400 freestyle relay.

KINSER BARBOSA, Seaman

Barbosa earned second-team All-City honors last season and is one of the Vikings' top returners. In last Wednesday's Topeka West Invitational Barbosa finished fifth in the 100-yard breaststroke, sixth in the 50-yard freestyle and swam on the Vikings' sixth-place 200 medley relay.

Dawson Blankenship, Topeka High

DAWSON BLANKENSHIP, Topeka High

Blankenship is a top returner for Topeka High after earning second-team All-City honors last season. Blankenship opened his 2024-2025 season with a third-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly and swam on the Trojans' fourth-place 200 free relay in last Wednesday's Topeka West Invitational. 

Truman Brede, Shawnee Heights

TRUMAN BREDE, Shawnee Heights

A senior returning All-City first-teamer, Brede finished off his 2024 season with a win in the Class 5A 'B' final in the 100-yard backstroke. Brede finished second in the 200-yard freestyle, third in the 100 backstroke and second in the 200 free relay for the T-Birds in the city meet and finished second in the United Kansas Conference meet in the 200 freestyle and 100 back and fourth in the 200 free relay. Brede finished third in last Wednesday's Topeka West Invitational in the 200 freestyle and finished fourth in the 100 backstroke.

RYAN CARSON, Hayden

Carson will be counting on to provide leadership for the Wildcats this winter after earning a spot on the All-City second team last season. Carson finished eighth in the 100-yard butterfly in last Wednesday's Topeka West Invitational and swam on Hayden's 200 medley, 200 free and 400 free relays.

Jaxon Cowdin, Topeka High

JAXON COWDIN, Topeka High

Cowdin, a senior, won his third straight city championship in one-meter diving for Topeka High last season and went on to claim his second Centennial League championship. A three-time first-team All-City honoree, Cowdin advanced to the Class 6A diving finals for the third straight year, posting a 12th-place state finish.

PALMER HESKETT, Hayden

A second-team All-City honoree last season, Heskett is one of Hayden's top returning swimmers. In last Wednesday's Topeka West Invitational Heskett finished sixth in the 200-yard freestyle and sixth in the 500 freestyle while also swimming on the Wildcats' 200 medley relay and 400 free relays.

Evan Hoobler, Shawnee Heights

EVAN HOOBLER, Shawnee Heights

Hoobler, a senior, was a first-team All-City honoree last season, placing second in the 100-yard breaststroke and third in the 200 individual medley and second in the 200 free relay in the city championships and placed second in the 100 breaststroke, third in the 200 IM and fourth in the 200 free relay in the United Kansas Conference meet.

Alex Lanterman, Washburn Rural

ALEX LANTERMAN, Washburn Rural

Lanterman earned a first-team All-City berth last season with a strong performance in the city meet as Washburn Rural won its fifth straight city team championship. Lanterman placed third in the city in 200-yard freestyle and third in the 100 butterfly and was part of Rural's 'B' 400 free relay team that finished third. 

Luke Lemke, Washburn Rural

LUKE LEMKE, Washburn Rural

Lemke, a senior, earned All-City first-team honors last season, helping Washburn Rural win city and Centennial League team titles and tying for third place in Class 6A. Lemke was part of Rural's 400-yard free relay team that placed second in the 6A state meet. Lemke placed second in the city meet in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100 backstroke and was part of the Junior Blues' winning 200 medley and 200 free relays. Lemke took third in the 200 individual medley in the Centennial League meet and was part of Rural's winning 200 free and 400 free relay teams.  

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Anna Becker

ANNA BECKER, Seaman

Becker, a 5-foot-11 senior, scored 20 points and had eight assists in the Vikings' 69-67 season-opening United Kansas Conference girls basketball road win at Piper, with Becker become Seaman's all-time leader in career assists.

Maddie Gragg

MADDIE GRAGG, Seaman

A 5-foot-10 junior, Gragg scored 21 points to lead defending Class 5A state girls basketball champion Seaman to a hard-earned 69-67 season-opening United Kansas Conference road victory at Piper on Friday night.

Dayne Johnson

DAYNE JOHNSON, Silver Lake

Johnson, a 6-foot-3 junior multi-sport star, scored 21 points in the Eagles' 59-52 season-opening basketball win over Perry-Lecompton after being named to the All-Shawnee County football Top 22 earlier in the week.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Editor's note: The 20 girls wrestlers to watch are primarily based on performances in the 2023-2024 season. TopSports.news is still in the process of receiving preseason information from local coaches and will update information as needed.

Koti Best, Seaman

KOTI BEST, Seaman

Best, a senior, had her junior season disrupted by injury after finishing second in Class 5A as a sophomore. Best received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season and is ranked No. 1 at 115 pounds in the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association's second of two preseason state 5A rankings. 

MADISON BLANCO, Washburn Rural

A junior, Blanco earned first-team All-Shawnee County recognition last season at 130 pounds after helping Washburn Rural win its second straight Class 6A state team title. Blanco posted a 28-9 record and placed sixth in 6A. She is ranked No. 3 in 6A at 135 pounds in the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Assocation's second preseason rankings.

MADDY BLOW, Washburn Rural

Blow, a senior, was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick for the second straight season at 115 pounds after qualifying for the Class 6A state tournament and posting a 22-12 record on the season. Blow is ranked sixth at 115 in 6A by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in its second of two preseason rankings.

CONNIE BURNS, Highland Park

Burns, a junior, posted a 23-6 record and was a second-team All-Shawnee County selection last season at 105 pounds for Shawne Heights before transferring to Highland Park this season. Burns is 5-0 on the season for the Scots after winning the 115-pound title in Saturday's Highland Park Invitational.

MAKAYLA CADET, Highland Park

A junior, Cadet earned All-Shawnee County honorable mention in the 2023-2024 season and is ranked No. 6 in Class 5A at 190 pounds by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in its second preseason rankings. Cadet won the 235-pound title in Saturday's Highland Park Invitational.

Maddie Freeland, Shawnee Heights

MADDIE FREELAND, Shawnee Heights

A senior, Freeland is a three-time state qualfier and finished second in Class 5A at 135 pounds last season while compiling a 27-4 record. Freeland was a second-team All-Shawnee County selection as a junior and is ranked No. 2 at 135 in 5A by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in its second preseason state rankings.

ANNIE GALLEGOS, Washburn Rural

Gallegos, a senior, received second-team All-Shawnee County honors last season at 125 pounds and is a two-time state medalist. Gallegos was a state qualifier last season, posting a 19-5 record on the season, and is ranked No. 3 in the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association's first preseason rankings.

TESSA GERBER, Silver Lake

A senior multi-sport standout for Silver Lake, Gerber is currently ranked No. 3 in Class 3A-1A at 135 pounds by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in its second of two preseason staate rankings. 

Cianna Graves, Shawnee Heights

CIANNA GRAVES, Shawnee Heights

A junior, Graves received first-team All-Shawnee County honors at 155 pounds last season after posting a 32-8 record and finishing fifth in the Class 5A state tournament. Graves, a two-time state placer, is currently top-ranked in 5A by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in its second preseason state rankings.

McKENNA HARRIS, Silver Lake

Harris, a junior for the Eagles, is currently ranked No. 4 at 125 pounds in Class 3A-1A by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association in the second of two preseason rankings.

Taylie Heston, Seaman 

TAYLIE HESTON, Seaman

Heston, a senior, finished fourth in Class 5A last season at 120 pounds and posted a 30-10 record en route to earning All-Shawnee County first-team recognition for the second straight season. Heston is ranked second in 5A in the second Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association preseason state rankings at 120.

By Rick Peterson

TopSports.news

Seaman's girls basketball team opened defense of its Class 5A state championship Friday night, surviving a tough test from Piper to take a 69-67 United Kansas Conference road win.

"What a great atmosphere for the first game of the season,'' Seaman coach Matt Tinsley said. "Im proud of our girls. We were tough when we needed to be and we had some kids step up and be brave.''

Junior Maddie Gragg scored 21 points to lead Seaman in Friday's 69-67 UKC win over Piper. [File photo/TSN]

Junior Maddie Gragg led four double-figure scorers for the Vikings with 21 points while junior Anna Becker added 20 points, senior Jadyn Stallbaumer 14 points and senior Ava Esser 13.

Senior Anna Becker moved into the all-time career assist lead for Seaman in Friday's 69-67 win over Piper. [File photo/TSN]

Esser grabbed 10 rebounds to give her a double-double while senior Kinley Wilhelm also had 10 rebounds and Becker had eight assists and moved into the top spot on the Seaman all-time list.

The game was tight throughout, with Seaman leading 23-19 at the end of the first quarter before the Pirates used a 13-6 second quarter to take a 32-29 halftime advantage.

Seaman still trailed by a point (53-52) at the start of the fourth quarter before the Vikings outscored the Pirates 17-14 over the final eight minutes to pull out the two-point victory, hitting 8 of 8 free throws late in the game.

"Before the game we talked about our journey and taking the first step and this is a good win,'' Tinsley said.

The Vikings will be at home Tuesday to face Lansing.

Piper boys take 69-51 win over Vikings

Piper, the Class 5A boys state runnerup last season, opened its 2024-2025 campaign with a 69-51 home United Kansas Conference victory over Seaman.

Piper led 14-9 after one quarter and took control with a 19-8 second quarter, taking a 33-17 advantage to the locker room at halftime.

The Pirates went on to open up a 51-30 advantage at the start of the fourth quarter before Seaman outscored Piper 21-18 the rest of the way.

Seaman got a team-high 12 points from junior KaeVon Bonner while newcomer Cameron Brian and Axton Brewer added nine points apiece.

Seaman will be at home Tuesday to host UKC rival Lansing.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Editor's note: The 20 boys wrestlers to watch are primarily based on performances in the 2023-2024 season. TopSports.news is still in the process of receiving preseason information from local coaches and will update information as needed.

JADYN BAUM, Washburn Rural

Baum, a sophomore, earned second-team All-Shawnee County recognition at 175 pounds last season for Washburn Rural, posting a 31-20 record as a freshman. Baum is ranked No. 3 at 175 pounds in the latest of two Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Class 6A preseason rankings and is ranked 10th in the All-Class rankings. Baum was a Centennial League champion as a freshman and was selected as the league newcomer of the year.

GABE BRANNICK, Seaman

Brannick, a senior, was a Class 5A state qualifier last season, posting a 36-17 record through regionals, and earned All-Shawnee County honorable mention at 157 pounds. Brannick is ranked sixth in 5A at 157 pounds in the second of two Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association 5A preseason state rankings. Brannick posted a third-place finish in the United Kansas Conference tournament last season.

BRODY BROWN, Shawnee Heights

Brown, a sophomore, earned second-team All-Shawnee County recognition at 126 pounds as a freshman and qualified for the Class 5A state tournament with a sixth-place regional finish. Brown is expected to wrestle at 138 pounds for the T-Birds this season. He posted a 22-18 record last season and placed fourth in the United Kansas Conference tournament.

Easton Broxterman, Washburn Rural

EASTON BROXTERMAN, Washburn Rural

A senior, Broxterman is a two-time Class 6A state champion and has advanced to the state finals three straight seasons. Broxterman, who posted a 49-1 record en route to the 132-pound title last season, was named the Shawnee County wrestler of the year last winter after helping the Junior Blues finish third as a team and is a three-time all-county selection. Broxterman is ranked No. 1 at 144 pounds in the second of two Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association 6A preseason rankings and is also No. 1 in the All-Class rankings.

TRISTAN BUCE, Shawnee Heights

Buce, a junior, was a Class 5A state qualifier and earned second-team All-Shawnee County recognition last season at 106 pounds and is expected to wrestle at 120 pounds this season. Buce posted a 26-6 record last season for the T-Birds and qualified for state with a sixth-place regional finish. Buce was a United Kansas Conference champion as a freshman and finished second a year ago.

Adrian Burney, Highland Park

ADRIAN BURNEY, Highland Park

Burney, a senior, was the lone Highland Park Class 5A boys state qualifier last season and earned All-Shawnee County honorable mention. Burney posted a 17-8 record through regional competition last season, punching his ticket to state with a sixth-place finish.

Hunter Diederich, Hayden

HUNTER DIEDERICH, Hayden

Diederich, a senior, earned second-team All-Shawnee County recognition at 285 pounds last season, posting a 22-9 record on the season. Diederich was a Class 4A state qualifier in 2023.

TRENT HARRIS, Silver Lake

A senior, Harris received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season after qualifying for the Class 4A state tournament with a third-place regional finish at 150 pounds, posting a 31-15 record through regional competition. Harris is ranked No. sixth in 4A at 157 pounds in the second of two Kansas Wrestling Coaches Assocation preseason rankings.

RYDER HARRISON, Washburn Rural

Harrison, a junior, was a first-team All-Shawnee County selection at 106 pounds as a sophomore, posting a 47-14 record for the Junior Blues, who finished third in Class 6A as a team. Harrison finished fourth at state last season and is ranked No. 5 at 120 pounds in the second of two Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association 6A preseason rankings and is listed third a 113 pounds in the All-Class rankings. Harrison was a Centennial League champ in 2024.

GAVIN HARTMAN, Shawnee Heights

A junior, Hartman received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season and is a former Class 5A state qualifier. Hartman was a United Kansas Conference champion in 2023 and finished fourth in the conference meet last season.

EVAN JOHNSON, Shawnee Heights

Johnson, a junior, was a second-team All-Shawnee County pick at 157 pounds as a sophomore and is a two-time Class 5A state qualifier for the T-Birds. Johnson posted a 29-15 record last season and qualified for state with a fourth-place regional finish. Johnson was a second-place finisher in the United Kansas Conference tournament.

BRODYE KOCHER-MUNOZ, Washburn Rural

A sophomore, Kocher-Munoz was named the Shawnee County newcomer of the year as a freshman and was a second-team all-county selection at 144 pounds for Washburn Rural, which posted a third-place team finish in Class 6A. Munoz finished fourth in 6A last season and is ranked third at 150 pounds in the second of two Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association 6A preseason rankings and seventh in the All-Class rankings at 138.

Landen Kocher-Munoz, Washburn Rural

LANDEN KOCHER-MUNOZ, Washburn Rural

Kocher-Munoz, a junior, posted a 36-5 record at 138 pounds last season, earning All-Shawnee County first-team recognition for a second straight season. Kocher-Munoz finished second in Class 6A last season after winning a state championship as a freshman. Kocher-Munoz helped the Junior Blues finish third as a team in 6A. Kocher-Munoz is ranked No. 4 at 132 pounds in the second of two Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association preseason All-Class rankings. Kocher-Munoz won a Centennial League title last season.

JUDE KRENTZ, Hayden

A junior, Krentz earned All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season at 165 pounds last season after earning his second straight trip to the Class 4A state tournament. Krentz qualified for the 2024 state meet with a third-place regional finish and posted a 27-3 record through regional competition.

Kristjan Marshall, Washburn Rural

KRISTJAN MARSHALL, Washburn Rural

A senior, Marshall earned first-team All-Shawnee County recognition last season after compiling a 39-4 record and capturing the Class 6A 150-pound state championship for Washburn Rural, which finished third in the 6A team race. Marshall, who finished fourth at state as a sophomore, is ranked No. 1 in 6A at 157 pounds in the second of two Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association preseason rankings and is No. 7 in the All-Class rankings at 150. Marshall won a Centennial League title in 2024.

By Rick Peterson

TopSports.news

Over the last 27 minutes of Friday's season-opener against Blue Valley Northwest, Washburn Rural's girls led for 1.5 seconds.

But thanks to Junior Blue junior Josie Carlgren, that was enough for Rural to take a 44-43 come-from-behind non-league win over the Huskies at Rural.

Washburn Rural junior Josie Carlgren launches her game-winning 3-pointer in Friday's 44-43 win over Blue Valley Northwest. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Washburn Rural trailed by 12 points with a minute and a half left in the third quarter and was down by seven with two minutes left before mounting its late charge.

The Huskies, who were just seven of 16 at the free throw line, went in front 43-41 on a free throw by Rylie Edwards with 12.9 remaining but Washburn Rural got the ball to Carlgren in the corner and she swished the game-winning 3-pointer, her only basket of the night, as time ran down.

Washburn Rural coach Kevin Bordewick and the Junior Blues' bench react to Josie Carlgren's game-winning 3-pointer Friday night. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

"Jo just felt her moment and she said, 'I just knew it was going in. The minute I shot it, I said it's in,' '' Rural coach Kevin Bordewick said. "That's the confidence that we're kind of telling them that they need.

"And you're talking about a kid that's kind of bided her time and she stepped up in a pretty big moment right there.''

After Carlgren's clutch hoop 1.5 seconds was put back on the clock, but Rural senior Kate Hinck intercepted the Northwest inbounds pass to clinch the win.

Washburn Rural celebrates Friday's 44-43 win over Blue Valley Northwest. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Washburn Rural, which has been to three straight Class 6A championship games, led 7-3 early in the game but Northwest took a 17-13 lead at the end of the quarter and the Junior Blues were fighting from behind the rest of the night.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Thirty-one Washburn Rural and Topeka High football players have received All-Centennial League recognition, including nine first-team selections.

Washburn Rural senior Lafayette Thompson earned All-Centennial League first-team honors at both wide receiver and returner. [File photo/TSN]

Rural is represented on the first team by senior Lafayette Thompson, who made the team at wide receiver and returner along with senior offensive linemen Caden Estrada and Jacob Hawks, senior defensive lineman Baron Blankenship, senior linebacker Connor Danielson, senior defensive back Kingston Leonard and junior offensive back TJ Minikwu.

Senior running back Tevante Ewing (25) earned All-Centennial League first-team honors for Topeka High. [File photo/TSN]

Topeka High put senior offensive back Tevante Ewing and junior Malichi Murph on the first team.

Trojan senior Jayden Norman received all-league recognition at three positions, receiving second-team honors at wide receiver and kicker and honorable mention at punter.

2024 ALL-CENTENNIAL LEAGUE FOOTBALL 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

When Washburn Rural had a vacancy for a girls swimming coach back in 2020, veteran coach Bob Burdick stepped in for the Junior Blues.

Senior Luke Lemke (front) led Washburn Rural to a third-place team finish in Wednesday's 11-school Topeka West Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

This winter is deja vu all over again for Burdick, who took over the reins of the Rural boys program after Janson Garman stepped down.

"He graduated from college and got a job,'' Burdick said. "I hoped Janson would stay because he had a lot of energy and he's a young coach and I want to see these young coaches move up because people like me, we're going to be retiring. But he just couldn't do it.''

Burdick had put together a long coaching career in Missouri before retiring in that state and moving over to Washburn Rural, where he teaches history and eventually took on the girls coaching position.

And as fate would have it, the timing worked out perfectly this winter for Burdick to take on the added responsibility of coaching both Rural teams. 

"About two or three years ago I told our athletic director (Charlie Nimz) that I couldn't do this (coach the boys) because I used to coach the boys and the girls back in Missouri and when I took the girls my wife said, 'Promise me you're not going to take the boys until our last son's in college,' '' Burdick said.

"Well, he's at K-State now, so she said, 'You can do whatever the heck you want with swimming now, so enjoy.' Charlie came to me and said, 'Are you going to do this?' And I was like, 'Yes, I'm going to do it,' so that's how it all went down.''

Burdick's Washburn Rural boys team made its debut in Wednesday's 11-school Topeka West Invitational at the Capitol Federal Natatorium, posting a third-place finish.

  "I'm enjoying it,'' Burdick said. "I love swimming, so I enjoy watching these guys swim, I enjoy the races. We had a lot of surprises tonight for our team and there's a lot of great teams out here and I love seeing all the other coaches.

"This has been a great start and it was getting the bugs out for everybody.''

Washburn Rural suffered heavy graduation losses, including state champions Brogan Meier and Jack Miranda, off last year's team that tied for third in Class 6A, but Burdick said the team is coming around. 

"It's going to take awhile, but we can see it on the horizon,'' he said.

Luke Lemke led Rural in Wednesday's opener, placing second in the 200-yard individual medley (2 minutes, 10.90 seconds) and the 100 backstroke (58.98) while also swimming on the Junior Blues' third-place 200 medley relay (1:49.96) and fourth-place 400 free relay (3:40.96).

Lemke teamed with Castle Wallace, Alexander Lanterman and Andres Morao-Jaspe on the 200 medley relay and with Morao-Jaspe, Thomas Appuhn and Joseph Jensen on the 400 free relay.

Rural's foursome of Wallace, Ethan Overbey, Lanterman and Jensen posted a third-place finish in the 200 free relay (1:42.93) while Wallace finished third in the 100 breaststroke (1:08.19).

Topeka High's Dawson Blankenship posted a third-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly in Wednesday's 11-school Topeka West Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Topeka High finished sixth as a team, led by Dominic Delgado (209.65) and Malichi Delgado (166.70), who went one-two in one-meter diving. The Trojans also got a third-place finish from Dawson Blankenship in the 100 butterfly (1:00.40).

Shawnee Heights senior Truman Brede posted a third-place finish in the 200 freestyle in Wednesday's Topeka West Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Shawnee Heights' Evan Hoobler finished third in the 100-yard freestyle in the Topeka West Invitational on Wednesday. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Shawnee Heights got a third-place finish from Truman Brede in the 200 freestyle (2:02.51) and a third from Evan Hoobler in the 100 free (53.02).

TOPEKA WEST INVITATIONAL

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Wednesday's nine-school Hayden Invitational swimming meet didn't end the way Washburn Rural wanted it to, with the Junior Blues 'A' team being disqualified in the meet-ending 400-yard free relay after posting an apparent victory by a big margin.

Washburn Rural senior Luke Lemke posted individual and relay wins in Wedneday's Hayden Invitational as Rural won th team title. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

But fortunately for Rural, the Junior Blues had done enough earlier in the day to take the team championship by a decisive 488-367 margin over Piper at the Capitol Federal Natatorium.

"It happens,'' Rural coach Bob Burdick said of the DQ. "It's a learning experience and I'd rather do it here than city, league or state.''

Andres Morao-Jaspe helped lead Washburn Rural to the team title in Wednesday's Hayden Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Washburn Rural got a one-two-three finish from Luke Lemke, Andres Morao-Jaspe and Thomas Appuhn in the 200-yard individul medley, with Lemke winning  in 2 minutes, 11.91 seconds, and a one-two finish in the 500 freestyle from Morao-Jaspe and Appuhn in the 500 free, with Morao-Jaspe winning in 5:27.65.

And the Junior Blues' foursome of Lemke, Castle Wallace, Morao-Jaspe and Appuhn won the  200 medley relay 1:50.19.

Overall, Washburn Rural posted top-three finishes in 10 of 11 events that were contested, including a second-place finish by Rural's 'B' entry in the 400 free relay. 

"They had a tough workout yesterday so they came in with burning legs, that's the best way to put it,'' Burdick said. "I didn't expect best times or people to drop a lot of whole lot of time because we're at the endurance building phase of the season.

"Time drops should probably start happening in January, but we had a few kids that dropped some time, which was great and overall they did great. They swam well and they're starting to get their heads in the right place.''

Hayden finished fifth as a team, getting a fourth-place finish from Palmer Heskett in the 500 freestyle, a fifth from Heskett in the 200 individual medley and a fifth from Ryan Carson in the 100 butterfly.

The Wildcat foursome of Liam Stegman, Brek Wahlmeier, Carson and Heskett finished fourth in the 400 free relay.

Topeka West finished eighth as a team, getting a seventh-place individual finish from Brady Clark in the 100 freestyle.

HAYDEN INVITATIONAL

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

Hayden, which advanced to the Class 3A state championship game for the second straight season, and 5A quarterfinalist and United Kansas Conference champion Seaman combined for 10 Top 22 spots to lead the TopSports.news' 2024 All-Shawnee County football team.

Hayden, which posted a 11-2 record this fall, is represented on the Top 22 by senior three-time honoree Jensen Schrickel along with seniors Broderick Desch, Treyton Tetuan and Jett Wahlmeier and juniors Jude Krentz and Kade while Seaman, 8-3 on the year, put seniors Briar Finley, Max Huston and Kaden Jordan and junior Cameron Brian on the Top 22.

Seaman quarterback Huston and wide receiver Finley were named the Shawnee County co-offensive players of the year while Jordan, a nose tackle, was named the county defensive player of the year and Brian was selected as the defensive newcomer of the year.

Hayden's Schrickel was selected as the Shawnee County all-purpose athlete of the year while Wildcat coach Bill Arnold, now 222-68 as a head coach, was named the county coach of the year.

Shawnee Heights junior quarterback Aiden Scott was a Top 22 pick and selected as the county offensive newcomer of the year after throwing for more than 3,100 yards.

Washburn Rural senior safety Kingston Leonard joins Schrickel and Huston as All-Shawnee County Top 22 repeat selections while the Junior Blues are also represented on the Top 22 by senior linemen Caden Estrada and Jacob Hawks. 

Shawnee Heights also put junior Tyren Parker on the all-county Top 22, while 1A semifinalist Rossville is represented by senior Tayson Horak and junior Conner Bush, Silver Lake by senior Braden Strausbaugh and junior Dayne Johnson, Highland Park by seniors Ricky Crawford and Jamon Wilson and Topeka High by senior Jayden Norman.

All 10 Shawnee County high schools have representatives on either the Top 22, Second 22 or honorable mention list. Five county teams won at least six games this fall, with four winning at least one playoff contest.

TopSports.news selected the 2024 All-Shawnee County team after receiving input from county head coaches.

All-Shawnee County Top 22 capsules:

By RICK PETERSON             

TopSports.news

 Kaden Ballard, Washburn Rural

KADEN BALLARD, Washburn Rural

Ballard, a 5-foot-10 senior guard, received Top Sports News All-Shawnee County Second 10 and All-Centennial League second-team recognition last season. A Washburn University signee, Ballard averaged 12.0 points, 3.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game while hitting 44 of 127 3-point attempts and 56 of 76 free throws for a 73.7-percent average.

Mason Becker, Hayden

MASON BECKER, Hayden

A sophomore, Becker was named the TSN All-Shawnee County newcomer of the year and received Second 10 all-county recognition last season as a freshman after helping the 8-16 Wildcats advance to the Class 3A state tournament. Becker averaged 5.7 points, hit 17 3-pointers, shot 75.5 percent from the free throw line and registered 1.3 assists and 1.0 steals.

KaeVon Bonner, Seaman

KAEVON BONNER, Seaman

Bonner, a 6-foot-1 junior, moved up to the TSN All-Shawnee County first team last season after being named the Shawnee County co-newcomer of the year and receiving honorable mention as a freshman. A first-team All-United Kansas Conference selection, Bonner averaged 15.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals this past season for the 9-12 Vikings while hitting 32 3-pointers and shooting 76 percent from the free throw line.

Jack Donovan, Rossville

JACK DONOVAN, Rossville

A 5-foot-11 junior, Donovan made the All-Shawnee County Top 10 for the first time last season after being named the co-newcomer of the year and receiving honorable mention as a freshman. Donovan averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds and 2.4 assists for the 15-7 Bulldawgs while setting a school record with 59 3-point baskets. He was a first-team All-Mid-East League pick. Donovan is also a standout in football and golf for the Bulldawgs, earning All-Shawnee County first-team golf honors.

Ontarius Emmot, Shawnee Heights

ONTARIUS EMMOT, Shawnee Heights

Emmot, a junior, received TSN All-Shawnee County honorable mention recognition last season after helping Shawnee Heights post a 19-4 record and advance to the Class 5A state tournament. Emmot shot 49.2 percent from 3-point range last season, draining 31 treys on the season. Emmot also shot 79.7 percent from the free throw line and blocked 15 shots.

Bryer Finley, Seaman

BRYER FINLEY, Seaman

Finley, a 6-foot-5 senior, played in just four games for the Vikings a year ago before missing the remainder of the season with an injury. Before being sidelined Finley averaged 13.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Finley is coming off an oustanding football season as a wide receiver, being named the United Kansas Conference offensive player of the year after helping Seaman reach the Class 5A quarterfinals.

Kamoni Ford, Topeka West 

KAMONI FORD, Topeka West

A 6-foot-7 senior, Ford averaged 7.9 points and 5.0 rebounds for the 14-8 Chargers last season. Ford shot 57.5 percent on 2-point field goal attempts, hit 20 3-pointers and shot 70 percent from the free throw line. Ford received TSN All-Shawnee County honorable mention as a junior.

Jalen Foy, Topeka West

JALEN FOY, Topeka West

Foy, a 6-foot-2 senior guard, turned in a breakout junior season for the Chargers, earning TSN All-Shawnee County Top 10 and first-team All-United Kansas Conference recognition last season for 14-8 West. Foy averaged 13.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.4 blocked shots while hitting 31 3-pointers.

Connor Hanika, Hayden

CONNOR HANIKA, Hayden

Hanika, a junior, received All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season after helping the 8-16 Wildcats advance to the Class 3A state tournament. Hanika averaged 5.1 points and 3.3 rebounds in 2023-2024 while shooting 52.4 percent on 2-point field goals. Hanika is also a football standout for Hayden, helping the Wildcats post back-to-back runnerup finishes in 3A.

By RICK PETERSON        
TopSports.news 

Anna Becker, Seaman

ANNA BECKER, Seaman

A 5-foot-11 senior, Becker was named the TopSports.news All-Shawnee County co-player of the year after helping lead Seaman to the Class 5A state championship last season. Becker scored 15 points with 8 rebounds, 5 assists and two steals in the Vikings' 54-41 win over Maize South in the state final as Seaman capped a 23-2 season. A Drake signee, Becker is a three-time All-Shawnee County Top 10 pick and has been named the United Kansas Conference player of the year the past two seasons. Becker averaged 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.8 steals while shooting 61.3 percent from 2-point range as a junior.

Tahtionna Broils, Highland Park

TAHTIONNA BROILS, Highland Park

A senior, Broils earned second-team All-Meadowlark Conference honors and TSN All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season for the 14-6 Scots. Broils averaged 9.7 points and 6.4 rebounds as a junior to go with 2.6 steals, 1.6 assists and 1.3 blocked shots for the Scots, who won the Meadowlark Conference championship. 

Tenly Bunck, Washburn Rural

TENLY BUNCK, Washburn Rural

A 5-foot-5 senior guard, Bunck helped Washburn Rural reach the Class 6A state championship game for the third straight season. Bunck helped the Junior Blues post a 17-8 record on the season while averaging 3.5 points and 2.9 rebounds and shooting 66.7 percent from the free throw line. Bunck received TSN All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League honorable mention as a junior.

Nora Burdiek, Rossville

NORA BURDIEK, Rossville

Burdiek, a 5-foot-11 sophomore forward, had a breakout season for Rossville as a freshman, earning TSN All-Shawnee County Second 10 and All-Mid-East League second-team recognition. Burdiek averaged 15 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals per game last season as Rossville posted an 18-4 record. Burdiek earned all-county first-team honors in volleyball this fall. 

Pearmella Carter, Highland Park

PEARMELLA CARTER, Highland Park

The 5-foot-10 Carter burst on the city and Meadowlark Conference scene last season as a freshman, leading the city in scoring and rebounding, averaging 18.1 and 10.2 rebounds while also averaging 3.9 steals and shooting 61.4 percent on 2-point field goals. Carter was named the Meadowlark Conference Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year and also received Second 10 All-Shawnee County recognition. 

Rylee Dick, Rossville

RYLEE DICK, Rossville

A junior, Dick had a big sophomore season for the Bulldawgs, helping Rossville post an 18-4 record. Dick, a 5-foot-6 guard, received TSN All-Shawnee County Second 10 and All-Mid-East second-team honors last season after averaging 15 points, 3 assists and 3 steals and shooting 36 percent from 3-point range.

KK Emmot, Shawnee Heights

KK EMMOT, Shawnee Heights

A 5-foot-7 sophomore, Emmot made an immediate impact for Shawnee Heights last season, averaging 13.5 points while connecting on 35 3-point goals and shooting 75 percent from the free throw line. Emmot earned All-United Kansas Conference second-team recognition last winter while also being named to the TSN All-Shawnee County Second 10. 

Ava Esser, Seaman

AVA ESSER, Seaman

Esser, a 6-foot senior, earned All-Shawnee County Second 10 recognition last season after helping Seaman win the Class 5A state championship and post a 23-2 record. Esser, who received All-United Kansas Conference honorable mention as a junior, averaged 5.6 points and grabbed 7.3 rebounds while shooting 47.6 percent from the field.

Maddie Gragg, Seaman 

MADDIE GRAGG, Seaman

A 5-foot-10 junior, Gragg was an TSN All-Shawnee County Top 10 and All-United Kansas Conference first-team pick for the second straight season after helping lead Seaman post a 23-2 record and win the Class 5A state title. Gragg registered a double-double in the Class 5A state final, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the Vikings' 54-41 win over Maize South. Gragg averaged 12.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals last season while shooting 51.6 percent on 2-point field goals, 44.4 percent on 3-point attempts with 28 3s and 77.0 percent from the free throw line. 

Kailyn Hanni, Silver Lake

KAILYN HANNI, Silver Lake

Hanni, a 5-foot-7 junior, had a breakout season for Silver Lake, helping the Eagles cap a perfect 26-0 season with a 66-61 win over Hesston in the Class 3A state championship game. Hanni, an All-Shawnee County Top 10 and first-team All-Mid-East League pick, scored 26 points for Silver Lake in the title game while connecting on 14 of 15 free throw attempts, with many of her charities coming in crunch time. Hanni scored a total of 50 points at state, with three double-figure games.

Karsyn Hastert, Cair Paravel

KARSYN HASTERT, Cair Paravel Latin

A junior, Hastert earned TSN All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season for the 6-16 Lions. Hastert averaged 7.3 points as a sophomore and ranked fifth in the city of Topeka with an 8.2 rebounding average and fourth with 1.4 blocked shots. Hastert is also a volleyball standout for Cair Paravel, earning All-Shawnee County second-team recognition this fall.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Former Washburn Rural three-sport star Brooklyn DeLeye, now a volleyball star at Kentucky, has been named the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year after helping lead the Wildcats to the outright conference championship.

[Kentucky Athletics]

A 6-foot-2 sophomore outside hitter, DeLeye registered 450 kills with a .282 hitting percentage, 155 digs, 31 total blocks and 46 service aces as Kentucky posted a 20-7 regular-season record and went 14-2 in the SEC.

DeLeye became the sixth different Kentucky Wildcat to win SEC Player of the Year as a Kentucky player has now won the award for a seventh time. DeLeye joins Sarah Rumley (2008), Leah Edmond (2018, 2019), Madison Lilley (2020), Alli Stumler (2021) and Emma Grome (2022) as winners of the conference’s top honor. Kentucky has now won the award six of the last seven years.

With its SEC title Kentucky earned the conference's automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament. Pairings will be announced Sunday.

After an outstanding freshman season for Kentucky's volleyball team, including SEC Freshman of the Year and AVCA All-America honorable mention honors, DeLeye helped lead the U.S. Volleyball U21 team to the title in the NORCECA Continental Championship in Toronto, earning MVP and Top Spiker awards.

DeLeye led Washburn Rural to state titles in volleyball and basketball and was also a standout in soccer.

DeLeye was a two-time Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year in volleyball and was named to the All-State first team four straight years.  She finished her high school career with 2,090 kills.

 DeLeye was a three-time All-Shawnee County pick in basketball, helping Rural win the Class 6A title as a junior and to a second-place finish as a senior.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn Rural, which captured its 30th straight Centennial League boys championship (outright or shared) and finished third in the Class 6A state tournament, leads the 2024 Topeka All-City boys soccer team with four first-team picks.

Ryder Nikkel, Washburn Rural

Brandon Hamiton (14), Washburn Rural

Liam Morrison (4), Washburn Rural

Dylan Willingham, Washburn Rural

The Junior Blues are represented on the 16-member first team, selected by city coaches, by senior Ryder Nikkel (defense) and juniors Brandon Hamilton (defense), Liam Morrison (defense) and Dylan Willingham (midfield).

Valentin Del Real (3), Topeka West

Diego Gonzalez-Talavera, Topeka West

Jafet Rodriguez, Topeka West

Topeka West is represented on the All-City team by freshman Valentin Del Real (midfield), sophomore Diego Gonzalez-Talavera (forward) and senior Jafet Rodriguez (defense) while Charger coach Josh Kutter was named the 2024 city coach of the year after being named co-coach of the year in 2023.

Jaime Alvarado, Topeka High

Antonio Aguirre, Topeka High

Billy Lutz, Topeka High

Topeka High also put three players on the All-City team, with first-team repeat pick Jaime Alvarado (forward) joined by senior Antonio Aguirre (midfield) and junior Billy Lutz (goalkeeper).

Camden Granado (6), Shawnee Heights

Mason Haas, Shawnee Heights

Dalton Smith, Seaman

Logan Townsend, Seaman

Shawnee Heights is represented on the All-City team by junior Camden Granado (forward) and sophomore Mason Haas (midfield) while Seaman is represented by senior Dalton Smith (defense) and senior Logan Townsend (midfield).

Cooper Grace (18), Hayden

Hayden senior Cooper Grace (defense) earned All-City first-team honors for the second straight season while Highland Park junior Neri Diaz (midfield) rounds out the first team.

Aguirre, Granado, Lutz, Rodriguez, Nikkel and Willingham all moved up to the first team after receiving honorable mention in 2023.

Willingham was named the Centennial League player of the year this fall while Rural's Hamilton, Morrison and Nikkel and High's Alvarado, Aguirre and Lutz and Hayden's Grace were also first-team picks.

Seaman's Smith and Townsend, Topeka West's Del Real, Gonzalez-Talavera and Rodriguez and Shawnee Heights' Granado and Haas were all named All-United Kansas Conference first team and Highland Park's Diaz made the All-Meadowlark Conference first team.

2024 TOPEKA ALL-CITY SOCCER

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Fourteen soccer standouts have received All-State recognition from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association, led by All-Class 6A first-team pick Dylan Willingham of Washburn Rural.

 Willingham, a junior midfielder, was earlier named the Centennial League player of the year and received first-team All-City recognition after helping lead the Junior Blues to a third-place finish in the 6A state tournament.

Dylan Willingham, Washburn Rural

Rural juniors Brandon Hamilton, Liam Morrison and Miles Cook were all named to the All-6A second team while senior Ryder Nikkel and junior Draden Chooncharoen received honorable mention.

Six city players earned All-5A honorable mention, with Shawnee Heights represented by juniors Camden Granado and Juan Garcia and sophomore Mason Haas and Seaman by seniors Blake Toyne, Logan Townsend and Kaelin Loy.

Cair Paravel Latin junior Nathan Keys received second-team honors in All-4A-1A while Lion sophomore Judah Congdon received honorable mention.

Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State