Topeka High Trojans
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Editor's note: @TopSports.news plans to run high school basketball roundups throughout the 2023-2024 season for the 10 Shawnee County high schools. Coaches are encouraged to submit game reports to
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Coming off a 24-1 season and a third-place finish in the Class 5A state tournament, Highland Park's boys basketball team is off and running again, opening its season Tuesday night with a 90-33 non-league road win at Bonner Springs.
Tamir Anderson
Ja'Corey Robinson
Highland Park, ranked No. 3 in 5A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, had four players crack double figures, led by senior Tamir Anderson, who scored a game-high 21 points on seven 3-pointers.
Junior Ja'Corey Robinson scored 19 points for the Scots, followed by senior Amari Taylor with 16 points (two 3-pointers) and junior Mikey Williams with 15 points.
Highland Park was in command after opening up a 28-12 first-quarter lead and the Scots took a 46-23 advantage to the locker room at halftime.
The Scots finished off the rout with a 44-10 scoring advantage in the second half, holding Bonner Springs scoreless in the fourth quarter. A running clock was used throughout the fourth.
Highland Park will return to action next Tuesday, traveling to Kansas City-Southeast, Mo.
HIGHLAND PARK GIRLS 52, BONNER SPRINGS 41
Highland Park, which advanced to the 5A state tournament a season ago, opened its season with a 52-41 non-league road win at Bonner Springs Tuesday night, getting a monster game from junior star Amelia Ramsey.
Amelia Ramsey
Ramsey, an All-Shawnee County pick last season, scored 21 points and grabbed 23 rebounds to key Highland Park's season-opening win.
Tahtionna Broils joined Ramsey in double figures for the Scots, finishing with 16 points.
Highland Park, ranked No. 10 in 5A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, will travel to Kansas City-Southeast, Mo. on Thursday.
ROSSVILLE BOYS 56, KC-WARD 48
Rossville evened its record at 1-1 with a 56-48 home win over Kansas City-Bishop Ward Tuesday night in the opening round of the Irish Classic.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Twelve city players earned first-team spots on the 2023 All-Centennial League football team, led by Washburn Rural senior quarterback Branton DeWeese, who was named the offense player of the year.
Washburn Rural senior quarterback Branton DeWeese has been named the Centennial League offensive player of the year after helping lead the Junior Blues to the league title and an 11-1 record overall. [File photo/TSN]
Steve Buhler has been named the Centennial League coach of the year after leading Washburn Rural to the league title and an 11-1 record on the year. [File photo/TSN]
DeWeese, who was also a first-team pick on offense, is one of 11 players to receive first-team recognition from Washburn Rural, which won the Centennial League championship on the way to an 11-1 record and advanced to the semifinals of the Class 6A playoffs.
Washburn Rural coach Steve Buhler was selected as the Centennial League coach of the year.
Senior wide receiver Titan Osburn, junior offensive linemen Caden Estrada and Jacob Hawks and sophomore running back TJ Minikwu also earned first-team honors for Washburn Rural on offense along with DeWeese while senior linemen Packson Bettis and Jamond Lane, senior linebackers Jaren Heim and JC Heim and junior defensive back Kingston Leonard first-team picks on defense and Rural sophomore Trevon Creager was named the first-team punter.
Topeka High junior Jayden Norman earned a first-team berth on the all-league offense at wide receiver.
Junction City senior Michael Boganowski was named the Centennial defensive player of the year.
ALL-CENTENNIAL LEAGUE FOOTBALL
By Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
The Topeka High boys basketball team used a balanced attack to open its season with a 58-38 victory over Wamego at Topeka High Thursday night.
Da'Mykel Hales led a balanced Topeka High attack with 14 points in Thursday's 58-38 season-opening win over Wamego. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Isaiah Lyons scored 10 points as Topeka High opened the season with a 58-38 win over Wamego. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Against a team that handed them a season-opening 62-47 defeat a year ago, Topeka High got off to a hot start. The Trojans jumped out to a 17-12 advantage, which they stretched to 28-21 at halftime.
After leading 38-28 after three quarters, the Trojans slammed the door on the Raiders, outscoring the visitors 20-10 in the final period.
The Trojans return several players from a team that won just three games a year ago.
“Getting this first win really boosts our confidence a lot,” said senior guard Isaiah Lyons. “We’re ready to turn this program around. Coming in, we had a lot of talk about us being the underdog. But we’re here to prove that we’re going to win.”
Four players recorded at least eight points for Topeka High, and all seven who played tallied at least four points. The Trojans were paced by Da’Mykel Hales with 14, Miguel Villegas with 12 and Lyons with 10.
By Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
The Topeka High girls basketball team started a new era with a young lineup and, despite some growing pains, were encouraged by what they saw in a 44-40 loss to Wamego at Topeka High Thursday.
Topeka High coach Britney Redmond gives instructions to her team during Thursday's 44-40 loss to Wamego. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Topeka High senior Ladaysha Baird fights for a loose ball in Thursday's 44-40 loss to Wamego. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
The Trojans played just one player – Ladaysha Baird – who was older than a sophomore. Baird is one of two holdovers from last year’s team that went 16-6 and came just short of a trip to the 6A state tournament.
The young Trojans fell behind by 12 in the second period, but they didn’t wilt. They struck back after halftime, outscoring the Lady Raiders 12-2 in the third period. Topeka High claimed the lead 29-28 early in the fourth and kept it close the rest of the way.
“I think we have the youngest team in the state of Kansas. We didn’t play our best and still only lost by four,” said Topeka High coach Brittney Redmond. “I know the identity of this team and I told them ‘Hey, second half, things are going to go our way.’ ”
The Trojans were led in scoring by freshman Ahsieryrhajh Rayton with 16. In all, Topeka High played three freshmen and three sophomores in addition to Baird.
“There were a lot of nerves. I don’t think they knew what to expect today,” Redmond said. “I think they exceeded my expectations. I’m extremely proud of this group. I know this is only just the beginning.”
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Highland Park, hosting the first of back-to-back tournaments, claimed the girls team championship in Saturday's Highland Park Invitational by a 64-48 margin over city rival Topeka West.
Kylisha James won the 170-pound championship in last Saturday's Highland Park Invitational, helping the Scots capture the girls team championship. (Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
The Scots got individual championships from Kim Rodriguez at 105 pounds, Renea Easter at 125 and Kylisha James at 170.
Topeka West's Ziona Jackson (top) won the 135-pound championship in last Saturday's Highland Park Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN[
Runnerup Topeka West got a title from Ziona Jackson at 135 while Hayden got gold medals from Kylie Carswell (115), Kate Mead (120) and Natalie Hopper (140).
Topeka High posted a runnerup team finish in the boys division with 159 points while Hayden finished third with 139 points. De Soto won the team championship with 226.5 points.
The Trojans got individual titles from Luis Marones at 113 points and Jordan Stiner at 138 while Hayden's Jude Krentz claimed the 175-pound individual championships.
Highland Park will host the Melvin Douglas Invitational on Saturday.
Rural girls take Leavenworth Challenger title
Washburn Rural, the reigning Class 6A state girls team champion, rolled up 393 points to take the title in Saturday's season-opening 14-school Leavenworth Challenger.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
It's only been a few short years ago that Janson Garman did everything he could to beat Washburn Rural's swimming team
Now, as the Junior Blues' first-year head coach, Garman is doing everything he can to help Rural win.
Washburn Rural's swimming team celebrates after being announced as the team champion in Wednesday's 13-school Topeka West Invitational. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
When Garman starred at Seaman, helping the Vikings win the 2018 Class 5A-1A state team title, Washburn Rural was the Vikings' biggest city rival.
But when Garman, who coached Topeka West last season, got the opportunity to take over the Junior Blues' boys program this season, he realized it was too good of a chance to pass up, rival or not.
Washburn Rural's swimming team rallied late to give Jason Garman a team championship in his debut as the Junior Blues' coach Wednesday at the Capitol Federal Natatorium. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
"Let's just say I never thought I'd be coaching at Washburn Rural,'' Garman said. "If you would have asked me when I was in high school I would have said, 'Heck no,' but I'm very grateful. This is a great team, great guys that work hard and I'm happy to be in the position I am right now.
"I thought it was a great opportunity. I'd still be able to coach and do what I love to do, swimming, and still be able to finish my schooling up (in physical therapy). Rural has a great swim culture and I hope we can continue to grow and build on it.''
Garman made his debut as Rural's coach on Wednesday at the Capitol Federal Natatorium and his Junior Blues made it a happy occasion with a late rally, pulling out the team championship by a 405-396 margin over Centennial League rival Manhattan.
Manhattan got individual wins from freshman Daniel Allen in the 200-yard individual medley (2 minutes, 04.56 seconds) and from senior Brogan Meier in the 100 backstroke (56.98) and the Washburn Rural foursome of Will Powell, Allen, Luke Lemke and Jack Miranda won the meet-ending 400 free relay (3:22.72).
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Hayden, which advanced to the Class 3A state championship game, and 6A semifinalist Washburn Rural combined for 11 Top 22 spots on TopSports.news' 2023 All-Shawnee County football team while Seaman's Max Huston and Rural's JC Heim garnered the top individual honors.
Washburn Rural senior linebacker JC Heim has been named the TopSports.news All-Shawnee County defensive player of the year after registering 173 tackles for the 11-1 Junior Blues. [File photo/TSN]
Seaman junior quarterback Max Huston has been tapped as the TopSports.news Shawnee County offensive player of the year after passing for 3,257 yards and 39 touchdowns. [File photo/TSN]
Hayden, which posted a 12-1 record this fall, is represented on the Top 22 by seniors Carter Charvat, Finn Dunshee and Jude Konrade and junior Jensen Schrickel while Washburn Rural, 11-1 on the year, put seniors Packson Bettis, Jaren Heim, JC Heim, Branton DeWeese, Jamond Lane and Titan Osburn and junior King Leonard on the Top 22.
'Seaman quarterback Huston, who led the Vikings to a 6-5 season and the third round of the 5A playoffs, was named the Shawnee County offensive player of the year while Heim, a linebacker, was named the county defensive player of the year.
Huston, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound junior, completed 230 of 379 passes for 3,257 yards and 39 touchdowns, with just two interceptions. Huston also carried the ball 134 times for 706 yards and eight TDs.
Heim, a 6-3, 225-pounder, was in on 173 tackles (102 solos) with 17 tackles for loss, eight sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, two recovered fumbles (one for a touchdown), two blocked extra points and a blocked punt. Offensively, Heim rushed for 530 yards and 10 TDs on 90 carries.
Hayden coach Bill Arnold (right) has been named the TopSports.news 2023 Shawnee County coach of the year while sophomore quarterback Connor Hanika (3) was tapped as the co-offensive newcomer of the year. [File photo/TSN]
Hayden's Bill Arnold, now 211-66 as a head coach, was named the Shawnee County coach of the year.
Hayden sophomore Kade Mitchell (25) is the TSN Shawnee County co-offensive newcomer of the year after rushing for 764 yards and scoring 15 total touchdowns. [File photo/TSN]
Washburn Rural junior cornerback Wilson Miller (2) has been named the Shawnee County defensive newcomer of the year after helping the Junior Blues post an 11-1 record this fall. [File photo/TSN]
Hayden sophomores Connor Hanika and Kade Mitchell were named the county co-offensive newcomers of the year while Washburn Rural junior Wilson Miller was named the defensive newcomer of the year.
Hanika, 6-3, 165, took over as the Wildcats' quarterback after an injury to starter Jett Wahlmeier and completed 38 of 60 passes for 470 yards and seven touchdowns while MItchell, a 5-9, 165 running back, rushed for 764 yards on 79 attempts, caught 13 passes for 209 yards, had five kickoff returns for 174 yards and scored 15 total touchdowns.
Miller, a 6-0, 190 cornerback, was in on 48 tackles (40 solos) with five interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. Miller also handled the Junior Blues' place-kicking duties for much of the season.
Shawnee Heights put seniors Allen Baughman, Rykan Carver and Christian Gonzales on the All-Shawnee County Top 22, while Seaman is represented by Huston and senior Callen Barta, Silver Lake by seniors Tanner Martin and Blake Redmond, Cair Paravel Latin by senior Jesiah Bonura, Highland Park by junior Adrian Burney, Rossville by senior Barrett Lietz and Topeka West by senior Kyrece Robinson.
Hayden's Dunshee and Schrickel, Rural's Bettis, DeWeese, JC Heim and Osburn, Shawnee Heights' Baughman, Rossville's Lietz and Silver Lake's Martin are All-Shawnee County Top 22 repeat picks.
All 10 Shawnee County high schools have representatives on either the Top 22 or Second 22 teams. Eight county teams posted winning records this fall, with seven winning at least one playoff contest.
TopSports.news selected the 2023 All-Shawnee County team after receiving input from all 10 county head coaches.
All-Shawnee County Top 22 capsules:
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Tamir Anderson
TAMIR ANDERSON, Highland Park
A 6-foot-4 senior, Anderson earned TopSports.news All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season after helping Highland Park post a 24-1 record and a third-place finish in the Class 5A state tournament. Anderson was one of Shawnee County's top 3-point shooters, hitting 47 treys on the season.
Kaden Ballard
KADEN BALLARD, Washburn Rural
Ballard, a 5-10 junior, was a key player off the bench for the 15-6 Junior Blues last season, averaging 6.1 points, 2.0 assists and 1.7 rebounds. Ballard received TSN All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League honorable mention as a sophomore.
KaeVon Bonner
KAEVON BONNER, Seaman
Bonner, a sophomore, was named the TSN All-Shawnee County co-newcomer of the year as a freshman while also earning All-United Kansas Conference honorable mention. Bonner averaged 8.4 points for the 13-8 Vikings while canning 32 3-pointers and shooting 39 percent on 3-point attempts. Bonner shot 77.4 percent from the free throw line.
Brennon Dodge
BRENNON DODGE, Shawnee Heights
A senior guard, Dodge was the lone underclassman on the TSN All-Shawnee County Top 10 last season after helping lead Shawnee Heights to a 15-7 record. Dodge averaged 13.8 points a year ago to go with 2.9 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Dodge shot 52.5 percent on 2-point field goal attempts and hit 19 3-pointers on the season.
Jack Donovan
JACK DONOVAN, Rossville
Donovan, a sophomore, was named the TSN All-Shawnee County co-newcomer of the year and earned all-county honorable mention as a freshman for the Bulldawgs, who showed strides in a 7-14 season. Donovan also was named to the Valley Falls All-Tournament team and earned second-team All-Mid-East League recognition.
Malakyah Duncan
MALAKYAH DUNCAN, Topeka West
Duncan, a 6-4 sophomore, saw varsity action as a freshman for Rick Bloomquist's 14-8 Chargers and will be counted on to fill a more extensive role this season after Topeka West graduated several key players.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
LaDaysha Baird
LaDAYSHA BAIRD, Topeka High
A 5-foot-4 senior, Baird earned TopSports.news All-Shawnee County Second 10 recognition last season after helping Topeka High post a 16-6 record. Baird averaged 7.7 points as a junior and shot 50 percent from 3-point range with 32 made treys. Baird also averaged 1.3 assists for the Trojans.
Anna Becker
ANNA BECKER, Seaman
A 5-foot-10 junior point guard, Becker is a two-time TopSports.news All-Shawnee County Top 10 pick and was named the United Kansas Conference player of the year last season after helping lead Seaman to a 21-2 record and a Class 5A state tournament berth. Becker, who has made an oral commitment to Drake, averaged 12 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 3.7 assists last season.
Breezy Canady
BREEZY CANADY, Shawnee Heights
Canady, a 5-5 senior guard, is a top returner for Shawnee Heights after helping the T-Birds post a 15-7 record last season. Canady averaged 6.7 points, 2.6 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 2.3 steals as a junior for the T-Birds, earning All-Shawnee County and All-United Kansas Conference honorable mention.
Zoe Canfield
ZOE CANFIELD, Washburn Rural
A 5-foot-11 senior, Canfield's junior season was cut short after nine games by an ACL injury after helping lead the Junior Blues to the Class 6A state title as a sophomore. Canfield, who has signed with Kansas, averaged 12.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, hit 18 3-pointers and shot 77.1 percent from the free throw line prior to her injury. As a sophomore Canfield earned TSN All-Shawnee County Top 10 TSN recognition.
Zoe Clark
ZOE CLARK, Topeka West
A 5-7 senior, Clark received TSN All-Shawnee County Second 10 and All-United Kansas Conference second-team honors last season for Topeka West, which posted a five-win improvement in the 2022-2023 campaign. Clark, who has played varsity basketball since her freshman year will be counted on to provide leadership for the Chargers this winter.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Carlos Kelly confirmed to TopSports.news Sunday that he has resigned as Topeka High's head football coach after four seasons at the Trojan helm.
Carlos Kelly confirmed to TSN that he has resigned as Topeka High's head football coach after four seasons. [File photo/TSN]
Kelly said he submitted his resignation after a meeting with Topeka High's administration on Friday.
"After meeting with the administration it was decided that it was probably a good time for a new coach to come in and get a fresh start,'' Kelly said.
Kelly, who previously served as an assistant at Topeka High under former Trojan coach Walt Alexander, posted a 6-27 record in his four seasons as High's head coach, including back-to-back 1-8 seasons the past two years.
The Trojans' lone win this fall came in Week 4, with Topeka High rolling to a 39-10 Centennial League win over Emporia.
Topeka High played arguably what was one of the state's toughest schedules the past two seasons, with High's foes compiling a 136-60 overall record over that span.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural, which captured its 29th straight Centennial League boys championship (outright or shared) and finished third in the Class 6A state tournament, leads the 2023 Topeka All-City boys soccer team with four first-team picks.
Griffin Heinen, Washburn Rural
Cohen Nimz, Washburn Rural
Devon Rutschmann, Washburn Rural
Ethan Uhlrig, Washburn Rural
The Junior Blues are represented on the 13-member first team, selected by city coaches, by seniors Griffin Heinen (midfielder), Cohen Nimz (defender), Devon Rutschmann (forward) and Ethan Uhlrig (goalkeeper) while Washburn Rural coach Brian Hensyel was named the city co-coach of the year with Topeka West's Josh Kutter.
The 2023 All-Shawnee County girls cross country team: Front row, from left -- Sofia Harper, Hayden; Elliot Wrench, Hayden; Savannah Sampson, Seaman; Stella Appelhanz, Seaman; Payton Rice, Topeka West; Juliahnna Savago, Topeka High. Back row, from left -- coach Matt Swedlund, Washburn Rural; Emily Graf, Washburn Rural; Brooklyn Nolte, Washburn Rural; Rylee Ismert, Washburn Rural; Payton Fink, Washburn Rural; Brynn Spencer, Seaman; Ryin Miller, Seaman. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural, which swept city, Centennial League and Class 6A regional championships, put four runners on the 2023 All-Shawnee County girls cross country team, which includes top-three state finishers Payton Fink of Rural and Seaman's Ryin Miller and four state medalists overall.
Fink, a junior, was the 6A individual runnerup after winning Centennial League and regional titles and is joined on the all-county team by Rural state medalists Rylee Ismert and Emily Graf and first-team repeat pick Brooklyn Nolte.
Rural coach Matt Swedlund was named the girls Shawnee County coach of the year for 2023.
Miller, a sophomore, finished third in the 5A state meet after sweeping city, United Kansas Conference and 5A regional titles and is joined on the all-county first team by fellow Seaman all-county repeat pick Stella Appelhanz, senior Savannah Sampson and freshman standout Brynn Spencer.
Also earning All-Shawnee County first-team recognition are Hayden state qualifiers Elliot Wrench and Sofia Harper, Topeka West two-time state qualifier Payton Rice and Topeka High freshman standout Juliahnna Savago.
All-Shawnee County girls capsules:
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Seaman, which won its first Class 5A state championship, put four players on the TopSports.news 2023 All-Shawnee County volleyball team, led by player of the year Maegan Mills.
Seaman junior Maegan Mills has been named the Shawnee County volleyball player of the year after heping lead the Vikings to a 38-6 record and the Class 5A state title. [File photo/TSN]
Seaman coach Tatiana Dowling was named the TSN Shawnee County coach of the year after leading the Vikings to the Class 5A state volleyball title. [File photo/TSN]
Mills, a junior, is joined on the all-county first team by Viking seniors Brooklyn Gormley and Taylin Stallbaumer and junior Reagan McGivern while Seaman's Tatiana Dowling, a Seaman grad, was named the coach of the year after leading the Vikings to a 38-6 record, including five straight-set wins in the state tournament.
Mills and Gormley are first-team repeaters while Stallbaumer and McGivern move up to the first team after being second-teamers in 2022.
Silver Lake, which placed third in the 3A state tournament, is represented on the first team by seniors Mckinley Kruger and Sarah Wehrli and junior Ella Bolan, with Kruger and Wehrli earning all-county honorable mention a year ago.
Washburn Rural seniors Jada Ingram and Zoe Canfield and junior Layla Collins are first-team selections after helping the Junior Blues win the Centennial League championship and advance to the 6A state tournament.
Ingram and Canfield are both first-team All-Shawnee County repeat picks while Collins moves up from the second team.
Rossville, which posted a 31-8 record, is represented on the first team by seniors Kinsey Perine, a three-time All-Shawnee County first-teamer, and Kinley Porter, who moves up from the second team.
Cair Paravel Latin is represented by senior Mayah Pridgett while Topeka West senior Addison Brooks, Shawnee Heights junior Kaydence Torrez and Hayden sophomore Ella Foster also earned all-county first-team recognition.
Pridgett has been a second-team all-county pick the last two seasons while Brooks received honorable mention the past two seasons and Foster and Torrez received honorable mention a year ago.
Rossville freshman Nora Burdiek was selected as the county newcomer of the year after compiling 312 kills and 181 digs in her first season of high school volleyball.
All-Shawnee County first-team capsules:
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Hayden remained undefeated with a 49-0 Class 3A home playoff rout past Baldwin Friday night.
Hayden sophomore Kade Mitchell rushed for 251 yards and four touchdowns in the Wildcats' 49-0 Class 3A playoff win over Baldwin Friday night. [File photo/TSN]
Hayden's Dom Ridley rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown in the Wildcats' 49-0 Class 3A playoff win over Baldwin. [File photo/TSN]
The 9-0 Wildcats advanced to a second-round game next Friday at Hayden against Santa Fe Trail (7-2), which advanced with a 56-40 win over Royal Valley.
Hayden scored the only points it would need on the second play from scrimmage, with junior Jensen Schrickel bursting 62 yards for a touchdown (conversion failed) to put the Wildcats up 6-0 with 11:41 left in the opening quarter.
Sophomore Kade Mitchell started off his big night with a 5-yard TD run that capped an eight-play, 74-yard scoring drive (conversion good) to give Hayden a 14-0 lead with 2:01 left in the first quarter.
Hayden broke the game open in the second quarter, with Dom Ridley scoring on a 9-yard run (Mason Becker kick), Mitchell scoring on a 21-yard run (Becker kick) and Conner Hanika completing a 28-yard touchdown pass to Makhi Kidd (Becker kick) with 2:53 left in the half to give the Wildcats a commanding 35-0 halftime lead.
The 2023 All Shawnee County girls golf team -- From left: Klara Kleinig, Silver Lake; Taylor Zordel, Silver Lake; Avery Samuelson, Seaman; Avery Zimmerman, Topeka High; Olivia Smith, Washburn Rural; Raegan Petersen, Washburn Rural; Hannah Reynoldson, Hayden; Lauren Borjon, Hayden; Izzy Glotzbach, Hayden. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Five state placers who helped their schools win state team championships headline the 2023 All-Shawnee County girls golf team.
Hayden senior Hannah Reynoldson and sophomores Lauren Borjon and Izzy Glotzbach all earned all-county first-team recognition after helping lead the Wildcats to a 37-stroke victory in the Class 4A state tournament while Silver Lake senior Klara Kleinig and junior Taylor Zordel are first-team picks after leading Silver Lake to a 22-stroke team championship in 3A-1A.
Glotzbach tied for ninth, Reynoldson 14th and Borjon 15th in 4A while Kleinig tied for second and Zordel took fourth in 3A-1A.
Also earning all-county first-team honors were Washburn Rural seniors Raegan Petersen and Olivia Smith, Topeka High senior Avery Zimmerman and Seaman senior Avery Samuelson.
Petersen and Samuelson earned state medals while Smith finished 22nd in 6A and city champion Zimmerman was a three-time state qualifier.
Petersen, Zimmerman and Zordel are All-Shawnee County first-team repeaters while Glotzbach, Reynoldson and Samuelson all move up to the first team after being second-team picks in 2022.
Named to this year's second team were Washburn Rural juniors Natalie Peterson, Reece Randall and Colbey Stead along with Hayden senior Avery Grunert and Seaman sophomore Makenna Stuke and junior Jaycee Zimmerman.
All-Shawnee County first-team capsules:
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
(Games at 7 p.m., unless noted)
CLASS 6A
Washburn Rural senior quarterback Branton DeWeese (right) ran for two touchdowns and threw for two TDs in Rural's 55-8 win over Topeka West last Thursday. [File photo/TSN]
WICHITA NORTH (0-8) at WASHBURN RURAL (8-0)
Washburn Rural, the No. 1 West seed, wrapped up a perfect regular season with a 55-8 non-league romp past Topeka West last Thursday at Hummer Sports Park and the Junior Blues will be a big favorite again Friday against winless Wichita North. Senior quarterback Branton DeWeese threw for two touchdowns and ran for two TDs in Rural's win over Topeka West while junior Lafayette Thompson scored a pair of TDs, including a 90-yard kickoff return. The winner of Friday's game will advance in the 6A playoffs to face the winner of Friday's game between Junction City (5-3) and Wichita Heights (5-3). As long as they keep winning, the Junior Blues will be at Bowen-Glaze Stadium through the first four rounds of the playoffs. Wichita North is coming off a 52-0 loss ot Pittsburg.
TOPEKA HIGH (1-7) at DERBY (7-1)
Topeka High is the No. 14 West seed and will be on the road for the second straight season to face perennial Class 6A power Derby, the No. 3 West seed and the winner of five state titles since 2015. Topeka High dropped a 62-33 road non-league decision against Hays last Friday while Derby took a 55-7 win over Newton. The Panthers' lone loss was a 33-19 decision to reigning 6A state champion Manhattan in the season-opener. The Topeka High-Derby winner advances to face the winner of the first-round game between Lawrence (6-2) and Dodge City (3-5).
CLASS 5A
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Cair Paravel Latin, in only its second season competing as a full KSHSAA member in football, finished off a 6-2 regular season with a 74-28 victory over Maranatha Academy.
The Lions, who finished second in Eight-Man I District 2 will host 4-4 Sedan, which finished third in District 1, in a first-round playoff game next Friday (site to be determined)
Cair Paravel senior Jesiah Bonura compiled 435 all-purpose yards in Friday's 74-28 victory over Maranatha Christian. [File photo/TSN]
Junior Jase Pavlik threw for five touchdowns and ran for a TD as Cair Paravel capped a 6-2 regular season with a 74-28 win over Maranatha Academy. [File photo/TSN]
Senior Jesiah Bonura had a huge game in the Lions' win over Maranatha, compiling 435 all-purpose yards.
Bonura caught four passes for 47 yards and a touchdown, carried the ball five times for 193 yards and two TDs and had four kickoff returns for 195 yards and two scores.
CPLS junior quarterback Jase Pavlik completed nine of 14 passes for 86 yards and five touchdowns and carried the ball five times for 95 yards and a TD.
The winner of Cair Paravel's opening playoff game next week will advance to face the winner of the game between Central-Burden (8-0) and Goessel (1-7).
SHAWNEE HEIGHTS 47, LEAVENWORTH 7 --Shawnee Heights put the cap on a 6-2 regular season with a 47-7 United Kansas Conference road win at Leavenworth.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
(All games at 7 p.m.)
THURSDAY'S GAME
WASHBURN RURAL (7-0) vs. TOPEKA WEST (1-6)
At Hummer Sports Park
Washburn Rural clinched the Centennial League championship with last Friday's 46-0 win at Emporia and can clinch the No. 1 seed in the Class 6A West for the playoffs with a Thursday night non-league win over city rival Topeka West. Washburn Rural is the only remaining undefeated team in 6A. Rural quarterback Branton DeWeese threw for three touchdowns against Emporia as the Junior Blues opened up a 39-0 halftime lead before forcing a running clock early in the second half. Topeka West is coming off a 62-12 United Kansas Conference loss to Shawnee Heights and is currently the No. 13 seed in the 5A East.
FRIDAY GAMES
Junior quarterback Jett Wahlmeier has passed for 852 yards and six touchdowns for 7-0 Hayden, which will host Hiawatha in a non-league contest Friday. [File photo/TSN]
HIAWATHA (1-6) at HAYDEN (7-0)
Hayden clinched the Class 3A District 4 championship last Friday night with a 24-7 win over Holton and will host Hiawatha in a non-league contest. Hiawatha is coming off a 28-0 loss to Marysville. Hayden will be at home next Friday for the first round of the 3A playoffs. Wildcat junior Jett Wahlmeier has completed 50 of 94 passes for 852 yards and six touchdowns while junior Jensen Schrickel has caught 20 passes for 393 yards and four TDs and has carried the ball 10 times for 100 yards. Junior Broderick Desch has rushed for 286 yards and eight touchdowns on 57 attempts and sophomore Kade Mitchell has 235 yards and four TDs on 36 carries.
Seaman junior quarterback Max Huston has passed for 1,905 yards and 25 touchdowns this fall. [File photo/TSN]
PIPER (1-5, 1-5 United Kansas Conference) at SEAMAN (3-4, 3-3 United Kansas Conference)
Seaman will be looking to bounce back from last Friday's heartbreaking 27-24 United Kansas Conference road loss at Basehor-Linwood, the Vikings' third loss this fall by 7 or fewer points and their second 3-point loss. Seaman is currently the No. 10 East seed for the Class 5A playoffs. Seaman junior quarterback Max Huston has completed 128 of 205 passes for 1,905 yards and 25 touchdowns while only throwing one interception. Senior Callen Barta has 44 receptions for 891 yards and 12 TDs. Senior Jack Bloom has rushed for 416 yards and six scores on107 attempts. Junior Hayden Cummings has been in on 69 tackles for the Vikings. Piper is coming off a 10-0 UKC win over Leavenworth.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Hayden's girls golf team had a very good day in Monday's opening round of the Class 4A state golf tournament at Salina Municipal, opening up a 13-stroke lead over the field.
Hayden's girls golf team poses for a picture with its championship trophy after winning the Class 4A state tournament by 37 strokes Tuesday at Salina. [Photo by Brent Maycock/KSHSAA Covered]
And the Wildcats were even better on Tuesday, improving by nine strokes over their Day 1 performance on the way to winning their first state championship since 2018 and their sixth title overall by a whopping 37-stroke margin.
Hayden followed up its first-round team score of 335 with a 326 on Tuesday, winning the team title by a 661-698 margin over Wamego, ending the Red Raiders' two-year title reign and avenging a loss to Wamego in regional competition.
“I thought all year we were the best team (in Class 4A),” Hayden coach Jayson Duncan told KSHSAA Covered. “But thinking doesn’t get you first place. You’ve got to go out and do it.”
Hayden sophomore Izzy Glotzbach led a balanced Wildcat attack in the Class 4A state tournament, tying for ninth place as the Wildcats won the Class 4A team title by. 37 strokes [Photo by Kyle Grunert/Special to TSN]
Senior Hannah Reynoldson finished 14th individually as Hayden claimed its first 4A state girls golf title since 2018 by a 37-stroke margin Tuesday at Salina. [Photo by Kyle Grunert/Special to TSN]
Hayden out-classed the 4A field with its balance, with the Wildcats putting all of their top four in the top 16 places.
Sophomore Izzy Glotbach tied for ninth place individually at 161 (79-82) while senior Hannah Reynoldson placed 14th at 164 (84-80), sophomore Lauren Borjon 15th at 165 (85-80) and senior Avery Grunert 16th at 171 (87-84).
“We definitely knew it was possible,” Glotzbach said of the team title. “We knew we couldn’t do it last year, but this year we came in with a better mindset and had a good season.”
“It feels really good because we prepared a lot and practiced a lot and got better throughout the season,” Reynoldson said. “All of our girls are really consistent and we just have a really strong team. We were really excited to come back here (to Salina). We took third my sophomore year here (in 2021) and we were thinking we would win it our senior year.”
Addyson Baer carded a 176 (88-88) and Kyleigh Johnson a 189 (96-93) to round out the Wildcat lineup.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Hayden and Silver Lake did what they needed to do on Monday to put themselves in contention for state girls golf championships.
Now the Wildcats and Eagles will try to finish off their title quests over Tuesday's final 18 holes.
Hayden sophomore Izzy Glotzbach shot a team-low 78 on Monday at Salina Municipal Golf Course, helping the Wildcats open up a 13-stroke lead in the Class 4A team standings. [Photo by Kyle Grunert/Special to TSN]
Klara Kleinig is second in the Class 3A-1A state tournament entering the final 18 holes, helping Silver Lake open up an eight-stroke lead in the team race. [Photo by Brent Maycock/KSHSAA Covered]
Hayden will take a commanding 13-stroke margin over two-time defending Class 4A state champion Wemgo into Tuesday's final round at Salina Municipal Golf Course while Silver Lake will start the final day of the 3A-1A state tournament at Hesston with an eight-stroke advantage over Colby.
Three of the five Shawnee County schools that qualified their entire teams for state advanced to Tuesday's final day of competition, along with four individual qualifiers.
Washburn Rural advanced to the final round of the 6A state tournament at Emporia Municipal, earning the sixth and final berth by a stroke over Maize.
Regional champion Seaman missed a Day 2 team berth in Class 5A by two spots and Shawnee Heights was 12th after the first state of state competition, but four city golfers advanced as individual competitors..
Here's a class-by-class look at the state tournaments involving Shawnee County teams:
