Cair Paravel Lions

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

Senior star Kiki Smith scored 28 points to go with six assists and five rebounds as Topeka High advanced to the championship game of De Soto's Hardwood Classic with a 52-44 semifinal win over Olathe Northwest Thursday night. 

Topeka High senior star Kiki Smith scored 28 points with five 3-pointers as the Trojans improved to 3-1 with a 52-44 win over Olathe Northwest Thursday night in De Soto. [File photo/TSN]

Brittney Redmond's Topeka High girls picked up their third straight win to improve to 3-1 on the season and will play tournament host De Soto at 3 p.m. Saturday for the championship.

Smith went 9 of 19 from the field and hit 5 of 11 3-point attempts and 5 of 7 free throws.

Topeka High led 13-9 at the end of the first quarter, 23-18 at the half and outscored Northwest 29-26 in the second half to hold the Ravens at bay.

Senior Adisyn Caryl added six points and seven rebounds for the Trojans while sophomore Jo'Mhara Benning had six points and six rebounds.

Senior Faith Shields was credited with five steals.

De Soto advanced to the championship game with a 51-42 semifinal win over Notre Dame De Sion, Mo.

Senior Jack Bachelor (right) scored 21 points in Washburn Rural's 68-31 win over KC-Schlagle on Thursday in SM East's Championship Showdown. [File photo/TSN]

WASHBURN RURAL 68, KC-SCHLAGLE 31  --Seniors Jack Bachelor and Wyatt Conklin combined for 37 points as Washburn Rural evened its record at 1-1 with a 68-31 romp past Kansas City-Schlagle in Thursday's consolation game of the Shawnee Mission East Championship Showdown.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

After tough season-opening road losses at Basehor-Linwood last Friday, Shawnee Heights' girls and boys basketball teams bounced back with a home United Kansas Conference sweep over Piper Tuesday night.

The Heights girls took a 54-32 win over the Pirates before the T-Bird boys took a 61-46 win over Piper. 

Shawnee Heights senior Taylor Rottinghaus scored a career-high 18 points in Tuesday night's 54-32 UKC win over Piper. [File photo/TSN]

Senior Taylor Rottinghaus paced the Shawnee Heights girls with a career-high 18 points while senior Emari Doby was right behind with 16 points for the T-Birds in the 22-point rout..

Shawnee Heights' boys jumped out to a 14-8 first-quarter lead and led 30-19 at the half and 47-32 at the start of the fourth quarter.

Q Stovall and Deacon Pomeroy paced the T-Birds with 12 points apiece while Jaret Sanchez added 11 points and Brennon Dodge nine.

Shawnee Heights' girls and boys will be on the road Friday night at Topeka West for the first United Kansas Conference matchups between the two longtime city rivals.

The girls game is scheduled for a 5:45 p.m. tipoff, followed by the boys game at approximately 7:15.

Topeka High senior Kiki Smith (right) had 22 points and 10 rebounds in Tuesday's 48-30 win over Blue Valley Northwest. [File photo/TSN]

TOPEKA HIGH GIRLS 48, BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST 30 --Brittney Redmond's Topeka High girls picked up their second straight double-digit win in Tuesday's opening round of the De Soto Hardwood Classic, rolling to a 48-30 victory over Blue Valley Northwest.

Senior standout Kiki Smith had a double-double for the Trojans with 22 points and 10 rebounds while junior Ayana Leesman had a career-high 19 points while hitting 5 of 6 shots from the field and 5 of 5 free throws.

Topeka High led 12-9 at the end of the first quarter and used a 10-3 second quarter to open up a 22-12 halftime advantage. The Trojans outscored Northwest 26-18 to win going away.

Topeka High will face Olathe Northwest in a 6:30 p.m. semifinal Thursday night in De Soto.

ST. JAMES ACADEMY BOYS 67, WASHBURN RURAL 62 -- Washburn Rural took state-ranked St. James Academy down to the wire in the Junior Blues' debut under new coach Alex Hutchins, but the Thunder held on for the 67-62 victory in the first round of the Championship Showdown at Shawnee Mission East.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

Emporia State soccer standout Hannah Woolery, a Cair Paravel Latin graduate, has been named a first-team Academic All-American by the College Sports Communicators, becoming the first ESU student-athlete to be voted first-team Academic All-American and first-team All-American in the same year since Lady Hornet basketball player Emily Bloss in 2001.

Emporia State senior Hannah Woolery, a Cair Paravel product, has been named a first-team Academic All-American after also receiving first-team All-America honors on the field. [Photo courtesy of Emporia State Athletics]

Woolery's ESU teammate Mackenzie Dimarco also earned Academic All-America honors as a third-team pick, marking the first time in school history that two teammates have earned All-American honors from the College Sports Communicators both in the classroom and in the field of play.

Woolery has a 3.90 grade point average in English and was named first-team All-America on the field by the D2CCA this year. 

Woolery holds the Emporia State career record with 21 assists, also ranks second in shots on goal and third in both career goals and career points.    

She earned first-team All-MIAA and was fourth in the MIAA in goals, third in shots on goal, fourth in points and sixth in assists.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

TOPEKA WEST (0-1, 0-1) at SEAMAN (1-0, 1-0)

Seaman's Anna Becker opened her sophomore season with 15 points and 10 rebounds in Friday's 63-32 season-opening win over Lansing. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN] 

Seaman opened its first season in the United Kansas Conference with a 62-32 win over Lansing last Frdiay night while Topeka West dropped a 52-36 decision to Basehor-Linwood in its UKC debut. Freshman Maddie Gragg scored a game-high 17 points in her high school debut for Seaman while Viking sophomore Anna Becker registered a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

BONNER SPRINGS (1-0) at HIGHLAND PARK (0-0)

Highland Park opens its season Tuesday after taking steps forward last season in a 4-17 season. The Scots return a solid nucleus from that team, led by sophomore Amelia Ramsey. Ramsey averaged 9.2 points and 10.2 rebounds, which led the city of Topeka, while shooting 59 percent from 2-point range and 72 percent from the free throw line as a freshman. Ramsey received All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League honorable mention last season. Bonner Springs opened its season with a 56-45 win over Labette County last Friday.

Shawnee Heights' Emari Doby opened her senior season with 24 points in last Friday's 54-50 loss to De Soto. [File photo/TSN]

PIPER (1-0, 1-0) at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (0-1, 0-1)

Shawnee Heights dropped a tight 54-50 United Kansas Conference decision to De Soto in last Friday's season-opener while Piper, a new UKC member this season, is coming off a 49-47 conference win over Leavenworth. Senior Emari Doby scored 24 points against De Soto while junior Breezy Canady and senior Abby Fleischer scored nine and eight points, respectively, for the T-Birds.

Senior star Kiki Smith and the Topeka High girls are 1-1 on the season after a 50-19 romp past Valley Center last Saturday. [File photo/TSN]

TOPEKA HIGH (1-1) vs. BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST (1-0)

At De Soto Hardwood Classic

Class 6A stalwarts Blue Valley Northwest and Topeka High will square off in Tuesday's opening round of the De Soto Hardwood Classic. Topeka High, which has qualified for the Class 6A

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

TOPEKA WEST (0-1, 0-1) at SEAMAN (1-0, 1-0)

Senior Kaeden Bonner scored a game-high 15 points as Seaman took a 56-35 win over Lansing in the Vikings' UKC debut last Friday at Seaman. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Tuesday's game pits a pair of 2022 Class 5A state qualifiers against each other in Tuesday's 7:15 p.m. contest, with Seaman winning the state title a year ago while West lost a quarterfinal game to St. James Academy. Seaman ran its winning streak to 12 games with a 56-35 home United Kansas Conference victory over Lansing last Friday while Topeka West dropped a tight 58-52 UKC decision to Basehor-Linwood. Senior Kaeden Bonner scored a game-high 15 points to lead Seaman against Lansing while junior Holden Finley added nine points and senior Trey Parsel and sophomore Bryer Finley seven apiece. Topeka West put up a fight on the road against perennial 5A power Basehor-Linwood, including a 34-34 tie at the start of the fourth quarter, but the Bobcats took control down the stretch.

BONNER SPRINGS (1-0) at HIGHLAND PARK (0-0)

 Senior Ketraleus Aldridge is a top returner for Highland Park, which is coming off an 18-5 season and a Class 5A state tournament berth. [File photo/TSN]

Highland Park, a Class 5A state qualifier last season, opens its 2022-2023 season against Bonner Springs. The Scots, ranked No. 3 in 5A in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association preseason rankings, are loaded with experience, led by senior Bo Aldridge, who averaged 18.7 points and 8.1 rebounds a year ago for 18-5 Hi Park. Also back are seniors Tre Richardson (10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 steals), Jahmir Kingcannon (10.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 38 3-pointers) and Quentin Adams (6 points, 2.8 assists, 1.9 steals). The Scots will play two straight non-league games before beginning their first seaon in the Meadowlark Conference. Bonner Springs opened its season with a 79-45 non-league win over Labette County.

PIPER (1-0, 1-0) at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (0-1, 0-1)

Shawnee Heights opened its season with a 59-46 United Kansas Conference loss to De Soto, which played for the Class 5A state championship last season, while Piper opened with a 79-56 UKC win over Leavenworth. Sophomore Jaret Sanchez scored 14 points to lead the T-Birds against De Soto but was the lone Heights player to score more than seven points. The Pirates are coached by former Shawnee Heights coach Steve Wallace, who led the T-Birds to the 5A state title in 2017.

ST. MARY'S ACADEMY (2-0) at TOPEKA HIGH (0-2)

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

Rossville's girls basketball team opened its 2022-2023 season in impressive fashion, rolling to a 58-30 road victory at Atchison.

Rylee Dick had a big night in her first high school game, scoring 24 points with four 3-pointers while Bulldawg junior standout Emma Mitchell added 17 points.

Rossville took command with a 15-4 opening quarter and then hit Atchison with a 27-6 lick in the second quarter to take a big 42-10 lead to the locker room at the half.

The Bulldawgs, who were 11-10 in 2021-2022, cruised the rest of the way, emptying their bench in the second half.

HAYS GIRLS 37, WASHBURN RURAL 33 --Washburn Rural struggled to get its offense untracked Friday night, with tournament host Hays taking advantage of a big second quarter to upset the top-ranked Junior Blues 37-33 in the semifinals of the Hays Shootout.

Junior Zoe Canfield led the Junior Blues (1-1) with 13 points, including three 3-pointers, but Washburn Rural only had four players crack the scoring column. Senior Brooklyn DeLeye added eight points while sophomores Kate Hinck and Tenly Bunck scored six points apiece.

Hays (2-0) and Rural were deadlocked at 8-8 after the opening quarter, but Hays used a 14-6 second quarter to take a 22-14 halftime lead.

Rural cut its deficit to a point (29-28) by the end of the third quarter, but Hays held off the Junior Blues down the stretch, holding an 8-5 scoring edge over the final eight minutes.

Carly Lang scored 11 points and Molly Martin 10 for Hays, which will play for the championship Saturday. Washburn Rural will play for third place.

BASEHOR-LINWOOD BOYS 58, TOPEKA WEST 52 -- Topeka West was in the hunt for the entire game at Basehor-Linwood, but the Chargers were unable to get over the hunt as the No. 10-ranked (Class 5A) Bobcats prevailed over the No. 9 Chargers, who were making their debut in the United Kansas Conference, by a 58-52 margin.

Basehor-Linwood led 15-7 at the end of the first quarter, but West cut its deficit to 22-21 at the half and the game was tied at 34 entering the fourth quarter.

Washburn University signee Tyson Ruud led Basehor-Linwood with 24 points.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

LANSING at SEAMAN

Seaman sophomore Anna Becker averaged 14 points as a freshman for the 16-6 Vikings, earning Top 10 All-Shawnee County and first-team All-Centennial League honors. [File photo/TSN]

A good Class 5A and United Kansas Conference matchup right out of the gate between Lansing, No. 3 in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association preseason rankings, and No. 9 Lansing (5:45 p.m. tipoff). Seaman posted a 16-6 record a year ago and will build this year's team around returning standouts Anna Becker, a sophomore, and junior Taylin Stallbaumer. Becker was a TopSports.news All-Shawnee County Top 10 and All-Centennial League first-team pick as a freshman and was named the newcomer of the year in the Centennial League and Shawnee County. after averaging 14 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.0 steals and 2.7 assists. Stallbaumer averaged 11 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.4 steals and 2.0 assists a year ago while connecting on 43 3-pointers. Stallbaumer was a Top 10 All-Shawnee County and second-team All-Centennial League selection. Lansing finished fourth in the 5A state tournament last season.

DE SOTO at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS

Shawnee Heights senior Emari Doby returns to lead a T-Bird team that is looking to improve on last season's 10-11 record. [File photo/TSN]

Shawnee Heights opens its United Kansas Conference schedule against De Soto (5:45 p.m.), with the T-Birds looking to take steps this season after a 10-11 record a year ago. Bob Wells' T-Birds showed flashes of potential last season and Shawnee Heights returns a solid nucleus from that team. After missing her sophomore season with a knee injury, Emari Doby bounced back with a strong junior campaign, earning first-team All-UKC and Second 10 TSN All-Shawnee County recognition. Doby averaged 11.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists while hitting 13 3-pointers. Breezy Canady, a junior, also returns for Shawnee Heights after averaging 1.6 asists and 1.2 steals as a sophomore. Other experienced T-Birds include seniors Riley Showalter, Taylor Rottinghaus, Abby Fleischer and Taylor Rantz. 

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

LANSING at SEAMAN

Seaman senior Aron Davis is coming off a summer knee injury but is being counted on to be one of the top players in Shawnee County for the Vikings, the defending Class 5A state champions. [File photo/TSN]

Seaman senior Kaeden Bonner averaged 13.4 points and hit 64 3-pointers last season as the Vikings captured the school's first Class 5A boys state title. [File photo/TSN]

The reigning Class 5A state champions kick off the 2022-2023 season with their first United Kansas Conference game against Lansing (7:30 p.m.). Craig Cox's Vikings won their final 11 games last season to finish 18-7 and dominated the 5A state tournament. Returning from that team are senior standouts Kaeden Bonner and Aron Davis, who played a big role in the Vikings' run to the school's first boys state title . Bonner received TSN Top 10 All-Shawnee County and second-team All-Centennial League recognition last season as well as All-5A honorable mention from the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. Bonner averaged 13.4 points, 2.6 assists and 2.0 steals, shooting 63 percent on 2-point field goal attempts and 45 percent from 3-point range while hitting a city-high 64 3-pointers. Davis came on strong late last season for the Vikings, earning All-Shawnee County Second 10 recognition and averaging 5.7 points and 1.6 blocked shots while shooting 65 percent from 2-point field goal range.

DE SOTO at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS

Junior Brennon Dodge is in his third varsity season for Shawnee Heights, averaging 14 points with 47 3-pointers last season. [File photo/TSN]

Shawnee Heights had a breakout 14-8 season a year ago and opens its United Kansas Conference schedule (7:30 p.m.) against a De Soto team  that advanced to the Class 5A state championship game last season, dropping a 66-47 decision to Seaman to finish off a 20-5 campaign. Shawnee Heights is still a relatively young team, but returns several experienced players. Junior Brennon Dodge, who has played a big role for Ken Darting's T-Birds since his freshman season, earned Second 10 All-Shawnee County honors and second-team All-United Kansas Conference recognition last season. Dodge averaged 14 points his sophomore season to go with 2.0 assists and 1.9 steals per game while hitting 47 3-pointers on the season.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

Washburn Rural's girls basketball team opened defense of its Class 6A state championship, its second title since 2019, with a 49-24 win over Thomas More Prep-Marian in Thursday's opening round of the Hays Shootout.

The Junior Blues, who are coming off a 23-2 season, advanced to a 6:30 p.m. semifinal on Friday to face Hays.

Senior Brooklyn DeLeye scored 10 points to lead a balaced Washburn Rural attack in Thursday's 49-24 season-opening win over TMP-Marian. [File photo/TSN]

Washburn Rural led by just an 8-6 margin at the end of the opening quarter but the Junior Blues stretched their lead to 23-14 at the half and outscored the Monarchs 26-10 in the second half.

Rural emptied its bench in the second half, with 10 Junior Blues cracking the scoring column.

Senior Brooklyn DeLeye led the Junior Blues with 10 points while sophomore Kate Hinck and junior Zoe Canfield added nine points apiece.

Senior Jaci Von Lintel led TMP with a game-high 12 points, accounting for half of the Monarchs' points.

With a semiinal win on Friday Washburn Rural will advance to Saturday's 5 p.m. tournament championship game.

CAIR PARAVEL BOYS 53, WAVERLY 47 (OT) -- Trey Brown and his Cair Paravel boys basketball team had to work overtime Thursday night but the Lions gave Brown his first coaching victory in the opening round of the three-day Burlingame tournament.

Cair Paravel jumped out to a big first-half advantage but the Bulldogs rallied in the second half to force the extra session with the game tied at 44.

The Lions closed out the victory with a 9-3 edge in the OT period.

Jase Pavlik had a big night for the Lions, scoring 19 points with four 3-pointers.

Pavlik scored six points in overtime.

Cair Paravel got eight points from Ty Gossard, seven from Evan Will and six apiece from Ben Roeder and Cameron Brian.

The Lions will play tournament host Burlingame at 7:30 p.m. Friday.  

WAMEGO BOYS 62, TOPEKA HIGH 47 -- Wamgeo spoiled Geo Lyons' debut as Topeka High's head coach with a dominating second half, pulling away for a 62-47 victory at Wamego.

The Trojans and Red Raiders were tied at 26 at halftime, but Wamego opened up a three-point advantage and the end of the third period and outscored High 20-8 the rest of the way.

Madon Gomez had 16 points and Da'Mykel Hayes 15 for Topeka High while Jayden Norman added nine points.

The Trojans will play at Valley Center on Saturday.

WAMEGO GIRLS 57, TOPEKA HIGH 52 -- Seniors Kiki Smith and Faith Shields combined for 32 points Thursday night, but Wamego took control down the stretch for a 57-52 non-league win at Wamego.

Smith scored 20 points and Shields 12 for the Trojans.

The Trojans, who were making their debut under new coach Brittney Redmond, led 16-10 at the end of the opening quarter and took a 20-19 lead to the locker room at the half.

Topeka High 38-35 at the start of the fourth quarter but Wamego closed with a 22-14 fourth-quarter rally.

Topeka High will play at Valley Center on Saturday.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

Emporia State senior Hannah Woolery, a Cair Paravel Latin product, and Hornet teammate Mackenzie Dimarco have received first-team All-America soccer honors from the NCAA Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) as selected by the College Sports Communicators. 

Cair Paravel Latin graduate Hannah Woolery, a senior soccer standout for Emporia State, has received first-team All-America honors. [Photo courtesy of Emporia State Athletics]

Woolery also earned first-team All-MIAA honors this season after ranking fourth in the MIAA in goals, third in shots on goal, fourth in points and sixth in assists.

Woolery holds the Emporia State career record with 21 assists. She also ranks second in shots on goal while ranking third in both career goals and career points.

Off the pitch, Woolery was named CSC Academic All-District with a 3.90 GPA in English.

Dimarco, also a senior, was unanimously named first-team All-MIAA at forward after leading the MIAA in goals, shots, shots on goal and points while ranking second in game-winning goals.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

Hayden, which advanced to the Class 3A sub-state round, and 6A sectional partcipant Washburn Rural combined for 11 Top 22 spots on TopSports.news'  All-Shawnee County football team while Highland Park's Tre Richardson and Rural's Ty Weber garnered the top individual honors.

 Senior Tre Richardson has been named the TopSports.news Shawnee County offensive player of the year after keying a dramatic Highland Park turnaround in the 2022 season. [File photo/TSN]

Washburn Rural senior linebacker Ty Weber (32) hass been named the TSN All-Shawnee County defensive player of the year for the second straight season. [File photo/TSN]

Hayden, which posted a 10-2 record this fall, is represented on the Top 22 by seniors JC Cummings, Ben Evans and Joe Otting, junior Finn Dunshee and sophomore Jensen Schrickel while Washburn Rural, 8-3 on the year, put seniors Weber and Ma'kenttis Adams and juniors Packson Bettis, Branton DeWeese, JC Heim and Titan Osburn on the Top 22.

Highland Park's Richardson, who led the Scots to a breakout 6-3 season, was named the Shawnee County offensive player of the year while Weber was named the county defensive player of the year for the second straight season.

Richardson, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound senior, rushed for 1,964 yards and 27 touchdowns on 96 attempts and caught 40 passes for 1,079 yards and 15 TDs as the Scots snapped a 65-game losing streak in the season-opener and went on to record one of Highland Park's best seasons in school history.

Weber, a 6-3, 230 senior, recorded 134 total tackles (82 solos) with 19 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, three recovered fumbles, two sacks and an interception. 

Hayden's Bill Arnold has been named the Shawnee County co-coach of the year after a 10-2 2022 season. [File photo/TSN]

Washburn Rural's Steve Buhler has been named the Shawnee County co-coach of the year after leading the Rural to the Class 6A sectional round. [File photo/TSN]

Hayden's Bill Arnold and Washburn Rural's Steve Buhler were named the Shawnee County co-coaches of the year.

Shawnee Heights junior running back Allen Baughman and Hayden's Dunshee, a running back/linebacker, were named the co-offensive newcomers of the year while Washburn Rural junior defensive end Jamond Lane was named the defensive newcomer of the year.

Shawnee Heights junior Allen Baughman han been named the TSN Shawnee County co-offensive newcomer of the year after rushing for 1,496 yards and 20 TDs. [File photo/TSN]

Hayden junior Finn Dunshee has been named the Shawnee County offensive co-newcomer of the year after rushing for 1,150 yards and scoring 17 touchdowns. [File photo/TSN]

Baughman, 5-8, 180, rushed for 1,496 yards and 20 touchowns on 225 carries for the 5-5 T-Birds while Dunshee, 5-8, 160, rushed for 1,150 yards on 96 attempts and scored 17 total touchdowns for the 10-2 Wildcats.

Washburn Rural junior defensive lineman Jamond Lane (left) has been named the TSN All-Shawnee County defensive newcomer of the year. [File photo/TSN]

Lane, 6-0, 280, was in on 44 tackles (23 solos) with six sacks, six tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception return for a touchdown.

Rural's Weber and DeWeese, Highland Park's Richardson, Hayden's Otting and Rossville senior Jacob Carver are All-Shawnee County Top 22 repeat picks.

Seaman is represented on the Top 22 by seniors Kasen Hasenkamp, Sean Miller and Bryson Vawter, while Shawnee Heights put Baughman and senior Gavin Zuperku on the Top 22, Silver Lake is represented by juniors Eli Barnes and Tanner Martin, Rossville by Carver and junior Barrett Lietz and Topeka West by senior Malachi Berg.

All 10 Shawnee County high schools have representatives on either the Top 22 or Second 22 teams.

All-Shawnee County Top 22 capsules:

By RICK PETERSON             

TopSports.news

Editor's note: Additional pictures will be added at TopSports.news when they are received.

 Quentin Adams

QUENTIN ADAMS, Highland Park

A senior point guard, Adams was a floor leader for a Highland Park team that posted a 18-5 record and advanced to the Class 5A tournament last season, averaging 6 points, 2.8 assists and 1.9 steals for the Scots, who begin their first season in the Meadowlark Conference this winter. Adams earned TopSports.news All-Shawnee County honorable mention last season.

Bo Aldridge

BO ALDRIDGE, Highland Park

A 6-foot-4 senior, Aldridge helped lead the 18-5 Scots to a Class 5A state tournament berth last season, earning TSN All-Shawnee County Top 10 and All-Centennial League first-team recognition last season. Aldridge, who received All-Class 5A honorable mention from the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, averaged 18.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.3 blocked shots and 1.6 steals as a junior.

Xavier Alexander

XAVIER ALEXANDER, Topeka West

Alexander, a senior guard, helped Topeka West post a 21-2 record in 2021-2022 en route to a second straight Centennial League championship and a second straight 5A state tournament berth. Alexander received TSN All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League honorable mention last season after averaging 10.7 points, 3.8 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals while hitting 47 3-pointers and shooting 66 percent from 2-point range.

Sincere Austin

SINCERE AUSTIN, Topeka West

A 6-foot-1 senior, Austin helped Topeka West post a 21-2 record last season with the Chargers claiming a second straight Class 5A state tournament berth and a second straight Centennial League championship. Austin earned TSN All-Shawnee County Top 10 and All-Centennial League second-team recognition as a junior after averaging 10.6 points, 3.1 assists and 2.2 steals and hitting 32 3-pointers.

Jack Bachelor

JACK BACHELOR, Washburn Rural

Bachelor, a 6-2 senior, earned TSN All-Shawnee County Top 10 and All-Centennial League second-team honors as a junior for the 9-13 Junior Blues, averaging 13.8 points, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals while connecting on 44 3-pointers and shooting 43 percent from outside the arc.

Malachi Berg

MALACHI BERG, Topeka West

A 6-2 senior, Berg was a workhorse inside for the 21-2 Chargers, who claimed a second straight Centennial League title and a second straight 5A state tournament berth. Berg earned All-Centennial League and TSN All-Shawnee County honorable mention, averaging 6.0 rebounds and shooting 60 percent from 2-point field goal range.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Geo Lyons and Brittney Redmond have spent a lot of time in Topeka High's gymnasium, affectionately known as "The Dungeon.''

But this year is different, with Lyons and Redmond running the show at their alma mater.

Lyons, a 1998 THS graduate, held his first official practice as the Trojans' boys basketball coach on Monday while Redmond, a 2011 grad, kicked off her tenure as the High girls coach as preseason practice got under way across the state in boys and girls basketball, boys and girls wrestling and boys swimming.

Topeka High graduate Geo Lyons held his first official practice as the Trojans' head boys basketball coach on Monday. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Brittney Redmond, a 2011 Topeka High graduate, was back in "The Dungeon'' on Monday for her first practice as the Trojans' head girls basketball coach. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Redmond was named the Trojans' girls coach in May after stints as an assistant coach at four junior colleges while Lyons was named Topeka High's boys coach in June after four seasons as the head coach at Kansas City-Schlagle.

"I think it brought back some nastaligic memories but it also made it real that basketball is officially here,'' Redmond said about Monday's opening practice. "In college you jump right in it, but here you kind of have to wait a minute and then it's just the rush of trying to get a team ready in two weeks.''

Lyons, who had stints as an assistant at both High and Topeka West, said he was excited to get started in his new role of guiding the THS program.

"I'm looking at this as really a blank canvas,'' Lyons said. "We've got a whole new staff so everything's going to be new to these young men, but I like that I really get to come in and put my stamp on this thing.''

Redmond and Lyons face different challenges in the 2022-2023 campaign, with Redmond trying to help Topeka High continue a recent run as one of the state's most successful girls programs while Lyons will be trying to help the Trojans return to their once-storied status.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn Rural, which won its eighth Class 6A state championship and its first in 10 seasons, put four players on the TopSports.news All-Shawnee County volleyball team, led by two-time player of the year Brooklyn DeLeye.

Washburn Rural two-time Shawnee County player of the year Brooklyn DeLeye headlines the 2022 TSN all-county volleyball team. [File photo/TSN]

DeLeye, a senior, is joined on the all-county first team by senior Taylor Russell and juniors Zoe Canfield and Jada Ingram while veteran Junior Blues coach Kevin Bordewick, who went over the 1,000-win mark for his career in 2022, was named the coach of the year after Rural went 45-1 on the season with 44 straight wins to end the year.

State placers Rural and Seaman, fourth in 5A, combined to earn seven of 13 first-team berths.

The Vikings, who posted a 32-11 record and won the United Kansas Conference title, are represented on the first team by senior Laynee Brown, junior Brooklyn Gormley and sophomore Maegan Mills.

Mid-East League champion Rossville put senior Brinley Dyche and junior Kinsey Perine on the all-county team while Shawnee Heights is represented by seniors Emily Loy and Taylor Rottinghaus, Silver Lake by senior Taylor Ross and Topeka West by senior Makinsey Jones.

Brown, DeLeye, Ingram, Jones, Loy, Perine and Russell are all repeat first-team selections while Canfield, Dyche, Gormley and Mills were second-team picks a year ago and Ross and Rottinghauls received honorable mention.

Hayden freshman Reese Huscher was named the county newcomer of the year after compiling 148 kills, 254 digs and serving at 97 percent.

All-Shawnee County first team capsules:

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Local high schools open regional boys soccer competition this week, beginning with three Monday contests.

Hayden, 7-8-1 on the season, will host Mulvane (7-9-0) in a 4 p.m. Class 4A-1A regional semifinal Monday while Cair Paravel Latin (0-10-0) will host Circle (0-15-0)  in a 4:30 p.m. 4A-1A play-in game at the Sunflower Soccer Complex. The Cair Paravel-Circle winner will advance to a 6 p.m. game Tuesday at Buhler (15-1-0).

In 5A, Seaman (3-11-2) will travel to Leavenworth  (5-10-1) for a 6 p.m. play-in game on Monday, with the winner playing Kansas City-Sumner (13-2-1) at Kansas City-Schlagle at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Seaman dropped a 1-0 overtime United Kansas Conference decision to the Pioneers in the regular season.

Washburn Rural senior Easton Bradstreet (13) has scored 25 goals this season entering Tuesday's Class 6A regional soccer opener at McElroy Field. [File photo/TSN]

Centennial League champion Washburn Rural (13-3-0) will open 6A postseason at 6 p.m. Tuesday at McElroy Field against the winner of Monday's play-in game between Lawrence (5-10-1) and Wichita South (0-16). The Junior Blues have asssured themselves of homefield advantage through the state quarterfinal round.6A.

Junior Chris Gomez (18) and the Topeka High soccer team will host Free State in a Class 6A regional game Tuesday night at Hummer Sports Park. [File photo/TSN]

Topeka High will also open 6A postseason Tuesday, with the 11-5-0 Trojans hosting Free State (6-7-2) in a 6 p.m. regional game at Hummer Sports Park.

Nic Simons and his 10-5-1 Shawnee Heights soccer team will open Class 5A postseason Tuesday night at the Bettis Family Sports Complex against KC-Washinton. [File photo/TSN]

UKC champion Shawnee Heights (10-5-1) will be at the Bettis Family Sports Complex at 6 p.m. Tuesday to host KC-Washington (7-7-2) in a 5A regional opener.

By ISAAC DEER

TopSports.news

After losing four straight to state contending 8-man teams, Cair Paravel Latin ended its football season on a high note with a 62-12 win over Maranatha Academy Friday night at Highland Park.

The Lions rapidly put 62 points on the scoreboard on their Senior Night, needing just 24 minutes to get the win at the halftime break.

Cair Paravel junior quarterback Evan Will went 7 of 7 passing for 117 yards and three TDs in Friday's 62-12 win over Maranatha Academy. [Photo by Sarah Carson/Special to TSN]

Senior Jachin Bonura carried tJunior Noah Collins had a 37-yard pick-six in Cair Paravel's 62-12 win over Maranatha Academy. [Photo by Sarah Carson/Special to TSN]

Cair Paravel junior Jesiah Bonura finds running room in the Lions' 62-12 win over Maranatha Academy. [Photo by Sarah Carson/Special to TSN]

Cair Paravel sophomore Ben Roeder (26) and junior Noah Collins (33) close in on a Maranatha Academy ball-carrier in Friday's 62-12 Lion win. [Photo by Sarah Carson/Special to TSN]

“Our guys came out and executed the way we wanted them to,” Cair Paravel Latin coach Doug Bonura said. “We were able to get a lot of guys in the game tonight and learn on the spot. They responded well after losing last week, which was a rough one for us. Being able to come back and play the way we wanted to play was great to see.

“But with all of that being said, I’m disappointed that we’re not going to the playoffs.”

In its first full year as a member of the Kansas State High School Activities Association, Cair Paravel Latin received an un-warm welcome. The Lions were delivered a juggernaut of a schedule for nearly the entirety of the 2022 campaign.

“This year was a bit of a disappointment because we have a tremendous team with a lot of talent,” D. Bonura said. “This year was good and humbling for us. Our district has several teams who are top-20 in the entire state. We learned so much about this year and we look forward to taking those lessons into next year.”

Out of the Lions’ eight regular season games played, only three of the teams that Cair Paravel has played has had a losing record. Cair Paravel Latin has won all of its games against those three teams with a losing record.

In its three games won, Cair Paravel Latin has outscored the opposition, 178-28. The Lions do what they’re supposed to do, blow out the teams that they’re supposed to beat. 

On Friday night, Cair Paravel Latin was able to execute the game plan flawlessly against a wounded Maranatha Academy squad.

The Lions 40-point first quarter was impressive.

In fact, it took Cair Paravel under four minutes to put up 24 points on the scoreboard and it was evident that the Lions would roll over the Eagles in the beginning portion of the game.

Lion senior running back Jachin Bonura had an eye-opening game on Friday night, touching the pigskin eight times for 218 yards and four touchdowns.

Cair Paravel junior quarterback Evan Will had a quick but perfect night. Will went 7-7 for 117 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensively, the Lions were stout. Seven sacks, two interceptions, 14 tackles for losses and a defensive touchdown. Noah Collins’ pick-six was for 37 yards.

The game started and ended in a blink of an eye. Similar to Cair Paravel’s season. A dominating home performance to cap off a season filled with lessons was important to this young and aspiring Lions group.

“Our guys competed in every game this year,” D. Bonura said. “We played the way we wanted to. We are going to have to work on our technique going forward and polish a lot of things for us to move in the direction we want to go in.”

Cair Paravel Latin finished its season with a 3-5 overall and 1-4 district record.

CAIR PARAVEL LATIN 62, MARANATHA ACADEMY 12

Maranatha Academy (0-7, 0-4)    6 6 – 12

Cair Paravel Latin (3-5, 1-4)      40 22 – 62

Cair Paravel – Ja. Bonura 46 run (2-pt is good)

Cair Paravel – Ja. Bonura 48 pass from Will (2-pt is good)

Cair Paravel – Collins 37 interception return (2-pt is good)

Cair Paravel – Ja. Bonura 27 pass from Will (2-pt is good)

Cair Paravel – Roeder 38 run (2-pt conversion is good)

Maranatha Academy – Higginbotham 26 pass from Nelson (2-pt is no good)

Maranatha Academy – Higgenbotham 13 pass from Nelson (2-point is no good)

Cair Paravel – Ja. Bonura 47 run (2-pt is no good)

Cair Paravel – Je. Bonura 47 run (2-pt is good)

Cair Paravel – Gossard 9 pass from Will (2-pt is no good)

Individual statistics 

Passing: Cair Paravel Latin – Will 7-7, 117 yards; Pavlik 2-2, 24. Maranatha Academy – Nelson 8-16, 105 yards; Smail 1-4, 7.

Rushing: Cair Paravel Latin – Ja. Bonura 3-118, Pavlik 3-26, Je. Bonura 1-47, Roeder 1-38. Maranatha Academy – Nelson 8-(minus)-54, Higginbotham 6-45, Smail 4-17, Wiley 4-(minus)-3.

Receiving: Cair Paravel Latin – Ja. Bonura 5-100, Will 2-24, Gossard 1-9, Helmbold 1-8. Maranatha Academy – Higginbotham 4-63, Smail  4-34, Dean 1-5.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Wasshburn Rural and Seaman, Final Four teams a year ago, lead Shawnee County's 10-school contingent into Saturday's sub-state tournaments across the state.

Washburn Rural finished fourth in Class 6A and Seaman fifth in 5A a year ago and both the Junior Blues and Vikings are coming off league championships and sport top-three state rankings entering post-season.

All 10 county high schools will be vying for berths in state tournaments, which will be contested on Oct. 28 and 29.

Rural won the Centennial League tournament and is ranked No. 1 in 6A in the final Kansas Volleyball Association rankings with a 38-1 record while Seaman won the United Kansas Conference championship and is No. 3 in 5A with a 28-8 record.

Rossville and Silver Lake are two of the top teams in 3A, with Rossville (30-5) ranked No. 6 and Silver Lake (24-9) No. 9 by the KVA. 

Here's a class-by-class look at sub-state tournaments involving Shawnee County schools:

Washburn Rural volleyball, 38-1 on the season, celebrates a point in the Junior Blues' recent match against state-ranked Seaman. [File photo/TSN]

CLASS 6A

Washburn Rural, which has advanced to 23 state tournaments under coach Kevin Bordewick, with seven state titles and 20 Final Four appearances, will be a heavy favorite in Saturday's 6A sub-state at Rural.

The top-ranked Junior Blues will play a semifinal match at approximately 2 p.m. against the winner of the play-in match between Dodge City (5-27) and Wichita South (2-33).

Manhattan (15-19) will face Derby (15-20) in the other semifinal match, with the semifinal winners playing for the sub-state title at approximately 4 o'clock.

The sub-state champion will advance to the state tournament at the Tony's Pizza Events Center in Salina on Oct. 28.

• Topeka High (8-24) will make the long trek to Liberal to face the host team in a 2 p.m. semifinal. Liberal is 25-8 on the season and the No. 3 in the 6A West.

The Topeka High-Liberal winner will play the winner of the semifinal between Wichita North (16-13) and Campus (11-21) for the sub-state championship at approximately 4 p.m.

Senior Laynee Brown is a standout for Seaman's volleyball team, which will host a Class 5A sub-state on Saturday. [File photo/TSN]

CLASS 5A

Seaman, the No. 3 seed in the 5A East, will be at home on Saturday as it shoots for a third straight state tournament berth.

The Vikings will open their sub-state bid at 2 p.m. Saturday in a semifinal matchup against  De Soto (9-21).

The winner of the Seaman-De Soto match will play for the sub-state title at approximately 4 p.m. against the winner of the semifinal between Kansas City-Schlagle (11-6) and KC-Turner (11-20).

The sub-state champion will move on to the 5A state tournament at the Tony's Pizza Events Center in Salina on Oct. 28.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

LEAVENWORTH (2-5, 2-5 UKC) at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (4-3, 4-2 UKC)

Shawnee Heights junior Allen Baughman (5) has rushed for 1,140 yards and 15 touchdowns on this fall. [Photo by Sarah Carson/Special to TSN]

Shawnee Heights snapped a two-game losing streak with a 49-6 United Kansas Conference win over Topeka West last Friday. T-Bird junior Allen Baughman carried the ball 12 times for 153 yards and five touchdowns against Topeka West and enters Friday night's game against Leavenworth with 1,140 yards and 15 touchdowns on 152 attempts. Alex Dittman leads the T-Birds with 54 tackles while Jon Scott and Sean Wunter have 46 and 45 stops, respectively.

TOPEKA WEST (1-6) at WASHBURN RURAL (5-2)

Washburn Rural junior Titan Osburn caught three touchdown passes in last Friday's 49-14 Centennial League win over Emporia. [File photo/TSN]

Washburn Rural took a 49-14 Centennial League win over Emporia last week while Topeka West js coming off a 49-6 United Kansas Conference defeat against Shawnee Heights. Rural junior Branton DeWeese completed seven of seven passes for 91 yards and two TDs last week while junior Titan Osburn caught three passes for 67 yards and three TDs. Senor Ma'Kenttis Adams had three carries for 76 yards and a TD while DeWeese carried the ball six times for 57 yards and a pair of TDs. Senior Ty Weber registered eight tackles (seven solo), with three tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. Topeka West senior quarterback Malachi Berg scored West's lone TD against West on a 16-yard run and rushed for 96 yards and passed for 112 yards.

Topeka High senior quarterback Peyton Wheat has passed for 1,240 yards and six touchdowns this season. [File photo/TSN]

HAYS (6-1) at TOPEKA HIGH (1-6) 

Topeka High dropped a 54-12 Centennial League decision at Junction City while Hays is coming off a 56-12 win over Liberal, which handed High a 27-0 defeat earlier in the year. Hays' lone loss was a 31-21 decision to undefeated Manhattan. Topeka High dropped a 59-7 league game to Manhattan in Week 2. High sophomore Jayden Norman has caught 43 passes for 620 yards and four touchdowns while senior quarterback Peyton Wheat has completed 82 of 174 passes for 1,240 yards and six touchdowns.

MARANATHA ACADEMY (0-6, 0-3 district) at CAIR PARAVEL LATIN (2-5, 0-4 district)

Cair Paravel wraps up Eight-Man Division I play Friday night after dropping an 54-8 district decision to Chase County last Friday. Cair Paravel junior Evan Will went 9 of 13 passing for 74 yards and a touchdowns against Chase County while Jachin Bonura caught six passes for 64 yards and a TD. Maranatha Academy is coming off a 63-14 district loss to Burlingame

By ISAAC DEER

TopSports.news

The rebuilding Cair Paravel Latin boys soccer team took a tough 10-1 loss at the hands of a solid Kansas City Christian team on Thursday evening at the Sunflower Soccer Complex.

It’s been a tough year for the Lions as Cair Paravel still hasn’t found the win column near the end of the 2022 campaign as its young and small roster has dealt with its fair share of challenges.

Cair Paravel Latin soccer coach Mark Congdon congratulates his team after Thursday's 10-1 loss to Kansas City Christian. [Photo by Isaac Deer/TSN]

It doesn’t help the Lions that several contributors are dealing with injuries.

With a young group like the Lions have, CPLS coach Mark Congdon said it's essential to find different ways to evaluate the team, not just wins and losses.

“We were just lucky to be out here and playing today,” Congdon said. “Last night we almost lost a couple of guys and that would’ve put us in a bad spot. We have two or three nagging injuries within the team right now all with our 11 guys. A win for us right now is starting and finishing the game.

“The fact that we were able to play a game from start to finish was big for us. It’s great to allow our guys to go out there and compete as well as get some minutes. Even with the loss we had today, it was a good day for us.”

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Silver Lake's boys will be looking to build off last week's Mid-East League championship when all 10 Shawnee County high schools compete for state berths in Saturday's regional cross country meets.

Silver Lake and Rossville will both compete in a Class 3A regional at the Leonardville Golf Course (10 a.m. girls, 10:45 boys), while Topeka High and Washburn Rural will compete in a 6A regional at Manhattan (10 girls, 10:40 boys), Highland Park, Seaman, Shawnee Heights and Topeka West will take part in a 5A regional at Kanza Park (9 girls, 9:45 boys), Hayden will host a 4A regional, also at Kanza Park (10:30 girls, 11:15 boys), and Cair Paravel will be part of a 2A regional at Central Heights (10 girls, 10:40 boys).

Silver Lake tuned up for postseason last Thursday, winning the league title by 38 points while dropping its average team time by two seconds.

"The wind made things tough, but our runners made the best of it,'' Eagle coach Kevin Brokaw said.

Sophomore Jared Johnson paced the Eagles with a second-place individual finish while junior Eli Ferguson finished third, senior Mason Brokaw fourth and sophomore Aemon Coffman seventh to earn league medals.

"(I'm) especially proud of sophomore Jared Johnson who continues to improve and broke under 18 minutes for the first time,'' Kevin Brokaw said.

Silver Lake's girls dropped their team time average by 29 seconds to 22:22 and placed second behind Riley County by just four points after losing to the Falcons by 11 points two weeks earlier.

"(We) will try our best to get them at regionals,'' Kevin Brokaw said.

Senior Mariah Farmer finished third in the league meets, with sophomore Tessa Gerber seventh and freshman Kylie Podlena ninth.

"We had 17 season-bests out of 27 runners,'' Kevin Brokaw said.

Senior Amelia Foster finished fifth to lead Rossville in the girls race while the Bulldawg boys got an eighth-place finish from junior Mason Broce and a 10th-place finish from senior Hayden Sanders.

• Washburn Rural swept the Centennial League titles last week, with the the Junior Blues riding a one-two-three individual finish to a 27-62 win over Junction City and Rural winning the boys title by a 44-47 margin over Manhattan.

Washburn Rural sophomore Payton Fink followed up her city championship with a win in last Saturday's Centennial League meet. [File photo/TSN]

Sophomore Payton Fink won the girls title in a five-kilometer time of 18 minutes, 53.9 while senior Madeline Carter (19:11.0) and sophomore Rylee Ismert (19:25.1) finished second and third.

The Rural girls also got an eighth-place finish from Brooklyn Nolte (20:36.4) and a 13th-place finish from Vilde Tronstad (21:03.7) to round out the Junior Blues' top five.

Rural's boys got third and fourth-place finishes from seniors Davin Johnson and Easton Dial to lead the Junnior Blues to the team title.

Senior Grayson Fink (17:21.4) finished eighth for Rural's boys, followed by junior Hayden Keller (17:30.3) in 12th place and senior Trevor Cain (17:42.2) in 17th. 

Hayden's girls finished fifth as a team, led by Elliot Wrench's 17th-place finish in 21:23.8, while Topeka High placed sixth, led by Marilina Zuniga, who placed 33rd in 24:46.3.

Hayden and Topeka High finished fifth and sixth in the boys team standings.

Topeka High's Michael Christoper and Hayden's Aiden Amis both posted top-10 finishes in the boys race, with Christopher (17:23.1) taking ninth and Amis (17:26.0) 10th.

• Seaman's girls and Topeka West senior Lenny Njoroge claimed titles in last Thursday's United Kansas Conference meet at Shawnee Heights

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Two-time defending Class 2A state champion Rossville ended a brief two-game losing streak with a 56-6 District 3 romp past Pleasant Ridge Friday night at Rossville.

Rossville junior quarterback Camden Horak (3) rushed for four touchdowns and also passed for a TD in the Bulldawgs' 56-6 win over Pleasant Ridge Friday night. [File photo/TSN]

With the win Rossville improved to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in the district and can clinch a playoff berth with a win at Maur Hill-Mt. Academy next Friday.

The Bulldawgs put Friday's game away with a 21-point first quarter, went to the locker room with a commanding 35-0 advantage and led 49-0 at the start of the fourth quarter.

Rossville junior quarterback Camden Horak had a big night against the Rams, running for four touchdowns and also passing for a TD.

Senior Braiden Hensley got Rossville on the board at the 9:20 mark of the opening quarter with a 4-yard run and Horak followed with 18 and 32-yard TD runs to put the Bulldawgs up 21-0 at the 2:01 mark of the first stanza. 

Horak added a 5-yard scoring run 50 seconds into the second quarter and he hit Hensley for a 66-yard touchdown pass to end Rossville's first-half scoring with 2:16 left before halftime.

C. Horak and sophomore Tayson Horak scored third-quarter touchdowns on 29 and 3-yard runs before Andre Johnson scored Rossville's final TD on a 15-yard run with 2:34 left to play.

Pleasant Ridge (2-5, 1-3) scored its only points of the night early in the fourth quarter.

Junior Cedric Leistenschneider went eight of eight on extra-point kicks for the Bulldawgs.

Washburn Rural junior quarterback Branton DeWeese threw for three TDs and ran for a score in last Friday's 49-14 win over Emporia. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

WASHBURN RURAL 49, EMPORIA 14 --Washburn Rural improved to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in the Centennial League with Friday night's 49-14 league romp past Emporia at Bowen-Glaze Stadium, with the Junior Blues strengthening their position for the upcoming Class 6A West playoffs.

The Junior Blues put the Spartans (1-6, 0-3) away early, opening up a 37-0 first-quarter avantage.

Rural junior quarterback Branton DeWeese opened the scoring at the 8:13 mark with a 4-yard run and he also completed a pair of 18-yard TD passes to junior Titan Osburn before freshman TJ Minikwu and senior Ma'kenttis Adams added TD runs from 5 and 51 yards respectively to end the first-quarter onslaught.

Minikwu scored his second TD on a 1-yard run and DeWeese and Osburn hooked up for a 32-yard pass to give Rural a 49-0 halftime advantage.

A running clock was used throughout the second half, with Emporia scoring its two touchdowns on passes from Sheldon Stewart to Jaxon Dial and Parker Leeds.

Washburn Rural will wrap up the regular season at home next Friday against Topeka West while Emporia will host Junction City at Welch Stadium.

Highland Park senior star Tre Richardson scored six touchdowns in Friday night's 63-0 non-league romp at Kansas CityNortheast, Mo. as the Scots improved to 5-2. [File photo/TSN] 

HIGHLAND PARK 63, NORTHEAST 0 -- Highland Park ended its two-game losing streak in resounding fashion Friday night, rolling to a 63-0 road win over Kansas City-Northeast, Mo.

Highland Park senior Trey Richardson scored six touchdowns, two on punt returns, two pass receiving and two rushing. Richardson has now had a hand in 40 touchdowns on the season.

Senior A'Ydren Drew-Gregory picked off three passes, with two going for touchdowns.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (3-3, 3-2 UKC) at TOPEKA WEST (1-5, 1-5 UKC)

At Hummer Sports Park

Shawnee Heights junior Allen Baughman (5) is 13 yards away from the 1,000-yard rushing mark entering Friday's game vs. Topeka West at Hummer Sports Park. [Photo by Sarah Carson/Special to TSN]

Topeka West picked up its first win of the season last Friday at Kansas City-Turner, with the Chargers taking a 26-21 United Kansas Conference decision over the Bears. Shawnee Heights is coming off a 35-6 loss to undefeated Class 4A power Wamego. T-Bird junior Allen Baughman carried the ball 18 times for 84 yards against Wamego and enters Friday night with 987 yards and 10 touchdowns on 140 attempts.

Hayden sophomore quarterback Jett Wahlmeier passed for 189 yards and four touchdowns in Friday night's 38-0 Class 3A district win over Royal Valley. [File photo/TSN]

HAYDEN (6-0, 3-0 district) at HOLTON (5-1, 2-0 district)

Hayden remained unbeaten with a 38-0 home district romp past Royal Valley last Friday while Holton posted a 48-17 non-district win over Rossville. Hayden sophomore quarterback Jett Wahlmeier completed 10 of 12 passes for 189 yards against Royal Valley, including four touchdowns to sophomore Jensen Schrickel, who had five catches for 147 yards. Wildcat junior Finn Dunshee carried the ball six times for 103 yards and a touchdown.

Seaman senior Bryson Vawter rushed for 149 yards and two touchdowns in the Vikings' 56-13 UKC win over Leavenworth last Friday. [File photo/TSN]

BASEHOR-LINWOOD (5-1, 4-1 UKC) at SEAMAN (4-1, 4-1 UKC)

Friday's game is an important one not only in the United Kansas Conference standings but also as far as seedings for the Class 5A East playoffs. Seaman is coming off a 56-13 UKC win over Leavenworth while Basehor-Linwood took a 32-26 league win over Lansing. Viking sophomore quarterback Max Huston completed 18 of 26 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 68 yards and three TDs on nine attempts. Senior Bryson Vawter carried the ball 21 times for 149 yards and two TDs while senior Jaxson Thomas had 14 carries for 140 yards.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

After being idle the previous week, Seaman returned to action Friday night with a 56-13 United Kansas Conference road romp at Leavenworth.

Now 4-1 overall and in the UKC, took command early against the Pioneers to remain in contention for a top-four seed for the Class 5A playoffs.

Seaman sophomore quarterback Max Huston passed for 287 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 68 yards and three TDs in the Vikings' 56-13 UKC win over Leavenworth. [File photo/TSN]

Seaman senior Bryson Vawter rushed for 149 yards and two touchdowns in the Vikings' 56-13 UKC win over Leavenworth last Friday. [File photo/TSN]

Sophomore quarterback Max Huston completed 18 of 26 pass attempts for 287 yards and three touchdowns against Leavenworth and carried the ball nine times for 68 yards and three TDs.

Senior running back Bryson Vawter rushed for 149 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries while senior Jaxson Thomas carried the ball 14 times for 140 yards.

Seaman will host Basehor-Linwood, 5-1 overall and 4-1 in the UKC, Friday night in a game with serious playoff implications.

Both the Vikings and Bobcats suffered their lone losses against Shawnee Heights, with Seaman dropping a 14-7 loss to the T-Birds and Basehor-Linwood falling to Heights, 27-0.

TOPEKA WEST 26, KANSAS CITY-TURNER 21 --Both teams entered last Friday night's United Kansas Conference contest looking for their first victory of the 2022 season and it was Topeka West that came out on top, posting a 26-21 road win.

With Friday's victory the Chargers (1-5 overall and in the UKC), gave coach Russell Norton his first win at West.

Topeka West will be at home Friday night to host city rival Shawnee Heights (3-3, 3-2) in a UKC game at Hummer Sports Park.

SILVER LAKE 41, PLEASANT RIDGE 6 --Silver Lake improved to 4-2 overall and 2-0 in Class 2A district play with its 41-6 road win at Pleasant Ridge last Friday night.

Silver Lake jumped out to a 13-0 first-quarter advantage over Pleasant Ridge (2-4, 0-2) and added three second-quarter touchdowns to open up a 34-0 halftime advantage.

Silver Lake made the score 41-0 in the third quarer before Pleasant Ridge scored its lone points in the fourth quarter.

The Eagles will host Maur Hill-Mt. Academy (2-4, 0-2) Friday night in a district contest.

Highland Park senior star Tre Richardson ran for 290 yards and three TDs on 20 carries in last Friday's 70-56 loss at Atchison. [File photo/TSN]

 ATCHISON 70, HIGHLAND PARK 56 -- Highland Park fell to 4-2 last Friday night, falling in a 70-56 scorefest at Atchison in a Meadowlark Conference showdown.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

After finishing third in last year's city meet as as a freshman, Washburn Rural's Payton Fink had her sights set on a title Saturday at Rural and delivered a wire-to-wire win, leading the Junior Blues to a successful defense of their team championship.

Fink jumped out in front early en route to a decisive 30-second victory in a five-kilometer personal-record time of 18 minutes, 10.9 seconds to lead five Junior Blues in the top seven as Rural took the team title by a 21-35 margin over Seaman.

Washburn Rural sophomore Payton Fink won her first city individual cross country title Saturday, leading the Junior Blues to the team crown. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Washburn Rural's girls cross country team poses with its team trophy after winning the city championship by a 21-35 margin over Seaman. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

"I've been working for this for awhile and it just feels great to finally be here,'' Fink said. "Honestly, I just wanted to come out and see what I could do. I didn't really expect to PR today but obviously a PR is always great.''

Seaman got a runner-up  individual finish from freshman Ryin Miller (18:40.7) and a fifth from senior Bethany Druse (19:31.2), but Rural rode its depth to the championship, with sophomore Rylee Ismert finishing third (18:54.3), senior Madeline Carter fourth (18:55.4), freshman Vilde Tronstad sixth (19:44.9) and junior Sydney Laster seventh (19:54.9) to round out the Junior Blues' top five. 

"Our team is incredible,'' Fink said. "We have so many girls that are just up there strong, work hard every practice and we all do our workouts together. Everyone is in great shape for a good end of the season.''

"That's the kind of day we hoped for and they all just came out and did it,'' Washburn Rural coach Matt Swedlund said.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Lenny Njoroge has posted some big wins in his high school cross country career and there definitely could still be more to come.

But Saturday's city boys championship at Washburn Rural was special not only for the Topeka West senior, but for his school as well.

Topeka West senior Lenny Njoroge won his first city cross country title and the Chargers' first since 1993 in Saturday's city meet at Washburn Rural. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Njoroge, who posted his fourth straight individual win, clocked a winning five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 30 seconds en route to becoming the first Topeka West boys runner to win a city championship since former Charger great Winston Tidwell in 1993.

"City titles are nice, I'm telling you,'' Njoroge said. "They're fun and you're representing your school and especially because we haven't won one in a lot of years, it feels special.''

Njoroge won by 18 seconds over Shawnee Heights junior Jackson Esquibel (15:48.1), with T-Bird senior Kory Sutton third in 15:54.1.

For the second straight week, Esquibel pushed Njoroge early in the race, which the West star said was a benefit.

"It helps a lot so I don't have to run by myself the first mile,'' Njoroge said. "I like him pushing me.''

Washburn Rural runners nailed down the next three spots and placed all of their top five in the top 14 individually as the Junior Blues topped Shawnee Heights for the team championship by a 38-53 margin.

Washburn Rural boys cross country poses with the championship trophy after winning the city team title Saturday at Rural. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

The top 20 medalists in Saturday's city boys cross country championships at Washburn Rural. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Senior Davin Johnson finished a team-high fourth (16:01.6) for the Junior Blues while senior Easton Dial was fifth (16:30.8) and senior Grayson Fink sixth (16:36.4).

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Shawnee Heights senior Jackson Esquibel has put together an outstanding distance career for the T-Birds, winning a pair of state medals in cross country and posting a state title and a runnerup finish in track.

Shawnee Heights senior Jackson Esquibel won his first city individual cross country title Saturday at Kanza Park. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

But Esquibel added something new in Saturday's city boys championship at Kanza Park, winning his first city individual title.

Washburn Rural's Brooks Kehoe (740), Max Gutierrez (763) and Hayden Keller (765) helped the Junior Blues win their 17th straight city cross country title Saturday. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Meanwhile, it was business as usual for Washburn Rural, which rolled to its 17th straight city boys team title by a 35-63 margin over Seaman.

Esquibel clocked a winning five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 16.7 seconds en route to winning by more than 33 seconds over Seaman sophomore standout Brody Anderson.

"It's my last time at Hummer and I've ran this course since freshman year so I just wanted to see what time I was capable of here and give it my all for myself and build confidence going into the big meets,'' Esquibel said.

"You have goals when you start the season and this is a big meet for me, running a 12-second (personal record), I believe it was. That really just kind of set the tone for the type of shape I'm in and the type of confidence that I have in myself.

:"My supporting cast is just great. They always push me to my limits.''

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

WASHBURN RURAL (3-2, 0-2 Centennial) at TOPEKA HIGH (1-4, 1-1 Centennial)

At Hummer Sports Park

Washburn Rural senior linebacker Ty Weber (32) is coming off a 20-tackle performance against Junction City last Friday. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Both teams will be looking to bounce back from losses, with Washburn Rural coming off a 24-6 Centennial League loss to Junction City last Friday and Topeka High dropping an 81-13 non-league decision to Wichita Northwest. Topeka High senior quarterback Peyton Wheat has completed 60 of 125 passes on the season for 978 yards and three touchdown while sophomore Jayden Norman has 30 receptions for 497 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Norman caught nine passes for 158 yards and a TD against Northwest. Washburn Rural struggled at times offensively against Junction City after an early touchdown, but senior linebacker Ty Weber registered 20 tackles (13 solos), Wyatt Conklin was in on 10.5 stops and Jaren Heim 10 tackles (seven solo).

Hayden sophomore Jett Wahlmeier completed 12 of 14 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown in last Friday's 44-28 district win at Perry-Lecompton. [Photo by Sarah Carson/Special to TSN]

ROYAL VALLEY (1-4, 0-1 district) at HAYDEN (5-0, 2-0 district)

Hayden remained unbeaten with a 44-28 Class 3A district win at Perry-Lecompton last Friday while Royal Valley dropped a 48-15 district decision to Holton in its district opener. Hayden sophomore quarterback Jett Wahlmeier completed 12 of 14 passes for 188 yards against Perry-Lecompton and has completed 46 of 60 passes on the season for 744 yards and six touchdowns while sophomore Jensen Schrickel has 15 catches for 308 yards and three TDs. Finn Dunshee has carried the ball 31 times for 417 yards while JC Cummings has 40 carries for 345 yards. Schrickel has scored 67 total points.

MADISON (4-1, 2-0 district) at CAIR PARAVEL LATIN (2-3, 0-2 district)

At Highland Park

Cair Paravel Latin is coming off a 57-20 Eight-Man Division I district loss to undefeated Burlingame last week while Madison remained unbeaten in district play with a 40-26 win over Lyndon. Cair Paravel junior Evan Will has completed 35 of 54 pass attempts for 347 yards and 10 touchdowns and rushed for 176 yards and two touchdowns on 23 attempts while Jase Pavlik is 25 of 38 passing for 400 yards and seven TDs. Jachin Bonura has caught 14 passes for 205 yards and six TDs while Jesiah Bonura has 14 catches for 194 yards and three TDs.

Highland Park senior Mackey James (33) leads the Scots with 50 tackles, including 33 solo stops. [File photo/TSN]

 Highland Park senior quarterback Kei'Juan Johnson has rushed for 389 yards and four touchdowns and passed for 660 yards and nine TDs. [File photo/TSN]

HIGHLAND PARK (4-1, 4-0 Meadowlark) at ATCHISON (5-0, 4-0 Meadowlark)

The winner of Friday night's game will be in the driver's seat to win the Meadowlark Conference championship. Atchison posted a 55-6 league win over Kansas City-Washington last week while Highland Park is coming off its first loss of the season, a 59-22 non-league loss at Lincoln College Prep. Highland Park senior Tre Richardson has carried the ball 54 times for 1,031 yards and 16 TDs and caught 21 passes for 555 yards and nine touchdowns. Senior quarterback Kei'Juan Johnson has completed 35 of 51 passes for 660 yards and nine touchdowns and rushed for 389 yards on 33 attempts with four TDs. Mackey James has been in on 50 tackles (33 solo).

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

 With the biggest cross country meets of the year rapidly approaching, Topeka West cross country star Lenny Njoroge is comfortable with every aspect of his career.

And that continues to show in Njororoge's results, with the West senior notching his fourth individual win in five races on the year in Saturday's Seaman Invitational at Shawnee North Community Park.

Topeka West senior Lenny Njoroge clocked a winning time of 15:45.96 in Saturday's Seaman Invitational at Shawnee North Community Park. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Shawnee Heights junior Jackson Esquibel finished second in the Seaman Invitational, leading the T-Birds to the boys team title. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Njoroge, who has not finished lower than second this fall, captured Saturday's title in a five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 45.96 seconds, leading a one-two-three individual finish by city runners.

"This year I feel so comfortable,'' Njoroge said. "I'm in good shape and during that race I was just trying to cruise and push the pace when I could.''

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Seaman's girls the opened the championship month of the 2022 cross country season with a decisive win in Saturday's Seaman Invitational at Shawnee North Community Park.

Individual runner-up Ryin Miller led the way as the Vikings put all of their top five runners in the top 11 spots en route to a 34-59 team victory over city rival Washburn Rural.

Seaman freshman Ryin Miller finished second in Saturday's Seaman Invitational cross country meet, leading the Vikings to the girls team title. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Washburn Rural senior Madeline Carter finished third in Saturday's Seaman Invitational, pacing the Junior Blues to a runner-up team finish. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Miller, a freshman, clocked a five-kilometer time of 19 minutes, 02.61 seconds to finish second behind Piper senior Grace Hanson, who won the race in 18:27.88.

Seaman also got a sixth-place finish from senior Bethany Druse (20:26.48) while senior Leah Spurlock (20:38.61), sophomore Stella Appelhanz (20:51.54) and junior Savannah Sampson (20:54.95) finished ninth, 10th and 11th.

Seaman sophomore Anna Becker added a 13th-place finish in 21:25.65.

"We ran well and I'm real happy about that,'' Seaman coach Rick Brading said. "Ryin Miller had a great day Leah Spurlock had a really good day today as our third runner.''

Brading was happy with the balance the Vikings displayed in Saturday's win.

"Our girls understand that as each individual runner runs better our team score's going to be better,'' Brading said. "Plus, kids compete against their own teammates, so that helps us.''

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

Washburn Rural junior quarterback Branton DeWeese threw for a pair of TD passes in last week's 28-25 loss to unbeaten Manhattan. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

JUNCTION CITY (3-1, 0-0 Centennial) at WASHBURN RURAL (3-1, 0-1 Centennial)

Washburn Rural suffered its first loss of the season last Friday, a 28-25 Centennial League decision at unbeaten Manhattan, while Junction City improved to 3-1 with a 28-21 non-league win over perennial Class 5A power Bishop Carroll. The Blue Jays will be making their league debut on Friday. Washburn Rural junior quarterback Branton DeWeese threw for a pair of touchdown passes against Manhattan while senior running back Ma'kenttis Adams scored on a 76-yard touchdown run. 

ROSSVILLE (2-2, 1-0 district) at SILVER LAKE (2-2, 0-0 district)

The Bulldawgs and Eagles will square off in the annual War on 24, regarded as one of the state's premier rivalries. Rossville opened Class 2A District 3 play with a 49-8 romp past previously-unbeaten Atchison County last week while Silver Lake is coming off a 44-28 loss to Mid-East League opponent Rock Creek. Junior quarterback Camden Horak and senior Braiden Hensley had big nights for the Bulldawgs against Atchison County, connecting on four touchdown passes. Rossville opened its scoring with a 48-yard TD pass from Horak to Hensley and also hooked up on 20, 58 and 13-yard TD strikes.

Shawnee Heights junior Allen Baughman (5) has rushed for 781 and 10 touchdowns for the 3-1 T-Birds. [Photo by Sarah Carson/Special to TSN]

DE SOTO (3-1, 3-0 UKC) at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (3-1, 3-1 UKC)

Shawnee Heights ran its winning streak to three games with a 27-0 shutout over Basehor-Linwood last Friday. The T-Birds have now outscored their past three opponents by an 87-30 margin since a season-opening loss to Piper. Allen Baughman, a junior running back, carried the ball 29 times for 284 yards and three touchdowns against Basehor-Linwood and has 781 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the season. De Soto's lone loss was a 28-21 loss to Washburn Rural in Week 2. The Wildcats are undefeated in United Kansas Conference competition, including a 57-16 win over Leavenworth last week. 

Senior Tre Richardson has rushed for 896 yards and 15 TDs and has 453 receiving yards and eight TDs for 4-0 Highland Park. [File photo/TSN

HIGHLAND PARK (4-0) at LINCOLN COLLEGE PREP (4-1)

Highland Park remained unbeaten overall and in the Meadowlark Conference with a 74-0 romp past KC-Harmon last Thursday at Hummer Sports Park. Scot senior star Tre Richardson scored all six times he touched the ball as the Scots put the game out of reach with a 50-0 first quarter. Richardson has rushed for 896 yards and 15 touchdowns on 45 attempts, caught 13 pases for 453 yards and eight TDs and also passed for a TD. Highland Park, off to a 4-0 start for the first time since 1995, will step outside its conference and state on Friday to face a Lincoln Prep team that is 4-1 after a 14-13 win over Van Horn, its third straight victory.

HAYDEN (4-0, 1-0 district) at PERRY-LECOMPTON (1-3, 0-1 district)

Hayden opened Class 3A District 4 competition last Friday with a 52-14 home win over Jefferson West last week while Perry-Lecompton opened district play with a 49-18 loss to Holton. The Wildcats put the Tigers away early, scoring the first 37 points by the 8:04 mark of the second quarter and leading 44-7 at the half. Senior JC Cummings opened Hayden's scoring with a 16-yard run and also scored on a 58-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Jett Wahlmeier. Junior Finn Dunshee scored on a 29-yard pass from Wahlmeier and a 53-yard run. Hayden also got touchdowns from seniors Braydn Rose and Dylan Foster and junior Broderick Desch.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Hayden continued its impressive start to the 2022 football season Friday night, improving to 4-0 with a 52-14 home romp over Jefferson West in the Class 3A District 4 opener for both schools.

Hayden senior JC Cummings takes a handoff from sophomore Jett Wahlmeier in Friday's 52-14 district win over Jefferson West. [Photo by Sarah Carson/Special to TSN]

Hayden quarterback Jett Wahlmeier (7) talks to Wildcat coach Bill Arnold during Friday night's 52-14 Class 3A district win over Jefferson West at Hayden. [Photo by Sarah Carson/Special to TSN]

The Wildcats put the game away early on, scoring the first 37 points by the 8:04 mark of the second quarter and leading 44-7 at the half.

Senior JC Cummings opened Hayden's scoring with a 16-yard run and also scored on a 58-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Jett Wahlmeier.

Junior Finn Dunshee scored on a 29-yard pass from Wahlmeier and a 53-yard run.

Hayden also got touchdowns from seniors Braydn Rose and Dylan Foster and junior Broderick Desch.

Jefferson West (0-4) scored both of its touchdowns on long pass plays.

SEAMAN 50, LANSING 32 -- Seaman bounced back from its first loss of the season with a 50-32 United Kansas Conference victory over Lansing on Homecoming night at Seaman.

Seaman's Gabe Hernandez got the Vikings off to a good start when he batted a Lansing pass in the air and intercepted at the goal line for a touchdown at the 9:21 mark of the first quarter.

Lansing tied the game later in the quarter on a 25-yard pass from Dalton Jorgensen to Lexton Grafke but the Vikings broke the tie with 18 seconds left in the first on a 1-yard run from Bryson Vawter.

Lansing cut its deficit to 14-10 on a 25-yard Casey Watkins field goal early in the second quarter but Seaman answered with a 63-yard touchdown pass from Max Huston to Adonis VanLeeuwen to boost its lead to 21-10.

Lansing got a 35-yard pick six from Ian Patton and converted the 2-point conversion to cut Seaman's lead to 21-18 with 4:13 left in the half, but Huston scored from 4 yards out with 23 seconds left in the half to give the Vikings a 28-18 halftime lead.

Huston opened the third-quarter scoring with a 4-yard TD run to put Seaman up 35-18 and Lansing got no closer than 10 points the rest of the way.

Seaman also got a pair of second-half scores from Jack Bloom on 1-yard and 12-yard runs to take a 50-25 advantage before the Lions scored a TD in the final minute.

Huston completed 14 of 26 passes for 184 yards while Vawter carried the ball 29 times for 155 yards and Bloom had 132 yards on 12 attempts.

Jorgensen passed for 221 yards on an 18 of 40 night, but Seaman picked off the Lansing quarterback three times.

ROSSVILLE 49, ATCHISON COUNTY 8 -- Rossville opened Class 2A district play with a statement win, with the Bulldawgs rolling to a 49-8 District 3 decision over previously-unbeaten Atchison County at Rossville.

Junior quarterback Camden Horak and senior Braiden Hensley had big nights for the Bulldawgs, connecting on four touchdown passes.

Rossville opened its scoring with a 48-yard TD pass from Horak to Hensley and also hooked up on 20, 58 and 13-yard TD strikes.

Horak also scored on a 32-yard run while Kade Perine had a 1-yard TD and Tayson Horak scored Rossville's final TD on a 75-yard run.

Cedric Leistenschneider kicked five extra points while Perine had a 2-point conversion run.

With Friday's win Rossville evened its record at 2-2. 

MANHTATTAN 28, WASHBURN RURAL 25 -- Manhattan outlasted Washburn Rural 28-25 Friday night at Cico Park in a key Centennial League battle between two of the top Class 6A teams in Kansas.

Manhattan improved to 4-0 overall while Washburn Rural fell to 3-1. The Indians are now 2-0 in the Centennial League while Washburn Rural is 0-1 with a key matchup with Junction City looming next Friday.

Washburn Rural senior Ma'kenttis Adams takes off on a 76-yard touchdown run in the opening minute of Friday's 28-25 Centennial League loss at Manhattan. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Ty Weber and the Washburn Rural defense celebrate a big play in Friday's 28-25 Junior Blue loss at Manhattan. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Rural senior Ma'kenttis Adams put the Junior Blues in front with a 76-yard touchdown run in the opening minute, but Manhattan answered with a long touchdown pass from Keenan Schartz to Jaxon Bowles.

The Indians missed the extra point to leave Rural with a 7-6 lead but Manhattan got a scoring run from DeAndre Auckland and a 2-point conversion to go in front by a 14-7 margin.

A Dayten Smoot field goal and a TD pass from Branton DeWeese to Titan Osburn put Rural back in front 17-14 late in the opening half but Schartz scored with a half-minute remaining to give Manhattan a 21-17 halftime advantage.

An Auckland TD midway through the third quarter boosted Manhattan's advantage to 28-17 before Washburn Rural got a scoring pass from DeWeese to Amr Sabbarini and a 2-point conversion midway through the fourth quarter.

Washburn Rural had a late opportunity to pull out the win but Manhattan's third interception of the night clinched the win.

LYNDON 28, CAIR PARAVEL LATIN 24 --Cair Paravel Latin took a  24-22 lead in the fourth quarter but Lyndon answered to pull out the 28-24 Eight-Man Division I District 2 decision.

Friday's game between Cair Paravel, in its first year as a full Kansas State High School Activities Association member, and undefeated Lyndon was close throughout, with a tie and four lead changes.

Lyndon, now 4-0 and 1-0 in district play, went on top 8-0 with a 27-yard run from Jalen Massey and a Massey conversion run, but Cair Paravel (2-2, 0-1) answered with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Evan Will to Jesiah Bonura and a Will conversion run to knot the game at 8-8 in the second quarter.

The Tigers took a 14-8 halftime advantage on a 29-yard TD pass from Jackson Biggs to Evan Feuerborn (conversion failed) but Cair Paravel led 16-14 entering the fourth quarter after a 4-yard Will rush and a 2-point conversion pass from Simon Everhart to to Ty Gossard.

Lyndon regained the lead on 44-yard pass from Biggs to Ethen Raney (Feuerborn run), but CPLS took the lead a final time on a 5-yard Will pass to Jachin Bonura and a 2-point conversion pass from Will to Bonura before the Tiger scored the game-winning TD on a 10-yard Biggs passs to Ben Detwiler.

Will completed 14 of 22 passes for 118 yards and three touchdowns and added 47 rushing yards on 14 attempts.

Jesiah Bonura caught seven passes for 50 yards while Jachin Bonura caught seven passes for 17 yards and Everhart four catches for 62 yards.

Noah Collins led Cair Paravel with seven solo tackles.   

ROCK CREEK 44, SILVER LAKE 28 --Rock Creek improved to 3-1 on the season with a 44-28 home Mid-East League victory over Silver Lake Friday night.

Silver Lake fell to 2-2 on the season.

The Eagles will open Class 2A District 3 play at home next Friday against arch-rival Rossville, which is 1-0 in the district and 2-2 overall.

Related Stories and Videos

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

THURSDAY NIGHT

KANSAS CITY-HARMON (0-3, 0-3) at HIGHLAND PARK (3-0, 3-0)

At Hummer Sports Park

Highland Park senior star Tre Richardson has had a hand in 20 touchdowns for the 3-0 Scots. [File photo/TSN]

Highland Park improved to 3-0 overall and in the Meadowlark Conference with a 63-36 win over KC-Sumner last Friday at Hummer Sports Park. Scot senior star Tre Richardson had a hand in six touchdowns, giving him 20 on the season and also scored a pair of 2-point conversions and picked off a pass. Richardson and quarterback Kei'Juan Johnson combined for more than 400 rushing yards against Sumner. Highland Park will be facing a Harmon team that has been outscored 207-0 in its first three games, including a 72-0 loss to Atchison last week. The Scots are off to a 3-0 start for the first time since Nick McGrain's team won its first four games in 1995. Game time: 7 p.m.

FRIDAY NIGHT

JEFFERSON WEST (0-3) at HAYDEN (3-0)

Hayden sophomore Jensen Schrickel scored four touchdowns last Friday night in the Wildcats' 55-34 win over Rossville. [Photo by Sarah Carson/Special to TSN]

Hayden opens Class 3A District 4 competition Friday night after remaining unbeaten with a 55-34 home win over Rossville last week. Sophomore Jensen Schrickel scored four touchowns and 31 points for the Wildcats against Rossville. Schrickel returned the opening kickoff 74 yards for a TD and also scored on a 67-yard punt return, a 48-yard pass reception from sophomore quarterback Jett Wahlmeier, a 12-yard run on a reverse and kicked seven extra points. Senior JC Cummings rushed for 132 yards on 11 carries, including a 98-yard touchdown run, and junior Finn Dunshee added 83 yards on seven attempts. Jefferson West has been outscored 111-28, including a 57-0 loss to Sabetha last week. Game time: 7 p.m.

EMPORIA (1-2, 0-0) at TOPEKA HIGH (0-3, 0-1)

At Hummer Sports Park

Topeka High is coming off a 27-0 road loss at Liberal last Friday while Emporia is dropped a 56-24 decision to Salina Central. Emporia played Liberal in Week 2, dropping a 53-0 decision. The Spartans willl be playing their Centennial League opener while the Trojans fell at Manhattan in their second game of the season, 59-7. Topeka High senior quarterback Peyton Wheat and sophomore receiver Jayden Norman are key offensive weapons on offense for the Trojans. Game time: 7 p.m.

Washburn Rural senior Ma'kenttis Adams rushed for 179 yards and scored two touchdowns in the Junior Blues' 37-10 non-league win over Piper Friday night. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

WASHBURN RURAL (3-0, 0-0) at MANHATTAN (3-0, 1-0)

At Cico Park

Washburn Rural remained unbeaten with a 37-10 win over Piper last Friday while Manhattan topped Hays, 31-21. Senior Ma'kenttis Adams finished the night with 179 rushing yards and two TDs on 16 carries as Rural topped the 300-yard rushing mark as a team. Junior quarterback Branton DeWeese completed 13 of 20 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns and added 79 rushing yards on 13 carries. Junior Titan Osburn caught three passes for 66 yards and two touchdowns while junior Calvin Hayes had four catches for 34 yards and senior Amr Sabarrini two catches for 31 yards. Game time: 7 p.m.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Locked in a three-point game at halftime Friday night, Washburn Rural dominated the second half on the way to a 37-10 non-league win over Piper at Bowen-Glaze Stadium.

Rural, which improved to 3-0 on the season, led by just a 13-10 count at the half but broke the game open with 21 third-quarter points while the Junior Blue defense pitched a second-half shutout.

Washburn Rural senior Ma'kenttis Adams rushed for 179 yards and scored two touchdowns in the Junior Blues' 37-10 non-league win over Piper Friday night. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Washburn Rural quarterback Branton DeWeese (5) celebrates a touchdown with Ma'kenttis Adams (2) in Friday's 37-10 Junior Blue win over Piper. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Washburn Rural's defense, gang-tackling a Piper ball-carrier, pitched a second-half shutout in the Junior Blues' 37-10 win Friday night. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN] 

Piper jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a 77-yard fumble return but Rural pulled even on a 1-yard plunge by freshman TJ Minikwu.

Rural went in front to stay on an 11-yard touchdown pass from junior Branton DeWeese to junior Titan Osborn (extra point blocked) before Piper cut its deficit to 13-10 with a 20-yard field goal.

Senior Ma'kenttis Adams opened the second-half scoring with a 19-yard TD run and and DeWeese connected with senior Lukas Hanks for a 2-point conversion to give Rural a 21-10 advantage.

DeWeese then connnected with Osburn for a 46-yard TD strike (conversion failed) and Adams capped a big night with a 58-yard touchdown run.

Adams finished the night with 179 rushing yards and two TDs on 16 carries as Rural topped the 300-yard rushing mark as a team.

DeWeese completed 13 of 20 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns and added 79 rushing yards on 13 carries.

Osburn caught three passess for 66 yards and two touchdowns while junior Calvin Hayes had four catches for 34 yards and senior Amr Sabarrini two catches for 31 yards.

Washburn Rural travels to Manhattan next Friday for a key Centennial League game.

HIGHLAND PARK 63, KANSAS CITY-SUMNER ACADEMY 36 --Tre Richardson had a hand in six touchdowns -- now 20 on the season -- and also scored a pair of 2-point conversions and picked off a pass as Highland Park improved to 3-0 overall and in the league with a 63-36 Meadowlark Conference victory over Kansas City-Sumner Academy at Hummer Sports Park.

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

ROSSVILLE (1-1) at HAYDEN (2-0)

Hayden junior Finn Dunshee rushed for 151 yards and a touchdown and also had a pick-six on defense in the Wildcats' 43-10 wn at Silver Lake last Friday night. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Hayden improved to 2-0 with a 43-10 at Silver Lake last Friday night while Rossville is coming off a 36-15 Mid-East League win over Riley County. Hayden scored touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams, all in the first half. Junior Finn Dunshee rushed for 151 yards and a 76-yard touchdown and also scored on a 33-yard interception return while senior JC Cummings rushed for 104 yards and a TD and sophomore Jensen Schrickel scored on a 48-yard punt return and an 82-yard pass reception from sophomore Jett Wahlmeier and also picked off a pass. After having its 26-game winning streak snapped a week earlier, two-time defending Class 2A champion Rossville bounced back with a big win. Senior Kade Perine led the Bulldawgs with 138 rushing yards and three touchdowns and Rossville never trailed after jumping out to a 14-0 first-quarter advantage. Rossville coach Derick Hammes is a former assistant coach at Hayden and was part of the Wildcats' undefeated 4A state championship team in 2004. 

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (1-1, 1-1) at SEAMAN (2-0, 2-0)

 Shawnee Heights junior Allen Baughman (5) rushed for 222 yards and five touchdowns in the T-Birds' 46-23 UKC win over Piper last Friday. [Photo by Sarah Carson/Special to TSN]

Seaman has outscored its first two United Kansas Conference opponents by a 128-14 margin, including a 70-0 win over Kansas City-Turner last Friday. Shawnee Heights picked up its first win in a 46-23 home UKC decision over Lansing. T-Bird junior Allen Baughman rushed for 222 yards on 22 carries and scored five touchdowns. Friday will be the first meeting for the longtime city rivals as members of the UKC, with Seaman joining the league this school year. Junior Jack Bloom leads a balanced Seaman rushing attack with 159 yards and three touchdowns on nine carries while senior Bryson Vawter has 147 yards and four touchowns on 17 attempts. Sophomore quarterback Max Huston is 9 of 14 passing for 213 yards and two touchdowns.

PIPER (1-1) at WASHBURN RURAL (2-0)

Washburn Rural is 2-0 on the season after last Friday's second straight come-from-behind victory, a 28-21 non-league win over De Soto. Rural junior quarterback Branton DeWeese passed for 314 yards and three touchdowns while senior Ma'kenttis Adams carried the ball 26 times for 150 yards, junior Titan Osburn caught three passes for 97 yards and a pair of touchdowns and senior Amr Sabbarini had four catches for 53 yards and a TD. Senior Ty Weber registered 24 tackles for the Junior Blues. 

ST. MARYS (1-1, 1-1) at SILVER LAKE (1-1, 1-0)

Both teams will be looking to bounce back from their first losses of the season, with Silver Lake dropping a 43-10 decision to Hayden and St. Marys falling to Rock Creek, 41-20. Silver Lake junior quarterback Tanner Martin passed for 258 yards and a touchdown last week against Hayden while Trenton Rollenhagen caught three passes for 121 yards, including a 64-yarder. Friday will be a big night for the Silver Lake football family, with the Eagles honoring coaching legend CJ Hamilton, who retired following the 2021 season as the winningest coach in Kansas. Silver Lake's football stadium is named CJ Hamilton Field.

KANSAS CITY-SUMNER ACADEMY (1-1, 1-1) at HIGHLAND PARK (2-0, 2-0)

At Hummer Sports Park

Highland Park senior Tre Richardson has had a hand 14 touchdowns in two games, leading the Scots to a 2-0 start to the season. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Highland Park improved to 2-0 in the Meadowlark Conference with a 48-29 road win at Kansas City-Schlagle last Friday. Highland Park senior Tre Richardson continued his monster 2022 season, scoring eight touchowns against Schlagle and has now had a hand in 14 TDs in just two weeks for the Scots. Highland Park will be facing a Sumner Academy team that is 1-1 in the league and overall after a 47-20 loss to Atchison last week. The Sabres opened the season with a 21-0 win over KC-Washington while Highland Park opened with a 60-47 win over KC-Wyandotte in Week 1, with the Scots snapping their 65-game, eight-year losing streak.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Editor's note:Shawnee County varsity coaches in all fall sports are encouraged to report their game/event results by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. TopSports.news will post regular prep roundups throughout the season.

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

Junior running back Allen Baughman turned in a career-best performance to lead the way as Shawnee Heights picked up its first win of the season Friday night at Wetter Field, with the T-Birds rolling to a 46-23 United Kansas Conference win over Lansing.

Baughman, a 5-foot-8, 180-pounder, carried the ball 22 times for 222 yards and five touchdowns for the T-Birds, who evened their record at 1-1 overall and in the UKC.

Shawnee Heights junior Allen Baughman (5) finds a huge hole to run through against Lansing Friday night. Baughman rushed for 222 yards and five touchdowns in the T-Birds' 46-23 UKC win. [Photo by Sarah Carson/Special to TSN]

Shawnee Heights, which finished with 343 total offensive yards, got a pair of field goals from senior Carson Christian.

Shawnee Heights senior Jaye Jones makes a diving interception in the T-Birds' 46-23 UKC win over Lansing Friday night. [Photo by Sarah Carson/Special to TSN] 

Shawnee Heights junior Alex Dittman is mobbed by his teammates after scoring a defensive touchdown in the T-Birds' 46-23 UKC win over Lansing. [Photo by Sarah Carson/Special to TSN]

The T-Birds also turned in a solid performance on defense, including interceptions from senior Jaye Jones and juniors Alex Dittman and Jayden Moore, who also forced a fumble.

Senior Sean Wunder was in on eight tackles, including a pair of tackles for loss, while senior Ben Penrod was also in on eight stops and junior Christian Gonzales six. Junior Taylen LeClere-Bryant recovered a fumble for the T-Birdss.

Shawnee Heights will travel to Seaman next Friday, with the city rivals meeting for the first time as UKC members. 

WASHBURN RURAL 28, DE SOTO 21 --Washburn Rural rallied from behind for the second straight game, improving to 2-0 with a 28-21 road win at De Soto.

Rural junior quarterback Branton DeWeese threw for 214 yards and three touchdowns on a 15 of 31 performance  while senior Ma'Kenttis Adams rushed for 150 yards on 26 carries.

Junior Titan Osburn had three catches for 97 yards and a pair of touchowns while senior Lukas Hanks caught five passes for 49 yards and a touchdown and senior Amr Sabbarini had four grabs for 53 yards and a touchdown. 

Defensively, senior linebacker Ty Weber was in on a whopping 24 tackles while junior JC Heim blocked a punt and senior Wyatt Conklin recovered a fumble for a touchdown.

Washburn Rural will play its home-opener next Friday against Piper. 

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

It's probably about time for Ryin Miller to re-evaluate her goals for the 2022 cross country season.

The Seaman freshman has started off her high school career with a pair of outstanding performances, including her first individual championship in Saturday's Joe Schrag Invitational at Kanza Park while helping lead the Vikings to the team title by 27-45 margin over Lee's Summit West, Mo.

Seaman freshman Ryin Miller finishes off her win in Saturday's Joe Schrag Invitational, helping lead the Vikings to the team title. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Miller burst on the high school cross country scene with a third-place individual performance in the season-opening Manhattan Invitational on Sept. 3, blowing away her pre-race goal.

"I was shooting for like 15th place, so third definitely boosted my confidence,'' Miller said.

And Miller, who ran a five-kilometer time of 20 minutes, 32.6 seconds at Manhattan, took another big step forward on Saturday, knocking another 90 seconds off her personal-best with a winning time of 19 minutes, 01.22 seconds.

"My goal was to shoot for like 21 (minutes), so I'm definitely surprised,'' Miller said about her start to the season.

Miller ran second to Lee's Summit West senior Ella Cronhardt in the early stages of Saturday's race before taking the lead abut a mile and a half in en route to a 29-second victory.

"I was just going to stay where I could see her and within about like five feet,'' Miller said.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Obviously, the goal for Topeka West senior cross country star Lenny Njoroge is always going to be to win.

But Saturday's Joe Schrag Invitational at Kanza Park was one day when Njoroge could be proud of a second-place finish.

Lincoln Prep junior Isaac Rivera (left) and Topeka West senior Lenny Njoroge finished one-two in Saturday's Joe Schrag Invitational at Kanza Park. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

For one thing, it took an outstanding performance, by Lincoln College Prep junior Isaac Rivera, to beat him, and even in defeat, Njoroge ran the best five-kilometer time of his career.

Rivera clocked a 5K time of 15 minutes, 09.82, while Njoroge, running only his second race after missing the 2021 season with a broken leg, finished second in 15:24.61, 39 seconds in front of the third-place finisher.

"He ran a heck of a race, he's impresssive,'' Njoroge said of Rivera.

Njoroge admitted that the Missouri runner caught him somewhat by surprise. 

"At the start of the race I was just like, 'OK, it's a home meet, it's probably going to just be me (out front),' and then the gun goes off and we get to 400 meters and I see somebody right next to me and I'm like, 'Where did he come from?' '' Njoroge said.

Njoroge and Rivera ran together for a good chunk of the race before Rivera pulled away late, but Njoroge wasn't disappointed with his performance.

"I felt awesome,'' said Njoroge, who doubles up in soccer for Topeka West. "As Donnie (Palmer, West coach) said I'm in the best shape of my life right now. And I'm having the best time of my life, too. It's incredible.

"I'll take this and move on.'' 

By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news

(All kickoffs at 7 p.m.)

HAYDEN (1-0) at SILVER LAKE (1-0)

Hayden senior JC Cummings (38) celebrates his second-quarter touchdown in last Friday's 21-7 Wildcat victory over Olpe. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Hayden is coming off of a 21-7 season-opening win over two-time defending Class 1A state champion Olpe, ending the Eagles' 26-game winning streak, while Logan Pegram made his debut as Silver Lake's coach with a 28-21 road win over Riley County. Hayden got pass interceptions from seniors JC Cummings and Dylan Foster while Cummings and senior Ethan Florence ran for touchdowns and sophomore quarterback Jett Wahlmeier hit sophomore Jensen Schrickel for a TD pass. Junior quarterback Tanner Martin accumulated more than 250 total yards and had a hand in all four Silver Lake touchdowns in the Eagles' season-opening win.

LANSING (0-1, 0-1) at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (0-1, 0-1)

Shawnee Heights fell 31-20 to new United Kansas Conference member Piper in its season opener on the road, while Lansing dropped a 27-21 UKC decision to De Soto. Piper built a 24-0 advantage over Heights before surviving a late T-Bird rally. Heights junior Allen Baughman rushed for 92 yards on 17 carries while senior Nick Freeland completed six of 11 passes for 45 yards and junior Jayden Moore caught five passes for 65 yards. Defensively, junior Alex Dittman was in on eight tackles and senior Jaye Jones was credited with seven stops.

LEAVENWORTH (1-0, 1-0) at TOPEKA WEST (0-1, 0-1)

At Hummer Sports Park

Topeka West standout senior quarterback Malachi Berg (left) and the Chargers will be looking to bounce back from a season-opening loss to Seaman. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Topeka West will be looking to bounce back from last Thursday's 58-14 United Kansas Conference loss to Seaman while Leavenworth is coming off a 61-0 UKC win over Kansas City-Turner. West senior quarterback Malachi Berg went 17 of 29 passing for 244 yards and two touchdowns while senior Xavier Alexander carried the ball 17 times for 102 yards and senior Kamen Jones caught five passes for 114 yards and a touchdown.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Emporia State senior Hannah Woolery, a former Cair Paravel Latin standout, set one school record and tied another as the No. 14-ranked Hornets soccer team rolled to a 5-1 victory at Minot State on Sunday afternoon.

Former Cair Paravel Latin soccer standout Hannah Woolery (10) set one Emporia State school soccer record and tied another in Sunday's 5-1 win at Minot State . [Photo courtesy of Emporia State Athletics]

Woolery, who had a goal and three assists in the victory, broke a tie with Adie Hayden (14 assists from 2001-04) for Emporia State career assists records and now has 17 assists at ESU.

With Sunday's three assists, Woolery tied Wendy Dunn (three assists vs NWMSU on Sept 5, 2004 and vs Mo. S&T on Oct. 15, 2004) for the Hornets' single-game assist record.

Mackenzie Dimarco scored her 39th and 40th career goals on Sunday and is now Emporia State's career leader for goals..

The Hornets will take on Washburn at 6 p.m. Friday in Topeka for the first Turnpike Tussle of the season.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Editor's note:Shawnee County varsity coaches in all fall sports are encouraged to report their game/event results by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. TopSports.news will post regular prep roundups throughout the season.

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

Hayden's football team got the test it expected from two-time defending Class 1A state champ Olpe in Friday night's season-opener, but the Wildcats combined some timely offense with stingy defense to end the Eagles' 26-game win streak with a 21-7 win at Hayden.

Hayden senior JC Cummings (38) celebrates his second-quarter touchdown in Friday's 21-7 Wildcat victory over Olpe. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Hayden's defense brings down Olpe quarterback Truman Bailey in Friday's 21-7 Wildcat win at Hayden. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Hayden got a pair of interceptions from seniors JC Cummings and Dylan Foster and also recovered a fumbled punt before taking a 7-0 halftime lead on a 20-yard touchdown run from Cummings to cap a three-play scoring drive with 31 seconds left in the opening half. 

The Wildcats boosted their lead to 14-0 on their first drive of the second half, with sophomore quarterback Jett Wahlmeier hitting sophomore Jensen Schrickel on a deep post pattern for the TD. 

Hayden finished its scoring with an 83-yard scoring run from senior Ethan Florence with 8:56 left in the game.

Olpe used a long 14-play drive to get on the scoreboard late in the game on a 2-yard quarterback sneak from Truman Bailey.

Unofficially, Wahlmeier passed for 118 yards on a 10 of 12 performance with one interception while Hayden rushed for more than 230 yards.

Hayden's defense limited Olpe to 77 rushing yards while Bailey passed for 86 yards with two interceptions.

WASHBURN RURAL 49, WICHITA EAST 42 -- Both offenses ruled the night, combining for 91 points, but it was a late defensive stand that allowed Washburn Rural to escape with a hard-earned 49-42 non-league road win.

Washburn Rural trailed on four diffferent occasions, including 42-33 late in the contest, but the Junior Blues scored the final 16 points to pull out the victory.

Junior JC Heim blocked a punt and senior Walker Thompson pounced on the ball in the end zone to give Rural an early 6-0 advantage.

Junior quarterback Branton DeWeese hit senior Lukas Hanks for a touchdown pass and junior Titan Osborn caught a 2-point conversion pass to put Rural in front 14-8 at tne end of the first quarter.

The game was knotted at 22 at the half and the scorefest continued in the second half.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Editor's note: TopSports.news finished its tour of preseason football practice at all 10 Shawnee County high schools on Friday and will post preview stories over the coming days leading into the opening games of the 2022 season Sept. 1-3.

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

Cair Paravel Latin football coach Doug Bonura knows his team faces a big challenge in its first season as a full member of the Kansas State High School Athletics Association.

But its a challenge that Bonura and his Lions are excited to face.

Cair Paravel Latin football coach Doug Bonura talks to his team, 11-0 last season, during Thursday's practice session. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Cair Paravel, which is coming off a perfect 11-0 record and a Kansas Christian Athletic Association state championship, make the jump to KSHSAA this fall and will compete in the Eight-Man Division I ranks in District 2.

"We're going up against some really good programs and it's going to be a great test to see where we are, if we have been able to move in the direction we want to be able to compete,'' Bonura said. "In our district we have Madison-Hamilton, Burlingame, Chase County, and then Lyndon, which has come down out of 11-man, and all those teams have been deep in the playoffs over the years, so we're going against solid programs and we play (defending Eight-Man Division II state champion) Axtell out of the gate.

"We recognize that there's no gimme here and our boys are excited. We really don't know what to expect fully but we know it's going to be a lot of hard work and it's going to be competition.''

Cair Paravel graduated star quarterback Carter Brian and star tight end/defensive end Noah Hastert, who have moved on to play college football after earning TopSports.news All-Shawnee County Top 22 honors last fall.

The Cair Paravel Lions go through a drill at Thursday's practice session. The Lions are coming off an 11-0 season entering their first season competing in KSHSAA Eight-Man Division I. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

But the Lions' cupboard is far from bare.

"We lost a lot of athleticism and leadership from last year, but the nice thing was that it was a small (senior) class, so we're returning 11 starters,'' Bonura said. "Really, for all these guys it's just another year for them after playing last year.

"The big question for us this year is going to be quarterback -- who is going to step up and take that position -- but then as far as our backs I think we're just reloading this year.''

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Silver Lake's Logan Pegram and Washburn Rural's Brad Johnston, who are taking over retiring Kansas coaching legends C.J. Hamilton and Kevin Hedberg, are part of a group of 19 new varsity head coaches who have been announced by Shawnee County high schools for the 2022-2023 school year.

Brad Johnston will take over as Washburn Rural's tennis coach in 2022-2023, replacing Kevin Hedberg who retired after 32 years at the school. [File photo/TSN]

Logan Pegram

Alex Hutchins

Pegram, a former Silver Lake standout, takes over as the Eagles' head football coach for Hamilton, the state's winningest football coach, who retired after 47 years at the school, while Johnston is the new Washburn Rural girls and boys tennis coach, replacing Hedberg, who led the Junior Blues to five state team championships in 32 seasons and coached a total of 43 years at Seaman and Rural.

Joining Johnston as a new head coach for Washburn Rural is former Hays boys basketball coach Alex Hutchins, who is taking over as the Junior Blues' boys basketball coach from Kevin Muff. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

More than 29,000 reader votes have been received since TopSports.news kicked off its Best of the Best Coaches project in late June.

Voting will conclude Friday night before TSN honors Shawnee County's all-time coaching greats in a series of Best of the Best lists.

Current Washburn Rural boys and girls golf coach Jared Goehring has led the Junior Blues to five Class 6A state championships. [File photo/TSN]

Former Hayden and current Rockhurst coach Kathy Strecker won six state cross country team titles with the Wildcats. Hayden Schools]

Derick Hammes has coached Rossville to five state football championships, including the past two straight. [File photo/TSN]

Former Silver Lake coach Loren Ziegler led the Eagles to five girls state basketball titles. [Silver Lake Schools]

More than 240 current and former county coaches have received Best of the Best votes in 14 different sports, including 24 men's basketball coaches and 23 baseball and football coaches.

By RICK PETERSON                                                                                                  

EDITOR'S NOTE: Over the coming weeks, TopSports.news will recognize Shawnee County's all-time coaching greats in 14 sports as part of our Best of the Best project. Readers will have the opportunity to vote through July 15, with the Top 10 in all categories announced in July and August. To cast a vote for the Best of the Best soccer coach click on https://linkto.run/p/2LH96HJB while email votes/nominations will be also accepted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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

Hayden's Klaus Kreutzer and Washburn Rural's Brian Hensyel, who have led multiple teams to state championships, lead the list of contenders for the No.1 spot on the TopSports.news Shawnee County Best of the Best Coaches list in soccer while four other former and current local coaches have also notched state titles.

Longtime Hayden soccer coach Klaus Kreutzer has led the Wildcat boys and girls teams to five state championships. [File photo/TSN]

Washburn Rural soccer coach Brian Hensyel has led the Junior Blues to a pair of Class 6A boys titles and seven total state runner-up finishes. [File photo/TSN]

Kreutzer has led the Hayden boys to Class 4A state championships in 2000 and '12 and added 4A-1A girls titles in 2012, '13 and '15 while Hensyel has led Washburn Rural's boys to 6A state crowns in 2009 and '12 while the Junior Blues have also posted seven state runner-up finishes (four girls, three boys), including seconds in both the boys and girls tournaments in 2021-2022.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Last summer TopSports.news took on the task of honoring hundreds of Shawnee County's all-time great athletes in more than 20 sports as part of our Best of the Best project.

As rewarding as that project was, however, there was something missing -- the high school coaches, both head coaches and assistants past and present -- who have helped hundreds if not thousands of county athletes achieve athletic greatness.

Washburn Rural's Kevin Bordewick has coached nine Class 6A state championship teams in volleyball and girls basketball. [File photo/TSN]

Current Seaman basketball coach Craig Cox has led five teams to state championships in basketball and baseball, including the Class 5A basketball title this past season. [File photo/TSN]

Former Hayden coach Ben Meseke (right), talking with former Wildcat coach and athletic director Jerry Simecka, coached Hayden to 12 state titles in basketball and cross country. [File photo/TSN

Brenda Holaday coached Washburn Rural to multiple Class 6A state softball championships before moving on to a successful career at Washburn University. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]

This summer we will try to correct that ommision, with TopSports.news planning to publish Best of the Best coaches lists in 14 different sports.

As was the case a year ago, TSN will rely heavily on our readers for their input in rating the best coaches in the history of the county.

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Former Rossville star Torrey Horak, who helped lead the Bulldawgs to back-to-back Class 2A state football championships, was named the TopSports.news Topeka Shawnee County Fall Male Athlete of the Year during Wednesday's awards banquet and Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Washburn University.

Former Rossville star Torrey Horak, the TSN Fall Male Athlete of the Year, helped lead the Bulldawgs to back to back undefeated Class 2A state football championships. [File photo/TSN]

A star quarterback and defensive back, Horak was a four-year starter for the Bulldawgs, helping lead Rossville to 13-0 records as a junior and senior.

Horak was the TopSports.news Shawnee County co-offensive player of the year as a senior after completing 85 of 132 pass attempts for 1,337 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushing for 1,008 yards and 14 TDs on 102 attempts despite missing time with a shoulder injury.

"Torrey will go down as an all-time great performer in is a rich football history at Rossville,'' Bulldawg football coach Derick Hammes said. "However, Torrey's personal attributes may outshine his onfield accomplishments. Torrey has displayed an uncanny maturity throughout his career.''

Horak has signed a football letter with Central Missouri. 

Horak had a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.8.

Other candidates:

Tylan Alejos

TYLAN ALEJOS | Topeka High

PARENTS: Evan and Tia Alejos 

SPORT: Football | GPA: 3.10

 A 5-foot-9, 190-pound running back/defensive back, Alejos was an All-Shawnee County Top 22 and  All-Centennial League first-team selection after rushing for 1,327 yards on 202 carries and scoring 18 total touchdowns lat fall. Defensively Alejos recorded 40 tackles (16 solo) and had a pass interception. Alejos rushed for 400 yards and scored eight touchdowns in a Centennial League victory over Highland Park. Alejos will play his college football at the University of Kansas after accepting a preferred walk-on offer from the Jayhawks.

Jaq'Son Birdwhistle-Bush

JAQ'SON BIRDWHISTLE-BUSH | Topeka West

PARENTS Dr. Christopher and AliShia Bush 

SPORT: Football | GPA: 3.415

 "Jaq'Son has been an excellent example of character, leadership and work ethic as a student-athlete at Topeka West,'' said Ryan Kelley, who coached Birdwhistle-Bush at West. "In four years of being his football coach, Jaq'Son never missed a workout or practice, summer or fall. Even through tough times where the program struggled to experience success in terms of wins and losses Jaq'Son remained positive and worked hard every day. We at Topeka West are extremely proud of Jaq'son.'' Birdwhistle-Bush caught 12 passes for149 yards and a touchdown as a senior. Birdwhistle-Bush will attend Kansas State University.

Carter Brian 

CARTER BRIAN | Cair Paravel Latin

PARENTS: Tom and Susan Brian

SPORT: Football | GPA: 4.27

Brian was the Lions' quarterback as a junior and senior, leading Cair Paravel to a perfect season and the Kansas Christian Athletic Association state title last fall. "He is a determined individual who is not afraid of difficult possibilities and that effort created the building blocks for a very successful senior season,'' Cair Paravel coach Doug Bonura said. "Carter's leadership at the quarterback position helped secure his team's undefeated season. Brian earned TopSports.news All-Shawnee County honors, throwing for 2,515 yards and 51 touchdowns. Brian plans to play football at Ohio Northern University. 

Jace Moore

JACE MOORE | Seaman

PARENTS: Russ and Jana Moore

SPORT: Cross country | GPA: NA

"Jace led our cross country team in every competition of his senior year,'' Seaman coach Luke Wiens said. "Jace is a fiery and passionate leader and an intense competitor who chose to compete in our sports (cross country and track) despite having the skills and athleticism to contribute in a variety of other sports.'' Moore was an All-Shawnee County pick in cross country last fall and was the Centennial League champion in the 3,200 meters in track as a senior. Moore plans to compete in track and cross county for Washburn University.

Tanner Newkirk

TANNER NEWKIRK | HAYDEN

PARENTS: Kevin and Nealy Newkirk

SPORT: Cross country | GPA: 3.84

Newkirk was a four-time state medalist in Class 4A cross country for the Wildcats, including top-three finishes his final three seasons. Newkirk finished second in 4A as a sophomore, won the state title as a junior and finished third individually his senior season. A two-time city champ in cross country, Newkirk also won three state championships and set two Class 4A state meet records as a senior in track and field. Newkirk will run track and cross country at the University of Kansas. "Tanner Newkirk is a one of a kind athlete,'' Hayden cross country and track coach DeJuan Gardenhire said. "What makes Tanner so special is his ability to want to get better. Tanner is always trying to find a way to get better at some thing and is never satisfied.''

Jarin Sanders

JARIN SANDERS | Shawnee Heights

PARENTS: Robbie and Courtney Sanders

SPORT: Football | GPA: 3.7

Sanders was a star running back for the T-Birds as a senior, cracking Shawnee Heights' top five in several rushing categories. Sanders ran for 1,142 yards and 12 touchdowns last season and also caught 31 passes for 240 yards and four TDs. Sanders carried the ball more than 30 times in big wins over De Soto and Blue Valley Southwest. Sanders was a team captain and earned first-team All-Shawnee County and United Kansas Conference honors. Sanders was also a two-year starter at point guard for Shawnee Heights' basketball team, earning All-United Kansas Conference honorable mention. 

Porter Schafersman

PORTER SCHAFERSMAN | Washburn Rural

PARENTS: Scott and Autumn Schafersman

SPORT: Soccer| GPA: 3.53

Schafersman helped lead Washburn Rural to a second-place finish in the Class 6A state tournament, scoring 23 goals on the season, which tied for second in school history, en route to earning first-team All-City, All-Centennial League and All-6A recognition. Schafersman, who also had 13 assists, was the Centennial League player of the year and the 6A forward of the year. "Porter had one of the best individual seasons in Washburn Rural soccer history, which was instrumental in one of the best seasons in school history,'' Rural coach Brian Hensyel said. Schafersman registered five three-goal hat tricks as a senior, all in Centennial League play, as the Junior Blues recorded just their second-ever undefeated regular season. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Former Washburn Rural basketball standout Emma Krueger was named the TopSports.news Topeka Shawnee County Winter Female Athlete of the Year Wednesday at Washburn University during the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Awards banquet and Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Washburn Rural product Emma Krueger (right) was named the Topeka Shawnee County Winter Female Athlete of the Year during Wednesday's awards banquet at Washburn. [File photo/TSN]

Krueger was a four-year starter for Washburn Rural, winning Class 6A state championships as a freshman and senior.

"Emma has a work ethic second to none,'' Washburn Rural coach Kevin Bordewick said. "She is one of a handful of athetes that truly plays hard all the time. Emma is a great leader. She leads by her example and holds teammates accountable to the same work ethic.

"She took pride in being our defensive stopper and did whatever it took for our team to succeed.''

As a senior Krueger averaged 8.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.6 steals.

Also a soccer standout, Krueger will play college basketball at Grand Canyon University.

Krueger finished high school with a 4.15 grade point average.

Other candidates:

Jaley Barkley

JALEY BARKLEY | Cair Paravel Latin

PARENTS: Shane and Valerie Barkley

SPORT: Basketball | GPA: 4.53

"Jaley is a fantastic leader and worker,'' Cair Paravel coach Brian Ewing said. "She knew my expectations for her senior year and led the team through her dedication and desire. Jaley has always been a hard worker during the season but out of season as well. She put up tens of thousands of shots during COVID, which showed up in her stats this past season. Jaley loves to interact with, and encourage, the younger kids, especially the girls. She knows that eyes are on her for not only how she plays on the court but how she leads throughour her school day and practice.'' Barkey will play college basketball next season for Sterling College.

Celeste Gonzalez

CELESTE GONZALEZ | Highland Park

PARENTS: Raul Gonzalez and Clara Caro

SPORT: Wrestling | GPA: 4.2

Gonzalez posted a 17-7 record as a senior and was a two-year letter-winner for Highland Park's girls wrestling team. Gonzalez won the Centennial League indiviual championship at 191 pounds her senior season, qualified for the Class 6A-5A state meet with a runner-up regional finish and earned All-Shawnee County honorable mention. "She had a desire to demonstrate dominance on the mat but was friendly to everyone off the mat,'' Highland Park coach Shannon Keller said. Gonzalez, who also earned All-City honorable mention in soccer, plans to attend college at Washburn University.

Rylee Murray

RYLEE MURRAY | Seaman 

PARENTS: TJ and Sonya Murray

SPORT: Wrestling | GPA: 3.34

Murray was Seaman's first Centennial League girls wrestling champion as a junior and the first Viking to secure her place on the state podium in her final season of wrestling, finishing fifth in Class 6A-5A. Murray posted a two-year record of 40-10, with 29 wins coming by pin. Murray is also a softball standout for the Vikings and will play softball at North Central Missouri College. "Rylee is a multi-sport athlete who gives absolutely nothing but her best in everything she does,'' Seaman girls wrestling coach Jordan Best said. "Her commitment to leadership is second to none and she gained respect by pushing everyone to be their best while keeping a smile on her face and lifting the spirits of her teammates as well.''

Macy Smith

MACY SMITH | Hayden

PARENTS: Rob and Cindi Smith

SPORT: Basketball | GPA  3.86

Smith missed most of her junior season with an ACL injury, but returned to turn in a solid senior season for the Wildcats. "Macy was the primary ball-handler for our team and was relied heavily upon to score for us,'' Hayden coach Carvel Reynoldson said. "She tore her ACL her junior year so she had a comeback season of sorts. As the knee got stronger she played a bigger role and improved defensively.'' Smith averaged 12 points and was also a team leader in assists. Smith earned All-Shawnee County Top 10 honors and was a second-team All-Centennial League pick, Smith was also a soccer standout for Hayden. 

Talayah Thomas

TALAYAH THOMAS | Topeka High

PARENTS: Tobian and Stephanie Thomas

SPORT: Basketball | GPA: 3.71

Thomas was a three-sport standout for Topeka High, handling place-kicking duties for the Trojans in football and starring as point guard in basketball and as a forward in soccer. "She has made some historical memories at Topeka High,'' said Hannah Alexander, Thomas' basketball coach at High. "She has led our girls basketball program to the state tournament all four years of high school. She has an 88-8 record overall. She is a true leader on and off the floor. She is destined for greatness.'' A first-team All-Shawnee County selection, Thomas averaged 14.5 points, 2.9 assists and 2.9 steals as a senior. Thomas will play college basketball at Northwestern Oklahoma.  

Kendra Umscheid

KENDRA UMSCHEID | Topeka West

PARENTS: Kevin and Shelly Umscheid

SPORT: Bowling | GPA: 3.725

Umscheid helped Topeka West reach the Class 5A-1A state bowling tournament as a senior. "Kendra is a great team player,'' Topeka West coach Alyx Nash said. "She sets high goals for herself and those around her. She creates a positive mindset and a supporting environment to motivate herself and team to their goals. She represents herself on the lanes, in the classroom and in her everyday actions to the best of her abilities. Her accomplishments are and will continue to be a reflection of this.'' Umscheid plans to study computer science at Wichita State University. 

 By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Recent Topeka West graduate Elijah Brooks, honored as the 2021-2022 Mr. Kansas Basketball by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association after a record-setting 2021-2022 season, was named the Topeka Shawnee County Winter Male Athlete of the Year Wednesday night at Washburn.

Former Topeka West star Elijah Brooks was named the Topeka Shawnee County Winter Male Athlete of the Year Wednesday night after a record-setting senior season. [File photo/TSN]

Brooks averaged 25.3 points during his senior season and put together a string of 30-point games with a high of 43 points.

Brooks, the TopSports.news Shawnee County and Centennial League Player of the Year, led the Chargers to back-to-back Class 5A state tournament appearances, including a runner-up finish in 2021.

Brooks is West's single-season record-holder (581 points) and career leading scorer (1,450 points).

"Elijah has shown enthusiasm and work ethic that has been commendable and sincere,'' West coach Rick Bloomquist said.

Brooks will play his college basketball at Division I North Dakota.

Other candidates:

Richard Carter

RICHARD CARTER | Topeka High

PARENTS: Richard and Margaret Carter

SPORT: Swimming | GPA: NA

Carter was a varsity swimmer all four seasons at Topeka High, earning second-team All-City recognition two times. Carter competed in the Class 6A state tournament as a senior in the 400-yard free relay. Carter scored a total of 582 points during his swimming career for the Trojans. Carter competed primarily in the 50-yard freestyle, the 100 free, the 200 free and and the 100 butterfly. Carter plans to attend Grove City College.

Trent Duffey

TRENT DUFFEY | Hayden

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

TopSports.news will honor outstanding Shawnee County high school senior student-athletes in 10 different categories at Wednesday's 17th annual Topeka Shawnee County High School Sports Awards banquet, which will be presented in conjunction with the induction of the 2022 Hall of Fame class.

Recent Seaman graduate Aidan Polter (22), who played baseball and football for the Vikings, is nominee for the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Awards, which will be presented Wednesday night at Washburn's Memorial Union. [File photo/TSN]

Four-time state champ Tanner Newkirk of Hayden is a fall and spring candidate for the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Awards, which will be presented Wednesday night at Washburn's Memorial Union. [File photo/TSN]

Topeka High graduate NiJaree Canady, who has led the Trojans to back-to-back Class 6A state softball titles, is a nominee for the Topeka Shawnee County Female Spring Athlete of the Year award. [File photo/TSN]

Recent Washburn Rural grad Emma Krueger helped lead the Junior Blues to a pair of Class 6A state basketball titles in her high school career. Krueger is a nominee for the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Awards. [Submitted photo]

TopSports.news, in partnership with the University of Kansas Health Systems St Francis Campus, A-1 Lock and Key and Washburn University, will host the 6 p.m. event at the Washburn University Memorial Union..

Awards will be presented to top female and male athletes in the fall, winter and spring seasons, as well as overall female and male athletes of the year and the most inspirational female and male.

A complete list of nominees is listed below.

To be eligible, an athlete must have compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.0. Athletes were nominated by their schools' athletic directors and coaches.

In addition to the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Awards, James Letcher Jr. and Faith Rottinghaus will be honored as Washburn University Athletes of the Year and Aaron Crow, Kaylee Manns and Dani (McHenry) Schmidt will be inducted as the 2022 Topeka Shawnee County Hall of Fame class.

A  committee of local media members selected the 2022 high school winners, including the selection of overall female and male athletes of the year. 

TOPEKA SHAWNEE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS NOMINEES

FALL FEMALE — Kate Roeder, Hayden; Grace Unruh, Seaman; Camilla Ossola, Silver Lake; Anna Newcome, Topeka West; Khloi Bird, Washburn Rural.

FALL MALE — Carter Brian, Cair Paravel Latin; Tanner Newkirk, Hayden; Torrey Horak, Rossville; Jace Moore, Seaman; Jarin Sanders, Shawnee Heights; Tylan Alejos, Topeka High; Jaq'Son Birdwhistle-Bush, Topeka West; Porter Schafersman, Washburn Rural.

WINTER FEMALE — Jaley Barkley, Cair Paravel Latin; Macy Smith, Hayden; Celeste Gonzalez, Highland Park; Rylee Murray, Seaman; Talayah Thomas, Topeka High; Kendra Umscheid, Topeka West; Emma Krueger, Washburn Rural.

WINTER MALE —Noah Hastert, Cair Paravel Latin; Trent Duffey, Hayden; Juan'Tario Roberts, Highland Park; Ty Henry, Seaman; Brock Ferguson, Shawnee Heights; Richard Carter, Topeka High; Elijah Brooks, Topeka West; Nathen Trachta, Washburn Rural.

SPRING FEMALE —  Carly Stuke, Hayden; Vanesa Quinones, Rossville; Gabby Grace, Seaman; Tatum Hoge, Shawnee Heights; Taryn Burkhardt, Silver Lake; NiJaree Canady, Topeka High; Kadence Jeffries, Topeka West; Campbell Bagshaw, Washburn Rural.

SPRING MALE — Tanner Newkirk, Hayden; Torrey Horak, Rossville; Dagen Brewer, Seaman; Caden Walker, Shawnee Heights; Daigan Kruger, Silver Lake; Zander Putthoff, Topeka West; Zach Sulzen-Watson, Washburn Rural.

MOST INSPIRATIONAL FEMALE — Celeste Gonzalez, Highland Park; Drew Baxter, Seaman; Taryn Dial, Shawnee Heights; DayShauna Wiley, Topeka High; Trenna Whitmore, Washburn Rural.

MOST INSPIRATIONAL MALE — Corey Catron, Rossville; Aidan Polter, Seaman; Carter Olson, Shawnee Heights; Richard Carter, Topeka High; Aidan Boline, Washburn Rural.

WINTER SPORTS: OUTSTANDING MALE NOMINEES

 Elijah Brooks

ELIJAH BROOKS | Topeka West

PARENTS: Peter Brooks and Katesheius Anderson 

SPORT: Basketball | GPA: 3.75

Brooks was named Mr. Kansas Basketball by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association after a record-setting 2021-2022 season. Brooks averaged 25.3 points on the season after putting together a string of 30-point games with a high of 43 points. Brooks, the TopSports.news Shawnee County and Centennial League Player of the Year, led the Chargers to back-to-back Class 5A state tournament appearances, including a runner-up finish in 2021. Brooks is West's single-season record-holder (581 points) and career leading scorer (1,450 points). "Elijah has shown enthusiasm and work ethic that has been commendable and sincere,'' West coach Rick Bloomquist said. Brooks will play his college basketball at Division I North Dakota.

Richard Carter

RICHARD CARTER | Topeka High

PARENTS: Richard and Margaret Carter

SPORT: Swimming | GPA: NA

Carter was a varsity swimmer all four seasons at Topeka High, earning second-team All-City recognition two times. Carter competed in the Class 6A state tournament as a senior in the 400-yard free relay. Carter scored a total of 582 points during his swimming career for the Trojans. Carter competed primarily in the 50-yard freestyle, the 100 free, the 200 free and and the 100 butterfly. Carter plans to attend Grove City College.

Trent Duffey

TRENT DUFFEY | Hayden