Washburn Rural Junior Blues
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
The game of golf came a lot tougher for Washburn Rural and Washburn University product Hayden Beck on Sunday than it had on Saturday when Beck set a Lake Shawnee course record with a sizzling 62 en route to opening up a four-stroke lead in the Topeka Golf Association City Stroke Play tournament.
Former Washburn Rural and Washburn University golfer Hayden Beck rolled in a birdie putt on the first playoff hole Sunday at Shawnee Country Club to win his first TGA City Stroke Play championship. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
But Beck, who will take over as Washburn Rural girls head coach this fall after serving as a Junior Blue boys assistant this past spring, battled through an up and down day to get the job done at Shawnee Country Club, draining a long birdie putt on the first playoff hole to top former Santa Fe Trail standout and Washburn Ichabod Blake Buessing to earn his first city championship.
Hayden Beck reacts after sinking his tournament-winning putt in Sunday's TGA City Stroke Play tournament at Shawnee Country Club. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
"Being a coach now and getting to help out with the team this spring, I was always telling the guys, 'You're not always going to play perfect every single time. Even on your best rounds you could do some things better,' '' Beck said.
"I look back on yesterday and maybe I missed a couple of putts and got lucky a couple of times and it all kind of evens itself out. You've just got to stick in there.''
Beck carded a final-round 73 while Buessing shot a 69 Sunday and rallied from his four-stroke deficit at the start of the round to briefly take a one-shot lead.
Beck battled back to regain a one-stroke lead before Buessing pulled even on hole No. 17 and both players remained even on the final hole with a 54-hole total of 209 to force sudden death.
Buessing narrowly missed a birdie putt before Beck came through with his biggest shot of the day to end the tournament.
"I would have liked to win it in regulation, but rolling in the putt on the playoff hole was pretty sweet,'' Beck said. "It was nice to finally get one there at the end when it counts the most.''
TGA City Stroke Play champion Hayden Beck (left) exchanges congratulations with runnerup Blake Buessing Sunday at Shawnee Country Club. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Although he came up just short of the title, Buessing was pleased with his overall performance.
"It was fun, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way,'' Buessing said. "It was back and forth all day.''
Beck said that a highlight of the tournament for him was having his high school coach, Jared Goehring, serve as his caddie. Goehring is turning over the Rural girls coaching reins to his former standout while Beck will continue to serve as a boys assistant under Goehring.
"It was awesome to have coach on the bag,'' Beck said. "That was so cool just to have him out here and do that again. It kind of took me back to high school, just having him there keeping me level-headed. That was a huge help.''
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn University volleyball All-American Austin Broadie and Ichabod soccer All-American Belle Kennedy have been named TopSports.news' Washburn University co-women's athletes of the year for the 2025-2026 season.
Both players received MIAA conference player of the year honors as seniors while leading their teams to NCAA Tournament berths.
Austin Broadie, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]
A 6-foot middle hitter, Broadie was named a first-team American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American and named the MIAA Player of the Year as a senior.
Broadie helped lead Washburn to a 27-5 record, a share of the MIAA regular-season title (13-3) and the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
A Wichita Trinity product Broadie recorded 348 kills with a high of 25 and 17 matches with 10 or more kills.
Belle Kennedy, Washburn University
The former Washburn Rural star earned first-team NCAA All-America and NCAA All-Tournament honors and was named the MIAA defensive player of the year in her final collegiate season.
An All-Central Regional pick, Kennedy, named to the All-MIAA first team three times, helped lead the Ichabods to a 14-4-6 overall record and an 8-0-4 MIAA mark.
Kennedy helped lead the Ichabods to the NCAA semifinals before the Ichabods dropped a 2-1 decision to Franklin Pierce.
Other women's finalists:
Lexie Fontaine, Washburn University [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
LEXIE FONTAINE | Track and field
A native of Lockport, Ill., Fontaine was a two-time NCAA All-American outdoors this past spring, placing sixth in the 1,500 meters and eighth in the 800. Fontaine also earned All-American honors indoors, finishing sixth in the 800. Fontaine is the Washburn school record-holder in the indoor and outdoor 800 and 1,500 and was an MIAA champion both indoors and outdoor.
Susana Granados Carrion, Washburn University [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
SUSANA GRANADOS CARRION | Golf
Granados Carrion, a native of Cordoba, Spain, led Washburn with a team-low 75.00 round average as a junior, earning first-team All-MIAA recognition. Granados Carrion posted six top-five individual finishes on the season and recorded a team low round of 70.
Leah Henke, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]
LEAH HENKE | Soccer
Henke, a Bishop Carroll product, was named the MIAA Freshman of the Year last fall while also being named to the All-MIAA and All-Region first team after helping lead Washburn (14-4-6 overall, 8-0-4 conference) to the national semifinals in the NCAA Tournament. Henke scored 12 goals on the season, the second most goals by a freshman in school history.
Naiuri Krein, Washburn University [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
NAIURI KREIN | Track and field
A native of Estancia Velha, Brazil, Krein ended her Washburn multi-events career as a six-time All-American, the most-decorated track and field athlete in program history. She made seven NCAA national appearances and was a seven-time All-MIAA honoree. She owns the school record in both the indoor pentathlon and the outdoor heptathlon and was fifth in the NCAA Indoor Championships and sixth outdoors.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Ichabod basketball star Jack Bachelor has been named TopSports.news' Washburn University men's athlete of the year for the 2025-2026 season.
Jack Bachelor, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]
The Washburn Rural product helped lead Washburn to a 31-2 record and MIAA regular-season and tournament titles as a junior, earning All-MIAA and National Association of Basketball Coaches All-Region first-team recognition for the second straight season.
Bachelor has started 76 consecutive games and 78 of 97 as an Ichabod, averaging 13.6 points for his career. Bachelor ranks 14th on Washburn's career scoring chart with 1,319 points, third in career assists (455), sixth all-time in steals (143) and seventh in career 3-pointers (207).
Bachelor averaged 15.5 points while hitting 95 3-pointers and dishing out 151 assists last season.
Bachelor was named the MIAA Tournament most valuable player last season after recording games of 24, 27 and 14 points while also dishing out 22 assists.
Other men's finalists:
Dillon Claussen, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]
DILLON CLAUSSEN | Basketball
Claussen played in 64 games with 29 starts for WU, averaging 11.3 points and 4.9 rebounds, adding 68 blocks and 55 steals. Claussen ranks No. 3 all-time at Washburn in career field goal percentage at .641. Led the Ichabods in scoring with a 15.6-point average last season, earning first-team NABC All-District, and All-MIAA honors. Claussen scored a career-high 27 points at Nebraska-Kearney hitting 11 of 16 shots including 3 of 5 3-pointers and adding eight rebounds.
Justin Forde, Washburn University [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
JUSTIN FORDE | Track and field
Forde was the 2026 NCAA Indoor national champion in the triple jump and finished third in the NCAA Outdoor championships. Forde was a three-time MIAA individual champion in the triple jump, winning two outdoor titles and one indoor title. Forde was a three-time all-region selection and is Washburn's school record- holder in both the indoor and outdoor triple jump. A Norwalk, Conn. native, Forde became Washburn's first NCAA individual champion when he won the indoor triple jump at 16.29 meters (53 feet, 5.50 inches.). Forde jumped a school-record 54-07.25 outdoors.
Jacob Fratzel, Washburn University [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
JACOB FRATZEL | Golf
The former St. James Academy star was named the MIAA Freshman of the Year and was a PING All-Region and first-team All-MIAA pick after leading the Ichabods with a 72.5 stroke average in 34 rounds. Fratzel posted six top-10 finishes, including one top-five placing. He recorded 14 rounds under par and finished in a tie for 18th at the NCAA National Championship with a 5-under 211.
Kamble Haverkamp, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]
KAMBLE HAVERKAMP | Football
The Centralia product was an All-MIAA first-team selection as a senior, while also being named second-team All-Region. Haverkamp was a four-year member of the Ichabods, playing in 28 games and recording 109 tackles. Haverkamp started all 11 games at safety, recording 76 tackles with 56 solo stops. He registered11.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, four interceptions and four fumble recoveries.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Editor's note: Over the coming days TopSports.news will take a look at all 10 Washburn University women's and men's finalists for the 2025-2026 school year, followed by the Ichabod athletes of the year.
Jack Bachelor, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]
JACK BACHELOR | Basketball
The former Washburn Rural star has started 76 consecutive games and 78 of 97 as an Ichabod, averaging 13.6 points for his career. Bachelor ranks 14th on Washburn's career scoring chart with 1,319 points, third in career assists (455), sixth all-time in steals (143) and seventh in career 3-pointers (207). Bachelor is a two-time first-team all-MIAA and NABC all-district selection. He averaged 15.5 points while hitting 95 3-pointers and dishing out 151 assists as a junior. Bachelor was named the MIAA Tournament most valuable player with games of 24, 27 and 14 points while also dishing out 22 assists.
Dillon Claussen, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]
DILLON CLAUSSEN | Basketball
Claussen played in 64 games with 29 starts for WU, averaging 11.3 points and 4.9 rebounds, adding 68 blocks and 55 steals. Claussen ranks No. 3 all-time at Washburn in career field goal percentage at .641. Led the Ichabods in scoring with a 15.6-point average last season, earning first-team NABC All-District, and All-MIAA honors. Claussen scored a career-high 27 points at Nebraska-Kearney hitting 11 of 16 shots including 3 of 5 3-pointers and adding eight rebounds.
Justin Forde, Washburn University [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
JUSTIN FORDE | Track and field
Forde was the 2026 NCAA Indoor national champion in the triple jump and finished third in the NCAA Outdoor championships. Forde was a three-time MIAA individual champion in the triple jump, winning two outdoor titles and one indoor title. Forde was a three-time all-region selection and is Washburn's school record- holder in both the indoor and outdoor triple jump. A Norwalk, Conn. native, Forde became Washburn's first NCAA individual champion when he won the indoor triple jump at 16.29 meters (53 feet, 5.50 inches.). Forde jumped a school-record 54-07.25 outdoors.
Jacob Fratzel, Washburn University [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
JACOB FRATZEL | Golf
The former St. James Academy star was named the MIAA Freshman of the Year and was a PING All-Region and first-team All-MIAA pick after leading the Ichabods with a 72.5 stroke average in 34 rounds. Fratzel posted six top-10 finishes, including one top-five placing. He recorded 14 rounds under par and finished in a tie for 18th at the NCAA National Championship with a 5-under 211.
Kamble Haverkamp, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]
KAMBLE HAVERKAMP | Football
The Centralia product was an All-MIAA first-team selection as a senior, while also being named second-team All-Region. Haverkamp was a four-year member of the Ichabods, playing in 28 games and recording 109 tackles. Haverkamp started all 11 games at safety, recording 76 tackles with 56 solo stops. He registered11.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, four interceptions and four fumble recoveries.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Editor's note: Over the coming days TopSports.news will take a look at all 10 Washburn University women's and men's finalists for the 2025-2026 school year, followed by the Ichabod athletes of the year.
Austin Broadie, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]
AUSTIN BROADIE | Volleyball
A 6-foot middle hitter, Broadie was a first-team American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American and named the MIAA Player of the Year as a senior after helping lead Washburn to a 27-5 record, a share of the MIAA regular-season title (13-3) and the second round of the NCAA Tournament. A Wichita Trinity product Broadie recorded 348 kills with a high of 25 and 17 matches with 10 or more kills.
Lexie Fontaine, Washburn University [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
LEXIE FONTAINE | Track and field
A native of Lockport, Ill., Fontaine was a two-time NCAA All-American outdoors this past spring, placing sixth in the 1,500 meters and eighth in the 800. Fontaine also earned All-American honors indoors, finishing sixth in the 800. Fontaine is the Washburn school record-holder in the indoor and outdoor 800 and 1,500 and was an MIAA champion both indoors and outdoor.
Susana Granados Carrion, Washburn University [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
SUSANA GRANADOS CARRION | Golf
Granados Carrion, a native of Cordoba, Spain, led Washburn with a team-low 75.00 round average as a junior, earning first-team All-MIAA recognition. Granados Carrion posted six top-five individual finishes on the season and recorded a team low round of 70.
Leah Henke, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]
LEAH HENKE | Soccer
Henke, a Bishop Carroll product, was named the MIAA Freshman of the Year last fall while also being named to the All-MIAA and All-Region first team after helping lead Washburn (14-4-6 overall, 8-0-4 conference) to the national semifinals in the NCAA Tournament. Henke scored 12 goals on the season, the second most goals by a freshman in school history.
Belle Kennedy, Washburn University [File photo/TSN]
BELLE KENNEDY | Soccer
The former Washburn Rural star earned first-team NCAA All-America and NCAA All-Tournament honors and was named the MIAA defensive player of the year in her final collegiate season. An All-Central Regional pick, Kennedy, named to the All-MIAA first team three times, helped lead the Ichabods to a 14-4-6 overall record and an 8-0-4 MIAA mark.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural wrestling state Landen Kocher-Munoz, a four-time Class 6A state finalist and a three-time state champion, has been named TopSports.news' Shawnee County boys senior athlete of the year for the 2025-2026 season.
Washburn Rural's Landen Kocher-Munoz became the third boys wrestler in Topeka history to win three state championships this past season. [Photo by Mac Moore/Lawrence Sports]
Kocher-Munoz was earlier named the Shawnee County wrestler of the year for 2025-2026 after winning the 144-pound 6A title with a 39-4 record on the season while helping lead the Junior Blues to their third straight third-place 6A team finish.
Kocher-Munoz, who swept Centennial League, regional and state individual crowns as a senior, became only the third boys wrestler in Topeka history to capture three individual state championships, joining former NCAA champion and multi-time Olympian Melvin Douglas (1979-1981) and former Washburn Rural teammate Easton Broxterman (2023-2025).
Washburn Rural's Landen Kocher-Munoz ended his high school wrestling career with a 142-17 record and three state titles. [File photo/TSN]
Kocher-Munoz sandwiched the 2023 state title at 120 pounds and the 2025 state title at 138 pounds championship around a runnerup finish at 138 pounds in 2024.
He finished his career with a 142-17 overall record.
Next up: Washburn University women's athlete of the year finalists.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Seaman track and field star Brody Anderson and Washburn Rural baseball star Aidan Newbery, who ended their high school careers with state championships, have been selected as TopSports.news' Shawnee County co-spring boys senior athletes of the year for the 2025-2026 season.
Brody Anderson, Seaman
Anderson claimed the 2026 Class 5A state championship in the 800 meters in a 5A meet-record time of 1 minute, 52.08 seconds.
A former state medalist in cross country, Anderson also posted second-place 5A state finishes in the 3,200 and 1,600 meters after winning the city title in the 800 and sweeping the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 titles in the United Kansas Conference meet.
Aidan Newbery, Washburn Rural
Newbery, a catcher, was named the Shawnee County and Centennial League player of the year after helping lead Washburn Rural to its first state baseball championship since 1952, capped by a 4-3 win over Free State in the 6A state championship game.
Newbery was also named to the 6A All-State second team by the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches.
Other spring boys athlete of the year finalists
Caleb Cleverdon, Cair Paravel/Topeka High
CALEB CLEVERDON | Cair Paravel/Topeka High
SPORT: Golf
Cleverdon, who competed for Topeka High in the regular season and Cair Paravel Latin in the postseason, posted a second-place individual finish in the Class 2A state tournament with a 36-hole total of 149 (73-76) after taking a four-shot individual win in the Flint Hills League tournament with a 73. A first-team All-Shawnee County pick, Cleverdon tied for third in the Centennial League (75) and tied for first in 2A regional competition (71), finishing second in a playoff.
Brody Cooper, Shawnee Heights [Photo by Selena Rivas Favela/Special to TSN]
BRODY COOPER | Shawnee Heights
SPORT: Baseball
A standout pitcher, Cooper helped lead Shawnee Heights to the 2026 Class 5A state championship game and a runnerup finish. A two-time United Kansas Conference first-team selection, Cooper was named the conference pitcher of the year as a senior and was also named to the All-Shawnee County first team.
Jack Donovan, Rossville
JACK DONOVAN | Rossville
SPORT: Golf
Donovan was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick for the third straight season after earning a state medal for the fourth straight year (two in Class 3A, two in 2A) with a fifth-place finish in the 2A state event with a 36 hole score of 155 (79-76). Donovan finished third in a 2A regional with a 76 and was the Big East League individual medalist with a 71. Donovan, who tied for sixth in the 2025 state tournament, received All-Shawnee County recognition in three sports.
Drew Fay, Cair Paravel Latin
DREW FAY | Cair Paravel Latin
SPORT: Tennis
Fay capped an outstanding four-year high school career with a city-high fifth-place finish in the 2026 Class 3A-1A state tournament. Fay was a four-year state qualifier and a three-time state medalist, with a high finish of second place in doubles in 2025. Fay captured the city championship in No. 1 singles this past spring and also won a regional title. Fay was a three-time All-City pick.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
EMPORIA -- The West put together several scoring threats in Saturday's Kansas Shrine Bowl, out-gaining the East 277 yards to 218 and reaching East territory six times.
But the East defense had an answer for each and every test it faced, posting a 14-7 win in front of 6,035 fans at Welch Stadium while not allowing a West offensive score.
Washburn Rural product Brody Haas (42) celebrates a big defensive play in the East's 14-7 Shrine Bowl win Saturday in Emporia. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Former Washburn Rural star Brody Haas and Rossville product Andre Johnson both played key roles in the East's defensive effort, combining for 10 tackles (eight solo) and three pass breakups while Haas also registered a sack.
"We had a lot of good scout from the offense throughout the week and it felt like every formation was something we had already kind of seen so nothing really surprised us,'' Haas said. "We dominated the line of scrimmage and were able to cover our spaces very well, so they really couldn't do anything about it because everyone was doing their job and that's how you play good football.''
The West scored its lone touchdown when Houston Bowlin (Derby) recovered a first-quarter East fumble in the end zone while the East got touchdown passes from former Shawnee Heights star Aiden Scott and Kansas City-Washington product Savion Stone, which proved to be enough for the East to cut its deficit in the series to 30-19-2.
Former Rossville star Andre Johnson (24) registered five tackles for the East in Saturday's 14-7 Shrine Bowl victory over the West. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
"We were locked in the whole week,'' Johnson said. "We were ready for this West offense all week and we proved it today and made it a goose egg. It was fun.''
The East drew first blood at the 7:03 mark of the opening quarter when Scott connected with Alec Jett (St. James Academy) for a 24-yard touchdown pass (conversion failed) after Osage City product Quenten Stark picked off a pass deep in East territory and returned it 33 yards to the West 49-yard-line.
The West took its only lead of the night on Bowlin's fumble recovery in the end zone and an extra-point kick from Brody Haskell (Augusta) with 2:54 left in the opening quarter and the West reached the 4-yard-line after recovering a fumble before Hayden Heller (Mill Valley) recorded the East's second interception of the night on the third play of the second quarter to thwart the threat.
The East scored what proved to be the game-winning touchdown with 1:13 left in the opening half on a 27-yard pass from Stone to Blake Jay (Mill Valley) after Austin Zeller (Jackson Heights) recoverd a West fumble.
Stone, who was named the East Most Valuable Player, then ran for the two-point conversion to account for what proved to be the final margin after a scoreless second half.
"During halftime our coach was saying how we were doing such a good job with if we let a bad play happen we wouldn't let two happen right in a row and we didn't stack bad plays one after the other,'' said Haas, who is headed to Benedictine.
Shawnee Heights product Aiden Scott (20) was named the East's Most Inspirational Player after Saturday's 14-7 Shrine Bowl win. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Scott, who was voted the East's Most Inspirational Player, split time with Stone throughout the game, with Scott, a Washburn signee, completing 5 of 7 passes for 62 yards and Stone going 6 of 7 for 54 yards.
"The team had confidence in both of us back there in the backfield,'' Scott said. "The bond that we have definitely helps out. We helped each other and would could come to the sidelines and see what the other person sees and just go to work out there.
"We've both got talent, we both work hard, so it works out.''
Former Nemaha Central star Carter Hajek, who will play at Emporia State, led the East with 59 rushing yards on 13 attempts.
Salina Central product Cooper Reves was named the West MVP after rushing for a game-high 91 yards on 14 carries.
Rossville's Johnson plans to enlist in the Marines in the near future and said Saturday night's win was the perfect way to cap his football career.
"A great way to go out,'' he said. "I wanted to end it on a win. I ended on a win at the All-America Game and it's way better to go 2-0 to end my career after losing at state. It's way better.''
EAST 14, WEST 7
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Carsyn Broxterman, who helped lead Hayden to a perfect 21-0 record and the Class 4A-1A state soccer championship has been selected as TopSports.news' Shawnee County spring girls senior athlete of the year for the 2025-2026 season.
Carsyn Broxterman, Hayden
A forward, Broxterman was named the city and Centennial League player of the year as a senior and was also named the forward of the year in 4A-1A by the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association.
Broxterman scored the game-winning goal in the Wildcats' 1-0 victory over Rose Hill in the state championship game.
Broxterman will play collegiately at Kansas City Kansas Community College.
Other springs girls athlete of the year finalists
Audrey Appuhn, Washburn Rural
AUDREY APPUHN | Washburn Rural
SPORT: Swimming
Appuhn won four gold medals (two individual, two relays) to lead Washburn Rural to its 23rd straight city team title and earned three golds (two individual, one relay) in the Centennial League meet. Appuhn went 8 for 8 in individual events over her career in the city and league meets and earned multiple Class 6A state medals as a freshman, sophomore and junior.
Ella Foster, Hayden
ELLA FOSTER | Hayden
SPORT: Soccer
A midfielder, Foster helped Hayden go wire to wire with 21 straight victories for the 2026 Class 4A-1A state championship, capped by a 1-0 win over Rose Hill in the state final. A Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State first-team pick, Foster was also a second-team All-Centennial League and All-City honoree. As a senior Foster also helped the Wildcats win the 4A championship in basketball and post a runnerup state finish in volleyball.
Kailyn Hanni, Silver Lake
KAILYN HANNI | Silver Lake
SPORT: Softball/Track and Field
A four-sport standout, Hanni helped lead Silver Lake to the Class 3A state softball championship and also doubled up in track and field, placing third in the 3A javelin hours after the Eagles' 4-0 win over Southeast of Saline in the state softball final. Hanni, who was also a state medalist in golf and led Silver Lake to its second state basketball championship in three seasons, was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick in both softball and track and earned All-Class 3A first-team honors in softball.
Reese Huscher, Hayden
REESE HUSCHER | Hayden
SPORT: Soccer
Huscher was named the Class 4A-1A midfielder of the year by the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association and also earned first-team All-City and All-Centennial League honors after helping lead the Wildcats to a perfect 21-0 record and the 4A-1A state title this past spring. Huscher also helped Hayden win the 4A championship in basketball and post a runnerup state finish in volleyball.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Brody Haas had an outstanding senior football season for Washburn Rural, earning All-Centennial League, All-Shawnee County and All-Class 6A recognition from the Kansas Football Coaches Association.
Brody Haas, Washburn Rural
Haas registered 114 total tackles with 80 solo stops for the 6-4 Junior Blues, recording 14 tackles for loss with a sack and two pass interceptions (one for a touchdown) while recovering two fumbles.
Despite those lofty laurels the former Junior Blues linebacker still wasn't banking on getting the opportunity to play in the prestigious Kansas Shrine Bowl, but was one of Shawnee County's six original picks for the East roster
"I actually was pretty surprised,'' Haas said. "A funny story, my mom was watching (the selection show) and she said that I didn't make it. I was like, 'Oh alright,' and then I got a bunch of texts from everybody else and there were like, 'You made the Shrine Bowl.'
"I was really grateful and I'm excited to be here.''
Haas will play strong safety and maybe some linebacker for the East in Saturday's 7 p.m. Shrine game at Emporia State's Welch Stadium.
"I think (practice) is preparing us really well, and with it being a lot cooler, everyone's not over-exhausted,'' Haas said earlier the week at the East's Ottawa University training camp. "Everyone's in really good spirits, we're all having a pretty good time learning and adjusting to the playbook and everything that's being taught.''
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural wrestling star Landen Kocher-Munoz has been selected as TopSports.news' Shawnee County winter boys senior athlete of the year for the 2025-2026 season.
Landen Kocher-Munoz, Washburn Rural
Kocher-Munoz was named the Shawnee County wrestler of the year after winning his third Class 6A state championship in his fourth straight trip to the state finals as a senior.
Kocher-Munoz won the 144-pound title as a senior, posting a 39-4 record on the season while helping lead the Junior Blues to a third-place 6A team finish and sweeping Centennial League, regional and state individual crowns.
Other winter boys athlete of the year finalists
KaeVon Bonner, Seaman
KAEVON BONNER | Seaman
SPORT: Basketball
Bonner was named the Shawnee County co-player of the year as a senior after leading the Vikings to a 23-5 record and a third-place finish in Class 5A. Bonner was named the All-United Kansas Conference player of the year while earning all-county and All-UKC honors for the third straight season. Bonner averaged a city-high 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 2.6 steals for the Vikings while hitting 44 3-pointers.
Jack Donovan, Rossville
JACK DONOVAN | Rossville
SPORT: Basketball
Donovan made the All-Shawnee County Top 10 for the third straight season after being named the co-newcomer of the year as a freshman. Donovan helped lead the Bulldawgs to a 17-8 record and a second straight Class 2A state tournament berth this past season. Donovan finished his prep career No. 2 on Rossville's career scoring list, with a season-high 47 points. Donovan received all-county recognition in football, golf and basketball.
Ryder Harrison, Washburn Rural
RYDER HARRISON | Washburn Rural
SPORT: Wrestling
An All-Shawnee County first-team selection, Harrison finished second in Class 6A at 120 pounds as a senior while posting a 28-7 record on the season and helping lead the Junior Blues to a third-place team finish. Harrison finished second in 6A regional competition after winning a Centennial League championship with a 5-0 record and five straight pins.
Dayne Johnson, Silver Lake
DAYNE JOHNSON | Silver Lake
SPORT: Basketball
Johnson was named the Shawnee County co-player of the year after finishing his career as Silver Lake's career leading scorer while helping lead the Eagles to a 22-7 record and a second straight third-place finish in the Class 3A state tournament. A two-time All-Shawnee County Top 10 selection and a first-team All-Big East League pick, Johnson was also a two-time All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick in football for the Eagles.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
After leading the state in passing yards last fall, former Shawnee Heights star quarterback Aiden Scott weighed some recruiting options before deciding he didn't even need to leave his hometown to find what he was looking for, signing with Washburn University.
Aiden Scott, Shawnee Heights
A two-time All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick Scott completed 197 of 319 passes for 2,991 yards and 26 touchdowns as a senior and finished his career completing 420 of 691 pass attempts for 6,491 yards and 632 touchdowns.
"I had (interest from) South Dakota and a PWO (preferred walkon) from KU and it came down to a business decision,'' said Scott, who will play quarterback for the East in Saturday's 7 p.m. Kansas Shrine Bowl at Emporia State. "It was like, 'Do I want playing time or do I want to sit for a little bit?'
"And especially when it's at home, friends and family can come watch you play and Washburn's coaching staff and facilities are top notch.''
Scott, a three-sport athlete for the T-Birds, has spent much of his summer at Washburn, getting acclimated to the college game.
"I've been there about three weeks so far and it's been fun,'' Scott said. "The upperclassmen have been really warm to me, welcoming me into the new program and helping me settle in. The freshmen are very talented guys, the whole team's very talented.
"We're growing, we're getting better, so I'm excited how the season's going to turn out.''
The decision will be made later this fall about whether or not Scott will redshirt this season, but he is preparing to play.
"They told me I'll get a shot during fall camp to be the starting guy and if I don't get that job I'll probably end up redshirting and get that extra year of experience,'' Scott said. "But my mindset is to get that starting job.''
Conner Bush, Rossville
Scott will be joined in the East backfield Saturday by another Washburn recruit, former Rossville two-time All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick Conner Bush, who helped lead the Bulldawgs to a runnerup finish in Class 1A.
Bush carried the ball 81 times for 717 yards and scored 12 touchdowns as a senior and was in on 114 total tackles, with two pass interceptions, two tackles for loss and 10 passes broken up.
Both Scott and Bush were added to the East as replacement players, with Bush getting the call about two weeks before the opening of the East camp at Ottawa University.
"My coach, coach (Derick) Hammes (an East assistant) called me and I was nothing but excited,'' Bush said. "I was just ready to play.''
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Star Silver Lake point guard Kailyn Hanni, named Miss Kansas Basketball by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association after leading the Eagles to their second Class 3A state championship in three seasons, has been selected as TopSports.news' Shawnee County winter girls senior athlete of the year for the 2025-2026 season.
Kailyn Hanni, Silver Lake
The 5-foot-7 Hanni was also named the Shawnee County Player of the Year as a senior after helping lead the Eagles to a 28-1 record, earning all-county first-team honors for the third time.
Hanni finished her high school career with 1,404 points, 585 assists, 563 rebounds and 339 steals, finishing No. 1 on Silver Lake's all-time list in assists and steals and finishing No. 3 in career scoring.
Kailyn Hanni, Silver Lake
Hanni also set a single-game scoring record with 39 points and a single-game assist mark with 12, reaching that total on three occasions.
Hanni was a four-sport standout for Silver Lake, helping the Eagles win the 3A state softball title this past spring while also helping the Eagles win a state golf championship during her career and placing third in the 3A javelin in track and field as a senior.
The Silver Lake star will play collegiately at Fort Hays State.
Other winter girls athlete of the year finalists
Emme Blanco, Washburn Rural
EMME BLANCO | Washburn Rural
SPORT: Wrestling
Blanco posted a runnerup finish at 145 pounds in the 2026 Class 6A state tournament, helping lead Washburn Rural to a second straight third-place state team finish. Blanco, who captured Centennial League and regional championships, posted a 40-4 record on the season en route to earning a first-team berth on the All-Shawnee County team for the second straight season.
Makayla Cadet, Highland Park
MAKAYLA CADET | Highland Park
SPORT: Wrestling
A two-time All-Shawnee County first-team selection, Cadet advanced to the 190-pound Class 5A state championship match as a junior and senior, winning the 5A state title as a junior and finishing second as a senior while posting a 23-3 record on the season. Cadet also received all-county honorable mention in softball.
Rylee Dick, Rossville
RYLEE DICK | Rossville
SPORT: Basketball
Dick put together an outstanding four-year career for the Bulldawgs, leading Rossville to a Class 2A state tournament berth as a senior, the Bulldawgs' first state appearance in 20 seasons. Dick averaged 20.6 points over the 2025-2026 season, finishing her career with 1,578 points to rank No. 2 on Rossville's all-time scoring list. She received first-team All-Big East League and All-Shawnee County honors.
Maddie Gragg, Seaman
MADDIE GRAGG | Seaman
SPORT: Basketball
Gragg was a four-time All-Shawnee County and All-United Kansas Conference first-team pick for Seaman, helping the Vikings win the Class 5A state championship her sophomore season and post a runnerup state finish as a junior. Gragg averaged 12.4 points and 7.0 rebounds over the 2025-2026 campaign while hitting 32 3-pointers.
Cianna Graves, Shawnee Heights
CIANNA GRAVES | Shawnee Heights
SPORT: Wrestling
A four-time Class 5A state medalist and repeat All-Shawnee County pick, Graves saved her best for last, winning the 155-pound state championship as a senior to cap a 35-2 season. Also a United Kansas Conference and 5A regional champion, Graves helped lead Shawnee Heights to a third-place 5A team finish for the second straight season. Graves was also a standout catcher in softball, earning all-county first-team honors.
Claire LaDuke, Seaman
CLAIRE LADUKE | Seaman
SPORT: Bowling
LaDuke finished third in the 2026 Class 5A state tournament with a 688 three-game series as Seaman rolled to the team championship by a huge 358-pin margin over Emporia. A first-team All-City pick, LaDuke also helped the Vikings sweep city, United Kansas Conference and 5A regional team titles. LaDuke finished fourth in the city tournament, fifth in the UKC and third at regionals.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Seaman product Cameron Brian, Rossville's Andre Johnson and Silver Lake's Dayne Johnson have put together memories that will last a lifetime over outstanding high school athletic careers.
But now the Shawnee County stars are ready to turn their focus on a future without competitive sports after experiencing one more highlight as members of the East team for Saturday's 7 p.m. Kansas Shrine Bowl all-star football game at Emporia State's Welch Stadium.
Dayne Johnson, Silver Lake
Dayne Johnson was a three-sport star in football, basketball and baseball, helping the Eagles post a 7-3 record in football as a senior before leading Silver Lake to a second straight third-place Class 3A state finish in basketball and a runnerup 3A finish in baseball.
But after considering his college options in football and basketball, Johnson opted to concentrate on academics at Kansas State while majoring in finance.
"I was mainly getting looks for football, but I'm just not as big of a fan for football,'' Johnson said. "I'm a basketball guy and I didn't have the looks I wanted in basketball.
"I'll definitely miss it a lot, but I knew sports have to end at some point so I'll go to school and hopefully have a good time there.''
But first, Johnson, who is playing wide receiver for the East, wants to take advantage of his opportunity to play in the state's premier all-star game.
"I think it's an honor to get invited and it's for a good cause and I just think being here will be a great time,'' he said. "I've enjoyed meeting all these guys and I'm excited to play in the game.''
And as Johnson, who ended his basketball career as Silver Lake's all-time leading scorer and rebounder, prepares to close his athletic career, he's proud of what he's been able to accomplish.
"Every day I tried to work as hard as I could and max out what my results could be and I'm pretty happy with the success I had in my high school career,'' said Johnson, who received All-Shawnee County recognition in all three of his sports.
Cameron Brian, Seaman (left) and Andre Johnson, Rossville.
Brian, an all-county linebacker and a starter for Seaman's basketball team that finished third in 5A, will also concentrate on academics in college, attending the University of Kansas.
"I'm just going to school,'' Brian said. "I had a few smaller (offers in football), but this is it for me. This is the last hurrah.
"It was definitely a tough decision, just growing up playing football. It's every young football player's dream to go play in the NFL, so it's definitely sad that I'm not going to play in college but at the end of the day I think it's a better decision for me.''
Brian feels like playing in the Shrine Bowl is a perfect way to say goodbye to sports.
"It definitely was important,'' he said. "I feel like every kid in high school wants to get to the Shrine Bowl. Everbody wants to be a star of their team and come out here and play and what the Shriners do is great work, so it's always good to come out here and put this on so people can come support them.''
Rossville's Andre Johnson, a linebacker for the East, plans to serve his country after helping the Bulldawgs finish second in 1A and earn all-county honors as a senior.
"My plan is go into the Marine Corps,'' Johnson said. "My family's really big into the military and I have two brothers in the Marines so that kind of interested me right there.
"My plan was to go to college and I decided I really didn't want to go to college, so I decided to go into the Marines and serve my country.''
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Dylan Willingham, who helped lead Washburn Rural to the Class 6A state soccer championship last fall while earning Centennial League and 6A player of the year honors, has been selected as TopSports.news' Shawnee County fall boys senior athlete of the year for the 2025-2026 school year.
Dylan Willingham, Washburn Rural
Willingham, a star forward, was named the 2025-26 Gatorade Kansas Boys Soccer Player of the Year after helping lead the 19-1-1 Junior Blues to the 2025 Class 6A state championship.
Willingham set Washburn Rural's single-season scoring record with 37 goals and career record with 67 goals.
The two-time Centennial League Player of the Year was Kansas' only 2025-26 United Soccer Coaches All-American in addition to being recognized as the 6A forward of the year.
Willingham was also a four-time 6A state medalist in tennis.
Willingham will play Division I college soccer at Nebraska-Omaha.
Other fall boys athlete of the year finalists
Brody Anderson, Seaman
BRODY ANDERSON | Seaman
SPORT: Cross Country
A first-team All-Shawnee County pick in all three years he ran cross country, Anderson won his second straight city and United Kansas Conference individual titles last fall and was a Class 5A regional runnerup. He also won the prestigious Olathe Twilight Invitational, finishing ahead of runners from over 50 schools from multiple states. Anderson won the 5A 800 meters title in track while finishing second in the 3,200 and 1,600 meters.
Camden Granado, Shawnee Heights
CAMDEN GRANADO | Shawnee Heights
SPORT: Soccer/Football
Granado, a forward, was named the United Kansas Conference soccer player of the year last fall while also earning All-City first-team honors. A second-team All-State selection, Granado finished his career as Shawnee Heights soccer's all-time leading goal scorer. The T-Bird standout doubled up in football, handling place-kicking duties for Heights and earning All-Shawnee County honorable mention.
Connor Hanika, Hayden
CONNOR HANIKA | Hayden
SPORT: Football
Hanika, a quarterback, helped lead the 12-1 Wildcats to their third straight Class 3A state championship game. Hanika completed 116 of 192 passing attempts on the season for 1,810 yards and 24 touchdowns and added 138 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries. Hanika was also a standout for Hayden's basketball team and helped lead the Wildcats to a runnerup finish in the Class 4A state baseball tournament.
Dayne Johnson, Silver Lake
DAYNE JOHNSON | Silver Lake
SPORT: Football
Johnson, a wide receiver/defensive back, was an All-Shawnee County Top 22 repeat selection in 2025 after catching 75 passes for 1,053 yards and eight touchdowns and registering 59 tackles with two pass interceptions. Johnson, who earned first-team All-Big East League recognition on offense and second-team honors on defense in football, also helped lead the Eagles to a third-place Class 3A state finish in basketball and a runnerup finish in 3A baseball.
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural
BROOKS KEHOE | Washburn Rural
SPORT: Cross Country
A three-time All-Shawnee County first-team honoree, Kehoe helped lead Washburn Rural to the Class 6A state team championship by a single point. Kehoe was the Centennial League champion, placed second in the city meet, 19th in Class 6A regional competition and 25th at state. Kehoe, who helped the Junior Blues win city and league titles and finish second in a tiebreaker at regionals, finished as the 6A runnerup in the 1,600-meter run in track.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
OTTAWA -- When the East team needed a late -- very late -- replacement player for this week's Kansas Shrine Bowl, the call went out to former Shawnee Heights football star AJ Gallegos.
Former Shawnee Heights standout AJ Gallegos (while jersey) will play for the East in Saturday night's Kansas Shrine Bowl in Emporia. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
And without hesitation, the 2025 All-Shawnee County Top 22 and All-United Kansas Conference first-team pick was on his way to Ottawa University.
"It was the same day that we were supposed to be down here,'' Gallegos said. "It was 11 o'clock (Sunday) morning and I got right out of church when I got the call and they were like, 'Hey, we want you to head down there.'
"I dropped everything and just came straight to Ottawa. It was pretty cool.''
Gallegos said he jumped at the opportunity to be a part of Kansas' premier all-star game.
"For sure,'' Gallegos said. "It's the Shrine Bowl! Why would I not want to play in this type of game?''
Former Shawnee Height standout AJ Gallegos (center) was an All-Shawnee County Top 22and All-UKC first-team pick last fall. [File photo/TSN]
Gallegos, a two-way starter for the 4-5 T-Birds, caught 66 passes for 935 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior and joins former Heights quarterback Aiden Scott on the East roster.
"I'm going to play with my QB, so I'm excited,'' Gallegos said. "We've had four years together and now we get one more game together.
"We thought we had our last game in October, but we're promised one more game now, so it's nice.''
Scott will play quarterback and Gallegos defensive back in Saturday's game at Emporia State's Welch Stadium, but Gallegos is hopeful of getting an opportunity to play at least one play with his former teammate.
"Maybe I'll get an opportunity to get in and play some receiver and maybe get one more post play or something,'' Gallegos said with a smile.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Jaiden Wise, who helped lead Silver Lake to the Class 3A state volleyball championship, has been selected as TopSports.news' Shawnee County fall girls senior athlete of the year for the 2025-2026 season.
Jaiden Wise, Silver Lake [Photo by Jesse Newell/Special to TSN]
Wise helped the Eagles post a 46-1 record last fall, including 37 straight wins to end the season, capped by a 25-21, 25-19 win over Holton in the 3A state championship match.
Wise was named to the 3A All-State Tournament team and All-State first team by the Kansas Volleyball Association and was also an All-Shawnee County first-team selection.
Jaiden Wise [Photo by Scott Paske/KSHSAA Covered]
As a senior Wise recorded 407 kills and 19 blocks on .378 hitting with 296 digs and 22 assists while serving 84.7 percent with 29 aces on the season.
Wise was also a state qualifier in track and field.
Other fall girls athlete of the year finalists
Lauren Borjon, Hayden
LAUREN BORJON | Hayden
SPORT: Golf
A three-sport athlete, Borjon capped her high school golf career with her fourth straight Class 4A state medal. Borjon tied for 12th with a 36-hole total of 170 (88-82) as the Wildcats finished fourth as a team. A three-time All-Shawnee County pick, Borjon finished second in the city tournament, fifth in the Centennial League and earned second-team 4A All-State recognition. Borjon helped lead the Wildcats to the 4A golf team title as a sophomore and junior and also helped Hayden win the 4A state title in basketball and post an undefeated run to the 4A-1A state crown in soccer as a senior.
Madeline Deters, Topeka High
MADELINE DETERS | Topeka High
SPORT: Tennis
Deters earned her second straight Class 6A state tennis medal last fall in her third state tournament appearance. Deters posted a career-best sixth-place state singles finish as a senior while finishing off a 32-6 record on the season. Deters finished second in No. 1 singles in the city tournament before winning Centennial League and 6A regional singles championships. Deters posted a 3-2 record at state.
Elise Eckert, Seaman
ELISE ECKERT | Seaman
SPORT: Golf
Eckert won her fourth straight Class 5A state golf medal to cap her first season at Seaman, tying for fifth in the state tournament with a 36-hole total of 161 (77-84). Eckert won the city title by eight strokes with a 68 and won the United Kansas Conference individual championship with a 73 before posting a runnerup finish in 5A regional competition. Eckert was a first-team All-State honoree in 5A.
Ella Foster, Hayden
ELLA FOSTER | Hayden
SPORT: Volleyball
Foster, a 5-foot-4 libero, helped lead 33-10 Hayden to a second-place finish in the 2025 Class 4A state volleyball tournament, earning Kansas Volleyball Association All-State Tournament honors. Foster earned first-team All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League recognition and was named to the KVA 4A All-State second team. Foster helped the Wildcats win the 4A state championship in basketball and the 4A-1A state crown in soccer as a senior and was selected to play in the KVA All-Star Match, helping the Red post a 4-1 victory.
Izzy Glotzbach, Hayden
IZZY GLOTZBACH | Hayden
SPORT: Golf
A three-time All-Shawnee County first-team selection, Glotzbach tied for fifth in the 2025 Class 4A state tournament with a 36-hole score of 164 (85-79), finished third in the city tournament and fourth in the Centennial League before tying for second in 4A regional competition. Glotzbach, who earned first-team 4A All-State recognition as a senior, helped lead the Wildcats to 4A state team titles as a sophomore and junior and also helped Hayden win a 4A team title in tennis as a junior.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Editor's note: Over the coming weeks TopSports.news will take a look at all of the senior finalists for the 2025-2026 Shawnee County High School Sports Awards from the fall, winter and spring seasons, followed by the athletes of the year for all three seasons and the overall outstanding girls and boys athletes of the year.
Brody Anderson, Seaman
BRODY ANDERSON | Seaman
SPORT: Track and field
Anderson ended his high school career with a Class 5A state championship, winning the 800 meters in a 5A meet-record time of 1 minute, 52.08 seconds. A former state medalist in cross country, Anderson also posted second-place 5A state finishes in the 3,200 and 1,600 meters after winning the city title in the 800 and sweeping the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 titles in the United Kansas Conference meet.
Caleb Cleverdon, Cair Paravel/Topeka High
CALEB CLEVERDON | Cair Paravel/Topeka High
SPORT: Golf
Cleverdon, who competed for Topeka High in the regular season and Cair Paravel Latin in the postseason, posted a second-place individual finish in the Class 2A state tournament with a 36-hole total of 149 (73-76) after taking a four-shot individual win in the Flint Hills League tournament with a 73. A first-team All-Shawnee County pick, Cleverdon tied for third in the Centennial League (75) and tied for first in 2A regional competition (71), finishing second in a playoff.
Brody Cooper, Shawnee Heights [Photo by Selena Rivas Favela/Special to TSN]
BRODY COOPER | Shawnee Heights
SPORT: Baseball
A standout pitcher, Cooper helped lead Shawnee Heights to the 2026 Class 5A state championship game and a runnerup finish. A two-time United Kansas Conference first-team selection, Cooper was named the conference pitcher of the year as a senior and was also named to the All-Shawnee County first team.
Jack Donovan, Rossville
JACK DONOVAN | Rossville
SPORT: Golf
Donovan was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick for the third straight season after earning a state medal for the fourth straight year (two in Class 3A, two in 2A) with a fifth-place finish in the 2A state event with a 36 hole score of 155 (79-76). Donovan finished third in a 2A regional with a 76 and was the Big East League individual medalist with a 71. Donovan, who tied for sixth in the 2025 state tournament, received All-Shawnee County recognition in three sports.
Drew Fay, Cair Paravel Latin
DREW FAY | Cair Paravel Latin
SPORT: Tennis
Fay capped an outstanding four-year high school career with a city-high fifth-place finish in the 2026 Class 3A-1A state tournament. Fay was a four-year state qualifier and a three-time state medalist, with a high finish of second place in doubles in 2025. Fay captured the city championship in No. 1 singles this past spring and also won a regional title. Fay was a three-time All-City pick.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Editor's note: Over the coming weeks TopSports.news will take a look at all of the senior finalists for the 2025-2026 Shawnee County High School Sports Awards from the fall, winter and spring seasons, followed by the athletes of the year for all three seasons and the overall outstanding girls and boys athletes of the year.
KaeVon Bonner, Seaman
KAEVON BONNER | Seaman
SPORT: Basketball
Bonner was named the Shawnee County co-player of the year as a senior after leading the Vikings to a 23-5 record and a third-place finish in Class 5A. Bonner was named the All-United Kansas Conference player of the year while earning all-county and All-UKC honors for the third straight season. Bonner averaged a city-high 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 2.6 steals for the Vikings while hitting 44 3-pointers.
Jack Donovan, Rossville
JACK DONOVAN | Rossville
SPORT: Basketball
Donovan made the All-Shawnee County Top 10 for the third straight season after being named the co-newcomer of the year as a freshman. Donovan helped lead the Bulldawgs to a 17-8 record and a second straight Class 2A state tournament berth this past season. Donovan finished his prep career No. 2 on Rossville's career scoring list, with a season-high 47 points. Donovan received all-county recognition in football, golf and basketball.
Ryder Harrison, Washburn Rural
RYDER HARRISON | Washburn Rural
SPORT: Wrestling
An All-Shawnee County first-team selection, Harrison finished second in Class 6A at 120 pounds as a senior while posting a 28-7 record on the season and helping lead the Junior Blues to a third-place team finish. Harrison finished second in 6A regional competition after winning a Centennial League championship with a 5-0 record and five straight pins.
Dayne Johnson, Silver Lake
DAYNE JOHNSON | Silver Lake
SPORT: Basketball
Johnson was named the Shawnee County co-player of the year after finishing his career as Silver Lake's career leading scorer while helping lead the Eagles to a 22-7 record and a second straight third-place finish in the Class 3A state tournament. A two-time All-Shawnee County Top 10 selection and a first-team All-Big East League pick, Johnson was also a two-time All-Shawnee County Top 22 pick in football for the Eagles.
Landen Kocher-Munoz, Washburn Rural
LANDEN KOCHER-MUNOZ | Washburn Rural
SPORT: Wrestling
Kocher-Munoz was named the Shawnee County wrestler of the year after winning his third Class 6A state championship in his fourth straight trip to the state finals. Kocher-Munoz won the 144-pound title as a senior, posting a 39-4 record on the season while helping lead the Junior Blues to a third-place 6A team finish and sweeping Centennial League, regional and state individual crowns.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Editor's note: Over the coming weeks TopSports.news will take a look at all of the senior finalists for the 2025-2026 Shawnee County High School Sports Awards from the fall, winter and spring seasons, followed by the athletes of the year for all three seasons and the overall outstanding girls and boys athletes of the year.
Audrey Appuhn, Washburn Rural
AUDREY APPUHN | Washburn Rural
SPORT: Swimming
Appuhn won four gold medals (two individual, two relays) to lead Washburn Rural to its 23rd straight city team title and earned three golds (two individual, one relay) in the Centennial League meet. Appuhn went 8 for 8 in individual events over her career in the city and league meets and earned multiple Class 6A state medals as a freshman, sophomore and junior.
Carsyn Broxterman, Hayden
CARSYN BROXTERMAN | Hayden
SPORT: Soccer
Broxterman, a forward, helped lead Hayden to a perfect 21-0 record and the Class 4A-1A state title as a senior, scoring the game-winning goal in the Wildcats' 1-0 victory over Rose Hill in the state championship game. Broxterman was named the city and Centennial League player of the year and was also named the forward of the year in 4A-1A by the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association.
Ella Foster, Hayden
ELLA FOSTER | Hayden
SPORT: Soccer
A midfielder, Foster helped Hayden go wire to wire with 21 straight victories for the 2026 Class 4A-1A state championship, capped by a 1-0 win over Rose Hill in the state final. A Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State first-team pick, Foster was also a second-team All-Centennial League and All-City honoree. As a senior Foster also helped the Wildcats win the 4A championship in basketball and post a runnerup state finish in volleyball.
Kailyn Hanni, Silver Lake
KAILYN HANNI | Silver Lake
SPORT: Softball/Track and Field
A four-sport standout, Hanni helped lead Silver Lake to the Class 3A state softball championship and also doubled up in track and field, placing third in the 3A javelin hours after the Eagles' 4-0 win over Southeast of Saline in the state softball final. Hanni, who was also a state medalist in golf and led Silver Lake to its second state basketball championship in three seasons, was a first-team All-Shawnee County pick in both softball and track and earned All-Class 3A first-team honors in softball.
Reese Huscher, Hayden
REESE HUSCHER | Hayden
SPORT: Soccer
Huscher was named the Class 4A-1A midfielder of the year by the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association and also earned first-team All-City and All-Centennial League honors after helping lead the Wildcats to a perfect 21-0 record and the 4A-1A state title this past spring. Huscher also helped Hayden win the 4A championship in basketball and post a runnerup state finish in volleyball.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Editor's note: Over the coming weeks TopSports.news will take a look at all of the senior finalists for the 2025-2026 Shawnee County High School Sports Awards from the fall, winter and spring seasons, followed by the athletes of the year for all three seasons and the overall outstanding girls and boys athletes of the year.
Emme Blanco, Washburn Rural
EMME BLANCO | Washburn Rural
SPORT: Wrestling
Blanco posted a runnerup finish at 145 pounds in the 2026 Class 6A state tournament, helping lead Washburn Rural to a second straight third-place state team finish. Blanco, who captured Centennial League and regional championships, posted a 40-4 record on the season en route to earning a first-team berth on the All-Shawnee County team for the second straight season.
Makayla Cadet, Highland Park
MAKAYLA CADET | Highland Park
SPORT: Wrestling
A two-time All-Shawnee County first-team selection, Cadet advanced to the 190-pound Class 5A state championship match as a junior and senior, winning the 5A state title as a junior and finishing second as a senior while posting a 23-3 record on the season. Cadet also received all-county honorable mention in softball.
Rylee Dick, Rossville
RYLEE DICK | Rossville
SPORT: Basketball
Dick put together an outstanding four-year career for the Bulldawgs, leading Rossville to a Class 2A state tournament berth as a senior, the Bulldawgs' first state appearance in 20 seasons. Dick averaged 20.6 points over the 2025-2026 season, finishing her career with 1,578 points to rank No. 2 on Rossville's all-time scoring list. She received first-team All-Big East League and All-Shawnee County honors.
Maddie Gragg, Seaman
MADDIE GRAGG | Seaman
SPORT: Basketball
Gragg was a four-time All-Shawnee County and All-United Kansas Conference first-team pick for Seaman, helping the Vikings win the Class 5A state championship her sophomore season and post a runnerup state finish as a junior. Gragg averaged 12.4 points and 7.0 rebounds over the 2025-2026 campaign while hitting 32 3-pointers.
Cianna Graves, Shawnee Heights
CIANNA GRAVES | Shawnee Heights
SPORT: Wrestling
A four-time Class 5A state medalist and repeat All-Shawnee County pick, Graves saved her best for last, winning the 155-pound state championship as a senior to cap a 35-2 season. Also a United Kansas Conference and 5A regional champion, Graves helped lead Shawnee Heights to a third-place 5A team finish for the second straight season. Graves was also a standout catcher in softball, earning all-county first-team honors.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Editor's note: Over the coming weeks TopSports.news will take a look at all of the senior finalists for the 2025-2026 Shawnee County High School Sports Awards from the fall, winter and spring seasons, followed by the athletes of the year for all three seasons and the overall outstanding girls and boys athletes of the year.
Brody Anderson, Seaman
BRODY ANDERSON | Seaman
SPORT: Cross Country
A first-team All-Shawnee County pick in all three years he ran cross country, Anderson won his second straight city and United Kansas Conference individual titles last fall and was a Class 5A regional runnerup. He also won the prestigious Olathe Twilight Invitational, finishing ahead of runners from over 50 schools from multiple states. Anderson won the 5A 800 meters title in track while finishing second in the 3,200 and 1,600 meters.
Camden Granado, Shawnee Heights
CAMDEN GRANADO | Shawnee Heights
SPORT: Soccer/Football
Granado, a forward, was named the United Kansas Conference soccer player of the year last fall while also earning All-City first-team honors. A second-team All-State selection, Granado finished his career as Shawnee Heights soccer's all-time leading goal scorer. The T-Bird standout doubled up in football, handling place-kicking duties for Heights and earning All-Shawnee County honorable mention.
Connor Hanika, Hayden
CONNOR HANIKA | Hayden
SPORT: Football
Hanika, a quarterback, helped lead the 12-1 Wildcats to their third straight Class 3A state championship game. Hanika completed 116 of 192 passing attempts on the season for 1,810 yards and 24 touchdowns and added 138 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries. Hanika was also a standout for Hayden's basketball team and helped lead the Wildcats to a runnerup finish in the Class 4A state baseball tournament.
Dayne Johnson, Silver Lake
DAYNE JOHNSON | Silver Lake
SPORT: Football
Johnson, a wide receiver/defensive back, was an All-Shawnee County Top 22 repeat selection in 2025 after catching 75 passes for 1,053 yards and eight touchdowns and registering 59 tackles with two pass interceptions. Johnson, who earned first-team All-Big East League recognition on offense and second-team honors on defense in football, also helped lead the Eagles to a third-place Class 3A state finish in basketball and a runnerup finish in 3A baseball.
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural
BROOKS KEHOE | Washburn Rural
SPORT: Cross Country
A three-time All-Shawnee County first-team honoree, Kehoe helped lead Washburn Rural to the Class 6A state team championship by a single point. Kehoe was the Centennial League champion, placed second in the city meet, 19th in Class 6A regional competition and 25th at state. Kehoe, who helped the Junior Blues win city and league titles and finish second in a tiebreaker at regionals, finished as the 6A runnerup in the 1,600-meter run in track.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Editor's note: Over the coming weeks TopSports.news will take a look at all of the senior finalists for the 2025-2026 Shawnee County High School Sports Awards from the fall, winter and spring seasons, followed by the athletes of the year for all three seasons and the overall outstanding girls and boys athletes of the year.
Lauren Borjon, Hayden
LAUREN BORJON | Hayden
SPORT: Golf
A three-sport athlete, Borjon capped her high school golf career with her fourth straight Class 4A state medal. Borjon tied for 12th with a 36-hole total of 170 (88-82) as the Wildcats finished fourth as a team. A three-time All-Shawnee County pick, Borjon finished second in the city tournament, fifth in the Centennial League and earned second-team 4A All-State recognition. Borjon helped lead the Wildcats to the 4A golf team title as a sophomore and junior and also helped Hayden win the 4A state title in basketball and post an undefeated run to the 4A-1A state crown in soccer as a senior.
Madeline Deters, Topeka High
MADELINE DETERS | Topeka High
SPORT: Tennis
Deters earned her second straight Class 6A state tennis medal last fall in her third state tournament appearance. Deters posted a career-best sixth-place state singles finish as a senior while finishing off a 32-6 record on the season. Deters finished second in No. 1 singles in the city tournament before winning Centennial League and 6A regional singles championships. Deters posted a 3-2 record at state.
Elise Eckert, Seaman
ELISE ECKERT | Seaman
SPORT: Golf
Eckert won her fourth straight Class 5A state golf medal to cap her first season at Seaman, tying for fifth in the state tournament with a 36-hole total of 161 (77-84). Eckert won the city title by eight strokes with a 68 and won the United Kansas Conference individual championship with a 73 before posting a runnerup finish in 5A regional competition. Eckert was a first-team All-State honoree in 5A.
Ella Foster, Hayden
ELLA FOSTER | Hayden
SPORT: Volleyball
Foster, a 5-foot-4 libero, helped lead 33-10 Hayden to a second-place finish in the 2025 Class 4A state volleyball tournament, earning Kansas Volleyball Association All-State Tournament honors. Foster earned first-team All-Shawnee County and All-Centennial League recognition and was named to the KVA 4A All-State second team. Foster helped the Wildcats win the 4A state championship in basketball and the 4A-1A state crown in soccer as a senior and was selected to play in the KVA All-Star Match, helping the Red post a 4-1 victory.
Izzy Glotzbach, Hayden
IZZY GLOTZBACH | Hayden
SPORT: Golf
A three-time All-Shawnee County first-team selection, Glotzbach tied for fifth in the 2025 Class 4A state tournament with a 36-hole score of 164 (85-79), finished third in the city tournament and fourth in the Centennial League before tying for second in 4A regional competition. Glotzbach, who earned first-team 4A All-State recognition as a senior, helped lead the Wildcats to 4A state team titles as a sophomore and junior and also helped Hayden win a 4A team title in tennis as a junior.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Twenty Shawnee County softball standouts have received All-State recognition from the Kansas Softball Coaches Association, including nine first-team selections.
Kailyn Hanni, Silver Lake
Riley Mohler, Silver Lake
State champion Silver Lake is represented on the All-Class 3A first team by senior outfielder Kailyn Hanni, junior pitcher Riley Mohler and sophomore infielder Saylor Liggatt.
London Backman, Topeka High
Kenslee Young, Topeka High
Henley Rapp, Washburn Rural
Olivia Koch, Washburn Rural
Topeka High, which finished third in 6A, put sophomore infielder London Backman and junior utility/designated player Kenslee Young on the All-6A first team while Centennial League champ Washburn Rural is represented by senior catcher Henley Rapp and junior outfielder Olivia Koch on the first team.
Aubrey Warren, Seaman
Kenna Perine, Rossville
Seaman senior infielder Aubrey Warren was named to the All-5A first team while Rossville freshman outfielder Kenna Perine was a first-team pick in 2A-1A.
Second-team All-State picks included Topeka High senior Taimane Isaia and juniors Campbell Dawson and Madilyn Poole in 6A, Shawnee Heights senior Cianna Graves, Seaman junior Acey Thompson and sophomore Lydia Dreher in 5A, Silver Lake senior Taylor Swygert and junior Savanah Wende in 3A and Rossville senior Brooke Springer in 2A-1A.
Shawnee Heights senior Addison Cooper and Hayden junior Emberly Connell received all-state honorable mention.
ALL-KANSAS SOFTBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION ALL-STATE
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Over the coming weeks The Jones Project and A1 Lock&Key will sponsor TopSports.news' series of stories recognizing the top senior Shawnee County athletes from the recently completed 2025-2026 school year.
TSN will name girls and boys finalists for the fall, winter and spring seasons, followed by the announcement of the girls and boys athletes of the year for all three seasons.
The project will culminate with the announcement of the overall outstanding girls and boys Shawnee County athletes for 2025-2026.
Six Shawnee County girls teams captured state championships in five sports in '25-26, including a Silver Lake sweep of the Class 3A volleyball, basketball and softball crowns, while Hayden won 4A basketball and put together an undefeated 4A-1A run in soccer and Seaman won the 5A bowling championship by a 358-pin margin.
Washburn Rural's boys won Class 6A team titles in cross country, soccer and baseball while Shawnee Heights won its second 5A state bowling championship in three seasons.
Individually, 10 Shawnee County athletes captured individual state titles, including Washburn Rural senior Cody Spangler in 6A boys bowling, Rural senior Landen Kocher-Munoz in 6A boys wrestling, Seaman senior Brody Anderson in 5A boys track and field and Shawnee Heights senior Cianna Graves in 5A girls wrestling.
TSN will also recognize Washburn University female and male athletes of the year for '25-26 after the Ichabods put together a banner season that included a string of NCAA Tournament appearances.
Next up: The top 10 girls fall finalists.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural star Dylan Willingham has been named the 2025-26 Gatorade Kansas Boys Soccer Player of the Year after helping lead the Junior Blues to the Class 6A state championship last fall.
Dylan Willingham, Washburn Rural
The 6-foot-2, 180-pound senior forward scored 37 goals and recorded seven assists as a senior, breaking the school’s record for single-season and career goals (67).
The two-time Centennial League Player of the Year was the state’s sole 2025-26 United Soccer Coaches All-American in addition to being recognized as the Class 6A forward of the year.
Off the field Willingham has helped to organize and oversee a blood-donation drive on campus while also donating his time as a tutor for district middle-schoolers and as a youth coach at Champions Soccer Camp for the last three summers.
“Dylan is probably the most aggressive and determined attacking player I’ve coached against,” said Blue Valley North coach Skylar Rough in the Gatorade release. “No one exemplifies Washburn’s hard-working style of play better than Dylan.
"Trying to keep him from scoring for 80 or even 100 minutes is nearly impossible. He’s a guy who is going to find his goal (or goals) in any game he plays in no matter the conditions or opponent.”
Also a four-time 6A state medalist in tennis, Willingham has maintained a 4.74 weighted grade point average in the classroom.
He has signed a letter of intent to play soccer at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one state winner from each of the 50 states and Washington D.C., in 12 different sports. A total of 610 high school athletes are honored each year.
From the pool of state winners, one national winner is selected in each of the 12 sports.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Hayden, which posted a perfect season on the way to the Class 4A-1A girls state championship this spring, dominates the TopSports.news 2026 All-City girls soccer team.
The Wildcats, who wrapped up the state title with a 1-0 win over Rose Hill, put a city-high four players on the first team while sweeping the individual awards.
Three-time Hayden All-City first-team pick Carsyn Broxterman has been named the city player of the year for 2026. [File photo/TSN]
Hayden freshman Emma Slyter has been named the city soccer newcomer of the year after helping the undefeated Wildcats win the Class 4A-1A state title. [File photo/TSN]
Hayden senior Carsyn Broxterman, a three-time first-team selection, was named the city player of the year while freshman Emma Slyter was tapped for the newcomer of the year honor and Wildcat coach Klaus Kreutzer was selected as the coach of the year.
Joining Broxterman and Slyter on the All-City first team are seniors Reese Huscher and Kellyn Specht.
Washburn Rural senior Dayne Shriver earned first-team All-City soccer honors for the second straight season. [File photo/TSN]
Washburn Rural, which posted a third-place state finish in 6A, put senior repeat pick Dayne Shriver on the first team along with senior Allie Schroeder and sophomore Ellie Vogel.
Seaman, which earned a share of the championship in the United Kansas Conference, is represented on the All-City team by seniors Ava Huston and Savannah Nelson and junior Julia Molleker.
Topeka West junior Micah Williams is a three-time All-City soccer first-team pick. [File photo/TSN]
Shawnee Heights juniors Nina Bolanos and Brylee Garner both earned first-team berths while Topeka West junior Micah Williams earned her third straight first-team honor in her first season with the Chargers and Cair Paravel Latin senior Kelly Ann Chada rounds out the top team.
ALL-CITY 2026 GIRLS SOCCER
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Twenty city standouts have earned All-State recognition from the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association, including eight first-team picks and two players of the year.
Hayden, which posted an undefeated season on the way to the Class 4A-1A girls state championship, put six players on the All-State first team, including senior forward of the year Carsyn Broxterman and senior midfielder of the year Reese Huscher.
Hayden senior Carsyn Broxterman has been named the Class 4A-1A forward of the year by the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association. [File photo/TSN]
Hayden senior Reese Huscher was named the Class 4A-1A midfielder of the year by the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association. [File photo/TSN]
Wildcat coach Klaus Kreutzer was selected as the 4A-1A coach of the year.
The Wildcats, who wrapped up the state title with a 1-0 win over Rose Hill, also put senior midfielders Grace Funk and Ella Foster on the first team along with senior defender Kellyn Specht and sophomore defender Sawyer Wrench.
Washburn Rural senior forward Allie Schroeder (14) has been named to the All-6A first team after helping lead the Junior Blues to a third-place state finish. [File photo/TSN]
Seaman senior Ava Huston has been named to the All-5A first team by the KHSSCA. [File photo/TSN]
Washburn Rural, which posted a third-place state finish, put senior senior forward Allie Schroeder on the All-6A first team while Seaman senior midfielder Ava Huston was named to the All-5A first team.
Rural senior defenders Dayne Shriver and Emma Wong were named to the All-6A second team along with junior midfielder Emery Hall and sophomore midfielder Ellie Vogel.
Topeka West junior Micah Williams was named to the All-5A second team by the KHSSCA. [File photo/TSN]
Topeka West junior Micah Williams has been named to the All-5A second team along with Seaman senior forward Savannah Nelson and junior forward Julia Molleker.
Cair Paravel Latin senior forward KellyAnn Chada earned second-team All-4A-1A recognition.
Seaman seniors Maya Martin and Parker Ayres received all-state honorable mention in 5A while Cair Paravel seniors Avry Stafford and Hemi Duehring received honorable mention in 4A-1A.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Undefeated Class 4A-1A state champion Hayden dominated voting for the 2026 All-Centennial League girls soccer team, including a sweep of the three individual awards.
Hayden senior Carsyn Broxterman has been named the Centennial League girls soccer player of the year after helping lead the Wildcats to an undefeated Class 4A-1A state championship. [File photo/TSN]
Hayden freshman Emma Slyter has been named the Centennial League soccer newcomer of the year after helping the Wildcats win the Class 4A-1A state title. [File photo/TSN]
Wildcat senior Carsyn Broxterman was named the Centennial League player of the year while Hayden freshman Emma Slyter was selected as the newcomer of the year and veteran coach Klaus Kreutzer was named the league coach of the year.
Joining Broxterman and Slyter on the first team are Hayden seniors Reese Huscher and Kellyn Specht.
Washburn Rural, which posted a third-place finish in 6A, put seniors Allie Schroeder and Dayne Shriver and sophomore Ellie Vogel on the All-Centennial first team while Topeka High is represented by senior Raelee Shipley.
Hayden put seniors Ella Foster and Grace Funk and sophomores Avery Becker and Hailey Schmidtlein on the all-league second team while Rural is represented by seniors Peyton Merrick and Emma Wong and junior Emery Hall and Topeka High by sophomore Emma Schell.
Five city players received honorable mention.
ALL-CENTENNIAL LEAGUE GIRLS SOCCER
First team
Lauren Booe, jr., Manhattan; Carsyn Broxterman, sr., Hayden; Kameron Felice, sr., Manhattan; Reagan Herrman, so., Emporia; Reese Huscher, sr., Hayden; Emersyn Johnson, jr., Emporia; Allie Schroeder, sr., Washburn Rural; Raelee Shipley, sr., Topeka High; Dayne Shriver, sr., Washburn Rural; Emma Slyter, fr., Hayden; Kellyn Specht, sr., Hayden; Ellie Vogel, so., Washburn Rural.
Second team
Avery Becker, so., Hayden; Ella Foster, sr., Hayden; Viveca Fuller, sr., Emporia; Grace Funk, sr., Hayden; Emery Hall, jr., Washburn Rural; Savanna Heitmann, so., Manhattan; Peyton Merrick, sr., Washburn Rural; Emma Schell, so., Topeka High; Hailey Schmidtlein, so., Hayden; Evelyn Thornburg, sr., Manhattan; Emma Wong, sr., Washburn Rural.
Honorable mention
Emporia: Madison Evans, jr.; Emma Swindle, sr. Hayden:Sawyer Wrench, so. Junction City: Michell Sykora, jr. Manhattan: Ava Connell, jr.; Avarye Meeker, so.; Lexie Oehme, fr. Topeka High: Natalie Barnes, sr.; Hailey Caryl, so.; Sara Valera Lopez-Pintor, jr. Washburn Rural: Brecken Murphy, sr.
Player of the year -- Carsyn Broxterman, Hayden.
Newcomer of the year -- Emma Slyter, Hayden.
Coach of the year -- Klaus Kreutzer, Hayden.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Class 3A state champion Silver Lake put a county-high four players on the 2026 TopSports.news All-Shawnee County softball first team, while Seaman senior Aubrey Warren and Washburn Rural junior Oliva Koch were named the co-players of the year and Rossville freshman Kenna Perine was named the newcomer of the year.
Seaman senior Aubrey Warren has been named the co-Shawnee County softball player of the year. [File photo/TSN]
Washburn Rural junior Olivia Koch has been named the co-Shawnee County softball player of the year for 2026. [File photo/TSN]
Rossville freshman Kenna Perine has been selected as the 2026 Shawnee County softball newcomer of the year. [File photo/TSN]
Silver Lake, which finished off a 28-4 season with a 4-0 win over Southeast-Saline in the state championship game, is represented on the all-county first team by seniors Kailyn Hanni and Paige Heiman, junior Riley Mohler and sophomore Saylor Liggatt while Eagles coach Nick Hamilton received Shawnee County coach of the year recognition for the third straight season.
Warren was named the United Kansas Conference player of the year for the second straight season while Koch was a repeat pick as the Centennial League player of the year.
London Backman, Topeka High
Topeka High, which finished third in 6A, is represented on the first team by sophomore London Backman and juniors Campbell Dawson and Kenslee Young while 2A quarterfinalist Rossville put senior Brooke Springer and sophomore Nora Mitchell on the first team.
Joining Koch on the first team for Washburn Rural are senior Henley Rapp and junior Justice McBurney while Warren is joined on the first team by Seaman teammate Lydia Dreher.
Shawnee Heights put seniors Addison Cooper and Cianna Graves on the first team while Hayden is represented by junior Emberly Connell and sophomore Blakely Walter.
Backman, Hanni, Warren, Koch and Rapp are all all-county first-team repeat picks.
2026 ALL-SHAWNEE COUNTY SOFTBALL
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Recent Hayden graduate Ella Foster brought down the curtain on her outstanding multi-sport career Saturday night in Washburn University's Whiting Fieldhouse... but not before adding a couple of final highlights.
Hayden multi-sport star Ella Foster helped lead the Red to a 4-1 win over the Blue in Saturday's KVA All-Star Match in Whiting Fieldhouse. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Foster, who helped lead the Wildcats to two state team titles and a runnerup finish as a senior, helped the Red post a 4-1 win over the Blue in the Kansas Volleyball Association's 40th annual All-Star Match while also receiving the Judy Bellamo Most Inspirational Player Award.
Foster contributed a team high 19 digs and also added three consecutive service aces in the fifth set as the Red took a 25-23, 21-25, 25-22, 25-19, 15-6 victory over the Blue.
It was a fitting farewell to competitive athletics before Foster heads off to Kansas State this fall.
"This is it,'' Foster said. "It was nice to have one final hurrah, one last game. It was really fun and I got to play with some of my best friends.
"I think I will (miss it), but I know I spent my time well. I'm really glad I did it, but we'll see what the future asks. I think it's time and I'm really excited I did it and I'm really happy and I'll still probably be around the sport. I'm coaching next year (for Topeka Impact) so I'm really excited about that.''
Foster's appearance in Saturday's All-Star Match came exactly one week after she helped the Wildcats finish off an undefeated season with the Class 4A-1A state soccer championship.
Foster admitted that she was a little rusty when she reported for KVA practice, but was able to quickly round into volleyball shape.
"It took a minute,'' Foster said. "Practice was rough for sure, but I think once I got on the court and just being on the stage it really was just like a switch flips in my brain and I'm like, 'Oh, it's go time.'
"I was ready to go. I was excited.''
Hayden Meats (Gardner-Edgerton) High School led the Red with 12 kills while
both Jade Xu (Emporia) and Katharine Engle (Halstead) added nine
kills each.
Washburn Rural product Stella Kelly contributed 24 assists in the Red's 4-1 win in Saturday's KVA All-Star Match. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Washburn Rural product Stella Kelly (Washburn Rural) led the Red in
assists with 24, followed by Neely Leathers (Olathe West) with 18.
Silver Lake product Paige Heiman (3) celebrates a block with her Red teammates in Saturday's KVA All-Star Match. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Delaney Childs (Nickerson) led the Red with five blocks while Olivia Nzioki (Mill Valley) and Silver Lake's Paige Heiman added four each.
Engle led the Red in aces with four.
Cami Sher (Olathe West) led the Blue in kills with 14, while Brynna Zoeller (Rock Creek) led the Blue with 22 assists.
Shawnee Heights product Avery Willey had 16 digs for the Blue in Saturday's KVA All-Star Match. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Carlie Pandjaris (Blue Valley West) had 20 digs, with Shawnee Heights product Avery Willey adding 16.
Pandjaris contributed three service aces.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural senior player of the year Aidan Newbery headlines the TopSports.news 2026 All-Shawnee County baseball team.
Washburn Rural senior catcher Aidan Newbery has been named the Shawnee County Player of the Year after helping lead Rural to the Class 6A state championship. [Photo by Selena Rivas Favela/TSN]
Newbery, a catcher, helped lead the Junior Blues to the Class 6A state championship last Saturday in Wichita, Rural's first baseball state championship in 74 years.
Newbery, who was also named the Centennial League player of the year, is joined on the all-county first team by senior teammates Austin Ditch and Nate Selm and junior Tyler Edmiston while Washburn Rural coach Jay Mastin was named the coach of the year after the Junior Blues posted a 22-9 record, capped by a 4-3 win over Free State in the 6A title game.
Connor Hanika, Hayden
Kade Mitchell, Hayden
Class 4A runnerup Hayden (21-6) is represented on the first team by seniors Connor Hanika, Kade Mitchell and Aiden Roberts and junior Caleb Menke while 5A runnerup Shawnee Heights (21-10) put seniors Brody Cooper and Cayden Lindsay on the all-county team and T-Bird sophomore Gabe Escobar has been tapped as the county newcomer of the year.
Brody Cooper, Shawnee Heights
Silver Lake, the 3A runnerup at 18-12, put senior Drew Womack on the first team while Rossville (25-5), third in 2A-1A, is represented by the senior trio of Jacoby McDonnell, Canann Mitchell and Cameron Miller and Seaman put juniors Axton Brewer and Beau Jessop on the first team.
Brewer, Ditch, Menke, Miller, Canann Mitchell, Kade Mitchell and Selm are all first-team All-Shawnee County repeat picks while Cooper, Edmiston, Hanika, Roberts and Womack move up from the second team and Lindsay received honorable mention last season.
Axton Brewer, Seaman
Brewer received 5A All-State first-team honors from Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches while Womack was a first-team pick in 3A and Miller and Canann Mitchell earned first-team honors in 2A-1A.
Canann Mitchell, Rossville
Newbery was a second-team pick in 6A, Jessop a second-team selection in 5A, Hanika and Kade Mitchell second team in 4A and McDonnell second team in 2A-1A.
2026 ALL-SHAWNEE COUNTY BASEBALL
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Four former Shawnee County high school volleyball standouts are scheduled to play in the 2026 Kansas Volleyball Association All-Star Match at 5 p.m. Saturday in Washburn University's Whiting Fieldhouse.
Ella Foster, Hayden [File photo/TSN]
Avery Willey, Shawnee Heights [File photo/TSN]
Silver Lake's Paige Heiman, Hayden's Ella Foster and Washburn Rural's Stella Kelly will play for the Red team while Shawnee Heights' Avery Willey will play for the Blue.
Paige Heiman, Silver Lake [Photo by KSHSAA Covered]
Stelly Kelly, Washburn Rural [File photo/TSN]
Silver Lake captured the Class 3A state championship last fall while Hayden was the 4A runnerup and Washburn Rural advanced to the 6A state tournament.
The players selected were first nominated by their high school coaches (who must be KVA members), and then recommended by a committee to fill the squads based on achievements, positions, classifications, collegiate plans and availability.
KVA ALL-STAR MATCH
BLUE
Carlie Pandjaris, Blue Valley West; Kyndal Moore, Ellinwood; Brooke Doile, McPherson; Cami Sher, Olathe West; Jadence Stewart, Greeley County; Avery Willey, Shawnee Heights; Ava Smith, Valley Heights; Jaden Goldberg, Blue Valley North; Emerson Waldren, Buhler; Reese Stuhlsatz, Garden Plain; Brynna Zoeller, Rock Creek; Emma Parker, Olathe Northwest.
Coaches -- Head: David Schuler, Jefferson County North. Assistants: Alli Snapp, Rock Creek; Nicole Jones, Manhattan.
RED
Ella Foster, Hayden; Arika Feldman, Little River; Olivia Nzioki, Mill Valley; Paige Heiman, Silver Lake; Regan Widener, Ellinwood; Ava Romero, McPherson; Jade Xu, Emporia; Hayden Meats, Gardner Edgerton; Katharine Engel, Halstead; Elyse Haxton, Ellsworth; Stella Kelly, Washburn Rural; Neely Leathers, Olathe West; Delaney Childs, Nickerson.
Coaches -- Head: Kristel Bontrager, Holton. Assistants: Amy Bott, Linn; Shannon Funk, Hays.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
State champions Brody Anderson of Seaman, Christian Hartman-Babb of Washburn Rural and Landen Lewis of Rossville headline the 2026 All-Shawnee County boys track and field team.
Brody Anderson posted a state championship and two runnerup finishes in the Class 5A state track meet. [File photo/TSN]
Washburn Rural junior Christian Hartman-Babb won the Class 6A state 100 meters title and finished second in the 200. [File photo/TSN]
Rossville sophomore Landen Lewis won the 2026 Class 2A-1A state title in the javelin. [Submitted photo]
Anderson, a senior, won the Class 5A 800 meters in a 5A meet-record time of 1 minute, 52.08 seconds after finishing second in the 3,200 (9:05.70) and the 1,600 (4:12.48) earlier in the meet.
Junior Hartman-Babb won the 6A 100-meter dash in 10.59 seconds and finished second on a photo-finish in the 200 (21.40) while sophomore Lewis captured the 2A javelin championship at 181-9.
Anderson finished his season as the Shawnee County leader in the 800, the 1,600 (4:08.2 converted from mile) and 3,200 while Hartman-Babb led the county in the 100 (10.36) and 200 and Lewis had a county-best performance of 202-9 in the javelin.
Washburn Rural senior Brooks Kehoe finished second in the Class 6A 1,600 meters in last week's state meet. [File photo/TSN]
Washburn Rural senior Brooks Kehoe was the 6A runnerup in the 1,600 (4:22.04) while the Silver Lake foursome of senior Thomas Fisher, junior Owen Rottinghaus, senior Joel Miller and senior Braxton Rupp finished second in the 4x100 relay (43.14) and the Eagles' Rottinghaus, Fisher, Miller and sophomore Jake Workman placed third in the 4x400 relay (3:28.56).
Shawnee Heights senior Jason Slay finished third in the 5A 400 (49.51) and teamed with senior Xavier Fisher and juniors Dallas Owens and Mason Haas to place fourth in 4x400 relay (3:25.32).
Anderson, Hartman-Babb, Kehoe, Miller and Rupp are all first-team All-Shawnee County repeat picks along with Seaman junior high-jump state placer Jack Esser and Washburn Rural seniors Draden Chooncharoen and Liam Morrison.
Chooncharoen and Morrison missed the postseason with injuries, but the two ran on back-to-back 4x400 state-champion relay teams in 2024 and 2025, including a 6A state meet record in '25, while Morrison also won the 300 hurdles in '25.
Washburn Rural senior Liam Morrison won three Class 6A state titles during his high school career. [File photo/TSN]
Also earning spots on the all-county first team were Rural sophomore Zach Hancock, Rossville junior Charles Chance, Cair Paravel senior Lucas Marichal, Hayden junior Kelton Meier, Highland Park senior Termaine Savage and Washburn Rural junior Cohen Thiessen.
Highland Park senior Termaine Savage earned a Class 5A state medal in the 400-meter dash. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Thiessen, Hancock, Marichal and Savage were state medalists while Meier was a state qualifier.
ALL-SHAWNEE COUNTY 2026 BOYS TRACK AND FIELD
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Shawnee County girls track and filed athletes came up short in their bids for state titles in the 2026 Kansas Track and Field Championships last weekend in Wichita, but the local contingent still had plenty to celebrate, including multiple top-three finishes and 13 total top-eight medal showings in four classes overall.
Washburn Rural senior Morgan Ray finished second in the Class 6A javelin event for the second straight season. [Photo by Brent Maycock/KSHSAA Covered]
Hayden junior Sofia Harper was the Class 4A runnerup in the 400-meter dash. [File photo/TSN]
Washburn Rural senior Morgan Ray was the state runnerup in the Class 6A javelin at 145 feet, 1 inch, while Hayden junior Sofia Harper finished second in the 4A 400-meter dash while posting a top time of 58.83.
Washburn Rural junior Kailyn Petersen placed fourth in the Class 6A discus for the second straight season. [File photo/TSN]
Silver Lake junior Ali Gerber was a double medalist in the Class 3A state track meet. [File photo/TSN]
Silver Lake senior multi-sport star Kailyn Hanni posted a third-place finish in the 3A javelin (129-7) while Washburn Rural junior repeat 6A medalist Kailyn Petersen was fourth in the discus (133-2), Seaman freshman Baylee Ayres was fourth in the 5A high jump (5-foot-2) and Silver Lake junior Ali Gerber finished fourth in the 3A 400 (58.75) while also teaming with Eagle teammates Kinley Weber, Jaylie Whitehead and Karys Deiter to place fifth in the 4x400-meter relay (4:09.64).
Washburn Rural freshman Alyson Hinck (3) earned a pair of Class 6A state medals in her first state track meet. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Washburn Rural freshman Alyson Hinck posted a fifth-place finish in the 6A 800 (2:18.43) while Shawnee Heights freshman Tanesia Johnson earned medals with sixth-place finishes in both the 5A 100 and 200-meter dashes.
Washburn Rural's Ray and Petersen and senior state medalists Emily Graf and Kenzie Maddox are all all-county repeat picks along with Seaman juniors Kinley Robinson and Brynn Spencer, Topeka High senior Keimara Marshall and Silver Lake's Gerber and Deiter.
Also earning spots on the first team are Hayden junior Alana Mitchell, Silver Lake junior Addy Just and Washburn Rural freshman Clara Dillon, who all earned state medals, along with seniors Jurnee Cole of Highland Park, Jayana Washington of Topeka High and Journey Manhart of Silver Lake.
ALL-SHAWNEE COUNTY 2026 GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Twelve Shawnee County baseball players and one coach have received All-State recognition from the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches.
Leading the county contingent are first-team selections Axton Brewer of Seaman in Class 5A, Drew Womack of Silver Lake in 3A and Cameron Miller of Rossville and Canann Mitchell in 2A-1A, while Bulldawg coach Kenny Swart was named the 2A-1A state coach of the year.
Brewer was an All-5A first-team pick as the utility player while Womack was the All-3A first-team first baseman and Miller was an All-2A-1A first-team pitcher and Mitchell a first-team infielder.
Womack helped lead Silver Lake to a runnerup finish in 3A while Miller and Mitchell helped Rossville finish third in 2A-1A.
Class 6A state champion Washburn Rural put senior catcher Aidan Newbery on the All-6A second team while Junior Blues junior Tyler Edmiston received All-6A honorable mention.
Seaman junior Beau Jessop was named to the All-5A second team as a middle infielder.
Hayden, the 4A runnerup, put senior pitcher Connor Hanika and senior outfielder Kade Mitchell on the All-4A second team while junior Caleb Menke received honorable mention at third base.
Rossville senior outfielder Jakoby McDonnell was a second-team All-2A-1A pick and junior pitcher Cael Horgan received honorable mention.
Swart was named the 2A-1A coach of the year after leading the Bulldawgs to a 25-5 record and the third-place state finish.
KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF BASEBALL COACHES
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
GIRLS
100 METERS
Tanesia Johnson, Shawnee Heights 12.27
Ciera Hartz, Topeka High 12.51
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 12.57
Karys Deiter, Silver Lake 12.59
Jurnee Cole, Highland Park 12.63
200 METERS
Tanesia Johnson, Shawnee Heights 25.13
Jurnee Cole, Highland Park 26.04
Sofia Harper, Hayden 26.40
Ciera Hartz, Topeka High 26.48
Jaylie Whitehead, Silver Lake 26.72
Ali Gerber, Silver Lake
400 METERS
Ali Gerber, Silver Lake 58.48
Sofia Harper, Hayden 58.83
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 59.07
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural 60.13
Julia Molleker, Seaman 61.88
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural (3)
800 METERS
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural 2:16.83
Kinley Robinson, Seaman 2:20.45
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 2:20.86
Ryin Miller, Seaman 2:23.65
Itzel Woods, Topeka High 2:31.24
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural
1,600 METERS
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 5:13.49
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural 5:14.04
Brynn Spencer, Seaman 5:15.09
Kenzie Maddox, Washburn Rural 5:17.54
Kinley Robinson, Seaman 5:22.98
3,200 METERS
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 11:06.46
Kenzie Maddox, Washburn Rural 11:18.10
Brynn Spencer, Seaman 11:27.63
Reese Beardslee, Washburn Rural 11:34.94
Lily McCoy, Washburn Rural 14:09.97
100-METER HURDLES
Karys Deiter, Silver Lake 15.70
Rylee Dick, Rossville 16.44
Marchayla White, Topeka High 17.74
Megan Alderson, Washburn Rural 18.14
Kaylyn Smith, Topeka West 18.23
300-METER HURDLES
Rylee Dick, Rossville 50.00
Marchayla White, Topeka High 51.34
Megan Alderson, Washburn Rural 51.60
Journey Manhart, Silver Lake 53.33
Avery Villines, Seaman 54.18
4x100-METER RELAY
Topeka High 49.60
Silver Lake 49.63
Washburn Rural 50.53
Seaman 51.42
Topeka West 52.33
4x400-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 4:06.84
Silver Lake 4:07.17
Topeka High 4:10.27
Seaman 4:11.72
Topeka West 4:26.38
4x800-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 9:58.99
Topeka High 10:39.23
Seaman 11:17.22
Silver Lake 11:18.38
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
BOYS
100 METERS
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 10.36
Malachi Murph, Topeka High 10.91
Braxton Rupp, Silver Lake 10.96
Emmitt Hochstedler, Seaman 10.98
Israel Edmonds, Washburn Rural 11.02
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural
200 METERS
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 21.40
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural 22.30
Jayden Lindsey, Topeka West 22.34
Joel Miller, Silver Lake 22.59
Jonel Tibbs, Topeka High 22.60
400 METERS
Jason Slay, Shawnee Heights 48.85
Termaine Savage, Highland Park 49.89
Draden Chooncharoen, Washburn Rural 50.25
Joel Miller, Silver Lake 50.68
Thomas Fisher, Silver Lake 51.28
Brody Anderson, Seaman
800 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 1:52.08
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 1:56.64
Cohen Thiessen, Washburn Rural 1:56.96
Mason Haas, Shawnee Heights 2:02.62
Everett Un, Washburn Rural 2:03.26
1,600 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 4:08.2 (mile converted to meters)
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 4:20.32
Cohen Thiessen, Washburn Rural 4:24.35
Nick Newkirk, Hayden 4:27.18
Duke Graf, Washburn Rural 4:32.87
3,200 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 9:05.70
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 9:23.61
Henry Laubach, Washburn Rural 9:24.34
Jaxson Adams, Washburn Rural 9:42.46
Clayton Fink, Washburn Rural 9:42.94
110-METER HURDLES
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural 14.07
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 15.31
Isiah Pennington, Seaman 15.49
Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park 15.54
De'sean Lunkins, Topeka High 15.85
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural
300-METER HURDLES
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural 37.61
Isiah Pennington, Seaman 41.72
Jackson Tuckwin, Washburn Rural 42.01
Kellan Parcaro, Seaman 42.03
Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park 42.09
4x100-METER RELAY
Topeka High 42.20
Washburn Rural 42.77
Highland Park 42.80
Silver Lake 42.95
Seaman 43.03
4x400-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 3:21.82
Shawnee Heights 3:21.91
Silver Lake 3:28.28
Highland Park 3:28.48
Topeka West 3:29.56
4x800-METER RELAY
Seaman 8:16.32
Washburn Rural 8:16.60
Shawnee Heights 8:24.81
Silver Lake 8:35.28
Topeka High 9:09.82
HIGH JUMP
Jack Esser, Seaman 6-4
Bryson Burgos, Silver Lake 6-0
Archer Greene, Seaman 5-10
Creighton Frisby, Washburn Rural 5-8
Sebastian Kingcade, Washburn Rural 5-8
Cody Quy, Seaman 5-8
POLE VAULT
Keygan Breault, Silver Lake 12-0
Sam Bruntz, Silver Lake 11-6
Luke Deering, Washburn Rural 11-6
Sawyer Hermesch, Silver Lake 10-0
Desmond Grindol, Washburn Rural 10-0
LONG JUMP
Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park 21-2.25
Josh Brown, Seaman 21-0.50
Owen Rottinghaus, Silver Lake 21-0
Joel Miller, Silver Lake 20-8
Lucas Marichal, Topeka High/CPLS 20-7.25
TRIPLE JUMP
Lucas Marichal, Topeka High/CPLS 42-9.25
Cody Quy, Seaman 42-8.50
Bryson Burgos, Silver Lake 42-2.50
Camden Kruger, Silver Lake 41-7.75
Abe Heffley, Seaman 40-5.25
SHOT PUT
Charles Chance, Rossville 50-5
Amir Bass, Shawnee Heights 48-4.25
Sam Scott, Washburn Rural 47-7
Adrian Shuler, Shawnee Heights 46-7
Kelton Meier, Hayden 46-2,50
DISCUS
Zachary Hancock, Washburn Rural 163-4
Myles Fisher, Silver Lake 158-3
Sam Garner, Shawnee Heights 156-4
Adam Humphrey, Topeka High 148-8
Kelton Meier, Hayden 142-10
JAVELIN
Landon Lewis, Rossville 202-9
Kelton Meier, Hayden 196-6
Jackson Haas, Hayden 175-11
Andre Johnson, Rossville 170-5
Dylan Tjachman, Washburn Rural 169-11
The 2026 All-Shawnee County boys golf team: From left -- Evan Michalski, Seaman; Chase Hastert, Topeka High/Cair Paravel Latin; Caleb Cleverdon, Topeka High/Cair Paravel Latin; Peyton Goehring, Washburn Rural; Higgins Hawks, Washburn Rural; Michael Wilson, Washburn Rural; Wyatt Dean, Washburn Rural. Not pictured: Jack Donovan, Rossville. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Eight state qualifiers, including three state medalists and four members of a Washburn Rural team that won its 16th straight city championship, comprise the 2026 All-Shawnee County boys golf team.
Caleb Cleverdon, who competed for Cair Paravel Latin in the postseason and Topeka High in the regular season, finished a county-high second in last week's Class 2A state tournament while Rossville senior Jack Donovan, a three-time all-county first-team selection and four-time state medalist, finished fifth in 2A and CPLS sophomore Chase Hastert placed 17th.
Washburn Rural, which won its 16th straight city team championship, is represented on the All-Shawnee County team by senior repeat pick Higgins Hawks, senior city champion Peyton Goehring, senior Michael Wilson and sophomore Wyatt Dean.
Rounding out the first team is Seaman senior Evan Michalski, a 5A individual qualifier with a tie for sixth place at regionals after tying for fourth in the United Kansas Conference tournament.
All-Shawnee County capsules:
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural junior Olivia Koch was a repeat selection as the Centennial League softball player of the year as city players earned eight of 11 first-team spots.
Washburn Rural junior Olivia Koch has been named the Centennial League softball player of the year for the second straight season. [File photo/TSN]
Koch is joined on the all-league first team by senior Henley Rapp and junior Justice McBurney after the Junior Blues went undefeated in league play while Topeka High, third in Class 6A, is represented by sophomore London Backman and juniors Campbell Dawson and Kenslee Young and Hayden by junior Emberly Connell and sophomore Blakeley Walter.
Topeka High's Shane Miles was voted the Centennial League coach of the year while Mamhattan's Foveaux was named the newcomer of the year.
City players combined to put seven players on the second team while 10 players received honorable mention.
ALL-CENTENNIAL LEAGUE SOFTBALL
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural girls soccer earned its 11th straight top-three state finish Saturday in Wichita, rolling to an 8-0 win over Gardner City in the third-place game.
Washburn Rural girls soccer celebrates its third-place Class 6A state finish Saturday. [Washburn Rural soccer]
Washburn Rural girls soccer beat Garden City 8-0 Saturday to post its 11th straight top-three Class 6A finish. [Washburn Rural Athletics]
Rural, which finished the season 14-7 ended the game early by way of the eight-goal spread rule.
The Junior Blues got goals from eight different players -- seniors Peyton Merrick and Dayne Shriver, juniors Emery Hall, Amaya Herl, Khloe Hillmer and Brooklyn Rutherford, sophomore Natalia Carey and freshman Amelia Nerius.
Shriver also had two assists for the Junior Blues, who also got assists from juniors Ellie Vogel and Kinsley Freeman and freshman Lauren Omitt.
Junior Abbie Wanamaker and freshman Preslee Goehring combined for the shutout in goal for Rural.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
With Washburn Rural baseball on the verge of ending a 74-year-old title drought on Saturday in the Class 6A championsip game at Wichita State's Eck Stadium, Junior Blues senior catcher Aidan Newbery came through with a play that lived up to the moment.
Washburn Rural celebrates its first state baseball title in 74 years with a dogpile at Eck Stadium after Saturday's 4-3 win over Free State. [Photo by Selena Favela/TSN]
With the Junior Blues nursing a 4-3 lead with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning and Free State's potential game-tying run at third base, Rural senior relief pitcher Isaac Ansley's pitch temporarily got away from Newbery and Firebird senior Eli Berns darted towards home in attempt to knot the score.
Washburn Rural senior catcher Aidan Newbery tags out the runner at the plate to clinch Washburn Rural's Class 6A state baseball championship Saturday in Wichita. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]
The umpire calls the play at the plate to end Washburn Rural's 4-3 win over Free State in the Class 6A state championship game. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]
Washburn Rural senior catcher Aidan Newbery and pitcher Issac Ainsley celebrate the ending of Saturday's 4-3 win over Free State in the Class 6A championship game. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]
But Newbery made the play of the day, corraling the ball as it rolled away and diving back towards home plate to apply the tag on Bern, ending the game and giving the Junior Blues the state title they had coveted for so, so long.
"I saw the ball right next to me and I knew I just needed to run as hard as I could and how it happened, no matter what,'' Newbery said. "All I did was just hold onto it as hard as I could and then just make a play. I figured I was closer (than Ansley) and I knew I wanted it so I just took it. Words can't desribe how amazing this is.''
"I thought it was going to be close, but when you think of these games and you dream about them, that's not the play that you think it ends on for sure,'' Washburn Rural coach Jay Mastin said.
Washburn Rural, which finished its season 22-8, took control of the championship game in the very first inning, scoring three runs on two hits, a walk and a Firebird error to go in front 3-0.
Newbery had the big blow in the inning, blasting a two-run double, before Washburn Rural junior Dominic Nimz plated the third run of the inning with a sacrifice fly.
Free State (26-5) got on the board in the bottom of the first on a run-scoring single from junior Ferris Dinkel but Washburn Rural made it a 4-1 game in the fourth, with an RBI single from senior Austin Ditch scoring junior Trenton Gray, who opened the inning with a walk.
By CHARLES SPURLOCK
Special to TopSports.news
WICHITA -- After rain postponed Thursday's games, Washburn Rural baseball faced top seed Maize in Friday's Class 6A state semifinal at Eck Stadium on the campus of Wichita State.
And the Junior Blues took full advantage of their opportunity, riding strong pitching and timely hitting to a 6-2 win over No. 1 seed Maize and a berth in Saturday's championship game against Free State.
Washburn Rural celebrates Friday's 6-2 Class 6A semifinal victory over top seed Maize at Eck Stadium. [Photo by Selena Rivas Favela/TSN]
The Junior Blues will be looking for their first state baseball title since winning the Class B championship 74 years ago in 1952.
Washburn Rural got solid starting pitching from junior Tyler Edmiston and a shut-down relief effort from fellow junior Preston Bahr as the Junior Blues were able to hold the Eagles to only four hits and two runs in the contest.
Senior catcher Aidan Newbery helped spark Washburn Rural's offense in Friday's 6-2 Class 6A semifinal victory over Maize. [Photo by Selena Rivas Favela/TSN]
The Rural offense provided timely hitting and was led by its 2-3-4 hitters -- seniors Nate Selm, Austin Ditch and Aidan Newbery -- who combined for five hits, three runs and five runs batted in.
The first two innings was dominated by both starting pitchers, Edmiston of Washburn Rural and junior Quincy Koehn of Maize.
Washburn Rural was able to get on the board in the top of the third inning, thanks to a two-out rally started with a double off the bat of Selm.
Ditch followed with another double, scoring Selm, when the Maize right-fielder misplayed the flyball.
Maize responded in the bottom half of the inning by capitalizing on a one-out error and a hit batter to put runners at first and second.
On a ground ball to the third baseman, he attempted to turn an inning-ending double play, but the second baseman lost control of the ball on the transfer which allowed the tying run to score, making the contest 1-1 after three innings.
After a scoreless fourth inning, Washburn Rural broke the game open with three runs, all coming with two outs.
Ditch hit a two-run triple to right field, which was immediately followed by a RBI double by Newbery, making the score 4-1.
Once again, the Eagles responded in the bottom of the fifth with a run on a double by senior Christopher Hadley.
But with two outs, Rural junior left-fielder Dominic Nimz made a run-saving, diving catch to keep the score at 4-2.
In the top of the sixth, the Junior Blues were able to get two insurance runs, both unearned, on an error by Maize's third baseman and on Ditch’s fourth RBI of the game on a sacrifice fly, extending the lead to 6-2.
Ditch commented on his big day at the plate with a double, triple and four RBI.
“It was lovely,'' Ditch said. "Good to get a win. First time in the championship since 1952, so it feels great. Being able to help out my team was amazing.
“I feel like we have a great chance. We have great ballplayers and the energy is at an all-time high. We’ll be ready.”
Bahr came on in relief for Washburn Rural in the sixth inning and retired all six Eagle batters he faced, shutting the door and sending the Junior Blues to the title game.
“It was a gutsy win and performance by a lot of kids,'' Washburn Rural coach Jay Mastin said. "Tyler (Edmiston) gave us five strong innings, left with the lead, and Preston (Bahr) came in and finished it off. We got some big hits when we needed to.”
The Eagles' starting pitcher made it difficult on the Junior Blues the first time through the order, but the bats came alive the second time through the order.
“We didn’t really have an answer the first time through the order, didn’t put too many balls in play, but we made the adjustments and took advantage of it.”
Washburn Rural (21-8) will face Free State (26-4) in the championship game, with the Firebirds advancing with a 3-2 win over Shawnee Mission South.
The 6A championship game on Saturday will start about 25 minutes following the conclusion of the 5A final, which will get under way at 10 a.m.
“It will be a tough battle and we’re looking forward to coaching this group for one more game,'' Mastin said. "I’m excited for them that all the hard work they’ve put in has paid off and they get to play for a state championship.”
WASHBURN RURAL 6, MAIZE 2
Washburn Rural (21-8) 001 032 0 -- 6 8 1
Maize (27-3) 001 010 0 -- 2 4 1
Edmiston, Bahr (6) and Newbery. Koehn, Brungardt (5), Short (6) and Jennings. W -- Edmiston. L -- Koehn. S -- Bahr. 2B -- Washburn Rural: Selm, Ditch, Newberry. Maize: Short, Hadley. 3B -- Washburn Rural: Ditch.
By CHARLES SPURLOCK
Special to TopSports.news
WICHITA -- The 2026 state track and field championships began early on Friday morning in and around Crossland Stadium, formerly known as Cessna Stadium, on the campus of Wichita State University.
The morning session included Class 4A, 5A and 6A competing in preliminaries along with a few finals in the 3,200 meter run and various field events.
The morning began with the finals in the 3,200 meter races in 4A, 5A and 6A. There were also several field events where local athletes competed going on throughout the first session of the day.
Seaman senior Brody Anderson began his three-event state meet bid with a runnerup finish in Friday's Class 5A 3,200-meter run. [File photo/TSN]
The 5A boys race saw Seaman senior Brody Anderson locked in another battle with fellow senior Daniel Enriquez of Kapaun Mt. Carmel.
Enriquez was able to pull away over the last two laps to win the race in a meet-record- breaking time of 8 minutes, 59.18 seconds. Anderson ran a personal best of 9:05.70, only three-10ths of a second off the meet record as well.
Anderson commented on his second-place finish and the outstanding move by Enriquez late in the race.
“I knew the move was coming, especially if I took it out early,'' Anderson said. "I felt really comfortable over the first six laps, then I felt him making his move. Once he passed me, he was full speed, props to him, he’s a great runner.
"It was a great race and better than I could have ever expected -- running a personal best by six seconds in only my sixth 3,200 of my life.”
Anderson is now looking forward to the two races against Enriquez that will take place on Saturday -- the 1.600 and 800 meter races.
Other local results:
By CHARLES SPURLOCK
Special to TopSports.news
WICHITA -- The final day of the 2026 Kansas state track and field championships got underway on Saturday morning with the final track preliminary races as the 100 meters started at 8:30 a.m. on the campus of Wichita State University and due to two lengthy weather-related suspensions, the meet finally concluded around 11 p.m. Saturday night.
The marathon final day of competition produced three local boys state champions, with Washburn Rural junior Christian Hartman-Babb winning the Class 6A 100-meter dash, Seaman senior Brody Anderson winning the 5A 800 and Rossville sophomore Landen Lewis earning the title in the 2A javelin.
Seaman senior Brody Anderson ended his high school career with the Class 5A state 800 meters championship Saturday night in Wichita. [File photo/TSN]
Anderson capped his outstanding track and cross country career for the Vikings with his first career state title after finishing second to Kapaun Mt. Carmel star Daniel Enriquez in the 3,200 and 1,600 earlier in the weekend.
After finishing finished second in the 3,200 meters Friday morning, Anderson finished second to Enriquez again in the 5A boys 1,600 meters with a time of 4 minutes,12.48 seconds.
Following Saturday's first weather delay, the duo faced one another again in the 800 meters.
In a race where 15 of the 18 runners had qualifying times under two minutes, the competition was going to be at a high level.
Anderson didn’t go immediately to the lead and after the first 400 meters, sitting in fifth place.
“I went into the race trying to play it tactical to see how the field spread out before I made my move, rather than taking the race from the lead like I did in the 3,200 and 1,600 races,'' Anderson said. "After 400 meters, I was trapped against the rail, but I found a gap and took off and never looked back.”
He came all the way back and won the race in a personal best time of 1:52.08, finishing ahead of junior Nathan Webb of Valley Center (1:52.78) and Enriquez (1:52.99).
All three of the runners broke the state meet record in 5A, but it will be Anderson’s name that goes into the record books.
“It feels amazing to wrap up the last race of my high school career with a victory and state title,'' Anderson said. "I’m so grateful for all of my coaches and family that helped me reach this point.”
Washburn Rural junior Christian Hartman-Babb won the Class 6A 100-meter dash and finished second in the 200 Saturday in Wichita. [File photo/TSN]
Hartman-Babb was the first local state champion with his victory in the 6A boys 100 meters.
He finished the final in a winning time of 10.59 seconds after qualifying early on Saturday morning with a time of 10.63.
Hartman-Babb returned later after the first weather delay for the 6A boys 200 race, where he finished second to senior Nicolas Cabral of Olathe East by only 0.003 seconds (21.397 to 21.400).
The third local state champ was Rossville's Lewis, who won the 2A javelin title with a throw of 181 feet, 9 inches.
His championship throw came on his fourth attempt, which was 18 feet further than any of his other attempts during the competition.
Lewis had a long wait for his title, with the 2A event originally scheduled for Friday evening before being pushed back to Saturday by weather. Then the event was delayed further by Saturday's inclement weather before finally being contested.
Saturday's other Shawnee County medalists:
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly track and field honor roll for Shawnee County high schools throughout the 2026 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
BOYS
100 METERS
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 10.36
Malachi Murph, Topeka High 10.91
Braxton Rupp, Silver Lake 10.96
Emmitt Hochstedler, Seaman 10.98
Israel Edmonds, Washburn Rural 11.02
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural
200 METERS
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 21.78
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural 22.30
Jayden Lindsey, Topeka West 22.34
Joel Miller, Silver Lake 22.59
Jonel Tibbs, Topeka High 22.60
400 METERS
Jason Slay, Shawnee Heights 48.85
Termaine Savage, Highland Park 49.89
Draden Chooncharoen, Washburn Rural 50.25
Joel Miller, Silver Lake 50.94
Thomas Fisher, Silver Lake 51.28
Brody Anderson, Seaman
800 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 1:53.34
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 1:56.64
Cohen Thiessen, Washburn Rural 1:58.65
Mason Haas, Shawnee Heights 2:02.62
Everett Un, Washburn Rural 2:03.26
1,600 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 4:08.2 (mile converted to meters)
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 4:20.32
Cohen Thiessen, Washburn Rural 4:24.35
Nick Newkirk, Hayden 4:27.18
Duke Graf, Washburn Rural 4:32.87
3,200 METERS
Brody Anderson, Seaman 9:11.63
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural 9:23.61
Henry Laubach, Washburn Rural 9:24.34
Jaxson Adams, Washburn Rural 9:42.46
Clayton Fink, Washburn Rural 9:42.94
110-METER HURDLES
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural 14.07
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural 15.31
Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park 15.54
Isiah Pennington, Seaman 15.53
De'sean Lunkins, Topeka High 15.85
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural
300-METER HURDLES
Liam Morrison, Washburn Rural 37.61
Jackson Tuckwin, Washburn Rural 42.01
Kellan Parcaro, Seaman 42.03
Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park 42.09
Isiah Pennington, Seaman 43.26
4x100-METER RELAY
Topeka High 42.20
Washburn Rural 42.77
Highland Park 42.80
Seaman 43.03
Silver Lake 43.28
4x400-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 3:21.82
Shawnee Heights 3:21.91
Silver Lake 3:28.28
Highland Park 3:28.48
Topeka West 3:29.56
4x800-METER RELAY
Seaman 8:16.32
Washburn Rural 8:16.60
Shawnee Heights 8:24.81
Silver Lake 8:35.28
Topeka High 9:09.82
HIGH JUMP
Jack Esser, Seaman 6-4
Bryson Burgos, Silver Lake 6-0
Archer Greene, Seaman 5-10
Creighton Frisby, Washburn Rural 5-8
Sebastian Kingcade, Washburn Rural 5-8
Cody Quy, Seaman 5-8
POLE VAULT
Keygan Breault, Silver Lake 12-0
Sam Bruntz, Silver Lake 11-6
Luke Deering, Washburn Rural 11-6
Sawyer Hermesch, Silver Lake 10-0
Desmond Grindol, Washburn Rural 10-0
LONG JUMP
Rayshon Pollard, Highland Park 21-2.25
Josh Brown, Seaman 21-0.50
Owen Rottinghaus, Silver Lake 21-0
Joel Miller, Silver Lake 20-8
Lucas Marichal, Topeka High/CPLS 20-7.25
TRIPLE JUMP
Cody Quy, Seaman 42-8.50
Lucas Marichal, Topeka High/CPLS 42-3.25
Bryson Burgos, Silver Lake 42-2.50
Camden Kruger, Silver Lake 41-7.75
Abe Heffley, Seaman 40-5.25
SHOT PUT
Charles Chance, Rossville 50-5
Amir Bass, Shawnee Heights 48-4.25
Sam Scott, Washburn Rural 47-7
Adrian Shuler, Shawnee Heights 46-7
Kelton Meier, Hayden 46-2,50
DISCUS
Zachary Hancock, Washburn Rural 163-4
Myles Fisher, Silver Lake 158-3
Sam Garner, Shawnee Heights 156-4
Adam Humphrey, Topeka High 148-8
Kelton Meier, Hayden 142-10
JAVELIN
Landon Lewis, Rossville 202-9
Kelton Meier, Hayden 196-6
Jackson Haas, Hayden 175-11
Dylan Tjachman, Washburn Rural 169-11
Andre Johnson, Rossville 170-5
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
NOTE: Top.Sports.news will compile a weekly track and field honor roll for Shawnee County high schools throughout the 2026 season. Coaches are asked to email updated times and marks or any corrections to Rick Peterson at
GIRLS
100 METERS
Tanesia Johnson, Shawnee Heights 12.27
Ciera Hartz, Topeka High 12.51
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 12.57
Karys Deiter, Silver Lake 12.59
Jurnee Cole, Highland Park 12.63
200 METERS
Tanesia Johnson, Shawnee Heights 25.41
Jurnee Cole, Highland Park 26.04
Sofia Harper, Hayden 26.40
Ciera Hartz, Topeka High 26.48
Jaylie Whitehead, Silver Lake 26.72
400 METERS
Keimara Marshall, Topeka High 59.07
Ali Gerber, Silver Lake 59.19
Sofia Harper, Hayden 59.44
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural 60.13
Julia Molleker, Seaman 61.88
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural (3)
800 METERS
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural 2:16.83
Kinley Robinson, Seaman 2:20.45
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 2:20.86
Ryin Miller, Seaman 2:23.65
Itzel Woods, Topeka High 2:31.24
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural
1,600 METERS
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 5:13.49
Alyson Hinck, Washburn Rural 5:14.04
Brynn Spencer, Seaman 5:15.09
Kenzie Maddox, Washburn Rural 5:17.54
Kinley Robinson, Seaman 5:22.98
3,200 METERS
Emily Graf, Washburn Rural 11:06.46
Kenzie Maddox, Washburn Rural 11:18.10
Brynn Spencer, Seaman 11:27.63
Reese Beardslee, Washburn Rural 11:34.94
Lily McCoy, Washburn Rural 14:09.97
100-METER HURDLES
Karys Deiter, Silver Lake 15.70
Rylee Dick, Rossville 16.44
Marchayla White, Topeka High 17.74
Megan Alderson, Washburn Rural 18.14
Kaylyn Smith, Topeka West 18.23
300-METER HURDLES
Rylee Dick, Rossville 50.00
Marchayla White, Topeka High 51.34
Megan Alderson, Washburn Rural 51.60
Journey Manhart, Silver Lake 53.33
Avery Villines, Seaman 54.18
4x100-METER RELAY
Topeka High 49.60
Silver Lake 50.29
Washburn Rural 50.53
Seaman 51.42
Topeka West 52.33
4x400-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 4:06.84
Silver Lake 4:07.17
Topeka High 4:10.27
Seaman 4:11.72
Topeka West 4:26.38
4x800-METER RELAY
Washburn Rural 9:58.99
Topeka High 10:39.23
Seaman 11:17.22
Silver Lake 11:18.38
9By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Sixty-seven individual qualifiers in 83 events are set to represent Shawnee County in Friday and Saturday's state track and field championships in and around Wichita State's Cessna Stadium while county teams are also qualified to compete in 19 total relays.
Big-school 3,200-meter runs as well as field event competition are scheduled to get under way at 7:45 a.m. Friday, followed by preliminaties in Class 6A, 5A, 4A.
Competition will resume on Saturday, with field events at 8 a.m. and running events at 8:30.
Shawnee County athletes to watch:
Christian Hartman-Babb, Washburn Rural
• Washburn Rural junior Christian Hartman-Babb swept the 100 and 200-meter titles in last Friday's Class 6A regional and ran the leadoff leg on the Junior Blues' winning 4x400-meter relay team.
Hartman-Babb recorded 6A fastest 100 regional time (10.36 seconds) and tied for the fastest time in the 200 (21.83).
Brody Anderson, Seaman
• Seaman senior Brody Anderson finished third in the Class 5A 800 meters last season and is qualified in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 this weekend.
Anderson is likely to go head to head with Kapaun Mt. Carmel star Daniel Enriquez in all three events and is ranked No. 2 based on regional times in the 1,600 (4:15.23), fifth in the 800 (1:55.12) and eighth in the 3,200 (9:29.78).
Brooks Kehoe, Washburn Rural
• Washburn Rural senior Brooks Kehoe helped lead the Junior Blues to the Class 6A state cross country championship last fall and won the 1,600 and 3,200 meters in last Friday's regional meet.
Kehoe is ranked No. 10 in the 1,600 (4:26.88) and No. 12 (9:52.39) in the 3,200 based on regional performances.
Morgan Ray, Washburn Rural
• Washburn Rural senior Morgan Ray placed second in the Class 6A girls javelin a season ago and is expected to challenge for the title again this weekend.
Ray captured the regional championship in her specialty with a throw of 141 feet, 6 inches and is ranked third in 6A based on regional throws.
• Shawnee Heights freshman girls sprinter Tanesia Johnson has been a star since she stepped on Heights' campus and is expected to be a factor in the 100 and 200 this weekend.
Johnson ranks No. 4 in 5A in the 100 (12.34) and 200 (25.41) based on regional times.
• Rossville's Landen Lewis and Hayden's Kelton Meier are expected to contend for state boys javelin titles this weekend.
Lewis is the No. 1 Class 2A thrower in the state at 181-8 based on regional performances while Meier ranks No. 2 in 4A at 190-7.
SHAWNEE COUNTY STATE TRACK AND FIELD QUALIFIERS
BOYS
Class 6A
Topeka High -- Adam Humphrey (discus), De'sean Lunkins (110 hurdles), Malachi Murph (100), 4x100 relay.
Washburn Rural -- Jaxson Adams (3,200), Christian Hartman-Babb (100, 200), Zachary Hancock (discus), Brooks Kehoe (1,600, 3,200), Sam Scott (shot put), Dylan Tajchman (javelin), Cohen Thiessen (800, 1,600), 4x400 relay, 4x800 relay.
Class 5A
Highland Park -- Termaine Savage (400), 4x100 relay.
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Cair Paravel Latin senior Caleb Cleverdon finished second in Wednesday's Class 2A state golf tournament at Quail Creek in Winfield, pacing three local 2A medalists.
Cair Paravel senior Caleb Cleverdon finished second in the Class 2A state golf tournament with a 36-hole total of 149. [File photo/TSN]
Cleverdon shot a final-round 76 to finish with a 36-hole total of 149 while Humboldt's Connor Newman finished at 144 (71-73) to take the state title by five strokes.
Rossville senior Jack Donovon moved up from a tie for eighth individually after the opening round to finish fifth with a 155 total (79-76).
Cair Paravel sophomore Chase Hastert also earned an individual medal, finishing 17th at 166 (85-81) while Rossville's Austin Dohrman finished 42nd at 187 (89-98).
Washburn Rural senior Higgins Hawks narrowly missed a 6A medal at Firekeeper Golf Course, tying for 22nd with a 36-hole total of 153 (76-77)
Hawks finished a single stroke away from a state medal.
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The 2026 All-City girls swimming and diving team -- Front, from left: Kaelyn Gerdel, Hayden; Riley Strother, Seaman; Hara Del Castillo, Topeka High; Rhiannon Good, Washburn Rural; Kaitlyn Aldridge, Shawnee Heights. Back, from left: Avery Skinner, Topeka High; Megan Strobel, Seaman; Clara Sobba, Shawnee Heights; Sophie Heinen, Washburn Rural; Ava Von Lintel, Wasnburn Rural; Audrey Appuhn, Washburn Rural. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural senior Rhiannon Good, a two-time Class 6A state diving medalist, and senior 16-time city and Centennial League individual champion Audrey Appuhn headline the 2026 All-City girls swimming and diving team.
Good returned from ACL surgery late in the season to post her second straight top-five finish in the 6A state meet while Appuhn, a multi-time state medalist capped her oustanding career by finishing eight of eight in career individual races in both the city and Centennial League meets.
Rural, which won its 23nd straight city title, put a city-high four swimmers on the All-City first team, which is determined by performances in the city meet.
Washburn Rural put Appuhn, Good and senior repeat picks Sophie Heinen and Ava Von Lintel on the first team while Topeka High senior Hara Del Castillo joins Appuhn as a four-time All-City first-team pick.
Shawnee Heights is represented on the All-City first team by junior repeat picks Kaitlyn Aldridge and Clara Sobba while Seaman is represented by senior Megan Strobel and sophomore Riley Strother after the Vikings finished second as a team in the city meet.
Junior Kaelyn Gerdel, a two-time city and Centennial League champ, represents Hayden on the All-City first team while Topeka High freshman city champ Avery Skinner joins Del Castillo on the first team.
All-City first-team capsules:
