On Friday after the state track meet, I made a list of medalists who had appeared in the magazine over the course of our first year of publishing. Here, it continues with a list of Saturday's medalists from the area at the 2008 state track meet:
Abby Rowland, Andale senior
Second in 4A girls pole vault
-In Game Plan Track in May, the magazine previewed the boys pole vault competition at state. As a note, we mentioned that Andale, a program traditionally strong in the pole vault, might have its best shot at winning a title on the girls side. Turns out, Rowland placed second to El Dorado freshman Jamie House, and Andale sophomore Ben Horsch had an upset win on the 4A boys side. Rowland's teammate Lizzy Schmitz placed third, further proving Andale's dominance in the event.
Jeremy Postin, Andover senior
Fourth in 4A discus
-Postin will appear in the magazine for the first time in June. Postin, who plans to throw at Florida University next year, was the state shot put champ after tearing two knee ligaments during football season in the fall.
Chris Ronen, Newton senior
Fourth in 5A javelin
-Ronen, who neared 200 feet during the regular season, threw the javelin 170'7" at the state meet. Ronen was featured with Matt Byers and Roman Belden in the May issue feature "Wingin' It".
Katie Porter, Goddard senior
First in 6A long jump
-Katie Porter, who also medalled in the triple jump at state, led the basketball portion of Picture This in the April issue. Porter and the Goddard girls basketball team made a run to the 6A state title game, falling by two points to Lawrence.
Colton Rausch, Clearwater senior
Fourth in 4A high jump
-After the mid-season basketball tournaments in January, Colton Rausch and the Clearwater boys team were poised to make a run through the regular season into the postseason. Rausch was photographed in the February feature on contenders, as Clearwater had won the Chaparral mid-season tournament.
Zack Puetz, Garden Plain senior
First in the 3A discus
-Puetz, a lineman on the football team in the fall, appeared in the August and November magazines, as the Owls marched to the 3A title. Puetz was then featured in the May issue in the Family Affair section, as he was in process to catching his dad Mitch's school record in the shot put. Puetz also won the 3A shot put, throwing further than any other at the state meet.
Jordan Voelker, Newton senior
Second in the 5A shot put
-Voelker closed out an outstanding high school athletic career with secon-place finishes in the 5A discus and shot. Also a defensive end and all-league forward on hoops team, Voelker, who was photographed in the April issue, went on top of his game. Newton teammate Evan Kaufman placed fifth in the shot, rounding a very good throwing team at Newton when you also throw Chris Ronen into the mix.
Andrea Markel, Pretty Prairie junior
Second in the 2A javelin
-Markel was featured as the Commerce Student-Athlete of the Month in the May issue. Markel is a three-sport athlete in basketball, volleyball and track, and used to play high school golf.
Jenny Welker, Pretty Prairie junior
First in the 2A 100 hurdles
-Welker, who was covered in the track season preview in the March issue, repeated as champ in the 100 hurdles.
Ryan Haswell, Andover senior
Second in the 4A 110 hurdles
-Haswell, who contributed to the Andover High boys' first-place tie with Andale, is photographed in the June issue, on stands in the second week of June.
Tanner Hageman, Cheney junior
Third in the 4A 110 hurdles
-Hageman overcame a knee injury to become the starting quarterback at Cheney this past fall only to break his collarbone mid-season. Hageman came back to have a strong basketball season, as Cheney was ranked in 4A most of the year, and medal at the state track meet. He was featured as the Kansas Orthopaedic Center Comeback Player of the Month in November.
Keith Hayes, Wichita Southeast senior
Fourth in the 6A 110 hurdles
-Hayes had the top time in the state entering the state meet and was the defending champ in the event, but a hamstring held him back in 2008. Hayes, who was photographed in the August issue and the March issue track preview, will run at KU next year.
Sierra Gant, Independent senior
First in the 3A 200
-Gant was mentioned in the March issue track preview as a returning medalist in the multiple sprint events.
Audacia Moore, Wichita Heights senior
First in the 6A 100 and 200
-Moore appeared on the cover of the March issue and will do so again in the June issue as an inset photo. Moore, who broke the state meet record with a time of 11.77 in the 100, will run at WSU on a track scholarship next year. She is a national talent.
Laura Nightengale, El Dorado senior
First in the 4A 800
-Nightengale finished up her prep rivalry with Heather Garcia of Baldwin in form. While losing to Baldwin in the 1600, Nightengale beat Baldwin handily in the 800. These girls traded off these events for three years. The November issue featured Nightengale, and she also appeared in the August issue in Spotlight.
Tom O'Connell, Andover junior
Second in the 4A 1600
-O'Connell finished ahead of fourth-place Andrew Wagner of El Dorado, who finished ahead of O'Connell at the state cross country meet in the fall.
Emilee Morris, Hutchinson senior
First in the 5A 1600 and 800
-Emilee Morris, who started out at Hutchinson as a sprinter, would fill out her role and more later on as a distance runner. Morris medalled at her final two state cross country meets and won the 1600 at the state track meet a year after medalling in the event. Morris was the Commerce Student-Athlete of the Month in December.
Colin Hagan, Kapaun senior
Third in the 5A 1600
-Hagan, who will run at Drake next year, medalled for the second year in a row in the 1600. He was photographed in the December issue as a medalist at the 5A cross country meet.
Robby Martinez-Garcia, Wichita Northwest sophomore
First in the 6A 1600
-Martinez-Garcia, who is photographed in the June magazine, which hits stands in the second week of June, is a rising star. He upset the field with his win in the 1600 as just a sophomore.
Tiffany Bias, Andover Central sophomore
First in the 4A 400 and 200
-The titles just keep coming to sophomore sensation Tiffany Bias. Bias, who also won a state basketball title this past winter as the starting point guard for the Jags, repeated as champ in both the 200 and 400. Bias was photographed in the August and April issues and will appear again in the June issue.
Kurt Pauly, Garden Plain sophomore
First in the 3A 400
-There are so many great Pauly athletes in the Conway Springs area, but there also many around Garden Plain. Kurt Pauly, mentioned in March's track preview, seems to figure as one of the up-and-comers, as he gets his first title as a sophomore. Look for Austin Pauly at Conway making some contributions in football this fall. No relation, at least recently.
Mike Flores, Maize junior
First in the 6A 400
-Mike Flores, who appeared on the cover of the March issue, repeated as the champ in the 400. He also medalled in two other events: the 200 and triple jump. His teammate Miles Ukaoma placed third in the 400 as a sophomore.
Deidra Anthony, Wichita South junior
Second in the 6A 300 hurdles
-Anthony was photographed in the March track preview. The defending champ in the event, Anthony placed second.
Zack Roberts, Newton senior
First in the 5A 300 hurdles
-Roberts, who is photographed in the June issue (on stands in second week of June) led a 300 hurdles field that was deep locally. Valley Center's Todd McKown placed second, Kyle Long of Carroll fourth, Gage McKinnis of Hutch sixth and Miguel Johns of Newton seventh.
Tyrell Everett, Wichita Heights senior
First in the 6A 800
-Everett, who ran the second-fastest 800 at the state meet, is photographed in the June issue.
Ethan Ungles, Andale senior
First in the 4A 100, 200 and 4x100 relay
-Ungles, who was photographed in the November issue in the "Game Day" feature on Hutch and Andale football, was a leading offensive threat at wideout for Andale football this past fall. A two-time titlist in football and track, in addition to his individual gold medals this spring, Ungles leads the June feature on the state track meet and appears on the cover.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Cross Referencing State Track
The 2007-2008 high school sports season is winding down in the state of Kansas. But the state goes out in style.
The Kansas state high school track meet at Cessna Stadium in Wichita is quite a spectacle. As with every other spring, every top track and field athlete in the state – 6A through 1A – has gathered in Wichita over Memorial Day weekend to see who can run the fastest or longest, jump the highest or longest, and who can throw several different types of objects the furthest.
It is raw sport – performed in events that people have competed at for centuries. And every May, Wichita hosts one of the finest editions of the tradition that is track and field.
As prep sports in Kansas wind down, so does the coverage of High School Sports The Magazine. We will continue to publish throughout the summer, with our Year-in-Review issue in July and our Football Preview in August. Also, look in Picture This, the opening photo gallery in the magazine, in June, July and August for many of the state track and field champions competing this weekend.
Here is a sampling of some of Friday’s medalists who have appeared in the pages of HSSTM Central Kansas over the past year:
Michelle Babb, Clearwater sophomore
Fourth in 4A 3200 meter run
-Babb was photographed in the December issue in the sidebar of the feature story on the Mulvane cross country team. Babb placed third at the Class 4A state cross country meet this past fall at Wamego Country Club.
Tom O’Connell, Andover junior
Champion in 4A 3200 meter run
-In September, O’Connell was featured in a write-up in the Cross Country Preview in Game Plan. He was also pictured. O’Connell placed fifth at the Class 4A state cross country meet last fall.
David Roberts, Mulvane junior
Third in 4A 3200 meter run
-David Roberts’ unbelievable run through the fall cross country season was chronicled in a feature story in the December issue. Roberts left everyone in the dust at the Class 4A state cross meet, leading Mulvane to a dominant team victory in which they placed six runners in the top 20. All return next season. Roberts is photographed on the second page of the feature story in December.
Nikki Trooien-Smith, Mulvane sophomore
Fifth in 4A 3200 meter run
-Trooien-Smith is also photographed in the December feature on the Mulvane cross team. Trooien-Smith is a leader of this Mulvane distance team. He’s the ringleader who gets them all together to run early in the morning throughout the summer.
Evan Landes, Mulvane freshman
Sixth in 4A 3200 meter run
-Landes, son of Mulvane cross and track coach Dale Landes, is the rising star of the group. Just a freshman, he has already medalled at state in cross country and the 3200.
Brooke Vining, Valley Center sophomore
Fourth in 5A 3200 meter run
-Fourteenth at the state cross meet this past fall, Brooke Vining returned to the top this spring in the 3200. Coming off a 2006-07 season in which she placed top-five at the state cross meet, Vining was featured in Spotlight in the September issue along with teammate Page Miller.
Page Miller, Valley Center sophomore
Fifth in 5A 3200 meter run
-Fourth in the 3200 last spring and seventh in the 1600, Page Miller duplicated her placing at the state cross meet this past fall in the 3200 this spring. She has now placed in the top five at state cross and in the state 3200 two years in a row. She was featured in Spotlight with teammate Brooke Vining in the September issue.
Jake Wike, Derby junior
Champion in 6A 3200 meter run
-Jake Wike, fourth at last fall’s 6A cross country meet, was featured in Triple Play in the April magazine. Wike shaved 20 seconds off his best time in the 3200 all year to win at state. His time coming into the meet was not enough close to being the best in the state.
Tanya Friesen, Buhler junior
Champion in 4A long jump
-Tanya Friesen, also a fine hoopster, appeared in the March issue’s spring sports preview. The defending champ in the long jump, Friesen won her second straight title this spring. She was photographed in the March spring preview.
Austin Bahner, Wichita Heights junior
Champion in 6A triple jump
-The May issue of High School Sports The Magazine, currently on stands, features three-sport athletes from the area. Austin Bahner, pictured in the feature jumping from the triple jump runway with a basketball in hand and a soccer ball coming off his foot, was a state-level competitor in all three sports going into this spring’s state track meet. Now Bahner is a state champion. And he still has a year left.
Mike Flores, Maize junior
Second in 6A triple jump
-Though he placed second to Bahner, Mike Flores will defend his 6A title in the 400 on Saturday and compete for his first title in the 200. Featured on the cover with Audacia Moore of Wichita Heights in the March issue, Flores led our spring sports preview. He broke 49 seconds for the first time all season at last spring’s state meet in the 400. What will he do this time?
Jordan Voelker, Newton senior
Second in 5A discus
-Jordan Voelker, one of the most chiselled athletes in the area, was photographed in the April issue of the magazine in the feature on the state basketball tournament. He was selected first-team all-league in AV-CTL II.
Alex Roe, Maize junior
Fifth in 6A discus
-After chipping the bone in his thumb at the end of the football season, Roe made a strong return this spring to throw the discus. He will be featured as the Kansas Orthopaedic Center Comeback Player of the Month in June.
Roman Belden, Mulvane senior
Fourth in 4A javelin
-Belden was one of three javelin throwers featured in the story “Wingin’ It”, which appeared in the May issue, currently on stands. Belden overcame a shoulder injury in April to return to state, following up his 2007 sixth-place finish with fourth in 2008. Belden was featured with Chris Ronen of Newton and Matt Byers of Wichita East.
Jawanza Poland, Wichita East senior
Second in 6A long jump
-Jawanza Poland appeared in the feature on three-sport athletes in the May issue. He appears in the lead for his outstanding prowess in three sports. A long, lanky receiver, a versatile forward and long jumper, Poland will play basketball for Cowley and coach Steve Eck next year.
Kelly Roberts, Hutchinson senior
Fifth in 5A triple jump
-Roberts appeared in the three-sport athlete feature, as well. Not only is versatile on the football field as a slot back and kicker capable of hitting field goals over 50 yards, but he plays basketball and qualified at state in four events in 2007. He is also musical.
Ben Horsch, Andale sophomore
Champion in 4A pole vault
-When does Andale not compete for the title in the pole vault? Kyle Horsch, Ben’s older brother and an outstanding tailback for the state title football team last fall, did not go out for track, though he was their top returning vaulter. Ben stepped in as just a sophomore and took the crown himself. Surely there are great things to come from the younger Horsch. Horsch and teammate Michael Baalman, both of whom coach Greg Smarsh believed had a chance to medal at state a month ago, were featured in Game Plan Track in May, currently on stands.
Michael Baalman, Andale junior
Second in 4A pole vault
-Andale’s depth in vaulting knows no limits. Baalman and Horsch were featured in Game Plan in May.
Will Wright, Augusta senior
Fourth in 4A pole vault
-Will Wright was photographed and featured in Game Plan Track in May, currently on stands. Wright had the highest vault in the state going into the state track meet (14-6), but faled to best 13-6 at state. A month ago, he told HSSTM that his best competition would come from Andale – he just didn’t know who.
Katie Porter, Goddard senior
Fifth in 6A long jump
-Katie Porter was a starting guard on the Goddard basketball team, which nearly won the 6A state basketball title in March. Porter and Goddard fell to Lawrence 54-52. Porter leads the basketball portion of Picture This in April magazine, driving to the basket.
Matt Byers, Wichita East junior
Second in 6A javelin
-Matt Byers, a three-sport athlete at Wichita East, gave probably the best story of Friday at the meet. He threw the javelin for a state-meet record distance, but then his top competitor, Johannes Swanepoel, a sophomore from Shawnee Mission South, broke Byers’ record. Byers, the East quarterback and guard on the third-place state basketball team, threw 219-8, and Swanepoel threw 221-2. Both will throw Division I if they want to. Byers was a main part of the feature story on javelin throwers in the May issue, currently on stands.
Austin Hunt, Belle Plaine senior
Champion in 3A 3200 meter run
-Austin Hunt was featured in Game Plan Cross Country in September as part of our season preview. Hunt also was integral part of the Belle Plaine basketball team which upset Collegiate at sub-state this past March.
Zack Puetz, Garden Plain senior
Champion in 3A shot put
-Zack Puetz has achieved several landmarks this season. Featured in Family Affair in the current May issue, Puetz was chasing his father Mitch’s school record in the shot put early in season and eventually got it. Puetz, who uncle Todd coaches the track and football team at Garden Plain, will play on the line at Washburn this fall. Puetz was also featured in the story on Garden Plain football which appeared in our inaugural August issue.
Hannah Hemberger, Argonia senior
Third in 1A shot put
-The Argonia girls basketball team this past winter went undefeated until they were upset at sub-state. They were featured as the Preferred team of the month in March. Hemberger was one of two seniors on the team.
Wayne Bennett, Remington senior
Second in 3A javelin
-Bennett was photographed in the Spring Sports Preview which appeared in the March issue of the magazine. He was the defending 3A champ in the javelin this spring.
Cole Cherryholmes, Remington senior
Fourth in 3A javelin
-Cherryholmes was one of the most prolific passers in the state this past football season, throwing for over 400 yards several times. He was a source in the story on three-sport athletes which appears in the May issue, currently on stands. Cherryholmes will play football at NJCAA national champ Butler Community this fall.
The Kansas state high school track meet at Cessna Stadium in Wichita is quite a spectacle. As with every other spring, every top track and field athlete in the state – 6A through 1A – has gathered in Wichita over Memorial Day weekend to see who can run the fastest or longest, jump the highest or longest, and who can throw several different types of objects the furthest.
It is raw sport – performed in events that people have competed at for centuries. And every May, Wichita hosts one of the finest editions of the tradition that is track and field.
As prep sports in Kansas wind down, so does the coverage of High School Sports The Magazine. We will continue to publish throughout the summer, with our Year-in-Review issue in July and our Football Preview in August. Also, look in Picture This, the opening photo gallery in the magazine, in June, July and August for many of the state track and field champions competing this weekend.
Here is a sampling of some of Friday’s medalists who have appeared in the pages of HSSTM Central Kansas over the past year:
Michelle Babb, Clearwater sophomore
Fourth in 4A 3200 meter run
-Babb was photographed in the December issue in the sidebar of the feature story on the Mulvane cross country team. Babb placed third at the Class 4A state cross country meet this past fall at Wamego Country Club.
Tom O’Connell, Andover junior
Champion in 4A 3200 meter run
-In September, O’Connell was featured in a write-up in the Cross Country Preview in Game Plan. He was also pictured. O’Connell placed fifth at the Class 4A state cross country meet last fall.
David Roberts, Mulvane junior
Third in 4A 3200 meter run
-David Roberts’ unbelievable run through the fall cross country season was chronicled in a feature story in the December issue. Roberts left everyone in the dust at the Class 4A state cross meet, leading Mulvane to a dominant team victory in which they placed six runners in the top 20. All return next season. Roberts is photographed on the second page of the feature story in December.
Nikki Trooien-Smith, Mulvane sophomore
Fifth in 4A 3200 meter run
-Trooien-Smith is also photographed in the December feature on the Mulvane cross team. Trooien-Smith is a leader of this Mulvane distance team. He’s the ringleader who gets them all together to run early in the morning throughout the summer.
Evan Landes, Mulvane freshman
Sixth in 4A 3200 meter run
-Landes, son of Mulvane cross and track coach Dale Landes, is the rising star of the group. Just a freshman, he has already medalled at state in cross country and the 3200.
Brooke Vining, Valley Center sophomore
Fourth in 5A 3200 meter run
-Fourteenth at the state cross meet this past fall, Brooke Vining returned to the top this spring in the 3200. Coming off a 2006-07 season in which she placed top-five at the state cross meet, Vining was featured in Spotlight in the September issue along with teammate Page Miller.
Page Miller, Valley Center sophomore
Fifth in 5A 3200 meter run
-Fourth in the 3200 last spring and seventh in the 1600, Page Miller duplicated her placing at the state cross meet this past fall in the 3200 this spring. She has now placed in the top five at state cross and in the state 3200 two years in a row. She was featured in Spotlight with teammate Brooke Vining in the September issue.
Jake Wike, Derby junior
Champion in 6A 3200 meter run
-Jake Wike, fourth at last fall’s 6A cross country meet, was featured in Triple Play in the April magazine. Wike shaved 20 seconds off his best time in the 3200 all year to win at state. His time coming into the meet was not enough close to being the best in the state.
Tanya Friesen, Buhler junior
Champion in 4A long jump
-Tanya Friesen, also a fine hoopster, appeared in the March issue’s spring sports preview. The defending champ in the long jump, Friesen won her second straight title this spring. She was photographed in the March spring preview.
Austin Bahner, Wichita Heights junior
Champion in 6A triple jump
-The May issue of High School Sports The Magazine, currently on stands, features three-sport athletes from the area. Austin Bahner, pictured in the feature jumping from the triple jump runway with a basketball in hand and a soccer ball coming off his foot, was a state-level competitor in all three sports going into this spring’s state track meet. Now Bahner is a state champion. And he still has a year left.
Mike Flores, Maize junior
Second in 6A triple jump
-Though he placed second to Bahner, Mike Flores will defend his 6A title in the 400 on Saturday and compete for his first title in the 200. Featured on the cover with Audacia Moore of Wichita Heights in the March issue, Flores led our spring sports preview. He broke 49 seconds for the first time all season at last spring’s state meet in the 400. What will he do this time?
Jordan Voelker, Newton senior
Second in 5A discus
-Jordan Voelker, one of the most chiselled athletes in the area, was photographed in the April issue of the magazine in the feature on the state basketball tournament. He was selected first-team all-league in AV-CTL II.
Alex Roe, Maize junior
Fifth in 6A discus
-After chipping the bone in his thumb at the end of the football season, Roe made a strong return this spring to throw the discus. He will be featured as the Kansas Orthopaedic Center Comeback Player of the Month in June.
Roman Belden, Mulvane senior
Fourth in 4A javelin
-Belden was one of three javelin throwers featured in the story “Wingin’ It”, which appeared in the May issue, currently on stands. Belden overcame a shoulder injury in April to return to state, following up his 2007 sixth-place finish with fourth in 2008. Belden was featured with Chris Ronen of Newton and Matt Byers of Wichita East.
Jawanza Poland, Wichita East senior
Second in 6A long jump
-Jawanza Poland appeared in the feature on three-sport athletes in the May issue. He appears in the lead for his outstanding prowess in three sports. A long, lanky receiver, a versatile forward and long jumper, Poland will play basketball for Cowley and coach Steve Eck next year.
Kelly Roberts, Hutchinson senior
Fifth in 5A triple jump
-Roberts appeared in the three-sport athlete feature, as well. Not only is versatile on the football field as a slot back and kicker capable of hitting field goals over 50 yards, but he plays basketball and qualified at state in four events in 2007. He is also musical.
Ben Horsch, Andale sophomore
Champion in 4A pole vault
-When does Andale not compete for the title in the pole vault? Kyle Horsch, Ben’s older brother and an outstanding tailback for the state title football team last fall, did not go out for track, though he was their top returning vaulter. Ben stepped in as just a sophomore and took the crown himself. Surely there are great things to come from the younger Horsch. Horsch and teammate Michael Baalman, both of whom coach Greg Smarsh believed had a chance to medal at state a month ago, were featured in Game Plan Track in May, currently on stands.
Michael Baalman, Andale junior
Second in 4A pole vault
-Andale’s depth in vaulting knows no limits. Baalman and Horsch were featured in Game Plan in May.
Will Wright, Augusta senior
Fourth in 4A pole vault
-Will Wright was photographed and featured in Game Plan Track in May, currently on stands. Wright had the highest vault in the state going into the state track meet (14-6), but faled to best 13-6 at state. A month ago, he told HSSTM that his best competition would come from Andale – he just didn’t know who.
Katie Porter, Goddard senior
Fifth in 6A long jump
-Katie Porter was a starting guard on the Goddard basketball team, which nearly won the 6A state basketball title in March. Porter and Goddard fell to Lawrence 54-52. Porter leads the basketball portion of Picture This in April magazine, driving to the basket.
Matt Byers, Wichita East junior
Second in 6A javelin
-Matt Byers, a three-sport athlete at Wichita East, gave probably the best story of Friday at the meet. He threw the javelin for a state-meet record distance, but then his top competitor, Johannes Swanepoel, a sophomore from Shawnee Mission South, broke Byers’ record. Byers, the East quarterback and guard on the third-place state basketball team, threw 219-8, and Swanepoel threw 221-2. Both will throw Division I if they want to. Byers was a main part of the feature story on javelin throwers in the May issue, currently on stands.
Austin Hunt, Belle Plaine senior
Champion in 3A 3200 meter run
-Austin Hunt was featured in Game Plan Cross Country in September as part of our season preview. Hunt also was integral part of the Belle Plaine basketball team which upset Collegiate at sub-state this past March.
Zack Puetz, Garden Plain senior
Champion in 3A shot put
-Zack Puetz has achieved several landmarks this season. Featured in Family Affair in the current May issue, Puetz was chasing his father Mitch’s school record in the shot put early in season and eventually got it. Puetz, who uncle Todd coaches the track and football team at Garden Plain, will play on the line at Washburn this fall. Puetz was also featured in the story on Garden Plain football which appeared in our inaugural August issue.
Hannah Hemberger, Argonia senior
Third in 1A shot put
-The Argonia girls basketball team this past winter went undefeated until they were upset at sub-state. They were featured as the Preferred team of the month in March. Hemberger was one of two seniors on the team.
Wayne Bennett, Remington senior
Second in 3A javelin
-Bennett was photographed in the Spring Sports Preview which appeared in the March issue of the magazine. He was the defending 3A champ in the javelin this spring.
Cole Cherryholmes, Remington senior
Fourth in 3A javelin
-Cherryholmes was one of the most prolific passers in the state this past football season, throwing for over 400 yards several times. He was a source in the story on three-sport athletes which appears in the May issue, currently on stands. Cherryholmes will play football at NJCAA national champ Butler Community this fall.
Monday, May 19, 2008
State Track
Who can deny the greatness of the Kansas state track meet. Every corner of Kansas is represented: city people, rurals, small towners, 'tweeners, farmers, suburbanites. Kansans from all walks congregate at Cessna Stadium each Memorial Day weekend to watch the state's best athletes compete. In the upcoming issue of the magazine, senior contributing editor Ted Hayes will offer some of his best memories from the state track meet over the years. Also, we'll have photo galleries of the meet in the June issue, and I'm considering using the photo gallery Picture This in July and August for state track, as well. There are just so many athletes from so many schools we need to cover. What do you think? Good idea?
Performances not to be missed this weekend will be those of the two athletes who appeared on the cover of the March issue of the magazine. Audacia Moore of Wichita Heights, signed to sprint at WSU next year, will challenge the state meet record in the 100 meter, and is heavily favored to repeat as champ in both the 100 and 200. She's also a state qualifier in the long jump and triple jump. Mike Flores, the defending champ in the 400 meter, returns to state as a junior, having qualified in 200, 400 and triple jump. He has the best 400 time in the state this year.
After not appearing on any honor roll lists all spring, Ark City's Darrell Freeman is on the map for state once again. The defending 5A 100 champ placed second in the 200 last spring by .01 seconds. He'll have plenty of local challengers - Grant Leoscher and Nathaniel Martens of Newton and Aaron Babbidge of Valley Center.
Andover Central's Tiffany Bias has the state's top 4A time in the 100, 200 and 400. Placing third in the 100 last year, Bias wont he 200 and 400. She could sweep the sprints this year.
El Dorado's Laura Nightengale ran the fastest 800 last spring and should repeat as champ in 4A. Also in 4A, Tanya Friesen could win state in the triple jump and long jump.
Let's talk baseball, softball and soccer tomorrow.
Performances not to be missed this weekend will be those of the two athletes who appeared on the cover of the March issue of the magazine. Audacia Moore of Wichita Heights, signed to sprint at WSU next year, will challenge the state meet record in the 100 meter, and is heavily favored to repeat as champ in both the 100 and 200. She's also a state qualifier in the long jump and triple jump. Mike Flores, the defending champ in the 400 meter, returns to state as a junior, having qualified in 200, 400 and triple jump. He has the best 400 time in the state this year.
After not appearing on any honor roll lists all spring, Ark City's Darrell Freeman is on the map for state once again. The defending 5A 100 champ placed second in the 200 last spring by .01 seconds. He'll have plenty of local challengers - Grant Leoscher and Nathaniel Martens of Newton and Aaron Babbidge of Valley Center.
Andover Central's Tiffany Bias has the state's top 4A time in the 100, 200 and 400. Placing third in the 100 last year, Bias wont he 200 and 400. She could sweep the sprints this year.
El Dorado's Laura Nightengale ran the fastest 800 last spring and should repeat as champ in 4A. Also in 4A, Tanya Friesen could win state in the triple jump and long jump.
Let's talk baseball, softball and soccer tomorrow.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Regional Week
Here are my picks to regional baseball, softball and soccer. Track regionals are on Friday, and I'll give you a few names to watch.
6A Baseball - Campus
-Campus is the surprise team of the year. They're in the running because of pitching - David Ormiston and Jonathan Murray, both headed for Kansas jucos. I'm going to take Wichita North in this regional, though. Matt Applegate and Tyler Grimes are still bitter about missing state last year. They could be the two best players in the area, combining the ability to hit and pitch.
6A Baseball - Goddard
-Goddard should have absolutely no problems getting by Southeast and Derby or Heights. Goddard had no problem getting to state last spring, either, but faltered in the first round as the No. 1 seed. They're hungry to do better, and they're outrageously talented. With doubleheader sweeps over Wichita North and Maize, they could win it all. One note on the sweep of North: neither Applegate nor Grimes threw.
6A Baseball - Maize
-After their 10-1 trouncing of Wichita Northwest on Friday last week to end the regular season, Maize is heavily favored to return to state after missing out last year. Nick Cocking, Tyler Zimmerman, Jake Marasco, Ryan Hege - bats are not missing. Garrett Gould and Kurtis Schuyler - they've got the pitching. However, they got swept by Goddard. I still have them as contenders.
4A Baseball - El Dorado
-This region is stacked. Andover Central, with star pitcher Ben French, is the favorite with a record of 19-1. But a host of teams await them after their first-round game today against 3-17 Circle. Mulvane (11-9) faltered down the stretch after a fast start, El Dorado (13-7) won their league with strong fundamentals, Andover (15-5) hung with it behind the bat of Bret Lentz, and Douglass (12-4) had a strong year in the Central Plains (can they hang with AVCTL teams?). With their pitching staff, Andover Central is a state contender.
3A Baseball - Wichita Independent
-Independent ((20-0) finally broke through in the Central Plains League, after playing second fiddle to Trinity Academy the past couple years. This is a fundamentally-sound baseball team which benefited from Trinity's down year. They should have no problems getting to state, but watch out for Trinity (9-9) pulling a couple upsets if they can find a pitcher they couldn't find during the regular season.
6A Softball
-Goddard (18-2) and Wichita Heights (18-2) should be locks for state, unless Derby (9-11) is able to pull an upset. Maize (17-3) swept Wichita Northwest (16-4) last Friday to end the regular season; the two should meet again in the regional final on Thursday. I've got Maize.
4A Softball
-Wow. The Douglass regional is so strong. Five of eight teams are eight games or more over .500: Andover Central (16-4), Clearwater (16-4), Mulvane (14-6), Rose Hill (14-6), Augusta (15-5). Nikki Armagost is a dominant pitcher for Central. Augusta sophomore catcher Caitlin Ray has two grand slams this season, and is on Division I prospect radar already. This tournament is up for grabs. In the El Dorado regional, pitcher Karly Schmelzer has led Andale-Garden Plain to an 18-2 record. Nickerson (16-2) could contend, but Schmelzer will pitch every game and she's incredible.
3A Softball
-Will the story come full circle? Can Independent (18-0), a program that didn't win a game in 2003 and 2004, win the the state title in coach Corey Lyon's fourth season? They placed fourth with a 17-4 record last spring.
6A Soccer
-Maize (16-0) did not allow a goal the entire regular season. No team from the area has ever won a girls state soccer title.
5-1A Soccer
-Andover (16-0) has prolific scoring power behind Kortney Clifton (KU signee). She has well over 200 goals for her career. The question is not whether they can win their regional; can they beat Kapaun, which is traditionally the deeper team?
Let's do track later in the week.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Future plans
The June issue of HSSTM will feature Diandra Miliner on the cover. Miliner, a freshman at Maize High, competes nationally as a gymnast, training with Folger's Gymnastics. Having placed first in all-around competitions at several national competitions in Kansas, Texas, Pennsylvania and more, Miliner, a level 10 gymnast, placed first at regionals in April, which was held at the WSU Heskett Center.
Also pictured on the cover as insets will top athletes from state competition to take place later this month. I have my eye on several teams and athletes from the area to be on the cover, but I welcome your input. Several outstanding track athletes are arisen this spring, and 6A baseball has been extremely competitive. Let me know what I'm missing out on.
Also, due to the publishing date being so close after state competition, we will redirect readers to the Web site for extended stories on some of the athletes and teams featured.
I received a call today from a parent of an El Dorado baseball player. They won the AV-CTL Division Division III yesterday. The El Dorado boys sports programs have struggled of late, so this is huge for that school. Class 4A regional baseball should be very competitive, as well. Andover Central, Wellington, Andale, Clearwater, Mulvane and Andover are having pretty good seasons, especially Central. They have an outstanding pitching staff, led by Ben French, who hasn't allowed a run in league play. He's also got a no-no this season (see May issue, Picture This).
We ran a feature story on the Web about Steve Eck leading a new coup in the City League. Now coach at Cowley County, which had its best season ever under Eck last year in his first season, Eck has signed the City League's top six players outside Jordan Cyphers to play for him next year: Poland and Holloman from East, Gantt and Barnes from Southeast, Lance Russell from South and Kelton Marshall out of Heights. I'm very anxious to see how these players fare next season at the college level, and on the same team. It will be a great story and joy to watch if these guys can come together and earn a berth in the national juco tournament in 2009.
Also pictured on the cover as insets will top athletes from state competition to take place later this month. I have my eye on several teams and athletes from the area to be on the cover, but I welcome your input. Several outstanding track athletes are arisen this spring, and 6A baseball has been extremely competitive. Let me know what I'm missing out on.
Also, due to the publishing date being so close after state competition, we will redirect readers to the Web site for extended stories on some of the athletes and teams featured.
I received a call today from a parent of an El Dorado baseball player. They won the AV-CTL Division Division III yesterday. The El Dorado boys sports programs have struggled of late, so this is huge for that school. Class 4A regional baseball should be very competitive, as well. Andover Central, Wellington, Andale, Clearwater, Mulvane and Andover are having pretty good seasons, especially Central. They have an outstanding pitching staff, led by Ben French, who hasn't allowed a run in league play. He's also got a no-no this season (see May issue, Picture This).
We ran a feature story on the Web about Steve Eck leading a new coup in the City League. Now coach at Cowley County, which had its best season ever under Eck last year in his first season, Eck has signed the City League's top six players outside Jordan Cyphers to play for him next year: Poland and Holloman from East, Gantt and Barnes from Southeast, Lance Russell from South and Kelton Marshall out of Heights. I'm very anxious to see how these players fare next season at the college level, and on the same team. It will be a great story and joy to watch if these guys can come together and earn a berth in the national juco tournament in 2009.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Tyler Zimmerman
After writing up the Game of the Week story for the Web on Monday, I was apprised of an oversight by a reader. This, I will admit, is because I have not yet been out to see Maize High play baseball yet. I'm going on Friday, when they meet Wichita Northwest.
Tyler Zimmerman, not mentioned in the game preview, is one of Maize's leading hitters this season. Zimmerman's batting .475, while Nick Cocking's at .493 and Jake Marasco at .426. Zimmerman, Maize's rightfielder, was the first guy coach Rocky Helm brought up when I spoke with him this morning. He's one of the seniors who has provided an unexpected boost to the team this season. Helm had high praise for this senior outfielder.
On another note, I spoke Bob Hovey of Kansas Rivals today, and he's ecstatic about the track and field performances this season. Matt Byers of Wichita East has one of the top javelin throws in the nation this season, yet he's No. 2 in Kansas right now. Also Heights sprinter Audacia Moore and Southeast hurdler Keith Hayes are ranking high nationally. Check out Bob's track and field leader board for the state at hovpen.com.
Tyler Zimmerman, not mentioned in the game preview, is one of Maize's leading hitters this season. Zimmerman's batting .475, while Nick Cocking's at .493 and Jake Marasco at .426. Zimmerman, Maize's rightfielder, was the first guy coach Rocky Helm brought up when I spoke with him this morning. He's one of the seniors who has provided an unexpected boost to the team this season. Helm had high praise for this senior outfielder.
On another note, I spoke Bob Hovey of Kansas Rivals today, and he's ecstatic about the track and field performances this season. Matt Byers of Wichita East has one of the top javelin throws in the nation this season, yet he's No. 2 in Kansas right now. Also Heights sprinter Audacia Moore and Southeast hurdler Keith Hayes are ranking high nationally. Check out Bob's track and field leader board for the state at hovpen.com.
Monday, May 5, 2008
It's heating up
It's tough to figure out spring sports early in the season; bad weather and cancellations muddle up forecasts. That's why I took a break from the blog. At least that's what I keep telling myself.
Several important storylines have developed. The headliner is the Maize girls soccer team. Coach Nathan Wilkey in his fourth season at Maize has led the Eagles to an undefeated season entering its final week. Maize has not allowed a goal all season. For a team that didn't know who its goalkeeper would be at the beginning of the season, it's even more astounding. The two most intriguing lines to follow here are Wilkey and history. As men's soccer coach at Friends University where he achieving similar success, Wilkey is becoming a figurehead of Wichita soccer. He knows his stuff, recognizes talent and can bring it together, both in practice and recruiting. The other - history - pertains to the drought the Wichita area has experienced at state soccer. Never since girls state soccer began in 1993 has a team west of Topeka won a state title. Maize could do so this year, as they came close last year, losing 1-0 to Blue Valley North after giving up a goal 22 seconds in. Maize beat BV North 2-0 at the Titan Classic in late March.
Class 6A baseball is extremely competitive in the area this year. With Wichita North dropping its doubleheader to Goddard on Friday, even more teams are in the mix for hosting a regional. Campus, however, in a big surprise to all but the Colts, is in the driver's seat for the top overall seed in the area. Having swept Goddard earlier in the year, Campus has just one loss going into its doubleheader at McPherson. Those games are for the AVCTL II crown, though Campus' real focus is to win in order to get the top regionals seed. North plays Heights and Northwest, another 6A contender with four losses, to secure the city title. Northwest also plays Maize, another team with three losses hoping to host a regional, on Friday. The entire order could be mixed up from where it is now by the end of the week. Goddard, with one more game against Bishop Carroll, has three losses and should host with a win against Carroll. Goddard swept Maize earlier in the year and took a single game from Northwest.
Several important storylines have developed. The headliner is the Maize girls soccer team. Coach Nathan Wilkey in his fourth season at Maize has led the Eagles to an undefeated season entering its final week. Maize has not allowed a goal all season. For a team that didn't know who its goalkeeper would be at the beginning of the season, it's even more astounding. The two most intriguing lines to follow here are Wilkey and history. As men's soccer coach at Friends University where he achieving similar success, Wilkey is becoming a figurehead of Wichita soccer. He knows his stuff, recognizes talent and can bring it together, both in practice and recruiting. The other - history - pertains to the drought the Wichita area has experienced at state soccer. Never since girls state soccer began in 1993 has a team west of Topeka won a state title. Maize could do so this year, as they came close last year, losing 1-0 to Blue Valley North after giving up a goal 22 seconds in. Maize beat BV North 2-0 at the Titan Classic in late March.
Class 6A baseball is extremely competitive in the area this year. With Wichita North dropping its doubleheader to Goddard on Friday, even more teams are in the mix for hosting a regional. Campus, however, in a big surprise to all but the Colts, is in the driver's seat for the top overall seed in the area. Having swept Goddard earlier in the year, Campus has just one loss going into its doubleheader at McPherson. Those games are for the AVCTL II crown, though Campus' real focus is to win in order to get the top regionals seed. North plays Heights and Northwest, another 6A contender with four losses, to secure the city title. Northwest also plays Maize, another team with three losses hoping to host a regional, on Friday. The entire order could be mixed up from where it is now by the end of the week. Goddard, with one more game against Bishop Carroll, has three losses and should host with a win against Carroll. Goddard swept Maize earlier in the year and took a single game from Northwest.
Friday, March 28, 2008
There Goes the Sun
The sun has gone and hid, and we're left with an imminent April. Showers.
They're coming. How much and how often will determine the depth of the spring sports season. Last April and May got soaked; we'll wait and see how many games and meets get in this year before Memorial Day weekend, when state track, baseball, softball and soccer take place. It will also be when I shelve my notebook and gear up in my cut-off flannel, jean shorts and netted, bucket-topped ballcap and drive to Indianapolis for the 500. Really, I'm not pumped.
I hope baseball and softball get to play complete seasons. Local talent in these sporting arenas overwhelms me. In baseball, you've got multiple NCAA Division I talents at three schools: Logan Watkins and Dalton Banwart at Goddard going to Wichita State; Jake Marasco to KU and Nick Cocking to K-State - both out of Maize; and Tyler Grimes to WSU and Matt Applegate to K-State - both out of Wichita North. On top of that, there are tons of guys who have signed with jucos, and we know where Kansas juco players often end up: DI.
Softball's no different. Talent is everywhere. The most intriguing of them all could a sophomore at Independent, Haley McGregor. She moved to Wichita from California with her family before her freshman year at Independent, and she brought with her the eyes of recruiters nationally. She is supposed to be high on everyone's list as a shortstop. I watched her last year as a freshman. She's outstanding - fundamentals and talent combined.
On the Sports Daily radio show this morning, I spoke with Bruce and Paul about spring sports. Keep an eye on Kortney Clifton out of Andover High soccer. She had scored 188 career goals through Thursday night. She and her twin sister Kelsey will play at KU next year. A story on the two of them and their sister Emily Hammond, a third senior-sister on the Andover soccer team, appears in the upcoming April issue of HSSTM, due out this week.
We also touched on the track season getting under way. Keep an eye on three of top javelin throwers in the state from the area: junior Matt Byers of Wichita East; senior Chris Ronen of Newton; and senior Roman Belden of Mulvane. None have won a state title but all three are in the top two among returning state qualifiers. It could be a huge year for the area in the javelin throw. Also, three area pole vaulters will look for their first state titles: Will Wright of Augusta; Nathan Arnold of Bishop Carroll; and Kyle Horsch of Andale, already a two-time football state champ.
Spring sports offer so many opportunities to athletes. I can't keep track of them all. Come to me with ideas. Post on the blog or in the forum.
TW
They're coming. How much and how often will determine the depth of the spring sports season. Last April and May got soaked; we'll wait and see how many games and meets get in this year before Memorial Day weekend, when state track, baseball, softball and soccer take place. It will also be when I shelve my notebook and gear up in my cut-off flannel, jean shorts and netted, bucket-topped ballcap and drive to Indianapolis for the 500. Really, I'm not pumped.
I hope baseball and softball get to play complete seasons. Local talent in these sporting arenas overwhelms me. In baseball, you've got multiple NCAA Division I talents at three schools: Logan Watkins and Dalton Banwart at Goddard going to Wichita State; Jake Marasco to KU and Nick Cocking to K-State - both out of Maize; and Tyler Grimes to WSU and Matt Applegate to K-State - both out of Wichita North. On top of that, there are tons of guys who have signed with jucos, and we know where Kansas juco players often end up: DI.
Softball's no different. Talent is everywhere. The most intriguing of them all could a sophomore at Independent, Haley McGregor. She moved to Wichita from California with her family before her freshman year at Independent, and she brought with her the eyes of recruiters nationally. She is supposed to be high on everyone's list as a shortstop. I watched her last year as a freshman. She's outstanding - fundamentals and talent combined.
On the Sports Daily radio show this morning, I spoke with Bruce and Paul about spring sports. Keep an eye on Kortney Clifton out of Andover High soccer. She had scored 188 career goals through Thursday night. She and her twin sister Kelsey will play at KU next year. A story on the two of them and their sister Emily Hammond, a third senior-sister on the Andover soccer team, appears in the upcoming April issue of HSSTM, due out this week.
We also touched on the track season getting under way. Keep an eye on three of top javelin throwers in the state from the area: junior Matt Byers of Wichita East; senior Chris Ronen of Newton; and senior Roman Belden of Mulvane. None have won a state title but all three are in the top two among returning state qualifiers. It could be a huge year for the area in the javelin throw. Also, three area pole vaulters will look for their first state titles: Will Wright of Augusta; Nathan Arnold of Bishop Carroll; and Kyle Horsch of Andale, already a two-time football state champ.
Spring sports offer so many opportunities to athletes. I can't keep track of them all. Come to me with ideas. Post on the blog or in the forum.
TW
Friday, March 7, 2008
3 - Helter Skelter
Not just a Beatles song, but also Wichita City League basketball.
Bob Lutz on the Sports Daily radio show this morning started the conversation. I joined it when I came on the air this morning for the magazine's 10 a.m. segment, which I was able to join in studio after hauling back from Emporia last night.
City League basketball is fraught with athletic players. Helter skelter basketball has arrived and is thriving in the city of Wichita. We've been watching it on television for several years at the college level, and it was only a matter of time before high school coaches would have to adapt to the style of play. Prep players watch the college game and have begun to emulate its tendencies. The dribble-drive and kick has become the norm in college basketball, and it has seeped into prep ball, at least on teams with players capable of playing in such a manner. Half-court basketball centered around screens, cuts and flashing is no longer in vogue on athletically-capable teams. Pressure defense, driving to the hoop and shooting three-pointers off kick-outs is now in to replace it.
Lutz says he nervous during City League games, as no 10-point lead is safe, either for or against. Teams in the City League are so even, and they're proving this season that they're better than the rest of the state with "out of control" play.
Yes, they're better - without an offensive "system". I watched the Wichita Heights boys harass and gradually have their way with the defending 6A state champs, Blue Valley West, last night at White Auditorium in Emporia. Heights never developed a continuous flow in the ballgame and even looked overmatched in the early going. BV West picked apart their zone defense behind 6-9 Robert Lewandowski, likely a first-team all-stater, as he scored eight of their first ten points. But Heights extended their defense to a full-court press and forced turnover after turnover in the second half. They never built a lead until they went up six in overtime to win the game, but they were always in it, and they were always two forced turnovers away from taking the lead. They score quickly and in bunches. Scoring droughts aren't that big a deal, as they can turn it on at any time. And they don't hesitate to shoot it up. After a turnover, they'll go straight to the hoop and pray it goes in. In the half-court, its often just a look to drive, though when they do make a conscious effort to go into the post to Kelton Marshall, another first or second-team all-stater, he's money from 10 feet and in with his back to the hoop.
What's the key to this new style of play in college hoops and Wichita prep hoops? Guard play. It's why Heights can beat a team with a Lewandowski, and it's why Southeast can beat East with Garrius Holloman, arguably the best big man in the state. East lacks outside shooting, and they have a wealth of forwards, so Southeast just gets a few steals for layups or knocks down a couple three-pointers, and, bam, they're back in it. It's all about guard play. As a note, that's how Lawrence, a team with a losing record entering postseason, beat Manhattan to set up their semifinal 6A showdown tonight with Heights. Dorian Green, as Lutz noted this morning on the show, is a fabulous guard, and, despite Lawrence having all mid-sized players with no one to guard Manhattan's 6-9 Jackie Carmichael, Lawrence won the game because of it - guard play. Lesson: if you have the thoroughbreds, turn them loose. As a critique, however, some of the shot selection on these "guard" teams could be better. But then again, isn't shooting it up the point.
Tonight's lineup at White Auditorium in Emporia is outstanding. After having zero boys teams int the state semifinals last season, the City League has three of four this March. East will play Southeast for third time this season, and Heights will play Lawrence. Despite Lawrence's record, it will not be an upset if they beat Heights. After watching them last night, I have not idea how their record is that bad. They must have gelled late. They play with passion, and they play together. And they're willing to play zone, which must be played as a team with tons of communication for it to be successful.
The East-Southeast game promises to be another classic. Both regular season games were played into overtime this season. These teams know each other, the players know each other and the coaches know each other. Heck, the schools are only like three miles away from each other. Division I players will be on display, and play will be up and down the court. I've got East, though the hectic atmosphere of White Auditorium with its vibrating noise will favor Southeast, who plays well out of control. Helter skelter.
I'm back on the road. After watching the Bishop Carroll girls in Topeka yesterday afternoon before swinging down to Emporia to watch the Heights boys, I came home for a respite. Now, it's back to Emporia for the biggest night of ball this season. Heights girls versus Goddard tonight, as well, in Emporia. Unbelievable lineup.
Bob Lutz on the Sports Daily radio show this morning started the conversation. I joined it when I came on the air this morning for the magazine's 10 a.m. segment, which I was able to join in studio after hauling back from Emporia last night.
City League basketball is fraught with athletic players. Helter skelter basketball has arrived and is thriving in the city of Wichita. We've been watching it on television for several years at the college level, and it was only a matter of time before high school coaches would have to adapt to the style of play. Prep players watch the college game and have begun to emulate its tendencies. The dribble-drive and kick has become the norm in college basketball, and it has seeped into prep ball, at least on teams with players capable of playing in such a manner. Half-court basketball centered around screens, cuts and flashing is no longer in vogue on athletically-capable teams. Pressure defense, driving to the hoop and shooting three-pointers off kick-outs is now in to replace it.
Lutz says he nervous during City League games, as no 10-point lead is safe, either for or against. Teams in the City League are so even, and they're proving this season that they're better than the rest of the state with "out of control" play.
Yes, they're better - without an offensive "system". I watched the Wichita Heights boys harass and gradually have their way with the defending 6A state champs, Blue Valley West, last night at White Auditorium in Emporia. Heights never developed a continuous flow in the ballgame and even looked overmatched in the early going. BV West picked apart their zone defense behind 6-9 Robert Lewandowski, likely a first-team all-stater, as he scored eight of their first ten points. But Heights extended their defense to a full-court press and forced turnover after turnover in the second half. They never built a lead until they went up six in overtime to win the game, but they were always in it, and they were always two forced turnovers away from taking the lead. They score quickly and in bunches. Scoring droughts aren't that big a deal, as they can turn it on at any time. And they don't hesitate to shoot it up. After a turnover, they'll go straight to the hoop and pray it goes in. In the half-court, its often just a look to drive, though when they do make a conscious effort to go into the post to Kelton Marshall, another first or second-team all-stater, he's money from 10 feet and in with his back to the hoop.
What's the key to this new style of play in college hoops and Wichita prep hoops? Guard play. It's why Heights can beat a team with a Lewandowski, and it's why Southeast can beat East with Garrius Holloman, arguably the best big man in the state. East lacks outside shooting, and they have a wealth of forwards, so Southeast just gets a few steals for layups or knocks down a couple three-pointers, and, bam, they're back in it. It's all about guard play. As a note, that's how Lawrence, a team with a losing record entering postseason, beat Manhattan to set up their semifinal 6A showdown tonight with Heights. Dorian Green, as Lutz noted this morning on the show, is a fabulous guard, and, despite Lawrence having all mid-sized players with no one to guard Manhattan's 6-9 Jackie Carmichael, Lawrence won the game because of it - guard play. Lesson: if you have the thoroughbreds, turn them loose. As a critique, however, some of the shot selection on these "guard" teams could be better. But then again, isn't shooting it up the point.
Tonight's lineup at White Auditorium in Emporia is outstanding. After having zero boys teams int the state semifinals last season, the City League has three of four this March. East will play Southeast for third time this season, and Heights will play Lawrence. Despite Lawrence's record, it will not be an upset if they beat Heights. After watching them last night, I have not idea how their record is that bad. They must have gelled late. They play with passion, and they play together. And they're willing to play zone, which must be played as a team with tons of communication for it to be successful.
The East-Southeast game promises to be another classic. Both regular season games were played into overtime this season. These teams know each other, the players know each other and the coaches know each other. Heck, the schools are only like three miles away from each other. Division I players will be on display, and play will be up and down the court. I've got East, though the hectic atmosphere of White Auditorium with its vibrating noise will favor Southeast, who plays well out of control. Helter skelter.
I'm back on the road. After watching the Bishop Carroll girls in Topeka yesterday afternoon before swinging down to Emporia to watch the Heights boys, I came home for a respite. Now, it's back to Emporia for the biggest night of ball this season. Heights girls versus Goddard tonight, as well, in Emporia. Unbelievable lineup.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
2 - Capital City in my sights
It didn't go so good for Greensburg last night in their 56-30 loss to Crest.
Throughout the game at Busch-Gross Coliseum on the campus of Fort Hays State, I sat by Greensburg coach David White's son, Zach. He's in his second year at Kansas University, but he made the trip across the the state for the ballgame. A former player at Greensburg, he watched his brother, Eric, a senior guard on the team, and his dad be frustrated by poor shooting and an inability to stop Crest's star player, Brandon Newton, who sprang for 17 points.
Greensburg, a team that rode a wave of two upsets through sub-state, came to a screeching halt. Before the game, Zach and his friend Alex Reinecke tried to figure out who their opponent was. The No. 1 seed in the 1A tournament is a relative unknown. I overheard another official in the tournament hospitality room ask the same question: Who is Crest? "In all my years following high school basketball, I've never heard of Crest," he said.
Well, they're pretty good. But they didn't even steal the show - not for me. There was an all-out production going on during the game. Two state-of-the-art video cameras recorded the Greensburg team and following's every move. They recorded the pre-game meeting between the coaches, with a big fuzzy mic held over the two coaches by a professional sound guy. They walked around the court during pregame intros and timeouts recording the players and coaches. The filmed the game, the crowd, the sideline, the cheerleaders and the band.
I was very confused at first. For a second, when I first saw one camerawoman, I thought, oh, Smoky Hills Public Television. They always tape-delay this tournament. A second later, I knew something was up. I saw another cameraman, the sound guy with his huge, fuzzy, Russian-winter-hat-type mic at the end of an adjustable pole. A crew of three or so producers directed the cameras' movement. A couple more directors sidled around, looking for good shots in the arena. This was not a local crew.
Zach White told me that the Discovery Channel has been filming the town of Greensburg for the past six months: town meetings, cleanup, community activities. He said the series on Greensburg is supposed to air in November.
Overall, it was a very interesting night. It was a bit odd to see the Greensburg team surrounded by cameras during timeouts, especially when the realization of the end of their season was settling in. They were down like 20, White was still trying to make adjustments and a big billowy mic lay at the peak of their huddle. Kind of weird.
Overall, though, this was a great story. Greensburg beat Macksville in the sub-state semifinal after losing to them by 25 during the season. In the sub-state final, they beat Moscow on a last-second three-pointer by Andrew Seiler. Seiler, a little guard at 5-5, ended the game against Moscow by catching the in-bounds pass at half-court with 2.8 seconds left and draining a pro-distance three at the buzzer. Seiler hit a three to end the game against Crest, as well, but a series of missed layups and poor outside shooting throughout the game rendered it nil.
Congrats to Greensburg, and fare you well as you continue to rebuild the town. The fact that your basketball team made the state tournament without a home court is stunning and unusual.
On my way to Hays I stopped off in Salina to watch the Colby-Andale girls game in 4A. Colby has a quality post player in Lizza Mazanec, but her game seems limited to eight feet and in and I wonder what she'll do against a physical defender like Bailey Gee of Andover Central. Tasha Wagoner is a 5-8 outside shooter for Colby. I'm not sure what she's capable of off the dribble, though. Colby crushed Andale to stay undefeated.
I tried to rush back to Salina to see Abilene, Andover Central's opponent on Friday, but I didn't make it. All three of these teams remain undefeated in the 4A girls tournament: Central, Colby, Abilene. I will take Central over Colby if they make it to the final, but I have no idea about Abilene, as I didn't get to see them. I think Bailey Gee can dominate Mazanec, and I saw no one on Colby that can begin to stick with Tiffany Bias.
Ok, I'm off the Topeka to watch the Bishop Carroll girls start the state tournament against St. Thomas Aquinas. Then, tonight, I go to Emporia for Wichita Heights boys' 8:15 start against defending 6A champion Blue Valley West. Abby Fawcett of Carroll and Kelton Marshall of Heights - I'm looking for big-time performances.
Throughout the game at Busch-Gross Coliseum on the campus of Fort Hays State, I sat by Greensburg coach David White's son, Zach. He's in his second year at Kansas University, but he made the trip across the the state for the ballgame. A former player at Greensburg, he watched his brother, Eric, a senior guard on the team, and his dad be frustrated by poor shooting and an inability to stop Crest's star player, Brandon Newton, who sprang for 17 points.
Greensburg, a team that rode a wave of two upsets through sub-state, came to a screeching halt. Before the game, Zach and his friend Alex Reinecke tried to figure out who their opponent was. The No. 1 seed in the 1A tournament is a relative unknown. I overheard another official in the tournament hospitality room ask the same question: Who is Crest? "In all my years following high school basketball, I've never heard of Crest," he said.
Well, they're pretty good. But they didn't even steal the show - not for me. There was an all-out production going on during the game. Two state-of-the-art video cameras recorded the Greensburg team and following's every move. They recorded the pre-game meeting between the coaches, with a big fuzzy mic held over the two coaches by a professional sound guy. They walked around the court during pregame intros and timeouts recording the players and coaches. The filmed the game, the crowd, the sideline, the cheerleaders and the band.
I was very confused at first. For a second, when I first saw one camerawoman, I thought, oh, Smoky Hills Public Television. They always tape-delay this tournament. A second later, I knew something was up. I saw another cameraman, the sound guy with his huge, fuzzy, Russian-winter-hat-type mic at the end of an adjustable pole. A crew of three or so producers directed the cameras' movement. A couple more directors sidled around, looking for good shots in the arena. This was not a local crew.
Zach White told me that the Discovery Channel has been filming the town of Greensburg for the past six months: town meetings, cleanup, community activities. He said the series on Greensburg is supposed to air in November.
Overall, it was a very interesting night. It was a bit odd to see the Greensburg team surrounded by cameras during timeouts, especially when the realization of the end of their season was settling in. They were down like 20, White was still trying to make adjustments and a big billowy mic lay at the peak of their huddle. Kind of weird.
Overall, though, this was a great story. Greensburg beat Macksville in the sub-state semifinal after losing to them by 25 during the season. In the sub-state final, they beat Moscow on a last-second three-pointer by Andrew Seiler. Seiler, a little guard at 5-5, ended the game against Moscow by catching the in-bounds pass at half-court with 2.8 seconds left and draining a pro-distance three at the buzzer. Seiler hit a three to end the game against Crest, as well, but a series of missed layups and poor outside shooting throughout the game rendered it nil.
Congrats to Greensburg, and fare you well as you continue to rebuild the town. The fact that your basketball team made the state tournament without a home court is stunning and unusual.
On my way to Hays I stopped off in Salina to watch the Colby-Andale girls game in 4A. Colby has a quality post player in Lizza Mazanec, but her game seems limited to eight feet and in and I wonder what she'll do against a physical defender like Bailey Gee of Andover Central. Tasha Wagoner is a 5-8 outside shooter for Colby. I'm not sure what she's capable of off the dribble, though. Colby crushed Andale to stay undefeated.
I tried to rush back to Salina to see Abilene, Andover Central's opponent on Friday, but I didn't make it. All three of these teams remain undefeated in the 4A girls tournament: Central, Colby, Abilene. I will take Central over Colby if they make it to the final, but I have no idea about Abilene, as I didn't get to see them. I think Bailey Gee can dominate Mazanec, and I saw no one on Colby that can begin to stick with Tiffany Bias.
Ok, I'm off the Topeka to watch the Bishop Carroll girls start the state tournament against St. Thomas Aquinas. Then, tonight, I go to Emporia for Wichita Heights boys' 8:15 start against defending 6A champion Blue Valley West. Abby Fawcett of Carroll and Kelton Marshall of Heights - I'm looking for big-time performances.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
1 - Hitting the road soon
At 2:00 p.m. I'm bustin' asphalt. Beef jerky and coffee by my side in the middle console of the Bull (my '97 Ford Taurus), I'm trucking up to Hays for Day 1 of the 1A state tournament. Why? you ask. I say why not.
The Greensburg High boys basketball team made this tournament. They play tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Busch-Gross in Hays against No. 1 Crest. After a season in which the Rangers played zero real home games, starting with a 22-point deficit against Cunningham, Greensburg put together an upset run through sub-state and now enters the first round of state tonight.
Coach David White is making his third appearance at a state basketball tournament, though it is Greensburg High's first under him and only their third is 60 years. White, a Greensburg native who returned in the early '80s as a football and basketball coach, went to the tourney twice while at Dighton in the late '70s and early '80s.
The team overcame an enormous obstacle to get this far. The tornado last spring wiped out the town, including the school and gymnasium. Amazingly, none of White's players relocated, and they have returned from a sub-state final loss to eventual state champ South Gray in 2007 to make the state tournament. Greensburg played three "home" games at Mullinville and two at Haviland. At 19-5, they're an underdog at 1A state, but they've played a tougher schedule than Crest out West. I give them a chance in this ballgame. A win could be the story of the tournament.
I can't emphasize enough how incredible I think it is that they won 19 games without a home court. I can relate. As a prep player at the smallest school in the state of Vermont, my teams were in the same boat every season. Our practice gymnasium at our high school was too small for official competition, as it was built in the 1930s, I believe. When I arrived there in 1996, I couldn't believe what I saw. Three rows of wooden bleachers jutted up against the sidelines, and the width of the court was under 35 feet. A three-point line couldn't fit laterally, and it nearly stretched to half court at its peak. The backboards were wooden, the rims weren't break-away and the scoreboard wasn't digital. It had clock hands to keep time, which took two seconds to stop, and the score was kept with rotating saucers for the tens' place and ones' place. Three years later on a trip to the Basketball Hall of Fame, I saw an exact replica of it in an exhibit.
But we overcame it. We tore out the bleachers to create more space on the sideline, enough so that you could shoot a three-pointer all the way around, stretching the width to over 40 feet. For a few weeks of practice, though, the new lanes along the sideline where the bleachers formerly were, were dug-in gaps, creating a half-foot drop-off from the level of the main floor. We continued to practice under these conditions. For the rest of that season afterward, though, the gaps were filled with cement. A kid at school's dad, who was a cement worker, had his company do the work for free. During the off-season we covered up the cement with tile. Yes, I forgot that detail, the basketball floor was tile, not wood.
The circumstances were not ideal - ever - in our practice gymnasium. We never had a real home game. Our home games were played at other local gymnasiums, where we didn't practice - so it wasn't a home game. Home games are all about being comfortable on your own court; we never had that.
But it didn't matter. Actually, I take that back. It did matter - for the same reason that I believe in this Greensburg team. Even though Greensburg never got to play home games where they practiced everyday, I believe this brought the team together. If a team has good players who will play together and believe in each other, it doesn't matter where they play. They can win anywhere.
I had 15 kids in my graduating class, which was big for that school. My brother, who played with me as a senior when I was a freshman on our one state title team - his class had only eight kids.
But it didn't matter. We were a close group, good at basketball, and we'd play anywhere. One season, as a sophomore, we played 17 of 20 games away. We made the state title game again that year, losing by three. Our opponent in the title game had three guys over 6-5. We had one guy who was 6-3, and the rest of us were under six-feet tall.
I can relate to this Greensburg team, and I'm rooting for them. They've already done a great thing. They came together all season with no home court. They beat the top-seeded team in their sub-state, Macksville, after losing to them by 25 earlier in the season. I can't wait for their game tonight. I hope the whole town of Greensburg is there.
Stay tuned.
The Greensburg High boys basketball team made this tournament. They play tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Busch-Gross in Hays against No. 1 Crest. After a season in which the Rangers played zero real home games, starting with a 22-point deficit against Cunningham, Greensburg put together an upset run through sub-state and now enters the first round of state tonight.
Coach David White is making his third appearance at a state basketball tournament, though it is Greensburg High's first under him and only their third is 60 years. White, a Greensburg native who returned in the early '80s as a football and basketball coach, went to the tourney twice while at Dighton in the late '70s and early '80s.
The team overcame an enormous obstacle to get this far. The tornado last spring wiped out the town, including the school and gymnasium. Amazingly, none of White's players relocated, and they have returned from a sub-state final loss to eventual state champ South Gray in 2007 to make the state tournament. Greensburg played three "home" games at Mullinville and two at Haviland. At 19-5, they're an underdog at 1A state, but they've played a tougher schedule than Crest out West. I give them a chance in this ballgame. A win could be the story of the tournament.
I can't emphasize enough how incredible I think it is that they won 19 games without a home court. I can relate. As a prep player at the smallest school in the state of Vermont, my teams were in the same boat every season. Our practice gymnasium at our high school was too small for official competition, as it was built in the 1930s, I believe. When I arrived there in 1996, I couldn't believe what I saw. Three rows of wooden bleachers jutted up against the sidelines, and the width of the court was under 35 feet. A three-point line couldn't fit laterally, and it nearly stretched to half court at its peak. The backboards were wooden, the rims weren't break-away and the scoreboard wasn't digital. It had clock hands to keep time, which took two seconds to stop, and the score was kept with rotating saucers for the tens' place and ones' place. Three years later on a trip to the Basketball Hall of Fame, I saw an exact replica of it in an exhibit.
But we overcame it. We tore out the bleachers to create more space on the sideline, enough so that you could shoot a three-pointer all the way around, stretching the width to over 40 feet. For a few weeks of practice, though, the new lanes along the sideline where the bleachers formerly were, were dug-in gaps, creating a half-foot drop-off from the level of the main floor. We continued to practice under these conditions. For the rest of that season afterward, though, the gaps were filled with cement. A kid at school's dad, who was a cement worker, had his company do the work for free. During the off-season we covered up the cement with tile. Yes, I forgot that detail, the basketball floor was tile, not wood.
The circumstances were not ideal - ever - in our practice gymnasium. We never had a real home game. Our home games were played at other local gymnasiums, where we didn't practice - so it wasn't a home game. Home games are all about being comfortable on your own court; we never had that.
But it didn't matter. Actually, I take that back. It did matter - for the same reason that I believe in this Greensburg team. Even though Greensburg never got to play home games where they practiced everyday, I believe this brought the team together. If a team has good players who will play together and believe in each other, it doesn't matter where they play. They can win anywhere.
I had 15 kids in my graduating class, which was big for that school. My brother, who played with me as a senior when I was a freshman on our one state title team - his class had only eight kids.
But it didn't matter. We were a close group, good at basketball, and we'd play anywhere. One season, as a sophomore, we played 17 of 20 games away. We made the state title game again that year, losing by three. Our opponent in the title game had three guys over 6-5. We had one guy who was 6-3, and the rest of us were under six-feet tall.
I can relate to this Greensburg team, and I'm rooting for them. They've already done a great thing. They came together all season with no home court. They beat the top-seeded team in their sub-state, Macksville, after losing to them by 25 earlier in the season. I can't wait for their game tonight. I hope the whole town of Greensburg is there.
Stay tuned.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
My state picks
Anyone who tuned in for my Sports Daily radio segment on Friday knows that my luck ran out. My dark horses at boys sub-state both were rendered steamless: 3A Belle Plaine and 4A Andale.
However, a team which has intrigued me all season long is still in it: the Bishop Carroll boys (13-9). The Golden Eagles started the season with a three-game losing streak. A win over Wichita East, a top-five team in the state, was their only one before Christmas break. But, hey, that'll happen to pretty good teams in the Wichita City League.
They ended the regular season right, though. Carroll won seven of its last eight, including a dominant win over Wichita Southeast, ranked No. 1 in the state. The entered postseason play with a modest 11-9 record, but also with a four-game winning streak.
Their 25-point win over Kapaun Mount Carmel in the sub-state final is tempered by the fact that it was essentially a home game for host Carroll. The Eagles have thrived at home all season. However, despite the fact that Carroll has yet to prove itself on the road, I say this team can win the state tournament. Class 5A is not that strong this season, and no other team in this tournament is as tested at Carroll coming out of the City League, which, by the way, put three teams in the Class 6A tournament. Carroll split with all three of them: East, Southeast and Heights. The City League has been simply outstanding this season.
So, the Carroll boys are my underdog pick to win it all. Moving on.
I've got the Carroll girls in Class 5A. Abby Fawcett and a core of juniors at Carroll have a chance to win back-to-back state titles for the first time in school history. The Carroll girls won the school's only basketball state title in 2004.
In 6A girls, I desperately want to see a Wichita Heights-Goddard matchup in the state semifinals. Goddard is just as deep as Heights, though the Falcons' pace will give Goddard fits. If Heights hits the three-ball, they win; If Goddard dominates in the post on offense and defends Heights' guards well on the perimeter, the Lions win. Neither would be a lock to win it all, though, even they win their potential semis matchup. Some have Blue Valley Stilwell and Olathe South, both in the other half of the bracket, ranked ahead of Heights, the two-time defending state champ. I'm going with Heights, though. And I'm also going with Heights next year... And next year.
The Class 6A boys tournament is going to be a blast. Southeast and East should meet for third time this season in the state semifinals. On the other half, Heights will start off with Blue Valley West, the defending state champ, which nearly lost to Maize at their mid-season tournament. I've got Heights to win this game, and the next one over Manhattan (20-2) or Lawrence. I see an all-City League state title game. I've got East over Heights, after the two split during the regular season. While each of these City League teams was prone to being upset this season, remember that they were prone to being upset within the league. I really the City is just better than everyone else this season.
An Andover Central-Colby matchup at Class 4A girls state between two undefeated teams would be a classic. Let's hope for it. Both would be 26-0 for the state title game in Salina.
The Andover High boys are back at state in 4A after a bowing out in the first round last season. There's huge difference this time around: Andover is 23-0. This is a team that has won close games all season as a team. Luke Meisch stands out, but not outrageously so. Coach Jason Stucky has put all the pieces together; this is not a team driven by stars.
As a note and segue, Stucky and both of his brothers will be coaching at Kansas state basketball tournaments this March. In the December issue of HSSTM, we ran our "Family Affair" piece on the Stucky brothers, all of whom played high school basketball at Berean Academy. Jason's brother Jordan will be on the sideline with Trinity Academy at the 3A tournament at Hutchinson as an assistant, as will his brother Joel with Berean at the 2A tournament in Manhattan. All three played at Berean under Lewis Wiebe, who still coaches the Warriors.
Trinity, the No. 2 seed in 3A, is my favorite to win Class 3A. Either Collegiate or Trinity, whichever won the sub-state tournament at Chaparral - that's who my favorite was going to be in 3A. Belle Plaine beat Collegiate but got dominated by Trinity, losing by 15. Trinity looked for real at their mid-season tournament and it looks like they're right back on track after a weak ending to the regular season. Trinity is in its first state tournament in school history, as the program is just a decade old.
In the 3A girls tournament, keep an eye on Collegiate. This team is young, and will be back at state in the coming years. Ashia Woods is outstanding running the floor as a post player, despite just being a freshman. Collegiate won't win it all, but like I said, expect good things.
The Class 2A and 1A tournaments are so difficult to have an opinion on. There are so many teams from all across the state. In a way, these are my favorite tournaments, especially 1A, in which a team has to win three regional games before two sub-state games to even get to the state tournament. Berean Academy boys and girls teams made the state tourney in 2A. The girls are ranked No. 1, but the same was the case last season, when I watched them lose a game of dreadful shooting to an eight-loss No. 8 seed. I know this team, with most of the same players as last season, wants to do better this time around. They were distraught after last season.
Two notes for 1A in Hays: The Greensburg boys are in the state tournament. And the Dexter girls, after losing twice to undefeated Argonia during the regular season, beat them at sub-state and are in the state tourney.
However, a team which has intrigued me all season long is still in it: the Bishop Carroll boys (13-9). The Golden Eagles started the season with a three-game losing streak. A win over Wichita East, a top-five team in the state, was their only one before Christmas break. But, hey, that'll happen to pretty good teams in the Wichita City League.
They ended the regular season right, though. Carroll won seven of its last eight, including a dominant win over Wichita Southeast, ranked No. 1 in the state. The entered postseason play with a modest 11-9 record, but also with a four-game winning streak.
Their 25-point win over Kapaun Mount Carmel in the sub-state final is tempered by the fact that it was essentially a home game for host Carroll. The Eagles have thrived at home all season. However, despite the fact that Carroll has yet to prove itself on the road, I say this team can win the state tournament. Class 5A is not that strong this season, and no other team in this tournament is as tested at Carroll coming out of the City League, which, by the way, put three teams in the Class 6A tournament. Carroll split with all three of them: East, Southeast and Heights. The City League has been simply outstanding this season.
So, the Carroll boys are my underdog pick to win it all. Moving on.
I've got the Carroll girls in Class 5A. Abby Fawcett and a core of juniors at Carroll have a chance to win back-to-back state titles for the first time in school history. The Carroll girls won the school's only basketball state title in 2004.
In 6A girls, I desperately want to see a Wichita Heights-Goddard matchup in the state semifinals. Goddard is just as deep as Heights, though the Falcons' pace will give Goddard fits. If Heights hits the three-ball, they win; If Goddard dominates in the post on offense and defends Heights' guards well on the perimeter, the Lions win. Neither would be a lock to win it all, though, even they win their potential semis matchup. Some have Blue Valley Stilwell and Olathe South, both in the other half of the bracket, ranked ahead of Heights, the two-time defending state champ. I'm going with Heights, though. And I'm also going with Heights next year... And next year.
The Class 6A boys tournament is going to be a blast. Southeast and East should meet for third time this season in the state semifinals. On the other half, Heights will start off with Blue Valley West, the defending state champ, which nearly lost to Maize at their mid-season tournament. I've got Heights to win this game, and the next one over Manhattan (20-2) or Lawrence. I see an all-City League state title game. I've got East over Heights, after the two split during the regular season. While each of these City League teams was prone to being upset this season, remember that they were prone to being upset within the league. I really the City is just better than everyone else this season.
An Andover Central-Colby matchup at Class 4A girls state between two undefeated teams would be a classic. Let's hope for it. Both would be 26-0 for the state title game in Salina.
The Andover High boys are back at state in 4A after a bowing out in the first round last season. There's huge difference this time around: Andover is 23-0. This is a team that has won close games all season as a team. Luke Meisch stands out, but not outrageously so. Coach Jason Stucky has put all the pieces together; this is not a team driven by stars.
As a note and segue, Stucky and both of his brothers will be coaching at Kansas state basketball tournaments this March. In the December issue of HSSTM, we ran our "Family Affair" piece on the Stucky brothers, all of whom played high school basketball at Berean Academy. Jason's brother Jordan will be on the sideline with Trinity Academy at the 3A tournament at Hutchinson as an assistant, as will his brother Joel with Berean at the 2A tournament in Manhattan. All three played at Berean under Lewis Wiebe, who still coaches the Warriors.
Trinity, the No. 2 seed in 3A, is my favorite to win Class 3A. Either Collegiate or Trinity, whichever won the sub-state tournament at Chaparral - that's who my favorite was going to be in 3A. Belle Plaine beat Collegiate but got dominated by Trinity, losing by 15. Trinity looked for real at their mid-season tournament and it looks like they're right back on track after a weak ending to the regular season. Trinity is in its first state tournament in school history, as the program is just a decade old.
In the 3A girls tournament, keep an eye on Collegiate. This team is young, and will be back at state in the coming years. Ashia Woods is outstanding running the floor as a post player, despite just being a freshman. Collegiate won't win it all, but like I said, expect good things.
The Class 2A and 1A tournaments are so difficult to have an opinion on. There are so many teams from all across the state. In a way, these are my favorite tournaments, especially 1A, in which a team has to win three regional games before two sub-state games to even get to the state tournament. Berean Academy boys and girls teams made the state tourney in 2A. The girls are ranked No. 1, but the same was the case last season, when I watched them lose a game of dreadful shooting to an eight-loss No. 8 seed. I know this team, with most of the same players as last season, wants to do better this time around. They were distraught after last season.
Two notes for 1A in Hays: The Greensburg boys are in the state tournament. And the Dexter girls, after losing twice to undefeated Argonia during the regular season, beat them at sub-state and are in the state tourney.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
New Web site feature and my favorite sub-state matchups
I want everyone who frequents the HSSTM Web site to check out our "In the News" section at the bottom of the main page. I'm trying something new with this feature, and I intend to update every morning.
The area has so many newspaper reporters out on the beat every night all over the area. So I am trolling through area newspapers' Web sports pages for stories of interest and posting links to these stories in "In the News". This will be an outstanding way for area prep sports fans to stay up to date on all the top teams, athletes and stories being covered by local prep beat writers. Hopefully this section will become a portal for fans to stay on top of what's going on the area. Let me know if this is helpful.
Here are my favorite sub-state matchups this week:
If the Maize boys (10-10) can beat Wichita Northwest (8-12) for the second time this season in their opening round game on Thursday, they should meet up with Wichita Heights (14-6) on Saturday for a berth in the 6A state tournament. Heights is tested, with a strong win over East earlier this season. Maize seemed to turn the corner in late January but hit the skids again in late February. Maize lost out at sub-state last season when they were one of the better teams in 6A. Maybe they can put it together and do the same to Heights this weekend.
The Goddard girls (18-2) can challenge for the 6A state title. But they'll have to get by Wichita South in the sub-state final first, assuming they both get there with wins tonight. Goddard is a more complete team, but South could make a run at them if Christine Elliott, an SMU signee, can best Lindsay Keller, an Oklahoma State signee, in the post.
Will the Derby girls (14-6), a preseason favorite in 6A, even make state? They have to beat Southeast (9-11), who gave them a game earlier in the year, and Dodge City (16-4). The wheels came off in February. Can they get a tune-up in time?
A boys matchup between South (14-6) and East (16-4) in the sub-state final at Cmapus on Saturday could be a classic. These historically successful City League clubs split during the regular season. East should dominate in the post; can South torture the Aces with their superior outside shooting?
The Bishop Carroll boys (11-9) should meet Kapaun (10-10) for the third time this season in the sub-state final at Carroll. This will be a great game! I've got Carroll in the Concrete Cave, which just seems unfair. Carroll could make a run at the 5A title.
The Class 4A boys sub-state at Andale is just so stacked. It's up for grabs. On Friday, Hesston (19-2) meets Andale (15-6) and Cheney (19-2) meets Clearwater (18-2). I'm going with Andale, in an upset tourney victory at home. I'll be there on Friday.
For my take on the 3A sub-state at Chaparral in Anthony, see the new showcase story on the main page of the Web site. A Trinity-Collegiate sub-state final rematch could be a classic.
The area has so many newspaper reporters out on the beat every night all over the area. So I am trolling through area newspapers' Web sports pages for stories of interest and posting links to these stories in "In the News". This will be an outstanding way for area prep sports fans to stay up to date on all the top teams, athletes and stories being covered by local prep beat writers. Hopefully this section will become a portal for fans to stay on top of what's going on the area. Let me know if this is helpful.
Here are my favorite sub-state matchups this week:
If the Maize boys (10-10) can beat Wichita Northwest (8-12) for the second time this season in their opening round game on Thursday, they should meet up with Wichita Heights (14-6) on Saturday for a berth in the 6A state tournament. Heights is tested, with a strong win over East earlier this season. Maize seemed to turn the corner in late January but hit the skids again in late February. Maize lost out at sub-state last season when they were one of the better teams in 6A. Maybe they can put it together and do the same to Heights this weekend.
The Goddard girls (18-2) can challenge for the 6A state title. But they'll have to get by Wichita South in the sub-state final first, assuming they both get there with wins tonight. Goddard is a more complete team, but South could make a run at them if Christine Elliott, an SMU signee, can best Lindsay Keller, an Oklahoma State signee, in the post.
Will the Derby girls (14-6), a preseason favorite in 6A, even make state? They have to beat Southeast (9-11), who gave them a game earlier in the year, and Dodge City (16-4). The wheels came off in February. Can they get a tune-up in time?
A boys matchup between South (14-6) and East (16-4) in the sub-state final at Cmapus on Saturday could be a classic. These historically successful City League clubs split during the regular season. East should dominate in the post; can South torture the Aces with their superior outside shooting?
The Bishop Carroll boys (11-9) should meet Kapaun (10-10) for the third time this season in the sub-state final at Carroll. This will be a great game! I've got Carroll in the Concrete Cave, which just seems unfair. Carroll could make a run at the 5A title.
The Class 4A boys sub-state at Andale is just so stacked. It's up for grabs. On Friday, Hesston (19-2) meets Andale (15-6) and Cheney (19-2) meets Clearwater (18-2). I'm going with Andale, in an upset tourney victory at home. I'll be there on Friday.
For my take on the 3A sub-state at Chaparral in Anthony, see the new showcase story on the main page of the Web site. A Trinity-Collegiate sub-state final rematch could be a classic.
Monday, February 25, 2008
State season
I spent my Saturday at the Class 5A state wrestling tournament, and there undoubtedly were several highlights.
No, it was more than Hutch's Romero Cotton winning his fourth straight state title, in addition to his four team football titles, making him the first to do so in Kansas history. It was more than Ark City's Trison Graham winning his fourth state title.
Two surprise champs stole the show. At 135 pounds, Valley Center sophomore Cade Blair, after upsetting Hutch's Colby Crank in the second round on Friday, completed an unlikely title run on Saturday night against Joe Hagan of Kapaun. It was the strangest match of the tournament. Through two rounds, it was all defense. Blair got one point in the opening round with an escape, and held on for a 1-0 win. Hagan slowly crawled out from under Blair in the third round and actually got on top of his back. It looked like two points for Hagan, but Blair kept a hold around one of Hagan's legs, though Hagan was on top of him. After about 10 seconds in this position, the referee called a tie-up and sent them to the middle of the mat for a restart. Blair's just a sophomore, and he's a rising star for the Valley Center program. It was a hard-fought match, and kudos to Blair for gutting it out.
The second great match of the tourney was Pete Tapia of Winfield versus undefeated Kyle Detmer of Bishop Carroll. Detmer was undefeated, 34-0 on the season. The defending champ had beaten Tapia, also a defending state champ, twice during the regular season, both pins. But Detmer was totally caught off guard in this title match. Tapia somehow found a way to just dominate Detmer, winning 5-0. The fact that he didn't give up a point to a guy who pinned him twice previously is incredible.
Sub-state starts this week. Go to the forums and post about players who stand out.
No, it was more than Hutch's Romero Cotton winning his fourth straight state title, in addition to his four team football titles, making him the first to do so in Kansas history. It was more than Ark City's Trison Graham winning his fourth state title.
Two surprise champs stole the show. At 135 pounds, Valley Center sophomore Cade Blair, after upsetting Hutch's Colby Crank in the second round on Friday, completed an unlikely title run on Saturday night against Joe Hagan of Kapaun. It was the strangest match of the tournament. Through two rounds, it was all defense. Blair got one point in the opening round with an escape, and held on for a 1-0 win. Hagan slowly crawled out from under Blair in the third round and actually got on top of his back. It looked like two points for Hagan, but Blair kept a hold around one of Hagan's legs, though Hagan was on top of him. After about 10 seconds in this position, the referee called a tie-up and sent them to the middle of the mat for a restart. Blair's just a sophomore, and he's a rising star for the Valley Center program. It was a hard-fought match, and kudos to Blair for gutting it out.
The second great match of the tourney was Pete Tapia of Winfield versus undefeated Kyle Detmer of Bishop Carroll. Detmer was undefeated, 34-0 on the season. The defending champ had beaten Tapia, also a defending state champ, twice during the regular season, both pins. But Detmer was totally caught off guard in this title match. Tapia somehow found a way to just dominate Detmer, winning 5-0. The fact that he didn't give up a point to a guy who pinned him twice previously is incredible.
Sub-state starts this week. Go to the forums and post about players who stand out.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
KAKE Appearance
High School Sports The Magazine appeared on KAKE 10's Overtime Live on Sunday night. We talked prep football signings with Ben Arnet and Jason Duda. I didn't even get close to using all my notes, so I'll share them with you here.
'08 Division I Signees
Arthur Brown, Wichita East LB
Arthur Brown was a key cog in Miami’s compilation of the top recruiting class in 2008. He is one of five outside linebackers signed by the ‘Canes who Scouts Inc. ranked in the top seven. He is the only one of the five not from the state of Florida. This class led by Brown was sorely needed at Miami, as their defense performed uncharacteristically last season, leading to the firing of defensive coordinator Tim Walton. Linebackers coach Michael Barrow, one of Miami’s many great linebackers over the years as a player, was retained, however, and Brown never wavered in his decision to attend Miami when Walton was fired.
Logan Dold, Garden Plain RB/S
While Brown courted and was courted by the top programs across the country for over a year before making his decision and sticking to it, Logan Dold made a commitment to Kansas State during his junior year and never wavered. After being recruited as a safety initially, coaches at K-State are telling the second all-time leading rusher in Kansas prep history he could play on the offensive side of the ball. After watching another Kansas prep product, Jake Sharp of Salina Central, the former all-time second-leading rusher in the state, have an impact as an undersized sophomore in the backfield for KU, one of the top teams in the country last season, it’s not unfeasible. Kansas football talent is gaining respect, evidenced by the high number of Division I signees this season from the state.
Chris Harper, Wichita Northwest QB
Other than Arthur Brown, Chris Harper’s was probably the loudest storyline this recruiting year. He announced on December 17 his intentions to attend Kansas State, only to back out after the man who recruited him, Wildcat offensive coordinator James Franklin, bolted for Maryland. I remember talking to Harper’s high school coach at Northwest, Weston Schartz, on the day of the announcement and him telling me that he could still change his mind – which he did, and it led to a lot of debate. Just what do these pre-signing day commitments mean? Well, in this case, which is special, when the guy who recruits you leaves, the commitment doesn’t mean much to the athlete when it doesn’t mean much to the coach. So Harper ended up signing with Oregon, where he’ll hope to play quarterback. Darron Thomas out of Aldine, Texas, a de-commit from LSU who, like Arthur Brown at Miami, already enrolled at Oregon in January, will battle with him for the position in the coming years. Harper could very well end up as a wideout.
Brayden Burris, Bishop Carroll OL
Brayden Burris provided another interesting storyline at the final hour that involved Kansas State. Burris, who committed to the Wildcats as a junior, was asked to gray-shirt, which meant he would los his scholarship until the spring semester of 2009, late in the process before signing day. Burris ended up signing with Iowa State, a team which coincidentally sent K-State’s season into a free-for-all, dealing them their first of four straight losses in November to end their season. Burris wasn’t the only local player to be signed by the Cyclones.
Dakota Zimmerman, Campus L
Campus lineman Dokota Zimmerman was signed as a long snapper, further evidence of a developing trend in college football to take the position as seriously as the pros by recruiting specifically to fill the position.
Darius Parish, Wichita North L
Darius Parish, a 6-4, 335-pound lineman, leads a recruiting class that Scouts Inc. rated a C, as the Jayhawks landed not one of their top 150 recruits. I think you have to take this with a grain of salt, though, because how many top 150 recruits played on Kansas’ Orange Bowl title team this season? Parish has tons of ability, though it is still raw. His ability to move well with such great size, though, makes you think he can eventually be a great player. And he’s a very good, confident, soft-spoken kid. Though few Kansans would ever hold his de-commit from Nebraska against him, don’t let that situation reflect on his character. A switch in head coaches is huge. These are the guys players develop relationships with when they make their visits and talk on the phone. If they leave, how can you not expect the player re-open the process. Either way, if he re-opens the process or sticks with the original school, he’s entering unknown territory. If anything, he’s revisiting schools with coaches he already actually knows. A conversation I had with a Bishop Carroll wrestler, Jordan Keller, impacted my thoughts on this very much. He made a visit to Columbia University in New York City and thought for sure that’s where he would attend college. But a subsequent visit to Cleveland State changed his mind – and he said it was because of the relationships he built with the wrestling coaches there. I know from personal experience from trying out for a semester as a walk-on at the Division I level. Even in their off-season, their coaches own them. They’re always with the team. If a kid’s going to play Division I athletics, he better know and like the coaches, because he’s going to be doing what they tell him to do constantly.
Kale Pick, Dodge City QB
Kale Pick, the Dodge City quarterback who missed most of his senior season with a torn ligament in his thumb, also de-committed from Arkansas when Houston Nutt came under fire.
Pick signed with KU along with Parish.
Tanner Hawkinson, McPherson TE
A highly-touted prospect who could become a big name in the KU offense in the years to come.
Potential Division I guys coming up through the ranks.
Class of '09
Bryce Brown, Wichita East RB
Broke his own single-season City League rushing record this season with 1,850 yards. Would have broken 2,000 easily if not for repeated holding penalties throughout the season. With a 2,000-yard season in 2008, he’ll pass Logan Dold as the second-leading all-time rusher in Kansas prep history. Has compiled 5,185 rushing yards and scored 60 touchdowns in career. Just like his player, he’s a top-five player in the nation for his class. Bryce Brown will be scoring touchdowns on national television in a few years.
Brett Soft, Maize WR
Brett Soft is slowly building a reputation. He was a complete unknown before this past fall. He had negligible receiving stats in 2006 on a senior-laden Maize football team. Last season, however, he hovered around 200 yards receiving in several games, and ended up breaking the state’s single-season receiving yards and receptions records in just 10 games played. This is a player who needs to be on recruiting radars across the country. He’s big, 6-4, 200 pounds, and has suction cups for hands.
Huldon Tharp, Mulvane RB/LB
6-0, 200, 1,922 yard and 25 touchdowns last season, 3,195 yards and 421 tackles at linebacker for his three-year career at Mulvane; Miami and others are interested
Ian Knight, Wichita Heights DE
6-1, 235 was offered by Illinois last week
Jaydan Bird, former Andover Central RB/LB (now lives in Conway Springs)
6-0, 210 RB/LB offered by Miami; will he run out of the single wing offense with junior quarterback Caleb Brill, 1,900 total yards last season, at Conway Springs next year? Conway could be back on the map to win its first state title since 2004 when it ran off its fourth straight under Mark Bliss. Coach Lelin George at Conway will go after his first title next season after a surprise appearance at 3A sub-state this fall. Garden Plain’s loss of over 25 seniors will help, though the return of a 2,000-yard passer and 2,000-yard rusher at Silver Lake will not help. Tyler Roberts and Cameron Renfro
Nate Dreiling, Hutchinson LB
Led team in tackles with 145, 91 solo and 14 for loss of yardage
Forrest Stucky, Hutchinson DT
Led team in tackles for loss (21), sacks (5.5) and pressures (32); third in tackles with 77
Class of '10
Blake Bell, Bishop Carroll WR (QB next season)
Damarcus Robinson, Wichita Northwest RB
1,102 yards rushing and 11 TD on 143 carries; junior Colby Duranleau one of three juniors and one sophomore returning to the Northwest OL next season
Joseph Randle, Wichita Southeast RB/DB
Deveon Dinwiddie, Hutchinson SB
∑ Returned two kickoffs for TD; 34.9 yards per kickoff return; third on team in rushing yards with 694; six receptions for 236 yards and four TD; three TD in state title game
Class of '11
Chaquil Reed. Wichita East DE
Jordan Phillips, Circle
'08 Division I Signees
Arthur Brown, Wichita East LB
Arthur Brown was a key cog in Miami’s compilation of the top recruiting class in 2008. He is one of five outside linebackers signed by the ‘Canes who Scouts Inc. ranked in the top seven. He is the only one of the five not from the state of Florida. This class led by Brown was sorely needed at Miami, as their defense performed uncharacteristically last season, leading to the firing of defensive coordinator Tim Walton. Linebackers coach Michael Barrow, one of Miami’s many great linebackers over the years as a player, was retained, however, and Brown never wavered in his decision to attend Miami when Walton was fired.
Logan Dold, Garden Plain RB/S
While Brown courted and was courted by the top programs across the country for over a year before making his decision and sticking to it, Logan Dold made a commitment to Kansas State during his junior year and never wavered. After being recruited as a safety initially, coaches at K-State are telling the second all-time leading rusher in Kansas prep history he could play on the offensive side of the ball. After watching another Kansas prep product, Jake Sharp of Salina Central, the former all-time second-leading rusher in the state, have an impact as an undersized sophomore in the backfield for KU, one of the top teams in the country last season, it’s not unfeasible. Kansas football talent is gaining respect, evidenced by the high number of Division I signees this season from the state.
Chris Harper, Wichita Northwest QB
Other than Arthur Brown, Chris Harper’s was probably the loudest storyline this recruiting year. He announced on December 17 his intentions to attend Kansas State, only to back out after the man who recruited him, Wildcat offensive coordinator James Franklin, bolted for Maryland. I remember talking to Harper’s high school coach at Northwest, Weston Schartz, on the day of the announcement and him telling me that he could still change his mind – which he did, and it led to a lot of debate. Just what do these pre-signing day commitments mean? Well, in this case, which is special, when the guy who recruits you leaves, the commitment doesn’t mean much to the athlete when it doesn’t mean much to the coach. So Harper ended up signing with Oregon, where he’ll hope to play quarterback. Darron Thomas out of Aldine, Texas, a de-commit from LSU who, like Arthur Brown at Miami, already enrolled at Oregon in January, will battle with him for the position in the coming years. Harper could very well end up as a wideout.
Brayden Burris, Bishop Carroll OL
Brayden Burris provided another interesting storyline at the final hour that involved Kansas State. Burris, who committed to the Wildcats as a junior, was asked to gray-shirt, which meant he would los his scholarship until the spring semester of 2009, late in the process before signing day. Burris ended up signing with Iowa State, a team which coincidentally sent K-State’s season into a free-for-all, dealing them their first of four straight losses in November to end their season. Burris wasn’t the only local player to be signed by the Cyclones.
Dakota Zimmerman, Campus L
Campus lineman Dokota Zimmerman was signed as a long snapper, further evidence of a developing trend in college football to take the position as seriously as the pros by recruiting specifically to fill the position.
Darius Parish, Wichita North L
Darius Parish, a 6-4, 335-pound lineman, leads a recruiting class that Scouts Inc. rated a C, as the Jayhawks landed not one of their top 150 recruits. I think you have to take this with a grain of salt, though, because how many top 150 recruits played on Kansas’ Orange Bowl title team this season? Parish has tons of ability, though it is still raw. His ability to move well with such great size, though, makes you think he can eventually be a great player. And he’s a very good, confident, soft-spoken kid. Though few Kansans would ever hold his de-commit from Nebraska against him, don’t let that situation reflect on his character. A switch in head coaches is huge. These are the guys players develop relationships with when they make their visits and talk on the phone. If they leave, how can you not expect the player re-open the process. Either way, if he re-opens the process or sticks with the original school, he’s entering unknown territory. If anything, he’s revisiting schools with coaches he already actually knows. A conversation I had with a Bishop Carroll wrestler, Jordan Keller, impacted my thoughts on this very much. He made a visit to Columbia University in New York City and thought for sure that’s where he would attend college. But a subsequent visit to Cleveland State changed his mind – and he said it was because of the relationships he built with the wrestling coaches there. I know from personal experience from trying out for a semester as a walk-on at the Division I level. Even in their off-season, their coaches own them. They’re always with the team. If a kid’s going to play Division I athletics, he better know and like the coaches, because he’s going to be doing what they tell him to do constantly.
Kale Pick, Dodge City QB
Kale Pick, the Dodge City quarterback who missed most of his senior season with a torn ligament in his thumb, also de-committed from Arkansas when Houston Nutt came under fire.
Pick signed with KU along with Parish.
Tanner Hawkinson, McPherson TE
A highly-touted prospect who could become a big name in the KU offense in the years to come.
Potential Division I guys coming up through the ranks.
Class of '09
Bryce Brown, Wichita East RB
Broke his own single-season City League rushing record this season with 1,850 yards. Would have broken 2,000 easily if not for repeated holding penalties throughout the season. With a 2,000-yard season in 2008, he’ll pass Logan Dold as the second-leading all-time rusher in Kansas prep history. Has compiled 5,185 rushing yards and scored 60 touchdowns in career. Just like his player, he’s a top-five player in the nation for his class. Bryce Brown will be scoring touchdowns on national television in a few years.
Brett Soft, Maize WR
Brett Soft is slowly building a reputation. He was a complete unknown before this past fall. He had negligible receiving stats in 2006 on a senior-laden Maize football team. Last season, however, he hovered around 200 yards receiving in several games, and ended up breaking the state’s single-season receiving yards and receptions records in just 10 games played. This is a player who needs to be on recruiting radars across the country. He’s big, 6-4, 200 pounds, and has suction cups for hands.
Huldon Tharp, Mulvane RB/LB
6-0, 200, 1,922 yard and 25 touchdowns last season, 3,195 yards and 421 tackles at linebacker for his three-year career at Mulvane; Miami and others are interested
Ian Knight, Wichita Heights DE
6-1, 235 was offered by Illinois last week
Jaydan Bird, former Andover Central RB/LB (now lives in Conway Springs)
6-0, 210 RB/LB offered by Miami; will he run out of the single wing offense with junior quarterback Caleb Brill, 1,900 total yards last season, at Conway Springs next year? Conway could be back on the map to win its first state title since 2004 when it ran off its fourth straight under Mark Bliss. Coach Lelin George at Conway will go after his first title next season after a surprise appearance at 3A sub-state this fall. Garden Plain’s loss of over 25 seniors will help, though the return of a 2,000-yard passer and 2,000-yard rusher at Silver Lake will not help. Tyler Roberts and Cameron Renfro
Nate Dreiling, Hutchinson LB
Led team in tackles with 145, 91 solo and 14 for loss of yardage
Forrest Stucky, Hutchinson DT
Led team in tackles for loss (21), sacks (5.5) and pressures (32); third in tackles with 77
Class of '10
Blake Bell, Bishop Carroll WR (QB next season)
Damarcus Robinson, Wichita Northwest RB
1,102 yards rushing and 11 TD on 143 carries; junior Colby Duranleau one of three juniors and one sophomore returning to the Northwest OL next season
Joseph Randle, Wichita Southeast RB/DB
Deveon Dinwiddie, Hutchinson SB
∑ Returned two kickoffs for TD; 34.9 yards per kickoff return; third on team in rushing yards with 694; six receptions for 236 yards and four TD; three TD in state title game
Class of '11
Chaquil Reed. Wichita East DE
Jordan Phillips, Circle
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Upset! Kind of
The Southeast boys are no longer undefeated. Granted, the reason sophomore Bishop Carroll forward Blake Bell blew up for 33 points last night was probably aided by the fact that Southeast forward Cortez Barnes was out with the flu, but Carroll did nearly beat the Buffs in the first meeting of the season as well when Barnes was in the lineup. Bell is a young athlete with huge upside (he'll be a top recruit in his class for football), and he's coming on in hoops. Carroll is a team I've been waiting for to turn the corner, and maybe this is it. They'll compete for a spot at state and beyond in Class 5A. This win added to their win over East earlier in the season makes them a team with which to be reckoned. An 88-76 win over Southeast is huge. No team ever wants to play Carroll at home in the Concrete Cave. It is a small, crowded setting with a low ceiling - perfect for shooters and gym rats. Guard Brett Steven added 20 points; he's smooth and can shoot it. It's sort of a shame they won't be playing in the Cave much longer, as they're building a new facility.
I'm curious about the Maize boys basketball team. Look for a report on them on the Web site later this week. After a slow start, they're getting it going. Wins last week over McPherson and Wichita Northwest have put them back on the map. Things didn't look good after their mid-season tournament at McPherson, where they nearly beat defending Class 6A champ Blue Valley West only to drop their next game to 4A Buhler. Brett Soft, who broke the single-season state marks for receiving yards and receptions this past football season, is supposed to be coming on strong. He's 6-4 and very athletic. Again, like Bell, he'll be a top recruit in the state for football next season. He just needs some exposure; he's got the tools to play big-time Division I football.
The Andover Central girls continue to roll. Who can stop them? Maybe only Colby in the 4A state tournament.
Across town, the Andover High boys are also undefeated. It's amazing that a town that had only one small school back in the day has grown to its current size and can produce two top basketball teams in the state now. This is truly a sports town.
I've also got my eye on the Argonia girls. They're 15-0. Look for a report on Argonia on our Web site early next week. Last season, another 1A girls team from the area, South Haven, won the state tournament going undefeated all season. The south end of south central Kansas could produce another state champ this season.
Weather update: how is it 65 degrees one day, then 25 degrees and snowing and freezing raining two days later. Kansas.
I'm curious about the Maize boys basketball team. Look for a report on them on the Web site later this week. After a slow start, they're getting it going. Wins last week over McPherson and Wichita Northwest have put them back on the map. Things didn't look good after their mid-season tournament at McPherson, where they nearly beat defending Class 6A champ Blue Valley West only to drop their next game to 4A Buhler. Brett Soft, who broke the single-season state marks for receiving yards and receptions this past football season, is supposed to be coming on strong. He's 6-4 and very athletic. Again, like Bell, he'll be a top recruit in the state for football next season. He just needs some exposure; he's got the tools to play big-time Division I football.
The Andover Central girls continue to roll. Who can stop them? Maybe only Colby in the 4A state tournament.
Across town, the Andover High boys are also undefeated. It's amazing that a town that had only one small school back in the day has grown to its current size and can produce two top basketball teams in the state now. This is truly a sports town.
I've also got my eye on the Argonia girls. They're 15-0. Look for a report on Argonia on our Web site early next week. Last season, another 1A girls team from the area, South Haven, won the state tournament going undefeated all season. The south end of south central Kansas could produce another state champ this season.
Weather update: how is it 65 degrees one day, then 25 degrees and snowing and freezing raining two days later. Kansas.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Spring fever
It's like 60 degrees outside, the likes of which we haven't seen for months, and I'm surrounding by four walls, a telephone and a computer. Bummer. As Queen says, "I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike."
Spring sports are just around the corner. Their high school season is short, but in some ways it's my favorite athletic season of the year. But, of course, cracking sunflower seeds between my teeth while sipping on a fountain drink in my lawn chair is relaxing and fun to me. This is my pastime while watching a baseball game. And who doesn't enjoy strolling about a track meet for a couple hours, craning your neck to see sprinters whiz by or staring dumbfoundedly at a discus while it soars further... and further?
I thought Clearwater discus thrower Luke Bryant was the best story of the spring sports season last year. Now throwing in the University of Arizona track and field program, Bryant broke the state meet record last year with a throw of 205-5. He went on the compete in the Junior Pan-Am Games in Brazil as the top high school discus thrower in the nation.
Wichita Heights sprinter Audacia Moore should be the story this year. She won the 100- and 200-meter dashes in Class 6A last year as a junior. She has big-time written all over her and comes from a family and track and field stars. Look for a bit on her in the upcoming magazine. She'll be hard to miss on the cover.
Spring sports are just around the corner. Their high school season is short, but in some ways it's my favorite athletic season of the year. But, of course, cracking sunflower seeds between my teeth while sipping on a fountain drink in my lawn chair is relaxing and fun to me. This is my pastime while watching a baseball game. And who doesn't enjoy strolling about a track meet for a couple hours, craning your neck to see sprinters whiz by or staring dumbfoundedly at a discus while it soars further... and further?
I thought Clearwater discus thrower Luke Bryant was the best story of the spring sports season last year. Now throwing in the University of Arizona track and field program, Bryant broke the state meet record last year with a throw of 205-5. He went on the compete in the Junior Pan-Am Games in Brazil as the top high school discus thrower in the nation.
Wichita Heights sprinter Audacia Moore should be the story this year. She won the 100- and 200-meter dashes in Class 6A last year as a junior. She has big-time written all over her and comes from a family and track and field stars. Look for a bit on her in the upcoming magazine. She'll be hard to miss on the cover.
Friday, February 1, 2008
So much confusion
I'm back from my blogging hiatus. Alas, my job isn't just to write, but rather I also have to plan each issue and assign its parts to correspondents.
Let's talk about some currently pressing issues, then we'll move on to what's in the next issue. (By the way, the February issue of the magazine was just released. It's a gimmie, so...)
Bruce Haertl just asked me on the Sports Daily radio show about the Andover Central girls basketball team. Out of Class 4A, the Jags could be ranked No. 1 in the state next week, as Central beat Bishop Carroll last week and Heights lost to South on Tuesday. Can a team from Class 4A possibly be No. 1 in the state?
Look, the girls game is different. There is not as big a gap in size and athleticism between the big and small schools in the girls game as there is in the boys game.
Colby, another 4A team which some are ranking ahead of Central in their own class, trounced Wichita South at their mid-season tournament - South, a team that ended two-time defending state champ Heights' winning streak on Tuesday. Class 4A could have two teams better than anyone else in the state!
Bailey Gee and the rest of the crew at Andover Central are for real - though I still would take Heights head-to-head. I'm just saying.
Pick up the February issue of High School Sports The Magazine at Presto Convenience Stores, Wal-mart, Wendy's, YMCA, Dillon's and Blockbuster. Hutchinson wrestler Romero Cotton, a four-time football state champion and favored to win his fourth individual state wrestling title this month, appears on the cover. Not only is Cotton one of this state's best athletes, he's a solid guy. Jim Misunas allows us to get a step closer to this "great one."
The March issue of the HSSTM is in the works. While we'll continue to concentrate on basketball, spring sports previews are also in the works. So start the talk. Who are the best pitchers, sprinters and ball-strokers around?
Let's talk about some currently pressing issues, then we'll move on to what's in the next issue. (By the way, the February issue of the magazine was just released. It's a gimmie, so...)
Bruce Haertl just asked me on the Sports Daily radio show about the Andover Central girls basketball team. Out of Class 4A, the Jags could be ranked No. 1 in the state next week, as Central beat Bishop Carroll last week and Heights lost to South on Tuesday. Can a team from Class 4A possibly be No. 1 in the state?
Look, the girls game is different. There is not as big a gap in size and athleticism between the big and small schools in the girls game as there is in the boys game.
Colby, another 4A team which some are ranking ahead of Central in their own class, trounced Wichita South at their mid-season tournament - South, a team that ended two-time defending state champ Heights' winning streak on Tuesday. Class 4A could have two teams better than anyone else in the state!
Bailey Gee and the rest of the crew at Andover Central are for real - though I still would take Heights head-to-head. I'm just saying.
Pick up the February issue of High School Sports The Magazine at Presto Convenience Stores, Wal-mart, Wendy's, YMCA, Dillon's and Blockbuster. Hutchinson wrestler Romero Cotton, a four-time football state champion and favored to win his fourth individual state wrestling title this month, appears on the cover. Not only is Cotton one of this state's best athletes, he's a solid guy. Jim Misunas allows us to get a step closer to this "great one."
The March issue of the HSSTM is in the works. While we'll continue to concentrate on basketball, spring sports previews are also in the works. So start the talk. Who are the best pitchers, sprinters and ball-strokers around?
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Mid-Season Boys Tourneys
I just downed some chocolate chip pancakes, a reminder of good eats at home growing up. Mom didn't make them this time, so they weren't from scratch. Still, my stomach is happy.
I like a little flair to be added to my pancakes, among other things. The prep basketball schedule this week piques my appetite as well. Mid-season basketball tournaments are exhibitions for small schools to show their mettle against the big boys and big schools to save face. All across the state today, matchups will occur that usually don't.
Intriguing ones are:
McCook, Neb. vs. Wichita South (No one knows anything about McCook, including South. They'll try not to take a step backward as they travel far from the city to Colby, the location of their tournament.)
South Gray vs. Wichita Heights (Heights is pressing for a high finish in the City and a run to the state tournament behind senior post player Kelton Marshall. Two unheralded players are also contributing strongly: Irvin Hollinger, a mid-sized senior who can fly around the hoop, and Randall Rogers, an athletic sophomore coming off the bench. South Gray is the defening 1A champ and ranked No. 1 in 1A this season by Kansas Rivals expert Bob Hovey.)
El Dorado Tourney (Kapaun Mount Carmel, 5A, Wichita Collegiate, the defending 3A champ, and Trinity of Wichita, which narrowly lost to Collegiate at sub-state last year, all in the running to win this tournament. Trinity could gain some serious, much-needed momentum at this tournament.)
Maize vs. Blue Valley West (Maize, a team that should have competed at 6A state last year, is struggling. They go up against defending Class 6A champ BV West at the McPherson tournament. This is a huge opportunity for Maize, whose hit the skids.)
Bishop Carroll vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (Carroll is on the cusp of being a contender in the City. If it's going to happen, if they're going to turn their season around, it needs to start in Kansas City at the Aquinas tournament. Hovey ranks Aquinas No. 4 in 5A in the state. Carroll can beat them, as they beat Wichita East. Their narrow defeats at the hands of Southeast, Kapaun and Heights leave huge question marks, however. I ran into Carroll coach Lonnie Lollar yesterday and he told me not to forget about them in Kansas City. Carroll's got a lineup, though they more consistency in their guard play. If anyone can come around and start blowing from three-point land, though, it's Brett Steven.)
Topeka Tournament (Wichita Northwest has great talent. Defending Class 5A champ Highland Park is in this tournament. Northwest has an opportunity to show itself as a contender in 6A.)
On another note, the upcoming magazine. We're trying something a bit different. We will spotlight the upcoming rematches between the East and Southeast boys and the Carroll and Heights girls. Two-page spreads with photos from their first meetings and a bit of text will be included.
Also, the February issue is heavy on wrestling coverage in preparation for the state wrestling meets later in the month. Wrestling community, let us know what you think!
I like a little flair to be added to my pancakes, among other things. The prep basketball schedule this week piques my appetite as well. Mid-season basketball tournaments are exhibitions for small schools to show their mettle against the big boys and big schools to save face. All across the state today, matchups will occur that usually don't.
Intriguing ones are:
McCook, Neb. vs. Wichita South (No one knows anything about McCook, including South. They'll try not to take a step backward as they travel far from the city to Colby, the location of their tournament.)
South Gray vs. Wichita Heights (Heights is pressing for a high finish in the City and a run to the state tournament behind senior post player Kelton Marshall. Two unheralded players are also contributing strongly: Irvin Hollinger, a mid-sized senior who can fly around the hoop, and Randall Rogers, an athletic sophomore coming off the bench. South Gray is the defening 1A champ and ranked No. 1 in 1A this season by Kansas Rivals expert Bob Hovey.)
El Dorado Tourney (Kapaun Mount Carmel, 5A, Wichita Collegiate, the defending 3A champ, and Trinity of Wichita, which narrowly lost to Collegiate at sub-state last year, all in the running to win this tournament. Trinity could gain some serious, much-needed momentum at this tournament.)
Maize vs. Blue Valley West (Maize, a team that should have competed at 6A state last year, is struggling. They go up against defending Class 6A champ BV West at the McPherson tournament. This is a huge opportunity for Maize, whose hit the skids.)
Bishop Carroll vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (Carroll is on the cusp of being a contender in the City. If it's going to happen, if they're going to turn their season around, it needs to start in Kansas City at the Aquinas tournament. Hovey ranks Aquinas No. 4 in 5A in the state. Carroll can beat them, as they beat Wichita East. Their narrow defeats at the hands of Southeast, Kapaun and Heights leave huge question marks, however. I ran into Carroll coach Lonnie Lollar yesterday and he told me not to forget about them in Kansas City. Carroll's got a lineup, though they more consistency in their guard play. If anyone can come around and start blowing from three-point land, though, it's Brett Steven.)
Topeka Tournament (Wichita Northwest has great talent. Defending Class 5A champ Highland Park is in this tournament. Northwest has an opportunity to show itself as a contender in 6A.)
On another note, the upcoming magazine. We're trying something a bit different. We will spotlight the upcoming rematches between the East and Southeast boys and the Carroll and Heights girls. Two-page spreads with photos from their first meetings and a bit of text will be included.
Also, the February issue is heavy on wrestling coverage in preparation for the state wrestling meets later in the month. Wrestling community, let us know what you think!
Friday, January 11, 2008
TGIF
I finally got to this (Spoonfuls). I'm dragging a bit, the excuse I'll use to explain the lateness of this post. The three-show radio marathon that is my Friday morning, the detailed map I just sketched for the next issue and the stromboli I just wolfed down at my office's cafe (my take is the lady there can bake) - these are legitimate reasons to be dragging and ready for a nap.
Yes, I did admit this morning on Sports Daily with Bruce, Bob and Savage that I missed Adonis Gantt's game-winning, desperation four-point play against East last Saturday that never should have happened. Why'd I do it (they interrogated me)? It must have been that the Koch Arena mojo rubbed off on me. Like any die-hard Shocker fan who heads to the exits two minutes before the game's over to beat the traffic rather than watch their team close out a ballgame (for better or worse), I stood from my chair-back seat, grabbed my things and headed down the steps, as seconds on the scoreboard waited to tick away. But for goodness' sake, the game was over! East had hit two free throws to go up 72-68, dodging a final-minutes charge by Southeast fueled by Cecil Shaw's three-point shooting and steals at the top of their full-court press. A four-point lead with four seconds left is insurmountable - by going to the exits, I acted as a reasonable person.
But, apparently, I'm a fraud. The guys at Sports Daily are advocating my probation from the sports reporting business for my indiscretion. It turned out Gantt was able to bank in a three-pointer, get fouled in the act and hit the free throw for an unlikely four-point play. Unlikely. Unlikely. Unlikely. He shouldn't even have been guarded. Three points - the max amount available on one play with no fouls - shouldn't have mattered. But from now on I'll just volunteer to stick around with the cleanup crew after games. Maybe that will keep me in my seat and less reasonably speculative. My oldest brother did tell me long ago that logic doesn't apply in the real world.
As I continue to digest my chili cheese stromboli (helped along by the downbeat techno music with which I torture my office compatriots), I'm struggling to get pumped for tonight's schedule. I'll get there, though.
As I should. Following up Tuesday's area girls basketball showdown between Derby and Goddard is tonight's Carroll at Heights matchup. This game's getting a ton of hype (though Bruce and Bob aren't buying). I don't think I'm buying, either - not to say it won't be a good game. I do think Heights could win by as many as 10, though. It should be a packed house, as Carroll fans are as loyal and interested as they come, and Heights always gets its crowd. Heights coach Kip Pulliam told me this morning that he's confident in his team's progress this season. Yes, Heights returned Amanda Orloske and Jennifer Lane from last season's state title team, but not much else. Three freshmen, who Pulliam credits Lane for bringing along, are contributing heavily. Don't just brush off this fact - three freshmen! They are Mary Sims, Allegria Chisolm and Jhasmin Bowen, ensuring that Heights is here to stay for years to come.
Bishop Carroll's not going anywhere, either. The 2004 state champs have a roster full of juniors, including Abby Fawcett, Abby Henning and Julia Marshall. They'll compete for the 5A title this season and next. Should be a great game. I'm going. (Just to show my face - which is completely anonymous, so actually not. I'm a print guy. Just ask my girlfriend - I won her over with letters, as she cringed when she saw my patchy beard.)
Back to the facts. Coming off their big win over Derby - which, though the game was competitive, you could say the Lions overwhelmed them - Goddard has another big ballgame tonight at Hutchinson. Hutchinson has most everyone back from their Class 5A state tournament team last season. This will be a competitive game. I've got Goddard, though, again probably by 10 points. This is a very good team - they have a complete, legitimate starting five. Can they compete with Heights? Possibly. Goddard's Lindsey Keller has committed to Oklahoma State for next year. Keller provides the post presence on the team, but Goddard's got plenty of guards. Very strong team.
Keep an eye on the Hesston boys basketball team. They were undefeated before the Christmas break without two of their top players. Their point guard and leader Rob Moore and the athletic, tall Lee Voth-Gaeddert have returned to the team since the break, but have not broken into the starting lineup yet. They're getting back their legs, especially Moore, a unanimous first-team all-leaguer a year ago who busted his hip in the final football game of the season against Garden Plain this past fall. Hesston will compete in Class 4A, after moving up from 3A.
Which takes me back to our current poll question on the Web site regarding whether or not Kansas needs a Grand State basketball tournament. If 3A teams can compete in 4A and 5A in 6A, and South Gray Montezuma, the defending 1A boys champ, can beat two 6A teams at their mid-season tournament last season, should we get all the class champs together at season's end to find one true champion? Vote.
Yes, I did admit this morning on Sports Daily with Bruce, Bob and Savage that I missed Adonis Gantt's game-winning, desperation four-point play against East last Saturday that never should have happened. Why'd I do it (they interrogated me)? It must have been that the Koch Arena mojo rubbed off on me. Like any die-hard Shocker fan who heads to the exits two minutes before the game's over to beat the traffic rather than watch their team close out a ballgame (for better or worse), I stood from my chair-back seat, grabbed my things and headed down the steps, as seconds on the scoreboard waited to tick away. But for goodness' sake, the game was over! East had hit two free throws to go up 72-68, dodging a final-minutes charge by Southeast fueled by Cecil Shaw's three-point shooting and steals at the top of their full-court press. A four-point lead with four seconds left is insurmountable - by going to the exits, I acted as a reasonable person.
But, apparently, I'm a fraud. The guys at Sports Daily are advocating my probation from the sports reporting business for my indiscretion. It turned out Gantt was able to bank in a three-pointer, get fouled in the act and hit the free throw for an unlikely four-point play. Unlikely. Unlikely. Unlikely. He shouldn't even have been guarded. Three points - the max amount available on one play with no fouls - shouldn't have mattered. But from now on I'll just volunteer to stick around with the cleanup crew after games. Maybe that will keep me in my seat and less reasonably speculative. My oldest brother did tell me long ago that logic doesn't apply in the real world.
As I continue to digest my chili cheese stromboli (helped along by the downbeat techno music with which I torture my office compatriots), I'm struggling to get pumped for tonight's schedule. I'll get there, though.
As I should. Following up Tuesday's area girls basketball showdown between Derby and Goddard is tonight's Carroll at Heights matchup. This game's getting a ton of hype (though Bruce and Bob aren't buying). I don't think I'm buying, either - not to say it won't be a good game. I do think Heights could win by as many as 10, though. It should be a packed house, as Carroll fans are as loyal and interested as they come, and Heights always gets its crowd. Heights coach Kip Pulliam told me this morning that he's confident in his team's progress this season. Yes, Heights returned Amanda Orloske and Jennifer Lane from last season's state title team, but not much else. Three freshmen, who Pulliam credits Lane for bringing along, are contributing heavily. Don't just brush off this fact - three freshmen! They are Mary Sims, Allegria Chisolm and Jhasmin Bowen, ensuring that Heights is here to stay for years to come.
Bishop Carroll's not going anywhere, either. The 2004 state champs have a roster full of juniors, including Abby Fawcett, Abby Henning and Julia Marshall. They'll compete for the 5A title this season and next. Should be a great game. I'm going. (Just to show my face - which is completely anonymous, so actually not. I'm a print guy. Just ask my girlfriend - I won her over with letters, as she cringed when she saw my patchy beard.)
Back to the facts. Coming off their big win over Derby - which, though the game was competitive, you could say the Lions overwhelmed them - Goddard has another big ballgame tonight at Hutchinson. Hutchinson has most everyone back from their Class 5A state tournament team last season. This will be a competitive game. I've got Goddard, though, again probably by 10 points. This is a very good team - they have a complete, legitimate starting five. Can they compete with Heights? Possibly. Goddard's Lindsey Keller has committed to Oklahoma State for next year. Keller provides the post presence on the team, but Goddard's got plenty of guards. Very strong team.
Keep an eye on the Hesston boys basketball team. They were undefeated before the Christmas break without two of their top players. Their point guard and leader Rob Moore and the athletic, tall Lee Voth-Gaeddert have returned to the team since the break, but have not broken into the starting lineup yet. They're getting back their legs, especially Moore, a unanimous first-team all-leaguer a year ago who busted his hip in the final football game of the season against Garden Plain this past fall. Hesston will compete in Class 4A, after moving up from 3A.
Which takes me back to our current poll question on the Web site regarding whether or not Kansas needs a Grand State basketball tournament. If 3A teams can compete in 4A and 5A in 6A, and South Gray Montezuma, the defending 1A boys champ, can beat two 6A teams at their mid-season tournament last season, should we get all the class champs together at season's end to find one true champion? Vote.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Goddard girls! and new poll
Our senior contributing editor, Ted Hayes, has written a column to be published in the February edition of the magazine about the need for a Grand State Basketball Tournament in Kansas. His position is that there are too many classes in Kansas for the number of schools in the state, thus the six state titles handed out for both girls and boys do not mean as much as they should. He makes his case for downsizing from six classes to four and holding a Grand State Tournament between the winners of the class titles. His points are succinct and well-founded. I'm curious as to our readers' opinions on this topic.
On a more immediate note, I got to watch the Derby-Goddard girls game last night. Bob Hovey ranked Derby No. 2 in Class 6A at the beginning of the week, and Goddard No. 9. After watching them go head-to-head last night, Goddard clearly seems to be the better squad. I understood the rankings going into the ballgame, since Goddard lost earlier in the season to Maize, a team Derby destroyed last week. Goddard is putting it together, however.
The Lady Lions carried a 10-point lead throughout much of the game, eventually winning 66-55. Their starting five is so strong, and each excels in a different way. Alysia Hart sees the pass ahead on the fastbreak and uses the jump-stop and up-fakes to her advantage in the half-court. Lindsey Keller seals very well on the low block and has touch off the bank. Samantha Soyez, a sophomore transfer from Hillsboro, last season's 3A state champ, makes unlikely passes from all angles (she's deceptive as most lefties are). Katie Porter and Kelsey Frey are very feisty on defense, and though she wasn't hot from three-point range last night, I watched her drain four or five of them at sub-state last season.
Goddard is a team to watch, but I don't think they can beat Wichita Heights, which has their showdown against Bishop Carroll on Friday. By the way, Heights beat Northwest 78-32 last night. That's astounding, considering Northwest upset Kapaun over the weekend - Kapaun, a team Bob Hovey ranks in the top 10 in Class 5A. Heights will be rolling by playoffs; they're already gaining momentum after a close call on November 30 against Wichita South to open the season.
I also watched the Belle Plaine boys last night against Garden Plain. They crushed the Owls, as they have to be one of the tallest teams in Class 3A. Bryce Gooch is listed as 6-6 (a stretch, he's 6-4), and he is dominant at this level in the post. He scores back to basket from eight to ten feet and can face up and hit the 10- to 12-footer. He's a nice player and will ensure that Belle Plaine competes with Wichita Collegiate at sub-state. So far, I've got Belle Plaine and Trinity being able to compete with the Spartans.
Don't forget to vote on the new poll regarding a Grand State Basketball Tournament in Kansas! Also, let me know who you're watching. I'm looking for talent, and I need your feedback, so I know where to go on Tuesdays and Fridays.
On a more immediate note, I got to watch the Derby-Goddard girls game last night. Bob Hovey ranked Derby No. 2 in Class 6A at the beginning of the week, and Goddard No. 9. After watching them go head-to-head last night, Goddard clearly seems to be the better squad. I understood the rankings going into the ballgame, since Goddard lost earlier in the season to Maize, a team Derby destroyed last week. Goddard is putting it together, however.
The Lady Lions carried a 10-point lead throughout much of the game, eventually winning 66-55. Their starting five is so strong, and each excels in a different way. Alysia Hart sees the pass ahead on the fastbreak and uses the jump-stop and up-fakes to her advantage in the half-court. Lindsey Keller seals very well on the low block and has touch off the bank. Samantha Soyez, a sophomore transfer from Hillsboro, last season's 3A state champ, makes unlikely passes from all angles (she's deceptive as most lefties are). Katie Porter and Kelsey Frey are very feisty on defense, and though she wasn't hot from three-point range last night, I watched her drain four or five of them at sub-state last season.
Goddard is a team to watch, but I don't think they can beat Wichita Heights, which has their showdown against Bishop Carroll on Friday. By the way, Heights beat Northwest 78-32 last night. That's astounding, considering Northwest upset Kapaun over the weekend - Kapaun, a team Bob Hovey ranks in the top 10 in Class 5A. Heights will be rolling by playoffs; they're already gaining momentum after a close call on November 30 against Wichita South to open the season.
I also watched the Belle Plaine boys last night against Garden Plain. They crushed the Owls, as they have to be one of the tallest teams in Class 3A. Bryce Gooch is listed as 6-6 (a stretch, he's 6-4), and he is dominant at this level in the post. He scores back to basket from eight to ten feet and can face up and hit the 10- to 12-footer. He's a nice player and will ensure that Belle Plaine competes with Wichita Collegiate at sub-state. So far, I've got Belle Plaine and Trinity being able to compete with the Spartans.
Don't forget to vote on the new poll regarding a Grand State Basketball Tournament in Kansas! Also, let me know who you're watching. I'm looking for talent, and I need your feedback, so I know where to go on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
HSSTM poll and local rankings
With HSSTM's revamped Web site, we're hoping to achieve a new level of connectivity with the magazine's readers. The online poll question is one of our new tools in this campaign. I will change the question each time 100 total votes is approached.
That number has been reached with the most recent question, which regarded the best local high school sports story of the year 2007. The citizens of Garden Plain continue to form a loyal readership. Garden Plain running back Logan Dold's run through the record book took the highest percentage of the votes with 31.2 percent. Dold became the second-leading all-time career rusher this fall, totaling 7,144 yards in four seasons. Nearly tied for second with about 20 percent of the vote each were these stories: Hutch's march to its fourth straight football title this past fall and Clearwater thrower Luke Bryant's state-meet record-breaking discus throw this past spring at the state track meet.
Feel free to comment on the poll questions in the forum or here in the blog or offer ideas for poll questions.
There is one more week of regularly-scheduled play in boys basketball this Tuesday and Friday before we enter the mid-season tournaments. I've put together a list of top teams in each class. I'm anxious to see how they fare at their respective tournaments, which I'll list beside them.
Boys
6A
East
Southeast
Heights
South
Northwest
-By end of season, East will be the best 6A team coming out of the area. Garrius Holloman dominates the boards, Marcus Adams and Leon Flowers are 6-4 guys who are versatile in the half-court and open court, and Eric Hardyway is so difficult when going to the hoop. This team needs a three-point shooter, though. The lack of a consistent outside shooter could keep them below the surface.
5A
Bishop Carroll
Kapaun
Hutchinson
-I can't figure how to separate these three teams. I'm going to put Hutchinson at the bottom, just because their wins in a down AV-CTL I have not been overwhelming. The won close games over Maize and Salina Central. My understanding is Caleb Walker is very nice player, able to play above the rim, though his outside game is still developing. Though Bishop Carroll lost to Kapaun before the break, I have a feeling they're going to put it together. They have a very solid frontcourt between Joe Brown, Blake Bell and Jon Peck, but they're lacking a standout guard. When Luke Barnwell returns to the lineup, they'll be very tough.
4A
Andover
Cheney
Hesston
Clearwater
Mulvane
Wellington
Andover Central
-Cheney is charging out of the Central Plains League, and with a convincing win over Clearwater, they look like they'll be just fine in Class 4A after moving up. Hesston is another 4A team which has moved up. In 3A they would have been a state title contender. In 4A, they might make the state tournament, as I think 4A is down a bit this year. Locally, the jump from 3A to 4A isn't that huge this season. I still have Andover as the top 4A team in the area, however, despite the challenges from the smaller schools, Cheney and Hesston.
3A
Wichita Collegiate
Belle Plaine
Trinity Academy
Trinity lossed to Belle Plaine early, likely due to Belle Plaine's enormous size. Trinity is small, but a hot shooting night can keep them in the ballgame with anyone. Wichita Collegiate is tops by far, however, as they look to be headed for their second straight 3A title.
Girls
6A
Wichita Heights
Derby
Wichita South
Goddard
-Derby at Goddard tonight is a great matchup. Derby cleaned up against Maize last week, and they should probably beat Goddard, as well. Don't count out South, as they've suffered close losses to both Heights and Bishop Carroll.
5A
Bishop Carroll
Hutchinson
-Game of the Week is this Friday, as Bishop Carroll plays at Wichita Heights. They are both undefeated thus far, and each narrowly defeated Wichita South.
4A
Andover Central
Clearwater
Cheney
-Andover Central is by far the best 4A team in the area.
That number has been reached with the most recent question, which regarded the best local high school sports story of the year 2007. The citizens of Garden Plain continue to form a loyal readership. Garden Plain running back Logan Dold's run through the record book took the highest percentage of the votes with 31.2 percent. Dold became the second-leading all-time career rusher this fall, totaling 7,144 yards in four seasons. Nearly tied for second with about 20 percent of the vote each were these stories: Hutch's march to its fourth straight football title this past fall and Clearwater thrower Luke Bryant's state-meet record-breaking discus throw this past spring at the state track meet.
Feel free to comment on the poll questions in the forum or here in the blog or offer ideas for poll questions.
There is one more week of regularly-scheduled play in boys basketball this Tuesday and Friday before we enter the mid-season tournaments. I've put together a list of top teams in each class. I'm anxious to see how they fare at their respective tournaments, which I'll list beside them.
Boys
6A
East
Southeast
Heights
South
Northwest
-By end of season, East will be the best 6A team coming out of the area. Garrius Holloman dominates the boards, Marcus Adams and Leon Flowers are 6-4 guys who are versatile in the half-court and open court, and Eric Hardyway is so difficult when going to the hoop. This team needs a three-point shooter, though. The lack of a consistent outside shooter could keep them below the surface.
5A
Bishop Carroll
Kapaun
Hutchinson
-I can't figure how to separate these three teams. I'm going to put Hutchinson at the bottom, just because their wins in a down AV-CTL I have not been overwhelming. The won close games over Maize and Salina Central. My understanding is Caleb Walker is very nice player, able to play above the rim, though his outside game is still developing. Though Bishop Carroll lost to Kapaun before the break, I have a feeling they're going to put it together. They have a very solid frontcourt between Joe Brown, Blake Bell and Jon Peck, but they're lacking a standout guard. When Luke Barnwell returns to the lineup, they'll be very tough.
4A
Andover
Cheney
Hesston
Clearwater
Mulvane
Wellington
Andover Central
-Cheney is charging out of the Central Plains League, and with a convincing win over Clearwater, they look like they'll be just fine in Class 4A after moving up. Hesston is another 4A team which has moved up. In 3A they would have been a state title contender. In 4A, they might make the state tournament, as I think 4A is down a bit this year. Locally, the jump from 3A to 4A isn't that huge this season. I still have Andover as the top 4A team in the area, however, despite the challenges from the smaller schools, Cheney and Hesston.
3A
Wichita Collegiate
Belle Plaine
Trinity Academy
Trinity lossed to Belle Plaine early, likely due to Belle Plaine's enormous size. Trinity is small, but a hot shooting night can keep them in the ballgame with anyone. Wichita Collegiate is tops by far, however, as they look to be headed for their second straight 3A title.
Girls
6A
Wichita Heights
Derby
Wichita South
Goddard
-Derby at Goddard tonight is a great matchup. Derby cleaned up against Maize last week, and they should probably beat Goddard, as well. Don't count out South, as they've suffered close losses to both Heights and Bishop Carroll.
5A
Bishop Carroll
Hutchinson
-Game of the Week is this Friday, as Bishop Carroll plays at Wichita Heights. They are both undefeated thus far, and each narrowly defeated Wichita South.
4A
Andover Central
Clearwater
Cheney
-Andover Central is by far the best 4A team in the area.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Shawcking
First of all, I was that guy on Saturday night who tried to beat the crowd to the exits.
The Southeast-East basketball game at Koch Arena was a classic, for sure. The whole game was outstanding, though I was that guy who missed Adonis Gantt's game-tying desperation three-pointer. Southeast had gone down four after two made free throws by East, but Gantt sprinted up the court, hit a three and was fouled on the play. He proceeded to sink the free throw and send the game into overtime.
Two things: One, I can't believe I pulled the typical Wichitan move of trying to beat the traffic at all costs; two, why would any East player be within 20 feet of Gantt on his way up the court?
The mistake aside, it was a great game, all anyone would expect. East, a supreme underachiever before the holiday break, losing to Bishop Carroll and South, showed itself to once again be a contender. The Aces are so stacked, and I believe they're better than Southeast. They led throughout the game and controlled play, sometimes leading by double-digits. East has so many talented players, and Saturday night they looked to be putting it together. Chemistry was good, ball movement was good, and college prospect post player Garrius Holloman was dominant on the boards. He has a serious knack for jumping straight up on the offensive boards, reaching over his defender to grab the rebound, and going right back up with, consistently hitting put-backs from eight feet. Truly, it's "take your pick" on this team.
But Southeast is just so crafty - which brings me to the title of this post: Shawcking. While Gantt hit the spectacular shot and the free throws, including two more to win it for the Buffs in overtime, Southeast guard Cecil Shaw is the only reason the Buffs were in position to tie the game in regulation. I don't have the exact count, but he had at least two steals in the final two minutes and nailed two three-pointers to draw Southeast within two after being down eight in the final minute. Shaw is the team thief, as he heads up Southeast's full-court press, ripping the ball out of peoples hands and gently tapping it away to his advantage. He is a very special high school basketball player.
I'm not saying Southeast doesn't have a chance to win the state title, but I am saying that by season's end, I think East will be the best team coming out of the City League. Southeast is very talented and scrappy, but they need more consistency. They're gamers, which gives them a chance in any ballgame.
Now, on to my beef. I also watched the Northwest-Kapaun boys game at the GWAL Basketball Classic. While Northwest is not on par with East and Southeast, they have a talented team that could be so much better. Chris Harper, one of the most talented athletes to come out of Wichita is recent years, didn't even start against Kapaun. When he got on the floor, his play was at times very uninspired. Also, point guard Alex Williams is outstanding at times, but his shot selection is questionable. They have a lefty shooter Nick Clary who can bomb the three's, but he didn't get that many off. Also, John Bridges needs more touches in the post. This could be a very good basketball team, but they need to stop moping around the court when things don't go their way. Hustle and desire are lacking. I've still got a place in my heart for this team, though. Harper is unguardable at times, and Clary needs to shoot five or six three's per game instead of three. Williams is another very good player, but he needs to stay positive and stop taking bad shots.
Hit up the forums and talk amongst yourselves, or post right here on the blog.
The Southeast-East basketball game at Koch Arena was a classic, for sure. The whole game was outstanding, though I was that guy who missed Adonis Gantt's game-tying desperation three-pointer. Southeast had gone down four after two made free throws by East, but Gantt sprinted up the court, hit a three and was fouled on the play. He proceeded to sink the free throw and send the game into overtime.
Two things: One, I can't believe I pulled the typical Wichitan move of trying to beat the traffic at all costs; two, why would any East player be within 20 feet of Gantt on his way up the court?
The mistake aside, it was a great game, all anyone would expect. East, a supreme underachiever before the holiday break, losing to Bishop Carroll and South, showed itself to once again be a contender. The Aces are so stacked, and I believe they're better than Southeast. They led throughout the game and controlled play, sometimes leading by double-digits. East has so many talented players, and Saturday night they looked to be putting it together. Chemistry was good, ball movement was good, and college prospect post player Garrius Holloman was dominant on the boards. He has a serious knack for jumping straight up on the offensive boards, reaching over his defender to grab the rebound, and going right back up with, consistently hitting put-backs from eight feet. Truly, it's "take your pick" on this team.
But Southeast is just so crafty - which brings me to the title of this post: Shawcking. While Gantt hit the spectacular shot and the free throws, including two more to win it for the Buffs in overtime, Southeast guard Cecil Shaw is the only reason the Buffs were in position to tie the game in regulation. I don't have the exact count, but he had at least two steals in the final two minutes and nailed two three-pointers to draw Southeast within two after being down eight in the final minute. Shaw is the team thief, as he heads up Southeast's full-court press, ripping the ball out of peoples hands and gently tapping it away to his advantage. He is a very special high school basketball player.
I'm not saying Southeast doesn't have a chance to win the state title, but I am saying that by season's end, I think East will be the best team coming out of the City League. Southeast is very talented and scrappy, but they need more consistency. They're gamers, which gives them a chance in any ballgame.
Now, on to my beef. I also watched the Northwest-Kapaun boys game at the GWAL Basketball Classic. While Northwest is not on par with East and Southeast, they have a talented team that could be so much better. Chris Harper, one of the most talented athletes to come out of Wichita is recent years, didn't even start against Kapaun. When he got on the floor, his play was at times very uninspired. Also, point guard Alex Williams is outstanding at times, but his shot selection is questionable. They have a lefty shooter Nick Clary who can bomb the three's, but he didn't get that many off. Also, John Bridges needs more touches in the post. This could be a very good basketball team, but they need to stop moping around the court when things don't go their way. Hustle and desire are lacking. I've still got a place in my heart for this team, though. Harper is unguardable at times, and Clary needs to shoot five or six three's per game instead of three. Williams is another very good player, but he needs to stay positive and stop taking bad shots.
Hit up the forums and talk amongst yourselves, or post right here on the blog.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Preps re-up tonight
The January issue of High School Sports The Magazine hits stands today. Included are stories on the state-title bonanza for this area during the fall football season, rodeo, hockey and all the usuals - Columns, Grill, Picture This and Game Plan.
Check out the HSSTM Central Kansas Web site for new rankings from Bob Hovey at Hovpen Sports. He has ranked the top ten teams in all six class for both boys and girls.
Also new on the site today is the continuation of the Eddy's. In this month's magazine, I picked my top 11 high school football players from this past season. On the Web today, we will release a list of juniors and sophomores from this past season who should have huge impacts in the fall of 2008. Feel free to discuss who was included and who wasn't in this blog or in our forums accessible at the top of the main page of the Web site.
I will appear on the Sports Daily radio show at 9:30 a.m. Friday morning to talk preps with Bruce and Bob's replacements. Bruce and Bob will be coming back from Miami, where they're covering the KU's berth in the Orange Bowl.
Preps roar back into action tonight with a bit of wrestling and basketball. The Wichita Northwest-Bishop Carroll wrestling match begins at 7 p.m. Carroll's dual-match win streak is at 92. While it will likely extend to 93 tonight, Northwest is equipped to put up a fight. With Kyle Caylor, Trey Page and Brock Heithaus grappling in the upper weights, Northwest could get some wins there. But Carroll is stacked from 171 pounds and down.
Down the road, Maize hosts Derby in hoops. The AV-CTL I boys is a tough one to figure out this season. The league is lacking a standout team, and either Maize or Derby could become that team. Hutchinson has gotten its legs under them after a long football season, beating Maize before break. Maize has to deal with Salina Central next week after Derby. Bob Hovey ranks Central No. 5 in Class 5A. A loss tonight could send the season into a tailspin for Maize. Derby gets Salina Central next Friday after Maize.
The girls game is very interesting, as the AV-CTL I girls is so strong. We knew Derby, Goddard and Hutchinson would be good coming into this season, but Maize has also entered the conversation. They followed an upset win over rival Goddard with a loss at Hutch, but it was very close. Derby has the best of both worlds with Joanna McFarland and Cammi Stith. If Maize hangs with them, we can start talking about state-tournament possibilities for the Eagles.
Check out Koch Arena this weekend for the GWAL-CatchItKansas.com Basketball Classic. High School Sports The Magazine will also be a feature sponsor of the tournament. Watch the games and pick up a magazine. Most of the City League, both boys and girls will be in action on Friday and Saturday.
Also, there's tons of wrestling this Saturday:
Derby Invite – Wrestling
Maize Invite – Wrestling
North Invite – Wrestling
Augusta Tournament – Wrestling
Bishop Carroll also hosts in baker bowling tournament Saturday: girls start at 11 a.m. and boys at 2 p.m.
Check out the HSSTM Central Kansas Web site for new rankings from Bob Hovey at Hovpen Sports. He has ranked the top ten teams in all six class for both boys and girls.
Also new on the site today is the continuation of the Eddy's. In this month's magazine, I picked my top 11 high school football players from this past season. On the Web today, we will release a list of juniors and sophomores from this past season who should have huge impacts in the fall of 2008. Feel free to discuss who was included and who wasn't in this blog or in our forums accessible at the top of the main page of the Web site.
I will appear on the Sports Daily radio show at 9:30 a.m. Friday morning to talk preps with Bruce and Bob's replacements. Bruce and Bob will be coming back from Miami, where they're covering the KU's berth in the Orange Bowl.
Preps roar back into action tonight with a bit of wrestling and basketball. The Wichita Northwest-Bishop Carroll wrestling match begins at 7 p.m. Carroll's dual-match win streak is at 92. While it will likely extend to 93 tonight, Northwest is equipped to put up a fight. With Kyle Caylor, Trey Page and Brock Heithaus grappling in the upper weights, Northwest could get some wins there. But Carroll is stacked from 171 pounds and down.
Down the road, Maize hosts Derby in hoops. The AV-CTL I boys is a tough one to figure out this season. The league is lacking a standout team, and either Maize or Derby could become that team. Hutchinson has gotten its legs under them after a long football season, beating Maize before break. Maize has to deal with Salina Central next week after Derby. Bob Hovey ranks Central No. 5 in Class 5A. A loss tonight could send the season into a tailspin for Maize. Derby gets Salina Central next Friday after Maize.
The girls game is very interesting, as the AV-CTL I girls is so strong. We knew Derby, Goddard and Hutchinson would be good coming into this season, but Maize has also entered the conversation. They followed an upset win over rival Goddard with a loss at Hutch, but it was very close. Derby has the best of both worlds with Joanna McFarland and Cammi Stith. If Maize hangs with them, we can start talking about state-tournament possibilities for the Eagles.
Check out Koch Arena this weekend for the GWAL-CatchItKansas.com Basketball Classic. High School Sports The Magazine will also be a feature sponsor of the tournament. Watch the games and pick up a magazine. Most of the City League, both boys and girls will be in action on Friday and Saturday.
Also, there's tons of wrestling this Saturday:
Derby Invite – Wrestling
Maize Invite – Wrestling
North Invite – Wrestling
Augusta Tournament – Wrestling
Bishop Carroll also hosts in baker bowling tournament Saturday: girls start at 11 a.m. and boys at 2 p.m.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Break's half over
Alas, Christmas is over, but the new year still looms. There are no more presents to be had (I made out quite nicely), but New Year's get-togethers are better than presents, anyhow. I will be in Houston on New Year's Eve at a reunion with old friends. I can hardly wait.
I don't make New Year's resolutions, so I won't offer any in this setting. I will list some dates to look forward to as the second half of the winter preps season approaches.
It all starts with Wichita Northwest at Bishop Carroll, a great matchup in any sport, but there's more on the line in this particular edition of the Tyler Road Rivalry. On January 3, Northwest travels the mile to Carroll for a wrestling dual meet. Get this (if you don't already know) - Carroll has won 92 straight dual matches, giving them no losses since 2001. Crosstown Carroll rival Kapaun Mount Carmel holds the state record for consecutive dual match wins with 123. Wichita Northwest is a program on the rise with a sixth-place finish at 6A state last February. I know from talking with wrestlers at Northwest that it is one of this team's goals to end Carroll's streak - maybe not this year, but before their stellar sophomore class graduates. I'll be there watching this match. Match starts at 7 p.m.
Mark January 4 and 5 on your schedules. Set this Friday and Saturday aside for City League basketball at Koch Arena. Starting game times are from 4:00-8:00 on Friday and 12:00-7:00 on Saturday. The feature matchup is 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, between Wichita Southeast and East. These are the two marquee teams in the city, state title contenders in 6A. Players on these two teams have this matchup marked on the schedules when Coach hands out the first hard copy. All of them will be up for the game. It will be an intense and full-court, in every sense of the phrase. I can't wait. Earlier in the day on Saturday, Northwest meets Kapaun - another very interesting game. Both teams are solid; both could make the state tournament.
Here are my top teams in each class from the area - boys first, then girls
6A: Wichita Southeast, Wichita Heights
5A: Kapaun, Bishop Carroll (Carroll lost at Kapaun before break, but the Eagles will return the favor at home in convincing fashion, I predict); Bishop Carroll
4A: Andover; Andover Central
3A: Collegiate; Garden Plain
Here are a few more games I am anxiously anticipating:
January 11 - Girls Basketball
Bishop Carroll at Wichita Heights
February 9 - Boys Basketball
Collegiate at Kapaun
February 22 - Boys Basketball
Collegiate at Hesston (Hesston is a team to keep an eye on as they return several starters after the Christmas break, players who were injured in the final football game of the season at Garden Plain.)
February 1 - Boys Basketball
Andover at Andover Central
Note: My segment on the Sports Daily radio show (KFH 98.7 FM/1240 AM) has moved from Thursday to Friday at the top of the second hour - that's 10:00 a.m. every Friday with Bruce and Bob.
Tomorrow I'll comment more on the Chris Harper situation. The Wichita Northwest quarterback has backed out of his commitment to Kansas State.
The January magazine will be on stands on January 4.
Here's to Houston - and my return to Wichita on January 1 to watch the preps back in full force.
I don't make New Year's resolutions, so I won't offer any in this setting. I will list some dates to look forward to as the second half of the winter preps season approaches.
It all starts with Wichita Northwest at Bishop Carroll, a great matchup in any sport, but there's more on the line in this particular edition of the Tyler Road Rivalry. On January 3, Northwest travels the mile to Carroll for a wrestling dual meet. Get this (if you don't already know) - Carroll has won 92 straight dual matches, giving them no losses since 2001. Crosstown Carroll rival Kapaun Mount Carmel holds the state record for consecutive dual match wins with 123. Wichita Northwest is a program on the rise with a sixth-place finish at 6A state last February. I know from talking with wrestlers at Northwest that it is one of this team's goals to end Carroll's streak - maybe not this year, but before their stellar sophomore class graduates. I'll be there watching this match. Match starts at 7 p.m.
Mark January 4 and 5 on your schedules. Set this Friday and Saturday aside for City League basketball at Koch Arena. Starting game times are from 4:00-8:00 on Friday and 12:00-7:00 on Saturday. The feature matchup is 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, between Wichita Southeast and East. These are the two marquee teams in the city, state title contenders in 6A. Players on these two teams have this matchup marked on the schedules when Coach hands out the first hard copy. All of them will be up for the game. It will be an intense and full-court, in every sense of the phrase. I can't wait. Earlier in the day on Saturday, Northwest meets Kapaun - another very interesting game. Both teams are solid; both could make the state tournament.
Here are my top teams in each class from the area - boys first, then girls
6A: Wichita Southeast, Wichita Heights
5A: Kapaun, Bishop Carroll (Carroll lost at Kapaun before break, but the Eagles will return the favor at home in convincing fashion, I predict); Bishop Carroll
4A: Andover; Andover Central
3A: Collegiate; Garden Plain
Here are a few more games I am anxiously anticipating:
January 11 - Girls Basketball
Bishop Carroll at Wichita Heights
February 9 - Boys Basketball
Collegiate at Kapaun
February 22 - Boys Basketball
Collegiate at Hesston (Hesston is a team to keep an eye on as they return several starters after the Christmas break, players who were injured in the final football game of the season at Garden Plain.)
February 1 - Boys Basketball
Andover at Andover Central
Note: My segment on the Sports Daily radio show (KFH 98.7 FM/1240 AM) has moved from Thursday to Friday at the top of the second hour - that's 10:00 a.m. every Friday with Bruce and Bob.
Tomorrow I'll comment more on the Chris Harper situation. The Wichita Northwest quarterback has backed out of his commitment to Kansas State.
The January magazine will be on stands on January 4.
Here's to Houston - and my return to Wichita on January 1 to watch the preps back in full force.
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