When I was in high school, my spring time did not consist of wearing short shorts and running long distances, or stepping out of the dugout and swinging a bat as the weather got warmer and sun shone for more hours.Wednesday, March 18, 2009
LAX is M.I.A.
When I was in high school, my spring time did not consist of wearing short shorts and running long distances, or stepping out of the dugout and swinging a bat as the weather got warmer and sun shone for more hours.Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Oops! St. Thomas Aquinas still tops in All-Sports standings
My original post said Bishop Carroll had overtaken St. Thomas Aquinas in our all-sports standings.
But the eight points Aquinas earned for its boys soccer state championship had somehow been erased from my spreadsheet.
With those eight, Aquinas has 59 points through the winter season, best in 5A and the state overall.
Bishop Carroll, with state championships in boys and girls bowling and third-place state finishes in wrestling and girls basketball, is a close second, in 5A and overall, with 57.5
Carroll now has 57.5 points and Aquinas 51. Those two schools lead the overall as well as 5A standings.
In Class 6A, Topeka Washburn Rural, which won the girls state basketball title, leads with 38.5 points, while Wichita Heights, which won the boys basketball championship, is second with 35.5.
In Class 4A, Topeka Hayden, which finished second in girls basketball and third in boys basketball, has a big lead over St. James Academy, 36-17.
In Class 3A, Collegiate leads Holcomb 22-16.5 after winning the boys basketball title and finishing second in girls basketball.
In Class 2A, St. Marys, which won both girls and boys basketball championships, leads Pittsburg Colgan 32.5-20.5.
In Class 1A, Centralia, which finished third in both boys and girls basketball, leads Goessel 23.5-18.
The rankings are based on points awarded for top eight finishes at the state championships, with eight points awarded for a state title down to one point for an eighth-place finish. In sports such as basketball where only first through fourth places are determined, all quarterfinal teams split the total points that would be awarded for fifth through eighth places.
Monday, March 16, 2009
And now what about Blake Bell?
Bell is going to pass up playing baseball this spring to put in more time in the weight room and tour some of the colleges that have already offered him a scholarhship. The list is long. But just three of those he mentioned Monday at Oklahoma, Notre Dame and Kansas.
Some schools, especially elite programs, want their recruits to commit early, often before their high school senior season starts. But Bell said that won't happen with him because Carroll won't let its players make commitments that early.
Bell also was Carroll's leading scorer and rebounder this past season in basketball. But don't worry about him passing up next basketball season because his future is in football. He said he won't miss the chance to play in Carroll's new 2,000-seat gym, which will be done in time to host graduation this spring.
Note to Blake: If you haven't told basketball coach Lonnie Lollar that yet, do so soon so he can breathe again. Lollar loses eight seniors off this season's team, and Bell will be the only returning player with significant experience.
Friday, March 13, 2009
State championship trivia
Well, only three still have a chance in tomorrow's finals across the state.
Still in the running are: St. Mary's in Class 2A, Wichita Collegiate in Class 3A and Bishop Miege in Class 5A.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
State tournament notes
Boys – 27 points, Darian Kelly of Girard vs. Cheney, first round of 4A tournament.
Girls – 33 points, Julia Marshall of Bishop Carroll vs. St. Thomas Aquinas, first round of 5A tournament.
Interested in the all-time records?
Boys – 47 points by Josh Reed of Brewster in the 1996 Class 1A tournament.
Girls – 53 points by Jackie Stiles of Claflin in the 1994 Class 1A tournament.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Who Invented Basketball
So last Thursday night while I was at the Dodge City Civic Center watching girls foul every possession my mind started wondering as it often does. Things about the game came into my mind. Things such as fouls, (only because the girls were in the bonus in the second quarter) rules, regulations. The aspects of what makes the game run correctly.
As I thought things like "Why did they make a rule that says you can't run with the ball unless you dribble it?" and "You can't pick the ball up after a dribble and then dribble it again?" otherwise known as the traveling and double dribble rules. I also wondered why only 5 players could play at a time.
Then I thought every time I asked myself a question like that I always said, "Why did THEY... " Who is they? The inventor? So I laughed because I realized I really don't know the history of the game.
So prepare yourself for a load of information..... Here We Go!
A Canadian by the name of James Naismith invented the game of basketball in 1891 when he was employed at the YMCA College at Springfield, Massachusetts. The 1st official basketball game was played at the Springfield, Massachusetts YMCA Training School.
The first intercollegiate match took place in 1895 when Minnesota State School of Agriculture played and beat the Porkers of Hamline College, 9-3.
The first 5 player college match was in 1896 against Iowa and the University of Chicago. Chicago won 15-12.
Basketball became an Olympic sport in 1936 at the Berlin Games.
The first men's college basketball championship was held in 1939.The University of Oregon beat Ohio State 46-33.
The first televised college games were in 1940. Pittsburgh defeated Fordham, 57-to-37, and New York University beat Georgetown, 50-to-27, at Madison Square Garden.
And the most watched college basketball game is the 1979 NCAA Championship game against Michigan State and Indiana State. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird played in that game.
So there is some of the History but that doesn't really answer my questions.... Although I don't think my questions have been answered after this next bit of research either... It was just fun to look up the rules.
The Original 13 Rules of Basketball
1. The ball may be thrown in any direction with 1 or both hands.
2. The ball may be batted in any direction with 1 or both hands, but not with the fist.
3. A player cannot run with the ball. The player must throw it from the spot on which he catches it
4. The ball must be held in or between the hands. The arms or body must not be used for holding the ball.
5. No shouldering, pushing, holding, striking or tripping an opponent.
6. A foul is striking at the ball with the fist.
7. If a side makes 3 consecutive fouls it counts as a goal for the opposing team.
8. A goal shall be scored when the ball is thrown or batted from the ground into the basket and stays there.
9. When the ball goes out of bounds, it shall be thrown into the field and played by the first person who touches it.
10. The umpire shall be judge of the men and shall note the fouls and notify the referee when 3 consecutive fouls have been made.
11. The referee shall be the judge of the ball and decide when it is in play in bounds, to which side it belongs, and shall be the timekeeper.
12. The time shall be 2 fifteen minute halves with 5 minutes' rest between.
13.The team scoring the most goals in that time shall be declared the winner.
Some have changed... Some remain the same.... Just a bit of information if anyone was wondering. Now you're all set for March Madness! Enjoy
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Weekend Recap
Bishop Carroll brought home state championships in both girls and boys bowling for 5-1A. Carroll’s girls team scored 2,409, and sophomore Morgan Kuckelman placed third individually with a 614 series.
The boys score of 2,686 was good for first by a margin of 23 pins. The top finisher for the Golden Eagles was Jake Schoenberger. He finished third overall with 715 pins.
This weekend was also sub-state basketball championships, which determine who advances to the state tournaments. Heights girls are making a return trip to the 6A state tournament in Emporia. Both Goddard boys and girls are heading to 6A state in Emporia. Both teams faced and beat Wichita North in the Northwest-A sub-state bracket championships. City League champ Wichita Heights boys (21-1) will be there, as well as defending state champion Southeast. Dodge City boys and Garden City girls are moving on. Garden City beat Northwest to advance and are now 11-11 on the season.
In 5A, Liberal boys and girls have both punched their tickets to state in Topeka. Great Bend girls, Andover Central boys, Hutch boys and Salina Central boys are all going on as well. Salina Central was 13-8 going into its sub-state championship game with McPherson, which was 20-1.Central came away with the huge 58-50 upset.
Cheney is yet another school to advance both their girls and boys teams to state. They will compete at the 4A state tournament at Salina. Hesston boys are also going on. After moving up to 4A this year, defending state champion Wichita Trinity have made it to state. Rose Hill girls are also going on.
Collegiate’s boys and girls are both on their way to 3A state in Hutch. Hillsboro girls and Medicine Lodge boys made it too.
Defending state champion Berean Academy girls are heading back to defend their title in 2A state at K-State’s Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan. The Berean boys will join them at state.State tournament play is Mar. 11-14. Click here for state tournament brackets.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
My solution to 1-seeds playing 8-seeds in sub-state
After Andover’s 92-7 there is an outcry among seemingly everyone for a total overhaul of the tournament system in Kansas because it is not fair to the bad teams.
I will agree after watching the first round of sub-state action is boring. Many teams are overmatched. So what is the easy fix? Here is my solution for 4A-2A.
In 5A and 6A teams only have to win two games to make the state playoffs, so why not reward the top teams in 4A-2A similarly. In my solution for an eight-team bracket, the one and two seeds would get byes into the semifinals.
The first round would be play-in games between the 5-8 seeds and the 6-7 seeds. The winner of the 5-8 game would play the three seed and the winner of the 6-7 game would play the four seed. Then the winners would move on accordingly. Here is the breakdown:
Play-In round:
Game 1 - #5 vs. #8Game 2 - #6 vs. #7Quarterfinals:
Game 3: #3 vs. Winner of game 2Game 4: #4 vs. Winner of game 1
Semifinals:
Game 5 - #1 vs. Winner of game 4Game 6 - #2 vs. Winner of game 3
Finals:
Winner of Game 5 vs. Winner of Game 6
Under this bracketing system the only way an eight seed plays a one seed is by going through a five seed and a four seed. It would give the top seeds and advantage by not having to play an extra practice game of sorts. It would appease everyone who wants to see every team make the playoffs. And a lower seeded team would get one more home game on the year.
I think it makes sense....maybe too much sense?
That's going too far!
I came across them when one of the kids tossed the distinctive blue sheet of paper on the floor on his way across the arena.
"Congratulations! We are proud of you, and we want this State Wrestling Tournament Awards Ceremony to honor your and your boosters."
Several paragraphs later was a bold-face instruction:
"When the cheerleader comes forward to present your medal, lean forward so that she can get it over your head. Shake hands with her -- DO NOT KISS HER."
Protocol is protocol. But you know, if I was a senior who had just wrestled my last match ...
Short But Sweet...
For what is turning into a redundancy, Smith Center won the 3-2-1A title. So many kids wrestle out here, but not a ton of schools, so they mashed them all together to make one big super class, as Holmgren so described it.
The Redmen had seven wrestlers medal, four finalists and three champions. They had the team title in the bag before the finals even started. Not too shabby.
But not as good as the 15-year-old freshman sensation, Dylan Schumacher of TMP. The #1 ranked wrestler at 103 pounds, pretty much all season, the Freshman finished an undefeated season by pinning his opponent in the first round of the championship bout.
If I didn't say it before, he is 15-years-old. You have a bright future, young man.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Players to watch: Isaac Ruiz, Megan Taylor

This week we featured a Junction City wrestler, Isaac Ruiz (left), who has an interesting story – on and off the mat.
Isaac advanced to the Class 6A state finals last year, where he faced an intimidating opponent in the 103-pound class. Isaac was familiar with the other state finalist, Jeff Vesta of Manhattan. They had faced off several times; both schools are part of the Centennial League. In fact, Jeff – an undefeated state champion – had beaten Isaac nine times in his career.
But Isaac, a sophomore, pushed the state-championship match to overtime and pulled off the upset. Some family members witnessed the improbable achievement, but his father watched from Iraq. A member of the U.S. Army, Toni Ruiz was lucky enough to have the competition broadcast so he could watch from overseas.
Isaac placed second in last weekend’s regional at Wichita Heights, so he advanced to the state tournament. He spent the season as the top-ranked 112-pounder in 6A, according to the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association.
Isaac is no stranger to success. He also plays wide receiver for the Junction City football team, which capped its undefeated season with a state title in the fall. Isaac plays on the varsity and JV teams.
His Manhattan foe has moved up to 119 pounds, where he is the top-ranked wrestler in 6A. For most of the year, Isaac was No. 1 and Dalton Miller of Campus was No. 2 at 112. Junction City and Campus have not attended the same tournaments this year, so the two wrestlers have not had a showdown.
In today’s rankings, however, Dalton switched to No. 1. Ulysses DeShazer of Wichita Heights, the first 6A wrestler to beat Isaac, shot up to No. 2. Isaac is now No. 3.
Regardless of whether he defends his title, the upcoming state tournament at the Kansas Coliseum will be a special weekend for him. Isaac’s family will be there to support him – including his father, who is home from Iraq.
As wrestling season approaches its conclusion, basketball is nearing the post-season. Class 1A regionals are under way, and sub-state brackets are just being released.
It’s worth noting that the Rolla girls basketball team will enter sub-state action Thursday with a 17-1 record. The 1A school recently has benefited from the impressive play of senior Megan Taylor. She had 37 points and 17 rebounds Feb. 13 against Moscow, and she added 26 points in the Pirates’ last home game of the season Feb. 17. In those two games, Megan combined for 63 points and 24 boards.
Friday, February 20, 2009
XC Shrine Bowl rosters released
Tom O'Connell of Andover will lead the way for the West boys. O'Connell had an undefeated senior season. His fierce rival David Roberts of Mulvane will join him on the team. Roberts is a former state champion.
Jason Martin of Herington, the 3A state champion will be on the West squad along with 5A runner-up Kyle Glasgow of Kapaun.
For the East boys, St. Thomas Aquinas will send three runners including state champion PJ Greer. Teammates Ben Grace and Kyle Hanson will also be running.
The women's West squad is highlighted by 3A state champion Amanda Callaway of Belle Plaine and Manhattan's Marley Crusch who was the 6A runner-up last season. Laura Baird of Norton will also join the West squad.
On the East team, BreAnna Briggs of Wamego and Corinna Papps of Baldwin should provide a potent 1-2 punch. The two finished second and third at 4A state last season. Kylie Graves from Rossville will get one more shot to beat Callaway. Graves was the 3A runner-up last fall.
For the complete rosters click here: Shrine Bowl XC rosters announced
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Go Ask Kenyon Martin....
Driving in off of I-70, take the state road about 10 miles in, you start seeing no hitchhiking signs. Curious as to why, you see a sign not too far past saying, "Ellsworth Correctional Facility -->" You pass that, make a few right turns, hang around the bend and you then you hit the high school. I know its easy for me to sit here and say that they should move the school or the facility, but do something.
Second thing; What in the world is a Bearcat?? It is the Ellsworth Mascot, but more famously it is also the University of Cincinnatti mascot. I see it all the time, but what in the world is it? Is it a large cat-like-animal, like a Panther with the body of a Bear? Or a Bear with the body of a Panther?
Every logo you see has a large cat face, so I assume they are trying to conjure up fear with a hybrid type animal, with twice the amount of ferocity of your average mascot. But then they use the paw for an additional logo, blurring the lines a little more. Or do you think they just ran out of ideas and didn't want to call themselves the Wildcats?
So what is a Bearcat?? Thank you Wikipedia for this glowing answer.
"A "Bearcat" is another name for a binturong, a viverrid mammal from Southeast Asia."
Interesting. Not what I figured an actual Bearcat to look like. Looks intimidating but also kind of startled when whoever took the picture, and actually looks like something they would be investigating on Monsterquest.
If you feel bored, try looking up the other links on the page. I've provided the link, because I'm just that nice of a guy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bearcat
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It's nice to be wanted

Wait, you say. You thought we just finished.
Hey, it never ends. We're talking 2010 recruiting now.
Bishop Carroll's record-setting quarterback, Blake Bell, the Gatorade Kansas player of the year for the 2008 season, already has offers from 17 major universities, including KU and K-State, according to his coach, Alan Schuckman.
Schuckman said today that Bell, who's also the basketball team's leading scorer, wants to give all his time and energy to basketball right now. Last year, the Eagles made it to the state championship game in basketball, but Bell was out with a broken hand. He'd like to be a participant this time in another deep playoff run.
But once the season ends, Schuckman said, Bell, his parents and Schuckman will sit down and put together a time table for evaluating schools. Right now, he said, Bell has no favorites.
In the meantime, here are the schools that have made offers:
Arizona
Clemson
Colorado State
Georgia
Iowa
Iowa State
Kansas
Kansas State
LSU
Maryland
Miami
Missouri
Nebraska
Notre Dame
Oklahoma
Texas A & M
UCLA
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Top 5A wrestling teams gain momentum
Three of the four top teams in Class 5A won their league wrestling tournaments, gaining valuable momentum for regional wrestling this weekend.
Emporia, which has earned 25 of the past 28 Centennial League titles, reclaimed its position as league leader after Manhattan won the championship last season. The Spartans are the No. 1 team in Class 5A, according to the Kansas wrestling coaches’ rankings.
Valley Center, ranked No. 3, and Liberal, No. 4, each won their fourth league championship in a row. Valley Center went undefeated in the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League’s Division II, and Liberal prevailed in the Western Athletic Conference.
Of the top four teams in 5A, only Bishop Carroll – ranked No. 2 – did not win its league. Carroll, which had triumphed with at least a share of the City League title eight years in a row, fell to Wichita Heights in their last dual of the season. Carroll again lost to Heights – by only 1.5 points – at the league wrestling tournament.
Andover Central, ranked No. 5 in Class 5A, will host a regional tournament Feb. 20 and 21. Perhaps the most competitive 5A regional will be at Liberal. The Redskins will host seven other teams, including some familiar ranked foes – Bishop Carroll and Valley Center.
The closest regionals to the Wichita area will be a 6A tournament at Wichita Heights and the 5A tourney at Andover Central. One change awaits 5A wrestlers who advance to state. After 6A and 5A competition traditionally had taken place at the Kansas Coliseum, last year’s 5A state tournament was held at Hutchinson High School while the 6A battles took place at Koch Arena. This season, 6A and 5A will be back at the Coliseum.
East's Frazier picks Independence CC
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Quality over quantity
This year, all seven boys on the Independent team have qualified for the state meet this weekend: Christian Kilgore, Michael Patton, Phillip Zimmerman, Misha Yakubovich, Colin McMaster, Andrew Parker and Ahmad Yaffine.
Independent's small team has been an underdog in every meet this season, because other schools almost always have much larger teams.
"I told them before the season we weren't going to win meets but we would just improve," said Maureen Hansen, who is in her first year as a high school swim coach. "And we've far surpassed that. They were so determined. They wanted to make it to state so bad. And they did."
Hansen also will coach the girls team this spring. She expects to have 16 girls, about double the number Independent had a year ago.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Regional Wrestling
City League champion Heights will host its own regional for 6A. Also there will be Derby, Junction City, Manhattan, Topeka, Topeka-Washburn Rural, Wichita East and Southeast.Dodge City is also hosting for 6A. Garden City, Goddard, Maize, Campus, Wichita North, Northwest and South will all be present.
Overland Park-Blue Valley North and Shawnee Mission-South are the other two schools hosting for 6A.
In 5A, Bishop Carroll will be out at Liberal along with Great Bend, Hays, Hutchinson, Valley Center, Kapaun and West.
Andover Central will host. At Central will be Ark City, McPherson, Newton, Pittsburg, Salina Central, Salina South and Winfield for 5A.
Emporia and Bishop Miege will host the other 5A regionals.
In 4A, Andale, Buhler, Cheney, Clearwater, Colby, Haven, Hesston, Hugoton, Nickerson, Pratt, Russell, Scott City, Wellington and Independent will be at Ulysses.
Andover, Augusta, Labette County, Caney Valley, Chanute, Coffeyville, Columbus, El Dorado, Fort Scott, Independence, Iola, Mulvane, Parsons, Rose Hill and Circle will be at Caney Valley, also for 4A.
Abilene and Spring Hill are the other two hosts for 4A.
For 3-2-1A assignments and complete regional listings for all classes click the link below.
KSHSAA's Regional Wrestling Assignments
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Isn't It Ironic?
As most of you know the towns in Southwest KS are extremely far apart therefore I do a lot of thinking on many trips, and most of the time my thoughts turn to random and just downright weird things. So just last week I started wondering how many people in the United States made resolutions to lose weight. Well with over 300 million people in this country and nearly seven billion people in the world I figured it was a number that would take days to count to. So I stopped wondering and started planning for the story I would be doing later in the evening.
Which led me to wrestlers, which in a since revolved right back to my previous thought of how many people are trying to lose weight at this point in time. I laughed because those poor wrestlers are ALWAYS trying to lose weight; until now.
Typically the rule for wrestling is not an ounce over your weight class. Then comes Christmas break. The guys are allowed two pounds plus. So let’s say you’re in the 160lbs weight class ... at your next weigh in you can be 162 and it's still legal to wrestle.
So here's the fun part. If you go to a two day tournament you are allowed a pounds per day plus your two pounds granted for growth. (That's how judges justify giving the extra two pounds. It's for the freshman, they are going to grow.) So let's say you weigh in on Friday at a tournament and weight 162. Saturday morning when you weigh in you get an extra pound because it's day two... so you are legally allowed to weigh 163.
Then the really fun part happens. Lets say you have a Thursday night dual then a two day tournament that very same weekend. Thursday you weigh in at 160… you can weigh 162… Friday you can weigh 163…. Saturday for the last day of the tourney you can weigh 164!!! WOW
Man, a bit confusing when you first hear it. Once I figured it all out I realized the wrestlers are probably trying to gain weight. They want to use those extra two pounds plus some that they get as an advantage and if it's a two day tournament right after a dual, shoot use all four!
Isn't it ironic that while most of the country and maybe even the world is trying to lose weight, the guys in a sport that have to maintain their weight is trying to gain it?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Hoop Dreams
For one, Spencer Hammert from Trego Community. Dude is averaging 29 points a game. He's good for at least 5 three-pointers a game, and wicked crossover on the way to an easy layup because everyone on the opposing team is watching him.
My personal opinion is he is good enough to play at the next level - more than good enough, but someone out there is going to knock him down because he is under 6 feet tall. Shame. But Hammert is the main reason that Trego is the 2nd-ranked team in 2A.
Another one is Hays' Zach Danner. He is seriously quick. Crossovers are second nature to him. He's good for at least a few steals a game. And he can shoot from the outside, too. Arguably the best point guard in the WAC. Teams have to plan around him. He's got skills. And the same affliction that affects Hammert affects Danner - height. Shame. But Danner is one of the main reasons Hays is now ranked in 5A.
Oh, and the best stat for Danner is best game-winning shot against Salina Central to knock off the then 2nd-ranked Mustangs.
Keep an eye on them in the future, or better yet, I'll let you know what happens.
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I was at the Panther Classic Wrestling Tournament last weekend in Phillipsburg, where I met Jason Hughes of Ellsworth High School. Jason is the 152 lbs varsity wrestler for the Bearcats. He's a pretty normal high school kid, except when you find out that he's blind.
Jason is a blind wrestler. He has a seeing eye dog named Indy and he goes where Jason goes, and he has a teammate lead him onto the mat, and then the referee takes over, puts him in place on the mat. He and the other wrestler touch hands at the beginning of the match, the ref blows the whistle and they go at it. It didn't look any different from other wrestling matches. Jason is very quick with his hands.
The other wrestler wound up winning, Jason said he was nervous because everyone was watching him, but he is remarkable.
Think how important your sight is to you, and then imagine having that taken away, and then decide to compete in a sporting event. Think of all the coaches that stressed playing with your eyes open, or keep your eye on the ball, and then not having that ability. Pretty Unbelievable.
Watch for his story soon.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
I'll take your best Ken, and raise you some underdogs
As much as I love to talk about the best of the best in our area I think it's time to give a little love to the underdogs. The assist leaders, the hustlers, the ones who can score a "quiet" 10-12 and are fundamentally sound. The "set-up" players who make the super stars look good.
First off, I gotta tell you about a gal named Whitney Bates from Rose Hill. Not only does she have an excellent last name (no relation that I know of) but she is absolutely mezmerizing when she has the ball in her hands. It's very rare to find a high schooler who has that much finesse when it comes to taking the ball down the court and juking out opposing guards with ridiculous crossovers and mind-boggling behind the back dribbles. If you let her get open, odds are Bates is going to hit the shot. She's a player that you can't really game plan for becuase she's got great court awareness, high "basketball IQ", and is extremely unselfish with the ball.
On the boys side, the first one has to be Christian Ulsaker from Mcpherson. He's one of the main reasons behind the Bullpups nearly perfect record this year, and he's only a sophomore! I'm not sure how many points he averages per game but he's always near the top of the stats list. He makes great cuts to the hoop, is extremely energetic, and most importantly, I've never seen him whine about a foul that did or did not get called. Attitude on the court is everything to me!
Gotta give some love to Heights now. Not only do they have undoubtedly the most talented player in our area in Perry Ellis, they've got one of the deadliest guards as well in Evan Wessel. He's a 6'3 Sophomore that coach Joe Auer aboslutely raves about after every game, even though you may never notice him on the court. Ellis gets most of the love, Austin Bahner is the senior leader with the hot hand from three, and Dorrian Roberts has the flash. However, it's Wessel who makes the Falcons go. He's got great ball handling skills and sees the court beautifully. He sets up the offense and keeps it going. He can play the point or shooting guard and excels at both. Heck, you could even have him post up inside and he'd get the job done. Next time you're at a Heights game, make sure you check out the guard with the Georgia boy haircut and I guarantee you'll be impressed. (Dreamis Smith, another sophomore guard for Heights, came in as a close second to Wessel. But from what I've heard from different sources, Wessel is the harder worker so the nod goes to Evan).
My final "underdog" recognition goes to Abby Henning from Bishop Carroll. I covered the Carroll vs. Goddard girls game a few weeks back and it was just one of those nights for Abby Fawcett. The normally sure-handed Fawcett couldn't seem to connect, but luckily Henning was able to pick up the slack. A combined effort from Henning and Julia Marshall propelled the Eagles past the Lions with Henning impressing me greatly. Fawcett and Marshall get a lot of the publicity, as they should because they are excellent players. However, Henning is the rock of the team. She's always going to put point on the board, seems unfazed if she misses a few shots because she knows eventually she's going to hit from the field. Also, when Marshall or Fawcett start to get into a groove, Henning has no problem handing it off to let them put points on the board. She's another one of those "quiet scorers" that's always reliable, but not usually the one in the spotlight.
Players to go see
Burrton’s is just a 1A school, but I thought Santiago could probably play in any league in the state. He’d be up against quicker players in the City League, and he might not be able to drive the lane as successfully as he did against Pratt Skyline. But Santiago has nice range with his outside shot and would still find a way to score.
Anyway, watching Santiago started me thinking about the best players I’ve seen this season.
So here’s my list. Most are underclassmen, so if you haven’t seen ‘em yet, there’s still plenty of time.
Remember, these are only player’s I’ve seen. Check back later, because some of my colleagues at KWCH will be posting their lists too.
BOYS
Alex Santiago, Burrton, 6-0 junior
Dorrian Roberts, Heights, 5-11 senior
Perry Ellis, Heights, 6-9 freshman
Joe Mitchell, Southeast, 5-11 senior
Bubba Starling, Gardner-Edgerton, 6-4 sophomore
Brett Comer, Blue Valley NW, 6-3 sophomore
Trey Unrau, Moundridge, 5-11 freshman
GIRLS
Julia Marshall, Carroll, 5-9 senior
Abby Fawcett, Carroll, 5-6 senior
Jhasmin Bowen, Heights, 6-1 sophomore
Krystie Ehm, Circle, 5-11, sophomore
Natalie Knight, Olathe South, 5-6 sophomore
Taylor Chandler, Heights, 5-4 freshman
Saturday, February 7, 2009
One Burrton record falls; another will soon
Santiago, who's averaging 29 points a game, should get Baker's single-season record in the next two or three games. Santiago has 464 points thus far this season. Baker's record of 544 was set in the '80-81 season.
To read more about Santiago and see video of his record-breaking game, click here.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Movin' On Up...
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Now to the point of the blog.
Hays made a great move a week ago when they hired Ryan Cornelsen from LaCrosse. Cornelsen wanted to make a move up and he said he really wanted to take on a challenge. No better place for a challenge than Hays, who have been stuck in mediocrity on the gridiron since the Clinton Administration. Ugh.
The Indians haven't made the playoffs since then, and scored only a few touchdowns in their three district blowouts this season, including a 69-0 slaughtering at the hands of the juggernaut that is Hutchinson football. And that was at home. During the regular season, except for about three games, they looked helpless. There was even talk of them dropping down to 4A.
(Personally, I think they need new uniforms. No logos on their gold helmets, with plain maroon jerseys, and plain gold pants. Its like they were trying to be the Notre Dame of Western Kansas, just without the wins, tradition and Touchstone movie deal.)
Cornelsen took over at LaCrosse and turned the program around by getting the community involved - and he needs to do the same thing at Hays, where basketball is king and the soccer programs have taken over.
He could be the next good coach in the making. Could be. Great Bend's Bo Black is thee next great coach in the making down there. But Cornelsen, who has learned from Black and texts on occasion could make the Hays-Great Bend rivalry an actual rivalry again.
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On the recruiting front, Luke Keener committed to play at the Air Force Academy next fall, but that should actually be the other way around. You don't choose the AFA - they choose you. You have to be good at football, but mostly you have to be a good person for them to want you. Impressing Troy Calhoun and the rest of the Zoomie coaching staff is one thing, but impressing Senator Brownback and Senator Roberts is another thing.
Oh, did I forget to mention that - you have to pass a Senate appointment to go to the AFA, and also be in the top, oh, 1% of your graduating class. Oh and have a super ACT score. And be an awesome person. No so easy.
But graduate from AFA and you will be set for life. Not too shabby.
Also, Jeremy Garcia and Lucas Ruff from LaCrosse are headed to Hutch CC. Sounds like that place will be (picture Comedian Ron White saying Loaded) loaded. They picked up almost ever player in the state of Kansas, it sounds like. And they have awesome uniforms, too.
Andover Central, Carroll signings


Final thoughts on football recruiting
Who had the best recruiting class in the country? Rivals.com says Alabama. Scout.com says Ohio State.
Best in the Big 12? Both agree on Texas. Rivals says Texas was No. 5; Scout says No. 6.
How about KU and K-State?
Rivals picks KU 31st nationally and fifth best in the Big 12. Scout says KU was No. 47 and only ninth best in the league.
K-State was No. 95 on Rivals' list, 109 on Scout's list. Both agree the first class of the second-coming of Bill Snyder was the worst class in the Big 12.
But all those are just talking points.
Any coach will tell you that you can't really evaluate a recruiting class for five years. A lot can happen. Injuries, academic, legal problems. You have to see who sticks it out and how they perform on the field. Who makes the leap from high school star to college star and who's a bust. Most of all, you need to see how their team does three, four and five years from now to evaluate a class.
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With nearly all precincts counted, we can project the final tally.
From 334 Kansas high school football programs, only 17 seniors received scholarship offers from major colleges.
KU and K-State each signed four players out of Kansas high schools. That's exactly the number they signed last year.
Here's the list:
Athlete | High School | College |
Mark Fancher | Shawnee Mission NW | Air Force |
Jake Morin | St. Thomas Aquinas | Air Force |
David Baska | St. Thomas Aquinas | Air Force |
Michael Seis | Wichita East | Air Force |
Luke Keener | Hoisington | Air Force |
Evan Kaufman | Newton | Air Force |
Joe Brown | Bishop Carroll | Colorado State |
Darian Kelly | Girard | Kansas |
Riley Spencer | Hesston | Kansas |
Huldon Tharp | Mulvane | Kansas |
Kevin Young | Olathe North | Kansas |
Ty Zimmerman | Junction City | K-State |
Travis Tannahill | Olathe East | K-State |
Braden Wilson | Smith Center | K-State |
Tomasi Mariner | Top. Washburn Rural | K-State |
Jaydan Bird | Conway Springs | Oklahoma |
Marshall Musil | La Crosse | Oklahoma |
Interestingly, but hardly surprising, KU signed 11 high school seniors from Texas, and K-State five.
The Big 12 schools signed a total of 10 kids out of Kansas high schools. Oklahoma took two.
On the other hand, Big 12 schools took 143 out of Texas high schools. Excluding the four Texas universities, the other Big schools signed 54 Texas players, an average of nearly seven per school.
I mention all this because I have a theory about why Texas produces a disproportionately large number of major college football players and Kansas relatively few.
Sure Texas is a bigger state. It has more than 1,150 football-playing high schools. Kansas has 343.
But Kansas, with only 29 percent as many schools as Texas produced only 7 percent as many major college football signees. So size counts, but that's not the only factor.
I just don't think Kansas does as good a job of preparing its high school athletes for major college football.
For one thing, our season is shorter. We play fewer games. Because of the weather, we might not be able to play more games unless we start earlier.
But Texas also allows two weeks of spring football. Most Texas schools take advantage of that. Those that don't are usually those with new coaches who are still assembling a staff. But then if they don't take spring ball, they get to start two-a-days in Augusta a week ahead of the other schools.
Texas also has a highly developed seven-on-seven summer football program, with league play and playoffs leading to a state championship.
I talked with a couple of Kansas' best high school football coaches before last season about this.
Randy Dreiling of Hutchinson, which has won five consecutive state titles, would love to have spring football. Unquestionably, he said, it would prepare high school athletes better for college football.
Alan Schuckman at Bishop Carroll wasn't so sure. If we had spring football, a lot of guys wouldn't play baseball or run track. He values the broader experience of playing multiple sports.
What do you think?
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Finally, if you haven't seen it, check out the New York Times story on Brian Butler, recruiting advisor to Bryce Brown, Huldon Tharp and others.
You'll find the story here.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Two Ark City football players sign


In the lower picture, quarterback/defensive back Johnathan Miller signed Hutchinson Community College. He is pictured with Josh Miller, Tyler Henderson, Jennifer Collins, Coach Wegner and Taylor.
McPherson College’s signing class
The Bulldogs' multi-sport signing list is made up most of Kansas kids.
In football, 15 of the 16 high school signees are from Kansas. The most recognizable might be quarterback Jake Snodgrass from Derby's outstanding team this past season.
In men's soccer, 3 of 5 signees were from Kansas high schools. In women's soccer, 1 of 4. In softball, 1 of 2. In volleyball, all seven.
McPherson also signed seven juco football players, all but Jeff Frank (Tonganoxie and Garden City CC) from out of state.
Here's the Kansas high school list:
Patrick Barton | Moundridge | Football |
Tim Brozek | Cheney | Football |
Caleb Hamilton | Madison | Football |
Taylor Lemuz | Pawnee Heights | Football |
Mitchell Leppke | Marion | Football |
Ryan O'Neill | Spearville | Football |
James Patton | Cunningham | Football |
Taylor Roop | Moscow | Football |
Dylan Smith | Lebo | Football |
James Temaat | Minneola | Football |
Bryant Thies | Medicine Lodge | Football |
Jared Kientz | Derby | Soccer |
Justin Nguyen | Maize | Soccer |
Breana Jones | Goddard | Soccer |
Janie Gunther | Scott City | Softball |
Natalie Boss | Valley Heights | Volleyball |
Lindsey Erickson | Salina South | Volleyball |
Kaylee Joseph | Valley Heights | Volleyball |
Lindsey Linnebur | Wamego | Volleyball |
Tiffany Rooker | Hillsboro | Volleyball |
Stacy Zink | Ellinwood | Volleyball |
Nine Heights football players sign with Jucos
Wichita Heights, which went 9-2 last season and was co-champion of the City League, had nine players sign letters of intent on Wednesday.
They would have had a 10th. But Ian Knight has already graduated and enrolled at Hutchinson Community College. Several others may sign in the next few days.
In the meantime, here's the Falcons' list.
Dorrian Roberts | Wichita Heights | Hutchinson CC |
Kameron Neal | Wichita Heights | Hutchinson CC |
Richard Dixon | Wichita Heights | Hutchinson CC |
Phillips Iheme | Wichita Heights | Hutchinson CC |
Joey Barnes | Wichita Heights | Hutchinson CC |
Chris Boyd | Wichita Heights | Independence CC |
Aaron Roberts | Wichita Heights | Hutchinson CC |
Orlando Williams | Wichita Heights | Highland CC |
Duane Sims | Wichita Heights | Butler CC |
Liberal pair sign football scholarships

Liberal is almost in the Mountain time zone. But credit the Redskins with being the first to send in photos from National Signing Day.In the photo at top, Nate Davis, the player of the year in the Western Athletic Conference, poses after signing a football letter with Garden City Community College. Davis rushed for 943 yards with eight touchdowns and also had 305 yards receiving last season.
In the lower photo, Kevin Lam, Liberal's starting center the past two seasons, poses with his family after singing a national letter of intent to play football at Fort Hays State.
For a complete list of all the signings reported to us so far, click here.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Liberal, Newton plans
Newton's Evan Kaufman, a 6-4, 252-pound lineman from Newton, plans to sign with the academy on Wednesday.
Three other Newton players also plan to sign: QB Nathaniel Martens with Chadron State in Nebraska and RB Chris Smith and RB/DB Collins McDonald with Fort Scott CC.
Liberal has two football players who are expected to sign on Wednesday. Lineman Kevin Lam will go with Fort Hays State. RB/DB Nate Davis, the Western Athletic Conference's player of the year, apparently is still considering his options.
Hoisington, Andale, Kapaun signing plans
Whatever, Luke Keener, a 6-3, 245-pound defense end/tight end from Hoisington, plans to sign to play among the big boys for the Air Force Academy. Keener was a Class 3A senior all-state pick on defense by the Kansas Football Coaches Association.
Andale also has several athletes planning to sign Wednesday.
Corey Harp, a Class 4A all-state running back, will sign with Hutchinson Community College. Michael Eck, the Indians' QB last season, will sign with Benedictine College.
Andale and Garden Plain combine to field a softball team. And one player from each school is planning to play college softball: Mandy Armstrong of Andale at Hutch CC and Karley Schmelzer of Garden Plain at Emporia State.
Kapaun Mt. Carmel's Austin Cooksey will sign a cross country/track scholarship agreement with Johnson County Community College. Cooksey, a four-year varsity runner, medaled in every cross country race he ran last fall, including the state meet. He runs the 800 and mile in track.
Eight Northwest football players expected to sign
Colby Duranleau, a giant lineman, heads Wichita Northwest's list. He's expected to sign with Coffeyville Community College.
Others: Dominque Terrell, Greg Blackman and Ryan Scherer, all with Independence CC; Tyler Kohlman, Jeff Poe and Steve Buesch with Hutchinson CC, and Nic Farar with Benedictine College in Atchison.
South High's Titanic signing list
He’s one of up to 11 South High football players who could sign on Wednesday. At least eight of them plan to go to Dodge City Community College.
Here’s the list:
Dodge City CC: Denzel Ward (OLB), Stephen McGill (WR), Henry Powell (WR/KR), Brandon Wright (OL), Daniel Carson (OL), Rich Thompson (OLB), Kobie Marshall and Dejuan Berry (DL).
Butler CC: Caton Scarry (OL).
Hutchinson CC: Angel Martinez (FB)
In addition, coach Tony Johnson says that WR/DB Dejuan West is still trying to decide between Dodge City, Hutchinson and Friends University.
Recruiting news: Huldon Tharp, Alex Schooler and more
Collegiate’s Alex Schooler will sign a football letter with Marshall University.
Cheney High reports that WR/DB Tyler Sears and lineman Dusty Hague will sign to play football for McPherson College.
Wichita Southeast’s Tamara Gagne plans to sign a track and field letter with Pittsburg State.
Buhler QB/DB Josh Madden will sign with Hutchinson Community College.
El Dorado WR/DE Randy Johnson will sign with Hutch too.
Garden Plain RB/LB Daniel Capul, a Class 3A coaches all-state linebacker, will sign with Fort Hays State. Three other Owls are expected to sign with Garden City CC -- Antonio dowdy, Chris Wilson and Brandon Patterson.
Mulvane RB Huldon Tharp, a blue chip recruit before he injured at a camp last summer and missed the entire season, will sign with KU.
Check back later for more.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Wake up coaches!
But tell me how the St. John girls can possibly remain unranked in Class 1A?
They're 10-2 and last week they beat Goddard, which the coaches had ranked No. 8 in Class 6A, and Buhler, which the coaches had ranked No. 6 in 4A.
Despite the loss, Goddard remains No. 8 this week. Buhler dropped to No. 9.
But what have you got against St. John?
It won't be all football signings
So we'll take this opportunity to metion Kapaun Mt. Carmel soccer player Nathan Nece.
Athletic director John Heise reports that Nece will sign a scholarship agreement with Division II Newman University on Wednesday.
Nece, who played soccer all four years at Kapaun, was an All-City and All-Region forward this past season. He also plays club soccer for the Wichita Select.
He's planning on majoring in accounting at Newman.
Derby has a baker's dozen moving on to college football
Several will sign national letters of intent on Wednesday:
Evan Engwall
Steven F. Austin St.
Kicker
Kyle Westmoreland
Butler CC
OL
Jake Molhoek
Hutchinson CC
OL
Connor Sparks
Fort Scott CC
WR
Johnnie Burns
Dodge City CC
DL
Matt Langworthy
Washburn
OL
In addition, Clark reports that QB Jake Snodgrass and WR Tyler Dunham are expected to pick colleges by Wednesday, RB Aaron Wilson has a visit set up at Western Kentucky next week, DL Thomas Vann is turning three schools over in his mind, DL/Long snapper Marcus Heit is mulling K-State, Emporia State and maybe one other,
Two others are planning to walk on: WR Ian Nichols at KU and DE/LB Andy Jundt at K-State.
Bishop Carroll expects 10 players to sign on Wednesday
The 10 players would be the most ever from a single class for the football team and swell the list of 15 former Golden Eagles now playing college football.
Here's the list of those expected to sign Wednesday:
Joe Brown
Colorado St.
TE/FB/H-Back
Nick Johansen
Emporia St.
WR
Tony Marquez
Friends U
OL
Cody Mills
Butler CC
TE
Jacob Cole
Butler CC
DL
Garrett Kraft
Butler CC
DE
Antonio Rodriguez
Dodge City CC
Kicker
Miles Galaway
Hutchinson CC
DL
Austin Butcher
Hutchinson CC
Punter-Kicker
Andrew Hoffman
Hutchinson CC
OL