Despite going 0-3, Wildcats see improvement at Bobcat Invite

Louisburg senior Hunter Rogers puts up a shot near the rim Friday against Olathe West in the Bobcat Invitational at Basehor-Linwood High School.

BASEHOR — Last week was the most challenging part of Louisburg’s schedule and for good reason.

The Wildcats took part in the Bobcat Invitational in which they were smallest program going up against a bunch of Class 5 and 6A competition. Despite the uphill climb, the Wildcats battled.

After losses to Basehor-Linwood and Olathe West to open tournament play, the Wildcats faced off with St. Joe (Mo.) Central in the seventh place game Saturday and lost a close, 48-44, contest.

“We definitely faced some great competition this past week.,” Louisburg coach Ty Pfannenstiel said. “You know, win or lose, we are always looking to take a step forward as a program each game that we play. 

“We always stress doing the little things right, and when you don’t, good teams are going to expose you. It was definitely eye opening for us on how quick the game can get away when you turn the ball over or don’t rebound as a team.”

The two teams were tied at 41-all midway through the fourth quarter, but Central went on a 7-3 run to end the game and steal a win away from the Wildcats. Before that, Louisburg went on a 10-2 run to tie it up.

Louisburg had three players score in double figures. Colyer Wingfield led the Wildcats with 11 points and eight rebounds, while Mack Newell and Maverick Rockers also finished with 11 points each.

The Wildcats shot 43 percent from the floor and held Central to just 27 percent. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, they committed 14 turnovers and the Indians turned several of those into points.

On Friday, Louisburg found itself in the consolation semifinals against Olathe West and lost a 72-43 matchup. The Owls outscored the Wildcats 42-22 in the second half to pull away.

Senior Michael Seuferling led the Wildcats in scoring with 13 points, while Rockers finished with nine.

It was a tough opening game last Tuesday against Basehor-Linwood as the Wildcats left with a 88-42 setback.

Rockers led Louisburg in scoring with 11 points, while Seuferling and Wingfield each finished with 10 points in the loss.

“We don’t really look at it as a loss, but more of a learning opportunity to focus on areas where we need to improve,” Pfannenstiel said. “I’m proud of our boys for stepping up to the challenge of playing some bigger schools and representing our community the right way. We are always happy for the opportunity to play and we know that we are now a better team because of the competition that we have played.”

Louisburg will face off against a pair of bigger schools again this week. The Wildcats travel to Shawnee Mission South tonight, before going to Spring Hill for a Frontier League matchup on Friday. 

LOU 8 9 12 15 — 44

CEN 14 7 18 9 — 48

LOUISBURG (3-7): Mack Newell 5-7 0-0 11; Maverick Rockers 4-10 2-2 11; Colyer Wingfield 5-11 1-2 11; Michael Seuferling 3-10 2-2 8; Carson Kern 1-2 0-0 2; Hunter Rogers 0-1 1-3 1. Totals: 18-42 6-9 44. 3-point field goals: 2, (Newell, Rockers)

LOU 9 12 6 16 — 43

OW 13 17 16 26 — 72

LOUISBURG: Michael Seuferling 6-13 0-0 13; Maverick Rockers 4-13 0-0 9; Colyer Wingfield 3-7 1-2 7; Carson Kern 1-3 2-2 5; Isaac Guetterman 1-4 0-0 3; Hunter Heinrich 0-0 2-2 2; Layne Ryals 1-1 0-0 2. Totals: 16-46 5-6 43. 3-point field goals: 4, (Seuferling, Kern, Rockers, Guetterman)

LOU 6 13 12 11 — 42

BL 18 26 28 16 — 88

LOUISBURG: Maverick Rockers 4-7 3-5 11; Michael Seuferling 2-11 5-6 10; Colyer Wingfield 4-10 2-3 10; Mack Newell 2-3 3-4 7; Cade Gassman 2-3 0-0 4. Totals: 14-36 13-18 42. 3-point field goals: 1, (Seuferling)