WELLSVILLE — The Louisburg baseball team ventured to Wellsville for a doubleheader that ended up turning into a home run derby.

Louisburg cranked seven home runs in the two games, including six in the second game alone, as the Wildcats cruised to a 14-1 and 18-2 victory on April 10 in Wellsville.

It was a dominant offensive showing for the Wildcats as they combined for 28 hits in the two games. They now own a 7-game winning streak and are 9-1 on the year.

“The guys saw the ball well and put a good swing on it most of the night,” Louisburg coach Kade Larson said. “It is always great to leave with a sweep. They really fed off each other’s energy and success and did a great job of staying locked in all night.”

Louisburg senior Meade Rutherford had a big night with two home runs — one in each game — to go along with 5 RBIs and a double.

In the opener, Max Amren tallied three hits to lead the Wildcat offense to go along with 2 RBIs. Luke Schultz, Danny Napier, Bristol Barbour also had two hits, while Schultz had two runs batted in.

Napier, Barbour, Evan Moreland and Rylan Carty each had an RBI of their own. Louisburg used a 7-run third inning to take a 13-0 lead and ended the game after five innings.

Senior Alex Saad was dominant on the mound for the Wildcats as he earned the compete game victory with 11 strikeouts and gave up just four hits.

Barbour did much of the same in the second game. The Louisburg junior got the victory with seven strikeouts and gave up just one run.

“Alex and Bristol both threw really well all night,” Larson said. “They did a great job of throwing strikes and mixing pitches to keep them off balance. It was a great outing by the entire team.”

The Wildcat bats certainly did their part with six home runs in the contest. Moreland, Napier, Carty, Carter Willey, Rutherford and Barbour all had balls leave the yard.

Barbour and Napier provided the Wildcats with a bulk of the offense as they each had three hits to go along with 5 and 4 RBIs, respectively.

Louisburg will try and keep its winning streak going as the Wildcats host Bonner Springs for a doubleheader on April 15. First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m. at Lewis-Young Park.

WELLSVILLE — In what started out as a rough week for the Louisburg softball team, ended with the brightest spot of the season to date for the Wildcats. 

Louisburg picked up its first win of the season on April 10 as the Wildcats traveled to Wellsville for a doubleheader. The Wildcats got the best of the Eagles in the first game as they held on for a 9-7 victory.

Although Louisburg fell 11-0 in the nightcap, the win in game one was exactly what the Wildcats needed after losing three games earlier in the week.

“That win was huge for us,” Louisburg coach Nick Chapman said. “We had a long, tough week. We dropped a close one to Baldwin to start the week. We hit the ball real well that night, but it came down to us being able to make plays when we needed it and we just didn’t. We couldn’t put them away and Baldwin did a great job capitalizing on our mistakes. I think we used that as fuel to finish our game on Thursday night. 

“We went and played a really good Spring Hill team on Tuesday, then went out to Wellsville. Everything was on the road. The girls came out after all that and put together a great offensive show. We played the best defense we have all year and found a way to put one in the win column. I’m very proud of how they responded to a tough week and put a complete game together, as a team.”

The Wildcats scored five runs in the first three innings to take a a 5-4 lead going into the fifth. Wellsville scored a run to tie it in the bottom of the fifth.

Louisburg used a 4-run sixth inning to get back out to a big lead. The Wildcats took advantage of three Wellsville errors in the inning to go up 9-5.

Wellsville rallied in the bottom of the seventh with two runs, but the Wildcats were able to shut the door.

Louisburg junior Paytyn Van Tyle earned the complete game victory as she recorded six strikeouts and just two earned runs.

“Paytyn threw really well all week and against Wellsville was no different,” Chapman said. “She struck out 6 and forced them to put the ball in play. She caused a lot of weak hits with how well she can locate a pitch and change up timing of hitters. Our defense was focused on having her back and one of our goals was no snowball innings and we accomplished that.”

The Wildcats got production from up and down their lineup and were led by a two seniors. Addy Stohs and Brynley Bauer each had three hits to lead the attack, while Bauer had 3 RBIs. 

Senior Emily Brotherton had 2 RBIs, while Shyloh Waite and McKinley Harmon each had two hits. Harmon and Lydia Copeland each had a double.

“The stats don’t show it, but Addy has been seeing the ball real well,” Chapman said. “She is consistently hitting the ball hard all over the field. She can also move baserunners real well with a well timed bunt. She has a lot of skills that make her a dangerous threat every at-bat.

“Brynley has been a consistent force at the plate. When we need a big time hit, she’s got it. With her in the 5 spot, she clears the bases pretty well but she can also be a great leadoff when we need it.”

In the second game, the Wildcats managed jut three hits, while Wellsville scored 11 runs in the first four innings to prevent the sweep.

Louisburg will try to build on the victory as the Wildcats host Bonner Springs for a doubleheader on April 15, then a single game against Tonganoxie on April 17.

“Our girls needed to feel what winning was like and put that in the experience bank,” Chapman said. “We have a week where we can keep that confidence and continue to build on our success to bank some more positives as we get to the end of April.”

Wildcats fall to Baldwin, Spring Hill

Louisburg was just a couple innings away from getting that first win of the season on April 7 as the Wildcats traveled to Baldwin for a single game with the Bulldogs.

Louisburg took a 9-run lead into the bottom of the fifth, but Baldwin scored 10 in the final three innings, including six in the fifth to defeat the Wildcats in walk-off fashion, 12-11.

The Wildcat offense had one of its best days of the season as they pounded out 23 hits on the night as eight of the nine batters in the lineup had a multi-hit game.

Emily Brotherton led the way with four hits, including a double. McKinley Harmon, Annabelle Hathaway, Brynley Bauer and Katie McKain each had three hits. McKain and Hathaway had a triple and 2 RBIs, while Harmon and Bauer doubled.

Raeya Keagle led the team with 3 RBIs and a double. Paytyn Van Tyle also had two hits, 2 RBIs and a double, while Addy Stohs added a pair hits.

On April 8, the Wildcats faced one of the top teams in the state in Spring Hill. Louisburg left Spring Hill with a pair of 12-0 and 23-1 losses.

OSAWATOMIE — The Osawatomie-Paola-Louisburg-Spring Hill girls swim team put on a strong showing in its home opener on April 2 in Osawatomie.

The Miami County team cruised to a first place finish with 402 points in the 5-team meet. Piper finished second with 256 points and Fort Scott was third with 249.

It didn’t stop there when it came to success, especially on the Louisburg side. The Wildcats earned a handful of state qualification and consideration times in what was their second meet of the season.

Louisburg senior Sabra Brueggen recorded state qualification times in three events and earned three first place finishes on the day.

Brueggen won the 100-yard freestyle in a state qualifying time of 56.85 seconds. She took second in the 200 freestyle in 2:04.41, which was also good for another state time. She earned a state mark in the 50 freestyle based on her split in a relay.

That success continued in the 400 freestyle relay as Brueggen, Janie Harth, Cadence Weichert and Ella Bockelman won in a state consideration time of 4:19.60.

Makayla Ellis joined Brueggen, Harth and Weichert to win the 200 freestyle relay in 1:55.62.

In other individual races, Harth earned a state consideration time in the 50 freestyle. Harth took second in 27.94 seconds, just behind Fort Scott’s Avery Stewart, who won in 27.86. Harth also went on to take third in the 500 freestyle in 7:19.

Ellis took home top honors in the 200 individual medley in a time of 2:49.14, while Weichert was second in 2:54. Weichert also took second in the 100 freestyle in 1:07 and Ellis was fourth in the 100 butterfly in 1:21.

Bockelman finished runner-up in the 100 backstroke in 1:14 and seventh in the 50 freestyle. Talen McMurray took fifth in the 100 breaststroke and sixth in the 50 freestyle.

The Miami County team is back in action on April 15 when they travel to Blue Valley Northwest. Events begin at 4 p.m.

The Louisburg High School prom is right around the corner as the school will hold its annual event on Saturday, and it is there where prom king and queen will be announced.

Four male and female students were selected to be in the running for LHS Prom King and Queen. The candidates will be introduced during the school’s promenade walk-through at 4 on Saturday in the LHS Auditorium.

Pictures can be taken starting at 5 p.m. at First National Bank and then prom will be held at the Haven Event Space beginning at 8 p.m. The crowning will take place at 10:30 p.m. and students who attend prom will be able to vote at the event. LHS post prom will be held from 12 to 3 a.m. at the high school.

Here are the candidates and their bios. Best of luck to all of you and hope everyone has a fun, safe prom weekend.

Brynley Bauer and Nate Capuro

Brynley is the daughter of Aaron and Meka Bauer. Brynley has participated in FFA, student council, band, the musical and softball for four years. She has been a member of select choir for three years, National Honor Society for two years and concert choir for one. Following graduation, Brynley plans to attend Harding University and pursue a degree in Business Management.

Nate is the son of John and Ann Capuro. Nate has participated in football for four years, band, drumline and track for three years and jazz band for two years. After graudation, Nate plans to attend Hutchinson Community College and will major in Fire Science and get his paramedic license.

Sami Lane and Gavin Lohse

Sami is the daughter of Alan and Adrianne Lane. Sami has participated in basketball, FBLA and choir for four years and Interact Club for three years. She has participated in softball, National Honor Society and FCCLA for two years, along with track, senior advisory and football manager for one year. After graduation, Sami plans to attend the University of Kansas to double major in Marketing and Business Management.

Gavin is the son of John and Sarah Lohse. Gavin has participated in basketball for four years and baseball and track and field for two years. After graduation, Gavin plans to go to a 4-year college to pursue a degree in business and continue his track and field career.

Annmarie Walton and Miles Meek

Annmarie is the daughter of Tim and Lindsey Walton. Annmarie has participated in Jazzy Cats, band and the musical for four years and choir for three years. She has also been a part of FFA and National Honor Society for two years and senior advisory for one year. After graduation, Annmarie plans to attend the University of Saint Mary to get her BSN and dance on the college team.

Miles is the son of Josh and Jennifer Meek. Miles has participated in football, wrestling and track and field for four years. He has also been a member of National Honor Society for two years. After graduation, Miles plans to attend the University of Kansas and major in Mechanical Engineering.

Rowan Yows and Ben Proctor

Rowan is the daughter of Greg and Heather Yows. Rowan has participated in soccer and student council for four years, National Honor Society for two years and cross country for one. After graduation, Rowan plans to attend Benedictine College where she will major in Biology on a pre-med track and will play soccer.

Ben is the son of Peter and Jennifer Proctor. Ben has participated in cross country, concert/marching band and Jazz Band for four years, along with track, the musical and National Honor Society for two years. After graduation, Ben plans to attend the University of Kansas to get his bachelor’s in music performance with an emphasis in trombone, along with prerequisite classes for medical school.

SPRING HILL — The Louisburg baseball team got a chance to avenge its lone loss of the season Tuesday against Spring Hill and the Wildcats took full advantage.

Louisburg scored nine runs in the fifth inning, and got a strong start from Meade Rutherford, as the Wildcats cruised to a 9-2 victory over the Broncos at Spring Hill High School. 

“The guys played really well overall,” Louisburg coach Kade Larson said. “They were ready to play Spring Hill again after we lost to them the first time. We knew we didn’t play our best game the first time around, and showed up ready to roll his time.”

Rutherford set the tone early for the Wildcats as he shut down a talented Spring Hill lineup. The Louisburg senior didn’t allow a hit until the fifth inning.

Overall, Rutherford went six innings allowed two hits, no runs and had five strikeouts.

“Meade competed his butt off on the mound,” Larson said. “He was all around the strike zone and did a great job pitching to contact to let his defense work.”

Rutherford’s performance gave the Wildcat bats a chance to heat up and they did so with big fifth inning. In a scoreless game in the top of the fifth, Louisburg racked up nine runs  and got a lot of those with two outs.

Senior Rylan Carty provided the Wildcats with a nice start as he opened the inning with a 2-run home run and he ended the scoring with an RBI double in the same inning.

The Wildcats (7-1) got a lot of important hits in-between as well. 

Louisburg worked four consecutive walks after Carty’s home run. Max Amren and Luke Schultz both scored on wild pitches.

Senior Carter Willey broke the game open with a bases loaded double that plated all three runners. Junior Christian Owens then reached on an error that allowed Willey to score.

“That fifth inning was huge for us,” Larson said. “We had two outs and just kept finding a way to keep the line moving. Rylan did a great job getting good pitches to hit and he hit them well when we needed it.”

Louisburg will try and keep its winning ways going as it travels to Wellsville today for a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m.

OTTAWA — The Louisburg boys track and field team have a handful of returning state qualifiers and medalists and many of them picked up right where they left Thursday during their season opener.

Louisburg finished fourth at the Ottawa Invitational with 86 points at the 10-team meet. Olathe East won with 185 points and St. James Academy was second with 139.5.

In all, the Wildcats won one event, had three runner-up finishes and scored points in 12 events.

“It was nice to get out and compete against other teams,” Louisburg boys coach Andy Wright said. “Overall, we saw some positive performances, as well as areas that need improvement. The experience of competing against larger schools will only help our athletes grow and develop as the season goes along.

“The enthusiasm and determination shown by the team are encouraging, and I believe we have a promising season ahead of us. With continued hard work and focus, I am excited to see how our athletes progress.”

Louisburg senior Cooper Wingfield leads the Wildcat jumpers as he is the returning state champion in the pole vault. He wasted no time getting back into form.

Wingfield won the pole vault as he cleared 15 feet to take gold. Senior teammate Jacob Brown, who is also a returning state medalist, took second after he cleared 13-0.

In the long jump, senior Myles Vohs got out to a good start as he took third with a mark of 20-2.5 and Martin Alicea Soto was sixth at 19-4.

“Our vaulters have been working hard and are eager to push each other this season,” Wright said. “Myles had a strong start, especially considering he only used a short approach for his jumps. I am confident that as the season continues, he will improve further and reach new heights.”

Evan McKitrick went on to score points in the high jump as he took fourth at 5-8 and was eighth in the triple jump at 38-1.5.

On the track, senior Gavin Lohse, who is a returning state medalist in the long jump, had a strong showing in the 100-meter dash as he was second in 11.39 seconds. Caleb Feldkamp was fourth in 11.48.

Another senior and returning state medalist, Jerynce Brings Plenty, found success in the distance races. Brings Plenty was runner-up in the 1,600-meter run in 4:44. He was also ninth in a talented field in the 3,200 run with a time of 10:42.

“Jerynce had two solid races, finishing with impressive times for the beginning of the year,” Wright said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how he continues to develop and what he will achieve this season.”

Also on the track, Aidan Meyer, Emmett White, Colton Blue and Vohs ended the night with a third place finish in the 4×400 relay in 3:29. Meyer also went on to take fourth in the 400 dash in 52.57 and White was seventh at 53.74.

In the 800-meter run, Blue earned a fourth-place finish in 2:07, while Gavin Manson was seventh in the 100 hurdles in 22.05.

The Wildcats also scored points in the throws and it started in the javelin. Senior Brayden Yoder edged junior teammate Tasen Ellison for fifth at 136-3, and Ellison was sixth at 136-0.

Johnny Hendrickson took fifth in the discus with a throw of 120-1 and Michael Foote finished eighth at 107-2.

Louisburg is back in action on April 10 as the Wildcats travel to the Paola Invitational. Events begin at 3:30 p.m.

OTTAWA — In just its first meet of the season, the Louisburg girls track and field team had a strong showing at the Ottawa Invitational. 

Louisburg won three events, scored in 11 and ended with a fourth place team finish with 101 points. St. James Academy was first in the 10-team meet with 166 points and Olathe East was second with 128.

“The girls did a great job at a tough meet,” Louisburg girls coach John Reece said. “We faced a lot of big schools and got fourth, which was fantastic. We have 27 girls out this season. Practices have been going well and the girls are working hard.”

The Wildcats scored a bulk of their points in the throws and sprints as they put together several solid performances.

Junior McKenna Lohse took first in the shot put with a toss 35 feet, 10 inches, which won the competition by more than four feet. Sophomore Kinley Scott also scored points as she took fourth at 30-8.

Lohse later went on to finish runner-up in the discus with a throw of 96-10, while senior Cora Wulfkuhle was seventh at 82-3.

In the javelin, sophomore Adelyn Moore picked up where she left off last season after qualifying for state as a freshman. Moore won the event with a throw of 98-7.

Louisburg had three score in the javelin as freshman Khloe Holland took third at 84-8 and Scott was seventh with a mark of 75-1.

“Kenna and Adelyn are picking up where they left off last season, which is awesome,” Reece said. “For a not so great weather day, they both threw well. They had some teammates throw well, which definitely helped the team points.

“We definitely have returning talent in the throws. Adelyn and Kenna have state experience and are leading our other throwers by their great work ethic. Hopefully they can return to state this year and bring along some teammates.”

The Wildcats 4×100-meter relay also looked in good form after medaling at state a season ago.

Mackenzie Rooney, Kendall Crossley, Addi Mallett and Suzanna Dansel edged out Olathe East as they ran a time of 51.40 and won by .19 seconds.

The success continued in the 100 dash as Crossley took runner-up in 12.86 seconds. Dansel finished fourth in 13.05 and Rooney was fifth at 13.34, while Mallett was fourth in the 200 dash in 27.09.

Louisburg’s 4×400 relay team of Rooney, Ellie Vohs, Mallett and Crossley ended the night with a third place finish in 4:19.

“Our sprinters did a great job,” Reece said. “We had some running different events than last year’s usual races, which was a positive as they performed very well. Suzanna, Kendall, Addi, and Mac are going to do some great things this season.

“The 4×1 posted a solid time for our first race and not so great handoffs. We will take a 51.4 any meet, but the first meet shows our potential.”

Vohs also found success in the 1,600-meter run. The Louisburg freshman finished second in her first ever varsity race as she ran a time of 5:47.

Senior Marissa Vallejo was sixth in 6:06 and later took sixth in the 3,200 run in 13:34.

Sophomore Caroline Apple, a returning state qualifier in the hurdles, finished fifth in the 300 hurdles in 52.65 seconds. She was also seventh in the high jump at 4-8.

Apple, who is dual-sporting this season with soccer, will be looked to score points in three different events for the Wildcats. 

“Caroline is dual sporting again this year so it might be a little before she is in her stride,” Reece said. “We see her returning even stronger this year in the hurdles and hope to qualify in both 100 and 300.” 

Louisburg is back in action on April 10 at the Paola Invitational. Events begin at 3:30 p.m.

Here is the Louisburg Sports Zone Athlete of the Week for week two of the spring sports season, sponsored by Edward Jones-Craig Holtzen.

FAITH SEWELL, JUNIOR, GIRLS SOCCER

Louisburg junior Faith Sewell has played a big part on both ends of the field so far this season for the Wildcat girls soccer team. Sewell, a defender, is toward the top of the list in goals scored through six games. She currently has three goals in six matches for the Wildcats, all while being one of the leaders of the defense.

Sewell, who plays center back, has helped the Wildcats to a 4-2 record on the season and all four of those wins have come by shutout.

The athlete of the week award is announced every Wednesday morning during the spring season and the winner is selected by Louisburg Sports Zone with the help of nominations from coaches.

Previous winners

Week 1: Luke Schultz

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Coming off its first loss of the season, the Louisburg girls soccer team didn’t want to turn one into two.

Not only did the Wildcats have to face off with Piper on Friday in the third place game of the Turner Invitational, but they had to battle rainy and windy weather in the process.

Despite a few scares in the first half, the Wildcats got a goal before halftime and held on for a 1-0 victory over the Pirates at Turner High School. It was the fourth shutout of the season for Louisburg.

“I thought we had a really solid game against Piper, especially in the second half,” Louisburg coach Jordan Roquemore said. “The scoreboard may not have showed it, but we put a dominant performance second half. We had six shots on goal and probably another six or seven great opportunities in their box. Defensively, we did not allow any opportunities or shots in the second half. Despite the rain and low score, I was very pleased with our performance.”

Both team opened the match with a few chances on goal, that were either stopped by the keeper or sailed just wide of the goal.

The Wildcats started to gain momentum late in the first half and got the upper hand thanks to a set piece off a corner kick.

Senior Baileigh Johnson took the corner and passed it off to Briella Diehl, who sent it right back to Johnson. The Louisburg forward shot it from 18 yards out to give the Wildcats a 1-0 advantage.

“We’ve worked on our set piece plays since the second week of the season,” Roquemore said. “Baileigh, with an assist from Briella, pulled off one of our corner plays brilliantly. It was a beautiful shot and it’s always nice when something in your plans works out well.”

In the second half, the Wildcats controlled possession and didn’t allow a shot on target for the Pirates. The back line of Lila Edwards, Caroline Apple, Cora Roche, Jaden Bentz, Faith Sewell, Rylee Moore and Ellia Gibbons limited the dangerous opportunities. 

Senior goalie Ally Brown earned her fourth clean sheet of the season as the Wildcats improved their record to 4-1 on the season.

Today, the Wildcats will face their toughest opponent of the young season, Spring Hill, as they host the Broncos in a Frontier League matchup. Varsity is set for approximately 6 p.m.

“We are going from our busiest week straight into our only one-game week this season,” Roquemore said. “After our game this week, we will have some time to dissect and reflect on our play the last couple of weeks.

“Spring Hill is the perpetual Frontier League champion and we have suffered some big losses to them in the past. However, we had a great game against them last year, bringing them into overtime before losing 2-3. I expect a really good game at home. We will be ready to play.”

The Louisburg baseball team couldn’t have asked for much better start to its season and it continued Thursday at home against Ottawa.

The Cyclones, who are perennially one of the tougher teams in the Frontier League, left Louisburg with a pair of losses — including one in walk-off fashion.

Louisburg scored the winning run on a wild pitch to win, 4-3, in the opener. The Wildcats used that momentum in the second game as it got out to a big lead and held on for a 10-5 victory.

The Wildcats have now won six of their first seven games to start the year.

“It’s always good to leave with a sweep,” Louisburg coach Kade Larson said. “Ottawa is a good team every year and is coached really well. The guys played really well all night and found a way to get the job done.”

Louisburg (6-1) took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second on RBI doubles by Carter Willey and Luke Schultz and held a 3-1 lead into the fifth.

Starter Alex Saad pitched well before running into a little trouble in the fifth as the Cyclones scored two in the bottom of the inning to tie it. Saad pitched five innings and gave up just two earned runs and had two strikeouts.

Junior Evan Moreland came in for relief and pitched two scoreless innings with two strikeouts. Moreland got the win thanks to a rally in the bottom of the seventh.

With one out, Meade Rutherford and Bristol Barbour hit back-to-back singles. The Cyclones then intentionally walked Jayce Toms to load the bases.

On the next batter, Ottawa threw a wild pitch, which allowed Rutherford to score the winning run.

“We found ourselves tied and the guys didn’t flinch,” Larson said. “They found a way to win and that’s always great to see. Alex threw really well in game 1 and Evan came in to close the door. They each competed on the mound and challenged Ottawa all night.”

Senior Rylan Carty had a big game with two doubles and a run scored, while Willey also finished with two hits.

In the nightcap, the Wildcats jumped out to a 7-2 lead after five innings thanks to a big game from Schultz, who finished the game with three doubles and 3 RBIs. Carty also had two hits and 2 RBIs.

Willey added three more runs batted in, while Toms had two hits, including a double, to go along with an RBI.

The Cyclones tried to rally in the fifth inning as they had the bases loaded and no outs, but got a highlight reel play in left field from Willey.

The Louisburg senior made a running catch on a fly ball, spun, and threw home to get the tagging runner for a double play to steal all of the Cyclones’ momentum.

“Luke and Rylan hit the ball well,” Larson said. “They each had some big time at bats that got us going early. The defense stepped up when needed to. Willey had a huge play in left to keep them at a distance on the scoreboard. Having bases loaded and no outs, to now having two outs and no runs scored, was a game changer for us and got us the momentum back.”

Bristol Barbour and Max Amren combined to throw nearly six innings and gave up four runs between the two of them, while Barbour had four strikeouts. Peyton Simpson pitched the final inning with two strikeouts.

Louisburg will try and avenge its only loss of the season tonight as the Wildcats travel to Spring Hill for a single game. First pitch is set for 6:15 p.m.