Sam Frederick has loved the game of golf for a long time, and it is a big part of his life.

So much so that he always hoped for an opportunity to play in college, and one place turned out to be the perfect fit for that.

Frederick, a 2025 Louisburg graduate, signed to play with the Iowa Central Community College program starting with the upcoming season.

“It’s always a kids’ dream to be able to play a sport in college, but for me it definitely was,” Frederick said. “I’ve always wanted to be a college athlete. It was a big milestone for me, seeing all the work that you have been putting in for years, to be able to be taken to the next level and have the opportunity to work harder.”

Frederick took a few different visits, but Iowa Central stuck out for him – not just on the golf course – but in the classroom as well.

“The community and the culture there are great,” Frederick said. “They care about the athletes and students on campus and are always looking for your best interest. It was definitely a big decision because there are so many factors that go into your final decision, and for me Iowa Central just checked all my boxes. The coaches and athletic staff there are great, and all the academics are great. There were so many different options for classes and majors for me to find exactly what I was looking for.”

The groundwork for playing in college was laid several years ago for Frederick. He grew up with the game, thanks in part to his father, Mark.

The two would work on their games together, while Mark got Sam to play in competitive tournaments in the offseason as he got older.

“I’ve been golfing for as long as I can remember,” Sam said. “My dad got me into golf at a young age and I’ve just been playing ever since. It’s always been a big part of me and my family’s life, and something that we have always done together. Golf has always been a sport I’ve loved to play and something me and my dad have always bonded over.”

All the hard work put in earned Sam a spot on the Wildcat varsity roster the last three seasons. His Wildcat career ended after securing a spot at the Class 4A state tournament in May.

Sam, along with teammate Derek Frederick, competed at the meet in Newton at the Sand Creek Golf Course. Although he didn’t make it out of the first day, it gave him confidence as he heads into his collegiate career.

“Ending my high school career at state was great and it was a great honor to be able to qualify for state and just a good boost of confidence knowing my game is there,” Sam said. “I’ve been doing lots of different things on and off the course in the offseason and working with my swing coaches to get my game to 110 percent before I head to college in a few weeks.”

As for when he gets to college, Frederick is ready for whatever challenges come his way.

“I always try and hold myself to a high standard, so I’m really hoping for a good start to my college career and qualify for some tournaments,” he said. “I’m expecting some tough competition, so I’ll have to work pretty hard. Iowa Central has got a lot of talented golfers, our team should have a great season and I’m excited to travel to some different golf courses and to be able to do what I love. It’s always been a dream of mine to be able to play college golf, so I’m just super grateful for the opportunity to get on campus and get to work.”

Truman Ellison has never been one to back down from challenge, and running is has certainly been one of those.

Ellison, who will be a junior at Louisburg, made big strides last season with the Wildcat cross country team. He became one of the team’s top runners and earned a spot at the state meet.

He went up against the state’s best last October in Wamego and Ellison battled rainy and muddy conditions to finish 52^nd overall.

It was a challenge, to be sure, but Ellison was ready for something a little bit bigger – ok – a lot bigger.

Ellison signed up to compete at the Night Hawk 50K at Clinton Lake near Lawrence in late June. It was a 3-lap race around the lake that totaled 31 miles.  It was the type of competition that was not for the faint of heart.

“The thing that made me do it was I wanted to see if I could finish the race,” Ellison said. “I thought it would be a fun adventure and really see what I am capable of. The farthest I had run prior to the race was 18 miles.”

With the sun out prior to the race, Ellison took off on his adventure – one that ended in the dark and rain. Still, he met the challenge head on as completed the race in 8 hours, 6 minutes and 29 seconds.

He was just one of 26 competitors to finish the race in what was a grueling course around Clinton Lake.

“The race went great for me,” Ellison said. “I started out the first lap with high spirits and strong legs. The second lap the back of my ankles started bleeding, and I started feeling tired. Lap 3 went well but my whole body was tired and hurting. Between every lap I took a 10 to 15 minute break and stretched and ate.”

If that wasn’t enough, Ellison also took part in the Miola Madness around Miola Lake in Paola on July 12. It was an ultra-marathon where he crossed the finish line at 1 a.m. the next morning as he completed 24.25 miles.

It is these types of races that Ellison hopes will help him prepare for the upcoming cross country season this fall.

“I feel like this boosted my endurance and ability to push through sore legs and hard races,” Ellison said. “I absolutely love doing this.”

“One of the biggest things I learned during the race is how important it is to stay present. When you start thinking about how many miles are left, it gets overwhelming. But if you focus on the next hill or aid station, you can just keep moving forward.”

Press Release from the Kansas High School Activities Association

TOPEKA, Kan. – The KSHSAA State Basketball Tournament format and sites have been selected for the next two seasons. In 2026, the 1A Division I semifinals and finals will be played at United Wireless Arena in Dodge City. The 2A and 1A Division II semifinals and finals will be played at White Auditorium in Emporia while 3A and 4A semifinals and finals will be played at The Hutchinson Sports Arena at Hutchinson Community College.

In the largest school classifications, 5A and 6A semifinals and finals will be played at Koch Arena at Wichita State University. This will mark the first time since 1953 when state championship games of multiple classes were played at the same place. 

In 2027, both Divisions of 1A semifinals and finals will be played at Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina. Class 2A and Class 4A semifinals and finals will be played at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan. The 3A semifinals and finals will be played at The Sports Arena at Hutchinson Community College. The 5A and 6A semifinals will be played at White Auditorium in Emporia.   

“The KSHSAA is an association of member schools, and the school leaders have asked for class consolidation of championships.” said KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick. “This new format will achieve that result and provide a greater focus on the student athletes competing at the highest level with four state title games being played consecutively on championship Saturday. This modification allows basketball to follow the recently implemented format for championship soccer and football championship games.  With more titles being determined at one location, the atmosphere in the championship arenas will be at an all-time high.”   

The state tournament begins with the quarterfinal round which will be hosted at seven venues in five cities. To advance to the semifinals and finals sites, teams will need to win the state quarterfinal round games which will be played at United Wireless Arena, Tony’s Pizza Events  Center in Salina, Mabee Arena at Kansas Wesleyan University, Koch Arena, Garvey Center at Friends University, White Auditorium, and the Kansas City Kansas Community College Fieldhouse in Kansas City.  

2026 State Basketball Tournament Quarterfinal Schedule: 

6A, 4A, 2A Girls, 5A, 3A, 1A Boys Quarterfinals – March 10 (United Wireless Arena, Koch Arena, Friends University, Tony’s Pizza Events Center, Kansas Wesleyan University, White Auditorium, KCKCC Fieldhouse) 

5A, 3A, 1A Girls, 6A, 4A, 2A Boys Quarterfinals – March 11 (United Wireless Arena, Koch Arena, Friends University, Tony’s Pizza Events Center, Kansas Wesleyan University, White Auditorium, KCKCC Fieldhouse) 

The quarterfinal round games are determined by proximity to the higher seed, not class. The highest four seeds of the state tournament will be placed as close to home as possible in the 28 quarterfinal round games across the state.  If the distance from the lower seed is greater than 250 miles from where the game would be played near the higher seed, that game will be played at one of the quarterfinal sites centrally located. State brackets will not be reseeded after the state quarterfinals. 

“With the top four seeds earning the right to play close to home, the quarterfinal rounds will provide a better environment and experience allowing more friends and family to attend the quarterfinal round,” said KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director and Basketball Administrator Kyle Doperalski.  “This new format is a win for teams and school communities with an incredible atmosphere of four state championship games in the same venue on the same day.  Fans and media along with non-advancing teams and coaches will have less decisions to make about what site to go to and watch the teams and players they want to see at the state tournament.”   

The dates of the quarterfinal games are March 10-11, 2026 and March 9-10, 2027.  The dates of the semifinals and finals are March 12-14, 2026 and March 11-13, 2027.  

Two years ago, the membership expressed desire through the October Regional Administrator Meetings to combine classes at the state basketball tournament. Each class individually supported this concept. Working with the host sites to ensure top level tournament management, it was determined that the best course of action is the final four in each class advance to the site of the semifinals and finals with state quarterfinal games being played in proximity to the higher seed at neutral/college sites. 

The dream for Conlee Hovey was to play Division I football, but he wasn’t always sure it would become a reality.

The recruiting process was a difficult one at times and Hovey had a lot of tough decisions to make. However, when one option presented itself, he wasn’t about to turn it down.

Hovey was offered a walk-on spot with the University of Kansas program earlier this year and he was more than happy to jump on the opportunity.

“I was a KU fan growing up, so it’s just kinda surreal to be able to play and represent the Jayhawks,” Hovey said. “It really meant a lot for me to make it to the next level. When I was younger I never thought that I could be a Division I player. It has really taught me that hard work can pay off.”

The Jayhawk coaches had a lot of interest in the Louisburg senior at tight end. Hovey, who stands at 6-5, was a big target in the Wildcat offense the last two years.

In his senior campaign, Hovey had 25 catches for 286 yards and two touchdowns and was a first-team All-Frontier League selection. He was also named to the Kansas Shrine Bowl.

Although he had other opportunities, he wanted to be a part of the up-and-coming Jayhawk roster under head coach Lance Leipold.

“I love the direction the program is heading,” Hovey said. “Coach Leipold has really turned the program around and I wanted to be part of that change.”

Hovey reported to campus earlier this summer and has already begun work with the rest of his Jayhawk teammates. It has all started in the weight room. 

“The workouts have been going good,” Hovey said. “I’ve gotten a lot stronger in such a little time that I have been here.”

Roster numbers have been more limited than in year’s past as teams can now only keep 105 players, which is down from 128 due to an NCAA antitrust settlement. Combine that with the fact that any of those 105 players can be placed on scholarship, reduces the number of walk-ons teams will take on. 

Heading into the summer, Hovey was just one of two walk-ons on the roster and will more than likely redshirt his first season with the Jayhawks. Still, he is ready to continue working at tight end and is excited for the future.

“The coaches see me as a great blocker and that I have good hands,” he said. “They want to see my routes develop better so I am working on that.

“My expectations are to be a special teams guy my first year or two, then really step up to be a main part of the offense my later years. I know it’s not gonna be easy, but I’m excited to get to work and challenge myself.”

For Ashton Moore, life on the football field and on the wrestling mat was a good one in his final campaign at Louisburg High School.

Whether it was all-league or all-state honors, postseason football awards or selections to all-star matches, Moore had a long list of accomplishments during his senior season. 

As memorable as those things were, he found himself more focused on other things. He was a team captain for both the football and wrestling teams and wanted to be leader to those around him. 

That turned into on-the-field success as he finished his football career as one of the top players to come through the Wildcat program and earned scholarship to join the Kansas State football program.

Moore experienced that same type of success in the wrestling arena where he was one victory away from winning a state championship. It is those reasons, among others, that Moore was voted as the 2025 Louisburg Sports Zone Male Athlete of the Year. 

The award was given based on a vote by Louisburg High School coaches as Moore was recognized for his achievements with the football and wrestling programs.

“It means so much to me to be named Athlete of the Year,” Moore said. “We have a lot of great athletes, so to be considered one of the best means a lot to me.”

On the football field, Moore was a first-team All-Frontier League selection on both sides of the ball and earned first team All-State honors as the team’s starting linebacker.

Moore was a first team all-league running back as he led the way with 611 yards on the ground and 11 touchdowns. He also had 14 catches for 132 yards and another touchdown to amass 750 yards of total offense, despite only playing defense for the first few games of the season.

He was also named a first team all-league linebacker as the K-State commit led the Wildcats with 80 tackles on the season and had 6.5 tackles for loss. 

Moore also became the program’s all-time leading tackler with 324 stops, surpassing Garrett Griffin’s mark of 274 that ended with the 2011 season.

He also received the Bobby Bell Award, which is given to the best small-class defensive lineman/linebacker in the Kansas City metro area, along with being selected to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.

“Ashton is very deserving of being named athlete of the year based on how he has impacted both the wrestling and football programs this past year,” Louisburg football coach Drew Harding said, “For the football team, Ashton was the leader of our team and always set a positive example for his fellow teammates to follow. He always carried himself the right way and was always representing himself and Louisburg in a positive light. 

“He had just a phenomenal year for the football team. He battled through a hamstring injury all year that very easily could have made him sit out. Ashton finished his career as the all team leading tackler in Louisburg history as well as being a key factor in our offense being successful. He was a tremendous part of our team’s success over the past few years and we are extremely excited to see him continue to represent Louisburg while playing at K-State.”

On the wrestling mat, Moore cemented himself as the one of the program’s best wrestlers. At 215 pounds, Moore advanced to the state title match and finished as the Class 4A state runner-up.

He finished his season with a 41-3 record and ended his Wildcat career as a 2-time state medalist and a 4-time state qualifier. Moore was a team captain the last two seasons and was selected to participate in the Metro Classic. He also did work in the classroom as a 3-time academic all-state recipient.

However, it was more than just his talent on the mat that made Moore stand out among the rest. 

“Ashton’s accomplishments on the wrestling mat speak for themselves,” former Louisburg wrestling coach Bobby Bovaird said. “He’s one of the most decorated wrestlers in school history. But what truly sets him apart is his heart as a leader. He mentored younger and less experienced teammates with compassion and humility, and he made every kid, regardless of sport or ability, feel seen and valued. 

“Ashton didn’t just lead by performance — he led with integrity, inclusion, and relentless work ethic. That’s why he’s not just our athlete of the year — he’s our standard.”

Representing Louisburg has been a privilege for Moore and one that he will remember for a long time.

“I loved every second of playing sports in Louisburg,” Moore said. “From a very young age I was at almost every Louisburg sporting event watching my cousins or siblings play. Making it to high school and getting to be the one playing was such an amazing feeling. There’s something very special about playing for Louisburg and being able to feel the support of the whole community. I know there’s not many other places like that.”

Moore, who was a 3-sports athlete his first three years of high school, decided to just do two his final year to focus on resting and healing up for the start of his college football career. 

However, playing multiple sports throughout his high school career was something that led to all his successes. 

“Playing multiple sports was very important to me,” Moore said. “Football was always my main sport, but I wouldn’t have been the player I am without the other sports I’ve played. I would say out of all the sports I played, wrestling helped me with football the most. Not just physically, but it made me much more mentally tough. 

“I think every athlete should play as many sports as they can in high school. It will not only develop you into a better athlete, but also give you so many great memories you’ll have forever. There aren’t many schools where you have the opportunity to be a part of multiple sports teams like you do in Louisburg. It’s a very special thing and you should take full advantage of it.”

Previous winners:

2018: Austin Moore

2019: Blue Caplinger

2020: Garrett Rolofson

2021: Weston Guetterman

2022: Tom Koontz

2023: Mason Dobbins

2024: Declan Battle

As her basketball season was nearing an end, Ally Brown thought her Louisburg playing career was as well.

Brown, a senior, was a starter on the volleyball and basketball teams and was preparing for her life after sports. However, something happened that changed all of that.

At the time, Louisburg soccer coach Jordan Roquemore asked Brown if she would consider trying out for the soccer team — more specifically — goalie. It left her a little taken aback.

“I laughed at first and told him I’d think about it, fully intending on saying no,” Brown said. “Then the other soccer seniors kept talking to me about it and my parents said I should take the chance and do it. So I did and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

That decision turned into a fourth-place state medal as she helped the Louisburg program to a state final four appearance. It was a memorable ending for Brown in her Wildcat career. She was the lone senior athlete to play three sports, which led her to earn the 2025 Louisburg Sports Zone Female Athlete of the Year award.

The award was given based on a vote by Louisburg High School coaches as Brown was recognized for her achievements on the volleyball and basketball courts, along with her time with the soccer program.

“Being honored with Female Athlete of the Year means so much to me,” Brown said. “I truly see it as an honor because there are so many amazing female athletes around me. It fills me with a sense of pride knowing that four years of hard work got me to this moment. The support of my family and friends through my athletic journey allowed me to succeed so this award is not only for me, but all of the people who helped me along the way.”

On the volleyball court, Brown was a first-year varsity player this year and was one of the top defensive players — not only on the team, but in the Frontier League. 

As a team captain, Brown was an honorable mention all-league defensive specialist and was second on the team with 228 digs and was also second in aces with 47. She also led the team in serve attempts and points scored while serving. 

“Ally was largely the heart and soul of the volleyball team as a really strong leader, and I have no doubt that she helped lead her teammates in other sports the same way,” former Louisburg volleyball coach Leanna Willer said. “She is the girl who always shows up for her teammates. She is reliable, dedicated, and she truly understands the balance of encouraging/motivating her teammates and holding them accountable. She works her butt off and made some incredible plays in each season. Her dig numbers were right up there close to a lot of the Liberos while only being on the court half the time, and that speaks volumes about what she was able to do for our team.

“She is the voice of reason that we all turn to in times of trouble, and she is also the one who hypes up every single one of her teammates. Ally took on her roles in each sport this year with pride and made the most of every opportunity. Each of our three teams were undoubtedly better because she was a part of them.”

As a member of the basketball team, Brown did a little bit of everything. She was a starter for the Wildcats and averaged four points a game. She also led the team in assists (35) and steals (24).

“Ally is a very hard worker, she always has a positive attitude, and she is a great role model to the younger players,” Louisburg basketball coach Adrianne Lane said. “This season I felt that Ally stepped up her game. She had a streak in the middle of the season where it seemed like she didn’t miss a shot. I know whatever Ally chooses to do in life she will be great at.”

Then came the soccer program, where she started in goal for the Wildcats. In her first year playing high school soccer, Brown thrived as she helped Louisburg to a No. 1 seed in the state playoffs and a fourth-place state finish.

As the team’s starting goalie, she made a big impact in the back of the Wildcat defense. She finished with 12 clean sheets and had 91 saves on the year. For that effort, she was named to the All-Frontier League second team. 

“For a first time goalkeeper, that save rating is exceptional,” Roquemore said. “She faced far fewer shots than the average keeper because of our team defense, but when she does get them, she does a great job.

“Ally has always been a humble leader, a voice of reason, a positive influence, and has a determined work ethic. She balances a good sense of humor with a focused and sincere way of approaching athletics. She’s hard on herself but never gives up and is constantly willing to take feedback and apply it. I can’t imagine this season without her.”

Although it was a successful experience for her, it was about more than just wins and losses for Brown. 

“Yes I got a fourth place state medal out of it, but I got so much more than that,” Brown said. “I gained girls who will be sisters for life and a sense of girlhood that is unmatched. I will never forget my one year in the LHS girls soccer program and will be forever grateful that I chose to take a chance.”

In her four years at Louisburg High School, Brown was a 3-sport athlete in two of them. Playing multiple sports in high school is something she believes was an important and rewarding experience for her.

“Playing sports in Louisburg is such an exciting experience,’” Brown said. “The feeling of the Louisburg community rallying behind you while you’re on the court or field is indescribable. You are playing next to the same girls that you grew up with. Even you are doing the horrible weights and conditioning, it’s ok because the girl next to you is making you laugh. Playing competitive high school sports isn’t easy, but at Louisburg when you have people rallying around you every step of the way, succeeding is that much easier.”

Previous winners:

2018: Isabelle Holtzen

2019: Carson Buffington

2020: Reilly Ratliff-Becher

2021: Alyse Moore

2022: Delaney Wright

2023: Adyson Ross

2024: Hailey Sword

The Louisburg girls soccer team had a season to remember after its fourth place finish at the state tournament and postseason honors continue to roll in for several Wildcat players. 

Six Wildcat players were named to the Class 4-1A all-state team by the Kansas Soccer Coaches Association earlier this month. 

Louisburg senior Rowan Yows was a first-team selection, while senior Baileigh Johnson, junior Faith Sewell and freshman Kahlan Harris were named to the second team. Senior Jaden Bentz and junior Lila Edwards earned a spot on the honorable mention team. 

Yows, who was also named the Frontier League Player of the Year, had a big season for the Wildcats as she was the team’s top scoring threat. 

She finished the season with 29 goals and 10 assists and was also named the Midfielder of the Year by the Frontier League.

Johnson also had a big year offensively for the Wildcats. The senior forward posted 10 goals on the season to go along with six assists to earn second team honors.

Harris was another big offensive threat for Louisburg as she earned second team honors. In her first year in the program, Harris was second on the team with 13 goals to go along with 10 assists from the forward spot. 

The Louisburg defense was also recognized on the all-state team with Sewell’s second team selection, along with Bentz and Edwards. Sewell helped take away the middle of the field as the team’s centerback, while Bentz and Edwards took away the outside. 

All three played big roles on a Wildcat defense that gave up just 14 goals during their 16-5 season. 

Postseason honors continue to roll in for the Louisburg baseball team after the Wildcats finished their season with an 18-7 record.

After earning 10 selections on the All-Frontier League team earlier this month, the Wildcats were awarded three spots on the Kansas Association of Baseball Coache all-state team.

Senior Luke Schultz earned first team honors, while junior Bristol Barbour was a second-team selection. Sophomore Max Amren was named to the honorable mention team.

Schultz was recognized with first team middle infield honors after leading the Wildcats in several offensive categories. He was first on the team with a .453 average on the year and a 1.249 OPS.

He also recorded team-highs in hits (39), runs (31), RBIs (28) and doubles (14). Schultz was second on the team with three home runs.

The Louisburg senior also received another big honor from the Kansas coaches as he was selected to play in the KABC All-Star Game in Wichita on June 18.

Schultz was a big part in the Navy’s 8-7 victory as he recorded a 2-run double in the sixth inning to give his team a 7-4 lead at the time.

As for Barbour, he was one of the team’s top hitters, along with Schultz. He was named as to the Class 4A second team at third base.

Barbour had a .442 average to go along with a 1.210 OPS.

Barbour also recorded a team-high four home runs to go along with 34 hits, seven doubles and 27 RBIs.

Amren, who was named as an honorable mention outfielder, started the season on the bench, but quickly became one of the Wildcats’ top hitters and outfielders. He eventually batted leadoff for most of the season.

He finished the year with a .403 average and a 1.052 OPS. Amren also had 29 hits, four doubles, two triples and scored 24 runs.

When it comes to Louisburg football, it is hard not to describe the Wildcat program without uttering the name Gary Griffin.

After serving as an assistant and head coach for more than 30 years, Griffin was recognized for his year’s of service by the Kansas City area football coaches.

Griffin was inducted in the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame at halftime of the annual all-star game on June 6 at Liberty High School.

“I was a little shocked when I was told that I got in,” Griffin said. “I honestly didn’t consider myself of that caliber. It is pretty cool because it is your peers that recognize you so it is a great honor. 

“I was honestly in a pretty lucky situation in Louisburg. When I became the head coach, we already had a pretty good program. My coaching staff and I just tried to elevate it from there. We had a great bunch of coaches and a string of talented players.”

Griffin has played a big role in the Louisburg program, but none bigger than in 2010 when he led the Wildcats to their only state championship. It was an undefeated season that was capped off by a win over Holton in the state title game.

He guided the Wildcats to the state championship game in 2007 and earned a runner-up finish. Griffin was also an assistant coach on the 1997 team that was a state runner-up.

Griffin finished his head coaching career with a 113-44 record and would later help Drexel High School to an 8-man championship in 2021 as an assistant.

He is currently an assistant coach for the Wildcat program, where he works alongside many of his former players, including current head coach Drew Harding.

“I am starting to get to a point where I am reflecting more,” Griffin said. “Being able to help out Drew has been a great and then seeing all the alumni coaches on the staff is pretty cool. I listen to them talk and about all the good times they had and the lessons they learned. 

“When you are a coach, you just take it day by day and you are just doing your job. You don’t really think about the impact you are having on the lives of these kids. Then after you are away from it for a while, you see how much it meant to them and then you think to yourself, ‘Maybe I did make a difference.’”

A special part for Griffin was that his family could be in attendance to share in his special day, which included his wife Lori, his children Gentry and Garrett, along with his grandchildren.

“It was great they could all be there,” Griffin said. “My family was a big part of everything we accomplished. Lori was the perfect coach’s wife as there is a lot that comes with that. When Gentry was growing up, she understood when I had to miss some of her stuff and was so supportive of everything I did.

“Then at the same time to be able to coach my son (Garrett) and have him there the whole time and grow up in the program was pretty cool as well. I definitely couldn’t have done this without my family.”

Griffin wasn’t the only coach to be inducted on that night. He was a part of an 8-coach hall of fame class that also included former Paola coach Mike Dumpert. 

Dumpert and Griffin squared off on the gridiron several times throughout their careers during the Louisburg and Paola rivalry games.

“I have always respected Paola’s program,” Griffin said. “They were the one team every year that no matter how good or bad we were, it was going to be a battle. Always had a ton of respect for Dumpert. He did it like I did where he was an assistant coach for a long time and then became a head coach. 

“The guy he coached under was a legend in Jim Lee and they had a lot of great teams there and Dumpert was a big part of that.”

The Louisburg girls soccer team put together its best season in four years as the Wildcats rolled to No. 1 seed in the Class 4-1A playoffs, finished second in league play and ended the 2025 season in fourth at the state tournament.

Several Wildcat players caught the eye of the Frontier League coaches throughout the year and were recently rewarded for their efforts.

Louisburg earned seven spots on the All-Frontier League team that was recently released, including a pair of first team selections in seniors Rowan Yows and Baileigh Johnson.

“Overall, I think we represented really well for the Frontier League,” Louisburg coach Jordan Roquemore said. “We had even selections overall which was more volume than any other team. 

“Whether unfortunate or not, we showed better offensively than defensively in the league. I believe this is because our offense was on full display in many of our Frontier League games while our defense was not highlighted as much.”

Not only was Yows a first-team selection, but she was also named the Frontier League Player of the Year by the coaches and for good reason.

Yows finished the season with 29 goals and 10 assists and was also named the Midfielder of the Year.

“Rowan had a phenomenal season,” Roquemore said. “She was the most dangerous player on the field in nearly every game we played. She is fast, shifty, had incredible footwork and finishes really well. We would not have made it to the Final Four without her and I was so proud to see her play to her full potential this season.”

Johnson was another force offensively for the Wildcats. The senior forward posted 10 goals on the season to go along with six assists to earn first team honors.

“Baileigh has the strongest leg on our team, making her a scoring threat from just about anywhere in the our attacking third,” Roquemore said. “Baileigh contributed for us taking corner kicks and having more crosses than anyone else on the team.”

Freshman Kahlan Harris was another big offensive threat for Louisburg as she earned second team honors. In her first year in the program, Harris was second on the team with 13 goals to go along with 10 assists from the forward spot. 

“Kahlan had an excellent first season in high school,” Roquemore said. “She tied for the most assists on the team. Kahlan is an amazing athlete and one of the hardest workers on our team. She caused problems for other teams often in our attacking third.”

A strong Wildcat defense was also highlighted as senior Jaden Bentz and junior Faith Sewell earned second team honors, as did goalkeeper Ally Brown. 

Bentz and Sewell led a big strength of the team as the Wildcat defense gave up just 14 goals during their 16-5 season.

“Faith was a crucial piece of our team this year,” Roquemore said. “She was the anchor of our defense and a key player for us all season. She also was huge for us on free kicks and a dynamic part of our possession game as we built attacks from the back. Faith went from a really good player last season to a great player this season and a on-field leader.

“Jaden is the best 1v1 defender in our league and it’s not even a question. Jaden has shut down some of the best offensive players in 4A this season. She is a ninja with her speed and precision and was absolutely dominant in her position as a wingback this year.”

As for Brown, it was her first year ever in goal as she made a big impact in the back of the Wildcat defense. She finished with 12 clean sheets and had 91 saves on the year. 

“Ally had a stand-out season,” Roquemore said. “Although the total shots against her lower than average because of our outstanding team defense, Ally was there when we needed her and she continued to improve all season long. Ally is an excellent athlete with great judgement and her presence was a stabilizing force for us in the back this season.”

Junior midfielder Mena Fercho earned honorable mention honors for Louisburg and was an important part of the Wildcat midfield.

“Mena was great this season in our midfield,” Roquemore said. “She quarterbacked plays for us and is also a major reason for our strong possession numbers.”

ALL-FRONTIER LEAGUE SOCCER

FIRST TEAM

Rowan Yows, Louisburg – Player of the Year

Elizabeth Williams, Spring Hill

Natalie Loving, Tonganoxie

Jaden Brooks, Eudora

Taylor Hines, Spring Hill

Rose Bilyeu, Bonner Springs

Chloe Neufeld, Baldwin

Baileigh Johnson, Louisburg

Jane Hughes, Spring Hill

Miley Maxwell, Tonganoxie

GOALIE: Merideth Billings, Bonner Springs

SECOND TEAM

Lizzie Fisher, Eudora

Naomi Mathis, Bonner Springs

Alexa Turner, Ottawa

Peyton Chappelle, Eudora

Jaden Bentz, Louisburg

Kahlan Harris, Louisburg

Faith Sewell, Louisburg

Hailey Bergmann, Spring Hill

Lauren McCart, Baldwin

Kambrea Kerr, Eudora

GOALIE: Ally Brown, Louisburg

HONORABLE MENTION

Macie Murray, Tonganoxie

Kylie Bourne, Eudora

Lindsey Montenegro-Raygoza, Ottawa

Brooklyn Taylor, Baldwin

Madisyn Sprinkle, Ottawa

Bailey Drake, Paola

Kayla Thornton, Tonganoxie

Baylie Igleheart, Tonganoxie

Sophia Felton, Bonner Springs

Lilli Sanders, Tonganoxie

Marin Drummond, Baldwin

Aubrey Melius, Spring Hill

Emmy Callahan, Baldwin

Emma Cain, Ottawa

Brynn Drummond, Baldwin

Mena Fercho, Louisburg

Mara Guzman, Paola

Cami Collum, Baldwin

Emma Griffin, Ottawa

GOALIE: Audrey Searl, Baldwin; Jaylynn Sparks, Spring Hill