Here is the Louisburg Sports Zone Athlete of the Week for week four of the spring sports season, sponsored by IronHorse Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.
CORBIN HAMMAN, SENIOR, BASEBALL
Louisburg senior Corbin Hamman helped the Wildcat baseball team to its biggest win to date last Thursday at home against Tonganoxie. Hamman pitched a complete game, and struck out eight batters, in a 3-1 win over last season’s Class 4A state runner-up.
Hamman has also been one of the Wildcats’ top pitchers this season as he has recorded three wins on the year and leads the team with 34 strikeouts in five starts. The win over Tonganoxie was the Wildcats’ seventh win in 10 games to start the season.
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.
Hamman’s complete game lifts Wildcats past Tonganoxie
Senior Corbin Hamman allowed just one run in a complete game effort as the Wildcats defeated Tonganoxie, 3-1, on Thursday at Lewis-Young Park.
Louisburg faced one of its more difficult challenges on the season as the Wildcats hosted the defending state runner-up Thursday at Lewis-Young Park.
The Wildcats also had to do it without their head coach. Kade Larson was away to be with his wife for the birth of their first child, so assistant coach Jeff Lohse took over head coaching duties and former assistant Jarrod Worthington helped fill in for Larson.
It seemed to be a seamless transition and the players didn’t waste anytime giving Larson an early present on his new arrival.
Louisburg struck first with a two-run first inning, and that was all senior Corbin Hamman needed as he pitched a complete game and helped the Wildcats to a 3-1 victory over Tonganoxie.
It was the second win in three games for Louisburg after a split with Bonner Springs last Tuesday. It also improved the Wildcats’ record to 7-3 on the season.
“It was a huge win for us,” Larson said. “I’m so glad we had the support of everyone, and others were able to step in and keep the train rolling in the right direction. Worthington was great for us and so positive in the dugout with the guys.
“We have some great leadership on this team from freshmen all the way up to seniors and I had no doubt they were going to do what was needed. Corbin threw his butt off and had some great defense behind him.”
Louisburg senior Cade Driskell had two hits and drove home a run in the Wildcats’ win over Tonganoxie.
Hamman limited the Chieftains’ chances all night as he gave up just one run on six hits. He also recorded eight strikeouts and didn’t give up a walk.
The Wildcats gave Hamman a lead to work with early with two runs in the first inning.
Hamman scored the game’s first run after he opened the game with a walk, stole second and scored on a single by Cade Driskell.
Junior Wyatt Holland came around to score the second run on a single by Nathaniel Lamm and a Tonganoxie error. In the top of the third, Tonganoxie cut the Louisburg lead in half.
It remained a 2-1 game until the bottom of the sixth. Driskell opened with a single and Holland came in to pinch run. He went on to steal second and went to third on a Tonganoxie error.
Lamm came through again for Louisburg as he singled home Holland to give the Wildcats a cushion. Hamman took it from there as he retired the Chieftains in order in the seventh.
Driskell and Lamm each had two hits to lead the Wildcat offense and were responsible for all three Louisburg runs. Hamman and Brody McGreer also had base hits in the game.
The schedule doesn’t get an easier for Louisburg as it hosts Ottawa for a doubleheader Tuesday at Lewis-Young Park. The Cyclones finished fourth in the state tournament a year ago.
Louisburg splits with Bonner Springs
Louisburg scored the first four runs of the game last Tuesday at home against Bonner Springs, and the Wildcats were able to hold on for an 8-6 victory over the Braves.
As good as the first game went for the Wildcats, their offense couldn’t follow suit in the nightcap as Bonner Springs handed Louisburg a 2-0 loss to force a split at Lewis-Young Park.
“The guys played well overall in game one,” Larson said. “We had some struggles in the field, but we kept our composure and found a way to pull off a win. We put pressure on them and had some great situational hitting to score runs.
“Game two we struggled with the situational hitting side of things. The guys played really well in the field and had some great pitching. We just hit the ball right at them when we had runners in scoring position.”
Louisburg sophomore Luke Schultz throws to first to try and complete a double play last Tuesday against Bonner Springs.
In the opener, sophomore Luke Schultz led the Wildcat bats as he reached base four times, with two hits — including a double — and a pair of walks. He also scored two times and drove home a run.
Junior Declan Battle also finished with two hits and an RBI and senior Cade Driskell had 2 RBIs on the night. Junior Wyatt Holland also had an RBI double.
Sophomore Alex Saad started the game for Louisburg and went 3 2/3 innings and struck out four, while giving up two runs. Battle came in for the final three frames and struck out six despite having to work out of a difficult final inning.
Louisburg junior Wyatt Holland slides safely into home for one of the Wildcats’ eight runs against Bonner Springs.
The Wildcats took an 8-2 lead into the seventh inning before Bonner Springs scored four times to make it close.
Louisburg had a tough time getting its offense going in the nightcap as the Wildcats had just two hits. Bonner Springs scored a run in the first and second innings to secure the win.
Freshman Bristol Barbour had a strong outing for Louisburg as he pitched six innings and struck out eight, while giving up just the two runs. Schultz pitched the final inning and struck out a pair.
Week 3 Athlete of the Week: Danny Napier
Here is the Louisburg Sports Zone Athlete of the Week for week three of the spring sports season, sponsored by Louisburg Family Dental.
DANNY NAPIER, FRESHMAN, BASEBALL
Louisburg freshman Danny Napier put himself in the Wildcat baseball history books last week. Napier became the first Wildcat player to hit three home runs in one game last Thursday during the Wildcats’ win at Wellsville. Along with the three home runs, Napier also had 9 RBIs in the victory.
In the second game against the Eagles, he also recorded an RBI double, which gave him 10 RBIs for the doubleheader. Napier also did some damage on the defensive end. As the team’s starting catcher, Napier threw two runners out from behind the plate.
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.
HOME RUN DERBY: Napier’s 3 homers lift Wildcats past Wellsville
Louisburg freshman catcher Danny Napier hit three home runs in one game Thursday during the doubleheader opener at Wellsville. Napier also finished with 9 RBIs.
WELLSVILLE — Danny Napier may be just a freshman, but with three swings of the bat, he put himself in the Louisburg baseball history books.
Napier cranked three home runs and had 9 RBIs in the Wildcats’ 12-3 victory in Thursday’s doubleheader opener over Wellsville. He then followed it up with a double and another RBI in Louisburg’s 6-3 win in the nightcap at Wellsville. Napier also threw out two runners from behind the plate.
It was a memorable outing for a Wildcat team that got a much-needed sweep after falling to Spring Hill for the second time, earlier last week.
As for Napier, it was the first time a Wildcat player hit three home runs in one game and there has never been a player to drive home nine runs in a contest, prior to Thursday.
“Danny was really seeing the ball well all night,” Louisburg coach Kade Larson said. “To our knowledge we have never had a player hit three home runs in a single game, let alone have 9 RBIs. He was on an absolute tear that game and really helped the team. He brings a ton of natural power to the plate and has a chance to hit one out every time he steps to the plate.”
Louisburg senior Corbin Hamman also put together a dominant performance on the mound. He finished one out shy of a complete game.
Hamman gave up just one earned run on five hits and struck out 10. Junior Declan Battle got the final out to secure the Wildcat victory.
“Corbin threw really well all night,” Larson said. “He mixed pitches well to keep hitters off balance. Corbin was able to work out of a few jams and never backed down no matter the situation.”
Along with Napier, the Wildcat bats came alive as the team combined for 15 hits in that first game. Sophomore Luke Schultz, senior Cade Driskell and Battle all tallied three hits. Battle, Driskell and Nathaniel Lamm each drove home a run, while Schultz scored three times.
The Wildcats (5-2) broke the game open a tie game with four runs in the third, then added two more in the sixth and five in the seventh to seal the win.
Louisburg junior Brody McGreer tags out a Spring Hill runner during the Wildcats’ game at Spring Hill last Tuesday.
In the nightcap, the Wildcats got another strong pitching performance from freshman Bristol Barbour as he pitched six innings and gave up three runs on three hits. Barbour also struck out nine on the night.
Battle came in for the final inning of relief and struck out the side to secure the sweep for Louisburg.
“Bristol also threw really well,” Larson said. “He gave up a few hits but responded really well in some high pressure situations and got out of it while limiting any damage. He work ahead in the count and showed he loves to compete on the mound.
The Wildcats had to rally from two runs down, but they bounced to back to tie the game in the third. Hamman singled home Wyatt Holland and then Napier doubled home senior Kaleb Carter to make it a 2-2 game.
Louisburg took the lead in the fifth when Jack Anderson scored on a Hamman groundout. The Wildcats added two more in the sixth on RBI singles from Anderson and Carter.
Battle, Schultz and Anderson each had two hits to lead the Wildcat offense and Hamman had 2 RBIs. Napier and Holland also doubled for Louisburg.
“It’s always great to leave with two wins,” Larson said. “The guys played well all night. We had some great at bats that kept pressure on them throughout the night. We can clean a few things up defensively, but overall I thought we played really well.
“The guys had a great approach in game two. They kept pressure on them all night and we had a ton of great team at bats. We hit a lot of balls hard right at the defenders. A lot of guys laid down some great bunts to move/score runners which is always great to see. We’ve had some great chemistry so far and everyone continues pulling for one another to get the job done.”
Louisburg drops single game to Spring Hill
Louisburg has won five of its first seven games to start the year, but those two losses have come at the hands of Spring Hill, including one last Tuesday.
The Wildcats traveled to Spring Hill for a lone contest, but came up short in a 5-1 loss to the Broncos.
Louisburg sophomore Alex Saad had a strong outing for the Wildcats as he pitched all six innings and gave up just three earned runs. He also had five strikeouts and just one walk.
Luke Schultz led the Wildcat bats with two hits and Wyatt Holland scored the team’s lone run on a Spring Hill error.
The Broncos took advantage of four Wildcat miscues and scored four runs in the first two innings.
Wildcats manufacture runs to earn league road win at Baldwin
Louisburg senior Corbin Hamman (pictured), along with sophomore Alex Saad, combined to allow just one unearned run and struck out 12 Baldwin batters Tuesday in Baldwin City.
BALDWIN CITY — Louisburg tallied just four hits in Tuesday’s game against Baldwin, but the Wildcats took advantage of what little opportunities they had.
On a night with not a lot of offense, the Wildcats coaxed nine walks, and along with the four hits, helped give them a 5-1 victory over the Bulldogs in Baldwin City.
Louisburg scored four of its five runs on a passed ball or wild pitch, as the Wildcats caused havoc on the base paths and improved to 3-1 on the season.
“It’s always good to leave with a win, especially against another league team,” Louisburg coach Kade Larson said. “We didn’t swing it our best, but we continued to put pressure on them all night. More than a couple times we hit the ball hard, just right at them. Near the end we were finally able to push a few across.”
The Wildcats found themselves down 1-0 going into the top of the fifth inning, but were able to tie it up. Junior Declan Battle worked a walk, stole second and scored on a double by freshman Danny Napier.
Louisburg junior Wyatt Holland reached base four times Tuesday, including a pair of singles and two walks.
From there, Louisburg scored its final four runs on either a passed ball or wild pitch and the pitching was able to take care of the rest.
Senior Corbin Hamman started the game and pitched four innings and gave up an unearned run and struck out five. Sophomore Alex Saad came in a shut the door for the Wildcats.
Saad pitched the final three innings and gave up just one hit, while he struck out seven.
“Those runs were all Hamman and Saad needed to close the door,” Larson said. “They were throwing really well and competed all night. We had a few mistakes that led to some extra baserunners, but both Saad and Hamman found a way to get out of it every time.”
Junior Wyatt Holland had a big night at the plate for Louisburg as he reached base four times on a pair of walks and two singles. He also scored twice.
Sophomore Luke Schultz also tallied a base hit, while Battle and Hamman each earned a pair of walks and scored runs. Junior Brody McGreer also scored a run for the Wildcats.
Louisburg will try to avenge its lone loss of the season Tuesday when it travels to Spring Hill for a single game. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.
Wildcats open season with sweep of Harrisonville
Louisburg second baseman Brody McGreer tries to tag a Spring Hill runner out Thursday at Lewis-Young. On Wednesday, the Wildcats traveled to Harrisonville and came home with two wins.
HARRISONVILLE, Mo. — Louisburg head baseball coach Kade Larson wasn’t quite sure what to expect from his team in Wednesday’s season opener against Harrisonville.
The Wildcats feature a number of underclassmen in their starting lineup and on the mound. Larson knew he had talent, but wasn’t sure how it would all come together.
Louisburg certainly put together a strong first showing.
The Wildcats cruised to a 13-1 victory in the first game against Harrisonville and then followed that up with a 6-3 victory in the nightcap at Harrisonville High School.
“It was great starting off the season with two wins,” Larson said. “The guys came ready to play in game one and really swung it well. Their game two starter was solid and it took us a few innings to get to him, but the guys stuck with a great approach and found a way to put some runs on the board late.”
Louisburg got a good combination of pitching and offense to come away with the wins and it was a senior starter that got the Wildcats off on the right foot.
Corbin Hamman pitched a complete game in the opener as he lasted six innings and struck out six. He also allowed just one earned run and had no walks.
Solid pitching continued into the second game. Sophomore Alex Saad kept the Harrisonville batters off balance and he struck out 11 in five innings and gave up two unearned runs.
Junior Declan Battle finished off the game as he gave up just one earned run in two innings and also struck out two.
Louisburg shortstop Luke Schultz throws a runner out Thursday against Spring Hill.
“Hamman, Saad and Battle all threw really well for us throughout both games,” Larson said. “All three threw a ton of strikes and that usually leads to a lot of outs. Hamman going the distance for us was huge. He really let his defense work and made them put the ball in play leading to lots of quick outs.
“Saad threw really well in game two and you could tell he was on a mission on the mound all night.”
The offense followed suit, especially in the first game. The Wildcats pounded out 13 runs on nine hits.
Louisburg led 3-1 after the third inning, but scored three in the fourth and seven in the sixth inning to blow the game open.
Freshman Danny Napier led the Wildcat bats as he recorded a pair of hits, including a triple, and had 3 RBIs. Sophomore Luke Schultz also drove home two runs and had a double.
“Luke and Danny got our bats going with a couple big hits which was great to see,” Larson said. “Anytime younger guys can step up it is great for everyone to rally behind. Both have swung it well all spring and have some great potential to be a force for us throughout the season.”
Junior Wyatt Holland leads off first Thursday against Spring Hill.
Junior Brody McGreer had a pair of hits, while seniors Jackson Kush, Cade Driskell and Hamman each had runs batted in. Battle scored three times and finished the game with three stolen bases.
Schultz had another big game in the nightcap as he went 3-for-3, including a triple and an RBI. Battle finished with a pair of hits, including a double from the leadoff spot and scored two runs.
Junior Wyatt Holland also had an RBI hit as the Wildcats scored three in the fifth to overcome a 2-0 deficit. Louisburg then tacked on a run in the sixth and two more in the seventh to get the sweep.
Spring Hill hands Wildcats loss in home opener
Coming off a sweep of Harrisonville, Louisburg was hoping to ride its momentum to another victory Thursday as it hosted Spring Hill at Lewis-Young Park.
The Broncos had other ideas.
Spring Hill scored seven runs combined in the third and fourth innings and handed Louisburg an 8-1 loss.
The Wildcats scored their lone run in the sixth as Danny Napier singled home Declan Battle to prevent the shutout.
Freshman Bristol Barbour struck out six against Spring Hill in his varsity debut.
“Spring Hill was solid all night,” Larson said. “Their hitters were ready to hit early in the count and their starter on the mound was throwing a lot of strikes with fastballs and offspeed. He kept us off balance and made it difficult to get on base and move them around to score. We will learn from it and try to get better for our game Tuesday against Baldwin.”
Freshman Bristol Barbour made his varsity debut on the mound as he struck out six in 2.2 innings and allowed three earned runs. Sophomores Jayce Toms, Luke Schultz and senior Jackson Kush all pitched in relief.
Louisburg will try and bounce back Tuesday when the Wildcats travel to Baldwin for a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m.
Wildcat baseball hopes mix of experience, youth produce success
Louisburg senior Jackson Kush is one of four seniors on the Wildcat baseball team in 2023. The Wildcats open their season today in Harrisonville.
A season ago, the Louisburg baseball team found itself just a couple runs away from a state tournament berth.
To try and take that next step, the Wildcats have several returners from a season ago to lead them in 2023 after losing five seniors from a season ago, including three all-league players. They also have a good mix of youth to fill in the holes as well.
Overall, the Wildcats are a deeper team and they hope it will be beneficial for them as they begin their season today in Harrisonville.
“Practice is going really well,” Louisburg coach Kade Larson said. “We have some big shoes to fill from last year, but also have some great returners that have really stepped up to lead. Starting earlier has been a little hectic, but getting those first games out of the way and see how we do will be great. We have got some young guys ready to step up and I am excited to see how they do this year.”
Pitching is going to be important, as it is every year, and the Wildcats will lean on a senior in that regard. Corbin Hamman is the team’s lone returning pitcher from a season ago, but was a bright spot for the Wildcats.
Louisburg senior Corbin Hamman returns to lead the Wildcat pitching staff.
Hamman, who was an honorable mention all-league player a year ago, was one of the Wildcats’ top arms as he pitched a team-high 33 innings and led Louisburg with 43 strikeouts on the year. There will also be several underclassmen who will help fill that rotation.
Junior Declan Battle will see time on the mound and sophomore Alex Saad will fill the top three of the rotation. The Wildcats also have several others in sophomores Luke Schultz, Jayce Toms, junior Jack Anderson and freshman Bristol Barbour that will see varsity action throughout the year.
“I think we have some great pitchers this year,” Larson said. “Corbin Hamman is coming off a great season last year. A few players to watch this year on the mound are Alex, Declan and Luke. We have some returners, but a lot of depth this year.”
The Wildcats will also feature a pair of all-league returners around the diamond as well. Senior Jackson Kush and junior Jackson Howard, who earned honorable mention selections last year, along with Hamman, will look to lead a group of young players.
Senior Cade Driskell will play the corners for Louisburg this season.
Senior Cade Driskell, who is in his third year at the varsity level, will play at the corners in the infield and will switch between first and third base. Howard will see time at first base and as the team’s backup catcher.
Freshman Danny Napier will be the starting catcher for the Wildcats and could also see time at first and third base.
Returning starter Brody McGreer will resume his spot from last year at second base and senior Kaleb Carter will also see time at that spot. Schultz will be the team’s starting shortstop.
Battle, Kush and Saad will start in the outfield, while Anderson, Wyatt Holland and Nathaniel Lamm will also compete for spots. Battle and Kush are returning starters at those positions.
Junior Declan Battle returns as the team’s starting centerfielder and will also see plenty of time on the mound.
Louisburg will also feature an offense that lost three all-league hitters a season ago, but Larson has liked what he has seen so far.
“We have some returners but a lot of depth this year,” Larson said. “It will be a battle for who is starting this season all over the diamond. Whoever is making plays will get the start. We definitely have a lot to replace, but I think we have the players to do so.”
The Wildcats open their season with a doubleheader today in Harrisonville. Louisburg will have its home opener Thursday as it hosts Spring Hill in a single game at 6:15 p.m.
2022 Louisburg Sports Zone Male Athlete of the Year Nominees
For the past six years, Louisburg Sports Zone has given out Athlete of the Week awards during each of the three sports seasons. I do it to recognize special athletic achievements and to highlight the athletes.
For the fifth consecutive year, Louisburg Sports Zone will be handing out an Athlete of the Year honor to a male and female athlete at Louisburg High School. I wanted the opportunity to recognize those who exemplify what it means to be an “athlete.”
Although I am giving out the award, I wanted the process to be subjective, so I asked the head coaches at LHS to help me out. I asked each coach to send me nominations of who they thought exemplified the Athlete of the Year honor. They will then vote for their top 3 male and female athletes and then I will tabulate the results and determine the winner. The winner will be announced in the coming days.
Below are the nominees for the Male Athlete of the Year award in alphabetical order by last name. Congrats to all those who were nominated and best of luck!
Aiden Barker, Senior, Football and Wrestling
Aiden Barker played big roles on both the Louisburg football and wrestling teams this past season. Barker was a starting lineman for the Wildcat football program and wrestled at 195 pounds for the wrestling team.
Barker was a key fixture on both sides of the ball for the Wildcat football team, but his biggest impact came on the defensive side. He was a first team All-Frontier League selection on the defensive line, where he finished with 58 tackles on the season to go along with 11 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks.
On the wrestling mat, Barker finished his season with a 31-8 record and earned a fifth place medal at the Class 4A state tournament in Salina. He was named the Wildcats’ wrestler of the year and is a two-time first team KWCA Academic all-state winner. He finished with titles at the December Duals, Tonganoxie and Louisburg Invitationals. He finished his career with a program record of career reversals with 74. He will continue his athletic and academic career as a member of the MidAmerica Nazarene University football program this fall.
Brandon Doles, Senior, Football, Wrestling and Baseball
Brandon was a starter on three Wildcat programs during the 2021-22 school year. Doles was the starting linebacker on the football team, he was a varsity captain and 182-pound wrestler on the wrestling team and played the outfield and pitched for the Louisburg baseball program.
In football, Doles was a key part of the Wildcat defense as he earned first team all-league honors from the linebacker spot. He finished the season with 90 tackles and averaged 11 stops per contest. He also forced two fumbles and had 11 tackles for a loss during the Wildcats’ 4-5 season.
Injuries hampered most of Doles’ wrestling season, but he was able to make a comeback late in the season and made his way to his third state tournament. At 182 pounds, Doles was win one short of a medal and finished the year with a 9-5 record. Doles ended his career as a two-time team captain and first team KWCA Academic All-State recipient.
On the baseball diamond, Doles was one of the Wildcats’ top hitters during the 2022 season that saw them end with an 8-14 record and a spot in the regional championship game. Doles, who started in left field, finished with a .338 average and a .969 OPS. He also had 24 hits, seven doubles and two home runs to go along with 17 RBIs and 22 runs scored. Doles also earned second team All-Frontier League honors.
Kolby Kattau, Senior, Football and Baseball
Kolby was a senior starter for both the Louisburg football and baseball teams this past season. Kattau was the starting first baseman and pitcher for the baseball program that reached the regional championship. He was a two-way starter on the football team at running back and safety.
On the baseball diamond, Kattau thrived for the 2022 season as he was named as a first-team All-Frontier and all-state selection for his play at first base. Kattau had a team-high .471 average in 82 plate appearances. He had an OPS of 1.294 and had 33 hits on the season with seven doubles, five triples and a home run. He also scored 24 runs and had 13 RBIs from the leadoff spot. He started five games for the Wildcats and earned three wins with 25 strikeouts. Kattau was also selected to participate in the KABC all-star game.
On the football field, Kattau was one of the team’s starting running backs and recorded two touchdowns with more than 200 yards of total offense. He also started at safety for much of the season as well, and finished with 27 tackles and three deflections.
Tom Koontz, Senior, Football and Track and Field
Tom was a starting defensive back for the Wildcat football team that finished with a 4-5 record, along with being a hurdler and sprinter on the Louisburg track team.
On the track, Koontz helped the Wildcats to a third place team finish at the Class 4A state meet as he earned a pair of state titles in the hurdles and two more medals on relays. Koontz won the 300-meter hurdles with a school record time of 38.98 seconds and also won the state title in the 110 hurdles for the second straight year in 14.61 seconds.
He also helped the 4×400 relay to a fourth place state finish and the 4×100 relay to a sixth place medal. Koontz was also a part of the 4×100 team that broke the school record earlier in the year. He ends his Wildcat career as a 3-time state champion in the hurdles and garnered eight state medals. He was also a member of the 2021 state championship team.
Koontz also made his presence known on the football field as he was a starting cornerback for the Wildcats. He finished the year with 46 tackles, four deflections and a forced fumble.
Maverick Rockers, Senior, Basketball and Baseball
Maverick played key roles for the Wildcat basketball and baseball teams this season. Rockers was the starting point guard in basketball and made an impact on the baseball team as the starting shortstop.
On the baseball diamond, Rockers helped the Wildcats to their second straight regional championship game and had a big year at the plate. Rockers finished with a .406 batting average with a 1.111 OPS. He recorded 28 hits, seven doubles and two home runs to go along with 22 runs scored and 16 RBIs. He also had just six errors from his shortstop position. Following the season, he was named as a second team All-Frontier League player.
Rockers also had a big year on the basketball court as the team’s starting point guard. He averaged 11 points a game to go along with three rebounds, two assists and 1.5 steals a game.
Michael Seuferling, Senior, Soccer and Basketball
Michael had big seasons for the Louisburg soccer and basketball teams in 2021-22. Seuferling was a starting defender for the Wildcat soccer team that made it to the regional championship game and was a starting guard for the Wildcat basketball program.
On the soccer field, Seuferling was one of the best outside backs in the Frontier League and was a first team all-league performer for Louisburg. He was also a first-team all-state player as he helped the Wildcats to a No. 1 seed in the Class 4-1A state playoffs.
Seuferling was also one of the top basketball players in the Frontier League as earned honorable mention honors after leading the Wildcats in scoring. He averaged 13.3 points per contest to go along with 3.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
Braden Yows, Senior, Soccer
Braden had a big season for the Louisburg boys soccer team as he helped lead the Wildcats to the No. 1 seed in the Class 4-1A state playoffs and a spot in the regional championship game.
Yows was named as a first-team All-Frontier League and all-state player from his midfield spot and was named team captain. He ended his season with a 17 goals and 11 assists. He will continue his soccer career this fall at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Kattau named first team all-state, chosen to play in all-star game
Louisburg senior first baseman Kolby Kattau was named to the KABC all-star game that is to be played Wednesday at Kansas State University.
Kolby Kattau has been a consistent player for the Louisburg baseball team for the last two years — consistently good, that is.
Kattau, who was a first team All-Frontier League player a year ago, earned the same honor again at the end of his senior season. Those weren’t the only honors to come his way.
The Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches released their all-state team and the Louisburg first baseman earned a spot on the Class 4A first team.
Kattau was one of the top hitters in the Frontier League. He finished the season with a .471 average in 82 plate appearances and had an OPS of 1.294. He had 33 hits on the season, seven doubles, five triples and a home run from the leadoff spot.
“This year meant a lot being my last year playing baseball with my teammates,” Kattau said. “I have been playing with since I was a kid and to earn all-state in my senior year means a lot. It shows that all my work has paid off.”
That wasn’t the only honor to come Kattau’s way. The KABC also announced their annual all-star game roster and Kattau made his way onto that list as well.
The KABC all-star game will be played at Kansas State University at noon on June 8. Kattau will suit for the purple team and is one of two first basemen listed on the roster.
Kattau named first team all-league; Wildcat earn six spots
The Frontier League had a load of talent this season in baseball and it was evident as three of the last four teams left standing in the 4A state tournament, were from the Frontier.
For the second year in a row, Louisburg found itself in the regional championship game and had a lot of talent of its own.
The Wildcats had six players named to the All-Frontier League team this past week after finishing their season with eight wins.
“I thought we were really well recognized,” Louisburg coach Kade Larson said. “Being in such a tough league it can be very difficult to get honors, and our guys showed they deserved it all year.”
Senior Kolby Kattau earned first-team all-league honors for the second consecutive season for his play at first base and he was one of the top hitters in the league all year.
Kattau finished the season with a .471 average in 82 plate appearances and had an OPS of 1.294. He had 33 hits on the season, seven doubles, five triples and a home run.
Louisburg senior Kolby Kattau was selected to the All-Frontier League first team for the second consecutive year.
He also scored 24 runs and had 13 runs batted in to go along with 10 walks.
“Kolby had a phenomenal year for us,” Larson said. “He really swung it well and was a problem for teams all season.”
Seniors Brandon Doles and Maverick Rockers ended their Wildcat careers with second team honors in the outfield and infield, respectively.
Doles who was the starting left fielder for the Wildcats, finished with a .338 average and a .969 OPS. He had 24 hits, seven doubles and two home runs to go along with 17 RBIs and 22 runs scored.
As for Rockers, he finished with a .406 batting average with a 1.111 OPS. He recorded 28 hits, seven doubles and two home runs to go along with 22 runs scored and 16 RBIs.
“Maverick and Brandon getting second team is great,” Larson said. “Again there is a ton of talent in this league and for them to be second team shows how much they helped us this season.”
The Wildcats also earned three honorable mention honors. Juniors Corbin Hamman (infield) and Jackson Kush (utility), along with sophomore Jackson Howard (catcher), were given all-league recognition.
Hamman recorded a .286 average as the team’s starting third baseman and had 20 hits to go along with four doubles, two triples and a home run. He scored 19 runs and had 15 RBIs.
Kush, who saw time in the outfield, batted .419 in 48 plate appearances to go along with a 1.104 OPS. He had 18 hits, two doubles and a home run to go along with 16 RBIs.
As for Howard, the Wildcat catcher had a .282 average with 11 hits, four doubles and 9 RBIs.
