Senior Michael Seuferling is Louisburg’s lone returning starter off last season’s state runner-up team. The Wildcats open their season tonight at Tonganoxie.

It isn’t easy to follow up the best season in program history, but that is the challenge this year’s version of the Louisburg boys basketball team has in front of them.

It was made even more difficult in the offseason when the Wildcats’ all-state and all-league player, Julian Margrave, transferred to a prep school in New Hampshire for his senior season.

Louisburg returns just one starter and two of its top eight players off last season’s state runner-up team. Although the challenge is a difficult one, coach Ty Pfannenstiel is excited to see what his new players can do.

“Obviously we hope the success of last season continues to help us build and develop this program the right way,” Pfannenstiel said. “We have high standards and expectations for our players, which we believe help us out when it comes to wins and losses.  We return two of our top eight players off of last year’s team, so we are going to need some players to step up this year and fill some pretty big shoes.

“Practice has been great. We have a really good group of kids that bring a competitive mentality to practice every day.  I’ve been really please with how things have started this year.”

Senior guard Michael Seuferling is the team’s lone returning starter and will look to lead the Wildcats on the perimeter. Another senior, Maverick Rockers, will run the offense as the starting point guard after serving as a backup role a year ago.

Senior Issac Guetterman will join Seuferling and Rockers at the guard spot, while juniors Colyer Wingfield and Mack Newell will start inside.

Pfannenstiel will also look to senior newcomers Hunter Rogers and Carson Kern to provide big minutes off the bench, along with junior Trey Myers. Juniors Cade Gassman and Layne Ryals could also see time.

“Those three senior leaders are going to be important for us,” Pfannenstiel said. “They know the standards of what it means to be a Louisburg basketball player and they’ve done a tremendous job of displaying that leadership this offseason. We are going to expect a lot out of those three this season.”

Despite all the new faces on the varsity roster, the way Pfannenstiel runs offense and defense will stay the same.

“We really haven’t changed much,” he said. “We plan to stick to what has made us successful in the past — tough, aggressive defense, and a focus on being efficient on offense.”

Since the Wildcats lost a lot of their offensive scoring from last season, Pfannenstiel is hoping the team’s defense can help give the team energy.

Louisburg, which is currently ranked No. 2 in Class 4A, will get to test that out today when the Wildcats open their season at Tonganoxie.

“We aren’t going to have a lot of size, but I do think we have a chance to be pretty good on defense,” he said. “Our guards do a nice job of applying pressure and making teams uncomfortable on that end. My biggest concern is how are we going to be at rebounding on the defensive end of the floor? With our lack of size, we are going to have to make up with being disciplined in blocking out and getting five bodies to the basket.  

“Our expectations are always high. We don’t necessarily set goals when it comes to wins and losses, or where we want to end at the end of the season. Our expectations are to go out every night and play with the type of poise and effort that brings pride to our school and community.” 

Julian Margrave had a senior year to remember for the Louisburg boys basketball team. 

Margrave led the Wildcats to their first ever state championship game appearance and a runner-up finish in Class 4A. He was also a unanimous All-Frontier League selection and an all-state player.

Basketball is life for the 6-foot, 9-inch forward and he wanted a new challenge for himself. As it turns out, growth isn’t always easy.

Margrave recently announced he would be transferring from Louisburg to New Hampton Prep for his senior campaign. 

“It was a very, very tough decision to leave my hometown,” Margrave said. “I’m leaving so many friends and family members that I’ve been surrounded by my whole life, but I believe taking this next step and going to prep school is the right idea and best move for my future.”

New Hampton is an independent college preparatory high school in New Hampton, New Hampshire.

Margrave gave his commitment to New Hampton coach Andrew Gale after exploring the idea of playing his final year of high school outside of Louisburg.

“My AAU coach and I have been taking to each other around April to really get me to go somewhere,” Margrave said. “I told him I wanted someplace to be challenged everyday on and off the court and in and out of the classroom. He gave me a few spots to choose from and after a great zoom call with Andrew Gale, I knew right away that was the place for me.”

Margrave had a busy summer of basketball as he plays for KC RUN GMC, one of the top AAU programs in the country. With a lot of success, also brought some college offers.

He received Division I offers from South Alabama, UMKC, Valparaiso, Radford and Nebraska-Omaha.

“The summer was great,” Margrave said. “I’ve been blessed enough to play for what I think is one of the, if not the best AAU program in the nation, KC RUN GMC. I’ve been able to play with many great players who are going to do magnificent things in the future and it’s so much fun to practice with them and learn so many new things day in and day out. I felt as if I improved immensely,

“I feel that my hard work is definitely starting to pay off and that this is really just the beginning of my career.”

The next stop in his career will be New Hampton and he is looking forward to another challenge.

“There are so many goals that I want to achieve at New Hampton, of course in the everyday aspect I want to get better,” Margrave said. “I’m really trying to take my life day by day and focusing on the present moment and not worrying about the past or future. But most importantly I want to win. New Hampton has a great winning program and I see myself as a valuable piece to helping them win a championship! 

Margrave averaged 17.7 points a game last season for Louisburg, along with 8.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.

The fact he won’t be suiting up for the Wildcats this season was a tough decision for him to make, but he has many fond memories to look back on.

“Man, I’ve had so many great moments with Louisburg,” he said. “Of course my favorite moment is definitely running out of the tunnel at the state championship. Those are one of those moments that are priceless and you can never get back, just the adrenaline and excitement I had to really be in the championship with my hometown team was enormous. But most importantly my favorite moments being at Louisburg were just the everyday events I had at school, being around my friends.

“Going to class, cracking jokes with everyone at lunch, and really just being surrounded by people who make me forget about basketball and focus on having a great time.”

There hasn’t been a whole lot of good to talk about in the last year or so.

Our life has changed around us. We are having to deal with a new normal and there are a lot uncertainties as to what our future holds. 

It is an unnerving time for a lot of people and our country seems more divided than ever. Still, to get by in this difficult time, you have to look for positives.

For me, the last school year brought me some of the best moments in my journalistic life. The 2020-21 school was arguably one of the most successful seasons in Louisburg High School history from top to bottom, and I was more than grateful to be there for it all.

Just look at what was accomplished last year:

• Boys cross country qualified for state for the first time in school history.

• Girls cross country placed at state for the first time in its history as they took third in Class 4A. Maddy Rhamy, Lola Edwards and Reese Johnson also earned medals.

• Boys soccer had its best finish in school history with a 3rd place state finish.

• Boys basketball advanced to the state championship game for the first time and took second.

• Girls basketball advanced to the state tournament for the first time in 47 years and recorded its best finish in third.

• Wrestlers Alec Younggren and Cade Holtzen took second and third, respectively, at the state tournament.

• Boys golf qualified for state as a team.

• Girls soccer made an improbable run to advance to its fourth straight state final four and the Wildcats took fourth.

• Delaney Wright won three state track titles in the long jump, 200 dash and 400 dash and broke all three school records in the process.

• Maybe perhaps the best accomplishment of all, the Louisburg boys track and field team won the Class 4A state championship as they edged out Andale for the title.

Just a year removed from losing their spring season due to COVID-19, the Wildcats came back stronger than ever and it showed. It was an exciting time to be a Louisburg sports fan.

However, with so much positivity from last season, it is time to turn the page and focus on what the 21-22 season has in store.

First day of fall practice begins this Monday and the football, volleyball, cross country and boys soccer team all have a chance to do some special things this season. I am fortunate I will be able to be there once again to cover it all.

As I talked about earlier, there is a lot of negativity going on in the world right now, but I am more than thankful to have a job where I can get away from all that and cover all the special moments. 

Last season was a much-needed get away for me and it was an unbelievable journey to see all the Wildcat history that was made.

This year has another chance to be a special one. There is no way to predict what will happen, but I do know there is a chance for even more history and records to fall this upcoming year.

Football numbers are up and the Wildcats are poised for a big season, while the cross country, volleyball and boys soccer team all return several key pieces to make a run in the postseason – and that is just what the fall will hold.

The seasons can’t get here soon enough and I am ready to cover it all once again. Hope to see you all out there supporting the Wildcats and maybe you can forget all those stresses in life — even if it is just for a few moments.

Weston Guetterman had a lot on his plate during his final year at Louisburg High School.

Guetterman was the starting quarterback for the football team, after playing wide receiver for most of his career. 

He continued that leadership onto the basketball court where he was the point guard on the Wildcats’ state runner-up team that had the best finish in school history.

Playing high pressure positions in two popular sports didn’t seem to both Guetterman much as he rose to the occasion. Those were some of the reasons he was selected as the 2021 Louisburg Sports Zone Male Athlete of the Year.

“I am truly honored to have been named athlete of the year,” Guetterman said. “It was never really a goal of mine to achieve this. I just wanted to be the best I could be for each of my teams and for the town. Each of them were a huge part of why I won this award. It is their award as well.”

Going into the 2020 football season, the Wildcats were looking for someone to lead the team at the quarterback spot. After being an all-league receiver a year ago, Guetterman took the reins and didn’t back down from the challenge.

Guetterman ended the year with 548 yards rushing and six touchdowns. He also earned honorable mention All-League honors on defense for his play in the secondary. He finished the year with 32 tackles, two interceptions, three tackles for a loss and seven batted balls. 

“Weston is an all-around team player, who is willing to do what is best for the team,” Louisburg football coach Robert Ebenstein said. “Weston was a couple hundred yards away from being the all-time leading receiver in school history (*since 2000). He would have easily been able to achieve that record but he was willing to step up and play quarterback for us this year and did a great job learning the offense and leading our team.”

Basketball is where Guetterman really shined as the Wildcat point guard. He led Louisburg to the Class 4A state tournament, where the Wildcats knocked off Parsons and Augusta to reach the state championship game against Bishop Miege.

The Wildcats went on to finish runner-up and had the best finish in school history. Guetterman was a second-team All-Frontier League selection from the point guard spot and averaged 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.2 steals a game. He was also an all-state selection by the Topeka Capital-Journal, Wichita Eagle and Sports in Kansas.

“Weston is an easy guy to root for,” Louisburg basketball coach Ty Pfannenstiel said. “He’s such a humble athlete. He was a 3-year starter in basketball and continued to improve as a player throughout his career. He had a quiet confidence about him that just made him seem comfortable on the court at all times. 

“Not only was Weston a great player and leader, but he was always respectful and appreciative of his opportunity to play. He truly loved being a Louisburg athlete and always represented our community the right way.”

It was the state semifinal game against Augusta where Guetterman helped guide the Wildcats to their first state championship game in school history.

He finished with a game-high 21 points to go along with a team-high six steals and four assists.

“My favorite memory was the state semifinal game against Augusta,” Guetterman said. “That was one of the best all around basketball games that I’ve seen or played in. The pure joy and emotion in that game was unmatched. Then running out onto the court to play Miege that Saturday for the championship and seeing a sea of purple — that made the trip. It was such a joy and we were honored to have the support, even if the outcome wasn’t what we had hoped.”

There are a lot of memories for Guetterman to look back on this past season, but each sport brought something special to the table.

“As far as football goes, there is nothing like a Friday night crowd and I get chills every time I think about it,” Guetterman said. “Every time we took the field I would make sure to run through the tunnel behind my teammates just so that I could take in how much this community cares for our teams. There is nothing like that jog to the sideline with the Bulls theme song pumping through your ears. 

“Basketball this year might have been the most fun that I’ve had playing a sport ever. The success that my team and I had was truly a great experience. From hanging with ranked 6A teams to beating our rival Paola three times in a season, I just enjoyed it all.”

Being able to participate in multiple activities left Guetterman with a lot of positives in his high school career and he will take those with him for the rest of his life.

“It is a huge deal that our school offers so many opportunities as far as athletics and extracurricular activities go,” Guetterman said. “It is important, especially for high school age students, to stay busy and active outside of school alone. I loved participating in many sports and keeping myself on my toes. 

“Playing the sports that I played in has a team atmosphere, and even though we had success this year, the thing that I will cherish the most are the bonds that I have created with my teammates and coaches throughout the years.”

For the past five 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 fourth straight 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 later this month.

Below are the nominees for this year’s award in alphabetical order by last name. Congrats to all those who were nominated and best of luck!

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

FEMALE

Reese Johnson – Junior – Cross Country, Soccer

Junior Reese Johnson made history in a couple different sports for Louisburg this past season.

In the fall, Johnson played a big role on the girls cross country team. The Lady Cats finished third in Class 4A, as that was the first time a team had placed at state in girls cross country. Johnson also medaled 15th individually and was one of three Lady Cats to earn state medals that day.

In the spring, Johnson was one of the leaders on the girls soccer team that advanced to the Class 4-1A state final four this past season. Johnson earned second team All-Frontier League honors after she finished the season with seven goals and nine assists as the Wildcats finished fourth at state.

Alyse Moore – Senior – Volleyball, Basketball, Track

Alyse Moore ended her senior season as one of the most accomplished athletes in Louisburg High School history. Moore is the first female athlete in school history to compete at the state level in four different sports, including both softball and track in the same season in 2019.

In the spring, Moore earned her second straight track state medal in the javelin as she finished fourth in the Class 4A meet. Earlier in the year, Moore broke a 20-year-old school record with a throw of 149 feet.

Moore was also a starter on the girls basketball team and helped the Lady Cats to their best finish in school history. Moore and the Lady Cats advanced to state for the first time in 47 years and took third overall. Individually, Moore eclipsed the 500-career rebound mark and was an honorable mention all-league player. She led the team in rebounds with 8.6 boards a game and also averaged 7.3 points and 1.7 steals.

On the volleyball court, Moore started as an outside hitter for the Lady Cats and was second on the team with 174 kills and 195 digs.

Delaney Wright – Junior – Basketball, Track

Delaney Wright ended the 2020-21 school year with a bang as she became the school’s first athlete to win three state championships in track in one season. 

At the Class 4A state meet in Wichita last month, Wright won state titles in the long jump, 400-meter dash and 200-meter dash. She broke her own 200 and 400 school records to reach those accomplishments. On the season, Wright set new school records in each of those events.

Wright was also a key player on the girls basketball team and helped the Lady Cats to their best finish in school history. Wright and the Lady Cats advanced to state for the first time in 47 years and took third overall at the Class 4A state tournament. Wright was one of the team’ best defensive players as she averaged two deflections and a steal per game. She was also assigned to the team’s best player.

MALE

Weston Guetterman – Senior – Football, Basketball

Weston Guetterman played big roles for both the Wildcat football and basketball teams this past season.

On the gridiron, Guetterman was the starting quarterback for Louisburg, which finished 4-3 and tied for third in the Frontier League standings. Guetterman earned honorable mention All-League honors on defense for his play in the secondary. He finished the year with 32 tackles, two interceptions, three tackles for a loss and seven batted balls. He also finished with 548 yards rushing and six touchdowns.

Guetterman was one of the team leaders on the boys basketball team that advanced to its first state championship in school history and took second at the Class 4A state tournament. He was a second-team All-Frontier League selection from the point guard spot and averaged 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.2 steals a game. He was also an all-state selection by the Topeka Capital-Journal, Wichita Eagle and Sports in Kansas.

Cade Holtzen – Senior – Cross Country, Wrestling, Track

Cade Holtzen was a three-sport athlete this past season for Louisburg and became the first male athlete (that is known) to participate in state competitions in all three sports, in the same season.

Holtzen helped the Wildcat cross country team to qualify for state for the first time in school history as they finished third at regionals. At state, Holtzen took 56th overall in 18 minutes and 46 seconds.

On the wrestling mat, Holtzen had a year to remember as he finished his career with a 155-19 record and a third-place state finish at 132 pounds. He was a four-time state qualifier for the Wildcats and a three-time state placer. Holtzen served as the team captain this past season and currently holds eight program records, including most season victories and most career wins. He was also chosen to participate in the 2021 Metro Classic.

In the spring, Holtzen earned his second state medal of the year as he helped the 4×800-meter relay team to a third place finish. He also helped the Wildcats to their second team Class 4A state track championship in school history.

Kolby Kattau – Junior – Football, Baseball

Kolby Kattau was a two-sport athlete this past season and had a good year for both the football and baseball program.

In the spring, Kattau helped the Wildcats to their first regional championship game since 2009 as he played both first base and pitcher. Kattau finished the year with a .444 average and racked up 32 hits for the Wildcats to go along with a .560 on-base percentage. He finished with five doubles, two triples, 16 RBIs, scored 26 runs and stole nine bases. He was a first team All-Frontier League selection and was an honorable mention all-state selection by the KBCA.

On the football field, Kattau played on both sides of the ball for a team that finished with a 4-3 record and tied for third in the Frontier League. He finished with two touchdowns from the running back spot and had 41 tackles at linebacker.

Alec Younggren – Senior – Football, Wrestling

Alec Younggren was a two-sport athlete for Louisburg as he shined on the football field and on the wrestling mat.

Younggren, who missed part of the football season with an injury, still played well-enough on the offensive and defensive lines to earn All-Frontier League honors on both sides of the ball. Younggren was named as a first-team offensive lineman and an honorable mention lineman on defense.

He was a key fixture on the Wildcat offensive line that amassed more than 2,400 yards of total offense and 20 touchdowns. He also had 23 tackles on defense. Younggren was also an all-state honorable mention selection.

The Louisburg senior had an historic season in wrestling as he advanced to the 220-pound Class 4A championship match, where he finished runner-up. He finished the year with a 37-1 record and had Louisburg’s highest state finish since 2012.

Braden Yows – Junior – Soccer

Louisburg junior Braden Yows was vital part of the Wildcats’ best finish in school history this past season. Yows helped the Wildcats to a third place finish in the Class 4-1A state tournament.

Yows was a first-team All-Frontier League and all-state selection from his midfield spot. He broke a program record with 21 assists and also finished with seven goals on the year.

Coming off its first state championship appearance in school history, and recording its best finish in the program’s long tenure, the Louisburg boys basketball team knew those postseason honors would come its way.

They certainly did — athletes and coaches alike.

The Wildcats earned three All-Frontier League selections, were named to all-state teams and even had their head coach recognized.

Louisburg head coach Ty Pfannenstiel was named the Class 4A Coach of the Year by Sports in Kansas and Wichita Eagle as he guided the Wildcats to an 18-7 record and a spot in the Class 4A state championship, where they finished runner-up.

“I’m honored to win the award,” Pfannenstiel said. “I’m really just happy for our boys and the success they had this season. Coach of the Year is really a team award. It takes everyone working together as a group to accomplish what we did this season, and I just did my best to get the boys prepared for each contest. I can’t thank my assistant coaches (Drew Harding and Pete Skakal) and players enough for everything they have contributed to this program. It truly is a team effort.”

A few of the Wildcat players were also recognized on different levels.

Junior Julian Margrave was selected to the All-Frontier League first team and was the league’s top vote getter. Margrave averaged 17.7 points a game to go along with 8.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks a contest.

Margrave was a Class 4A all-state first team selection by the Topeka Capital-Journal and was also named to their all-class third team. He was also a 4A first team selection by the Wichita Eagle.

He was named a first-team Class 4A all-state player by Sports in Kansas and third team in all classes.

“Julian had another big year for us,” Pfannenstiel said. “He was a unanimous first team selection for the second year in a row. He led our team in scoring, rebounds and blocked shots. Most teams focused so much attention on stopping Julian, that things really opened up for other guys. Even when Julian would have an off night offensively, he would still end up with double figures in scoring. 

“There’s a reason Julian is as good as he is, because he works really hard at it. He’s always the last one to leave the gym each night. I think he would stay there all night if I didn’t have to kick him out so I could go home and see my family. He is the definition of “gym rat.” He’s had two really good varsity years, each year better than the year before. I’m looking forward to him making another jump again next year.”

Senior point guard Weston Guetterman also received a lot of accolades as he was a second team All-Frontier League selection. Guetterman averaged 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.2 steals a game.

Guetterman was also named to the Sports in Kansas all-state second team and was an honorable mention all-state selection by the Capital-Journal. He was selected third team all-state by the Eagle.

“Weston was really good for us this year,” Pfannenstiel said. “In my opinion, he was the best all-around point guard in our league. He had some big offensive nights for us, and does such a good job of initiating our offense. His performance in the state semifinals against Augusta was incredible. He was our third leading rebounder trailing Ben by just 2 rebounds, which is astounding because he’s our point guard. He also led our team in steals and assists. 

“Weston was an honorable mention as a junior, so I was glad to see our coaches put him on the second team, even though he probably deserved first team honors. It’s been a lot of fun coaching Weston during his four years and seeing him grow as a player. Weston is a great player and even a better kid.”

Senior guard Ben Guetterman was also recognized by the league coaches as he was named as an honorable mention for the second straight season.

Guetterman averaged 10.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals a game for the Wildcats. He was also named as a Class 4A honorable mention by Sports in Kansas.

“Ben had a nice senior year,” Pfannenstiel said. “He averaged double figures in scoring for the past two seasons and was our second leading rebounder this year. Ben has had a great career. He’s a two-time honorable mention all league, which is quite an accomplishment. 

“Ben had some big nights for us this season. When he was clicking offensively, we were pretty tough to beat. The second Spring Hill game comes to mind, when it was the Guetterman show there in the first half. Ben is a hard working kid. He doesn’t say a whole lot, but he was just a great leader by example. I enjoyed my four years with him.”

ALL-FRONTIER LEAGUE BOYS BASKETBALL

First Team

Julian Margrave, Louisburg, junior

Trey Moala, Paola, junior

Jaron Briggs, Piper, junior

Cooper Jones, Spring Hill, senior

Rylee Beach, Tonganoxie, senior

Second Team

Trent Stimac, Bonner Springs, junior

Jaden Hamm, Eudora, sophomore

Weston Guetterman, Louisburg, senior

Noah McCullough, Ottawa, junior

Heston Robbins, Tonganoxie, senior

Honorable Mention

Colby Zimmerman, Baldwin, senior

Jayce Smith, Bonner Springs, junior

Justin Fawcett, Eudora, senior

Ty Abts, Eudora, senior

Ben Guetterman, Louisburg, senior

Jake Titus, Ottawa, sophomore

Bo Robison, Paola, senior

Dilyn Taylor-Cantu, Piper, senior

Jamie Tyson, Piper, senior

Ryan Weber, Spring Hill, senior

Blake Poje, Tonganoxie, senior

Dallas Bond, Tonganoxie, senior

Andrew Wilson, Tonganoxie, junior

The Louisburg boys basketball team raises the Class 4A state runner-up trophy Saturday following it loss to Bishop Miege at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina.

SALINA — The result of the state championship game is not what the Louisburg boys basketball team will focus on several years from now.

The fact that the 2020-21 Wildcats recorded the best finish in school history, will be more than enough for them to fondly reminisce about.

Louisburg, which played in its first-ever state championship game Saturday in Salina, fell to state power Bishop Miege, 94-40. As disappointing as the result was, many of the Wildcats were looking bigger picture.

“We will forever live in history with this senior class and with this team,” Senior Weston Guetterman said. “Until someone wins it at least, we are going to be the bar that everyone looks to. It is a proud moment for all of us.”

Bishop Miege, which won its sixth state title, was the heavily favored team coming in. The Stags lost just one game all year – to Blue Valley Northwest — and defeated Class 6A state champion Blue Valley North earlier in the season.

The Stags featured a roster of college bound players and brought a 7-footer off the bench.

“It means a lot that we made history,” junior Julian Margrave said. “Even though we wanted the championship, and I wouldn’t say that we were satisfied with second, but we are pretty happy with what we got. We have all put in a lot of hard work, but we just ran up against a tough team.

“It was exciting and I think we were ready to going into the game against Miege. We know who they are, but we felt good about ourselves. We were ready for a dogfight.”

Louisburg, which faced off with 6A teams in Shawnee Mission East and Shawnee Mission South earlier in the year, had yet to see a team with the talent that Bishop Miege sported.

“It was nice that we were able to schedule Shawnee Mission East and Shawnee Mission South, and that was huge for us and see the speed of the game,” Louisburg coach Ty Pfannenstiel said. “That kind of competition was good for us, but Miege is on a whole other level. They have big guys and bring a 7-footer off the bench. They are quick and have guards that can shoot. We needed them to have an off night and they were just playing really well.

“I don’t think I’ve coached against a team that has had a 7-footer, much less brought one off the bench. He seemed taller than that too. They have quite the collection of talent there at Miege.”

Bishop Miege came out of the gates strong as the Stags outscored the Wildcats 27-13 in the first quarter and took a 48-23 halftime advantage.

The Wildcats, which struggled against Miege’s length, recorded six points in the third quarter.

The Stags’ 94 total points was the most points scored by a team in the state championship game, in any class, in the history of the state tournament.

Miege topped the previous best of 92 points by Blue Valley North in the 1997 Class 5A title game.

“We played a couple 6A teams, but this was nothing like that,” Guetterman said. “They have kids who are ranked among the best in the country, and we knew it would be a tall task, but we left it all out there. It just didn’t turn out how we wanted it to.”

Margrave led Louisburg in scoring with 15 points and six rebounds and Guetterman also scored in double figures with 10 points.

As tough as the loss was to take, the Wildcats still had plenty to celebrate.

“I feel so good for these kids,” Pfannenstiel said. “They have earned it and have earned every accolade that they have now. Through all their work in the offseason and during the season, it was just a lot of fun. I don’t think I have ever had this much fun coaching. It is not just because of the run that we’ve had, but it is fun to show up to your job every day when you have good kids.”

One the thing the loss did mean was the final game for seniors Andy Hupp, Dawson Barnes, Ben Guetterman, Konnor Vohs and Weston Guetterman.

“They were all key components,” Pfannenstiel said. “They were all important. Dawson and Hupp – those guys are undersized post players that can play great defense. They are very unselfish players and they just work hard and were exactly what we needed. 

“Konnor has had a heck of a year. He is Mr. Energy. He is a calm, cool kid and stepped up and knocked down some big free throws for us in the semifinals. He brings a lot of intensity for us. Ben can do a lot of things, and offensively when he gets hot, he really sparks us. He was good defensively and rebounding the ball. Weston was our motor and he could really make us go offensively. When his shot is falling, our offense really goes and they are all just great kids. They do everything the right way.”

Many of those seniors even got their chance to live out an opportunity they had been dreaming of since they were in elementary school.

“I couldn’t have written it any better,” Weston said. “One more win would have been nice, but we have been dreaming about this since we were in the third grade. Me, Konnor and Ben were at Wea and we always talked about how we were going to go down to Louisburg and win state. We were one game away, but I am just grateful for the opportunity.”

LOU 13 10 6 11 — 40

BM 27 21 22 24 — 94

LOUISBURG (18-7): Julian Margrave 6-18 1-1 15; Weston Guetterman 4-9 0-0 10; Ben Guetterman 3-8 0-0 7; Michael Seuferling 1-5 2-2 4; Andy Hupp 1-2 0-0 2; Konnor Vohs 0-4 2-2 2. 3-point field goals: 5, (Margrave 2, W. Guetterman 2, B. Guetterman)

Here is the Louisburg Sports Zone Athlete of the Week for week 13 of the winter sports season, sponsored by Edward Jones-Craig Holtzen.

Konnor Vohs, Senior, Boys Basketball

Louisburg senior Konnor Vohs came up with several big plays this past week to help the Wildcats to their first state championship, but none were bigger than with nine seconds left in the state semifinals against Augusta last Thursday. Louisburg held a 3-point lead, but Vohs stepped to the free-throw line for two shots and knocked them both down to seal the victory for the Wildcats.

Vohs, who has been one of the team’s best defenders all season, did the same last week. He helped the Wildcats to two wins, including a state quarterfinal victory over Parsons and the win over Augusta to put Louisburg into the championship game. The Wildcats finished second in Class 4A, which is their best finish in school history.

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

Previous winners:

Week 1: Jordan Mynsted

Week 2: Julian Margrave

Week 3: Alec Younggren

Week 4: Megan Foote

Week 5: Madilyn Melton

Week 6: Michael Seuferling

Week 7: Cade Holtzen

Week 8: Ryan Owens

Week 9: Aiden Barker

Week 10: Weston Guetterman

Week 11: Alyse Moore

Weel 12: Ben Guetterman

The Louisburg basketball team celebrates following its 58-55 Class 4A state semifinal victory over Augusta on Thursday at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina. The Wildcats will play in their first ever state championship on Saturday.

SALINA — When they were done in the locker room following their 58-55 state semifinal win over Augusta, the Louisburg boys raced to the concourse of the Tony’s Pizza Events Center.

It was there where they met a very large fan club that let out a roar that could be heard throughout the arena.

The victory put the Wildcats in the Class 4A state championship for the first time in school history and there was plenty to celebrate Thursday night in Salina.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” Louisburg senior Weston Guetterman said of playing in the title game. “You walk out into the arena and it is just huge. It hits when you get out there. Right now we are just playing basketball and it will probably hit us afterward. Right now, we are just living in the moment.”

Guetterman and the Wildcats lived well against the Orioles as the senior point guard came up huge for the Wildcats when they needed him most.

He opened the game with nine points in the first quarter to help give Louisburg a seven-point lead at the end of the quarter. Then, when the Wildcats trailed in the fourth and Guetterman was saddled with four fouls, he rose to the occasion again.

He hit a 3-pointer midway through the fourth quarter to give Louisburg a 51-48 lead and then hit a pair of free throws to put the Wildcats up four with about a minute left.

Guetterman finished with a game-high 21 points and also had a team-high six steals and four assists as he played well on both ends of the floor.

“He played amazing,” junior Julian Margrave said. “Weston showed up when it was needed and hit some incredible shots that I knew he could hit. He just showed up and we really needed him.”

Margrave also came up big for the Wildcats as he scored 23 points and had eight rebounds. The Louisburg junior led the Wildcats back when they were down 46-44 with under four minutes in the game.

He scored five straight points, including converting an old-fashioned 3-point play after an assist from Konnor Vohs after an Augusta turnover.

“We really had to dig in,” Margrave said. “It was a really good change by coaches Pfannenstiel, Harding and Skakal to tell us to focus up. It was now or never in that moment and we didn’t want our season to end right there. We wanted to play for the championship.”

Augusta didn’t go away late as the Orioles tried to chip away at the Wildcat lead with several late baskets. Louisburg, however, answered each time at the free-throw line.

Weston Guetterman hit two, Ben Guetterman hit one to keep it at three, and then Vohs hit the biggest ones of the game.

With nine seconds left, the Louisburg senior sank two free throws to all but seal the win for the Wildcats and give them their best finish in school history – no matter what happens Saturday.

“They were huge,” Louisburg coach Ty Pfannenstiel said. “Konnor is a calm, cool kid. I had great confidence in him. He doesn’t get too high, he doesn’t get too low and he is a perfect guy to step up there and knock those down. His defense and energy was good as well and was big all night for us.”

The Wildcats (18-6) changed the game on the defensive end as they forced 11 Augusta turnovers and turned those into 16 points. Louisburg committed just four turnovers and took care of the ball on offense.

Louisburg also focused on slowing down Augusta’s Ely Wilcox, who hurt the Wildcats in January in the first matchup on the inside. They held Wilcox to just five points as he also sat out part of the first half in foul trouble.

“It was very similar to the last game we played them at Baldwin,” Pfannenstiel said. “They came back and stretched out a lead on us, and luckily it wasn’t as bad as that night. For our kids to battle like they did, it took some stops defensively, and we really had to stop Wilcox and we did a great job on him. It was a great team effort.”

Louisburg will have to take their defense to another level Saturday as its faces the No. 1 team in Class 4A, Bishop Miege. The two teams will square off at 2 p.m. tomorrow for the state championship.

The Stags have won three state titles in the last five years and were among the final four teams left at the state tournament last season before it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will take a look at Miege,” Pfannenstiel said. “I haven’t thought or prepared for them because all my focus was on Augusta. We will do what we can to get a good game plan for Saturday. Our kids are looking forward to it.”

LOU 18 13 10 17 — 58

AUG 11 16 14 14 — 55

LOUISBURG (18-6): Julian Margrave 9-15 3-4 23; Weston Guetterman 8-14 2-2 21; Michael Seuferling 2-5 2-3 6; Konnor Vohs 1-4 2-2 4; Ben Guetterman 1-5 1-4 4. Totals: 21-43 10-15 58. 3-point field goals: 6, (W. Guetterman 3, Margrave 2, B. Guetterman)

The Louisburg boys basketball team hopes to celebrating some more following tonight’s state semifinal game against Augusta.

If playing for the right to go the school’s first state championship game wasn’t enough, the Louisburg boys basketball team has a little extra motivation in its back pocket.

The Wildcats, which faces off with Augusta in the Class 4A state semifinals at 7 p.m. tonight in Salina, will have revenge on their minds.

Back in late January, Augusta defeated Louisburg in the championship game of the Baldwin Invitational. Not only did the Orioles defeat the Wildcats, but they did it in dramatic fashion.

Augusta’s Brendan Parker hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the Orioles a 43-40 win and left Louisburg with a sour taste in its mouth.

“We haven’t forgot it and that is only fueling the fire,” senior Konnor Vohs said. “We are ready to play some basketball. The team has developed quite a bit since that game. With the Augusta loss, we began a 3-game losing streak and we were in an offensive slump. Since then our offense has been rolling and our defensive intensity has increased tremendously.”

So when Louisburg found out it would be playing the Orioles in the state semifinals following the Wildcats’ 62-30 quarterfinal win over Parsons on Monday, they were more than ready to face the Orioles.

It would be the second stop on the revenge tour for Louisburg. Last Friday, the Wildcats avenged a season-ending loss a year ago to Iola as they rolled the Fillies in the sub-state championship game.

“To be honest, you couldn’t right the narrative any better,” senior Weston Guetterman said. “We already got our shot at Iola from last year’s postseason loss and now we get the opportunity to play a team that we have already played this season, and in a close game at that. It will be a fun, exciting game and hopefully the outcome is different than earlier this season.”

In that game in Baldwin City, Louisburg actually took a 20-15 lead at halftime in what was a defensive battle. 

Augusta would eventually build a 10-point fourth quarter lead, only to see Louisburg rally back to tie the game on a Guetterman free throw with 35 seconds left.

The Orioles would hold for one shot and knocked down the 3-pointer at the buzzer.

“I’m really looking forward to playing Augusta again,” junior Julian Margrave said. “They got us last time we played them with a buzzer beater and it left a very sour taste in our mouths. We know who we are and are ready to leave in all on the court this weekend.”

Louisburg (17-6) has been on a tear as of late as the Wildcats have won nine of their last 10 games and have been dominant in the postseason. The have won by an average of 21 points per game.

The Wildcats know it will be a lot harder from here on out with Augusta, and possibly Class 4A state power Bishop Miege looming on the other side of the bracket.

Still, the Wildcats have developed an identity over the past month – one that plays tough defense and will never quit.

“It will be different out in Salina, obviously, but our kids are playing with a lot of confidence right now,” Louisburg coach Ty Pfannenstiel said. “We have a strong mentality on defense. We’ve always said we are going to have a shot in any game if we can continue with that, I like our chances.”

The winner between Louisburg and Augusta will play the winner of Bishop Miege (20-1) and Andale (18-5) at 2 p.m. on Saturday in championship game.