Success has seemed to follow Alyse Moore wherever she goes. 

It isn’t by chance, however — Moore has made her own luck.

Whether it was helping the Louisburg girls basketball team to its best finish in school history, eclipsing the 500 rebound plateau or earning a state medal and breaking the school record in the javelin, Moore had a big year for Wildcat athletics.

Those were just some of the reasons Moore was named the 2021 Louisburg Sports Zone Female Athlete of the Year.

“It means everything to me to be honored as the Female Athlete of the Year,” Moore said. “I am super thankful to have gotten the opportunity to be an athlete at Louisburg and it is great to be able to be rewarded for that.”

Moore began the school year as the starting outside hitter for the Louisburg volleyball team and ended as an honorable mention All-Frontier League player.

She was second on the Lady Cats with 174 kills and also played well on defense as she was second on the team with 195 digs. She also had 19 aces.

“Alyse is an extremely hard worker and was a joy to coach for four years,” former Louisburg volleyball coach Jessica Compliment said. “Her hard work and leadership paid off as a multi-sport athlete, and I enjoyed seeing her excel in each sport. She had a way of bringing out the best in her teammates and pushed herself and her teammates to be the best they could be. Alyse is very deserving of this award, and I am very happy for her.”

On the basketball court, Moore made an even bigger impact as she helped the Lady Cats to a third place finish at the Class 4A state tournament, which the program’s best finish in school history. It was also the first state appearance for the program in 47 years.

Along with eclipsing the 500 career rebound mark, Moore was also an honorable mention all-league player. She led Louisburg in rebounding with 8.6 boards a game to go along with 7.3 points and 1.7 steals.

She also earned honorable mention all-state honors from Sports in Kansas and the Wichita Eagle.

“Alyse is very talented in several different sports, but I feel Alyse is deserving because of her hard work and effort,” Louisburg basketball coach Adrianne Lane said. “No matter what season, Alyse would work hard and contribute to her team. It was an honor coaching Alyse in basketball. She would do whatever the team needed to win and she set a great example for everyone with her effort in practice and her positive attitude.”

It was that tournament run that stuck out to Moore the most and it was a time she will never forget.

“I would have to say my all time favorite memory from this year was the Labette County game that brought us to Salina,” Moore said of the team’s state quarterfinal win. “I have never played in such a loud and fun environment and I am so lucky to have been able to have that experience and get to be in the final four with all of my best friends. I will remember that moment for the rest of my life.”

That success continued over to the javelin as Moore recorded her state straight state medal in the event as she finished fourth. In the process, Moore also broke a 20-year-old school record with a throw of 149 feet.

Next season, Moore will throw for the University of Kansas track and field team as she continues to try and improve in an event she just started trying three years ago.

“Alyse is an amazing student-athlete,” Louisburg girls track coach John Reece said. “She has a great work ethic and that carries over into competition and her leadership as a teammate. She was always willing to put in the extra time needed to make herself even better. This showed with her breaking a longtime javelin record and competing on the big stage at the state meet.

“Since having her in the classroom to now, she has held a high standard for herself and has achieved great things. She will be an asset at the next level and I expect to read about her doing great things in the future.”

Moore also made a little more history following the team’s state tournament run in basketball. She became the first female athlete in school history to participate in four different state athletic events.

As as sophomore in 2019, she went to state in both softball and track. Moore has also placed at the state tournament with both the volleyball and basketball teams.

“To be able to be the first female athlete in school history to participate in the state tournament in four different sports is honestly a dream come true,” Moore said. “It is an amazing opportunity to be able to compete at the state tournament even once, and to be able to do that in four different sports makes me beyond proud. I couldn’t have done it without my coaches and my teammates and I can’t thank them enough.”

Playing in multiple sports has taught Moore different things when it came to competing and other aspects of team sports. It was a memorable four years for the recent Louisburg grad.

“Each sport is slightly different in their own way, but I love each and every one of them and I still have a tough time deciding which one was my favorite,” Moore said. “I loved the crazy celebrations on the court in volleyball. I loved the bond that you create with your teammates in basketball, and I loved the reflection of hard work and technique in track. I enjoyed each sport so much.

“I am so thankful for my time at LHS and for all of my amazing coaches and teammates. I also would like to thank my parents for motivating me every day to work hard and be a good person while doing so. I am going to miss being able to play sports in front of such a supportive community and with unbelievably great people.”

Madilyn Melton stands a center court with her parents, Meghan and Andy Melton, following her performance in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game on June 19 in Salina.

Before venturing off into the world of college basketball, Madilyn Melton had one more obligation when it came to the high school hardwood.

Melton, who graduated this past May from Louisburg High School, was selected to participate in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association all-star game that took place in Salina.

It was an honor and experience that she won’t soon forget.

“To be asked to play in the KBCA All-Star game with some of the top players was such an honor,” Melton said. “To be chosen to represent my team and community and our accomplishments was truly a once in a lifetime gift. I was beyond excited and thankful to be given this opportunity.”

Melton played for the Blue All-Stars and she helped them to a 101-86 victory over the Gold on June 19 at Mabee Arena on the campus of Kansas Wesleyan University. 

The all-star game is made up of the best senior basketball players in the state and Melton was one of those. She was a first-team all-league selection this past season and also earned all-state honors.

“The whole experience was exciting and nerve-wracking all in one,” Melton said. “On one hand I was so excited to play in the game and challenge myself, but on the other to play a game with girls you don’t know and a coach you are not familiar with made me a bit nervous. 

“I spent the entire day with the team. We began with practice which led to lunch together and time to just hang out and get to really know the girls. By the time the game rolled around, all my worries went away and I felt like I was playing with friends.”

Melton played 19 minutes for the Blue team and recorded four points, had two rebounds and an assist in the victory. Osawatomie graduate Amiah Simmons led the Blue team with a game-high 23 points.

McPherson’s Grace Pyle led Gold team in scoring with 14 points and Spring Hill’s Allisyn Frank had 11 points and five rebounds.

“Playing a game with new teammates, brings on challenges,” Melton said. “You don’t know each other like you do your school teammates. You don’t their next move and so it makes you have to step up even more and just play. Everyone on that court that day just loves the game and were honored to be there and be a part of something so special.”

Now, Melton’s focus is toward her college career as she gets ready to take the court for the Benedictine women’s basketball team later this year.

“I am super excited and ready for Benedictine,” Melton said. “This summer I have been able to play some games with the Lady Ravens and help with their high school camp.  It makes it very real that I am going to do this. I am going to get to play ball in college. The team has some amazing athletes on it and I am ready for the challenge of pushing myself to rise to their level of ball. I am so thankful for this opportunity. Benedictine has given me such a gift to play ball and earn my degree at the same time.”

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.

It was a year to remember for the Louisburg girls basketball team.

The Lady Cats placed third at the Class 4A tournament, made it to state for the first time in 47 years and recorded the best finish in school history.

With all that success comes a lot of accolades, and about a month after that successful run ended, they started to pour in for several Lady Cats.

Shortly after the state tournament, the all-league team was announced and Louisburg earned five spots on the team – which was the most in the Frontier League. The Lady Cats finished second in the league standings, one game behind champion Piper.

“I was very surprised how well our team was represented with all-league nominations,” Louisburg coach Adrianne Lane said. “Our league is very tough and we have several good 4A and 5A teams. That being said, I do think playing in such a tough league made us better and ready for the postseason.”

Senior Madilyn Melton earned several postseason honors for the Lady Cats, including a spot on the All-Frontier League first team.

Melton led the Lady Cats in scoring with 10.9 points a game and was second on the team in rebounding at 6.5. She also led the team with 2 blocks a contest.

She was also named to the Sports in Kansas Class 4A all-state first team, and was named second team by the Topeka-Capital Journal and third team by the Wichita Eagle.

“Madilyn had a huge season and she was a consistent player for our team,” Lane said. “We could always count on her to score, but I was most impressed with her help-side defense and rebounding ability. 

“She played a huge role on both ends of the court for us. She ended her career with 990 points, which is now the most points a female basketball player has every scored at LHS.”

Louisburg had two selections on the all-league second team in senior Megan Foote and junior Jordan Mynsted.

Mynsted was second on the team in scoring with 10.8 points a contest and had 4.4 rebounds a game.

As for Foote, she averaged 8.6 points a game and 4.3 rebounds. She also had a team-best 2.6 steals a contest.

Foote earned honorable mention all-state honors from the Capital-Journal, Wichita Eagle and Sports in Kansas, while Mynsted was an also an honorable mention selection by Sports in Kansas.

“Megan was great on both sides of the ball this year,” Lane said. “Some games we had her guard the other team’s best player and she stepped up and worked really hard. Other games she was our leading scorer, her 3-point shot was hot this season, and other teams had to know where she was. 

“Jordan is a natural scorer, she gave our team a spark when she came in the game. She was instant offense in most games and her presence was always felt by the other team. They had to adjust their defense to be able to guard her.”

Seniors Alyse Moore and Brooklyn Diederich were honorable mention all-league selections as both played big roles for the Lady Cats.

Moore led Louisburg in rebounding with 8.6 boards a game to go along with 7.3 points and 1.7 steals.

She also earned honorable mention all-state honors from Sports in Kansas and the Wichita Eagle

As for Diederich, she averaged 5.1 points a contest and was one off the team’s best on-ball defenders. She was named an all-state honorable mention by Sports in Kansas.

“Alyse is an amazing team player,” Lane said. “She will do whatever it takes for us to win and be successful. Her rebounding and hustle helped our team be successful this season. Alyse averaged 8.6 rebounds this season, which led the Frontier League.

“Brooklyn is all hustle; her effort and hard work were felt by the team the entire season. She did a lot of really good things away from the basketball, she is always in the right position and always willing to step and help if needed. She was on the floor more than she wasn’t.”

The postseason honors didn’t stop there as Lane was named as a finalist for the Class 4A Girls Coach of the Year by Sports in Kansas. That honor eventually went to Bishop Miege’s Terry English.

In all, Lane led Louisburg to a 19-5 record on a year, a third place finish at state, the best finish in school history and second place in the Frontier League.

ALL-FRONTIER LEAGUE GIRLS BASKETBALL

First Team

Riley Smith, Baldwin, junior

Harper Schreiner, Eudora, junior

Madilyn Melton, Louisburg, senior

Evelyn Vazquez, Piper, senior

Alli Frank, Spring Hill, senior

Second Team

Jenna Harvey, Baldwin, senior

Mariyah Noel, Bonner Springs, sophomore

Jordan Mynsted, Louisburg, junior

Megan Foote, Louisburg, senior

Jessica Thomas, Piper, senior

Honorable Mention

Wren VanCleave, Bonner Springs, sophomore

Jayla Pierce, Eudora, senior

Brooklyn Diederich, Louisburg, senior

Alyse Moore, Louisburg, senior

Sofia Ficken, Ottawa, junior

Kirsten Evans, Ottawa, junior

Kate Ediger, Paola, junior

Dakiah Yates, Paola, junior

Jennifer Guilbeaux, Piper, senior

Jenna Weber, Spring Hill, sophomore

Cate Milory, Spring Hill, junior

Morgan Brusven, Tonganoxie, senior

Raegan Seba, Tonganoxie, junior

The Louisburg girls basketball team hoists the Class 4A third-place state trophy Friday following their state semifinal loss to McPherson at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina.

SALINA — The tears were abundant following Louisburg’s loss to McPherson on Friday in the Class 4A state semifinal game.

The Lady Cats saw their season come to an end after their 58-46 loss to the Bullpups in Salina, but as hard as the finality of it was to take, they know what is the bigger picture.

Before the game even started, Louisburg already wrapped up its best finish in program history and became the first Lady Cat team to place at state as it finished third.

A season that finished with a 19-5 record and a third place state trophy, is one that will always be remembered in Louisburg history.

“It means the world to me to finish third at state,” senior Megan Foote said. “Obviously it wasn’t how we wanted to finish, but that’s okay. I’m still beyond proud of this group and the accomplishments we have made. We are the best girls basketball team in Louisburg history. I’d say to be a part of that, is pretty awesome. I’m honored.”

For the last three quarters of the game, Louisburg actually outscored McPherson 43-37, but it was the first quarter that the Lady Cats weren’t able to overcome.

McPherson scored the first 15 points of the first quarter and took a 21-3 lead going into the second period.

“The girls were excited and nervous going out in the first quarter,” Louisburg coach Adrianne Lane said. “They had never experienced a game like this before, or a venue. McPherson started out on fire, so that didn’t help our nerves either.”

Bullpup senior, and Pittsburg State commit, Grace Pyle scored 13 of her team-high 21 points in the first quarter and she was tough for the Lady Cats to stop early on.

“We were all very nervous going into that game,” senior Brooklyn Diederich said. “We have never experienced anything like that atmosphere. We knew that McPherson was a solid team, especially with them having the 5A player of the year (Pyle) from the last season on their team. We beat McPherson in the last three quarters. So if we weren’t as nervous the first quarter, I think we could have won.”

Louisburg senior Madilyn Melton helped bring the Lady Cats back as she scored nine of her team-high 21 points in the second quarter and a pair of free throws from Foote trimmed McPherson’s lead to 31-22 at halftime.

The Lady Cats went on another run to begin the third quarter. Louisburg was down 35-24, but Melton made back-to-back baskets, and junior Jordan Mynsted made one of her own to trim the McPherson lead to just five 

“I knew the girls were not going to give up,” Lane said. “Once we started running our press breaker and offense, we did a great job getting back into the game. They found their rhythm and battled each possession to get us within five points.  

“I think we surprised McPherson when we came back and I did feel the momentum turn in our direction in the third quarter. The 20-point lead was too much for us to overcome.”

McPherson put the game away early in the fourth quarter as it went on a 10-4 run to build its lead back up to 16.

“I think there were a lot of nerves before the game just because none of us had ever been in that position before and it kind of showed in the first quarter,” senior Alyse Moore said. “Once we started to realize that we were there for a reason, I think everyone trusted in one another and we just started to chip away at getting ourselves back in a good position. 

“I am so proud of my team and how hard that we worked to get ourselves back within five. “I think it says a lot about our character and the fight that each and every one of us has.”

Melton led Louisburg in scoring with 21 points in her final game as a Lady Cat. She also finished with a team-high seven rebounds and four blocks.

Moore was close to a double-double with eight points and seven rebounds. Sophomore Adyson Ross and Mynsted finished with seven and six points, respectively.

As the final buzzer sounded, reality began to set it for many of the Lady Cat players and their coach.

“This season has been so much fun for me,” Lane said. “It has been an honor coaching this team and I feel so blessed to be given the opportunity; not only coaching these young ladies, but I have loved getting to know them outside of the classroom.

“Seeing the seniors’ season come to an end was very sad. They welcomed me this year and I will miss them greatly. I really wish I could have coached them for more than one year, but I know all four of the seniors will do great things with their lives and I wish them the best.”

Melton, Moore, Diederich and Foote all played their final game as a Lady Cat player as all four have been a big part of the Louisburg program throughout their four-year career.

“This season exceeded my expectations and was by far the best season out of the four years that I have been here,” Moore said. “The way that Coach Lane stepped up and had as much success as she did in just one season is incredible and I am so thankful for all of her hard work and dedication. All of the coaches and my teammates made this season amazing and I will never forget it. 

“It was heartbreaking when the reality hit me that my Wildcat career would be over, but at the same time I couldn’t be more happy to end it on that note and with that team. It makes me so proud knowing that everything that we had been working for came true. I am going to miss it so much, but I am beyond thankful that I got to go out on such a high note.”

LOU 3 19 12 12 — 46

MCP 21 10 12 15 — 58

LOUISBURG (19-5): Madilyn Melton 7-9 6-6 21; Alyse Moore 4-6 1-2 8; Adyson Ross 3-4 0-0 7; Jordan Mynsted 3-7 0-0 6; Brooklyn Diederich 1-5  0-0 2; Megan Foote 0-3 2-2 2. Totals: 18-37 8-9 46. 3-point field goals: 2, (Melton, Ross)

The 1974 Louisburg girls basketball team was the last team to make it state before this season. Pictured above from the 1974 team is coach Betty Walters, Rhonda Howard and Renea Brady.

This year’s version of the Louisburg girls basketball team broke a 47-year drought last week when the Lady Cats captured a sub-state title.

It was a time of celebration and achievement as the Lady Cats finally made their way back to the state tournament. It caught the attention of many around town, including those who can relate to what those girls are feeling.

Members of the 1974 Louisburg team, which was the last team to qualify for state, know exactly what emotions they are going through right now.

“What I remember most about the honor of going to state and participating in the tournament was the camaraderie and fun we enjoyed together,” Terry (Raney) Shockey said. “Win or lose we were truly a proud group of girls always supporting each other and each individual’s skill for what they brought to the game. 

“Looking back this time was integral in our greater life lesson of growing up and was the foundation to our close friendships that we still have and enjoy even today.”

It is a strikingly similar description to the 2021 version of the Lady Cats. Throughout the season, they had each other backs and that helped them to just four losses on the season and a spot in the Class 4A state semifinals.

At one time, Louisburg was considered a regular at the state tournament.

The tournament, which started in 1973 for girls, was in its early stages when players like Sue (Truman) Apple, Rhonda (Howard) Kerr and Shockey made their debut and Louisburg qualified those first two years.

At that time, the opportunity for girls wasn’t like what it is now. Treatment for girls sports didn’t seem like a priority.

The 1974 season was just the third year of girls organized sports in Louisburg.

Still, the chance to attend a state tournament was an honor for those Lady Cats 47 years ago.

In the postseason, the Lady Cats defeated Humboldt in the Class 2A sub-state finals, before falling to Centralia, 47-27, in the first round of state in Hays.

“We had a great work ethic and our team just seemed to gel,” Kerr said. “We were all great friends and still are. We have gotten together pretty regular over the years. I remember leaving and having a great send off!  Our community was so supportive and proud of us. We even had a full page ad in the paper supporting us.”

Along with with those three, players like Renea (Brady) Hammett, Sharon (O’Brien) Brady, Debbie (Roberts) Stahl, Amy Qualizza, Therese Blanchon, Cindy (Pfannes) Laliberte and Eva Phillips helped the Lady Cats to a state appearance.

They were led by coach Betty Walters, who was in her first year of teaching at the time. Not only did she coach basketball, but she was also the school’s lone coach in volleyball and girls track. 

Walters did it all and found success in everything that she touched.

“Betty was a good coach and she worked us hard and got good results,” Apple said. “She was just out of college, so we were her first coaching job. She was our one and only coach for volleyball, basketball, and track. She took us to state in all three sports.”

Girls sports were obviously treated different back in the early 70s. The players wore the same uniform for volleyball, basketball and track and were forced to sacrifice for gym time, whether that meant practicing at 6 a.m. or waiting to practice at 7 at night to get access to a facility.

“We didn’t have the support that the girls have now,” Apple said. “We had our parents and that was about all — no students, pep band or anything like that.”

Girls basketball, and all sports in Louisburg, are drastically different 47 years later, but the thing that makes the 1974 and 2021 teams successful is still the same.

“I am so very proud and happy for this year’s team accomplishments,” Shockey said. “What I love about team sports is the very essence of what they stand for —a team. Players, coaches, parents and fans must be there for the winning combination.”

The Lady Cats definitely have that winning combination this year as they are led by four seniors in Alyse Moore, Megan Foote, Brooklyn Diederich and Madilyn Melton. Throw in juniors Delaney Wright and Jordan Mynsted, Sierra Hahn and sophomores Brianne Kuhlman, Adyson Ross, Delanie Tally, Emma Prettyman and Emma Lohse and Louisburg has put together a team that made school history.

They also have a coach, in Adrianne Lane, who has helped the girls stay focused and in just her first year on the job.

Even with all that success, it is the memories that will remain for all those players according to Kerr. 

“Hearing another team qualified for state brought back a lot of great memories,” Kerr said. “I have not gotten to watch the current team much, but it sounds like they are a very strong. They are the best of the best and have represented Louisburg wonderfully. I am so proud of them and I wish them the best and to please enjoy the moment.

“I spoke with a couple of my teammates and we were reminiscing and each of them each said it was so much fun and an adventure. I love those girls and we are still great friends.”

As I’m sure this year’s Lady Cats will be….some 47 years down the road.

The Louisburg girls basketball team celebrates following the Lady Cats’ dramatic 49-48 win over Labette County Tuesday in the Class 4A state quarterfinals.

ALTAMONT — Alyse Moore went to the free-throw line with the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Louisburg was tied with Labette County at 48-all with eight seconds remaining in the Class 4A state quarterfinal game Tuesday. Moore had a chance to send the Lady Cats to the state semifinals for the first time in school history.

“I felt confident going to the line, but I knew that I had to do it for my team,” Moore said. “I had to do it for the community of Louisburg.”

Moore would make 1 of 2 free throws to put the Lady Cats in front and Labette County couldn’t get its last shot to fall as Louisburg advanced with a 49-48 victory on the road in Altamont.

The win automatically gave the Lady Cats their best finish in school history and they aren’t done yet as they will play in the state semifinals today in Salina against McPherson.

“I am just so happy right now that it is hard to put into words,” Moore said. “I am so, so proud of my team and how hard we have worked. The things that people don’t see, I think are showing off right now and I am so proud of all my teammates.”

The atmosphere at Labette County High School mirrored one of a state championship contest. 

In a loud gymnasium that made it difficult to think, much less talk, added another layer of difficulty in the Lady Cats’ victory – one they had to rally from five points down in the fourth quarter.

“That gym was the loudest gym I have ever coached in,” Louisburg coach Adrianne Lane said. “The environment was so awesome and I felt like I was in my element.

“I cannot even begin to say how proud I am of this team. They are fighters and they do not quit, no matter the situation. I never once thought we were going to lose, because I knew the team would battle back. I felt like we finally wore Labette County out with three minutes left in the game.”

It was then that the rally started. 

Melton scored with under four minutes remaining to cut the Labette County lead at 42-39, then on the Lady Cats’ next possession, Megan Foote tied it with a 3-pointer – her fourth of the night.

Melton answered the bell again as she scored on a reverse layup to put Louisburg up 44-42 with under two minutes remaining.

“During a game like that, you just got to do what you got to do,” Melton said. “They put so much pressure on us under the goal that we had to just go for it, and had to get creative. In the moment, I did not even think about it (reverse layup). It was the open path to score.  

“This game was very tough, very challenging mentally and physically. We knew that the battle was not over until the final buzzer, so we just kept fighting. The team’s determination and heart shown in that game. We put it out there for all to see.”

A Labette free throw cut the Louisburg lead to one, but with a minute left, junior Delaney Wright drove baseline and put up a runner that went in put Louisburg back up three.

“To be honest, I didn’t think it was going to go in,” Wright said. “Then when I saw it go in, I kinda couldn’t believe it. It was a great feeling. It is hard to put into words right now what this win means to me.”

Labette County knotted it up at 48 as Karsyn Stewart hit a 3-pointer in transition with 20 seconds left. 

Louisburg put up a shot to try and win it with 10 seconds left, but it rimmed off and Moore was there to try and grab the rebound and was fouled – which set up her heroics.

Moore, who is shooting just 35 percent from the line on the season, went up to the charity stripe with the confidence of a 90 percent shooter. She wasn’t about to let her team down.

“I wasn’t surprised that she made the free throw,” Lane said. “I know Alyse has struggled all year from the free-throw line, but I had faith in her. Alyse is the type of player that makes things happen and she was ready for that moment.”

As many plays as the Lady Cats made down the stretch offensively, it was their defense the entire game that kept them in it.

Despite shooting just 30 percent from the field and 52 percent from the free-throw line, the Lady Cats were strong defensively as they were constantly on the floor and diving for loose balls.

In all, Louisburg forced 20 Labette County turnovers, which led to 16 Lady Cat points and was one of the biggest differences in the game.

“Labette was really tough,” Foote said. “They’re physical and all-around good team. The atmosphere they created was also extremely difficult to play in. I thought we did an amazing job not letting them get to us and get us riled up. We never freaked out and we especially never gave up. 

“That game just shows how important perseverance and patience is.  We never once thought we were going to lose that game. Hustle and grit truly describes our team.”

It was Foote who led the Lady Cats in scoring with 15 points and was one of three to score in double figures. 

Junior Jordan Mynsted finished with 11 points and Melton had 10, to go along with eight rebounds.

Moore, who finished with two points, also tied a team-high with eight rebounds and had a team-best seven deflections.

Brooklyn Diederich, Delaney Wright and Foote provided strong defense from the guard spots and made things difficult on the Labette shooters.

“I am overjoyed knowing I’m a part of this historic team,” Foote said. “We will forever go down in history. I am not satisfied though. I think we can make even more history than we already have. I’m planning on us being the first ever basketball team to win state. My goals are set high and I know we can achieve them. We’re not done yet.”

The challenges only get tougher as the Lady Cats face a McPherson team that is a regular to the state tournament and ended the season as the No. 2 team in Class 4A.

The semifinal, which tips at 7 p.m. tonight at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina, could give the Lady Cats their toughest test of the season.

Still, they are looking forward to the challenge of playing on the highest stage.

“To play in Salina is absolutely an amazing feeling,” Melton said. “For me, it is a goal we set, fought for, believed in and achieved it. To experience this with my team and especially with Megan, Alyse, and Brooklyn, who have fought for this these last 4 years beside me, is an emotion I cannot put into words. All I can say is we did it girls. We made it. We deserve to play on that court and no matter what happens, I wouldn’t want to be there with anyone else.”

LOU 11 12 9 17 — 49

LC 14 12 8 14 — 48

LOUISBURG (19-4): Megan Foote 4-14 3-4 15; Jordan Mynsted 5-7 1-2 11; Madilyn Melton 3-9 4-5 10; Delaney Wright 2-5 1-3 5; Brooklyn Diederich 1-6 0-0 3; Adyson Ross 1-2 0-0 2; Alyse Moore 0-7 2-7 2; Brianne Kuhlman 0-2 1-2 1. Totals: 16-52 12-23 49. 3-point field goals: 5, (Foote 4, Diederich)

Louisburg senior Madilyn Melton recorded her 500th career rebound last Saturday in the Lady Cats’ sub-state championship victory over Fort Scott.

In the midst of all the excitement of winning a sub-state championship and becoming the first team to qualify for state in 47 years, Louisburg senior Madilyn Melton reached a milestone of her own.

Melton recorded 11 rebounds in the Lady Cats’ sub-state victory over Fort Scott on Saturday and that ninth one was special.

Late in the fourth quarter, Melton pulled down her 500th career rebound, and at the time had no idea that she was even close.

Head coach Adrianne Lane called a timeout right after it happened and her teammates let her know exactly what she had accomplished. 

“Reaching a goal like 500 rebounds is a huge accomplishment,” Melton said. “I play with some amazing girls and we all work hard to get those rebounds. To reach this is exciting. These type of goals are set as a freshman and we work four years to reach them.”

Melton is the second Lady Cat to reach such a milestone in less than a month. In February, senior Alyse Moore reached the 500-rebound mark on the road against Shawnee Mission South.

Rebounding is a job that both players take very seriously.

“Playing with Alyse and the rest of the seniors has been an amazing journey,” Melton said. “Alyse is a gifted player and the teammate everyone should have.  To share an accomplishment like this with her is quite an honor. I am thankful to play with a team that trusts us to get the job done under the goal.”

They have certainly done that as the Lady Cats are onto the Class 4A state semifinals and both players have been big reasons why.

“I am super proud of her,” Moore said. “It is pretty cool to think that between us we have more than a 1,000 rebounds together. It was cool to see her reaction when she came off the floor. She has earned this and I am so proud of her accomplishment.”

No one appreciates the ability to rebound more than the head coach.

“Rebounding is a huge part of our game, we hit the boards hard on offense and defense as a team,” Lane said. “Having two seniors reach the 500 rebound milestone this year shows how hard we work to rebound. Madilyn pulling down 500 career rebounds is so exciting and I am so proud of her.”

Louisburg seniors (from left) Alyse Moore, Brooklyn Diederich, Megan Foote and Madilyn Melton hoist the Class 4A sub-state championship trophy Saturday following the Lady Cats’ 51-27 win over Fort Scott.

Back in middle school, six future Louisburg girls basketball players wrote down their basketball goals on a note card.

Their coaches at the time, Jim Foote and Andy Wright, asked them to set goals for themselves and what they wanted to accomplish on the basketball court.

It was an overwhelming majority – they all either wanted to make it to state or win a state title. State was always their goal.

So following their 51-27 win over Fort Scott in the Class 4A sub-state championship game Saturday, Foote dusted off those cards and showed them to the girls.

It was a blast from the past of sorts. For the last six or seven years, they wanted to be the ones to break the program’s long state drought.

So when seniors Megan Foote, Brooklyn Diederich, Alyse Moore, Madilyn Melton and juniors Delaney Wright and Jordan Mynsted read those cards, there was an obvious sense of achievement.

“It has been our goal for as long as I can remember,” senior Megan Foote said. “I can’t stop smiling. I’m so proud of this team. We have been through so much together, and to be able to win sub-state is a huge accomplishment.”

Yes, in anti-climatic fashion, the Lady Cats became the first team since 1974 to earn a state bid and ended the program’s 47 year absence. Years of hard work led to this moment.

“We wanted nothing more than to get our year on that (state) board,” Melton said. “With a year like the one we have had, it is a great feeling to know we have brought excitement into the school and community. Breaking the drought is a great achievement. Many great players have come before us and I feel like we won it for them.”

In a year where the Lady Cats didn’t even practice as a full team until after their first game, they rallied to put together one of the best season’s in school history as they moved their record to 18-4 after their victory Saturday.

Three of those losses have come at the hands of a Class 6A program, two Class 5A teams and a ranked 3A squad in Nemaha Central. They did all this under a first-year head coach in Adrianne Lane.

“I am so proud to be a part of this team,” Lane said. “The girls are fighters and they deserve to make history. It has been so much fun seeing the girls come together this season. We have overcome several obstacles, but this team’s perseverance has taken us to where we are.”

The Lady Cats have persevered and battled to get to this point, but it has been their defense in the last couple of months that has helped them get to where they are and it showed again Saturday.

Louisburg held Fort Scott to just 21 percent shooting and forced 15 turnovers. It is that kind of pressure that has put the Lady Cats in this position.

“I think our defense is the key to us winning most of our games,” Diederich said. “We all give 110 percent when we are on defense and we are always hustling.

“It is a super exciting feeling to go to state. We have always had this goal from day one to go to state. So, finally achieving this goal was a huge accomplishment.”

The Lady Cats held Fort Scott to single digit scoring in each of the four quarters, including a five-point fourth that helped Louisburg pull away.

“Man, this team is good at defense,” Lane said. “I love coaching teams that battle and play hard like this group. No matter what team we are playing I feel that we have someone on our team that can guard the other team’s best player. 

“A big part of our success on the defensive side of the ball is the way we help each other, and box out. This shows how unselfish the girls are. They are willing to step and help and box out in all situations.”

Both Moore and Mynsted almost had double-doubles to help lead Louisburg. Mynsted finished with 12 points and nine rebounds, while Moore had nine points and 10 rebounds.

However, it was Melton that achieved a big milestone for the Lady Cats. She joined Moore as she recorded her 500th career rebound in the fourth quarter.

Melton finished with a team-high 11 rebounds and had seven points and two blocks.

Foote added eight points to go along with a team-high six deflections and four steals. Moore and Wright led Louisburg with three assists each.

“I am honestly super proud of my team,” Moore said. “It’s amazing to be able to say that we made history in Louisburg and that we can make our community proud, especially our school and just represent them well.”

Now the Lady Cats will try for the best finish in school history tonight when they travel to Labette County (19-2) for the Class 4A state quarterfinals. A win would give them the best finish in school history and they are looking forward to the challenge.

“It will be a tough week for sure, but I believe we’re ready,” Foote said. “Right after the game on Saturday, we scheduled a film session for the next day. We take it one game at a time. Once one game is over, we move on to the next. Obviously we’re very excited and hyped up, but I think that’ll make us even better because we have something to prove. 

“We are focused and coming into practice to compete. Labette is a talented team and has a great atmosphere to play in. I believe we play better on the road as well. We are 100 percent focused and we will be using the momentum from Saturday to our advantage.”

Labette County is an experienced postseason team that has been to state five of the last seven seasons. Louisburg has spent the last two days trying to prepare for a team they haven’t seen before, but it is excited for the opportunity.

“Labette County is a solid team and they have experience playing in the state tournament,” Lane said. “That being said, I think the girls are ready for the challenge and I think we will show up and play hard. I feel that some of our best games of the season were played on the road, so the girls will be mentally ready. It will be a fun day for the girls, and we plan to enjoy it and battle every possession.”

LOU 13 16 7 15 — 51

FS 6 8 8 5 — 27

LOUISBURG (18-4): Jordan Mynsted 4-9 3-3 12; Alyse Moore 3-9 3-3 9; Megan Foote 1-5 5-6 8; Madilyn Melton 3-6 1-2 7; Brooklyn Diederich 2-8 0-0 5; Adyson Ross 2-4 0-0 4; Emma Lohse 1-2 0-0 2; Delanie Tally 1-1 0-0 2. Totals: 18-55 12-16 51. 3-point field goals: 3, (Diederich, Mynsted, Foote)

Members of the Louisburg sub-state champion basketball teams are (front row, from left) Emma Lohse, Maverick Rockers, Sierra Hahn, Cade Gassman, Brooklyn Diederich, Isaac Guetterman, Delanie Tally, Michael Seuferling; (middle row) Andy Hupp, Delaney Wright, Ben Guetterman, Megan Foote, Konnor Vohs, Brianne Kuhlman, Weston Guetterman, Adyson Ross; (back row) Emma Prettyman, Julian Margrave, Jordan Mynsted, Mack Newell, Alyse Moore, Colyer Wingfield, Madilyn Melton and Dawson Barnes.

Almost a year ago I was sitting at the first round of the Big 12 tournament, excited for my favorite time of the year — March Madness.

Life has changed a lot since then.

I still vividly remember a phone call from my wife while watching hoops from the now T-Mobile Center. There was a lot of worry in her voice.

She had no idea why people were fighting over toilet paper in Price Chopper. Why were they panicking over something they had no idea what it was yet? It wasn’t food or water for heaven’s sake!

The next day was even more puzzling. Tournaments across the country were cancelled. State high school events were stopped in their tracks and never finished.

Even worse news came as spring sports were later cancelled and were people were forced to shelter in their homes. We more or less become a ghost country.

A year later, our lives are completely changed. We are having to do things differently, be more cautious and for some, outlook on every day life is incomparable to what we had before.

One thing that has risen back is March Madness and Louisburg is right in the thick of it all.

In a year where they have been challenges with practices and playing games due to COVID-19, both the Wildcat boys and girls basketball teams have put together one of the best seasons in school history.

It was an incredible weekend at Louisburg High School as the boys won their first sub-state title since 2017 on Friday. The girls earned a state berth for the first time since 1974 – breaking a 47 year drought – on Saturday.

Both teams are currently ranked in the top five in the state and are one of eight teams left standing in Class 4A. It is something that has never been done in school history.

That is a feat among itself, but do it in these challenging times says a lot about the players and coaches of both programs.

Boys head coach Ty Pfannenstiel and girls head coach Adrianne Lane have done a great job keeping their players focused and limiting distractions throughout the season.

For the girls team, though, it didn’t start out that smoothly.

Many members of the Lady Cats were forced to quarantine when practice began in November and they didn’t have their complete team on the court until the first game in early December. They never got a chance to practice together as team before that season opener against Tonganoxie.

Despite that, they won their first eight games and ended the season with an 16-4 record and finished second in a tough Frontier League.

They are now onto the state tournament for the first time since 1974 – the second year of the girls state basketball. 

As for the boys, they have faced an up and down season of their own, but the Wildcats have to put together a strong finish to a year that put them as the No. 2 team in the state rankings.

Louisburg has won eight of its last nine games, with the Wildcats’ only loss coming to state ranked Shawnee Mission South, a Class 6A program.

Both teams are loaded with talent, but the one thing the two have in common is a strong senior class. In most years, seniors provide leadership and it is evident on both sides.

Weston Guetterman, Ben Guetterman, Konnor Vohs, Andy Hupp and Dawson Barnes have all played vital roles on this year’s boys team. Add in juniors Julian Margrave – who is the team’s leading scorer – Michael Seuferling and Maverick Rockers and the Wildcats have a solid rotation that stacks up with some of the best in the state.

For the girls, Madilyn Melton, Megan Foote, Brooklyn Diederich and Alyse Moore have played basketball together since the seventh grade when they recorded a perfect season for LMS. Many of them have played basketball since they were little and have a deep love for the game.

It shows on the court as those four girls, along with juniors Delaney Wright, Jordan Mynsted and sophomores Brianne Kuhlman and Adyson Ross, play with a reckless abandon – especially on the defensive end of the floor.

Folks, this type of stuff doesn’t happen every year when it comes to state basketball – unless your name is Bishop Miege or McPherson. For a school to put two teams in the state tournament is a remarkable story.

School history had already been made, but there is much more to be had.

If the boys win tonight, the Wildcats will — at worst — tie for the best finish in program history when Louisburg took third in 1948.

As for the girls, well if they haven’t already accomplished enough to break a long state drought, a win over Labette County on Tuesday would give the Lady Cats the best finish in school history for a program that began in the early 70s.

Louisburg already made history in the fall when the girls cross country and boys soccer team each finished third at state and had the best season in its program’s tenure.

So, why not them?

Wildcat fans, for those of you who haven’t joined the hype train yet, there is still plenty of room. Find yourself a voucher and come out and support both teams as they both try to accomplish something that is unprecedented for Louisburg athletics. 

Enjoy these teams while we have them — they don’t come around often.