Louisburg junior Colyer Wingfield pulls up for a shot Friday during the Wildcats’ game at Eudora High School. Wingfield finished the game with 14 points and four 3-pointers.

EUDORA — The Louisburg boys basketball team put together one of its best offensive performances of the season Friday, but as luck would have it, it wasn’t enough.

The Wildcats traveled to Eudora and faced off with the Cardinals, who is currently the No. 1 team in Class 4A. Despite getting out to a good start, the Wildcats had a tough time slowing the Cardinals in a 68-57 setback.

Louisburg took the lead going into the second quarter, but Eudora scored a combined 49 points in the next two quarters to pull away from the Wildcats.

“I thought we played pretty well,” Louisburg coach Ty Pfannenstiel said. “It was one of our better outputs offensively, which should give us a little more confidence. Eudora has a really nice team this year.  Our kids showed a lot of poise and toughness. We just have to limit our mistakes.”

Mistakes haunted the Wildcats as Eudora forced 18 Louisburg turnovers. The Cardinals took advantage as they outscored the Wildcats, 17-2, in points off turnovers and also pulled down nine more offensive rebounds.

The Cardinals had three players in double figures and were led by a 15-point performance from Conor Dunback as eight different players scored for Eudora. They made it a difficult defensive task for Louisburg.

“I told our boys before the game that it was important that we came out aggressive and started off well,” Pfannenstiel said. “I really had no concerns with that because our kids play pretty fearlessly.  They don’t get caught up in the emotions of the game — they just play.  

“Eudora is a tough team to guard because they have so many options offensively.  They have good size inside, they have shooters, and they have a lot of guards that can handle the ball and create.”

Louisburg (2-4) jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead to begin the game and led 10-6 going into the second quarter. From there, the Eudora offense took over.

The Cardinals scored 21 points in the second quarter to take a 27-23 halftime lead. Eudora put the pressure on even more with a 28-point third quarter to help put the game away, even with a 19-point third quarter from the Wildcats.

The Wildcats had three players score in double figures and senior Michael Seuferling led the way with a team-high 16 points and five rebounds.

Junior Colyer Wingfield finished with 14 points, including a season-high four 3-pointers and also had eight boards. Senior Maverick Rockers added 11 points and eight assists in the loss, while junior Mack Newell had a team-high nine rebounds to go along with eight points.

“I thought we played smarter,” Pfannenstiel said. “I talked to some of our guys over the break about taking smarter shots. I wanted guys like Michael and Colyer to hit those mid-range shots. Sometimes I think we just play into the hands of the defense by driving it all the way to the basket and instead I wanted to see them get some good mid range looks. 

“Mike and Colyer executed pretty well and we shot the ball pretty well. Hopefully seeing the ball go through the hoop gives us more confidence moving forward.”

Louisburg will try and get back on the winning track Friday when it hosts Baldwin. The Wildcats’ game with Bonner Springs, that was scheduled for today, was postponed due to covid problems within the Bonner Springs program.

“It was good to be back on the court,” Pfannenstiel said. “That break seemed extra long this year for some reason. Our kids are excited to get back and play on our home court. Each night in the Frontier League is always tough, but our kids are excited for the opportunity.”

LOU 10 13 19 15 — 57

EUD 6 21 28 13 — 68

LOUISBURG (2-4): Michael Seuferling 7-12 2-3 16; Colyer Wingfield 5-8 0-0 14; Maverick Rockers 2-6 6-8 11; Mack Newell 4-7 0-0 8; Isaac Guetterman 1-4 0-0 3; Cade Gassman 1-2 0-0 2; Hunter Rogers 1-1 0-0 2; Carson Kern 0-2 1-4 1. Totals: 21-42 9-15 57. 3-point field goals: 6, (Wingfield 4, Rockers, Guetterman)

Louisburg junior Emma Prettyman rips the ball away from a Eudora player Friday at Eudora High School. The Lady Cats fell to the Cardinals, 48-34.

EUDORA — Every team coming off a two-week hiatus is bound to be a little rusty here and there, and that was what the Louisburg girls suffered from Friday at Eudora.

In its first game back from the holiday break, the Lady Cats struggled offensively to get any of kind of rhythm – that was until the fourth quarter.

By then it was too late, as early shooting woes and turnovers led to a 48-34 loss to Eudora at Eudora High School.

“I felt we played well defensively, but we just couldn’t get our timing down on offense,” Louisburg coach Adrianne Lane said. “We had a lot of good looks at the basket, but just couldn’t get shots to fall.”

The Lady Cats (4-2) scored just 12 first half points, but still trailed just 19-12 at halftime thanks to their defense. Louisburg held Eudora to just 23 percent shooting and forced 19 turnovers.

One of the differences in the game proved to be Eudora’s Harper Schriener. The Cardinal senior scored a game-high 22 points and pulled down 14 rebounds from the point guard spot.

Delaney Wright and Delanie Tally stayed with Schriener most of the night and made things difficult, but she still found ways to get big baskets down the stretch.

“Harper is a great basketball player, she is very smart and handles the ball so well,” Lane said. “I thought overall, we did do a good job guarding her. We also knew where she was at, and we knew when to double if needed. 

“I felt like Delaney Wright and Delanie Tally did a great job guarding Harper together to help us fight back into the game.”

Louisburg was down 30-13 midway through the third quarter, but the Lady Cats battled back to make it a game. A pair of Jordan Mynsted baskets brought the Lady Cats to within seven on a couple different occasions in the fourth, but could get no closer.

Eudora ended the game on a 9-3 run to seal the win over the Lady Cats. The Cardinals also did some damage at the free-throw line as they converted 23 of 33 opportunities, while Louisburg got to the line just 11 times.

“I was very proud of the girls to not give up and battle back the way they did,” Lane said. “The last nine minutes of the game we executed offensively and made a great comeback.” 

Mynsted led the Louisburg charge with a team-high 15 points to go along with seven rebounds and five blocked shots. Junior Adyson Ross also finished in double figures with 11 and eight rebounds.

Junior Emma Prettyman was also strong on the glass with a team-high 13 rebounds to go along with four points.

Louisburg will have to wait a little longer to rebound from the loss as its game with Bonner Springs that was scheduled for tonight, has been postponed due to a high number of covid cases within the Bonner program.

The Lady Cats will return to action Friday when they host Baldwin as they try to avenge one of their two losses on the year.

LOU 8 4 9 13 — 34

EUD 12 7 14 15 — 48

LOUISBURG (4-2): Jordan Mynsted 6-18 3-5 15; Adyson Ross 5-13 0-0 11; Emma Prettyman 1-7 2-2 4; Brianne Kuhlman 1-3 1-2 3; Emma Lohse 0-2 1-2 1. Totals: 13-52 7-11 34. 3-point field goals: 1, (Ross)

It was a successful, and eventful, 2021 for Louisburg High School athletics and for those who are connected to the Wildcat program. This past year created a lot of school history for LHS and several programs brought back state hardware.

Below are the top stories from 2021, along with a brief explanation of each. Included in the explanation is the link to the actual story from the event.

When putting the list together, I took a lot of things into account – whether it was team vs. individual, popularity of the sport, historical achievements and the interest it drew on the web site.

This year was a blast to cover and I am looking forward to seeing what 2022 will bring. Thank you to everyone for their support and can’t wait for it all to begin again.

10. Louisburg golf team qualifies for state

INDEPENDENCE — For the second time in as many seasons, the Louisburg boys golf team qualified for the state tournament.

Except this time, the Wildcat team is made up of a completely new roster.

The Louisburg group of Johnny Eberhart, A.J. Arriola, Johnny Thompson, Sam Wheeler, Dacey Wieland and Jackson Olson shot a 392 to finish third at the Class 4A regional meet at Independence Country Club. 

The Wildcats were just three strokes behind runner-up Field Kindley. Independence won the regional title with a 361.

Louisburg last went to state in 2019, but the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19.

Eberhart led Louisburg with an 87 and finished fourth overall and was the lone Wildcat to make the cut for the second day.

9. Compliment steps back from volleyball program after 15 seasons.

When Jessica Compliment walked off the floor following her team’s semifinal sub-state loss to Bishop Miege back in October of 2020, the only thought on her mind was how that match was more like a state championship battle.s

It wasn’t your normal match as the two perennial state contenders had to square off so early in the postseason. She was proud of her team and was looking forward to another season of helping Louisburg volleyball get to another state tournament.

Little did she know, it would be the last time she would find herself on the Lady Cat sideline.

In late January, Compliment submitted her resignation as head volleyball coach as she will be stepping away to spend more time with her growing family.

Compliment certainly left her mark on the Louisburg volleyball program as she finished her 15th season back in October and has an impressive resume to show for it.

In the decade-and-a-half as the Lady Cat coach, Compliment guided Louisburg to eight state tournament appearances and placed in the top four of seven of them.

She also finished nine wins shy of 400 as she posted a record of 391-226 and helped Louisburg to three state championship matches.

Shortly after, the district hired assistant coach Leanna Willer to take over the program.

8. Wildcat boys soccer wins Frontier League title, advances to regional title

It had the drama of a state championship match, but instead the No. 1 and 3 ranked teams in the state were playing for the Class 4-1A regional championship title.

Louisburg hosted Bishop Miege in hopes ending the Stags’ string of consecutive state championships.

Instead, the Wildcats once again saw their season come to a close after a 2-0 loss to the Stags at Wildcat Stadium and ended their season with a 12-5-1 record.

The loss was heartbreaking defeat for the Wildcats, who had their sights set on another state final four — and possibly — a state title. To make matters worse, it was to a Miege team that has handed Louisburg a loss in five of the last six postseasons.

Earlier in the season, the Wildcats were crowned as co-champions of the Frontier League with Spring Hill.

7. Wildcat wrestling medals two

SALINA — Cade Holtzen and Alec Younggren didn’t get to leave Salina with what they were hoping to earn.

Only a select few get to leave with the title of “state champion,” and both Louisburg seniors were close to reaching their goal. Despite that, both wrestlers helped the Wildcat team to their best state finish in nearly 11 years.

Younggren reached the championship match, only to finish second at 220 pounds, while Holtzen rallied back to medal third at 132 during the Class 4A Kansas State Wrestling Championships at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center. The two wrestlers combined to score 30 points, which put them 14th in the team standings.

Louisburg hadn’t finished that high since 2010, when Austin Hood won his first of three state titles and his brother Bryce, took second. The Wildcats were 10th that year.

6. Louisburg cross country qualifies both teams for state, medals four.

WAMEGO — It wasn’t the finish Louisburg wanted following the Class 4A state cross country meet, but the Wildcats left with more than their fair share of hardware.

Louisburg was awarded four state medals following the meet at Wamego Country Club, including three on the girls side for the second straight season.

The Lady Cats had hoped to earn a team plaque for the second year in a row, but took fifth overall with 144 points. Eudora won the girls championship with 56, Baldwin was second with 64 and Winfield was third with 93.

Sophomore Emma Vohs led the charge for Louisburg as she finished sixth overall. Sophomore Maddy Rhamy and senior Reese Johnson also medaled for the Lady Cats.

In his first year with the boys program, senior Jaden Vohs had a strong final run for the Wildcats as he medaled 12th overall.

5. Louisburg cheer finishes runner-up at state competition

TOPEKA — The Louisburg High cheer program knows a thing or two about being one of the last teams left standing at the Game Day Showcase.

Louisburg, which won a state title in 2019 and took third in 2020, found itself one of the two teams left standing.

When the final results were announced in November, the judges awarded the Wildcat cheer squad the state runner-up plaque. Paola won the state title, while Baldwin made it a Frontier League sweep as it took third.

4. Wildcat girls take fourth at state soccer

WICHITA — The Louisburg girls soccer team may have left the Class 4-1A Kansas State Girls Soccer Championships with a pair of losses, but the Wildcats took a lot of pride in what they accomplished.

For the fourth straight season, Louisburg advanced to the state final four and the Wildcats finished fourth in the state – a far cry where many people thought they would end up. The Wildcats lost a pair of 2-1 matches to Mulvane and then to McPherson in the third-place match at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita.

Louisburg, which lost 12 seniors from a season that didn’t happen due to COVID, returned just three varsity players. Despite all that, they ended up being one of the top teams in the state.

3. Louisburg girls basketball snaps 47-year state drought, takes third at state

SALINA — The tears were abundant following Louisburg’s loss to McPherson 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.

2. Wildcat basketball advances to first-ever state title game, finish runner-up

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 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.”

In the state semifinal, the Wildcats got a revenge victory with a come-from-behind 58-55 win over Augusta to advance to the state title game.

1. Wildcat track wins second state championship; Wright wins three state titles.

WICHITA — On the 10th anniversary of the Louisburg boys’ first state track championship, this year’s team wanted to do something to commemorate the historic event.

The Wildcats decided they wanted to win one of their own.

Louisburg edged out Andale for the state championship Friday during the Class 4A Kansas Track and Field Championships at Cessna Stadium in Wichita.

It is just the second track championship for Louisburg and just the fourth team state championship in school history. 

The first one was a golf title in 1977, and then football won its first state title in 2010. The track team followed with its first later that school year in 2011 and the Louisburg cheer squad won a state title in 2019.

“There are no words to describe how incredibly proud I was of the entire team,” Louisburg coach Andy Wright said. “It was a total team effort. It was a moment I will never forget as a coach, and how exciting that it came down to the final race.  Everyone gave it their all, and I just couldn’t happier as a coach to see all of that hard work pay off for them with the greatest reward.”

Tom Koontz led the Wildcats with four state medals, including a state championship in the 110-meter hurdles.

On the girls side, Delaney Wright made some history of her own. 

Wright was the favorite to win state titles in her three events at the Class 4A State Track and Field Championships.

She didn’t disappoint. 

Wright not only won three state championships, but she won them in convincing fashion, breaking two school records in the process. The Louisburg junior won the long jump, 400-meter dash and the 200-meter dash on her way to an historic day in Wichita.

“My experience at state track this year was amazing,” Wright said. “The people competing there were super nice and my teammates made it more fun. It meant a lot to pull off winning three state titles.”

Wright became the first female Wildcat athlete to win three state titles in the same year as she helped the Lady Cats to a fifth place finish in the team standings – also the highest finish for Louisburg girls track and field.

“I can’t say enough how awesome of a competitor Delaney is,” Louisburg girls coach John Reece said. “I know she went to state with one thing on her mind – win.  She did just that and truly performed to her best. Winning three different events is an incredible feat.”

(From left) Sierra Hahn, Tehya Harvey and Ava Baker celebrate with teammate Adyson Ross (11) following the team’s 29-26 victory over Piper on Thursday in Louisburg.

Offensively, it wasn’t the Louisburg girls’ night Thursday in their home matchup with Piper.

The Lady Cats just couldn’t seem to get much to fall. So instead, they turned to their defense.

Louisburg forced 17 Piper turnovers, and recorded 12 steals, en route to a 29-26 come from behind win over the Pirates to close out the 2021 portion of its schedule.

It was an important win for the Lady Cats after losing their first game of the season in the final seconds, two days earlier against Baldwin.

“Thursday’s win against Piper was a great win for our team,” Louisburg coach Adrianne Lane said. “It showed us that we can win close games and moving forward I hope that win gives us the confidence we need as a team to finish close games.”

The Lady Cats (4-1) were able to get some big minutes for their bench, especially from juniors Delanie Tally and Emma Lohse.

Lohse provided a spark in the first half with a quick four points and two steals to help keep Louisburg in the contest.

Then in the fourth quarter, Tally hit a pair of 3-pointers that accounted for six of the team’s eight points in the final period of a tight contest.

“The bench was great,” Lane said. “Emma and Delanie have played excellent the past two games. Emma’s defense and hustle brings energy to our team and I was so proud of Delanie. She was super confident and stepped up and made two huge 3’s for the team to put us ahead.”

Louisburg scored just five points to open the game, but rallied to tie the game at 15-all before halftime. Piper took a one-point lead going into the fourth before Tally hit a pair of 3-pointers to put the Lady Cats ahead.

Louisburg’s defense took care of the rest as it held Piper to just four points in the final period and ended the 2021 year on a good note.

“Piper’s defense was very tough,” Lane said. “They were solid on the inside and they did a great job rebounding. As the game went on I thought the girls adjusted to the zone and did better moving the ball and looking for the open player.”

Junior Adyson Ross led the Lady Cats in scoring with 10 points, while junior Emma Prettyman had a team-high six rebounds. Junior Brianne Kuhlman also had a team-best three steals.

Louisburg is back in action on Jan. 7 when the Lady Cats travel to Eudora for a Frontier League matchup. 

LOU 5 10 6 8 — 29

PIP 9 6 7 4 — 26

LOUISBURG (4-1): Adyson Ross 5-12 0-0 10; Delanie Tally 2-4 0-0 6; Emma Lohse 1-4 2-2 4; Emma Prettyman 2-4 0-0 4; Delaney Wright 1-6 1-2 3; Ava Baker 1-3 0-0 2. Totals: 12-41 3-5 29. 3-point field goals: 2, (Tally 2)

Baldwin edges Louisburg on free throw in final seconds

Everything seemed to be going Louisburg’s way on the road at Baldwin.

The Lady Cats held a 12-point lead early in the second half and were well on their way to fourth straight win.

Baldwin had other ideas as it scored 25 second half points and rallied to defeat Louisburg, 35-34, in the final seconds.

With one second remaining in regulation, Baldwin’s Riley Smith was fouled. She made 1 of 2 free throws and the Lady Cats didn’t have time to get another shot off.

“Losing to Baldwin was very hard,” Lane said. “I felt we played great and did everything we needed to do until the last 2 and half minutes. We executed our offense, and defensively the girls played so well as we held Baldwin’s best two girls to 16 points total. Losing is always tough, but we will learn from this loss and become a better team from it.”

Louisburg held a 5-point lead late, but Baldwin eventually tied it on a 3-pointer from Karly Neufeld. After a couple missed Louisburg free throws, Smith drove the lane and was fouled with one second remaining.

The Lady Cats had big second quarter as they scored 16 points in the frame to take a 20-10 halftime lead. Louisburg, however, scored just four points in the fourth to allow Baldwin to get back in it.

Senior Jordan Mynsted led the Lady Cats as she posted a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Junior Emma Prettyman had nine rebounds.

Emma Lohse finished with six points, while Adyson Ross and Delaney Wright each finished with four. Delanie Tally had a team-high three steals.

LOU 4 16 10 4 — 34

BAL 3 7 14 11 — 35

LOUISBURG: Jordan Mynsted 4-10 2-2 10; Emma Lohse 3-5 0-0 6; Adyson Ross 2-8 0-1 4; Delaney Wright 1-5 2-4 4; Emma Prettyman 1-6 2-3 4; Brianne Kuhlman 1-6 1-2 3; Delanie Tally 1-2 0-2 3. Totals: 13-44 7-14 34. 3-point field goals: 1, (Tally)

Louisburg forward Colyer Wingfield puts a shot up over a pair of Piper defenders Thursday at Louisburg High School.

It was just a seven point game early in the fourth quarter and the Louisburg boys basketball team put itself in a position to try and knock off Piper in its final game before the holiday break.

Then in the final five minutes, the Wildcats could no longer keep up with the quicker and more athletic Piper team.

The Pirates used a suffocating press in the fourth quarter and scored 24 points in the final period to hand Louisburg a 65-42 loss Thursday in Louisburg.

“I thought we battled,” Louisburg coach Ty Pfannenstiel said. “We were right there for the first three quarters, but couldn’t quite capitalize when we had some chances. Our kids always play hard, but against a talented team like Piper, we have a very little margin for error.”

Louisburg (2-3) faced an uphill battle for much of the game as the Wildcats’ center — Mack Newell — had to sit with foul trouble. Piper was able to take advantage as it outscored Louisburg 30-12 in the paint. 

The Wildcats turned the ball over 21 times and the Pirates scored 15 points off those mistakes — much of which came in the fourth quarter.

“I thought we handled their pressure pretty well for the first three quarters, but it definitely wore on us in the fourth,” Pfannenstiel said. “When we got gassed, Piper took advantage with their depth. We really struggled to rebound, especially when Mack got in foul trouble. He and Colyer (Wingfield) are kind of our guys on the boards, but we have to do a better job with everyone else contributing as well.”

Three Wildcats accounted for all but five points of the team’s total.

Senior point guard Maverick Rockers tried to keep the Wildcats in the game with 17 points, including three 3-pointers. Fellow seniors Michael Seuferling and Carson Kern each finished with 10.

Wingfield led Louisburg with nine rebounds on the night and Seuferling finished with four assists.

Louisburg will be back in action in the new year as the Wildcats travel to Eudora on Jan. 7 to resume its season.

LOU 9 9 13 11 — 42

PIP 12 19 10 24 — 65

LOUISBURG (2-3): Maverick Rockers 6-11 2-2 17; Michael Seuferling 3-13 4-9 10; Carson Kern 3-5 2-2 10; Hunter Rogers 1-2 1-2 3; Colyer Wingfield 1-4 0-6 2. Totals: 14-38 9-21 42. 3-point field goals: 5, (Rockers 3, Kern 2)

Louisburg comes up short on the road at Baldwin

Louisburg was riding a two-game win streak heading into its Dec. 14 road matchup against Baldwin.

Unfortunately, the Wildcats didn’t have much of an answer for Baldwin’s Cole Mahaffey.

Mahaffey scored a game-high 25 points and pulled down eight boards to help hand Louisburg a 57-41 loss.

“Baldwin is really improved,” Pfannenstiel said. “They have a couple of players that have made big strides since last season. Once again, we were pretty cold from the field, so we really put a lot of pressure on our defense to get stops.  Mahaffey had a big night. He was too much for us.”

The Wildcats struggled from the field as they shot just 30 percent from the floor, while Baldwin shot almost 48 percent and knocked down seven 3-pointers.

Baldwin outscored Louisburg 16-8 in the second quarter and the Bulldogs took a 30-18 halftime lead. Baldwin also outrebounded Louisburg 40-26.

“I told the kids after the game that we are going to work hard to try and generate some more offense, because it’s going to be hard to win games in the 40s,” Pfannenstiel said. “We got more shot attempts up than Baldwin, now we just have to get them to fall. We are making improvements in areas, now we just have to find some consistency and confidence.”

Michael Seuferling led Louisburg in scoring with 15 points and was the lone Wildcat to score in double figures. He also finished with a team-high four steals.

Colyer Wingfield scored seven points and pulled down a team-high seven rebounds.

LOU 10 8 11 12 — 41

BAL 14 16 11 16 — 57

LOUISBURG: Michael Seuferling 7-15 0-0 15; Colyer Wingfield 2-7 3-8 7; Maverick Rockers 2-11 0-0 6; Isaac Guetterman 2-5 0-0 5; Carson Kern 1-4 1-2 3; Hunter Rogers 1-3 0-0 3; Mack Newell 1-8 0-0 2. Totals: 16-54 4-10 41. 3-point field goals: 5, (Rockers 2, Seuferling, Rogers, Guetterman)

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

MAVERICK ROCKERS, SENIOR, BOYS BASKETBALL

Louisburg senior Maverick Rockers was a big reason for the two Wildcat wins last week against Burlington and Anderson County. Rockers averaged 14 points a game, three rebounds and two steals as Louisburg earned a victory at Burlington and a win over Anderson County in its home opener.

Rockers really came up big for the Wildcats against Anderson County as he scored a game-high 17 points to help Louisburg to a close 6-point win at home.

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: Elijah Eslinger

Junior Ava Baker records one of Louisburg’s 12 steals on the night Friday in the Lady Cats’ 48-22 victory over Anderson County in their home opener.

The Louisburg girls basketball team didn’t have the best start to its home opener Friday against Anderson County.

In the second quarter, however, the Lady Cats flipped a switch and never looked back.

Louisburg outscored the Bulldogs by 15 in the second quarter and held the Bulldogs to just six points combined in the second and third quarters. It all added up to a 48-22 rout over Anderson County.

“Our defense was great again,” Louisburg coach Adrianne Lane said. “We had great ball pressure and caused several turnovers. Once we figured out that we needed to adjust to their height, we did a great job offensively.”

The Lady Cat defense caused the Bulldogs fits most of the night as they forced 27 turnovers, which led to 13 Louisburg points. They also held Anderson County to just 21 percent shooting.

Louisburg (3-0) led just 10-8 at the end of the first quarter, but came to life in the second as it outscored Anderson County 18-3 to end the first half with a 28-11 lead.

Defense was again front and center in the third quarter as the Lady Cats held the Bulldogs to just three points again and all but sealed the win.

Offensively, it wasn’t Louisburg’s best performance of the season as it just shot 27 percent for the game. However, the Lady Cats knocked down seven 3-pointers from five different players to help open the floor.

Junior Adyson Ross scored a team-high 13 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, and also had five rebounds and three steals.

Senior Jordan Mynsted also scored in double figures with 10 points and seven rebounds to go along with four blocked shots. Junior Ava Baker also came off the bench to hit a pair of 3-pointers and also had three steals.

Another senior, Delaney Wright, had five points and three steals, while junior Emma Lohse came off the bench to score five points and also pulled down five rebounds. Junior Emma Prettyman had a team-high seven rebounds.

Louisburg will try for its fourth win in a row tonight as the Lady Cats travel to Baldwin for a 6 p.m. tip.

“Baldwin will be our toughest competition so far this season,” Lane said. “They are super quick and run the floor well. We are planning to slow them down with tough defense and be in control on offense. We also need to be smart on our shot selection.”

LOU 10 18 7 13 — 48

AC 8 3 3 8 — 22

LOUISBURG (3-0): Adyson Ross 3-7 5-7 13; Jordan Mynsted 3-12 4-4 10; Ava Baker 2-4 0-0 6; Emma Lohse 2-6 0-1 5; Delaney Wright 1-6 2-6 5; Emma Prettyman 2-8 0-0 4; Delanie Tally 1-3 0-0 3; Brianne Kuhlman 1-8 0-0 2. Totals: 15-56 11-18 48. 3-point field goals: 7, (Ross 2, Baker 2, Lohse, Wright, Tally)

Louisburg senior point guard Maverick Rockers goes up for two of his team-high 17 points Friday in the Wildcats’ victory over Anderson County.

It wasn’t the best of shooting nights for the Louisburg boys basketball team Friday in its home opener against Anderson County.

The Wildcats shot just 31 percent from the floor in what was a tightly-contested contest.

As much as they struggled from the floor, the Louisburg defense shined as it forced more than 20 turnovers in their 42-36 victory over the Bulldogs.

“We always talk about how there are going to be nights when you have off nights offensively,” Louisburg coach Ty Pfannenstiel said. “That’s just how basketball is sometimes. But we can never have a bad night defensively. We feel like if we can be good on the defensive end of the floor each night, we will always be in the game. 

“We wanted to put pressure on their guards and make it tough for them to get into their offense and get it into their big guys. We forced 20 turnovers, so I’d say that was the biggest difference in the game.”

Louisburg (2-1) forced 22 Bulldog turnovers on the night and did it with a pesky defense that recorded 12 steals

The Wildcats did all that while getting out rebounded 35-23 and only converting 12 field goals. Louisburg trailed by two points going into halftime, but held Anderson County to just six points in the third quarter to take the lead back.

“It was a good win for us versus a team that had a lot of size and experience,” Pfannenstiel said. “We haven’t really shot it well so far this year.  I like that we are being aggressive attacking the rim, but with our size, we are going to have to be willing to take some shots from the perimeter and hit some pull up jumpers in the lane.”

When most of the Wildcats were struggling offensively, senior point guard Maverick Rockers was the one who kept his team in the game.

Rockers scored a game-high 17 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, and was 5-for-6 from the free-throw line in 31 minutes of action. He also had a team-high four steals on defense.

“Mav has been great,” Pfannenstiel said. “He’s got a great feel for the game. He can be a real game manager from the point guard position, but we are going to rely on him to score for us this year on offense. As good as he’s been on offense, he’s been equally as good on the defensive end. He’s playing hard on both ends.”

Louisburg led by just four points going into the final quarter, but the Wildcats expanded that lead to nine late in the game. They were able to ice the game at the free-throw line.

Junior Mack Newell was second on the team in scoring with eight points and led Louisburg with six rebounds and had three steals and two blocks.

Senior Carson Kern also helped keep the Bulldogs at bay with three free throws in the final minute.

The Wildcats will try and make it three wins in a row tonight when they travel to Baldwin for a 7:30 p.m. tip.

“We just need to find ourselves offensively,” Pfannenstiel said. “I think if we can be a little more patient and get good looks at the basket, we should find a little more consistency there.  We are going to have two good tests this week.  We are going to have to play well.”

LOU 11 6 12 13 — 42

AC 8 11 6 11 — 36

LOUISBURG (2-1): Maverick Rockers 5-14 5-6 17; Mack Newell 3-6 2-2 8; Michael Seuferling 1-6 4-7 6; Carson Kern 1-2 3-4 5; Colyer Wingfield 1-5 2-4 4; Luke Hill 1-3 0-0 2. Totals: 12-39 16-23 42. 3-point field goals: 2, (Rockers 2)

Louisburg senior Jordan Mynsted goes up for a shot Tuesday against Burlington. Mynsted finished with a game-high 16 points.

BURLINGTON — The Lousiburg girls basketball team is now 2-for-2 on the young season.

The Lady Cats, the No. 2 ranked team in Class 4A, took care of business on the road as they downed Burlington 43-31. Louisburg used a strong third quarter to pull away.

It was a good mixture of play on both ends of the floor that allowed the Lady Cats to leave Burlington with a win.

“The girls played much better as a team against Burlington,” Louisburg coach Adrianne Lane said. “They didn’t force shots and showed patience on offense. We moved the ball well and our defense was tough again. I thought we did a great job guarding (Caydence) Doebele in the lane. When she caught it, we walled up, doubled her and boxed out.”

Louisburg held a 23-15 lead at halftime, but the Lady Cats blew the game open in the third quarter and never looked back. They outscored Burlington 18-6 in the frame and took a 20-point lead going into the fourth quarter.

“The girls executed well in the third quarter, so it was encouraging to see them battle this early in the season,” Lane said. “We always talk about coming out hard in the second half and they did a great job. If we are going to be successful at the end of the season, we have to be consistent in each quarter, and I do think the girls realize their potential after how well they did third quarter on Tuesday.”

Senior Jordan Mynsted provided a bulk of the scoring for the Lady Cats as she finished with a game-high 16 points to go along with five rebounds.

Another senior, Delaney Wright, was perfect from the floor as she finished with nine points and five rebounds.

Junior forward Emma Prettyman had a big night on the boards as she led Louisburg with eight. Junior point guard Brianne Kuhlman had a team-high three assists.

Louisburg was also strong on the defensive end of the floor as it forced 15 turnovers and had seven steals. The Lady Cats also out rebounded Burlington 37-34.

Now the Lady Cats will get a chance to play on their home floor tonight as they host Anderson County in their home opener. 

“It is going to be a lot of fun for the girls,” Lane said. “They are super excited to play at home and STUCO is having a pep rally during advisory today. Anderson County is very young this year, so I feel that if we play well we have a good chance to pull out a win.”

LOU 10 13 18 2 — 43

BUR 5 10 6 10 — 31

LOUISBURG (2-0): Jordan Mynsted 6-14 4-6 16; Delaney Wright 4-4 0-0 9; Brianne Kuhlman 2-8 1-2 5; Adyson Ross 2-8 0-0 5; Emma Lohse 1-3 0-0 3; Ava Baker 1-3 0-0 3; Delanie Tally 1-2 0-0 2. Totals: 17-54 5-8 43. 3-point field goals: 4, (Lohse, Wright, Ross, Baker)

Louisburg senior Michael Seuferling (2) was congratulated by his teammates Tuesday at Burlington High School following his game-winning shot with one second left.

BURLINGTON — In a one point game between Louisburg and Burlington, chaos took place in the final 20 seconds.

Missed shots, fighting for loose balls, diving on the floor — both teams left it all out on the floor hoping the game would go their way. With Louisburg down a point, the Wildcats got the bounce they were looking for.

After a couple missed shots, Louisburg senior Michael Seuferling was in the right place at the right time as he got the rebound and scored to give the Wildcats the one-point lead with 1 second remaining.

Burlington couldn’t get a good look and Louisburg got the 52-51 win, which was its first of the season.

“The (assistant) coaches were telling me that we still had a timeout left, but I thought we might be able to get a putback and that might be our best opportunity there,” Louisburg coach Ty Pfannenstiel said of the final 20 seconds. I am glad I didn’t because it worked out.

“We talk about playing hard, smart and tough and you can never fault our kids’ effort. They are always going to play hard, but there will always be mistakes made in games. Burlington is a good team and can do a lot of things. We were able to take advantage of some things and the ball just kind of bounced our way at the end.”

The Wildcats (1-1) struggled at times in the first half and it led to a 26-19 deficit going into halftime, so Pfannenstiel decided to change it up. Louisburg went to a zone defense and it seemed to slow down Burlington.

Louisburg doubled its first half scoring output in the third quarter with 19 points and tied the game at 38-all going into the final quarter.

“We came out in zone in the second half to change things up a little bit and it turned out to be pretty effective and got us back in it,” Pfannenstiel said. “We got stops when we needed to and we made big plays at the end and that was the biggest thing. Things went our way, got some our extra opportunities and we were able to get it done.”

Seuferling, who finished with a game-high 22 points, came to life in the third quarter to help give the Wildcats the boost they needed. The Louisburg senior scored 13 points in the third and later would come up with the late game heroics.

“Michael is someone that plays with a lot of energy all the time,” Pfannenstiel said. “It doesn’t matter if we are up 30 or down 30, you are going to see the same type of player. He just goes about the game the right way. We need him on offense for us this year. This summer he had a lot of really good games and he is good in transition.”

Louisburg was down five points with 45 seconds left, but Seuferling hit a basket to cut it to 3. Burlington then hit 1 of 2 free throws to make it a four point game. 

Junior Colyer Wingfield grabbed the rebound on the miss and went the length of the floor to make the layup and was fouled. He converted the 3-point play to make it a one-point game.

Louisburg fouled again and Burlington missed the front end of the 1-and-1 and the Wildcats had the chance to pull out the win. After a couple missed shots, Seuferling fought for the rebound, got it and drove to the basket to score with one second left.

Several Wildcats hit big shots down the stretch in the second half. Senior guard Maverick Rockers scored in double figures with 11 points and a pair of three pointers, while senior Carson Kern came off the bench to score six.

Wingfield and Mack Newell were big in the rebounding department for Louisburg as Newell had a game-high 13 rebounds. Wingfield finished with nine boards.

“We had a lot of guys really step up for us,” Pfannenstiel said. “Carson Kern gave us good minutes off the bench and Mav was solid for us again. Then Colyer and Mack were both solid for us on the boards. What they did rebounding for us was huge.”

Louisburg will try for back to back wins tonight as the Wildcats host Anderson County for their home opener.

LOU 12 7 19 14 — 52

BUR 13 13 12 13 — 51

LOUISBURG (1-1): Michael Seuferling 9-20 4-7 22; Maverick Rockers 4-10 1-2 11; Mack Newell 3-9 0-0 6; Carson Kern 2-4 1-2 6; Colyer Wingfield 1-2 3-6 5; Isaac Guetterman 0-1 2-2 2. Totals: 19-46 11-19 52. 3-point field goals: 3, (Rockers 2, Kern)