Louisburg senior Hunter Rogers puts up a shot near the rim Friday against Olathe West in the Bobcat Invitational at Basehor-Linwood High School.

BASEHOR — Last week was the most challenging part of Louisburg’s schedule and for good reason.

The Wildcats took part in the Bobcat Invitational in which they were smallest program going up against a bunch of Class 5 and 6A competition. Despite the uphill climb, the Wildcats battled.

After losses to Basehor-Linwood and Olathe West to open tournament play, the Wildcats faced off with St. Joe (Mo.) Central in the seventh place game Saturday and lost a close, 48-44, contest.

“We definitely faced some great competition this past week.,” Louisburg coach Ty Pfannenstiel said. “You know, win or lose, we are always looking to take a step forward as a program each game that we play. 

“We always stress doing the little things right, and when you don’t, good teams are going to expose you. It was definitely eye opening for us on how quick the game can get away when you turn the ball over or don’t rebound as a team.”

The two teams were tied at 41-all midway through the fourth quarter, but Central went on a 7-3 run to end the game and steal a win away from the Wildcats. Before that, Louisburg went on a 10-2 run to tie it up.

Louisburg had three players score in double figures. Colyer Wingfield led the Wildcats with 11 points and eight rebounds, while Mack Newell and Maverick Rockers also finished with 11 points each.

The Wildcats shot 43 percent from the floor and held Central to just 27 percent. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, they committed 14 turnovers and the Indians turned several of those into points.

On Friday, Louisburg found itself in the consolation semifinals against Olathe West and lost a 72-43 matchup. The Owls outscored the Wildcats 42-22 in the second half to pull away.

Senior Michael Seuferling led the Wildcats in scoring with 13 points, while Rockers finished with nine.

It was a tough opening game last Tuesday against Basehor-Linwood as the Wildcats left with a 88-42 setback.

Rockers led Louisburg in scoring with 11 points, while Seuferling and Wingfield each finished with 10 points in the loss.

“We don’t really look at it as a loss, but more of a learning opportunity to focus on areas where we need to improve,” Pfannenstiel said. “I’m proud of our boys for stepping up to the challenge of playing some bigger schools and representing our community the right way. We are always happy for the opportunity to play and we know that we are now a better team because of the competition that we have played.”

Louisburg will face off against a pair of bigger schools again this week. The Wildcats travel to Shawnee Mission South tonight, before going to Spring Hill for a Frontier League matchup on Friday. 

LOU 8 9 12 15 — 44

CEN 14 7 18 9 — 48

LOUISBURG (3-7): Mack Newell 5-7 0-0 11; Maverick Rockers 4-10 2-2 11; Colyer Wingfield 5-11 1-2 11; Michael Seuferling 3-10 2-2 8; Carson Kern 1-2 0-0 2; Hunter Rogers 0-1 1-3 1. Totals: 18-42 6-9 44. 3-point field goals: 2, (Newell, Rockers)

LOU 9 12 6 16 — 43

OW 13 17 16 26 — 72

LOUISBURG: Michael Seuferling 6-13 0-0 13; Maverick Rockers 4-13 0-0 9; Colyer Wingfield 3-7 1-2 7; Carson Kern 1-3 2-2 5; Isaac Guetterman 1-4 0-0 3; Hunter Heinrich 0-0 2-2 2; Layne Ryals 1-1 0-0 2. Totals: 16-46 5-6 43. 3-point field goals: 4, (Seuferling, Kern, Rockers, Guetterman)

LOU 6 13 12 11 — 42

BL 18 26 28 16 — 88

LOUISBURG: Maverick Rockers 4-7 3-5 11; Michael Seuferling 2-11 5-6 10; Colyer Wingfield 4-10 2-3 10; Mack Newell 2-3 3-4 7; Cade Gassman 2-3 0-0 4. Totals: 14-36 13-18 42. 3-point field goals: 1, (Seuferling)

Louisburg junior Brianne Kuhlman drives the lane Wednesday against Spring Hill during the Lady Cats’ 40-32 loss to the Broncos.

SPRING HILL — So far in 2022, the Louisburg girls’ offense has been unable to find its footing.

However, in the first quarter of Wednesday’s road contest against Spring Hill, the Lady Cats appeared to be coming out of their slump with a 15-point opening frame.

Unfortunately, the hot start didn’t last as Spring Hill rallied to defeat Louisburg 40-32. The Lady Cats scored just 17 points after that first quarter.

“We are still trying to find our rhythm on offense,” Louisburg coach Adrianne Lane said. “The guards shot well in the Spring Hill game and I hope that will help give us some confidence going into this week.”

Louisburg got out to a good start as the Lady Cats took a 15-8 lead on the Broncos, but Spring Hill flipped the script in the second quarter and took a one-point halftime lead.

Spring Hill led by four going into the final period, but did just enough offensively to hold off Louisburg. 

The Lady Cats provided stingy defense once again as they held Spring Hill to just 31 percent shooting and forced 20 turnovers.

However, the Broncos did their damage on the inside as they outscored Louisburg 26-4 in points in the paint. Louisburg knocked down six 3-pointers, but couldn’t get the looks to go inside.

“The girls play so hard, their defense is great and they battle every possession,” Lane said. “Their work ethic never fails. Because we play such good defense, we have been able to compete with some really good teams.”

Junior Adyson Ross led the Lady Cats in scoring with eight points and fellow junior Ava Baker finished with seven. Junior Emma Prettyman had a team-high five rebounds and junior Emma Lohse finished with four steals.

Spring Hill freshman Sydney Buscher had a big game on the inside as she led the way with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Jenna Weber also had a double-double for Spring Hill with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

The Lady Cats will try and stop their four-game losing skid today as they open play in the Top Gun Tournament at Wellsville High School. Louisburg will face off with Nemaha Central at 6:30 p.m. in a rematch of last year’s tournament championship game. 

LOU 15 4 5 8 — 32

SH 8 12 8 12 — 40

LOUISBURG (4-5): Adyson Ross 3-11 0-0 8; Ava Baker 2-9 2-2 7; Brianne Kuhlman 2-6 1-2 6; Emma Lohse 1-3 2-2 5; Delanie Tally 1-4 0-0 3; Jordan Mynsted 0-12 3-4 3. Totals: 9-51 8-14 32. 3-point field goals: 6, (Ross 2, Lohse, Kuhlman, Tally, Baker).

Louisburg falls at home to Shawnee Mission South

A slow start haunted Louisburg in its home matchup against Shawnee Mission South on Jan. 17

The Lady Cats scored eight points in the first half and couldn’t stay with the Raiders in a 38-26 loss at Louisburg High School.

Louisburg, which shot 22 percent from the floor, was able to pick things up a little offensively in the second half with 18 points, but were unable to dig out of its early hole.

Senior Jordan Mynsted had six points and six rebounds to lead the Lady Cats, while junior Emma Prettyman had a team-high seven rebounds.

LOU 4 4 8 10 — 26

SMS 7 12 14 5 — 38

LOUISBURG: Jordan Mynsted 1-8 4-6 6; Emma Lohse 2-5 0-0 4; Brianne Kuhlman 1-4 2-2 4; Emma Prettyman 2-6 0-2 4; Adyson Ross 1-6 0-0 3; Ava Baker 0-1 3-4 3; Delaney Wright 1-3 0-0 2. Totals: 8-36 9-14 26. 3-point field goals: 1, (Ross)

Here is the Louisburg Sports Zone Athlete of the Week for week five of the winter sports season, sponsored by Louisburg Family Dental.

MICHAEL SEUFERLING, SENIOR, BASKETBALL

Louisburg senior Michael Seuferling helped guide the Wildcats to their first victory since Dec. 10 last Friday when they knocked off Baldwin at home, 75-64. Seuferling had a career night as he finished with a game-high 29 points to go along with four rebounds and four assists.

Seuferling had been one of the team’s go-to scorers this season as he leads the Wildcats with more than 15 points a game and also averages three rebounds a contest.

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

Week 2: Maverick Rockers

Week 3: Aiden Barker

Week 4: Kaven Bartlett

Louisburg senior Maverick Rockers scored 21 points and knocked down four 3-pointers in the Wildcats’ 75-64 win over Baldwin on Friday in Louisburg.

Just hours before Louisburg and Baldwin were scheduled to tipoff Friday, the Wildcats found out they would be without their head coach, Ty Pfannenstiel, who had to sit out with an illness.

It wasn’t exactly the most welcome news as the Wildcats were aiming for a revenge win over Bulldogs after losing to them back in December.

Despite the adversity, Louisburg responded with its best offensive performance of the season. 

Senior Michael Seuferling scored a game-high 29 points, while fellow senior Maverick Rockers had 21 in Louisburg’s 75-64 victory over Baldwin to give the Wildcats their first win since Dec. 10.

“I thought we played well,” Louisburg assistant coach Drew Harding said. “Offensively our ball movement was good and we moved well without the ball. That’s something we have focused on in practice so it was nice to see it happening during the game.  It was good to beat Baldwin after they beat us pretty good the last time we played them. Coach Pfannenstiel did a great job preparing the team and the boys executed well.”

Harding took over the head coaching reins for one night but didn’t have much notice as he found out mid-afternoon that Pfannenstiel wouldn’t be available. 

“I found out that I would be coaching around 2 o’clock that day,” Harding said. “I had a few nerves in between the JV game and the start of the varsity game but I knew Coach Pfannenstiel prepared them well and the team was ready to go.  Coach (Pete) Skakal was also a big time help on the bench throughout the game.”

Those nerves quickly went away for Harding as he watched the Wildcats score at will against Baldwin. Louisburg shot 60 percent from the floor, led by a pair of seniors.

Seuferling had a career-best 29 points to go along with four rebounds and four assists, while Rockers knocked in four 3-pointers to aid his 21-point performance and he also finished with four assists.

Junior forward Mack Newell also provided an inside presence for the Wildcats as he was a perfect 7-for-7 from the field to finish with 14 points and had a team-high seven rebounds.

“Sci Fi (Seuferling) and Mav were great,” Harding said. “Sci Fi has been playing under control more lately and utilizing his pull up jumper more. Mav really controlled the game well and shot the ball really well when the opportunity was there.  

“Mack had a big game coming off the bench. He played to his strengths and was a big time help on the boards when he was in there.”

The match-up was a one possession game for much of the night, that was until the fourth quarter. Louisburg, which led just 39-37 at halftime, put together a 23-point final frame got enough from its defense to seal the win.

Rockers provided the spark in that final quarter with 11 of his 21 points, including three 3-pointers. The Wildcats also held Baldwin’s leading scorer Cole Mahaffey to 14 points on the night.

“I think we played much better defensively in the second half,” Harding said. “First half I think we gave up 37, which is far more than we would like. We knew we had to slow Mahaffey down and try to keep him out of the paint because he is tough when he gets in there. Second half, we really focused on a few keys and slowed him down compared to the first half.”

Louisburg will try and build on its momentum tonight as the Wildcats travel to Basehor to take part in the Bobcat Invitational. The Wildcats will face off with the host school, Basehor-Linwood, at 7:30 p.m.

LOU 16 23 13 23 — 75

BAL 14 23 12 15 — 64

LOUISBURG (3-4): Michael Seuferling 12-18 3-5 29; Maverick Rockers 8-13 1-1 21; Mack Newell 7-7 0-0 14; Isaac Guetterman 3-6 0-0 7; Luke Hill 0-0 2-2 2; Hunter Rogers 0-0 2-2 2. Totals: 30-50 8-13 75. 3-point field goals: 7, (Rockers 4, Seuferling 2, Guetterman)

Louisburg junior Emma Lohse drives around the Baldwin defense thanks to a screen from teammate Jordan Mynsted on Friday in Louisburg.

A month ago, Baldwin and Louisburg found themselves in a tight game going into the fourth quarter.

Fast forward to last Friday, the Bulldogs and Wildcats found themselves in almost the exact situation. Unfortunately for Louisburg, history repeated itself as Baldwin went on a big fourth quarter run.

Baldwin outscored Louisburg by 10 in the final frame and handed the Lady Cats a 45-36 setback at Louisburg High School.

“This was a tough loss for us,” Louisburg coach Adrianne Lane said. “I felt like we played hard, but again we had a hard time finishing and getting our offense going.”

Louisburg (4-3) took a one-point lead going into the fourth quarter after holding the Bulldogs to just four points in the third.

Baldwin, however, went on an 11-0 run in the quarter, including several opportunities at the free-throw line to put the game away.

“Our defense has been super strong and consistent this season,” Lane said. “I felt like we did a great job pressuring Baldwin throughout the game, and we did a great job rebounding defensively. 

“Baldwin is such a fast team, the pace of the game sped us up offensively and we had a hard time finishing at that speed.”

The Bulldogs went to the free-throw line 34 times on the night and converted 23 of those attempts. The Lady Cats, on the other hand, went to the line just 11 times.

Louisburg junior Emma Prettyman was a factor on the inside for the Lady Cats as she finished with 11 points and eight rebounds, and also had three steals.

“I thought Emma Prettyman had a great game on both sides of the ball,” Lane said. “She did a great job defending and rebounding, and she worked hard on offense to get to the basket.”

Another junior, Adyson Ross, finished with nine points, five rebounds and three steals. Senior Jordan Mynsted was second on the team in rebounding with six.

Although the Lady Cats have shot under 30 percent from the floor in both of their games in 2022, Lane hopes things will turn the corner for them beginning tonight when they host Shawnee Mission South.

“The girls are ready to play tonight,” Lane said. “We are going to try a few new things so hopefully we can find our rhythm offensively.”

LOU 10 10 7 9 — 36

BAL 10 12 4 19 — 45

LOUISBURG (4-3): Emma Prettyman 2-7 7-8 11; Adyson Ross 4-10 1-2 9; Ava Baker 2-7 0-0 5; Jordan Mynsted 2-6 0-0 4; Emma Lohse 1-1 0-0 3; Brianne Kuhlman 1-3 0-1 2; Delaney Wright 1-10 0-0 2. Totals: 13-46 8-11 45. 3-point field goals: 2, (Lohse, Baker)

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)