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

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

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

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

Just look at what was accomplished last year:

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Boys golf qualified for state as a team.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

They certainly did — athletes and coaches alike.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALL-FRONTIER LEAGUE BOYS BASKETBALL

First Team

Julian Margrave, Louisburg, junior

Trey Moala, Paola, junior

Jaron Briggs, Piper, junior

Cooper Jones, Spring Hill, senior

Rylee Beach, Tonganoxie, senior

Second Team

Trent Stimac, Bonner Springs, junior

Jaden Hamm, Eudora, sophomore

Weston Guetterman, Louisburg, senior

Noah McCullough, Ottawa, junior

Heston Robbins, Tonganoxie, senior

Honorable Mention

Colby Zimmerman, Baldwin, senior

Jayce Smith, Bonner Springs, junior

Justin Fawcett, Eudora, senior

Ty Abts, Eudora, senior

Ben Guetterman, Louisburg, senior

Jake Titus, Ottawa, sophomore

Bo Robison, Paola, senior

Dilyn Taylor-Cantu, Piper, senior

Jamie Tyson, Piper, senior

Ryan Weber, Spring Hill, senior

Blake Poje, Tonganoxie, senior

Dallas Bond, Tonganoxie, senior

Andrew Wilson, Tonganoxie, junior

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOU 13 10 6 11 — 40

BM 27 21 22 24 — 94

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

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

Konnor Vohs, Senior, Boys Basketball

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

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

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

Previous winners:

Week 1: Jordan Mynsted

Week 2: Julian Margrave

Week 3: Alec Younggren

Week 4: Megan Foote

Week 5: Madilyn Melton

Week 6: Michael Seuferling

Week 7: Cade Holtzen

Week 8: Ryan Owens

Week 9: Aiden Barker

Week 10: Weston Guetterman

Week 11: Alyse Moore

Weel 12: Ben Guetterman

The Louisburg 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)