Trojan seniors end careers in regionals loss to Herington

Written by Andrew Ottoson Wednesday, 21 May 2008 09:27

HillsboroSoftball-box.jpg The hard reality in post-season play is that opportunity sometimes knocks only once.

The Hillsboro Trojans lost their chance for a big inning at a critical time, and ended their softball season with an 8-3 loss to Hering­ton in the Class 3A regional semi­finals Tuesday at Council Grove. SCORECARD

The turning point came in the sixth inning. In the top half, third-seeded Herington had put the second-seeded Trojans against the ropes with a pair of runs that pushed the Railers’ lead to 7-3.

Hillsboro desperately need a rally, and appeared to be on the way when Taylor Nikkel led off with a single to left, Jenesa Klose scratched out an infield hit and Dianne Sanders walked to load the bases with no one out.

But...

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Trojans finish second at regionals

Written by Andrew Ottoson Wednesday, 21 May 2008 09:18

HillsboroBaseball-box.jpg Tyler Ediger threw a complete game and slugged a home run and two doubles as Hillsboro defeated Halstead 9-3 in the semifinal round of the Class 3A regional tournament at Marion Tuesday.

In the championship game, the Trojans carried a 7-4 lead into the bottom of the fourth inning but could not hold off a rally by Sacred Heart, who went on to win 9-7. SCORECARD

Halstead—Taylor Glassco, Halstead’s leadoff hitter, doubled to start the game and scored on a one-out double by Ryan McKay.

Isaac Leihy turned the momentum around with a diving grab on a sinking line drive to left field.

“Defensively, we made some great plays,” coach Phil Oelke said. “Leihy made two diving catches where he just laid out and came...

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Kunantaev ties for second, Gordon lifts MHS to third

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Wednesday, 21 May 2008 09:14

Daniel Kunantaev finished third at the Class 3A state golf tournament Monday in Salina.

He carded a 74 to tie Wichita Collegiate’s Andrew Foulston for the second-best score behind Philipsburg’s Jeff Jarvis at 70.

As a team, Hillsboro finished ninth with a total score of 343. Justin Kent shot an 82 to place 24th overall. Also competing for HHS were Daniel Dick (91), Gavin Serene (96), Jake Kenney (101) and Jared King (101).

Luke Gordon shot a 77 to place ninth overall and lead his team to a third-place finish at 325. Also competing for Marion were Jake Bredemeier (79), Keith Jones (90), Landon Leiker (89), Olie Gemfors (89) and Lindsey Hett (97).

Collegiate won the team title with a score of 319.

Celtics-Lakers would be a dream matchup

Written by Andrew Ottoson Wednesday, 21 May 2008 09:02

Watching Boston close out the Cavs was a real treat for my dad, and he and I will probably be watching just about every Celtics game from here on in together.

Just having the opportunity to jabber back and forth with him was a real treat for me. Without my brother around to keep us from jumping off the deep end, there’s no one to keep our running commentary within the realm of the realistic.

Thankfully, he and I aren’t the only ones who make over-the-top observations about professional basketball.

One of the Sports Sunday guys actually compared Rajon Rondo—22 year old Boston Celtics point guard—to Isiah Thomas.

* * *

Before I get lost in that ocean of silliness or drown in a sea of lousy analogies, I should point out the...

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MHS third at league meet

Written by Andrew Ottoson Wednesday, 14 May 2008 15:55

MCAAtrgMtjJacksonP5097885cm.jpg Kalaya Jackson takes the hop that comes before the step en route to a 32-111⁄2 mark in the triple jump Friday the MCAA meet at Smoky Valley. Andrew Ottoson / Free Press

Meet host Smoky Valley ran away with the Mid-Central Activities Association league girls title, edging Hesston 110-1091⁄4 for the top spot Friday.

>Marion’s Mitchell Leppke throws the javelin in regional competition Friday. He placed second with a throw of 160-10. Phyllis Richert photo.


Marion’s girls finished third with 89 points—33 points ahead of fourth-place Hoisington—and the Warriors are peaking at the right time.

“We had a very good day with 26 personal records and...

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