Sumner Academy's 4A State Championship run got me thinking more about the basketball tradition in Kansas City, Kan.

Having traveled around the state the past two years while cover KCK hoops, there's a sense from my gathering that the tradition in KCK is not as appreciated as it should be.

Consider these basketball traditions in KCK and ask yourselves why the city is not as respected as it should be.

• Wyandotte Basketball: Any mention of hoops in KCK needs to be accommodated by talking about Wyandotte Bulldog basketball. If it's not law, it should be. Wyandotte has won 20 state titles, the most by far of any school in the state. They won titles in seven decades during the 20th Century, including an undefeated national championship in 1923. Slackers.

• The greatest high school basketball dynasty ever: Wyandotte was the first high school to win 1,000 games in the United States. Part of that can be attributed to the Walt Shublom Dynasty where Wyandotte went 296-26 over a 14-year period beginning in 1959. That's an obscene winning percentage of 92, if you're counting at home. Shublom, as a head coach, won 10 titles, coached Wyandotte to two undefeated seasons and finished five more years with just one loss. While eras are different, it's tough to imagine another one stacking up like Wyandotte's did from the late 50s to the early 1970s.

• Randy Springs: An argument also be made that Randy Springs is the greatest high school basketball coach in the state's history. Springs is the only coach to win titles at three different schools – and he won two at each of them. Along with winning two titles at Highland Park in Topeka, Kan., Springs won two titles at two KCK schools – Wyandotte and Sumner Academy. His impact at Sumner Academy is still being felt after he built them into one of the city's dominant programs in the mid-1990s.

• Sumner Academy: In the past 14 seasons, Sumner Academy has made 12 trips to the state tournament, whether it be 5A or 4A. The Sabres have won three state titles in the past 12 years and should be classified as a modern day dynasty. From Kelyn Block to Jeff Hawkins to Reese Holliday, Sumner's been a great program for nearly 15 years. Before integrating, Sumner High School also had an undefeated season in 1969 to win the state tournament.

• Schlagle High School: The team of the 1990s was flat out scary at times. The Stallions won titles in 1993 and 1995. They came very close to winning titles in 1999 and 2000. The Stallions' tradition was awesome in the 1990s. Under Chuck Minor, Schlagle was dominant for about a 10-year period.

• Lucius Allen: Allen's the only athlete from Kansas to win a title at all three levels in basketball– high school (Wyandotte), college (UCLA) and NBA (Milwaukee). Allen just might be the best player in Wyandotte history.

• Other NBA Talent: Along with Allen, Earl Watson is currently playing in the NBA. Wyandotte's Larry Drew, Larry Comely, Pierre Russell and Earl Watson also played in the NBA. Victor Williams is currently in the NBA Development League. Local players eventually moved on to play at big colleges like the University of Kansas and UCLA.

• Wyandotte and Washington's gyms: While some gyms in the city have the personality of a morgue, there might not be two better places to play or watch a game than at Wyandotte and Washington. Wyandotte's gym is proof perfection can be possible, while Washington is the loudest gym I've ever been in.

There's a ton of basketball history in KCK. Not enough people know about it, however. Keep this mind – only in KCK a school with four titles (Sumner Academy) pales in comparison to another school (Wyandotte's 20 titles).

This year will hopefully remind fans and followers of Kansas high school basketball about that tradition. Sumner brought home the trophy, Washington appeared in state and Harmon's rebuilding process nearly led it to state this season.

While Sumner Academy is celebrating its fourth state title, next year's season is already on my mind.

Here's a look at some things to watch before and during next year's season in the Kansas City, Kan., League. (Well, excuse me – the Kansas City-Atchison League.)

• Transfers: There's always rumors of players transferring to other schools. This year is no different. Transfers are critical to a team's success or downfall. The most notable transfer in recent memory is when Leo Lyons (then Leo Criswell) transferred from Washington High School to Piper. Although there's not an impact player like that, any transfer could be key. Whether its across state lines or inside the district, transfers can make a huge impact.

• How will Washington adjust to being on the radar?: The Wildcats had a great final month of the season and crashed the dream of a Highland Park-Bishop Miege state game. However, now they'll have everyone's attention. Will they play the role of the (or at least a) favorite well?

• It's Benny Parker's team: Sumner has a lot to replace with Reese Holliday, Davonte Chaney, Anthony White and Justin Strickland graduating. But Parked showed he could be a team leader at the state tournament and nearly single handedly beat Topeka-Hayden.

• While the champs and Harmon both lose seniors, don't write them off: Both Sumner Academy and Harmon have talented to very talented sophomore classes and a few freshman to keep an eye on. Sumner's Vernon Vaughn, Marcus Allen and Falcon brothers will likely join Parker and Eli Alexander on the varsity roster. Meanwhile, don't think the past two years have been flukes at Harmon. A sophomore class consisting of Jordan Horn, Darrin Hawks, Branden Roark, Al Hayes and Terrance Simmons will help pick up the slack for the departing De'Ontae Hooks, James Davenport and Exavier Bass-Brooks. Harmon's freshman of the year Mike Carson has a possibility of starting.

• Speaking of Harmon, Jauan Wilson's "the man.": Although he's been credited with being the team leader since his freshman year, Wilson is the team's lone senior next season and is the unquestionable leader of the team. Wilson has the ability to put his team on his back like Holliday and Washington's Tra'Vaughn White did this year. Will he take a younger group of Hawks to the state tournament? Big things are expected for Wilson, who's considered the "face of the program" by his coaching staff.

• Will perennial powers Wyandotte, Schlagle improve?: It's been a few rough seasons for these teams. Schlagle looks like the better of the two teams, bringing back Rozell Nunn and LaRay Young. Wyandotte will look to fill the (very large) void of Trinity Hall. Terry Moore returns for the Bulldogs.

• How will the freshman classes look?: Every two or three seasons, a freshman class comes along that transforms the league. Four years ago, a class arrived at Sumner Academy that had two guys named Reese Holliday and Davonte Chaney. Since then, they've won a state title, three league titles and several individual awards. The class did pretty well. This past season, Washington can boast pride about having the best freshman. Two years ago, Harmon had its best freshman team ever. There may not be star power in this league next year, but young talent is everywhere.

• Will Washington's junior class from this season take another step?: White, Kalen Allen and the Hibler Twins (Myles and MIchael) were not expected to take Washington to state this season. Entering next year with Wyandotte County's best senior class, will they contend for a state title? Talking to White a few weeks ago, he expects it. As bold as that sounds, he's been pretty accurate so far in his predictions.

• Will Atchison do anything to shakeup the league?: In basketball, it doesn't look probable. The team resembled road kill against their future league opponents this season, most notably getting destroyed at home by both Sumner Academy and Washington. It might take a few seasons for them to contend.

The Washington Wildcats freshman team won the Kansas City Christian Freshman Tournament recently.

The Wildcats defeated the Sumner Academy freshman team in the final round of the tournament.

Meanwhile, the Harmon Hawks freshman team finished in third place in the tournament. All three teams finished with winning records overall.

Here are some photos from the final day of the tournament.

10. Dominance of Washington freshman team: Every few years or so, there are some classes in Wyandotte County that are special. The freshman group at Washington High School has an opportunity to go down as one of the best in recent years. The talent is very deep and just about every piece to the puzzle is there. They defeated fellow Wyandotte County rivals by double figures on a consistent basis. Having seen them in action, this group has a swagger to it as well. They'll be tough as nails to play against the next three years.

9. Harmon snaps Sumner's KCKL streak: The Harmon Hawks handed the Sumner Academy Sabres their first loss in Kansas City, Kan., League play in three years. Entering the game, Sumner had won 23 consecutive games against KCK rivals. Harmon snapped the streak. Sumner since then has rebounded.

8. Close losses haunt Wyandotte: The Wyandotte Bulldogs finished the season 7-14 this year. It could have been a winning season for Wyandotte, but the Bulldogs lost six games by five points or less. A few possessions here or three could have changed the entire season.

7. Injuries do in Schlagle again: With Rozell Nunn coming off a season-ending injury last year, he started the season a bit rusty, but ended with a bang. But during the season, the Stallions lost LaRay Young, the team's third leading scorer and one of the more talented sophomores in Wyandotte County. His loss hit the Stallions hard.

6. Harmon season ends in heartbreak: The Harmon Hawks had a five-point lead late in the fourth quarter and a four-point lead late in the first overtime period in their sub-state final loss to Gardner-Edgerton. However, the Hawks could not quite put the game away and fell short of Topeka, Kan. Harmon finished the season 18-4.

5. Tra'Vaughn White soars: Entering the season, a group of seniors were expected to be the stars of Wyandotte County (see #3 on this list). A younger star threw his name into the hat as the best player in Kansas City, Kan. Washington Wildcats junior guard Tra'Vaughn White was simply sensational this year. Just a junior, White put the entire school on his back and punched a ticket to the 5A state tournament this week in Topeka. White had eight games this season where he scored at least 29 points and he's second in the state in scoring. He averages about 6 assists and 5 rebounds a game.

4. Harmon basketball celebrates best season in 20 years: Disappointing sub-state loss aside, the Harmon Hawks had their best season in 20 years. The Hawks appeared in the school's first ever Hy-Vee Shootout, had a McDonald's All-American in De'Ontae Hooks, won two tournaments during the regular season in Eudora and Coffeyville, snapped Sumner's streak, had its best KCKL record in 20 years and won 13-straight games during the season. Along with Hooks, seniors James Davenport, Exavier Bass-Brooks, Ron Stallings and John Zeno led the team. Junior Jauan Wilson is expected to pick things up quite a bit next year. After two losing seasons to begin his career at Harmon, head coach Heath Cooper appears to have things rolling at Harmon.

3. KCK's best senior class in a long time: Kansas City, Kan., had its best group of seniors in a while. Sumner Academy's Reese Holliday, along with White, is the most clutch player in the city and his performances against Basehor-Linwood and St. James Academy show that. Holliday has been to state three straight seasons. Wyandotte's Trinity Hall is the city's (not KCK – the entire metro area) most underrated player and has a solid, complete game. Harmon's senior class, led by Hooks and Davenport, transformed a program. Hooks was one of the league's best overall players. Sumner's Davonte Chaney turned in another solid year. Schlagle's Darius Hill had a nice senior season to end his Stallion career.

2. Sumner Academy makes third straight state tournament: Sumner Academy won a third consecutive sub-state title this year. Holliday put on one of the most epic performances of any Kansas City area player this season, scoring 27 points and pulling in 16 rebounds against Basehor-Linwood. The Sabres won a thriller in overtime against St. James Academy the night before playing Basehor-Linwood. While this team may not have the style points as last year's team, the 19-4 Sabres are still really, really good and might be better in this sense: this team's on a mission. Winning sub-state wasn' t a big deal for them this year. The trophy presentation was one of the shortest I've seen. Sumner should be considered the favorite at this week's tournament in Salina, Kan. I like their chances a lot.

1. Washington becomes KCK's Cinderella: Not to disrespect the other schools, but Washington's postseason run has been dramatic and unexpected. While White has certainly led the team, others have stepped up. Kalen Allen's a dangerous three-point shooter, Myles Hibler is maturing into one of the better inside players in the league and senior starters Deandre Campbell and Deandre Clark were very key in the team's victory at Highland Park. The Wildcats went through Lansing, a team they lost to in last year's sub-state final. And they then knocked off the three-time defending state champion Highland Park team. Washington's run is one of the best stories in recent KCK hoops history. Having visited the school earlier this week, there is a buzz to it because of the basketball team's success.

With the bigger awards out of the way, here are some of the other Kansas City, Kan., League award winners from The Kansas City Kansan.

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Anthony White, Sumner Academy: While his offensive production won't blow anyone off the charts, White had some timely points for the Sumner Academy Sabres all season long. White's rebounding and defensive presence were key in some important victories for the Sabres, most notably at Washington High School and at Basehor-Linwood during the sub-state championship game. White joined the basketball team this year as a senior and will make his first appearance in the state title game.

COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Rozell Nunn, Schlagle: Coming back from an injury, Nunn scored 15.6 points a game, adding 7 rebounds and 5.6 assists a game for the Schlagle Stallions. Nunn, a junior, will be a contender for the Kansas City, Kan., League Player of the Year next year. He shook off some early rust and scored 32 points in Schlagle's upset bid against Topeka-Seaman at the 5A sub-state tournament.

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER

James Davenport, Harmon: As I wrote in my piece about Harmon's senior class, Davenport doubled his points and doubled his rebounds. He nearly averaged a double-double a game and he starred in some of Harmon's important games. He had 27 points and 22 rebounds against Sumner in the first game between the schools. He had a 19 rebound game against Washington. If Davenport were a junior instead of a senior, he might be one of the three best players in the league next year. Schlagle's Darius Hill, Wyandotte's Terry Moore and Sumner Academy's Justin Strickland were also considered.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Benny Parker, Sumner Academy: Barely edging out his teammate Davonte Chaney, Parker was one of the few players in the city to hold Washington's Tra'Vaughn White at bay – White scored "just" 21 points against Sumner Academy. The 21 points were his second lowest point total. Parker's quick hands resulted in steals this season and his lightning quick. Along with Parker and Chaney, Harmon's De'Ontae Hooks and Washington's Myles Hibler and Rakim McCoy were also considered.

FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR

Mike Carson, Harmon: Watching more freshman basketball this year than ever before, Carson strikes me as the biggest impact player of this year's freshman crop of talent. Carson, who measures around 6-5 already, has skills that can't be taught. He has a great touch, can rebound and block a shot (or five) a game. Carson could be the best player in the entire league within two years. He has an opportunity to hit the KCKL like a hurricane over the next three seasons.

ASSISTANT COACH OF THE YEAR

Brian Everett, Harmon: Along with his varsity duties during Harmon's great 18-4 season, Everett led an undermanned Harmon freshman team (with just six players at times) to an 11-6 record. He was also an assistant on Harmon's junior varsity team, which lost just three games this season. Everett served all three of his school's teams at a high level.

BEST FRESHMAN TEAM

Washington: The younger Wildcats were deep and had their way with Harmon and Sumner Academy multiple times. Beginning next year, no program will be in better shape than Washington's. These young Wildcats will soon make noise at the big level. Harmon's freshman team was the second best, with Sumner finishing third.

BEST JUNIOR VARSITY TEAM

Sumner Academy: The Sabres lost just one league varsity game and have won 27 out of their last 28 KCKL games at the junior varsity level. Harmon's JV team has talent, though.

At every school around the state, each senior class left its own mark this basketball season.

But the mark left by Harmon's senior class of De'Ontae Hooks, James Davenport, Exavier Bass-Brooks, Ron Stallings, John Zeno and Marquise Cooper will not be matched by any class in the school's history.

Sure, there will be no state titles won by this core group of players. Unfortunately, the senior class was unable to get to the final state tournament, losing two sub-state heartbreakers.

However, this senior class achieved something bigger than championships – they helped return credibility back to J.C. Harmon's basketball program.

From 2000-06, Harmon won 8 percent of its games. The past two years, Harmon has won over 76 percent of its games.

Harmon fell 65-60 in a double overtime classic to Gardner-Edgerton last night. For these players, it was their last game in a Hawk uniform.

Late in the game, realizing the likely final result, Hooks buried his head in his jersey. And others teared up the locker-room.

Each player brought something special to the team.

For Hooks, his stay was just two years. During his two years, Hooks battled injuries, but never complained about them or used them as an excuse. After a tough start to the season, there were whispers about Hooks being overrated.

He proved them wrong.

He torched the nets during the school's run in winning the Coffeyville tournament. He scored 40 points against the Schlagle Stallions. And he played on an injured ankle against Sumner Academy on senior night.

Hooks' defense and leadership improved greatly from his junior year. He became a McDonald's All American candidate and he was one of the most toughest players in the league.

Speaking of improvement, Davenport was the most improved player in the Kansas City, Kan., League this year. Averaging just 6 points and 5 rebounds last year, Davenport averaged about 12 points and 10 rebounds this season, basically doubling his production.

He proved to be a solid defensive player as well.

Bass-Brooks, according to head coach Heath Cooper, played his best game as a Hawk during Harmon's victory against Sumner Academy earlier this season. Bass-Brooks left Sumner in an effort to "go down in history" and he provided a hand in bringing Harmon back.

Stallings, Zeno and Cooper all saw action this year.

Stallings and Zeno rotated starting positions during the year and both brought high energy and contributed to Harmon's offense.

Both Stallings and Zeno stuck with Harmon even through its lean years. Both were a part of winning teams as they went out. Both deserved to be on great teams.

On paper, Harmon's Class of 2010 may not be the most talented senior class in Wyandotte County, let alone the state.

But it might have been the most important in 2010.

Should Harmon go on to make multiple state appearances, these six players consisting of this senior class should always be considered a reason why.

Hooks, Davenport, Bass-Brooks, Stallings, Zeno and Cooper all came to Harmon through different paths.

Hooks returned from Houston, Texas to help his family. Bass-Brooks wanted a shot. Davenport just simply wanted a team to play for. Stallings, Zeno and Cooper were homegrown Hawks.

But through different paths, the class united together and saved Harmon basketball, along with a motivated and solid coaching staff. Without this class, future success at Harmon would be impossible.

Friday was a bitterly disappointing night for these players. Someday, hopefully they'll realize they brought something more important than a title to Harmon basketball.

They brought hope to the school. And they laid a foundation for the future.

PHOTOS: De'Ontae Hooks, James Davenport, Exavier Bass-Brooks, Ron Stallings, John Zeno and Marquise Cooper.

Despite coming into the game with an 18-3 record, the Harmon Hawks had some flaws, according to head coach Heath Cooper.

Those flaws reared their ugly heads when it mattered most.

In a game that matched arguably the two hottest teams in the State of Kansas (not named Bishop Miege), Gardner-Edgerton upended the Hawks in double overtime 65-60.

De'Ontae Hooks led the Hawks with 17 points, while James Davenport scored 15 for Harmon in what was the last game for both of Harmon's stars.

Early on, it appeared the Hawks would fly away from Gardner. Behind six quick points from Davenport, the Hawks built a 12-4 lead.

Enter flaw one: Not being able to put teams away.

"We always had an issue with putting games away and putting the foot on the throat," Cooper said.

The Hawks have lost leads this season, but always overcame the flaw eventually to win the game. Not tonight.

Behind Conner Langrehr's 19 points, Bubba Starling's 14 points and Dexter Newsome's 10, Gardner fought back each time Harmon extended its lead.

Gardner went on a 17-3 run from the middle of the first quarter to the early in the second quarter to build a six-point lead. The Hawks responded, but still trailed 27-25 at the half.

The Hawks came out with a mission to begin the second, scoring the first 10 points out of the gate.

John Zeno scored four of his six points during the run.

"I was really proud of the run there," Cooper said. "It was about the first time we've played great defense all year long."

But again, Gardner came back.

Gardner quickly narrowed Harmon's led to two points at 35-33. A Davenport bucket gave Harmon a 41-36 lead midway through the fourth quarter.

Gardner then went on a 10-3 run to take a two-point lead.

Still, Gardner would not have been within striking distance if not for two more of Harmon's flaws – free throw shooting and missed shots inside the paint.

"We estimated that we missed around 22 to 25 lay-ups and easy opportunities," Cooper said. "You can't do that."

Coming into the game, Harmon shot around 57 percent from the free-throw line. In the second half and overtime periods, Harmon shot 8-22 from the line.

The game was still within reach for Harmon. After Hooks tied the game with a beautiful floater at 46, Harmon had an opportunity to win the game. But Wilson missed a makable shot inside the paint, sending the game to overtime.

Again, Harmon appeared poised to take control of the game early in the first overtime. Davenport opened the first overtime with a dunk. With 1:39 left in the first overtime, a Hooks three-pointer extended Harmon's lead to 54-50.

But Newsome tied the game with 26 seconds left.

A poor offensive position for Harmon sent the game into a second overtime.

From there, Gardner took control.

Gardner opened the second overtime on a 7-2 run. Two Jordan Horn free throws brought the game to within two points. After a steal, Hooks failed to convert on a layup opportunity, being forced to adjust his shot in midair.

"It was a good year, but tonight I'm disappointed," Cooper said. "We hurt ourselves. Tomorrow I'll be proud of our season and what we accomplished."

Harmon finishes the season 18-4.

The Harmon Hawks were eliminated in double overtime tonight by Gardner, while the Sumner Academy Sabres advanced to the finals of the Kansas 4A Sub-State bracket in Basehor-Linwood.

Sumner prevailed 60-54 against St. James Academy, while the Hawks failed to make their first state tournament in 20 years.

Gardner defeated Harmon 65-60 in two overtimes.

FULL RECAPS SOON.

The three remaining local boys basketball teams in the postseason tournaments will look to move on to the next round.

• The Sumner Academy Sabres, 17-4, will take on the St. James Academy Thunder tonight at 6 p.m. The game will be held at Basehor-Linwood High School, with the tip coming at 6 p.m. The Sabres defeated the Thunder in last year's sub-state final game in Eudora. Sumner's led by Reese Holliday, Benny Parker and Davonte Chaney. St. James Academy is led by super sophomore Clint McCullough. The winner takes on the victor in the Basehor-Eudora game in the 4A sub-state final Saturday night.

• The Harmon Hawks look to punch their ticket to the 5A state tournament Friday night at Bishop Miege High School. Entering the game 18-3, Harmon has not been to the state tournament in 20 seasons. Awaiting them is a significant challenge – the 17-4 squad from Gardner-Edgerton. After being hurt last week, De'Ontae Hooks is back for Harmon. Hooks scored 28 points in Wednesday's first round victory. Jauan Wilson, Exavier Bass-Brooks and James Davenport provide Hooks an impressive cast. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

• Perhaps the biggest challenge for a local team comes at the doorstep of the Washington Wildcats. Washington will travel to Topeka, Kan., Friday night to take on the three-time defending 5A state champs from Highland Park. Led by Kansas City Kansan Player of the Year Tra'Vaughn White, the Wildcats prevailed on the road Wednesday night against Lansing. Kalen Allen and Myles Hibler look to provide the Wildcats a boost. Tip is set for 7:45 p.m. at Highland Park in Topeka, Kan.

All five girls basketball teams from the Kansas City, Kan., League lost Thursday night in postseason action.

• Harmon, with 11 points from Sara Dominguez, was unable to do much against Bishop Miege. Miege, the defending girls basketball champions at the level, jumped out to a 25-4 lead. They led 44-10 at the half. Miege won the game 74-19.

• Like the boys team, the Wyandotte girls team had their season ended by Gardner-Edgerton High School. Wyandotte was led by Royce Shields' 9 points in the 60-13 defeat. The Bulldogs scored just six points in the first half, trailing 32-6.

• A tough second half for the Schlagle Lady Stallions ended their state run in the first round. Schlagle was defeated 52-33 by Highland Park. After trailing 20-18 at the half, Highland Park outscored Schlagle 20-8 in the third quarter. The Stallions were led by Paris Johnson's 13 points. Erin Copeland scored nine.

• Topeka Seaman knocked out Washington 64-19. The Wildcats, led by Marisha Henderson's 14 points, trailed early and often. Topeka Seaman led 23-2 after the first quarter and led 37-5 at halftime.

• Sumner Academy, after defeating Piper in the first round of the 4A sub-state playoffs, fell to Baldwin 51-46 at Basehor-Linwood.

De'Ontae Hooks' 28 points led the Harmon Hawks past the Turner Golden Bears 86-56 Wednesday night.

Here's a photo gallery from the game between the KCK schools.

Harmon has an opportunity to advance to its first state tournament in 20 years. They play Gardner at Bishop Miege at 5:30 p.m. Harmon enters 18-3, while Gardner is 17-4 on the season.

Welcome back, De'Ontae Hooks.

A week after it looked like his career was over at J.C. Harmon High School, Hooks played one of his best games as a Hawk.

Harmon prevailed over Turner 86-56, knocking off the Golden Bears for a second time this season – and most importantly – advancing to the next round of the Kansas 5A Basketball Tournament.

"This puts the Wyandotte game rest," said Heath Cooper, head coach of the Hawks.

That Wyandotte game was last year when the Bulldogs defeated Harmon at the buzzer in the first round. Early on, shaky Harmon defense kept Turner in it and made another upset seem possible.

The Bears gained the lead three times in a back and forth first quarter, with Harmon eventually taking a three-point lead out of the quarter.

Up 22-20, Hooks got going in a big way.

Hooks scored the next 11 points for Harmon, helping the Hawks extend the lead to 33-24. A three-pointer by Hooks near the end of the Half gave Harmon its biggest lead at 46-31 – the halftime score.

In the game, Hooks drilled six three-pointers and had 28 points overall.

"My teammates helped out in getting me open," Hooks said. "I was able to get some some good looks and I knocked them down."

Like Cooper, Wyandotte was on the mind.

"We have been talking about that game forever," Hooks said.

Hooks did not play last Friday at Washington and many at Harmon thought his career was over due to an injured ankle.

Not so fast.

"I thought I was finished at Harmon," Hooks said.

Meanwhile, his coach is happy his career will last at least one more game.

"I didn't see his ankle hold him back too much tonight," Cooper said. "He was fantastic tonight. His burst of points in the second quarter helped win the game."

Stepping up with Hooks were Jauan Wilson and Exavier Bass-Brooks. Wilson scored 14 points, while Bass-Brooks hit a smooth 12 points, including two three-pointers.

Chuck O'Neal's 15 points led Turner. Isaiah Thomas scored 10 for the Golden Bears.

Harmon will take on Gardner Friday night at Bishop Miege.

The game plan? More of the same on offense, but better defense.

"I thought we were really aggressive tonight on offense," Cooper said. "We need to get as aggressive on defense."

PICTURED TOP: De'Ontae Hooks exploded for 28 points one game after it looked like his career was over.

PICTURED RIGHT: Harmon's Heath Cooper coaches against Turner's Rich Sula.

Two Wyandotte County teams advanced into the next round of the Kansas 5A Basketball Tournament, while three were sent home.

Harmon handily defeated Turner 86-56. They will play Gardner, who knocked off Wyandotte 92-79.

The most impressive win for a local team tonight came in Lansing, Kan., as the Washington Wildcats pulled a mild upset over Lansing. Washington was knocked out of the tournament last year in the same gym. Washington prevailed 64-53.

Meanwhile, Schlagle suffered a heartbreaking one-point defeat in the final seconds against Topeka-Seaman.

FULL RECAPS SOON.

The Washington Wildcats defeated the Harmon Hawks last Friday to prevent Harmon from winning a share of the Kansas City, Kan., League title.

Here's a photo gallery from that game.

Three Wyandotte County teams will appear in the Bishop Miege bracket.

And the good news – neither of them will have to go through the 20-0 Bishop Miege Stags to get to state.

Harmon, Turner and Wyandotte will be in the B Bracket.

Harmon, coming into the bracket, is the #2 seed with a 17-3 record. They will play the Turner Golden Bears, the #7 seed who will come in with a 7-13 record. The game will be played this Wednesday night at J.C. Harmon High School at 7 p.m.

The game is a rematch from the first round of the Eudora Invitational, one which Harmon won 71-57 in a game where Harmon built a 30-point lead early.

Harmon appears to be the favorite entering the game, but the Hawks may have to overcome an injury to their best player De'Ontae Hooks and a bad memory from last year's state tournament.

The Hawks have a pretty similar type of game from last year, when they played Wyandotte. The Hawks were the two seed, Wyandotte the seventh seed.

After sweeping Wyandotte, the Hawks fell at the buzzer to Jerry Sipple and the Bulldogs.

If Hooks can't go, the load will fall on Jauan Wilson, Exavier Bass-Brooks and James Davenport, who all averaged at least 10 points this season. Turner's led by Chuck O'Neal and Austin Lewis.

Awaiting the winner of the Harmon-Turner grudge match is the winner of the Wyandotte-Gardner game.

Gardner enters the game 16-4, while Wyandotte is 7-13. The Bulldogs "won" a coin flip and will have to travel to Gardner, Kan., for the game.

Last year in the sub-state tournament, the Bulldogs found some magic, upsetting the Hawks and nearly upsetting the heavily favored St. Thomas Aquinas team.

Senior Trinity Hall will look to lead Wyandotte to a similar result.

If Wyandotte wins, an All Wyandotte County affair is guaranteed for the final game in the bracket, set for Friday, March 5 at Bishop Miege.