While teams across the Kansas City-Atchison League have improved, expect the two-time defending league champion Sumner Academy Sabres to make it three.

It will be a tougher road for the Sabres this year, but five reasons why they should be considered the favorite to win the league.

• An experienced, athletic quarterback: Sumner Academy is the only team in the league that returns an experienced quarterback like Armand Brisbane (pictured). Brisbane has set school records, including yards and touchdowns. While he did make some mistakes last year as a younger quarterback, Brisbane can create opportunities for his team with both his arm and his legs. Entering the season, Sumner has the best and most experienced quarterback, which is kind of important for high school football.

• Matchup problems on the outside: The KCAL has great talent at the wide receive position. However, it's tough to match the size the Sabres bring. Eli Alexander, Vernon Vaughn and Marcus Allen are all around 6-5 and are good possession receivers and occasional deep ball threats. Those three will create massive problems for league secondaries.

• Benny Parker: Parker is an all around stud in both special teams and running back. If he hits the outside without being touched, there's a good chance he'll remain untouched for 15 to 20 more yards. He's a speed demon. There's also no special teams threat quite like him. He had four returns for touchdowns last year.

• Spread offense: The Sabres have the perfect personnel to run the spread. The spread also does a good job of maximizing the athletes Sumner has. It gets those big receivers on the outside and running lanes can open up quickly for Parker and the running back by committee Sumner may use at points this year. It can also mask the fact Sumner's offensive line only has two returners coming back. Not that a good quality offensive line isn't important. But with the spread, the 1992 Dallas Cowboys offensive line isn't exactly needed.

• History: For the past two years, Sumner's made it a routine to take it to their league rivals. Last year, Sumner outscored its league competition 136-35 in four games. As mentioned earlier, the league's improved. But I'm not sure its 101 points improved.
Sumner's number one.

How about numbers two through six? Very tough to rank, particularly the bottom four.

2. Harmon: The buzz this summer concerning football is around Harmon. Just 2-7 last year, another season of improvement is expected for Calvin Davenport's bunch. Herman Ming is a program transforming player and will make a big impact for the Hawks. Last year Harmon had the league's best defense. Will they be good enough this year to make a run at league? They'll be better, but not quite as good as Sumner. Their showdown September 10 could be the KCAL game of the year.

3. Schlagle: It's fitting the Stallions and Wildcats – two bitter rivals – are almost mirror images of each other. Both have a tough defense, both have decent size and both require consistency from a new starting quarterback. I like Schlagle to edge their rivals, barely. A system's in place at Schlagle with a second-year coach, while Washington has a first-year coach. It's close, but I like Schlagle to finish in the top three.

4. Washington: There's an energy around the Washington football program that there wasn't last year. The scrimmage the school held last Friday night drew a great crowd. However, I think the Wildcats are one year away. They could grow up a little bit this year and they do have some nice talent on defense. I still expect them to win at least three more games than they did last year.

5. Atchison: Admittedly, as someone who lives a few hours away from Atchison, Kan., I know very little about the school and team. They finished 2-7 last year, including a victory over Wyandotte – the only KCK team they played. While Atchison will host a few KCK teams, they struggled last year against smaller schools. I think this year, they'll take a few on the chin because of the unfamiliarity they have of the league. I may be wrong. Again, this is just a gut feeling.

6. Wyandotte: Like Corbin at Washington, it takes a first year coach like Eddie Brown a year to get entrenched at the school. Expect improvement from Wyandotte, but don't expect a league title out of the gate. Dakota Collins and Alex Hamilton will lead the offense.

In a time of deteriorating sportsmanship, increasing arrogance, rising selfishness and the occasional scandal in high school sports, we need reminders of how great high school athletics can truly be.

One of those reminders can be found in downtown Kansas City, Kan., in the form of 6-5 Sumner Academy wide receiver Eli Alexander.

Alexander is entering his final year at Sumner Academy and has started three years in both basketball and football.

In just three years, Alexander has been part of several important moments in Sumner Academy sports history.

Still, he remains humble.

"He's one of those kids who's in it for everyone but himself," said Todd Wassman, head football coach of the Sabres. "We all wish he would be more selfish sometimes on the field."

Alexander has been instrumental in the renaissance of Sumner Academy's football program and was a key player to Sumner's state championship in basketball last spring.

During his sophomore year on the field, Alexander single-handedly won the Kansas City, Kan., League for the Sabres against Schlagle. Sumner was down big in the second half, but because of Alexander – not out.

Alexander grabbed four touchdowns, rallying Sumner to a league-clinching victory on the road.

In that same sophomore year, Alexander set a new school record for touchdown receptions.

Instead of looking at his numbers, Alexander chooses to look at the team.

"I've been proud of being a leader here for three years," he said. "Our team has won a lot of games and it's been really exciting to be a part of it."

Wassman, who also coaches Alexander in basketball as the school's assistant varsity coach, said Alexander's decisions after his super sophomore season were more impressive.

"When we inherited Benny (Parker), Armand (Brisbane), Marcus Allen and other players before his junior year, Eli took a back seat for team success," Wassman said. "He's the most humble kid and most unselfish kid I've coached."

T.J. Wynn, a three-year starter for Sumner's secondary and fellow basketball player, said Alexander's been a great teammate in both sports. 

"Eli's a great teammate and he works hard," Wynn said. "He likes to have fun and with his attitude, he can do anything."

Alexander dedicated his summer to the two things he loves most – the hard court and the gridiron.

"I just loving playing both basketball and football," he said. "This summer I played AAU basketball but I had to get into football mode quick. You have to work hard in football. I just love them both."

After his high school time is done, Alexander hopes to continue a career in sports, or a career involving sports.

Still, there's plenty of business left for Alexander at Sumner: Defending two league titles in football and defending a state title in basketball.

Plus, Wassman doesn't want to think of the day Alexander leaves Sumner.

"The day he leaves Sumner will be a real sad one," he said. "It will be hard when you don't see him in the hallways anymore."

Sumner Academy Sabre basketball legend Jeff Hawkins is now a head basketball coach.

Hawkins was announced as the new head coach at Perry-Lecompton over the summer. At just 27 years old, it's Hawkins first career head coaching job.

During his four-year varsity career at Sumner Academy, Hawkins won two state championships in 1998 and 2000 for the Sabres, playing under legendary head coach Randy Springs.

Hawkins averaged nearly 20 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals a game his senior year at Sumner.

In one game, Hawkins had 42 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 9 steals.

Following his career at Sumner, Hawkins played college basketball at the University of Kansas. He played for both Roy Williams and Bill Self.

Hawkins will have his work cut out for him.

Perry-Lecompton finished just 2-18 last year and have not made a state tournament since 1982.

Publisher's Note: Over the course of two weeks, various predictions about the upcoming Kansas City, Kan., high school sports scene will be published. Here's the first.

Entering the 2010-11 high school basketball season, most of the schools within the Kansas City-Atchison League will lose at least one of its best basketball stars.

Sumner Academy loses Reese Holliday, Davonte Chaney and Anthony White; Harmon loses De'Ontae Hooks and James Davenport; Schlagle loses Darius Hill and of course Wyandotte loses Trinity Hall.

These seniors graduating have led some to believe the KCAL will take a step back on the basketball scene.

I'm not one of them.

It took 10 years for multiple league teams to make the state tournament in the same year, as Sumner Academy and Washington did so last year.

The next wait will be just one year.

Here's why.

1. On paper, Washington is one of the most talented teams in Kansas City. Things can go wrong, but the Wildcats are in great position to make a second straight state tournament. Tra'Vaughn White, Kalen Allen and the Hibler twins lead a talented group of seniors. The school had one of the deepest and best freshman teams in the metro and I hear more talent could be on the way.

2. Talent remains at Sumner Academy and Harmon. Both the Sabres and Hawks featured two of the better junior varsity teams last year and overall program depth is still solid enough to make a state run. Benny Parker will lead the younger Sabres into battle this year. Parker was instrumental in the Sabres' state title run last year. Jauan Wilson figures to be Harmon's only senior, but he's good enough to will the Hawks to a state birth. Watching both of those players the past two years, a lot of money could be lost betting against either one of them. Parker's arguably the best college prospect in Wyandotte County and Wilson's leadership and determination helped save a basketball program.

3. 5A basketball will take a step back. One thing that will help Harmon, Washington, Wyandotte and Schlagle (Sumner is 4A) is the fact that 5A basketball will be "down" in Kansas next year. There are question marks at Bishop Miege, Highland Park and Gardner-Edgerton – three of the best 5A teams outside of Wyandotte County. That will certainly help KCK's teams.

4. Schlagle's underrated. If the Stallions' summer roster remains the same as it, there's enough talent there to make a run. Rozell Nunn's as good as there is for Schlagle. He can do just about anything. B.J. Saunders and LaRay Young complete an impressive three-headed monster.

5. A good league makes everyone better. A strong, healthy (then) KCK League was one of the many reasons why Sumner won the state title and Washington advanced to state. Playing successful teams like those in the league and in extremely tough environments at the beautiful Shublom Gym at Wyandotte and the hornet's nest that is Washington helps teams prepare for a sub-state run. Of course, you probably won't hear too many fans, players and coaches admit that publicly.

6. Anything can happen. Yes, this is a cliche. But I saw it almost happen two years ago with Wyandotte. After the Bulldogs struggled during the regular season, they upset Harmon on a buzzer beater in regionals and they were two putrid officiating calls away against St. Thomas Aquinas from winning that game. Seriously, I'm pretty sure the Three Blind Mice officiated that game. Regardless, the point is upsets happen.

Whether it be by skill or dumb luck, I think expecting two KCAL teams making the boys basketball state tournament isn't too much of a wild guess or expectation.

Talent is definitely there. Coaching is there. And support is there.

If you need help, the correct answer is Randy Springs.

"Who are the Spartans? We are the Spartans.

What kind of Spartans?

THE MIGHTY, MIGHTY SPARTANS!"

Prior to Sumner Academy becoming the college preparatory school it is now, it was once known as Sumner High School.

The school was an African American only school prior to a court-orderd desegregation in Kansas in 1978.

Back then, instead of the Sabres, they were known as the Spartans.

Sumner Academy is currently working on a project inside the school to honor those who attended Sumner High School. An alumni room is being built inside and a Spartan is painted on a hallway floor.

Having talked to those associated with the project – most notably current Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education member Brenda Jones – I've grown more appreciation for the previous history of the school I graduated from in 2003.

While the efforts to honor Sumner High School are notable, it's time to take it one step further: Let's go back to the Spartans and drop the Sabres name.

It doesn't have to be right away.

There are budget concerns and funding a new mascot change, which would require new jerseys and colors, should not be a priority right now.

However, the next time new jerseys are ordered, the Sabres need to exchange silver and blue back to the orange and black.

Reasons:

• The mascot name itself. What's better – possibly the greatest historic warrior in the Spartan or a silly name for a sword? Give me the Spartans. A quick quiz. Which one doesn't belong: The Sabres, Hawks, Bulldogs, Stallions or Wildcats? The correct answer is the Sabre, which is the only non-living mascot among the group (unless you count that singing sword in Who Framed Roger Rabbit?). The Spartan trumps the Sabre any day of the week.
• Orange and black. Schlagle already wears blue and yellow. Adding orange and black would add at least add an interesting color scheme to the league. No other team wears orange, although the Harmon basketball team wears black road jerseys.
• The Spartans' own basketball history. Sumner Academy's recent basketball glory isn't the first chapter in the school's basketball program. The Spartans had an undefeated, state title in the 1960s. The Spartans laid the ground work for the Sabres today.
• It's the right thing to do. The alumni room will be an awesome piece of history for former students. However, more can be done. The story of Sumner High School isn't known enough for many in Kansas City, Kan. Bringing back the Spartan mascot would be a great dedication to those students who called Sumner High School home.
• (Selfishly, I wouldn't have to explain the whole answer to "What is a Sabre?" Having attended college at Washburn University, I get the "What's an Ichabod?" question all the time. It would be nice to shave off at least one of these questions.)

With the school year done and the season of high school sports complete, I thought it would be fitting to do a Top 10 list of the biggest sports stories from the 2009-10 school year.

Overall, this season could be classified as a championship season. A number of individuals and three schools won state titles.

There were several important stories to cover this year, but only 10 were chosen.

Here they are:

10. Cole leaves mark at Piper: Danyelle Cole won three track tournaments last weekend and walked away from Piper High School as the best individual performer in 4A Kansas track. Cole signed a full-ride scholarship to Drake University earlier this year.

9. Harmon High School enjoys successful athletic year: Harmon's basketball team, girls soccer team, boys soccer team and baseball team had arguably their best seasons in a couple decades….or ever. The girls soccer team won a school record 13 games; the baseball team finished 14-3 and the boys soccer team was one win away from state. Still, it was the basketball team that generated numerous headlines for the school. The Hawks basketball team finished the season 18-4 and one win away from the state tournament. The Hawks won two season tournaments and was a win away from winning its first league title in over 20 years.

8. Hall signs with local D1 school: After starting three seasons at Wyandotte High School, Bulldog basketball star Trinity Hall won't go too far in continuing his career. Hall signed with the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) this spring. Hall earned a triple-double in his final home game at Wyandotte High School. He's Wyandotte's first Division 1 player in several years.

7. Turner football takes another step: Despite a tough postseason loss to close the season, the Turner Golden Bears football team is quickly establishing itself as Wyandotte County's premier program. The Bears lost just one regular season game – to the eventual Kaw Valley League champion Basehor-Linwood team. They took it to local KCK teams as well. Although they lose some talent, head coach Allen Terrell is developing a great program at the school.

6. Kaw Valley League dominates in baseball, football: The local KVL teams flexed their muscles some during football and baseball. In football, along with Turner's outstanding season, Bishop Ward finished a solid 6-3 behind a strong running game, while Piper's Jasper Sanders led a one-man offensive assault on his school's record books as Piper also finished 6-3. Meanwhile, in baseball, a young Piper team overcame a tough start to finish with a winning record. Although Turner fell back a little bit, they still had their share of success against local teams. And Bishop Ward only won the 4A state tournament.

5. Washington bowling wins state title: In Washington High School's 75-year history, a state title alluded them. That changed this spring as the Wildcats bowling team took home the title in Wichita. The Wildcats were led by James Carter, one of the best individual bowlers in the state. 

4. Washington basketball gets to state: If Wyandotte County had a Cinderella team this year, it was the Wildcats basketball team. Overshadowed this year by Sumner Academy and Harmon during the regular season, the Wildcats played their best basketball at the end of the season. They defeated Harmon to end the regular season and defeated both Lansing and Highland Park on the road to get to state. Tra'Vaughn White was second in the entire state in scoring and he's just a junior.

3. KCKL returns to glory in basketball: In the final year of the Kansas City, Kan., League (It's sadly officially the Kansas City-Atchison League now. Awful.), this year's league basketball race was fun to watch and three teams stood out above the pack. Sumner Academy won the 4A state tournament. Washington made it to state. Under fourth-year head coach Heath Cooper, Harmon is Kansas City's best basketball rebuilding story in ages and both Wyandotte and Schlagle provided challenges to the favorites. It might not remind anyone of the 1960's or even the 1990's, but the KCK League was for real in basketball this season.

2. Sumner Academy wins the state title: A year after falling short, the Sumner Academy Sabres basketball team finished the job this season. Reese Holliday, Eli Alexander and Anthony White put up a dominating rebounding performance in the state tournament in Salina in March. Benny Parker looks to be the next great superstar at Sumner Academy, making clutch shot after clutch shot against Topeka-Haydeen after Sumner's Holliday, Davonte Chaney and Alexander fouled out. It was the school's fourth title in history.

1. Bishop Ward's baseball dynasty reborn: A year after finishing fourth in the 4A baseball tournament, the Cyclones finished 10-6 in the regular season and did not appear to be Ward "of the past." However, the Cyclones played their best six games of the season when they needed it most and won their 12th state title. Ward manager Dennis Hurla won his ninth title. Ward's won seven of the past eight titles in Kansas 4A baseball and with four seniors on the team this year, they could be better next year.

PHOTO 1: The BIshop Ward Cyclones baseball team celebrated their 12th state title this season, completing the year 16-6.

PHOTO 2: Wyandotte's Trinity Hall, arguably the KCK League's most complete player, signed a letter of intent this spring with UMKC.

PHOTO 3: Washington High School's bowling team won the first state championship in the school's 75-year history.

PHOTO 4: Harmon's De'Ontae Hooks provided the Hawks some thrills in a great 18-4 season.

The Kansas City, Kan., League's baseball teams have all been eliminated from competition in their respective state tournaments.

For KCKL champion and a top-seeded Harmon Hawks team, the fall came hard in the championship game of their regional.

After Herman Ming (pictured) pitched a complete game victory against Wyandotte 13-1, the Hawks were easily eliminated by Mill Valley 14-1 in the title game.

The Jaguars' Ethan Appleby held Harmon's explosive offense at bay throughout the game, limiting the Hawks to just one run in the game.

Harmon finishes the season 14-3, one of the best seasons in Harmon baseball history.

The game was played behind Eisenhower Middle School in KCK.

Before losing to Mill Valley, Harmon defeated Wyandotte for the third time this season. Poncho Amaya's three-run double was the game-clincher.

• Before ending the Hawks' dream of a state title, Mill Valley defeated Washington 7-0, meaning they outscored KCKL competition 21-1. Washington hung in early, trailing just 3-0 after four innings.

• Sumner Academy was blanked by Atchison, a future member of the KCKL. Atchison will take on Bishop Ward Wednesday at 2 p.m.

• Bishop Miege hammered Schlagle 16-0.

Today's 4A state baseball regional game between Bishop Ward and Basehor-Linwood has been postponed until tomorrow.

Rain has pushed back the game, which was scheduled to be played today at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

The game with Basehor is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday. The regional finals will be held on Wednesday.

Other games at CommunityAmerica canceled:

• Sumner Academy vs. Atchison.

• Piper vs. Easton High School.

It should come as no surprise that many boys basketball seniors from the Kansas City, Kan., League are signing letters of intent this month. 

This year's batch of seniors from the league's five schools will be tough to top for a while – that's no disrespect to future classes – it's just a measure of how great this year's group was.

This month has served as a reminder to me on how good the 2009-10 senior class in the league really was.

At Sumner Academy, who won (and earned) the 4A state title this season, Reese Holliday and Davonte Chaney headlined a solid senior class.

Holliday put his place in Sumner history with his dominating performances at the state tournament, while Chaney was a four-year starter who was among the league's two best defenders for the past three seasons.

Along with Holliday and Chaney, senior Anthony White offered key contributions throughout the season and he averaged a double-double in the 4A state tournament, leading a group of Sabre-rebounders who dominated the glass.

Meanwhile, De'Ontae Hooks led a turnaround for the Harmon Hawks.

No player has transformed a KCK basketball program in a while quite like Hooks did for Harmon.

In two years at Harmon, him and fellow seniors James Davenport and Exavier Bass-Brooks earned a 34-9 record after years of losing at the school.

Wyandotte's Trinity Hall represented his school very well on and off the court.

Hall, who had a triple-double in his final game at Wyandotte High School, had a sweet all around game that many in the area did not find out about for a long time.

And quite frankly, many still missed out on Hall.

Schlagle's Darius Hill was always a double-double threat. A quiet leader, Hill often scored 20 points for the Stallions and nearly helped Schlagle upset a handful of teams this year.

While Washington's junior class is very talented, without seniors Deandre Campbell and Deandre Clark, the Wildcats fail to get to state this season.

Next year's class has talent, don't get me wrong.

Washington's Tra'Vaughn White should be the favorite to win the KCKL Player of the Year. Harmon senior Jauan Wilson and Schlagle's senior star Rozell Nunn should also contend for the award.

But next year's seniors have a lot of work to match the accomplishments of this year's group.

Sumner Academy Sabre Reese Holliday, who led his school to a state title this season, signed a letter of intent with the University of Toledo this week.

Holliday averaged 24 points, 11.5 rebounds and 4 assists a game this season. During this year's run to the state championship, he had double-doubles in both the semifinals and the championship game.

"We're very excited that Reese has decided to join us to help build our program," said Tod Kowalczyk, head coach of the Rockets. "Reese is a big, strong guard who possesses a lot of toughness and can score in a variety of ways. We believe he has some tremendous potential, and I can't wait to get the chance to coach him next season."

Reese was selected as the Kansas City, Kan., Legaue's Player of the Year in both his senior and junior years.

He's pictured with his mom LeAndra and his head coach Dan Parra.

A special thanks to Catherine Rice for the photo.

Before moving on to spring sports beginning tomorrow, I thought I would take one last look at the basketball season in the Kansas City, Kan., League and look ahead for next season.

Here are the Top 15 players expected to return back to their respective schools. Of course, transfers can happen or kids may not return for other reasons. 

This list is assuming they will return next season. At the bottom of the list is my all-freshman team.

15. Adrian Goodlow, Wyandotte: Goodlow was a sleeper around the league due to the huge shadow of Trinity Hall. Goodlow has talent and can make shots from the outside. Expect him to take more of a roll for Wyandotte next season.

14. Rakim McCoy, Washington: A sophomore this season, McCoy is already one of the league's best defensive players. He can block shots and grab boards. If his offensive skill set and execution get better, he could be first team league by the time he graduates.

13. Darrin Hawkins, Harmon: Hawkins was among a handful of special sophomores this year for the Hawks. Hawkins swarms on defense and will cause frustration for any player in the league. He may not be flashy, but Hawkins is darn tough and the league will know about him next season.

12. B.J. Saunders, Schlagle: With Darius Hill gone, Saunders will have to pickup some of the scoring lost. He was a nice player at times as a sophomore and the Stallions will look for a nice leap in his ability entering next year. Could he be next year's Tra'Vaughn White? That might be asking too much, but both had similar sophomore seasons.

11. Vernon Vaughn, Sumner Academy: Seeing Sumner's junior varsity team this season, Vaughn stood out quite a bit. He's going to be a great rebounder and has the ability to score in spurts. As a football player, Vaughn has the athleticism to become a dominating player in the league.

10. LaRay Young, Schlagle: Before being injured last season, Young displayed flashes of being a solid player. Having seen him twice before he was hurt, Young has great natural ability to rebound and score points. Young enters next year as a junior. If healthy, Young will make some noise.

9. Myles Hibler, Washington: Hibler was one of the league's most improved players from last season. Hibler was instrumental in Washington's run to the state tournament this season and is developing an overall game that could make a difference in a league mostly void of "big men."

8. Terry Moore, Wyandotte: Moore will enter next year as the go-to-guy with Trinity Hall graduating. Moore is one of the league's more dangerous three-point shooters. In the middle of the season, Moore displayed the ability to get into the lane. With the spotlight on him, Moore could put up some big point numbers next year.

7. Jordan Horn, Harmon: Coming off the bench as a sophomore, Horn was fantastic defensively and will be a special player in this league. Harmon's offensive looked more efficient at times with Horn on the court. While he may not be as dominant as some of the other guards in the league, Horn may be the toughest. He will rarely get rattled on the court.

6. Kalen Allen, Washington: Allen is developing into one of the best players in the league. He will be the best three-point shooter returning to the league next year. Allen starting penetrating a little more and scored more inside as the season ended. Allen could be the key to a long Washington run next season.

5. Eli Alexander, Sumner Academy: One of the best student-athletes you'll come across in the league, Alexander stamped his place on the championship winning team for Sumner late. Alexander was outstanding inside, whether it was rejecting shots or grabbing rebounds. He was ferocious on the boards in Sumner's three-day trip in Salina, Kan. As a senior, Alexander will be better. (Pictured left)

4. Rozell Nunn, Schlagle: Notching a triple-double for the Stallions this season, Nunn will figure to be Schlagle's main piece on a hopefully improved team. Nunn led the Stallions in scoring, rebounding and assists.

3. Jauan Wilson, Harmon: While losing De'Ontae Hooks, James Davenport and other seniors, Wilson is reasons one through five on why you shouldn't write the Hawks off. Wilson will end up being a four-year starter for the Hawks and he could re-write portions of the school's record book. Wilson will lead a batch of younger Hawks next season. Wilson could lead the league in scoring and he is Harmon's unmistakable leader now. As a senior, Wilson has one more opportunity to get over the hump and lead Harmon to a state tournament bid. (Pictured, right)

2. Benny Parker, Sumner Academy: Any question about the Sabres' future with Benny Parker running the show should have been answered at the state tournament. Without Parker, Sumner Academy does not win against Topeka-Hayden. Parker was clutch in that game, scoring 20 points. He might have the best skill-set of anyone in the league. Like Wilson, Parker loses some talent with him. But with a state title in his belt, Parker will add on to his legacy at Sumner Academy.

1. Tra'Vaughn White, Washington: Just a junior this season, White was second in the entire state in scoring and led the Wildcats to an unexpected birth in the Kansas 5A Basketball Tournament. White averaged 26 points, 5.8 assists and about 5 rebounds a game. As a senior, White will only improve more. With Reese Holliday graduating from Sumner Academy, White is far and away the most clutch player in the league. Washington has a puncher's chance against anyone with White in the lineup. (Pictured at top)

ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM

• Michael Carson, Harmon: As I said when I named him the freshman of the year, Carson brought the most impact as a freshman. He could have played more varsity time if Harmon needed him too. Carson will be one of the best big men in the league next season.

• Deon Tripp, Sumner Academy: Tripp's overall game was pretty solid in what I saw of it. He's particularly good at dribble penetration.

• James Jappa, Washington: Jappa had some pretty good games against league rivals Harmon and Sumner Academy this year. He has some solid fundamentals already as a freshman.

• Houston Shackelford, Wyandotte: He didn't see much time at the freshman level because he was needed on varsity. Shackelford looks to have a good ability and will score some points next season. For Wyandotte, improved guard play is important and Shackelford will be one of the biggest pieces to that puzzle.

• JaJuan Taylor, Harmon: Don't let his small stature fool you. This little man can do amazing things with the basketball. His three-point shot has the ability to be awesome and his passing is tremendous already. If his defensive improves, Taylor has the ability to be all-state. The sky is the limit for Taylor.  (Pictured top below the line)

Photo courtesy of Catherine Rice

While it's been one week since the Sumner Academy Sabres earned the 4A state basketball title in Salina, Kan., it's impossible to talk too much about a state title team.

The word that stands out in the first sentence is earned.

In the past five years, no team has made the run Sumner Academy did when it comes to who they played and how they won the state championship.

Looking at all polls dedicated to 4A basketball in Kansas, the Top 6 included Sumner Academy, Basehor-Linwood, Pratt, St. James Academy, Ottawa and Topeka-Hayden – all in some order.

Sumner defeated all five of those teams.

• St. James Academy: The Sabres knocked them off in overtime in the sub-state semifinals. St. James Academy features Clint McCullough, one of the three best players in 4A basketball.

• Basehor-Linwood: In the finals of the sub-state round, the Sabres won a road game at Basehor-Linwood, who many considered the top team in 4A basketball. The Bobcats were also the defending state champs. Sumner overcame a 10-point deficit in doing so.

• Topeka-Hayden: In the opening round of the state tournament, Sumner overcame another deficit to defeat one of the top 4A programs in the state. Hayden handed Sumner its third and final loss last year. This year – not so much.

• Pratt: Pratt was considered the top seed by record at the state tournament. In a close one, Sumner battled and won.

• Ottawa: Ottawa was in the Top 3 in most polls. Sumner made it look easy, grabbing 57 rebounds in the process.

Sumner Academy did not go undefeated. There may not be an NBA type player on the team. But no team went through a grinder like Sumner did this year. These Sabres really earned it this season.

Unlike other levels, there were no upsets. Each time, Sumner played the toughest opponent possible. 

Imagine a team in the NCAA Tournament having to knock three one-seeds along the way for the title.

Because of this state's asinine sub-state system, the Sabres had to knock off the five other toughest and best 4A teams in the state.

It's an accomplishment that might not be seen for a long, long time in high school basketball.

It turns out the Sumner Academy Sabres basketball team will take home another accomplishment from Salina, Kan.

The team was awarded a sportsmanship award from the Kansas State High School Activities Association. Sumner Academy was nominated for a plaque award by the state for sportsmanship during its recent run to the Kansas 4A State title.

The school's basketball team will receive a plaque for the accomplishment, while Sumner's cheerleaders will be awarded medals.

All 96 teams who appeared in various basketball state tournaments were eligible for awards.