Following an 8-1 regular season, the Turner Golden Bears lost a heartbreaking postseason game to Shawnee Heights in the first round.

However, optimism around the program continues the grow and expectations are high entering this campaign.

While the Golden Bears lose key members off that squad, some nice pieces will be inserted into the lineup in what hopefully will be another winning season for Turner. 

"I expect us to be very good defensively with many players back from last year," said Allen Terrell, head coach at Turner. "Offensively, we have some explosive players stepping up that just need some Friday night experience."

One of those guys who will have to step up is running back Deandre Walters. Walters will take over for Rashon Thames, who ran for 1,770 yards last season for Turner.

Terrell believes Walters, although lacking the vision and patience of Thames, will not allow Turner's running game to miss a beat.

"He's a great athlete and is just quick," he said.

Walters will have significant help around him. Junior quarterback Nick Bloomer is back and is looking sharp. Bloomer has started at quarterback since a freshman.

Up front, the Bears lose three from their offensive line and there are still position battles underway at offensive line and wide receiver. But the two remaining starters from last year are Jake Rhodes and Phil Chappell, who are both receiving significant recruiting attention.

Defensively, defensive back Eric Haygood and linebackers Demetrius McDaniel and Laron Mitchell are expected to lead the defense.

Like last year, Turner should be in the thick of the Kaw Valley League race.

"The Kaw Valley league is always tough," Terrell said. "It will be interesting to see how it shakes out this year with almost everyone playing each other."

After an 8-2 campaign last year and increasing turnout numbers this year, big things are happening for the Turner Golden Bears football team.

Two of the biggest are on this year's starting offensive line: Jake Rhodes and Phillip Chappell.

Both seniors, Rhodes and Chappell anchor an offensive line that resembles a starting lineup in basketball height wise: Each starter is at least 6-1.

Rhodes himself is 6-7. Chappell, although "only" 6-3, is currently the state's weightlifting champion.

"These two guys just bring physical play to our football team," said Allen Terrell, head coach of the Golden Bears. "Jake is just a ferocious football player and he's very physical. Phillip is physical and is probably a better athlete at his size."

There's no cute nicknames associated with the offensive line – just a style of play.

"We call it 'fasty,'" Chappell said.

Fasty is combination of the words fast and nasty, two words associated with any good offensive line.

"Our mission each game is to just dominate," Rhodes said.

Both Rhodes and Chappell have earned considerable attention on the recruiting trail. Rhodes, in particular, is receiving attention from Division 1 programs.

"Jake is getting a lot of attention for his play and for being a great student," Terrell said. "He has a 3.8 GPA. I've spoken with all the area Big 12 schools and the service academies have called interested in Jake."

Chappell, who only took up football about two years ago, is still considered a raw project, Terrell said.

"Phil will have his pick of a good junior college," he said. "He needs more time to groom."

But….

"I never say this, but both of them have play on Sunday skills," Terrell said. "They have God-given ability to play for a long time."

As far as the recruiting attention, both Chappell and Rhodes have enjoyed it.

"It's been fun," Chappell said. "Everyone is beginning to know about Turner and our team."

"The process has been really interesting," Rhodes said. "I've been nervous at times. I would be the first person in my family to go to college."

On Friday nights, they wear the same gold helmets and black jerseys.

However, Monday through Thursday, Rhodes and Chappell often practice against each other, as they play both sides of the ball. Like their coach, they each think highly of each other.

"Jake is the best lineman in the State of Kansas," Chappell said. "He's just nasty."

"I hate practicing against Phil," Rhodes said. "He's tough to beat."

Rhodes, Chappell and the rest of the Golden Bears open up the season Sept. 3 against Blue Valley on the road. The goal for Rhodes this year is simple.

"11 and 0 and a state championship."

PHOTO: Phillip Chappell and Jake Rhodes lead an impressive offensive line for the Turner Golden Bears.

Both the Turner Golden Bears and Washington Wildcats were among several schools that held their open scrimmages today.

I've posted photo galleries from both scrimmages in "Sports."

• Turner Golden Bears photos
  
• Washington Wildcats photos

(If you have photos from other scrimmages, I'll be glad to run them. I'm only one man so I couldn't hit every single one. I'll be posting photos from practices all next week)

The Turner Golden Bears held their scrimmage this afternoon. Here are some photos from the game.

Kansas CIty, Kan.'s, hottest day of the year isn't keeping new Washington High School football coach Brandon Corbin from working.

Corbin and his new team are holding their training camp this week at the school.

"This week had to be the hottest of the year," Corbin joked.

Last spring, Corbin was hired at Washington following a very rough 1-8 season for the Wildcats. Corbin and his staff are working to make last year a distant memory.

"Last year was kind of last year," he said. "We're emphasizing a same book different chapter type of thing. It's always Washington football but we're on a new page."

Corbin first met with his new team in May. Immediately, the effort to "win hearts and minds" began.

"I asked the team how many games this team and family lost," he said. "They caught on what we were trying to say. But the bad thing is we haven't won any games, either."

Corbin's been a career assistant coach, coaching at various cities such as Manhattan (where he coached against Kansas State legend Darren Sproles in a state title game), Shawnee Mission and Turner.

The past three years, Corbin's been a part of Turner head coach Allen Terrell's staff, helping establish Turner as the top football team in Wyandotte County last year.

"Coach Terrell has a 'just get it done' mentality," he said. "Kids only make excuses for a year. After that, they just don't. We start holding kids accountable. They get so much better and so much closer."

While he's never coached in the Kansas City, Kan., League, Corbin has a good identification and adequate knowledge of the league.

Corbin's Golden Bears team has played Harmon and Wyandotte the past three years in regionals and Sumner Academy the past two seasons.

"What's ironic is I've actually never coached against Washington at any level ever," he said. "Not even a freshman game. I've coached against every other team. That definitely helps. I'm not coming into it cold."

As far as early impressions of the league, Corbin expects improvement across the board.

"From what I can tell everyone's going to be better than last year," he said. "I think the water-line is getting closer to the top. That's good for the district and city."

Washington begins its journey in week one at Harmon, who defeated them 20-0 last year.

PHOTO: New head coach Brandon Corbin instructs some of his defensive starters during Washington High School's football training camp this week.

Turner baseball's versatile star found a college home this afternoon.

Bret Stratton, who played second base, third base and catcher with the Golden Bears the past three seasons, signed with Ottawa University.

Stratton, a three-year starter for the Golden Bears baseball team, signed his letter of intent today at Turner High School.

Although a three-year starter, Stratton's breakout season came last year as a junior when he hit over .400 and was selected to the First Team All Kaw Valley League.

He helped lead the Golden Bears to state and one of their best seasons ever.

"Last year I was confident at the plate and confident in the field," Stratton said. "Hopefully I'll make Ottawa a better team and fight for a varsity spot early on."

Stratton played second base his sophomore year, catcher in his junior year and third base this past season.

Turner head baseball coach Dustin Jamison said Ottawa is getting a winner.

"Bret's a guy who leads by example," Jamison said. "He's a kid with good skills and a passion for the game of baseball. Most importantly, he's a great student who makes good choices."

Ottawa head coach Joe Reed, on hand for the signing with the Turner baseball team, is excited to have Stratton in the fold.

"Three years ago I took over the program, which was in disarray," he said. "We needed to bring in special players and quality guys. Bret's the total package for us."

Reed expects Stratton to get some at bats next year on both the varsity and junior varsity team. Reed said Stratton will see playing time at both catcher and third base.

"We hope he can compete for the position behind the dish," Reed said. "He'll split time between the two positions."

TOP PHOTO: Turner's Bret Stratton (sitting, middle) signed a letter of intent this afternoon with Ottawa University. He was joined by his parents, Turner head coach Dustin Jamison, Ottawa head coach Joe Reed and Turner assistant coach George Walden.

LEFT PHOTO: Stratton signs the letter.

RIGHT PHOTO: The letter.

Here are the state qualifiers in track and field from Wyandotte County's six 5A schools. The 4A qualifiers will be posted later.

BONNER SPRINGS (6)

• Ballou, 3200 Relay (B)
• Bonner Springs team, 400 Relay (B)
• Bonner Springs team, 1600 Relay (B)
• Carver, Long Jump (B)
• Barren, Shot put (B)
• Bradley, Discus (G)

HARMON (9)

• Howard, 100 Meter (B)
• Howard, 200 Meter (B)
• Wallace, 110 Hurdles (B)
• Hurado, 300 Hurdles (B)
• Harmon Hawks team, 400 Relay (B)
• Cooper, High Jump (B)
• Zeno, Triple Jump (B)
• Harrington, 400 Relays (G)
• Skelton, 100 Hurdles

SCHLAGLE (10)

• Avery, 200 Meter (B)
• Young, 200 Meter (B)
• Young, 400 Meter (B)
• Avery, 400 Meter (B)
• Stewart, 110 Hurdles (B)
• Stewart, 300 Hurdles (B)
• Schlagle Stallions team, 1600 Relay (B)
• Bettis, 200 Meter (G)
• Schlagle Stallions team, 400 Relay (G)
• Bettis, Triple Jump (G)

TURNER (8)

• Chambers, 3200 (B)
• Brown, 3200 (B)
• Turner Golden Bears team, 400 Relay (B)
• Turner Golden Bears team, 3200 Relay (B)
• Slue, Shot put (B)
• Taylor, Javelin (B)
• Newman-Dart, 100 Hurdles (G)
• Turner Golden Bears team, 1600 Relay (G)

WASHINGTON (4)

• Dawn, 100 Meter (B)
• Pledger, 100 Meter (G)
• Pledger, 100 Hurdle (G)
• Pledger, Long Jump (G)

WYANDOTTE (7)

• Kickendoll, 110 Hurdles (B)
• Hall, High Jump (B)
• Hall, Triple Jump (B)
• Jillian, Discus (B)
• Timms, 100 Meter (G)
• Andrews, 200 Meter (G)
• Timms, 300 Hurdles (G)

Want a shot at a Frank Martin autographed basketball?

That's one of many items available at tomorrow night's Turner Baseball team taco dinner and silent auction, which will be held at the Turner Recreation Center from 4–9 p.m.

A taco dinner, catered by Mi Ranchito, can be purchased by adults for $10 and $5 for children. Included in the meal are three tacos, beans, rice and a drink.

A silent auction will also be held. A Frank Martin autographed basketball, two Kansas Speedway race passes, a Kansas City Royals gift pack with tickets and a two-night stay in Branson, Mo. will be available to bid on.

For more information about the event or donations, call head coach Dustin Jamison at (913) 515-2572.

Last season the Bishop Ward Cyclones and Turner Golden Bears both made their respective state baseball tournaments.

So far this season, it hasn't been smooth sailing.

While Ward 1-1 and Turner is 2-1, both were roughed up this week.

Bishop Ward fell to St. Pius 10-3 at home on Tuesday, while the Turner Golden Bears fell at home 27-3 against Mill Valley.

• Pius 10, Ward 3: The Cyclones jumped out to a 3-0 start, but were unable to hold on to the lead.

RBI singles from Zach Beggs, Michael Golubski and Johnny Tobin in the first inning gave Ward a 3-0 lead.

Slowly, St. Pius began chipping back at the lead. A sacrifice fly for Joe Mazzeffe in the top of the third narrowed Pius' deficit to 3-1.

But in the next inning, St. Pius gained the lead from clutch hitting and poor defense from Ward. Pius scored its first of four runs on two throwing errors by Ward.

A sacrifice fly from Frank DiMaggio tied the game after Ward center-fielder Alex Orel made a terrific diving catch.

Pius' Joey Warner drilled an opposite field two-run homer later in the inning to give Pius its first and final lead.

Over the next three innings, Ward allowed five additional runs.

Freshman pitcher Jon Roblez (pictured at top) took the loss.

• Mill Valley 27, Turner 3: The top of the third inning could be considered one of the worst innings in recent baseball history at Turner High School.

However, it only got worse from there.

Mill Valley scored nine runs on just two hits in the inning. Turner pitchers Derek Truitt (pictured right) and Nick Bloomer walked in a combined four runs, while another Jaguar scored after being hit with the bases loaded.

The biggest blow in the inning came from Mark Biesma, who drove in three on a bases loaded double to left field.

In the top of the fifth inning, Mill Valley scored 15 more runs to increase the margin to 27-3.

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 5A Kansas State Wrestling Tournament was held last weekend and a number of individual wrestlers from Turner High School and Bonner Springs High School placed.

Here they are listed by school and weight –

BONNER SPRINGS:  Caleb Seaton 4th place (119 LB), Jonathan Blackwell 2nd place (130 LB) and Aaron Puckett 4th place (140 LB).

TURNER: James Lohman 5th place (125 LB) and Armando Alcantara 6th place (189 LB).

A list of all state qualifiers from all schools will be posted later.

The Turner Golden Bears girls bowling team finished in second place, good enough to qualify for the state tournament.

The Golden Bears' 2,013 pins were good enough for second, falling behind Lansing's 2,127 and just edging out Sumner Academy's 2,003 pins.

Turner was led by Samantha Leatherbury's 580 series. Shelby Hanna's 515 and Heather McDaniel's 512 pin series also helped the cause, as both scores were good enough to finish in the top ten.

The Washington Wildcats finished fifth in the team competition, while Piper finished tenth and Schlagle finished eleventh.

Kaitlyn Carter for Sumner Academy won the individual series regional with a 614-pin series. Sumner's Santana Reed's 576 series was good enough for third place.

Washington High School's Denise Garcia had a 522 series, finishing in a tie for sixth place.

TEAM RESULTS:

1. Lansing 2,127
2. Turner 2,013
3. Sumner Academy 2,003
4. Bishop Miege 1,783
5. Washington 1,770
6. St. James Academy 1,642
7. St. Thomas Aquinas 1,594
8. Kansas City Christian 1,490
9. Maranatha 1,470
10. Piper 1,299
11. Schlagle 1,251

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.