Andrew Pace
The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) State Basketball Tournament is a highly anticipated annual event, with teams vying for championship glory. In 2024, the Kapaun Mt. Carmel team reached the Class 5A final, securing a dramatic win over Topeka Highland Park. The tournament, often held in March, showcases the best of Kansas' high school basketball talent, with teams battling it out for the coveted title.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 2024 |
| Month | March |
| Date | 9 |
| Day | Saturday |
| Teams | Kapaun Mt. Carmel, Kansas City Piper, Topeka Highland Park, Maize South, KC Piper, Derby, Washburn Rural, Blue Valley North |
| Venue | Emporia |
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What You'll Learn
Kapaun wins 5A final in overtime
The Kapaun Mt. Carmel boys basketball team won the 2025 Class 5A state championship in Kansas, claiming their second consecutive title in a thrilling overtime victory.
The Crusaders, led by legendary coach Steve Eck, faced off against Highland Park in the final game, held at White Auditorium in Emporia. The game was a back-and-forth battle that went down to the wire, with Kapaun ultimately prevailing 58-55 in overtime. This win marked Eck's eighth state championship, solidifying his place as one of the most successful coaches in Kansas high school basketball history.
Kapaun's road to the championship game was not an easy one. In the semifinals, they faced a tough Topeka Highland Park team, where a go-ahead 3-pointer by freshman Blaise Dalian in the final minute of overtime lifted the Crusaders to a dramatic 67-64 victory. The Crusaders had trailed by as many as 10 points in the third quarter, but a strong comeback, led by William Thengvall's game-high 31 points, kept their championship hopes alive.
In the championship game, the Crusaders once again found themselves in a tight contest. The game went into overtime, tied at 55, and Kapaun's resilience and determination shone through as they pulled away for the win. This victory showcased the team's unwavering spirit and the strong bond forged by Coach Eck and his players.
The 2025 Class 5A state championship was a testament to the talent and hard work of the Kapaun Mt. Carmel Crusaders and their coaching staff. Their consecutive titles and overtime victories demonstrated a program built on perseverance and a deep passion for the game.
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Blue Valley Northwest wins 6A Championship
Blue Valley Northwest has had a successful run in Kansas state championship tournaments. In 2015, the girls' soccer team won its third consecutive Kansas 6A state championship, and its fourth in five years. The Huskies won 2-1 against Washburn Rural, despite attempts to keep standout player Cece Kizer quiet. Kizer still managed to assist her teammates, finding Katie Sullivan, who scored the first goal of the match. The Huskies dominated possession and kept the pressure on Rural with a barrage of shots.
In 2018, the boys' baseball team won its second consecutive state championship. The Tigers beat Blue Valley Northwest 1-0 at Hoglund Ballpark. The game's only run came in the first inning, with Blue Valley junior Alex Totta throwing out the tying run in the top of the seventh inning. Totta had barely played third base before, only stepping in due to an emergency appendectomy for senior starter Luke Bernard.
The Blue Valley Northwest boys' basketball team has also seen success, winning the Kansas 6A state championship in 2021. Although details of the game are scarce, their victory demonstrates the school's strong athletic programme and commitment to excellence across various sports.
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Wichita Southeast wins third place
The Wichita Southeast boys basketball team secured a thrilling victory in the Kansas high school basketball tournament, with senior Mason Le delivering a stellar performance. In a closely contested first-round game at the Topeka Invitational Tournament, Le showcased his clutch gene, scoring crucial points in the dying seconds of regulation against Topeka Hayden. His heroics forced the game into overtime, setting the stage for an even more dramatic conclusion.
With the game on the line, Le rose to the occasion once again, sinking a game-winning floater as time expired. This decisive basket sealed a 76-75 overtime triumph over the highly-ranked Hayden, who were ranked No. 10 in Class 4A. Le's individual brilliance was matched by his impressive stat line, as he racked up a game-high 27 points. This crucial win improved Wichita Southeast's season record to 5-6, setting up a challenging semifinal showdown with Highland Park, the top-ranked team in 5A.
The victory was a testament to the resilience and determination of the entire team. Sophomore D.J. Brown played a pivotal role with his 18 points, while senior Ismael Berry and junior Jamari Berry each contributed 10 points. Jamari Berry's three-point play, in particular, was a pivotal moment, giving Southeast a slim lead with just under two minutes remaining in regulation. However, Hayden mounted a late comeback, scoring three unanswered points to briefly seize the advantage.
Wichita Southeast's triumph exemplified the essence of high school basketball, where teamwork, skill, and clutch performances converge to create unforgettable moments. Their journey in the tournament, capped by this thrilling win, showcased the talent and competitive spirit that embody the sport. This third-place finish will undoubtedly be remembered as a proud moment for the school and a testament to the dedication of its basketball program.
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Washburn Rural wins 6A girls' title
The Washburn Rural High School girls' basketball team won the 6A state championship in 2022, beating Derby 40-23. This was the first state title for the girls' basketball team since 2019, when they beat Topeka High.
The Junior Blues' victory was led by Brooklyn DeLeye, who scored 13 points and had 10 rebounds. She was named the player of the game for her outstanding performance. The game remained close until the start of the second half, when Washburn Rural went on an 11-0 run to extend their lead to 26-14. This run proved decisive, as they never looked back and ultimately cruised to a comfortable victory.
The state title was a significant achievement for the Washburn Rural girls' basketball team, marking their first championship since 2019. The team's success was not limited to just the state tournament, as they also had a successful season leading up to the final game. Their victory showcased the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches, who worked tirelessly throughout the season to improve their skills and strategies.
In addition to the basketball team's triumph, Washburn Rural High School has also achieved success in other sports. The school's volleyball team won the 6A state title in 2022, adding to their impressive list of state championships. The volleyball team went undefeated at the state tournament, showcasing their dominance and skill. Washburn Rural has also produced outstanding individual athletes, such as Dajia Anderson and Rebekah Smith, who have excelled in wrestling. Both athletes captured individual state championships and were recognized for their exceptional performances.
The success of Washburn Rural's athletic programs can be attributed to a combination of talented athletes, dedicated coaches, and a strong commitment to excellence. The school's sports teams have consistently performed at a high level, bringing pride and recognition to their community. The 6A girls' state basketball championship is a testament to the hard work and determination of the players and coaches, who represented their school with pride and demonstrated the power of teamwork and perseverance.
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Derby beats Washburn Rural in a semifinal game
The Derby Panthers have beaten the Washburn Rural Blues in a tense semifinal game. Qualifying for the Class 6A semifinals, the Panthers pulled off a remarkable 1-0 road win over the Blues, advancing to the 6A semis for the first time since 2013. Coach Paul Burke expressed his pride in the team's execution of the game plan, stating that they gave it their best shot.
The Panthers fended off a strong aerial attack in the second half, focusing on confident passing and possession. Burke attributed their success to disciplined gameplay, emphasizing that they had to pass the ball five times for every one pass by the Blues. This strategy allowed them to control the game and make their opponents chase them, expending the Blues' energy on defence.
The win marked Derby's third consecutive victory, a remarkable turnaround after losing back-to-back games to finish the regular season. Many had written off the Panthers after their challenging end to the regular season, but their determination and belief shone through. Their trip to the regional championship helped reinforce their confidence, setting the stage for their outstanding performance in the semifinals.
However, it is worth noting that in the 6A Girls State Championship game, Washburn Rural upset Derby, with the Panthers falling by 17 points due to a poor shooting performance.
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Frequently asked questions
The Kansas 5A State Basketball Tournament is held in Emporia.
Some of the teams that have participated in the tournament include Kapaun Mt. Carmel, Topeka Highland Park, Kansas City Piper, Maize South, and Washburn Rural.
The tournament typically takes place in March, at the end of the high school basketball season.
