The Kansas City T-Bones announced that March 24 will be the date Wyandotte County residents can first purchase single-game tickets.

The general public can purchase tickets beginning March 26.

The T-Bones box office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark will open next week for the sale.  Hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 10-5 and Saturday from 10-4. 

The early sale for Wyandotte County residents will only be available by visiting the box office or the T-Bones TeamStore in the Legends shopping center (M-Sat 10-9 and Sun 11-6).

Beginning on March 26, tickets can be purchased online at www.tbonesbaseball.com.

By ALAN HOSKINS, Kansan Contributor

Three record-setting Kansas City Kansas Community College basketball players have earned second team All-Jayhawk East Conference recognition for their play in 2009-10.

Sophomore Derick Denny and freshman Dennis Tinnon were named to the Jayhawk East men’s second team while freshman Alyssa Rushton was named to the women’s All-East unit.

A 6-4 sophomore guard from Green Bay, Wis., Denny finished his two-year career as the all-time leader in three-point goals (227) and three-point shooting percentage (.454) and second in free throw percentage (.844) and three-point goals in a single season (119).

The Jayhawk leader in three-point goals both as a freshman and sophomore, he also led the conference in three-point percentage and was ninth in scoring (16.2).

A 6-7 forward also from Green Bay, Tinnon led the Jayhawk Conference in field goal accuracy (.640) and finished third in rebounding (10.65). Averaging a double-double with 13.8 points and 10.65 rebounds, his 14 double-doubles are believed to be the most ever at KCKCC.

He also ranks second in rebounds for a single game (21), third in field goal percentage and sixth in rebounds for a single season.

A 5-10 guard from Rochester, Minn., Rushton led the Jayhawk Conference in free throw percentage (.850), was second in three-point percentage (.404) and tied for eighth in three-point field goals with 65.

The Lady Blue Devils leading scorer at 13.3, her .403 three-point percentage is second all-time and her .850 free throw percentage is second only to teammate Michelle Selbe (.902).

Satoria Bell of Labette was named the East’s Most Valuable Player with Johnson County’s Ben Conrad Coach of the Year and Taylor Bird Freshman of the Year. Bell was joined on the All-East first team by Sadie Webb, Independence; Kellindra Zackery, Labette; Bjonee Reaves, Neosho; Gianna Woods, Cowley; and Melissa Nelson, Johnson County.

Antione Lundy of Neosho was voted Most Valuable men’s player; Tommy DeSalme of Cowley Coach of the Year; and Tyrus McGee of Cowley, Freshman of the Year. Lundy and McGee were joined on the first team by Andra Bailey, Allen County; Jarmar Gulley, Highland; and David Luster, Johnson County.

The Kansas City T-Bones have signed rookie pitcher Steven Stewart to a contract for the 2010 season.

Stewart, 23, spent two seasons in the Washington Nationals organization. He was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2008.

During his career with the organization, he posted a 3.64 ERA, holding opponents to a .249 average.

“Steven is a right-hander that puts good sink on the baseball,” said Tim Doherty, manager of the T-Bones.  “He will add depth to the backend of our bullpen.”

By ALAN HOSKINS, Kansan Contributor

Three record-setting Kansas City Kansas Community College basketball players have earned second team All-Jayhawk East Conference recognition for their play in 2009-10.

Sophomore Derick Denny and freshman Dennis Tinnon were named to the Jayhawk East men’s second team while freshman Alyssa Rushton was named to the women’s All-East unit.

A 6-4 sophomore guard from Green Bay, Wis., Denny finished his two-year career as the all-time leader in three-point goals (227) and three-point shooting percentage (.454) and second in free throw percentage (.844) and three-point goals in a single season (119).

The Jayhawk leader in three-point goals both as a freshman and sophomore, he also led the conference in three-point percentage and was ninth in scoring (16.2).

A 6-7 forward also from Green Bay, Tinnon led the Jayhawk Conference in field goal accuracy (.640) and finished third in rebounding (10.65).

Averaging a double-double with 13.8 points and 10.65 rebounds, his 14 double-doubles are believed to be the most ever at KCKCC. He also ranks second in rebounds for a single game (21), third in field goal percentage and sixth in rebounds for a single season.

A 5-10 guard from Rochester, Minn., Rushton led the Jayhawk Conference in free throw percentage (.850), was second in three-point percentage (.404) and tied for eighth in three-point field goals with 65.

The Lady Blue Devils leading scorer at 13.3, her .403 three-point percentage is second all-time and her .850 free throw percentage is second only to teammate Michelle Selbe (.902).

Satoria Bell of Labette was named the East’s Most Valuable Player with Johnson County’s Ben Conrad Coach of the Year and Taylor Bird Freshman of the Year. Bell was joined on the All-East first team by Sadie Webb, Independence; Kellindra Zackery, Labette; Bjonee Reaves, Neosho; Gianna Woods, Cowley; and Melissa Nelson, Johnson County.

Antione Lundy of Neosho was voted Most Valuable men’s player; Tommy DeSalme of Cowley Coach of the Year; and Tyrus McGee of Cowley, Freshman of the Year. Lundy and McGee were joined on the first team by Andra Bailey, Allen County; Jarmar Gulley, Highland; and David Luster, Johnson County.

NOTE: Marcus Newsom is a native of Kansas City, Kan.

In the end, Wartburg College head track and field coach Marcus Newsom figured it might come down to character.

'“I had a choice to make before we ran the 4x400… either tell the group where we were at in the team points race or trust their ability and let them go out and perform,” he said. “I knew they were capable of what they did.”

The quartet of seniors Jenny Kordick of Truro and Chelsey Jacobs of Allison and sophomores Nevada Morrison of Chicago, Ill., and Faith Burt of Cedar Falls helped hand the program its combined fourth indoor and outdoor women’s team national title since 2005 and the second consecutive indoor team title with an NCAA Division III season’s best time of 3:48.73.

The individual event title was one of two for the Orange and Black. Sophomore Skye Morrison of Chicago, Ill., opened the two-day meet with a title in the long jump.
Wartburg’s four-point margin of victory over UW-Oshkosh (33-29) was hard fought to the end.

The Knights did pick up 12 All-American awards between the 55 meter dash (Burt – third place finish), 55 meter hurdles (junior Brittany Thomas of Kansas City, Kansas – sixth place finish), Skye Morrison (long jump title and eighth in triple jump), the 4x400 and the distance medley relay team of seniors Jennifer and Amanda Kuiken of Fairfield, Nicole Calabrese of Spring Valley, Minn., and Jacobs with a sixth-place finish.

However, the Knights were kept out of possible honors in the 400 and 5000, while the Titans pieced together another strong run in the field events.

“National championships are never easy,” Newsom said. “We fought through some adversity, but as I have been saying all season ‘Next woman up’, and the kids stepped up did that.”

Senior men’s hurdler Russell Harris of LaGrange, Ill., added highlights for Wartburg as well. In his first indoor national berth, Harris placed sixth to gain All-American honors in the 55 meter hurdles.

“I am so proud of him,” Newsom said. “He hasn’t been here before, and he gets an All-American award. That is great to see him do that.”

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.

The Kansas City Wizards held an exhibition match late last week at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

As far as the real games are concerned, they begin soon.

The Wizards will welcome D.C. United into Kansas City, Kan., for the MLS Season Opener two Saturdays from now on March 27.

A reminder – the Wizards are offering a 20 percent discount on season ticket packages and all season-game tickets for residents of Wyandotte County.

The offer is an exclusive for just Wyandotte County residents or employees. Season-game tickets can be purchased by calling the team at (913) 387-3400 or by going to www.ticketmaster.com/wyandotte

Here is the 2009-10 All Wyandotte County Wrestling Team voted on by the county's wrestling coaches.

Coach of the Year: Brandon Jobe, Bonner Springs
Wrestler of the Year: Derrick Weller, Piper

1st Team

103    Devin Spurlock    Turner
112    Anthony Florez    Turner
119    Caleb Seaton    Bonner Springs
125 James Lohman    Turner
130    Forrest Carroll    Turner AND Johnathan Blackwell Bonner Springs
135    Chris John        Turner
140    Aaron Puckett    Bonner Springs
145    Derrick Weller    Piper
152    Joe Mohler        Turner
160    Jaysson Tansey    Sumner
171    Brian Callahan    Bonner Springs
189    Armando Alcantara    Turner
215    Airen Maxwell    Piper
285    Jake Barren        Bonner Springs

2nd Team

103     Justus Seaton Bonner Springs AND Kevaughn Eason Piper
112     Nick Korosec    Bonner Springs
119    James Saunders    Harmon
125    Austin Cobb        Bonner Springs
130    Brett Koberlein    Piper
135    Jermaine Rhone    Schlagle
140    Collin Zwart        Piper
145    Jesse Estrada        Turner
152    Jonathan Osuna    Sumner Academy
160    Blake Hachinsky    Bishop Ward
171    Fred Avery        Schlagle
189    Darien Willis        Sumner Academy
215    Laron Mitchell    Turner
285    Marcus Young        Turner

Honorable Mention

103    Ricky Lee         Schlagle
112    Ronnie Enloe         Washington
119    Dalton Alas         Sumner Academy    
135    Aaron Morris         Piper
140    Devan Sierant        Turner
140    Erik Torres        Wyandotte
145    Deandre Brown    Washington
152    Justin Bauswell    Piper
160    Ryan Shademann    Piper
160    Jared Clements    Bonner Springs
171    Victor Palos        Turner
171    Kevin Palmer        Piper
189    Collin Stirling        Bonner Springs
189    Julian Moore        Piper
215    Darius Sipple        Wyandotte
285    Tre-von Wallace    Schlagle
285    Sharrone Berry-Davis    Sumner Academy

By ALAN HOSKINS, Kansan Contributor

Famed poet John Greenleaf Whittier once wrote “For all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, ‘It might have been.’ ”

Such was the plight of the 2009-10 women’s basketball team at Kansas City Kansas Community College in search of its first winning season since 1998-99.

For the second straight season, Coach Valerie Stambersky lost her leading scorer (and third leading rebounder) at the semester break when former Piper standout Michelle Selbe was lost for the season with a torn ACL.

Averaging 14.9 points and 5.6 rebounds, Selbe set a KCKCC free throw percentage record of 90.2 (46 of 51). She also led in field goal shooting at 53.3 percent and at 6-1, certainly would have helped the Lady Blue Devils avoid the long-scoring second half droughts that plagued them through the Jayhawk Conference season.

Five of the Blue Devils’ conference losses came after KCKCC led at halftime and a sixth was tied at the break. Most devastating was the 14.8 percent second half shooting that enabled Coffeyville to erase a 40-22 halftime deficit in a 61-55 win; a 25-14 lead at the half lost at Fort Scott 53-44; and a 33-22 halftime wiped out by Independence 68-61.

Otherwise, it was a very promising start on the future. The 15 wins in the 15-16 campaign are the most since 1998-99 and with just two sophomores, the Blue Devils will return nearly 72 percent of their offense, 76 percent of the rebounding and the best free throwing team in history.

The most accurate free throwing team in the Jayhawk at 73.0 percent, three Blue Devils bettered All-America Jurgita Kausaite’s KCKCC free throw accuracy record of .813 – Selbe (.902), freshman Alyssa Rushton (.850) who led the Jayhawk and sophomore Sarah Craft (.845).

Craft, a forward from Lawrence, and guard Shannon Carlin of Tonganoxie will depart after starting a combined 57 of a possible 62 games this season. In addition to being one of the top free throwers, Craft was second in both scoring (9.9) and rebounds (6.1) and led in assists (2.2) while Carlin averaged 7.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and was second in assists (1.96).

Heading the list of returnees along with Selbe is Rushton, a 5-10 guard from Rochester, Minn., who led the Blue Devils in scoring at 13.3 points per game while averaging 4.6 rebounds. An All-Jayhawk East second team selection, Rushton not only led the conference in free throw accuracy but was second in the league in three-point accuracy (.409) and ninth in three-points goals with 65.

Other key returnees are 6-1 Laci Schreiber, who led in rebounding with 7.3 a game while averaging 7.6 points; 6-0 Melanie Phipps, who averaged 7.2 points and 5.7 rebounds despite missing 10 games with an injury; guard Jerae David, who averaged 4.8 points and 3.1 rebounds; and guard Annie Rowan, who started the final 10 games and averaged 2.7 points.

Anna Belousova, who averaged 2.8 points, and Ashley Wham (2.2) also return after seeing significant playing time along with Brenna Wilson.

With a healthy Selbe returning with the 6-1 Schreiber and the 6-0 Phipps, the Blue Devils will have the biggest and most prolific returning front line in Stambersky’s 12 years at the KCKCC helm while Rushton will provide both inside and outside offense.

The key will be to cut down on the 18.7 turnovers the Blue Devils averaged this season.

PHOTO: Starting a combined 57 of a possible 62 games this year, sophomores Sarah Craft (left) and Shannon Carlin were presented photo mementos of their two years of outstanding basketball at Kansas City Kansas Community College. (KCKCC Photo by Alan Hoskins) 

Courtesy of Catherine Rice, here's a team photo of the newly crowned Kansas 4A State Champion Sumner Academy Sabres.

Click the photo for a larger version of it.

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.

After the loss of leading scorer Neil Watson last season, some did not consider Sumner Academy the favorite to win the 4A state title this year.

After jumping out to a great start this year, the Sabres hit a road bump. After losing to Hogan Prep and Eudora, there were some questions about this tea.

After Davonte Chaney and Benny Parker were injured in the last week of the regular season, Sumner appeared on shaky grounds.

After a surviving a tough sub-state game against St. James Academy, some thought the Sabres would be easy doing in a road game against Basehor in the sub-state final.

After an emotional comeback victory in the first round against Topeka-Hayden, some wondered if the Sabres would have enough energy to complete the run.

After the final buzzer sounded on the season, this Sumner Academy team was better and more equipped to win the school's fourth title, three of which have came in the past 12 seasons.

So why did the Sabres get it done this year?

Here's why:

• Less stars, more role players: Most have heard of Reese Holliday, Chaney and Parker. But it was Sumner's role players that came up huge this year as well. This team has more role players than last year and they were on display in Salina.

Let's start with Anthony White, who came out for basketball for the first time this year. All White did at the state tournament was average a double-double. He was very important in Sumner's wins against Basehor at sub-state and against Washington, which clinched a league title.

Alfred Belton hit one of the school's three biggest shots in history, defeating Topeka-Hayden in the first round of the tournament.

Justin Strickland offered senior leadership and contributed when he needed too.

Although it might be a stretch calling him a role player, Eli Alexander was outstanding on the glass this year and inside the paint. His defense got better all year long and he was more valuable to this year's edition of the Sabres.

The best part of it? They all accepted the roles given to them. These guys are a reason why more room needs to be made in the trophy case just outside of the "new gym" at Sumner Academy.

• Holliday: Like any leader and any star player, Holliday saved his best for last, dominating great competition like Basehor-Linwood, Ottawa and Pratt. Holliday averaged about 20 points and 13 rebounds during the state tournament. He etched his name alongside Jeff Hawkins and Kelyn Block as Sumner legends who have led the Sabres to state titles. Like a Danny Manning or Tyler Hansborough, Holliday put his team on his back when he needed to. He has validated every compliment made to his game this season. Wisconsin-Green Bay is very lucky to have him.

• A focus unlike any other: Covering 16 Sumner games this season, each time I interviewed one of their players, the mission of winning a state title was talked about. This team had a focus unlike any other team I've ever covered in high school sports and they would not be denied. Whether it was down seven late against Topeka-Hayden or down 10 in the second half in a very hostile environment in Basehor, this team came back and showed the heart and will of a champion.

• Last year's "one and done" state appearance. Consider this a point to the last bullet about the focus. However, this Sumner team was hungry after being manhandled by Topeka-Hayden in the first round of the state tournament last season. This year's title run doesn't happen without last year's disappointment.

• A good, tough Kansas City, Kan., League: The previous two years, the Kansas City, Kan., League was Sumner's playground. They dominated. This year, they were tested by the likes of Harmon, Washington, Wyandotte and Schlagle. The league's teams may hate each other, but it's better when its competitive. With Sumner bringing home a championship, Washington getting to state and Harmon falling in a sub-state final in double overtime, it's clear the league made each other better. As the results show, that's a good thing.

• A tough non-league schedule: While the Sabres had some tests on last year's schedule, it's hard to compare it to this year's. They faced and beat the defending 4A champions Basehor-Linwood Bobcats twice; a Bishop Miege team that only finished 25-0 and won a state title and a Hogan Prep team that may win a state title in Missouri.

They were battled tested and were the best in the state. This was a special team. There is no silver bullet for these Sabres. A congratulations to the whole team and coaching staff.

Head coach Dan Parra wins his first state title after appearing four previous times (twice as the boys coach, twice as the girls coach). After coming close four times before, Parra's now a state champion coach, joining a rare group of basketball coaches in Wyandotte County who have won titles.

The 4A state championship is back where it belongs – in KCK.

PICTURED: Reese Holliday, Davonte Chaney, Benny Parker, Anthony White, Eli Alexander, Justin Strickland and Alfred Belton.

Here is The Salina Journal's wrap-up of Sumner Academy's triumph in the 4A State Tournament. Again, we thank them for providing us great coverage of the champions. Visit them at www.salina.com and support them.

By Bob Davidson, The Salina Journal

There might be someone out there who would say Reese Holliday wasn’t the best player in the Class 4A boys state tournament.

There’s no disagreement, though, on whether Holliday and his Kansas City Sumner teammates were the best team.

Led by Holliday’s 22 points and 14 rebounds Sumner rolled over cold-shooting Ottawa 66-45 in the championship game Saturday night at the Bicentennial Center. It was Sumner’s fourth state title and first since 2000.

Holliday, a muscular and athletic 6-foot-4 senior who has signed with NCAA Division-I Wisconsin-Green Bay, was 9 of 13 from the field 3 of 5 at the line in the title game. He had 24 points and 16 rebounds Friday in Sumner’s semifinal victory over Pratt.

“It means the world, it’s what we’ve been working from the beginning of the season,” Holliday said after the game, the net from one of the goals draped around his neck. “At the end of last season this is what our goal was.”

Holliday had nine points and seven rebounds in the first half as Sumner (22-4) led 27-19 at halftime. He scored six of the Sabres’ first eight points of the third quarter as the Sabres extended their lead to 41-26 going into the final period.

A 9-0 burst to open the fourth quarter ended any doubt what the outcome would be.

“I think we came out a little more aggressive than we have been. We were on a mission to win a state championship,” Holliday said. “My coach (Daniel Parra) told me to be more aggressive and let the game come to me. That’s what I did today.”

Benny Parker scored 11 points while Davonte Chaney and Anthony White each had 10. White also grabbed 13 rebounds as Sumner overwhelmed Ottawa 53-22 in the rebounding battle.

Sumner shot 53 percent from the field (27 of 51) while Ottawa (22-4) managed just 25.5 percent (14 of 55). The Cyclones had two field goals in the third quarter and didn’t get their third basket of the second half until 2 1/2 minutes remained in the game.

“We got pretty good shots, shots we’ve made all year and they just wouldn’t go down,” Ottawa coach Jon McKowen said. “It’s a tough pill to swallow. When the ball doesn’t go in the hole on open looks and from kids who make shots throughout the year ... those things happen.”

Adam Hasty led Ottawa with 20 points on 7 of 19 shooting. Semi Ojeleye added 14 points and was 3 of 11 from the field.

“We thought we could match them athletically but their strength ... they have some really strong kids,” McKowen said. “They got some steals on us by just being just a little stronger inside.”
 

The Sumner Academy Sabres needed no late-game dramatics tonight.

The Sabres, after a tight first quarter, sailed past the overmatched Ottawa Cyclones in tonight's final game of the Kansas 4A State Basketball Tournament.

Sumner finishes the season 22-4 after defeating Ottawa for the championship tonight 66-45.

Reese Holliday, in the final game of his magnificent career at Sumner Academy, finished it up in style with a double-double. Holliday had 22 points and 14 rebounds.

Rebounding is what led the way for Sumner, as they brought down 56 rebounds in the victory. Anthony White had 13 rebounds, while Eli Alexander brought down eight.

Scoring wise, Benny Parker added 11 points, while White and Davonte Chaney chipped in 10 points to the effort.

Sumner shot 53 percent from the field, while holding Ottawa to just 24 percent from the field.

It's Sumner's first title since 2000 and fourth overall in school history. Sumner won in 1998 and 1969. The school finished undefeated in 1969.

FULL REACTION FROM SALINA LATER TONIGHT

The Sumner Academy Sabres have jumped all over the Ottawa Cyclones to begin the second half.

The Sabres lead 41-26 entering the final quarter.

Sumner jumped out to a 35-19 lead, scoring the quarter's first eight points.

Reese Holliday has a double-double for Sumner, scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds. The Sabres have flat out dominated on the glass, rebounding 37 missed shots to just 17 for Ottawa.

Ottawa has been hit by the cold shooting bug, hitting just 3-19 three-point attempts. Point guard Adam Hasty has six steals for the Cyclones.

Davonte Chaney has nine points for Sumner Academy, while Benny Parker has added eight points.

Eli Alexander has eight rebounds for Sumner.

If Sumner holds on, which looks likely, the Sabres will win their fourth state title and third in the past 12 seasons.