The varsity Bulldogs have finished the annual High Plains League Tournament and now looking toward the rest of the season. They will travel to Johnson to face the Stanton County Trojans Friday, January 29.
Junior Varsity boys and girls will play at 3:45, varsity girls at 5:30 and varsity boys at 7:00. According to Kansas State High School Activity Association’s new ruling as of January 29, each participant is allowed four spectators.
Looking back on the tournament, head girls coach Kendra Fyler commented the Elkhart game on Thursday was a challenge for the Lady Bulldogs. “We struggled with their pressure on defense and how physical they were. We made a run in the third quarter when we looked the best, but Elkhart was able to pull away in the fourth quarter.” She was proud of the girls for playing hard until the very end of the game.
Losing to Elkhart, the Lady Bulldogs played for third and fourth place on Saturday against Stanton County, finishing in fourth place. “We were able to get some of their key players into foul trouble but were not able to capitalize on that because we struggled to score the ball and that affected our intensity on defense,” said Fyler. “We are excited to be able to get another chance to play them on Friday and hope to improve.”
Looking forward to the rest of the season, “We are using a phrase to focus on: “Everyday a little better,” said Fyler. “We have been frustrated on offense and with the outcomes of some of the games, so we want to focus on making ourselves better and successful each day and coming together as a team to have a good rest of the season.” They believe that if they can continue to focus on this phrase then they will start to see the outcomes they want. “We still have a lot of games left to turn this season around and end on a positive note.”
She is excited to have more fans as of this Friday. “I think having more fans will help the girls feel support and possibly help make a larger “rowdy crowd” to cheer us on in games, but we are going to continue to focus on the team and playing for each other.” She wants the fans to know they are thankful for their support so far this season and hope they will continue.
The boys finished in third place after Saturday matchup with the Sublette Larks following a disappointing loss Friday against Southwestern Heights.
Head coach Jordan Wahlmeier explained the last 1.3 seconds when SWH hit a go-ahead 3 point. “As soon as the shot went up, I was screaming for a timeout and we got it, but it was a little too late!”. Wahlmeier went on to say that the referees only gave them a half-second to work with, and I give credit to the guys for executing a ‘prayer’ play. “We drew up a last second Hail Mary inbound, Austin Plunkett threw it three quarters of the way down court to Kyler Keller, and Kyler made a crazy off-balance falling out of bounds three-pointer to tie the game!”
It was perfect execution but sadly the refs waved it off saying it did not leave Kyler’s hand in time. Talk about a roller coaster of emotions. Losing that game put us in the 3rd/4th place game against Sublette.
He admits they did not play very well offensively on Friday, missing layups and open jumpers all night. Defensively he thought they guarded well, but they did not win the rebounding battle or win enough 50/50 balls to be able to win the game. “Credit to Southwestern Heights for coming in and throwing a bunch of different defenses at us, we could not get into a rhythm all night,” said Wahlmeier.
Saturday, he thought the boys responded well, using that bitter taste in their mouth from Friday night, coming out to completely dominated a very solid Sublette team from start to finish. “Our guys understand that we controlled everything that we could control Friday night, and we entered Saturday’s game with the same mindset, control what we can control, be ourselves, and the rest will take care of itself and it did!”
The Bulldogs finished third and now have a 10-2 record. While they have Tuesday off, they will face the Stanton County Trojans for the third time this season. ‘It will be a chess match and a battle for all 4 quarters again!” said Wahlmeier. “I’m looking forward to having some more fans in the gym, and I know the boys are also excited, they love playing in front of people and putting on a show,” adding, “It’s hard to beat the atmosphere of a loud gym during basketball season.”
In closing, Wahlmeier says they are focused on getting better every day, doing the little things right, taking one game at a time, and doing whatever they can to put themselves in the best position to win each game.
“The boys are hungry and understand that we have work to do to accomplish the goals we’ve set at the beginning of the year and I’m excited to see what the rest of the season has in store for us!”
The Bulldogs have eight more games before the Substate tournament beginning on Monday March 1 in Spearville.
Box scores
Girls vs. Leoti
Thomeczek 5 2-2 12, Finlay 1 3-4 8, Mitchell 3 0-0 6, Moreno 2 2-4 6, Housholder 2 1-3 5, Riley 0 2-4 5, Lawson 1 0-0 2.
3 point Goals – Finlay 1, Riley 1.
Syracuse 14 7 13 10 – 44
Wichita Co 7 13 5 5– 34
Kadee Thomeczek led the lady Bulldogs with 12 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 3 steals.
Ashlyn Finlay added 8 points, 2 rebounds. Yaya Moreno had 6 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals. Jayden Mitchell also had 6 points, 4 rebounds. Alex Housholder and Kate Riley each added 5 points. Brooklyn Lawson had 2.
Girls vs. Elkhart
Moreno 3 2-3 14, Riley 1 0-0 5, Lawson 1 0-0 5, Thomeczek 1 2-7 4, Finlay 0 1-3 1.
3 point Goals- Moreno 2, Riley 1, Lawson 1.
Syracuse 5 3 14 7 – 29
Elkhart 17 5 12 11 – 45
Yaya Moreno 14 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals
Kate Riley 5 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
Brooklyn Lawson 5 points, 1 rebound
Kadee Thomeczek 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals
Ashlyn Finlay 1 point, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
Girls vs. Stanton Co
Moreno 2 3-5 7, Watson 0 0-0 6, Riley 1 2-5 4, Thomeczek 1 1-1 3, Lawson 1 0-0 2, Housholder 0 1-2 1.
3 point goals – Watson 2.
Syracuse 5 7 2 9 – 23
Stanton Co 10 10 10 15 –45
Yaya Moreno 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals
Mallory Watson 6 points, 1 steal
Kate Riley 4 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
Kadee Thomeczek 3 points, 4 rebounds, 1 blocked shot, 3 steals, 3 deflections
Brooklyn Lawson 2 points, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 deflections
Alex Housholder 1 point, 2 rebounds
Boys vs. SWH
Keller 1 7-7 18, Mitchell 5 2-3 12, Plunkett 1 0-0 5, Brummett 1 0-0 5,
Leyva 1 1-2 3.
3 point goals – Keller 3, Plunkett 1, Brummett 1.
Syracuse 16 5 13 9 – 43
SWH 13 11 12 10 – 46
Kyler Keller led with the Bulldogs with 18 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 charge taken.
Joe Mitchell added 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal.
Austin Plunkett had 5 points, 10 REBOUNDS, 3 assists, 2 charges taken.
Kolbey Brummett also had 5 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist.
Hugo Leyva had 3 points, 2 rebounds.
Boys vs. Sublette
Mitchell 6 4-7 19, Keller 5 1-2 17, Plunkett 6 2-2 14, Diaz 0 0-0 6, Leyva 0 2-2 5, Gould 1 1-2 3, Aguilar 1 0-0 2, Weis 1 0-0 2.
3 point goals - Keller 2, Diaz 2, Mitchell 1, Leyva 1.
Syracuse 24 7 22 15 – 68
Sublette 10 11 12 21 – 54
Joe Mitchell 19 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 deflections
Kyler Keller 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
Austin Plunkett 14 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal, 1 deflection
Uriel Diaz 6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 charge drawn
Hugo Leyva 5 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal
Jay Gould 3 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal, 1 deflection
Domanic Weis 2 points
Roy Aguilar 2 points
The Syracuse Bulldogs Ladies Varsity Golf Team took first at their season opener in Stanton County on Tuesday afternoon. They shot a team score of 207 at the Prairie Pines Golf Course in Johnson. The varsity team is Lanee Owens, Bronwyn Lewis, Sammy Schwieterman, Maddy... [More]
Qualifying members of the high school track team traveled to Hill City Thursday, May 16 to compete in the 2-A regional meet against 15 teams, Ellinwood, Ellis, Hill City, Hoxie, Lincoln, Meade, Medicine Lodge, Oakley, Plainville, Smith Center, Stanton County, Sublette, Thomas... [More]
The Syracuse High School boys golf team battled breezy conditions on Monday May 13 competing in the 2-A Regional meet on their own Tamarisk Golf Course. Adjusting to windy conditions and competing at home paid off for the Bulldogs Monday, placing second, qualifying... [More]
State golf on Monday had the Varsity Bulldogs miss playing in the finals as a team by one stroke. They finished seventh out of twelve teams. On Day 1, Brody Keller shot a 92 missing day two by two strokes. Ian Brummett shot a 95, Mason Scott and Johnny TeVelde shot... [More]
Junior High Boys Basketball A, B, and C teams travelled to Elkhart on Monday, November 21. The A team won 41-34, B team won 26-21, and C team lost to Elkhart 13-20. Head Coach Vance Keller said, “Elkhart was a tough win for both the A and B teams but both grinded... [More]
The Lady Bulldogs were undefeated during the Border Wars, defeating Eads on Friday, 42-7 and Walsh on Saturday 62-5, bringing their record to 3-1. But the winner wasn’t announced until Tuesday evening. Syracuse Athletic Director Josh Johnson explained, “It came down... [More]
Monday night at home at the Herndon Gym, the Junior High boys swept Lakin! Head coach Vance Keller said, “We’re a young team with only six eighth graders and 12 seventh graders. We’ve had six total that started the season with injuries so we haven’t had... [More]
Three Syracuse High School volleyball seniors were honored on Tuesday, October 5, during the volleyball tournament at Syracuse. Kaetlin Thomeczek, daughter of Joe and Dami Thomeczek has played volleyball since the third grade, playing with Syracuse Youth Activities Association... [More]
Monday was a perfectly cold, crisp, fall morning. Colorful leaves falling filled the street with bright yellows, oranges, and reds. Gentle rains fell and a breeze blew in. I loved it. It felt like a moment when all was right with the world. There is an 80% chance... [More]
It is the last day of October. I love the changing colors of the leaves. They stop me in my tracks. Absolutely gorgeous! There is rain in the forecast. Even if it is a mist, I am ready for moisture! The clocks turn back on Sunday. It will be darker earlier and start... [More]
It rained in Hamilton County this weekend. Thunder boomed and rain soaked the ground, the fields, and put smiles on many faces in town. Conversations in rural ag communities after a rain start off happier. “Hey, it rained.” We have a week without sports... [More]
It’s a cool October morning. It’s weather I love! I read something that said you should never begin a story with the weather. Well where we live it is the basis for almost everything. Temperature, climate, frost, wind, all determine how a farmer will approach... [More]
On Tuesday afternoon I drove to southeast Colorado to watch my daughter cheer at a junior high football game. I smile at the things I do that I wouldn’t have done before she was born. I have said before I was not a cheerleading type of person but watching... [More]
It’s October and the temperatures are fluctuating from 70s to 90s. Life is speeding by! And I have ten minutes left to get this paper to press. My daily bible verse said, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”... [More]
It’s the last week of September. I feel like I start every column with I can ‘t believe how fast this year is going. Fall is here! We are finally starting to get into a routine. There are still some logistical challenges but at least I can start to identify... [More]
I am writing this Wednesday morning and it rained overnight! I fell asleep to the beautiful sound of thunder and rain hitting the ground. Fall will be here Sunday. While the temperatures are still warm, I am looking forward to some cooler weather. In Hamilton... [More]
Brandon Batchelor is a husband, father, and grandfather who was diagnosed with ALS. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that causes the gradual loss of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ... [More]
Jen Castro is the Junior High Football Coach, Head Softball Coach, Powerlifting Assistant Coach, Elementary Interrelated Special Education teacher, and now can add the honor of being awarded the Athletic Hall of Honor Award from her alma mater Bethany College. ... [More]
Darrell Gene Dikeman II (Gene), has recently been named the Kansas Bankers Association’s 2024-2025 chairman. The mission of the KBA is “Together we support our member banks and bankers with leadership, advocacy, and education to benefit the communities and customers... [More]
Pictured Front - Asher Battin, Monroe Kuder, Brynnleigh Bennett, Aytzel Zapata, Emma Simon, Janney Velarde, Katalyna Perez, Bentley Simon Back - Ana Aguilera, Sean Michealis, Vance Keller, Anita Ramos, Deysy Miramontes, Haley Forest, Matt Bennett/photo by Michele Boy
Rhonda Hedberg is a busy woman. She is an SHS grad who went to school in Hutchinson, came back home, and started a family. She and husband Tim have five children - Kylie Good, Kelly, Keith, Kegan, and Kelsey. She has been a Daycare Provider for over 30 years, and manages Sunflower... [More]
Trying to heal from the loss of his wife, 1961 SHS graduate, Garry Warner, at the advice of his family physician and friend, suggested journaling to overcome his grief. The result, many years in the making, is a published book entitled Musings of a Walmart Greeter. The... [More]
2015 Syracuse High School graduate Taelor (Oller) Leyva has always dreamed of being a novelist. But as her life and family grew, her priorities became God and her family. Leyva is the daughter of Crystal Loder and Dustin Oller. She married 2016 SHS grad Diego Leyva and... [More]
While many youth in our community have been able to take part in the free junior golf lessons during the summer for many years, Paige Barnes recalls it as what pushed her on this journey. Barnes said, “When we moved to Syracuse, my first experience with golf was... [More]
Graveside funeral services for Max Williams will be held at 11:00 a.m. MST, Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at the Holly, Cemetery in Holly, Colorado. Max Shane Williams was born August 21, 1940 to Roy O. and Thelma L. (Hager) Williams in Wellington, Kansas and went... [More]
Julie Ann Lewis. What was in a name and in a life? Julie is derived from the Latin name Julia associated with qualities such as youthfulness, beauty, and vivacity. It is associated with a person who is gentle, kind-hearted and a strong sense of loyalty. Ann is a derivative... [More]
A graveside memorial service for Celinda Barrett will be held at 11:00 a.m. MST, Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Coolidge Cemetery in Coolidge, Kansas with Pastor Kathy Leathers officiating. Celinda’s family invites those in attendance to join them at The... [More]
Alex Jerad Hobson “Big Al”, 48, passed away October 24, 2024 in Centennial, Colorado. He was born April 25, 1976 in Moundridge, Kansas. Alex attended Syracuse High School, granduating in 1994. In addition to playing golf throughout high school, Alex... [More]
Jim Williamson, 82, died Friday, October 25, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. He was born September 21, 1942, in Cedar Vale, Kansas, the son of Alfred Edmond & Evelyn Pauline (MaHocks) Williamson. Jim... [More]
Barney Mack Akers, Jr. passed away October 19, 2024 at the Kearny County Hospital, Lakin, Kansas. Barney was the son of Barney Mack Akers, Sr. and Elsie Edna (Griffin) Akers. He was born August 11, 1931 in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Barney attended grade school in Springer,... [More]
Douglas Alvin Guldner of Syracuse, KS passed away on October 17, 2024 at the age of 76. He was born May 19, 1948 in Lamar, Colorado. He was raised and lived in Syracuse most of his life. He enjoyed playing baseball as a kid. He graduated from Syracuse... [More]
Craig Richard Freeman of Syracuse, Kansas has passed on but has left, in his absence, a life of great legacy and accomplishment. Born January 27, 1954, in Sioux Falls, SD, Craig was the oldestof three brothers, Todd and Laird Freeman, born to James and Marilyn Freeman.... [More]
©2024 The Syracuse Journal. Powered by Pluto Sites.