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This week officially marked the beginning of winter sports here at the Times’ sports desk.
Every night we were out and about scouring the area high schools, so I have a grab bag of impressions to pass out.
Below, I threw out rapid thoughts so scroll down to find your team, or if you would like to get a grasp on all the other schools, enjoy the entire post.
LEAVENWORTH BOYS BASKETBALL
Like last year, the team lacks size in the post but also like last year, it holds an array of offensive weapons within its guard core. The key will be how it defends being smaller, yet quicker.
Also, the squad is going to need to put up points and really have only two proven returning starters. Others are going to need to step up. So far, so good — hit the link.
LEAVENWORTH GIRLS BASKETBALL
The Lady Pioneers already sit at 2-2 on the young season, but what has stood out thus far is the emergence of some outstanding underclassmen.
Freshmen Tashia Jones and Rashayla Mathis have been filling up the stat sheet to start the year and the potential for what the future holds is exciting.
LEAVENWORTH WRESTLING
This county has a ton of talented wrestlers and the Pioneers have their share. The team did well at the Leavenworth Challenger last weekend, link here, and it will be interesting to see how the squad’s depth develops.
Also, I think Nathan Butler could beat my dad and me up at the same time.
LANSING BOYS BASKETBALL
The Lions have looked great but then just okay in its first two games, both wins. The potential is there to return to state, but I really think the squad is in need of a true point guard.
Develop that and the rest will take care of itself.
LANSING GIRLS BASKETBALL
It’s been a rough beginning for the winless Lady Lions. However, I feel there is hope.
Ultimately, this team is very young and so it needs time to gain experience. Before throwing away the season let’s see what head coach Keith Andrews, who I believe is an outstanding coach, can do.
LANSING WRESTLING
As usual, Lansing will be exceptional this season. In fact, I feel this team may be even more exciting to follow than the Lions of past years, mainly because of the unknown.
The squad is stacked with talent, but it had to fill several holes from last season’s senior laden line-up, so it’s going to be real fun to see who steps up to keep the Lansing legacy alive.
PLEASANT RIDGE BOYS BASKETBALL
The Rams have probably been the most impressive team so far. They are undefeated, with a big win at Atchison this week, and are playing ridiculously strong on the defensive end.
The squad may run into some scoring troubles down the line however, seeing how its scoring has come from mainly just two players, but as far as starts what else could you ask for.
PLEASANT RIDGE GIRLS BASKETBALL
As good as the boys have done, the Ridge girls’ have nearly been as impressive. Yes, they lost a close one at Atchison, but the team is playing at a much more advance level than it did last year.
On top of that, the Lady Rams also play a good amount of underclassmen so to see their development this early is exciting.
PLEASANT RIDGE WRESTLING
Alas, the wrestling team at PR may be the biggest sleeping giant around. The squad is loaded with a talented junior class and several quality sophomores and freshmen.
The key will be gaining experience as the squad lacks a deep senior class. Yet, if a few Rams can step up and develop that leadership, a state finish is a reasonable expectation.
IMMACULATA
Sorry Immaculata sports. I have been unable to attend any of your winter sports yet, but I promise that is about to change.
In fact, I’ll be at both Raiders’ boys and girls basketball games tonight and so next week, you’ll be having an all Imac post coming your way. Get excited.
Brent Lager joined the Leavenworth Times in 2010 after a year and a half of covering high school sports for the Platte County Citizen. Before that, he previously worked for the Columbia Missourian as well as Cumulus Broadcasting in Columbia, Mo.
