An Opportunity to Fill the Top Spot or the Chance to Create a Legacy?
Prep Dig Kansas covers live summer event in Topeka.
Coleman Lee
<p>Every season the perennial power houses in every state are projected to be back in the post season. However, little is said for the schools who lurk in the shadows of the annual conference and district winners and eventually take advantage of a "rebuilding year." Blair Oaks High School (Wardsville) has been in the so-called shadows of Helias Catholic High School (Jefferson City) for more than three years.</p>
<p>No matter how talented the girls are within the population lines of Wardsville, Blair Oaks continuously finishes second to the more dominant Helias Catholic. However, with the graduation of Helias seniors <strong>Ellie Rockers</strong> (Columbia College), <strong>Jada Oldham</strong> (Central Methodist University), <strong>Callie Henson</strong> (Central Methodist University), <strong>Krystal Brauner</strong> (Central Methodist University), <strong>Grace Millard</strong> (Benedictine College), <strong>Riley Bernskoetter</strong> (Emporia State), and <strong>Kori Otto</strong> (Central Michigan University), Blair Oaks is primed and ready to make a post season run.</p>
<p>Returning to the Blair Oaks line-up are All-State selection OH <strong>Mariah Radmacher</strong> who spends her off-season playing up an age group with Performance 18-1 as well as H2 Columbia 16 UA stand-outs OH <strong>Elsie Villmer</strong> and MH/OPP <strong>Emma Schroeder</strong>. Running the offense and defense for the Falcons are H2 Columbia 17 UA teammates setter <strong>Madison Mitchell </strong>and libero <strong>Tori Martin</strong>. Not only do these returners have experience playing at a high level during club season, they were also a part of a Blair Oaks squad who pushed Helias to the limit in the District Championship last season. However, the Falcons also lost key contributors in OH <strong>Lanie Lowry</strong> (William Woods), DS <strong>Maddie Nolph</strong> (Mid America Nazarene) and MH <strong>Lauren Casey</strong> (Arkansas Tech).</p>
<p>If there was ever an opportunity for Blair Oaks to dethrone the multiple-time District Champion and 2018 State Champion Helias Crusaders, this is the year. Hoping to derail Blair Oaks' chance in the spotlight are young Helias athletes <strong>Audrey Cook</strong> (Setter, H2 Columbia 15-1) and <strong>Cadie Buschjost</strong> (OH, H2 Columbia 16-1) as well as <strong>Lacey Heidbrink</strong> (DS/Libero, New Vision 17-1) and <strong>Jordan Benward</strong> (OH, H2 Columbia 17-1) who both play up an age group in the off season. Helias also returns MH <strong>Molly Bruns</strong> who did see minimal varsity time last season.</p>
<p>Look for the bragging rights of the Wardsville/Jefferson City match up to be a big one in 2019 as the rivalry between these cross town rivals continues to heat up.</p>
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading
Already a subscriber?
Log in
