Spring Sports Update: 4/12

Boys’ Tennis:

The boys’ tennis team gained two new members midway thorough the season. Seniors Jackson Holtgraves and Hayes Hendricks both joined the team last week. Holtgraves has a shot at making the top six, according to teammates. After yesterday’s match against Shawnee Mission Northwest, junior Tommy Hise impressed the most out of everyone.

“It’s been a great year so far,” Hise said. “Having my friends on my team along with the help from coach Gibbs has really helped me become a better player.” The boys square off against Shawnee Mission North tomorrow.

Boys’ Golf:

For the first week of April, the varsity boys’ golf team competed in a tournament at Lake Quivira Country Club. Collectively, the team came in third. Senior Andy Spencer came in first individually with a score of even par. JV had a tournament at Gardner Golf Club where they didn’t place in the top three, and had no top 10 individuals.

During last weekend’s tournament at Blue Hills Country Club, all 17 golfers were in action, where the Lancers finished second. The top performers were senior Andy Spencer, who shot a 72, sophomore Max Maday who shot an 83, and senior Worth Blackman with an 84.

Blackman reflects on his play throughout the weekend and what he needs to work on.

“I personally didn’t play well, I’m hitting the ball very poorly which is putting a lot of pressure on my short game,” Blackman said. “I know what I’m capable and just need time to shake some rust off.”

Girls’ Swimming:

Not much has been going on with the girls aside from the fact that they’re undefeated so far this season. The team recently came off a victory over Lawrence Free State. The win was big for the team because Free State knocked East off at state last year, while the Lancers took home second place.

Baseball:

So far, the month of April has been kind to the Lancers baseball team. Through this month’s first four games, East has outscored opponents 31-1, benefitting from outstanding pitching out of its starters. Senior Joey Wentz has thrown back-to-back no hitters, in addition junior Zeb Vermillon and junior Luke Anderson have shown flashes of dominance.

Juniors Jake Randa, Vermillon, and Anderson have done the most damage offensively, hitting over .300 this month.

Boys’ Lacrosse:

The varsity boys’ lacrosse team bounced back in a big way after their two exhibition games in St. Louis two weeks ago, which the team got outscored by 20 goals. Last week however, the team was able to regain their confidence by taking down Olathe South and St.Thomas Aquinas in blowout fashion.

This upcoming Friday, East hosts senior night against Pembroke Hill at Shawnee Mission North. 

Girls’ Lacrosse:

The Varsity team competed in the NWA Lax Fest tournament in Rogers, Ark. last weekend, the team’s biggest tournament so far.

The tournament began on Saturday, with East dominating Millard Nebraska 18-0. They played with no subs that game, and even with heavy fatigue, it didn’t deter them in their second game against Owasso, Okla. as they won 18-0 again.

Their third game took place on Sunday, when they knocked off Arkansas NWA Black Diamonds 13-1. In their fourth and final game, they beat the Oklahoma Jenks 15-0, a game which they played with only one sub after two girls left early and two sat out with injuries. Even with the lack of subs, the team managed a total score of 64-1 from the entire weekend.