Best of Kansas Preps Six State Standouts

Each week, Best of Kansas Preps will shine a spotlight on top performances across the state in every sport. Have an athlete that had a big week, hit a milestone, set a school record or keyed a huge victory? Send information and picture to Brent Maycock at bmaycock@cjonline.com each Sunday for consideration.

FOOTBALL

HECTOR RODRIGUEZ, NESS CITY: Rodriguez ran for 153 yards and three touchdowns to help Ness City to a big 32-26 victory over Spearville. The win improved Ness City to 6-0 on the season, one win shy of the Eagles' high-water mark under Marc Cowles. For the season, Rodriguez has gained 974 yards and scored 14 touchdowns.

JARED CASEY, PLAINVILLE: After missing two games with a broken hand, Jared Casey returned with a bang on Friday night in the Cardinals' 40-6 victory over previously undefeated LaCrosse. Casey ran for touchdowns of 11, 5 15 and 19 yards and finished with 139 yards rushing as Plainville improved to 5-1.

VOLLEYBALL

JACY THOMASSON, RIVERTON: Returning a veteran team from squads that went 36-4 and 28-11 the past two seasons, Riverton added a difference-maker to the lineup in Thomasson this year. The 5-foot-11 middle hitter leads the Rams in kills (244), hitting percentage (.390) and blocks (66) and is second in aces (45) and has helped the team to a 27-2 record and No. 8 ranking in Class 3A. Thomasson had 42 kills, 9 blocks, 8 aces and 25 digs in leading Riverton to the Uniontown Invitational title last weekend.

TENNIS

EMILY RYAN, CENTRAL PLAINS: Arguably the state's best girls' basketball player, Ryan isn't too shabby of a tennis player either. Ryan captured the Class 3-2-1A regional title at Phillipsburg and takes a 29-0 record to the state tournament, one of just two unbeaten singles players in the state this year. Ryan has finished runner-up at state the past two seasons to KC Christian's Lilly McNeill, and has a 1291-12 career record, also placing fifth at state as a freshman.

ANNABELLE ADAMS, CIRCLE: Third in singles at the Class 4A state tournament last year as a sophomore, Adams will be one of the tournament's favorites this year for the championship. Adams cruised to the title at the Wichita Collegiate regional and is now 22-1 this season with her only loss coming to Hesston's Halle Krehbiel by a score of 8-6 in late September.

CROSS COUNTY

MORGAN KOCA, MILL VALLEY: Koca led Mill Valley to a perfect score of 15 as the Jaguars swept the top five places at the Mill Valley Cat Classic last Wednesday. Koca beat teammate Katie Schwartzkopf, last year's Class 6A state champion, by 20 seconds to win in 18 minutes, 42.50 seconds. She's run the fastest time in Class 6A this season with an 18:36.