Category: KCKCC

by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC

Led by a spectacular performance by medalist Cameron Riley, Kansas City Kansas Community College’s young golf team got the fall season off to an outstanding start.

The Blue Devils’ lone sophomore, Riley put together three rounds in the 60s to claim medalist honors in the Swedes Invitational held by Bethany College at the Salina Municipal Golf Course Monday and Tuesday.

A graduate of Liberal High School, Riley took the tournament lead with rounds of 69 and 66 on Monday and then added a 69 on Tuesday on Salina’s par 70 layout. His 6-under par 204 was two shots better than Zach Willard of Bethany.

The 204 also helped the Blue Devils finish in second place behind host Bethany, which finished at 854, The Blue Devils (868) were next followed by Barton County (877), Hastings (896), York College (904) and Bethel (313).

The tournament was the first for five KCKCC freshmen, who got their collegiate careers started with some outstanding rounds. Keegan Riley of Andover Central had a one-under par 69 in the second round Monday in tying for 11th (73-69-78-220) while Jacob Hall of Piper had his best competitive round of one-over 71 in tying for 13th (73-77-71-221). Dylen Freund of Cheney closed with back-to-back 72’s in tying for 23rd (81-72-72-225); Mark Towey of Bishop Carroll placed 32nd (78-79-74-231); and Kellen Welsh of Olathe West finished 37th (79-77-79-235).

“We had just one round in the 80’s and I didn’t expect that,” KCKCC coach Gary Shrader said. “For five freshmen playing without a whole lot of experience, I was thrilled. It was the first time playing 36 holes in one day and that in itself is tough. It’s hard to stay focused for 36 holes. And the course was wet after a half-inch of rain Sunday night.”

Three rounds in the 60s was a first for Riley and Shrader.

“I’ve never had anyone shoot three rounds under 70,” Shrader said. “He was making putts.”

A total 80 putts to be exact – 28, 26 and 28 in Riley’s three rounds.

“I really didn’t hit my driver or irons that well but absolutely got up and down and made almost every putt inside 10 feet,” Riley said. “I think I hit 31 greens in the three rounds and ran in a few putts I shouldn’t have made.” He had two or three putts fall from outside 15 feet in his round of 66 that put him in the lead.

Ironically, his best round came on his second 18 holes Monday.

“I got better speed on the greens on the second round,” Riley said. Unfazed by the pressure of taking a 2-shot lead into the final round, he finished one-under par. “I was a little nervous but I like a little pressure. I thought if I shot even par I would win.”

The win was especially gratifying because it came in front of his family, parents Rod and Gay Riley; and both sets of grandparents, Leo and Linda Riley and Larry and Anita Compton.

The Blue Devils are back in action next Monday and Tuesday in the Evangel University Invitational at Rivercut Golf course in Springfield, Missouri.

by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC

Lana Ross gets her first look at her Kansas City Kansas Community College softball team Saturday when the Blue Devils play host to Ottawa University at 1 p.m.

It’s the first of 10 doubleheaders on a fall schedule made up almost entirely of four-year college and university opponents. KCKCC will also play host to Avila Sept. 20 and Mid-America Nazarene Sept. 21. Other opponents will include UMKC, Park, Missouri Western and the University of Missouri.

Ross and assistant Jenn Strohman will have a solid nucleus around which to build – seven veterans including two pitchers, one catcher, two infielders and two outfielders, all of whom were starters on last spring’s 38-20 team. To that group Ross has added a core of 12 promising freshmen and one transfer.

Pitchers – Righthanders Mackenzie Pinkerton (16-12) of Chanhassen, Minnesota, and Shaylun Grosstephan (15-6) of Girard return after combining for 49 starts in the spring. They’ll be joined by Bradi Basler of Lansing, Nerida Elson of Auckland, New Zealand; and Kynzee Johnson of Wayne, Oklahoma.

“Bradi will be a good compliment for Shaylun,” Ross said. “Shay throws a heavy drop ball with a change-up; Bradi throws hard with a good rise ball. Elson gives us a lefthander with great spin on the ball and great accuracy.”

Catchers – Jennica Messer of Basehor is back after hitting .297 in 40 games last season. She’ll be joined by Alex Schafer of Lexington, Oklahoma, and Georgia Faunt of Auckland.

“Messer started 38 games last year while Schafer is great defensively with a high softball IQ,” Ross said. “Faunt is injured so we’ll have to wait on her.”

First base – Hannah Redick of Shawnee Mission North started all 58 games at shortstop last season, hitting .368 and leading the Blue Devils in hits with 75. She moves to first base to fill the vacancy left by home run leader Kaylee Arnzen.

“A great hitter, she’s a great team player and will be a very good first baseman,” Ross said. She’ll be backed by Alex Martin of Norman, Oklahoma, and Madison Prough of Olathe South.

Second base – Freshmen Madison Pope of McLouth and Alyssa Seichephine of Leavenworth will vie for the starting job.

Shortstop – A transfer from Johnson County, Dezmen Duncan of Atchison will get the call at shortstop.

“Duncan is one of the most talented shortstops I’ve had; very strong arm and high softball IQ,” Ross said.

Third base – Alaina Howe of Eudora started all 58 games last spring, hitting .230. She’ll be backed by Abby Henson of Pleasant Hope, Missouri.

Outfield – Devin Purcell of Eudora and Alexis Rymer of Piper earned post-season honors after standout freshmen campaigns. Purcell batted .354 and made one error in center field; Rymer hit .337 and had no errors in right. The battle for the left field job is up for grabs between freshmen Leah Seichephine of Leavenworth and Haley Masisak of Lansing although Bradi Basler is also a possibility.

“It will come down to hitting; whoever is hitting will be in the lineup,” Ross said.

“Overall, we have more talent than last year,” Ross said. “We have to make sure we play as a team and I think we’re well on the way to achieving that. We also have to stay healthy. We have a long way to go but this fall will provide a great growing opportunity.”

Kansas City Kansas Community College 2019 Fall Softball Schedule

Sept. 14 Ottawa University, Home 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 20 Avila University, Home 4 p.m.
Sept. 21 Mid-America Nazarene, Home 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Oct. 3 Rockhurst University, Away 6 p.m.
Oct. 5 UMKC, Away Noon
Oct. 6 Missouri Western, Away Noon
Oct. 11 Univ. of Missouri, Away 12-2:30 p.m.
Oct. 12 Park University, Home Noon
Oct. 13 PSA Club Team, Home 12-2 p.m.
Oct. 18 Maple Woods, Away 3-5 p.m.