Lawrence High junior Joe Kornbrust had served as a reliever for the Lions this season until receiving his first start Thursday against Olathe North.

He responded by allowing three hits and striking out seven during a complete-game 1-0 shutout at the College Boulevard Activities Center.

“He can definitely build on that and take it into his next appearance,” LHS coach Brad Stoll said.

Stoll declined to say whether Kornbrust earned a permanent spot in the team’s talented starting pitching rotation.

However, with the Lions slated to play Shawnee Mission East, Shawnee Mission North, Olathe Northwest, Shawnee Mission South and Blue Valley North during a week replete with makeup games, he likely will receive another shot in the near future.

“We play five games,” Stoll said. “And there’s going to be a lot of guys starting.”

¢ Speed to burn: LHS first baseman Nick DeBiasse bats in the cleanup spot for a reason.

But the best power hitter on the team won the nail-biter against Olathe North with his feet.

During the second inning, he reached base after North pitcher Jordyn Chamberlin plunked him with a pitch. He advanced to second on a wild pitch and stole third base. After pinch runner Sam Anderson stole second, DeBiasse scored the game’s only run on the errant throw to nab Anderson.

“I have a good feel for running the bases,” DeBiasse said.

¢ Doubles trouble: Free State High’s No. 1 doubles team of Charlie Moffet and Jack Hull are peaking at the right time, according to coach Jon Renberger.

The duo played in the third-place match at the Sunflower League tennis meet Monday. They finished third at the Kansas Class 6A state meet last season.

“They compliment each other very well,” Renberger said. “Charlie’s quick around the court, has a solid ground stroke, a solid serve. Jack is a taller, longer, wider player who plays the net well and compliments Charlie with his power. The blend is a powerful combination.”

¢ A helpful perspective: Lawrence High tennis coach Steve Hudson said sophomore Taylor Seratte, the Lions’ No. 1 singles player, made himself better by competing in doubles competition earlier in the season.

“I definitely agree with that,” Seratte said. “It helped me get more angles and widened the court for me. The court looks wider to me with one player. I’m a lot more comfortable.”

Hudson said the No. 1 singles spot for the Class 6A regional meet isn’t set, but that Seratte made a strong case for the spot at the Sunflower League meet, where he finished 1-1.