City athletes earn All-Sunflower League honors

The Lawrence High dugout erupts in jubilation after the final strike to seal a victory against Olathe Northwest in the Class 6A regional championship game on Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at CBAC in Olathe.

The city’s baseball, soccer and softball players garnered plenty of attention on the recently released 2012 All-Sunflower League spring sports teams.

Lawrence High baseball received the most first-team selections from the league’s coaches, with three seniors — pitcher Garrett Cleavinger, utility player Troy Willoughby and outfielder CJ Roush — earning top honors.

Free State High girls soccer secured the city’s other first-team spot, which went to sophomore forward Maddie Dieker.

Four city softball players were named to the second team. Senior shortstop Sam O’Brien, junior catcher Courtney Parker and junior outfielder A’Liyah Rogers represented Free State. Sophomore shortstop Marly Carmona was selected from LHS.

Second-team baseball selections went to Lions junior third baseman Shane Willoughby and Firebirds junior relief pitcher Sam Hearnen.

FSHS soccer placed two on the second team: senior midfielder Kylee Loneker and sophomore defender Olivia Hodison.

Even more athletes received honorable mention. In baseball, Lawrence’s senior second baseman Trevor Champagne, senior first baseman Matt Sutliffe and sophomore catcher Drew Green were listed, as were FSHS pitchers senior JD Prochaska and sophomore Ryan Cantrell.

For softball, LHS senior third baseman Lauren Byrn and freshman second baseman Morgan Byrn received honorable mention, as did FSHS senior outfielder Alex Hill and sophomore pitcher Meredith Morris.

LHS girls soccer had three players earn honorable mention: senior defender Lauren Fleming, junior defender Ella Magerl and sophomore midfielder/forward Addison Campbell. Free State juniors Rylee Fuerst and Madeline Caywood also received honorable mention.