Aquinas, Kingfishers Advance to Kansas Final

05.11.2024HS Boys

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St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Martin's Kingfishers will reacquaint themselves with each other as both won their Kansas state semifinals Friday night and will meet in the state final on Sunday.

It was a very tight victory for Kingfishers, 20-16 over Blue Valley. Head Coach John Prezzia wasn't overjoyed with his team's performance but did see some good work from freshman Will Martin and junior Ethan Blakie.

"They played with some real skill and spirit," Prezzia said. "Hats off to Jay Allen and his Blue Vallet crew; they played their fannies off and deserved to win."

Aquinas won comfortably over St. James.

"They were on fire," said STA Head Coach Tim Kluempers of his players. "The guys played to their standards and we know if e trust the system and trust the standards we'll be in good shape."

Center Harris Kraus was outstanding on the day and youngster Cole Spillman put in a good showing at fullback. With Carson Patrick at lock and later No. 8, and front-rowers Cooper Coats and Zac Ellner leading the forward effort, Aquinas cruised.

So now after meeting twice, both STA wins, these two sides will face off for a third time.

"We're going guns a-blazing," said Kluempers. "But also with composure. We want State back after losing it last year."

"We're excited," added Prezzia. "We both train all year for this match, and we love the pressure of all the chips being down."