TEAM: Topeka High Trojans

CLASSIFICATION: 6A

LEAGUE: Centennial

COLORS: Black & Gold

SOCIAL MEDIA: @T_HighAthletics and @T_HighHoops (Boys) on Twitter

2024-25 SCHEDULE:

12/5 at Wamego
12/9-14 at De Soto Tournament
12/17 vs Benton (MO) (BOYS)
1/3 vs Life Prep Academy (GIRLS)
1/3 vs Highland Park (BOYS)
1/10 at Manhattan
1/14 vs Hayden
1/17 vs Junction City
1/21 at Highland Park (GIRLS)
1/23-25 Topeka Invitational Tournament (BOYS)
1/24 at Atchison (GIRLS)
1/29 at Seaman (BOYS)
1/30-2/1 at Glacier’s Edge (GIRLS)
2/4 vs Emporia
2/7 at Washburn Rural
2/11 at Hayden
2/14 vs Manhattan
2/18 at Junction City
2/21 at Emporia
2/25 vs Washburn Rural

Centennial League game

GIRLS

HEAD COACH: Ron Slaymaker (1st year)

2023-24 RECORD: 5-15, 2-8 in Centennial League

2023-24 IN REVIEW: For a program whose glory days aren’t far behind them, last season represented a frustrating one for Lady Trojan basketball. On one hand, a step back was certainly anticipated given a small roster and a lack of upperclassmen with varsity experience. But the losing piled up in such a way that had to be tough on the players, and ultimately head coach Brittany Redmond was dismissed mid-season.

2024-25 OUTLOOK: No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. That is, in fact, Hall of Fame coach Ron Slaymaker patrolling the sidelines for this year’s edition of the Lady Trojans. After guiding Olpe to back-to-back state tournament appearances, ‘Coach Slay’ thought he was done with the clipboard and whistle before being drawn back in by the opportunity at Topeka High. He’ll look to increase the number of girls out for the squad, but the cupboard is in no way bare. This year’s team will be driven by a pair of young guards, junior Keimara Marshall and sophomore Ahsieryhuajh Rayton. Slaymaker loves what he sees from his backcourt on both ends of the court and believes they can be top performers and leaders for the team. Keep an eye on freshman Hailey Caryl as a significant piece for the Lady Trojans as well. Given Slaymaker’s pedigree and some of the experience coming back, it would not be surprising to see Topeka High return to winning ways this winter.

FROM THE COACH’S CLIPBOARD: “The core group that I’ve had this summer has been absolutely wonderful. There are some girls who need to improve a lot, but there is some talent. The thing that is most evident is how well they get along. There’s some talent at the top, and I think people are going to have to pay attention to us.” – Ron Slaymaker

BOYS

HEAD COACH: Geo Lyons (3rd year, 8-33)

2023-24 RECORD: 5-16, 1-9 in Centennial League

2023-24 IN REVIEW: The Trojans improved from year one to year two under coach Geo Lyons, but not as much as they had hoped due to a second-half skid. After beating Hayden at the Topeka Invitational Tournament on January 19th to move to 5-6, the Trojans failed to win another game the rest of the season, though they very nearly knocked off a top-10 Junction City team in the regular season finale. The team was able to play the kind of style that coach Lyons wanted to see, but didn’t quite have the depth necessary for the rigorous schedule that January and February brings.

2024-25 OUTLOOK: It’s a roster in flux as the new season approaches for the Trojans, meaning experience will be limited. But that hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm coach Lyons has for this group of players. Now in his third season, the expectations for what it takes to play in his program and how he wants to play all 94 feet of the floor are in place, and there can be no mistaking them. Opportunities for playing time will come for those who are willing and able to meet those expectations. 

FROM THE COACH’S CLIPBOARD: “The Trojans only return two players with varsity experience but the cupboards are not bare. The Trojans are young but very talented. The Trojans will look to play a high energy, fast paced and high scoring style of ball. This group should be very fun to watch.” – Geo Lyons

–Dan Lucero

To read more Pigskin & Hoops previews, click here to return to the table of contents.