BonnerSprings.com

The Bonner Springs Braves are ranked No. 24 in the Metro Sports High School Super 25 Preseason Poll. The television network's poll ranks teams in the Kansas City metro area based on returning starters, depth, schedule, previous success and coaching, among other criteria.

BSHS coach Lew Kasselman is aware that this year's high expectations are based on last year's results, when the Braves posted an 8-2 record. But he thinks that his team deserves to be where it is.

"It's nice to get the notoriety, and we always feel that we get what we deserve," Kasselman said. "But I told the kids that being ranked No. 24 doesn't win you any ball games. You have got to do it in practice and in games."

He said the players have worked hard this summer to continue the winning ways the Braves demonstrated last year, which no doubt has fed the hype surrounding the team.

The ranking is not going to affect everyday activity at practice, according to Kasselman.

"I say, 'Forget about it,'" he said. "We just need to go out there and play. We won't spend any extra attention to that stuff."

Rockhurst High School of Kansas City, Mo., is the No. 1-ranked team in the poll, followed by Blue Springs (Mo.) South at No. 2. Both of those teams are nationally ranked in ESPN's Fab 50 rankings - Rockhurst is No. 13 and Blue Springs South is No. 49.

Bonner Springs is the only team from the Kaw Valley League ranked in the Metro Sports poll.

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