BonnerSprings.com

The Bonner Springs boys basketball team has played no opponent more frequently in recent years than Lansing.

The Braves have played three or four times in a season almost every year for the past five seasons.

In addition to the two regularly scheduled Kaw Valley League games, they’ve met multiple times in the Bonner Springs Metro Prep Classic tournament, as well as in the Class 5A sub-state tournament.

The teams have played three times this year, with Lansing winning every meeting. A fourth matchup is possible if both Lansing and BSHS advance to the sub-state finals.

But first things first, coach Ryan Hull’s Braves must get past Washington in order to make a showdown with the Lions possible.

The game takes place at 7 p.m. today at Washington.

Washington will be no easy task. The Wildcats earned the No. 3 seed in the tournament after posting an 8-12 record during the regular season. They finished third in the Kansas City Kansas League this season behind state powers Sumner Academy (18-3) and Harmon (15-5).

Beyond their league, the Wildcats have played a brutal nonconference schedule that includes close losses to Class 6A power Shawnee Mission Northwest and Class 5A juggernaut and defending state champion Topeka Highland Park.

Meanwhile, the Braves enter the game with a little bit of a limp. They’ve lost three games in a row. Two of those losses were to Basehor-Linwood and Mill Valley — some of the toughest teams in the KVL — but one loss was to struggling Santa Fe Trail.

Prior to the losing skid, BSHS won two games in a row as it took down Turner and Louisburg in contests where the Braves scored 80 or more points.

Despite a 6-14 record, the Braves are battle tested. They’ve played Lansing three times (losses by scores of 86-77, 74-62 and 58-34). They also played state power Bishop Miege.

If BSHS wins tonight, it will advance to the sub-state championship game against the winner of Lansing and Shawnee Heights at 7:45 p.m. Saturday at Lansing.

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