Liam KeatingTopeka Capital-Journal
TOPEKA — The area was full of fantastic male athletes over the 2023-24 school year as many of them contributed to regional and even state championships to help fill the history books for their schools. Some of the best athletes are even looking to compete at the college level.
So, to cap off this past year of high school sports, it's time to vote for the Capital-Journal’s male athlete of the year now. Voting closes on Thursday at noon after the female athlete of the year voting concluded last week.
Let's meet the nominees:
Finn Dunshee, Hayden
The recent graduate won the Class 3A 100- and 200-meter state titles in May. Dunshee was on the mark during the final weekend of spring sports. His 200-meter dash time broke the Class 3A record held by former Kansas State star and NFL player Jordy Nelson. Dunshee was also a star on the football field. He overcame a knee injury halfway through the season and ended up returning to help the Wildcats reach the Class 3A State Championship game.
Jackson Esquibel, Shawnee Heights
The distance runner will begin his college athletic career at Kansas State in the fall after an incredible senior season. Esquibel won the Class 5A State Championship in cross country. In the spring, he continued to excel by defending his Class 5A 3,200-meter state title. Esquibel also secured second place in the 1,600-meter run of the state track and field championship.
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Simon Everhart, Cair Paravel
The recent graduate was the main offensive threat on the basketball court for the Lions this winter. The 6-foot 3 forward was able to get downhill often and score from deep. In the spring, Everhart helped Cair Paravel golf take third place in the Class 2A State Championship.
Holden Finley, Seaman
This fall, Finley will begin his college career playing baseball at Kansas City Kansas Community College. Finley had a busy senior season as he helped the football team reach the Class 5A sectional round. He also was one of the main scoring threats on the basketball court. Finley shined in his main sport of baseball during the spring, where he commanded the infield for the Vikings.
JC Heim, Washburn Rural
The recent graduate finished an outstanding year with the Junior Blues. Heim was one of the biggest offensive and defensive threats for the football team. He had breakaway speed while he also enjoyed laying big hits at the line of scrimmage. Heim also started on the basketball team and helped lead Washburn Rural to a 10-10 record.
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Barrett Lietz, Rossville
Lietz wrapped up his action-packed senior year with the Bulldawgs and his best performance came during the wrestling season, where he earned runner-up status in the 215-pound division of the Class 3-1A State Championship. Lietz also featured heavily on the football team and during the spring season, he secured 11th place in shot put at the Class 3A State Championship.
James Maag, Topeka West
The 2024 graduate wrapped up his outstanding tennis career with the Chargers. Maag will go down as one of the best tennis players in school history as he helped them win the 2023 Class 5A State Championship. This spring, Maag took ninth place in the singles division of the Class 5A State Tournament.
Nathan Plankinton, Topeka High
The outstanding baseball player will begin his college career with Kansas City Kansas Community College. Plankinton was the ace pitcher for the Trojans, who punched their ticket to the Class 6A State Championship tournament this spring. He helped Topeka High win back-to-back regional championships for the first time in over 70 years.
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Blake Redmond, Silver Lake
Redmond will be playing college football at Washburn University this fall. The recent graduate was a force on the gridiron for the Eagles, but he was equally dominant in two other sports. Redmond qualified for the Class 3A State Championship for wrestling in the winter. He also took third place in long jump at the Class 3A State Track and Field Championship in May.
Ja’Corey Robinson, Highland Park
The only rising senior on the list comes from Highland Park. Robinson had a breakthrough basketball season as he showed his outside shooting while dazzling crowds with his rim-rocking dunks. Robinson helped Highland Park take third place in the Class 5A State Tournament this winter. Since the conclusion of the season, Robinson has picked up college offers from Murray State and Austin Peay.
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com.
