Both the boys and girls basketball teams are substate champions after this weekend. The girls defeated Maize South 40-14, while the boys defeated Valley Center 64-46. Maize is the only school to have both their boys and girls teams go to quarterfinals in Class 5a. They have a combined record 38-4, and both have the second-best record in 5A.

Senior Sydney Holmes was ecstatic to win against Maize South, and credits much of the team’s success to their strong defense. The Eagles held the Mavericks to four points in the first half Friday.

“Definitely our defense was a huge factor,” Holmes said. “Keeping any team to four points at halftime is tough, and them only scoring 14 the whole game is really impressive, and I was proud of us.”

Senior Jacob Hanna also said that defense played a big role in the boys team’s win as well as great teamwork.

“The biggest factor was our defense and unselfishness,” Hanna said. “It’s hard to guard teams that move the ball, and we also put an emphasis on playing great team defense.”

Staying positive and keeping strong motivation were huge factors that played into the team’s mindset before the game. Hanna helped his teammates stay positive and excited in order to play their best.

“In big games as a team we just remind each other every day in practice that this is what we work for, chances to compete in big games,” he said. “We’re always positive and stay motivated and hungry because we all have the same common goal of winning a state championship.”

Since this is Holmes’ senior year, every game is special for her and her fellow seniors. The team and atmosphere the team provides is important to Holmes during her final season.

“My teammates mean everything to me,” she said. “I think we’ve really improved as a team and grown together. They impact me every day, everyone works hard in practice and we all are friends outside of basketball.”

Both teams will continue to state quarterfinals this week. The girls will play tonight at Andover Central, and the boys will take on Bishop Carroll on Tuesday at home. If they win, they advance to the semifinals in Emporia.