The No. 3 seed in a four-team tournament, Tonganoxie I was 7-5 going into the tournament. The Tonganoxie team hadn’t defeated Basehor-Linwood (8-4) or top-seeded Bonner Springs I (13-0) until it faced both in the postseason and won the first Tonganoxie Summer League Tournament. Tonganoxie defeated Basehor-Linwood 77-66 and Bonner Springs II 70-58 for the title.

Tonganoxie I 77, Basehor-Linwood 66

In the semifinal game, Tonganoxie I trailed 45-37 at the half after Basehor-Linwood sank a three with four seconds remaining. Tonganoxie I changed the momentum in the second half, outscoring Basehor-Linwood 40-21. Tonganoxie’s major run came with 9:43 left in the game. Nathan Bailey hit a three-pointer, and on Tonganoxie I’s next possession, Jordan Glenn hit three free throws after he was fouled on a three-point attempt. He then hit a three-pointer on the team’s next possession for a 9-0 run. Glenn led Tonganoxie I in scoring with 21.

Tonganoxie I 70, Bonner Springs II 58

In the championship game, Tonganoxie I built a strong lead against the undefeated Bonner Springs team. Tonganoxie made three straight three-pointers in the first half and built a 33-23 advantage going into the second half.

Bonner Springs came back and trailed 49-46, but a late Tonganoxie surge secured the tournament title. Bonner Springs I had opportunities. Jon Birdsong had five attempts at the basket in one possession, but came up empty-handed. He finished the game with 28 points.

Tonganoxie High School coach Dave Walker said extra experience was the important for Tonganoxie I.

“They’ve been playing a lot together in the MAYB,” Walker said about players also participating in Mid-America Youth Basketball. “They’ve been playing really well together.”

Tonganoxie II, the No. 4 seed, didn’t fare as well. The team lost to Bonner Springs II in the semifinals, 102-31. In the consolation game, Basehor-Linwood defeated Tonganoxie II 93-54. Tonganoxie I finished the summer season 9-5 while Tonganoxie II ended at 5-9. Bonner Springs II finished at 13-1 and Basehor-Linwood finished at 9-5.