OLATHE — The first hit of Olathe East’s season never left the infield — a soft bunt that did far more than just put a runner on base. 

It broke the tension. 

It broke up a no-hitter. 

And in many ways, it sparked everything that followed. 

From that moment in a season-opening showdown with defending Missouri state champion Blue Springs South, the Hawks found something — a calm, a confidence — that has carried them to one of the best starts in program history. 

Olathe East rattled off 15 straight wins to open the season, turning an early scare into a statement stretch that has put the Hawks squarely among the top contenders in Class 6A. 

“I could not be prouder of the boys and how they have been able to start the season,” coach Blake Iles said. “I don't think anyone ever predicts they would start 15-0, but we knew we were going to be very competitive this year.” 

That competitiveness was tested immediately. 

The Hawks were locked in a pitcher’s duel in the opener, held hitless deep into the game before Carter King dropped down a perfectly placed bunt to end the no-hit bid. Moments later, Olathe East pushed across the only two runs it would need in a 2-0 victory. 

Instead of rattling the lineup, the slow start seemed to steady it. 

From there, the wins kept coming — 14 more in a row — fueled by a balanced attack at the plate and a pitching staff that has consistently controlled games. 

“Our pitching staff has done a great job of keeping us in games until our bats can push through and get us the lead we need,” Iles said. 

At the center of it all has been senior Milo Burton, a University of Missouri commit who is hitting .491 and setting the tone at the top of the lineup. Burton has racked up eight doubles, scored 25 runs and is a perfect 15-for-15 on stolen base attempts. 

Alongside him, Luke Venneman has been just as impactful — and just as consistent. The senior outfielder is hitting .468 with 10 walks and has already set the program’s single-season stolen base record with 20. 

“Anytime you have guys like Milo, Luke and Carson (May) that have been starting for 3-4 years, they bring an experience and a comfortability to their approach that others see and pick up on,” Iles said. “It’s definitely contagious.” 

Carson May has provided the power in the middle of the order, leading the team with three home runs while hitting .408 with 20 RBIs and 25 runs scored. Cal Ohm has been a steady presence behind him, batting .422 with 19 RBIs, consistently delivering in key moments. 

Even beyond the headliners, contributions have come from throughout the lineup. Brett Liezert is hitting .500 with two home runs and 13 RBIs, adding to his dominant presence on the mound. 

That pitching has been just as critical to the fast start. 

Liezert has been a workhorse, going 5-1 with a 1.10 ERA across 29.2 innings while striking out 56 batters. Caden Wallace has been nearly untouchable in his role, posting a 0.95 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 22 innings and earning two saves. 

Together, they’ve anchored a staff that has allowed the Hawks to stay composed in tight games — much like that opener. 

“This is the best start we’ve ever had,” said Iles, who has been with the program since 2018. “Last year we started 12-0 before dropping a couple of close games, but this year has been the best for sure.” 
 

The streak finally came to an end last Monday in a 7-4 loss to defending Class 6A state champion Free State — but even that, Iles believes, could prove valuable. 

“We’ve already faced the Kansas state champs and the Missouri state champs, so we are facing quality teams and arms each and every night,” he said. “I told the boys after the game this is a great thing if we approach it the right way.” 

The response has already been encouraging. 

“After seeing the energy the boys brought the next day to practice, I knew they were refocused and ready for the second half season push,” Iles said. 

For a program that hasn’t reached the state tournament since 2019 — despite several near misses — that push carries extra meaning. 

“It’s something every group talks about for sure,” Iles said. “We’ve had some great teams and some great regional championship games where a play here or there didn’t go our way. I try not to define our season on one accolade, but obviously we want to be playing in Wichita at the end of the season. The boys know what it takes and have the right mentality to make it happen."

OTHER BASEBALL STANDOUTS 

 

• Shawnee Mission West head coach Todd Reed hit a big milestone in his Viking career. Reed, after leading the Vikings to a state runner-up appearance a season ago, picked up win No. 300. Reed has been the Shawnee Mission West coach since 2001 and has led the Vikings to six state tournament appearances.  

• Basehor-Linwood has a pair of seniors that has helped them to eight wins so far on the season. Steven Zimbelman has led the Bobcats on the mound with a 3-0 record with 38 strikeouts in 24 innings and a 1.575 ERA. Chase Young has been the Bobcats’ best offensive weapon with a .421 average with 17 RBIs, 18 runs scored and 13 steals. 

• Southeast-Cherokee is off to a 14-3 start to its season and currently undefeated in Three Rivers League play. The Lancers have been led by their pitching and it has started with Gannon Hobbs. He is currently two strikeouts away from 100 careers strikeouts as a sophomore and struck out nine in his last start. He is also pacing the team with a .569 average as the leadoff hitter. Another sophomore pitcher, Carter Buzard, has also had a good start with a 4-0 record and 25 strikeouts. He has a .480 average and a team-high 27 RBIs. Junior catcher Tyler Warner has been a defensive presence for the Lancers and has a .447 average. 

• Gardner-Edgerton has thrown two combined no-hitters as the Blazers are off to a 9-6 start. The first no-hitter came against Shawnee Mission North. Freshman Easton Vesey threw five scoreless innings with six strikeouts and senior Casey Myers finished the final two frames with three strikeouts. The second no-hitter came against Spring Hill. Senior Tucker Thompson went four innings with six strikeouts, before junior Clayton Winder went two innings and four strikeouts and junior Hudson Noble pitched a perfect seventh. 

• Bishop Ward’s Uriah Esparza is off to a hot start to his high school career. The Cyclone freshman is hitting .739 on the season with a 1.976 OPS and is one of the team’s top arms out of the bullpen.  

• Wyandotte is off to an 8-8 record to begin its season and the Bulldogs are off to their best start in three years. Alan Perez is lead the team with a .324 average, 15 RBIs and 20 runs scored. Aylan Babb is one of two freshmen to lead the Bulldogs. Babb has a team-high three triples and Angel Rivera has a team-best .333 average.