Park Hill South continued to separate itself from the rest of the metro field Jan. 16-17, capturing the KC Classic title at the Gladstone Community Center as they added yet another tournament title entering the final stretch of the season.
The Panthers totaled 339 points to win the 20-team meet by a wide margin, finishing well ahead of Liberty and Rock Bridge, while Platte County gained valuable experience against one of the deepest fields it will see all winter.
Park Hill South’s strength once again came from balance and depth, with points spread across individual events and relays over the two-day meet. Senior Lizzie Landuyt led the way with a pair of individual victories, touching first in the 200-yard freestyle in 1 minute, 56.22 seconds and later winning the 500 freestyle in 5:22.54. Landuyt’s distance win helped set the tone midway through the finals session, as the Panthers continued to widen the gap on the rest of the field.
Avery Hogue added another key performance for Park Hill South, finishing second in the 200 individual medley (2:05.60) before returning for another runner-up finish in the 100 butterfly (57.12). Lily Wheeler also reached the A final in the IM, while freshman Joslyn Perry placed third in the 100 breaststroke, providing critical points in a tightly contested event.
The Panthers’ relays proved decisive once again, opening the meet with a runner-up finish in the 200 medley relay, missing the win by 0.06 seconds to Rock Bridge. They responded later with victories in both freestyle relays, claiming the 200 freestyle relay title in 1:41.46 and closed the meet by winning the 400 freestyle relay in 3:40.08, preventing any late push from Liberty or Rock Bridge.
Sprint depth also played a role in Park Hill South’s runaway team score as Claire Dierker placed sixth in the 100 freestyle, while Brooke Nichols and Elisa DeCaro each advanced to championship heats to ensure consistent scoring throughout the lineup. The Panthers finished with swimmers scoring in nearly every event, a trend that has defined their season during a stretch that now includes four tournament titles.
Platte County finished 16th with 24 points but showed encouraging signs against elite competition. Senior Ashleigh Cruce reached the finals in both the 100 butterfly and 100 breaststroke, placing 13th and 16th, respectively, while junior Ronnie Benford qualified for the championship heat of the 500 freestyle and finished 16th in a demanding distance race. Mackenzie Johnson also represented the Pirates in the finals of the 100 backstroke.
Platte County sophomore Mackenzie Johnson in the 100-yard backstroke during the KC Classic at the Gladstone Community Center on Jan. 17.
While the team score did not reflect it, Platte County’s performances came against a field stacked with Class 2 programs and postseason contenders. The Pirates can use the KC Classic as a measuring stick, gaining experience that should pay dividends later in the season.
For Park Hill South, the KC Classic offered further confirmation of its consistency and championship form. With victories secured through both star performances and relay depth, the Panthers left Gladstone having reaffirmed their place among the area’s top programs as the postseason draws closer.