![Watching a small group scrimmage, Ben Lundt, St. Louis City SC goalkeeper and founder of Lundt Pro Soccer Training, shouts words of encouragement to players on Sunday, April 26 n the Lafayette grass soccer field. “The idea behind [the event] was to bring the professional soccer players closer to the community because usually people only get to see us on TV or in the stadium. [Families] actually having the opportunity to have their kids on the field with us is the most important aspect,” Ben Lundt said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_6823-1200x800.jpg)
![In celebration of winning his second straight state title in the 215 weight class, junior Carter Brown backflips before leaving the mat. Brown won his bout against junior Kobe Rhymes of North Kansas City High School by fall in just 41 seconds. "Carter does what Carter does. We expect [success] out of him and his goals are bigger than the state championship," coach Sam Ritchie said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_2784-1200x800.jpg)
Despite starting the game with the lead, the girls basketball team fell to the Wildcats 46-35. Being tied in the first quarter, the Wildcats pulled ahead by 10 points before halftime, and maintained the lead for the rest of the game, ending 9 points ahead.
“There was a lot more pressure from the crowd and coaches tonight playing against Eureka, not only because they are our rivals but they are the roughest team we’ve played this season so it was important to show our strength,” junior forward Annie Kirtley said.
To prepare for the Battle of 109, Lafayette spent a lot of time watching film and created a large scouting report.
“Our coach made sure we knew the strengths and weaknesses of players and the plays they run,” junior guard Lylah Kimberlin said. “For the rivalry game we mostly focused on learning the scouting report because we knew a lot about the other team. Our coach made sure we knew the strengths and weaknesses of players and the plays they run.”
The boys basketball team also started their game with a strong lead, 31-11 in the first half, but lost a close game against the Wildcats, 56-53.
Despite the strong start, Eureka secured the win, catching a rebound and running the clock out to ensure their three point victory, giving the Lancers a 4-3 record.
“We started out strong but lost focus in the second half. Going forward our focus and effort needs to be all out for all 32 minutes of the game,” Senior Guard Cooper Myers said.
