Labette Bank Athlete of the Month: Mario Menghini of Frontenac

Mario Menghini is looking to be a three-sport all-state athlete. photo: Sean Frye

Mario Menghini of Frontenac has already had quite the athletic career for the Raiders and its not over yet.

Menghini is looking to be a three-sport all-state athlete for the second year in a row for Frontenac. But right now his focus is on the basketball season where he has already had a 38-point outing this school year, accomplished earlier this month. It is believed to be the most points ever scored in a high school basketball game but cannot be confirmed by the school if it is an official record. Menghini could also become Frontenac’s first 1,000 point scorer in a career since 1999 when 2A Player of the Year Brad Stroud accomplished the feat, Stroud is also believed to have the previous high in points at the school with 37 scored back in 1998-1999 season.

The Raiders, led by head coach Ryan Varsalona, are currently 3-2 on the season. The Raiders have a lot of experience back including Menghini and standouts Trey Cramer and Vinny Pile.

In football, Menghini was a repeat selection as an all-state running back and defensive back. The 6’3″ 190 pound senior is one of the most versatile players in 3A, shining at multiple spots. Menghini had several multiple touchdown games this fall, including five TDs in the 35-15 win over Iola in the first round of the KSHSAA state playoffs. As a junior, he was a two-way all-state pick for the Raiders who took runner-up last season in 2021.

Last season, Menghini was an all-state selection in baseball in 2022 spring. The CNC league is loaded with some of the top small school teams in the state. Last season, Columbus took state runner-up while Girard took fourth. Frontenac took third place the season before.

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