The De Soto High School Scholars Bowl team is continuing its success one meet at a time.

After winning the 4A State championship title last year, there are a lot of expectations for the team, but after this week, those expectations are beginning to be met.

At Eudora High School on Nov. 28, 2011, the varsity team received first place after being the only team to go undefeated. The team also had four rounds where they scored over 100 points. There are a maximum of 160 points in a single round if one team answers every single question correctly.

For the second varsity away meet in one week, the team ventured to Mill Valley High School on Dec. 1, 2011, where they faced some very tough competition but ended up placing first.

The team went 13-1 overall losing only to Blue Valley High School, the defending 5A champions, in the semi-finals. Because the semi-finals were a round-robin, DHS’ 75- point margin of victory against Olathe South, that received third at State last year in 6A, broke the three- way tie between De Soto, Blue Valley and Olathe South since Olathe South beat Blue Valley.

“[The meet at Mill Valley] was especially good because we faced tough competition and had some close calls, but we still pulled through and won,” senior co-captain Parker Riley said.

Even with such success, there is still a lot that the team can improve on.

“We are going to work on [studying]English literature, American literature, paintings and even current events,” varsity coach Phil Hamilton said.

The next varsity meet will be on Dec. 8, 2011.