Kansas Hardwood 2015 by Sixteen 60 Publishing Co.

Volume 4 • 2015-16

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HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Inside Features: • McPherson’s Drew Pyle continues the family tradition. • Cooper Holmes steps into leadership role at Concordia. • Hugoton girls go the distance after a spectacular turn around. • Minneapolis’ Lindsay Shupe is unstoppable. • Many more features. • And previews from more than 100 Kansas high schools.

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

John Webb Kelli Webb Jordan Webb Prou d Su pportersofth e Salina Sou th C ou gars

Sacred H eart Knigh ts

SALINA C ENT RAL M U STANG S 600 S. Santa Fe, Suite C, Salina, KS 67401 785.820.8161 or 1.888.756.6670 fax: 785.820.8123 webbandassocinc@ofgfinancial.com www.webbandassociatesfinancial.com Securities offered through OFG Financial Services, Inc., Topeka, KS Member FINRA/SIPC

On the Cover In the top photo by Shirley Cox Schroeder, starters and seniors on this season’s Beloit and Beloit St. John’s/Tipton high schools’ basketball teams are back row, from left: Anthony Nunez, Davis Dubbert, Colson Riemann, Chloe Miller, Logan Mong, Parker Gates, Hunter Budke, Brenna Eilert and Colson Reames. Middle row, from left: Isaac Meyer, Bailey Shellito, Alana Budke, Gabbie Smith, Luke Hesting, Elizabeth Walter and Maeve Spangler. Front row, from left: Sami Hollerich, Alexis Budke, Megan Bates and Remi Behrends. See Pages 23-24 for story. In the bottom photo, Sacred Heart-Salina High School head basketball coach Pat Martin is flanked by seniors Lucas Comfort, left, and Jerod Toogood. See Page 32 for story.

Mark McCoy/Kansas Hardwood

Stockton’s Haven Hamilton pulls down a rebound against the Lady Monarchs of Thomas Moore PrepMarian during the 2014-15 basketball season.

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

hat attributes are found in a successful coach, the likes of Kurt Kinnamon at McPherson, his brother, Clint at St. John-Hudson, Shelly Hoyt at Hoxie or the dozens of others we could name across Kansas? Betsy Lafferty, a former basketball player who now coaches junior high school girls at Little River, says it’s all about trust. “Trust that your coach did the right thing. Trust in your team because that’s truly what it’s all about. Trust that your coach cares more about the team than about themselves. If you don’t believe those things, even if you’re great, it’s not going to happen.” Lafferty spoke one Thursday night in early Spring as part of a panel discussion on sports at the Rice County Historical Society’s Coronado Quivira Museum at Lyons. The backdrop was a 600-square-foot exhibit featuring Rice County sports teams starting in the 1920s. Hardwood attended the one-hour discussion because the event was reflective of the magazine’s goals: to recognize the skills, hard work and character of the high school basketball coaches and players across the western two-thirds of Kansas. The purpose of the Lyons panel was to celebrate sports, and also to examine the way in which basketball and other games build and unite communities. The topic idea came from Charlene Akers, the museum’s executive director, who — as she researched the local exhibit — was amazed at the influence sports has on communities. “I saw people coming together and thought, ‘Isn’t this exciting.’ Hometown teams bring their communities together,” Akers said. And create a sense of pride. The panel and its interaction with the dozen or so in the audience re-enforced her observations. Almost everyone had a story involving someone on the panel and their years on the sidelines. In addition to Lafferty, panel members were Junior Soeken, a Lyons High School graduate who has managed the Lyons Recreation Commission for years; Bud Kelly, a 1951 graduate of Sterling College who coached at Alden for 15 years before moving on to Western Kansas; and Shane Cordell, the long-time football and basketball coach at Little River who recently retired. Lafferty is his daughter. The moderator was Doug Boardman, a Sterling College history professor who coached football at what is now Triplains/Brewster. He was at Triplains when National Geographic sent a photographer and writer to report on “Eight-Man Football Under the Lights.” He also was at Chase when the high school went four years without winning a basketball game. “The community still supported them. They never gave up and that is what life’s all about,” Boardman said. Panelists also talked about the lessons learned from being active in sports — hard work, life skills. “It’s just a huge step toward becoming an adult,” Cordell said. At the same time, speakers stressed the need for players to be realistic. Lafferty said her dream was to become a big-time coach and then she became a wife and mother. “I hope they enjoy sports, but I don’t want them to be defined by sports,” she said of the students she coaches. “God, family, education, sports,” Cordell said in listing his priorities. Cordell and the other retired coaches said running into their former players “means a lot.” Just as looking up into the bleachers and seeing most of the community there, cheering on the hometown team, whether they had a player on the floor or not, meant so much during their coaching days. It’s a story without end. We hope you enjoy this year’s edition of Kansas Hardwood. Linda Mowery-Denning Kansas Hardwood

K ANS A S

RDWOO

Basketball strengthens community bonds

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John Baetz Publisher Co-owner of Sixteen 60 Publishing Co., publishers of Kansas Pregame Football Magazine and Kansas Mat Preview, and The Lincoln Sentinel-Republican and Chapman News-Times weekly newspapers.

Bree McReynolds-Baetz Publisher

Co-owner of Sixteen 60 Publishing Co., publishers of Kansas Pregame Football Magazine and Kansas Mat Preview.

Linda Mowery-Denning Publisher

Publisher and Co-owner with Morris Multimedia, Savannah, Ga., of the Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter and the Marquette Tribune.

Layout and Design: Linda Mowery-Denning, Bill Beckmeyer and Kayla Kvacik Sales: John Baetz, Tyler Gier and Amber Potter. Contributing Writers: Brent Maycock, Mark McCoy, Matthew Denning, Randy Gonzales, Linda Mowery-Denning, Harold Bechard, Kyle McCaskey, Lisa Miller Kijowski and John Giffin. Staff Photographers Shirley Cox Schroeder and Mark McCoy Editors John Baetz and Linda Mowery-Denning Mail questions and comments to: kshardwoodmag@gmail.com or to: Kansas Hardwood P.O. Box 186 Lincoln, KS 67455

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

What’s Inside

Page 6 — Drew Pyle continues the family tradition at McPherson. Page 8 — Buhler’s Jessica Steffen prepares for Yale. Page 8 — Cooper Holmes takes the lead at Concordia. Page 9 — Isaiah Nunnery of Hays steps up. Page 10-11 — It’s a new program — and State title — for Hugoton. Pages 12 — Talented seniors lead Abilene girls. Pages 13-14 — Harold Bechard previews Classes 6A, 5A and 4A. Pages 15-21 — Big school snapshots. Pages 22-23 — Beloit is home to two basketball powerhouses. Page 24 — Lindsay Shupe of Minneapolis can’t be stopped. Pages 25-31 — 3A preview and team snapshots. Page 32 — Salina’s Sacred Heart is all about momentum. Page 33 — Is this a breakout year for the Meade Buffaloes? Page 34 — Mark McCoy previews Class 2A. Pages 35-44 — Team snapshots. Page 45 — Hanover’s Will Bruna plays beyond his years. Pages 46 — Kirsten Burger is Thunder Ridge’s utility player. Pages 47-53 — 1A preview and team snapshots. Page 54 — Kelsi Mueller is Moscow’s floor general. Pages 55-59 — More 1A team snapshots.

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

By Kyle McCaskey

their brothers and uncles, all those guys that have come through kind of have an idea of how special McPherson basketball is.”

Drew Pyle continues the tradition

For Kansas Hardwood

cPherson, rich in basketball lore, has its brand names that endlessly rotate onto the roster, an everchurning lottery hopper that always comes up with a winning combination. Just skimming the surface, the latest stars included the Ulsakers, the Kinnamons, the Hortons and the Pyles. The cyclical nature of the names writes the next chapter this season. Kyler Kinnamon — son of McPherson coach Kurt Kinnamon — finally exhausted his high school eligibility, much to the joy of the Bullpups’ opponents. Kinnamon moves on to Fort Hays State University after guiding McPherson to backto-back 4A-Division 1 championships. McPherson is 48-1 over the past two years.

Imagine a pick-up game at the Pyle residence. “We play a lot of basketball in the driveway. Just mess around,” Drew said. “Sometimes it gets pretty serious.” Drew is next to step up to the crown. It was only a handful of years ago that Jack Pyle, Drew’s cousin, was scoring in bunches for McPherson before moving on to play at Hutchinson Community College and Newman University. Drew watched his cousin with intent, examining his style so he could mash it into his own. “I noticed a lot that he got to the foul line a lot,” Drew said. “That’s something I’ve been trying to do, is get some easy points from the free-throw.”

Cue the next name. Enter Drew Pyle. “You always need a leader on the court that kind of knows what everybody’s position is, and where everybody is supposed to be,” said Kurt Kinnamon. “Traditionally, we’ve had that from the point position, but I think, really, anybody can do that. “Whether it is knowing where everyone needs to line up for an inbounds play, or where they’re going to be defensively for a press or whatever, I can see Drew morphing into that role, of kind of being a director out on the floor.” Allow a moment to reset Pyle’s rise into floor general. Pyle is not being thrown to a pack of starved wolves — if Kyler Kinnamon and the also-departed Payton Stephens were possibly the Option A and B a year ago, Pyle was, at worst, the C in a three-pronged offense that gave opponents free tutorials in seamless point production. Pyle piled up 15.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.0 steals per game as a junior.

The Pyle pipeline will not run dry when Drew finishes up his senior campaign this year. Courtesy Photo

McPherson’s Drew Pyle comes from a long line of basketball players. “(Kyler’s) a lot to replace. He’s a really good player, good athlete,” Pyle said. “We should be able to replace most of what he brought to the table with other guys. I’ll try to do everything I can to replace that.” Basketball aficionados around the state likely recognize Drew’s last name, as well they should. It is a legacy moniker for McPherson basketball. “They have a long history, back to dads and uncles and grandparents, starting clear back to when grandpa was playing at Iowa State,” Kurt Kinnamon said. “Certainly with

Drew’s young brother, Ben, was a key contributor for the Bullpups a year ago as a freshman. Following them are two younger brothers — one in eighth grade, another in third — and a sister in seventh grade. Quite the pile of Pyles awaits the Bullpup programs. For all those driveway one-on-ones, Drew readily confesses his optimism that one or all of his siblings will end up as the better players. “I always try to help them as much as I can,” Drew said. “I hope they become better than me someday, so I want to try to help them out as much as I can.” It is a little stunning in the me-driven 21st

See PYLE, Page 7

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Steffen prepares for Yale

By RANDY GONZALES For Kansas Hardwood

uhler coach Jon McLean is going to be counting on senior guard Jessica Steffen this season.

A lot.

Steffen is just one of two returning starters off last year’s team that finished fourth at the Class 4A Division I State tournament. “She’s pretty competitive,” McLean said. “She’s going to have to do a little bit of everything for us this year.” The 5’8” Steffen averaged 19 points per game for last year’s 19-6 squad. She came up big in the sub-State title game against rival McPherson in a matchup of state-ranked teams. She scored a game-high 25 points, including a pair of late free throws to send the Crusaders to state. “It was super exciting,” Steffen said. “I think it was really great for the school, for the team, the community ... That was a great time. That will go down as one of my favorite high school memories.” But the only returning starters from that squad are Steffen and senior forward Morgan Rohr. “I know we have a bunch of great incoming players,” Steffen said. “We’re going to

Pyle Continued from Page 6 century to hear an athlete offer an unabashed opinion that they want to see someone else surpass their skills, even if it is a sibling. Yet Drew said this is vital. “I try to be the best out on the court, but my family, my brothers, I love them and I want the best for them,” Drew said. “If my brother does beat me in oneon-one, I’m going to be a little upset, but I’m glad he’s getting better and he hopefully uses that to impact his life so he can go on further.” It becomes clearer when Drew explains his influences. Off the court, Drew spends Wednesdays and Sundays at church. He helps lead the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at McPherson, an organization he has been a part of all four years. “It’s important to keep faith in athletics,” Drew said. “Pretty much,

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have some changes, but I don’t think there’s going to be a huge letdown.” “We’re going to be a little bit different team this year,” McLean said. Starting over is what excites McLean. “I’m really looking forward to it, because that’s the beauty of high school basketball,” he said. “Every year, you get a hand dealt to you. “I’m anxious to see if we’ve got some girls who have improved from a year ago,” he added. “My thought is we might struggle a little early. As the season goes on we will continue to get better.” Steffen, who hopes to be an orthopedic surgeon, has already committed to playing basketball at Yale next year. She originally looked at other programs, but decided an Ivy League school fit her best for what she wanted to do academically. “I realized because I take academics so seriously, and I want to be a medical doctor, I realized I could use basketball to do something way cooler than what I think most people do,” said Steffen, who has never received a “B” in a class. “I can use it to get into the best university in the nation.”

Randy Gonzales is a long-time sports writer in northwest Kansas.

no matter what, if it’s going good for you or going bad, our lord will be right there with you, and he’ll help you with it if you ask. He’ll never leave you.” Drew fell in love with basketball with the help of his father, who he calls his “coach-slash-shooting partner since fourth grade.” They work together on all of Drew’s skills, from dribbling to defense. It also is driving Drew’s desire to fill McPherson’s leadership vacancies. Drew has two state championships in three seasons. He will

Mark McCoy/Kansas Hardwood

Buhler’s Jessica Steffen considers her options during a 2014-15 game.

pursue a third this season, a feat his dad missed. “My dad has actually won two, and he lost two,” Drew said. “He said he would give up those two just to win one his last year. That’s motivated me, that this is my last chance, and not to leave anything out there and feel like I regretted anything.” Drew worked on ball handing and mid-range jumpers in the off-season, but realistically, there are few skills at which he is not adept. Kurt said Drew is a scorer from the post all the way back to the 3-point line. He has the awareness and length to defend well. He passes efficiently. Drew is an ideal two-guard, though he has played some point in the past and is savvy enough to bang around in the post. All the physical traits are present. Now Drew just has to lead the show. He is the next man up in McPherson. “It’s probably in the back of Drew’s mind, of how cool it would be to be a three-time state champion,” Kinnamon said. “There aren’t many guys who can say that, and say they started for three years for a state championship.”

Kyle McCaskey writes for the Hutchinson News.

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

By Brent Maycock

and be more of a leader, not just vocal but by my actions as well. Every night, I tried to come out and bring my best and hope that rubbed off on the others.”

Leadership is Holmes’ new comfort zone

For Kansas Hardwood

n many ways, Cooper Holmes made things look easy last year. Starting with a 25-point outing in Concordia’s season-opener, the Panther basketball standout put together a junior season for the record books. Holmes wound up leading the state in scoring, averaging 30.2 points per game on his way to Class 4A Division II player of the year honors. But in some ways, the 2014-15 season was Holmes’ roughest. For pretty much the first time since he picked up a basketball, he wasn’t sharing a court with his older brother, Grant. “It was a different year,” Holmes said. “Growing up I did always play up with my brother. When he left and also a couple other kids in his class who played with us growing up, it was different. It was a big transition for me and the team.” The biggest transition for Holmes was the move from being a complementary player to Grant and his classmates — a darn good one at that — into the Panthers’ leader. Self-described as a “pretty laid-back, quiet kid,” Holmes had to somewhat re-invent himself. It

Concordia coach Michael Roe saw the transformation in his star player. As good of a teammate as Holmes was before his junior season, Roe said he was even better last year taking on the new role as the Panthers’ team leader.

Courtesy Photo

Cooper Holmes prepares for his senior year. was time to exit the comfort zone he’d found himself in for most of his career. “I had a bigger role not only on the court, but also a leadership role,” Holmes said. “It took a little while to get used to and now I’m really comfortable with it. We only had two seniors so coach really wanted me to step up

“His maturity level, once he hit that junior year, he kind of developed what I call your man strings,” Roe said. “That’s what you could see out on the floor. He was no longer a young player, he’d grown up. He’s much more of a presence on the floor. Sometimes when a game’s easy for you and not as easy for everyone else, those kids can get discouraged. But he was always in their ear keeping them up and dwelling on the positive things. He’s every coach’s dream to have.” Of course, what coach wouldn’t love having a player with Holmes’ abilities? The 6’4” guard had an immediate impact for the Panthers, becoming the first freshman to lead the North Central Kansas League in scoring,

See HOLMES, Page 9

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Page 9

Nunnery steps up By RANDY GONZALES For Kansas Hardwood

ometimes, Isaiah Nunnery is too unselfish for his own good. With all-state center Brady Werth lost to graduation, Nunnery will need to take on an even bigger role for the Hays High boys’ basketball team this winter. “He’s such a team guy,” Hays High coach Rick Keltner said of his 6’3” senior point guard. “We had some games where Brady was out of the game, and Isaiah got more [playing time]. He’s got to score more for us this year.” Nunnery knows he needs to do more. Morgan Klaus/Hays High School Student Publications

Isaiah Nunnery goes for the basket.

“Losing Brady definitely is huge, because he did so much for our team,” Nunnery said.

Holmes

It was a season where Nunnery would often shine, but also times where more was needed. “He wasn’t consistent enough last year,” Keltner said. “He’s got to get more aggressive. He’s too unselfish sometimes.”

See HAYS, Page 19

range game has really improved, it’s probably the best part of my game right now, to be honest. I just have tried to keep getting more athletic.”

Continued from Page 8

averaging 19 points per game while shooting 43.3 percent from 3-point range and grabbing 6.3 rebounds per contest. As a sophomore, he was even better, upping his scoring average to 24 points per game and his rebounding average to 8.7 rebounds per game. Concordia finished fourth in Class 4A Division II that year with Holmes averaging 26.3 points per game at the State tournament. Last season saw Concordia slip to just 11-9, missing out on a return to the State tourney with a loss in the sub-state finals. But Holmes’ stats were off the charts as he averaged 30.2 points per game — the highest in league history — and 9.5 rebounds a contest. “The toughest part was dealing with losses — our team was a lot better than our record showed,” Holmes said. “My freshman and sophomore years, I was used to winning because we had really good teams. I never really thought we had chemistry problems because all those guys, we’re really close off the court, all best of friends.” Heading into his senior season, Holmes has basically made the Concordia record book his own. He ranks No. 1 in every scoring category, including career points with 1,622. He also is No. 2 in career steals with 153, just two out of first, and No. 7 in career rebounds

“I think with him gone I’m going to have to step up, be more of a leader of this team.” Last season, Nunnery averaged 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the Indians, who finished 14-8 after losing in the Class 4A Division I sub-state title game to eventual state champion McPherson. “I might have to score a little bit more this year, but I like to get the whole team involved,” Nunnery said.

And here’s the deal: Holmes could be a better player and Concordia a better team if Holmes’ numbers don’t match his junior output.

with 547, 97 away from the top spot. “I never though I’d accomplish as much as I have,” Holmes said. “I have my teammates to thank for that, and my coaches as well. They’ve taught me a lot and through it all I’ve tried to keep my focus on the team and not about me.” With an eye on playing at the college level — he’s being recruited by several small Division I and top Division II schools and hopes to make a decision in October — Holmes has spent the summer honing his game to be even better as a senior. “I just tried to stay in the gym and weight room as much as possible, getting stronger and working on my shot,” he said. “My mid-

“I definitely agree,” Roe said “I think he’ll have some big games, but his average might be around 20, 25. But we’ll be a much better team if we lose some of his points and his assists go up. That’s really the one thing I’m looking forward to seeing because we now have more talent around him this year than last year. He’s going to have games where he’s outrageous because that’s just the kind of player he is.” Holmes is excited to see what his senior season holds. And not just for himself, but the Panthers. “I’m pumped,” he said. “We have basically everyone back. A lot of kids played more over the summer and have improved quite a bit. Last year, was really our first year playing together so this year we’ll be used to each other from the start and I think we have a really good shot at being good.”

Brent Maycock writes for the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Page 10

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4 Head coach Andy Gillen, far right, is shown with his Hugoton Lady Eagles after they won the 4A, Division II title in 2014-15 at Hartman Arena in Wichita. The trophy capped three years of hard work and dedication by the players, parents and coaches to turn around the Hugoton program. Courtesy Photo

Going the Distance

Hugoton turn around delivers first State title to girls John Giffin For Kansas Hardwood

he 2014-15 basketball season ended with girls 4A Division II Coach of the Year, Hugoton’s Andy Gillen, and his Eagles hoisting the state trophy at Hartman Arena in Wichita — the first in program history. What a difference a year makes. Just one year before, Gillen was suffering through what he described as the worst experience of his life. Reinstated to the head of the girls’ basketball program after facing an accusation of possessing marijuana on school property, Gillen returned to coach the Eagles to an opening round loss in the 2013-14 4A Division II state playoffs. No. 3 seed Hugoton (19-3) ended the season with a 53-41 loss to No. 6 seed Holton (15-7). That is the only coaching career state playoff loss for Gillen. Last season, the Eagles finished the season 22-2, 10-0 in the Great West Activities Conference and 4A Division II state champs. He had previously led Montezuma-South Gray to a girls class 1A state title in 2010 — the last season 1A was one division. As a result of the 2013-14 incident Gillen was initially indicated in, two other teachers were asked to submit letters of resignation after a Board of Education meeting March 31, 2014. Gillen was reinstated from suspension in early March, two days after being questioned by law enforcement and suspended with pay. He was

lifted off suspension before the playoff game, retained his coaching position, and was never charged with a crime. Gillen also submitted a sample for unrinalysis, which tested clean. “I was questioned about it,” Gillen said. “About two days after being questioned about it I was reinstated and there was a letter written from the prosecuting attorney that there was going to be no charges filed, nor was there any evidence that would have given them any reason to file charges.” Because of the accusations, Gillen was unable to coach the Eagles in the 2013-14 substate championship game in Goodland. Without any contact from their coach, the Hugoton girls gutted out a sub-State championship. “The night before their sub-State championship game, they find out their coach is not going to be at the game, and it’s possibly for being involved with drugs,” Gillen said. “That’s quite a shock for a group of kids to hear and to know what’s not going on because I wasn’t able to address the team. So, they basically drove all the way up to Goodland and won a sub-State championship game with all that crap going on.” The sub-State title was the second state playoff berth in Hugoton girls’ basketball history. “What bothered me the most was that I felt to a certain extent responsible for this

huge distraction for these kids,” Gillen said. “All the work these kids put in and it’s supposed to be about the kids and now all of a sudden we have this crap going on. I felt like that took something away from that team.” Gillen’s suspension from coaching lasted two days. A special education teacher as well, Gillen was not suspended from that position. When media caught wind of the suspensions, Gillen was named in articles and television news stories. When he was found to not be in violation of any laws, there were no stories clearing his name. The incident even caught the attention of Fox news, which posted a story to its website. The Hugoton head coach was disappointed in the lack of follow up coverage after he had been cleared. That disappointment hasn’t stopped Gillen from using his experience as a teaching tool for students and players going through adversity. “It’s a great life lesson that I can talk to the kids about. We talk a lot about handling adversity and getting through adversity and bouncing back,” Gillen said. 4A Division II state champs Last season, Gillen coached the Eagles to a 22-2 record and a state title with a convincing 68-54 win over No. 2 seeded Baldwin (21-3). After the first round, five-point win over No. 8 seed Jefferson West (11-11), the

See HUGOTON, Page 11

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Page 11

Hugoton Continued from Page 10 Eagles rolled No. 5 seed Clay Center Community (18-5) 55-36 in the state semifinal. Against Baldwin, Hugoton faced a bigger opponent that liked to pressure ballhandlers with a full court press. “Basically it was polar opposites,” Gillen said about the State title match up. “Last year we had one post on the roster and the rest of our girls were guards. So, we were very guard oriented. I think in some ways it played into our hands a little bit. Baldwin, they kind of ran that run and jump press. They put pressure on you man to man. They liked to push the ball. They are almost like a big team that can run in a track meet.” That uptempo style was the pace Hugoton was hoping for. “We hope teams press us,” Gillen said. “We want teams to press us. We want teams to play our style and get up and down and run up and down the court because we think it gives us an advantage. They got a couple girls in foul trouble and we shot the ball extremely well.” Hugoton ended it’s sub-State final against Pratt with a 13-5 run for a 50-47 victory and Hugoton’s third state title berth. “This will be my ninth year as a head coach and that was probably the best game I’ve coached in,” Gillen said. “Just two very equally matched teams. We could have changed uniforms and people not

have known. It was almost an identical match up.” Building the Hugoton program Before Gillen arrived at Hugoton, the girls’ basketball program was in shambles. Hugoton had suffered a long losing streak. Five years later, a State title. The turnaround of the program has come from dedication and the efforts of the student athletes and their families, Gillen said. “It basically takes a complete and total culture change,” Gillen said. “With what you’re doing in the summer and what you expect from the kids. The things that you are holding them accountable for. It takes a commitment by the girls.” Earning the trust of the student athletes is the key factor in building a program from the ground floor. “They have to believe in you and buy into what you are wanting them to buy into,” Gillen said. “Put in a lot of work.” The summer schedule includes several camps and a season of games. This summer Hugoton had 12 to 15 practices, attended three camps and played 24 games. “When we go on our team camps we have to do some team building activities,” Gillen said. “This year we took a bus trip up to Denver, Colo. Just some different things to try and bring our team together to build some relationships and get that trust.”

title without four seniors from last years’ squad, but a big bulk of the scoring returns for the Eagles this season. Three starters will return. Juniors Amy Scott and Katy Heger have two years of state playoff experience and are entering their third year as starters for the Eagles. Sophomore Dallie Hokinson will start for the second straight season at the point. Last year’s sixth man Melisa Fabela will move into a starting role. “We bring back about 95 percent of our scoring,” Gillen said. “They’ve been starters for us since they were freshman. We’ll lean on them.” Last season, Hugoton’s two losses came in the preseason and midseason tournaments. The Eagles fell to a team from Texas in the Blue and Red Classic in Hugoton and to Lyons at the mid-season Sterling Tournament. Hugoton

will return this season to both tournaments. The State champs swept the Great West Activities Conference with a 10-0 record last season but this year the league is not to be taken lightly, Gillen said. “It’s so hard in our league because you play everybody twice every year,” Gillen said. “You just really get familiar with each other. Every game is a possibly in the league that you could get beat, just because they do know you so well.” The biggest league challenge for Hugoton in Gillen’s eyes is Goodland. “They were a good team last year and I thought that they had some decent showings,” Gillen said. After a roller coaster past two seasons, Hugoton and Gillen are ready to move forward and focus on basketball. John Giffin is a lifelong lover of basketball and long-time Kansas sports writer.

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

By LISA Miller Kijowski

court. Cara, who played for Salina’s Sacred Heart High School before transferring to Abilene her junior year, also is considered an effective floor manager. Cara averaged 17 points per game during the 201415 season. Donley She is excited about her senior year. “I think it will be a fun year being a senior and I look forward to it. Clay Center and Chapman will probably be our toughest league games. I feel we will be successful as we work well together as a team,” she said. Belle Barbieri, the team’s 6’1” post/forward, has great ability to post up but is also quick and effective on the move and off the cut. She is also aggressive on the boards. Belle averaged 14 points per game this past season and 9 rebounds. “It’s senior year and we have all the girls returning. It should be a good year for us,”

Talented seniors lead Abilene Cowgirls

For Kansas Hardwood

uring the 2014-15 season, the Abilene Cowgirls clenched the North Central Kansas League title in an exciting game against Clay Center on the Cowgirls’ home court. Abilene went on to sub-State but fell to Topeka-Hayden in the finals. Topeka eventually finished third in 4A State. The Cowgirls ended the season with a 16-6 record. Will they do better this year? “We had a young team last year but this year we have experience and will be returning the whole squad. We look to be pretty solid,” coach Steve Riedy said. Leading the Cowgirls are two seniors — point guard Cara Donley and post Belle Barbieri. Cara and Belle received several awards in 2015, including 1st team all-league and Varsity Kansas Honorable mention AllState. They rounded out the 2015 year with an average of 15 and 12.5 points per game respectively. The other member of this year’s senior class is Ashley Colette, 5’11” forward. Coach Riedy is excited about the upcoming

Barbieri

Colette

season. “We have good guard play and some size up front. Cara is very competitive and when it gets tough she goes into another gear. Her play makes others around her play better. Belle has great mobility at post and runs the floor well. This enables her to get balls others don’t and easy lay-ups. She also has become an outstanding defensive player. We have really good younger players coming up. These girls have good team chemistry.” Looking at Cara Donley, you’ll see an excellent ball handler with great court awareness. Her leadership and communication skills make her an asset on both ends of the

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Page 13 Overview of Girls 6A, 5A and 4A

Wichita South may be team to beat By Harold bechard For Kansas Hardwood

ichita South has had a remarkable run of success since Antwain Scales took over as the program’s head coach prior to the 2010-11 season. After posting a 14-8 record in his first season, Scales and the Titans have been nearly perfect since, winning 71 of 75 games and an unprecedented three consecutive Class 6A state championships. Two players who have been involved in all three of those state titles — Kendrian Elliott and Ericka Mattingly — are back for their senior year and looking for a fourth straight championship. They are joined by returning starter Kyla Collins, making the Titans the favorite to hoist another first-place trophy next March in Wichita’s Koch Arena. And, there’s more help on the way. The junior varsity team at South is 67-3 during the last four seasons, while the C-team is 80-0. The Titans will need that extra help to fend off the likes of Olathe South, Shawnee Mission Northwest, Manhattan and Shawnee Mission West, just to name a few of the contenders in Class 6A. “Team depth and chemistry will play an important role for this season to be successful,” said Scales, who is 85-13 in four seasons at South High. It all starts with Elliott and Mattingly, two of the most decorated girls’ basketball players in State tournament history. Elliott, a 6’2” center who has committed to Kansas State, averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds a game last year. Mattingly, a 5’7” guard who came up big in the State tournament last year, originally committed to Wichita State, but has now thrown the recruiting doors wide open again. She averaged 9 points and 8 rebounds a game and is the team’s top all-around player. Collins, a 5’9” junior, averaged 9 points and 6 boards a game. Lettermen such as Narla Hall,

"Team depth and chemistry will play an important role for this season to be successful.” Antwain Scales Wichita South coach

Alexis Beard and Sydney Flecher will vie for starting positions and the Titans also have a loaded freshman class entering the program, which is 23-2, 24-1 and 24-1 over the last three years. South played rugged defense as well, allowing a paltry 25.4 points a game last year. Manhattan will look to reach the State tournament again after losing in the first round to Shawnee Mission Northwest. The Indians return one starter from that 18-5 team — 5’11” junior Gigi McAtee — and will also look to 5’10” senior Madison Mittie for leadership. Mittie played behind five senior guards last year. “We lost six seniors who all played key minutes and had the best four-year record of any senior group at MHS,” said head coach Scott Mall, who has led the Indians to 75 wins over the last four years. “We were a balanced scoring team last year. This year, we will rely on early on the scoring of McAtee and Mittie while the less experienced players develop.” Dodge City will look to take the next step this season, returning all five starters from a 15-7 team that lost in the sub-state finals.

Jessie Harshberger, a 5’11” senior, averaged 12.1 points and 6.7 rebounds a game and was named the WAC’s MVP. Tia Bradshaw, a 5’9” junior, was firstteam all-WAC selection last year as well. Seniors Brianna Bradshaw (5’9”), Bailey Shelow (5’10”) and Taylor Nichols (5’11”) are the other returning starters. “We’re very aggressively defensively and take pride in our rebounding,” coach Kelly Snodgrass said. “We have great leadership and a lot of varsity experience returning. We were plagued with injuries last season, but hope to keep everyone healthy this year.” The Keiryn Swenson-Daley Handy era is over at Maize High School and with it a record of 87-13 over the last four seasons, which included two runner-up finishes and two other Top 4 finishes in the Class 6A State tournament. Prior to this magazine’s publication date, the Eagles weren’t sure if they would be 5A and 6A this season. The Eagles return one starter from last year — 5’9” junior guard Taylor Holmes, who averaged 7.3 points a game. They will also be banking on 5’5” junior guard

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Brianna Johnson, who has gone down with knee injuries in the last two post-seasons. Johnson could be one of the most athletic players in the AVCTL-I when she is healthy. Halee Roland and Jacey Handy are also key returnees as well as 6’0” junior Brecken Roe. “We have a very talented group of juniors to go along with Halee, who started several games for us last year,” coach Jerrod Handy said. “We may have lost some very talented players from last season, but I feel really good about this year’s team.” Class 5A In Class 5A, Salina Central will try to keep things going after a strong regular season ended in disappointing fashion with a loss in the sub-state finals to Emporia. The Mustangs return one starter and she’s a good one in 5’10” junior Casey Knoth, who averaged 13.3 points and 7.7 rebounds a game. The Mustangs will miss the presence of 6’0” senior Keisha Hamilton, who suffered a knee injury during the summer and will miss the season. Hamilton averaged nearly 9 points and 9 rebounds a game. Emma Cain, who averaged nearly 6 points a game off the bench last year, is expected to have a big year. “Our biggest strength will be our guard play and depth,” said head coach Geoff Andrews. “We have a number of players who can contribute this season. We may look young on a roster, but many of these girls have played hundreds of games over the past few seasons.” Kapaun Mt. Carmel is another team that lost heavily through graduation, but will look to

See GIRLS, Page 21

Page 14

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4 Overview of Boys 6A, 5A and 4A

Wichita schools in hunt for another Class 6A title

By HAROLD BECHARD For Kansas Hardwood

aged 13.5 points and 5.5 assists per game last year. Jeremiah Hudspeth and T.J. Turner also return, along with three lettermen. Gunter, Hudspeth and Turner have been on varsity since their freshman year. “They have been battle tested and I will depend on them a lot for leadership this year,” South coach Chuck Gunter said. “I think we can have one of the more athletic teams in terms of quickness in the City League this year.” Wichita Southeast features one of the state’s top returning scorers in 6’1” senior Jerrick Harding, who averaged 27 points a game as a junior and the Golden Buffaloes are expected to improve greatly on last year’s nine-win season with several additions to the program. Brycen Cobbins, a 6’0” senior, is also a returning starter. Head coach Melvin Herring

The Indians should be strong again with three starters returning — 6’0” senior Gabe Aubrey (14.8 ppg), 5’9” junior Trevor Hudgins (9.2) and 6’2” senior Grant Munsen (3.7) — plus four more lettermen. The Indians will face a tough schedule with just six home games and trips to tournaments in Hays and Dodge City. The Maize Eagles return three starters from last year’s 14-9 team that reached the 6A State tournament before losing to eventual State champion East. Seniors Jared Ledbetter and Jacob Schultz return, as does junior Grant Bugbee, along with two other lettermen.

he Wichita City League has long been known as the top boys’ basketball league in the state and one of the best in the Midwest. The league certainly didn’t tarnish that reputation last season as Wichita East and Heights brought home two more State championships. East claimed the State title in Class 6A and Heights, which won four straight championships from 2009-12, dropped down to Class 5A and brought home the title. The two teams split during the regular season. Class 5A “It’s difficult to be a consistent winner in In Class 5A, Wichita Heights will try to the City League,” said Heights coach Joe Auer. stay on top and continue a decade of excel“Anyone can be defeated on any given night.” lence that is second to none. Since the start of The Blue Aces of East High will be looking the 2007-08 to reload after season, the last year’s 24-1 "I might be prejudiced, but I believe Nyjee Wright will be the best Falcons have season and 6A been the seven State title. East point guard in the state this year.” Final Fours, returns one fullBrett Flory won five State time starter and Derby High School coach titles and put he is a good one. together a Xavier Kelley, a 62-game win6’6”, 250-pound ning streak. center, averaged “Many 14.2 points and thought we would take a step back, but our 8.8 rebounds a game. Kelly, who will play foot- also welcomes back point guard D’Andre Franklin, who missed last year with a knee kids take a lot of pride in being a part of the ball at Clemson next year, scored 22 points injury. Israel Barnes and Brednen Jantzen (6’7”, Heights Falcon tradition,” Heights coach Joe and pulled down 11 rebounds in the State 220) are also back in the program and will vie Auer said. finals against Lawrence. for starting spots. There are big shoes to fill, but the Falcons East also returns 6’4” senior Mark Hartley, “We have a lot of new faces this year to return four of their top seven players, including who started five games last season and aver6’7” senior Davon Gill, who averaged 12 points aged 4.2 points and 4.5 rebounds a game. Four build with Jerrick and Brycen that we’re really excited about,” Herring said. and 6 rebounds last year. Davis Bahner, a 6’4” other lettermen return from last year’s seniorDerby reached the State tournament last senior, averaged 5 points and 6 boards, while laden team, including 6’2” senior Raymond returning letterman Aaron Williams, a 6’3” O’Day, who has recovered from an ACL injury year and returns two starters from an 18-5 team — 5’11” junior Nyjee Wright (10) and senior, scored six a game. and is ready to contribute. 6’5” senior Trevor Hall who is expected to “A couple of additional players from the JV “Establishing an inside presence will be cruimprove on his 6 scoring average. will make this one of the biggest teams we have cial for us this season,” East coach Joe Jackson “I might be prejudiced, but I believe Nyjee had,” Auer said. said. “We graduated six seniors who played a Wright will be the best point guard in the state Bishop Carroll and Kapaun Mt. Carmel both lot of minutes for us. The good side of that is this year,” head coach Brett Flory said. “He had lost several outstanding seniors to graduation, we will have many juniors and seniors hungry outstanding freshman and sophomore seasons but they are two teams each year that seem to to prove themselves at the varsity level.” and has worked extremely hard to be ready to peak at postseason time. Wichita South will be one of the teams take over this season as an upperclassmen. This Bishop Carroll returns three starters from looking to challenge East and Heights for team has some nice pieces and great potential.” a 17-8 team that finished fourth in the supremacy in the City League. The Titans The Manhattan Indians saw a very good reg- Class 5A state tournament. Patrick Carney, qualified for the State tournament last year, ular season (18-2) end in disappointing fashion a 6’0” senior, scored nearly 11 points a game, finished 15-8 overall, and return three starters with a one-point upset loss to Washburn Rural while 6’5” senior Eric Scharping (7 ppg) and from that team. in the first round of the sub-state tournament. Dawson Gunter, a 5’10” senior guard, aver-

See BOYS, Page 61

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Manhattan Indians

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n coach Benji George’s second season, he expects to build on a team that surprised a lot of people last year, going 18-3 after losing arguably its best player to a transfer and later the Indians’ head coach. The Indians responded by winning their first league title. This season they return four starters and seven lettermen. Their expectations are rightfully high. Despite an incredible season, the Indians lost in the first round of sub-State, and getting tournament experience is something George has high on his list of priorities. “A big key to success will be playing well in tournaments,” George said. “We play in the Hays Shootout, and the Dodge Tournament of Champions. Handling road environments will be key too, as we only have six home games next season.” Manhattan’s guard play should carry it this season, as the Indians like to play fast, and finished second in school history last year from beyond the arch. Returning starters are: seniors Gabe Awbrey, 6’0” guard, Grant Munsen, 6’2” forward, Robbie Ostermann, 6’2” guard, and Trevor Hudgins, 5’9” guard. Girls The Lady Indians return Gabrielle McAtee, a 5’11” junior who led her team in scoring as a sophomore during the 2014-15 season. She will be joined by several returning players, including 5’10” senior Madison Mittie, who is expected to provide leadership to the young team following the loss of six seniors to graduation. The Lady Indians finished the 2014-15 season with an 18-5 record, including a first round loss at sub-State to Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, 39-26.

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he Buffaloes’ lone returning starter, Jared Koster, is expected to lead his team this year. The 6’0” senior point guard averaged 12.8 points per game in 2014-15, when Garden City ended its season with a 13-9 record. Other players expected to be key include seniors Jesus Reyes, 6’2”, Erwin Leal, 5’10”, Edgar Aguilar, 6’1”, and Jose Acosta, 5’11”. Also joining the Buffaloes is Scott Schmidt, a 6’3” senior who transferred from Holcomb, and head coach Jacy Holloway considers “a very good player.” Holloway said his team’s strengths will be “speed, athleticism, team cohesiveness and perimeter play. We will have a lot of guards playing at the same time. We will have the ability to create mismatches with almost all of our guys on the perimeter. We should be able to shoot the ball more consistently from the perimeter and be able to force more action with our defense.” Weaknesses will be size, post play and depth. “We will probably be out-sized every game this year as this will be the smallest team we have had in my six years as head coach,” Holloway said. “We don’t have a lot of upperclassmen post players so we might have a lack of production in that area. Overall depth, as well as depth with size, could be a factor.” Girls Coach David Upton led his Garden City girls to a 13-9 season in 201415. Several seniors were lost to graduation, leaving the Lady Buffaloes with three returning starters, junior Abbie Dart, 5’8” guard; and seniors Joslyn Munoz, 5’4” guard, and Jessica Carrillo, 5’10” center. Upton, who starts his ninth season, considers this a rebuilding year. “[We] need to get game time experience and cohesiveness,” he said. “Keys to success will be to see how our team builds chemistry, how our youth fill their roles and how our senior group brings leadership. Also need to shoot the ball well.”

erek Petty has his work cut out for him in his first year as head coach of the Lady Blue Jays. Junction City finished the 2014-15 season with a 4-17 record, including a loss the first round of sub-State. This all brings Petty, a veteran coach of 20 years, to his season’s goal — “To play hard and continue to set the foundation to get things turned around.” Returning starters are: Kealee Rains, 5’8” senior guard; A’Kia Fain, 5’6” senior guard; and Alana Kramer, 5’9” sophomore forward. His team’s strengths, Petty said, will be its defensive skills, its speed and the athleticism of its players. The Lady Blue Jays’ keys to success for the 2015-16 season will be continued improvement on defense, rebounding and limiting turnovers, Petty said. Boys Junction City finished the season with a 6-14 record, its final game with Derby in post season play. The final score was 41-63.

Page 16

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alina Central returns its leading scorer and rebounder from a team that lost in double overtime to Emporia this past season in the sub-State finals. Getting over the hump this season won’t be easy, but certainly not unattainable. Head coach Geoff Andrews has improved his team considerably since his first two years at Central, with his past four seasons ending either in the subState finals or in the State playoffs, with one runner-up finish in 2014. “There’s lots of excitement among our players heading into the season,” he said. “We return our top scorer, Casey Knoth, and leading rebounder, Keisha Hamilton. We also saw considerable success with our freshman and JV teams from a year ago.” Knoth is a junior; this will be Hamilton’s senior year.

Boys Junior Brayden Neuschaffer, 5’8” guard, returns this year after producing solid numbers from his freshmen year, when he averaged 6.7 points per game. Doug Finch, who starts his 12th season as head coach, lost three key players to graduation from a 2014-15 season that produced a record of 18-4. In addition to Neuschaffer, the roster contains several other members of this season’s senior class, Adrian Castelli, 5’10” guard; J.D. McHenry, 6’3” forward; and Garrett Campion, 5’10” guard.

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nother season, another opportunity for the Panthers to get further away from a year they’d probably rather forget. Great Bend posted a 2-19 record in 2014-15, with neither of those two wins in the Western Athletic Conference. That follows a season when Chris Battin’s team finished 7-14, finding a little rhythm midway through the season, when they won six of seven games during one stretch. Battin starts his seventh year as head coach. The Hutchinson News had this to say about Great Bend’s 2014-15 season, “A rugged schedule will test a team that lost three seniors but is returning four starters. Great Bend will look to their vast number of guards to create havoc and take pressure off the inside.” Four of Great Bend’s top players were lost to graduation, leaving returning starters 5’11” Trey Ibarra and 6’4” Kody Crosby to step into senior leadership roles this season.

South Cougars

he Lady Cougars enter the 2015-16 season with one returning starter, Teryn Holloway, 5’4” senior point guard. But team youth doesn’t dampen the enthusiasm of Ryan Stuart, who enters his third year as head coach. “Although we will be young, I am excited for the upcoming season,” he said. “I felt we had a great summer, and I am looking forward to girls stepping up into their new roles.” South will need to find consistent scorers on offense, he said. “We have been strong defensively over the past two seasons, but have really struggled to score,” Stuart said. Strengths will be team defense and limited turnovers.

Boys South returns several seniors with extensive varsity experience as Jason Hooper, in his third year as head coach of the Cougars, works to improve the 2014-15 season record of 10-11. Seniors Jacob Marcotte and Trace Kochevar were returning starters this past season. The 6’7” Kochevar gives South experience in the post. Marcotte contributed varsity Girls minutes as a freshman and then It was a better year for the Great saw his role increase considerably Bend Lady Panthers as they finhis sophomore year. He took over ished the season 7-15 overall and as point guard this past season. 2-7 in league play. Both players were named to the Great Bend lost five seniors to second team of the Ark Valleygraduation, but Lauren Welsch Chisholm Trail All-League team. returns. Joining him as honorable mention The hope is the team can come all-league players were seniors Jacob closer to its 2013-14 season, when Foster and Jacob Yarochowicz. it posted a 21-4 record overall. Dylan Becker, a 6’2” guard, is the other returning starter. “This is a very experienced Joel Benson, CPA team,” Hooper said. “With five Mary Benson, CPA returning starters back and others Specializing in small businesses that contributed, this team looks Benson Accounting to have a breakthrough season. 1929 S. Ohio Office: (785)827-3157 This team has a great combination Salina, KS 67401 Fax: (785)827-3159 of size and athleticism.” jmbensoncpa@yahoo.com

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Hays Indians

he goal of coach Rick Keltner is to “win the day” every day in practice and

games. “The team works to make the dream work,” said Keltner, who starts his 31st year at Hays. “We will work hard to represent Hays High, our community and families well. If we play with passion, play together, play hard and smart — we will have a lot of fun.” Hays finished the 2014-15 season with a 14-8 record, including sub-State runner up. Several talented seniors were lost to graduation, including Brady Werth, the school’s all time leading scorer and rebounder who signed with Fort Hays State University. Returning this season will be senior Isaiah Nunnery, 6’3” point and shooting guard, and Keith Dryden, 6’3” guard, who had two 26-point games this past season against Junction City and Colby. “Keith is the key to our fast break as he is quick down the floor and is an excellent shooter and dunker,” Keltner said. Girls The Lady Indians definitely experienced improvement this past season, finishing 0-21 in 2013-14 to ending the 2014-15 season with a 6-15 record, including two wins in the Western Athletic Conference. Head coach Kirk Maska lost six seniors from this past season’s roster, leaving several juniors to step into leadership roles as seniors this year. Included are: Brandy Pfeifer, Haley George, Nicole Dinkel, Audra Schmeidler and Taylor Groen-Younger.

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Abilene Cowboys

ith four returning starters from a team that won the North Central Kansas League title last season, expectations for Abilene are exactly what you would think — repeat. “We feel we have all the pieces to be a very good 4A team,” head coach Terry Taylor said. “Our confidence is very high, and our players expect to win each night they play. We must continue to build on the success we had last season. If our players continue to work hard to improve, we will be a very exciting team to watch play.” The Cowboys lost in the 2014-15 sub-State championship game by 14 points. If the Cowboys can get through subState — and there is no reason to think they can’t — they could make a serious run in 4A State. Returning starters are: seniors Eric Harms, 6’8” post, Harley Hazlett, 6’4” forward, and Andrew Schwarting, 6’1” guard; and junior Ryan Wilson, 6’2” guard. Girls The Cowgirls expect to be a legitimate state contender as they return all of their starters from a team that won the North Central Kansas League title last State, finishing as runner-up. Abilene has good size, and is returning senior point guard Cara Donley, who scored 17 points per game with four assists and four steals per game. The toughest battle may come in sub-state, as the Cowgirls will have to find their way out of a group that features two powerhouse teams in Hayden and McPherson. Returning starts are: seniors Belle Barbieri, 6’0”, and Ashley Collette, 5’11”; and 5’7” juniors Olivia Gassman and Mckenzie Funston.

Andale Indians

he Indians don’t have a lot of experience, but with the return of two starters from the 2014-15 team, they won’t lack for leadership. Returning are: Clint Walstad, 6’2” senior who averaged 6 points per game; and Jeff Ast, a 6’6” senior who averaged 9.7 points per game and 5.8 rebounds. Pete Carney, a 6’0” senior letterman, also returns. “Clint and Jeffery will provide great leadership for a group of players with very little varsity experience,” head coach Jeff Buchanan said. “Despite that lack of experience, we have a lot of faith in the players that will be stepping up and filling the rolls left by last year’s seniors. We saw great improvement and a competitiveness that makes us excited for the upcoming year.” Andale finished this past season with a 19-4 record overall and a perfect 10-0 record in league. Girls The Lady Indians lost seven seniors to graduation. Five of them were starters. But that doesn’t mean first-year head coach Ted Anderson won’t have a good foundation on which to build. This is the school that has won its league for the past four years. “We had a productive June and July in the gym,” Anderson said.

Buhler Crusaders

uhler went 19-6 this past season with a 4th place finish at State. The Lady Crusaders lose a lot from that team, however, and will look for other players to adjust to new roles. Buhler will look for leadership from their only two returning players, who will anchor the team from guard and forward positions and hope to provide leadership to an inexperienced squad. “We lost four seniors,” head coach Jon McLean said. “We will have a lot to replace, but we should get better as the season goes.” Returning starters are: seniors Jessica Steffen, 5’8” guard, and Morgan Rohr 5’8” forward.

Boys Buehler returns two players with plenty of experience — seniors Jace Williams, 6’6” forward, and Noah Webster, 6’1” guard. “We return a lot of experience, a long as we stay healthy, I expect us to compete for a league and substate championship,” said Ryan Swanson, who is in his first year at Buhler after coaching at Hutchinson and Garden City community colleges. He said adjusting to a new coach and system and finding their roles will keys to the Crusaders success. “We have a core of talented returners. Jace Williams and Noah Webster will be two of the best athletes in 4A. We should have good depth,” Swanson said.

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Clay Center Tigers

eff Edwards doesn’t have any starters returning from his 2014-15 team; however, he still expects this season’s Lady Tigers “to establish their own identity and continue with the successes that we had last season.” Clay Center finished this past year with a 19-6 record. The Tigers took home a sub-State title and ended in third place at State. Edwards, who starts his second year at Clay Center after coaching for 15, said this year’s team must play to its strengths. Solid defense and aggressive offense are keys to the Tigers’ success. “We should be very athletic this year, and we should not have to do as much learning of the offense/defense/expectations as we did last year,” Edwards said. “Our strength will be our quickness and athleticism. The main weakness may be our size — with our tallest player at 5’10”. Boys Kelly Williams enters his second season as head coach after debuting with a 3-18 season. Williams is confident of the direction he has his program going. “We need to improve on a solid foundation we laid in the 2014-2015 season,” he said. “We have a team that has learned a lot about the game over the last calendar year. I feel we’ll be a pretty heady team and make many good decisions throughout the season. We’ll be athletic and fast, but we’ll lack size.” With the Tiger’s lack of size, Williams wants to the tempo as much as he can. Returning starts are: seniors Lane Liby, 6’2” forward, and Ethan Rozean, 6’4” forward.

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Chapman Irish

ick Evans thinks his Lady Irish could have a “pretty good” season. “We have to continue to build on the good summer we had. I like the talent and effort we have on this team,” said Evans, who is in his second year as head coach. Chapman finished the 201415 season with a 10-12 record and a loss in the sub-State championship game. Returning starters are: seniors Macey Langvardt, 5’8” point guard; Daryan Weis, 5’8” guard; and Jessie Heiman, 5’10” center. Evans said his team must focus on limiting turnovers, winning rebounds and getting to the foul line and making its shots. “We have a strong defense,” Evans said. “We are getting more disciplined the more time we have together. We also can score, but it is inconsistent.” Boys In his second year as head coach, James Bell plans to work at improving his team at both ends of the court. He wants his Irish to become a better defensive and offensive team and get comfortable on offense. “I think our team strength is our chemistry,” said Bell, who took his team to a 5-17 finish in 2014-15. “These varsity guys all get along and have been playing together for awhile. Our weakness is our ability to score at times. We have to become better shooters.” Returning starters are senior Nathan Sutter, 6’2” guard; and juniors Brennan Harris, 6’5” guard/ post; and Tanner Hettenbach, 6’3” post.

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Abilene Continued from Page 12 Belle said. “We’ll have a tough league and sub-state, but we want to make it to Salina.” Salina is where the state tourney will be played and to get there, they will most likely face one or the other of the best girls programs in the state —

McPherson and Topeka Hayden — at sub-State. “Our goal is to get to Salina and not only get there but to do well. We’ve got a good schedule this year as we did last year. We’ll need to work hard and become good enough to get

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he news is mixed this season for the Lady Eagles. Colby went 9-12 in 2014-15, ending its season in the final game at sub-State. The Eagles return one full-time starter, Brenly Terrell, 5’8” senior guard who averaged 13 points per game, 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Part-time starters Allie Friesen, 5’10” senior post, and Bailey Foss, 5’6” junior guard, also return. “We have 15 players who could see the floor and contribute this season at the varsity level,” said Ryan Becker, who is starting his third year as head coach. “After a great summer of workouts and games, the younger players gained invaluable experience as we look to replace the loss of five seniors who started or saw big minutes from last year.” The challenge could come from Colby’s schedule. “Almost half of our schedule will be against schools with a higher classification than ours. We will also face the state champs from 4AII (twice) and IAII (once),” Becker said. “Our schedule will provide the needed competition for us to prepare for a sub-state run.” Boys First year coach Brad Wildeman will work to rebuild the Eagles after they posted a 0-20 season. He said the goal of his team will be “to improve in all aspects of the game of basketball” on a “game-bygame” basis.

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4 C N B THE

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Concordia Holcomb Holton Hays Panthers Longhorns Wildcats

Continued from Page 9

here is good news and bad news for the Panthers. With three returning starters, the team has a “solid core that is very experienced,” said head coach Michael Roe. It also has a thin bench. “I expect our team to compete for a league title and hopefully, give ourselves a shot at going to State,” Roe said. Returning for their senior year are Cooper Holmes, 6’4” forward, and Ethan Bechard, 6’1” guard. Junior Ian Nordell, another 6’4” forward, also returns. Concordia ended the 2014-15 season with an 11-9 record and a loss in sub-State finals. This year, Roe said his players must focus on improving team defense and staying healthy. Girls After a 14-9 record, and a fourth-place finish at State, the Lady Panthers have a lot of ground to make up with the loss of their point guard, Tristen Leiszler to graduation, and another starting guard, Maggie Lambert, moving to Lindsborg and Smoky Valley. Despite those losses, Concordia returns two starters. With the lack of overall experience, coach Michael Wahlmeier wants to focus on post play and defense as the foundation for his team’s success. “Rebounding and post play are going to be an even larger role on our team this year,” said Wahlmeier. “Team defense will have to be a focus as well.” If the Lady Panthers can move their less experienced players into starting roles, they can expect to be competitive in sub-State. Returning starters are: junior Jordan Eshbaugh 5’10” forward; and sophomore Cydney Bergmann, 5’8” guard.

olcomb returns three starters from a team that only lost one game during the 2014-15 season, and grabbed some hardware for the trophy case as the Longhorns won the 4A Division II State championship. With a core of starters from that team returning, the Longhorns should expect to have the leadership to build younger players into starting roles, and have another successful season. Holcomb has the size and speed to play its game against opponents, though playing fast is what head coach Chad Novak prefers to do. “Our strengths are our experience, depth, and speed,” Novak said. Expectations are high this year at Holcomb, and rightfully so. Returning starters are: juniors Connor Vancleave 6’6” forward, and Brandon Stegman, 5’11” guard; and senior Christian Merz, 6’0” guard. Girls Head coach Nathan Novack will try to improve on his young team’s record of 11-10 during the 201415 season. Returning players include 5’11” senior Jordan Jarnagin, who was named Player of the Game several times this past season.

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his could be an exciting season for the Wildcats, as they return two starters and a handful of lettermen from a 15-7 season in 2014-15. Holton has depth, and solid athleticism to be effective on both ends of the floor. “We will have some size inside, and be very athletic from top to bottom,” head coach

Ryan Noel said. “This upcoming group will have the ability to stretch the floor offensively, and cover a lot of area on the defensive end. Post play will be important, as well as working on creating baskets in transition.” Returning starters are: senior Will Wright, 5’10” guard; and junior Bryson Patch, 6’0 guard.

Girls The Lady Wildcats may be young, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t experienced. Holton finished the 2014-15 season with a 13-9 overall record and 11-5 in league play. Leading this year’s squad is Courtney Boswell, 5’7” point guard/guard, who was named to the Topeka Capital Journal’s AllArea Team. Boswell is a junior. She will be joined on the court by fellow classmate Ashlyn Weilert, 5’4” guard. Jon Holliday is head coach of the Lady Wildcats.

The Indians will look to be perimeter-oriented this year, led by their point guard. But the Indians also have back a couple more senior guards in Keith Dryden and Drew Young, who both can fill it up from beyond the 3-point line, just like Nunnery. Even the Indians’ burly big man, 6’3” junior Shane Berens, can shoot it from deep. Nunnery “We’re definitely more perimeter-oriented this year than last year,” Nunnery said. “We basically got all five guys who can step out, hit the 3-ball. It will be fun to watch, for sure.” “I really think we’re going to be a dangerous team,” Keltner said. “I think our guys are mobile.” Keltner said Nunnery has what it takes to play big-time college basketball. “I think he can play (NCAA) Division I — I know he can,” Keltner said. “He looks like a Division I player.” Nunnery will put off thinking about his college choice until after the season. “I definitely want to play at the next level,” he said. “Get focused on the team first, before I think about anything for myself.” Randy Gonzales is a former sports writer for the Hays Daily News.

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he Lady Pups missed State this past season for only the second time in 20 years, losing in their sub-State final. McPherson loses three starters, but returns a deep bench behind senior 5’8” forward Ashtyn Schieferecke, who has started since she was a sophomore. Emma Ellet and Morgan Howard will also be back after missing their sophomore years because of injuries. McPherson’s depth will allow for various styles of defense, as well as being able to be effective against any defensive style. “We are very excited for this season,” said coach Chris Strathman. “The girls are hungry, and will do everything they can to get back to state.” Others with significant playing time are: junior Emma Yowell, 5’5” guard; and sophomore Taylor Robertson, 5’9” guard. Boys McPherson returns two starters and six more lettermen from an undefeated, State championship team in 2014-15. McPherson is on a 40-game winning streak and will look to beat the all-time win streak of 59 this season. The Bullpups have the pieces they need to do that, and return to State to defend their title. McPherson’s experience in two straight state championships and its team’s overall I.Q. is also vital to the foundation of their team. Seven of the eight returning lettermen this season are seniors with undeniable experience. McPherson will have a versatile group of guards and forwards that will be able to stretch the floor and shoot well from the perimeter. Returning starters are: 6’3” seniors Drew Pyle and Spenser Wine.

Abilene Continued from Page 18 there.” Riedy said. The Cowgirls will face tough league competition and some 5A and 6A challengers in a seasonal tourney in Salina. It may be a rough go to get through unscathed but the level of a team is not always rated by statistics. “We look really good on paper.” Riedy said.

The Cowgirls will rely on his 30-plus years of coaching and the good group of girls that return to play basketball this year to accomplish their goals.

Lisa Miller Kijowski is a former Ellsworth business owner and freelance writer who now lives in Abilene. She is working on her second book.

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he Pratt girls return two starters from this past season’s team, which ended with a 16-6 record. “I expect for us to work hard defensively,” said Emmanuel Adigun, who has three years as Pratt head coach. “I feel like our older players understand the value of great defensive efforts. Offensively, we will struggle early with the hope of progressing throughout the season.” Returning seniors are: Bre Becker, 5’4” guard, Destani Garten, 5’8” forward, Kelsey Potter, 5’7” guard, and Bailey Batman, 5’6” forward. They will be joined by junior Hannan Coates, 6’0” post. Adigun considers his team’s strengths its returning players and good senior leadership. Depth and experience will be the challenges. Keys to success, he said, will be offensive and defensive discipline, offensive execution and patience. Boys The Fightin’ Frogs lost four seniors to graduation; however, the team’s impressive depth allowed for quite a few players knocking on the door for varsity spots, when Pratt went 10-10 overall and 8-3 in the Central Kansas League. That placed it third behind powerhouse Hesston and Larned. This year’s senior class includes Hayden Schrag, 6’0” guard; and Ben Wiltshire, 6’0” forward. The Frogs also are loaded with younger players, including the talented pair of Samson Kohman, a 6’4” junior who averaged 16 points as a freshman, and Traik Peltier, 6’6” junior.

Smoky Valley Lindsborg Vikings

ohn Bellah moves from middle school girls’ basketball to varsity with a “great group of kids” to coach. “They will do what I ask. We need to find ways to score. Good depth,” he said in listing the strengths and weaknesses of his Lady Vikings. Four starters return, in addition to two senior transfers — Maggie Lambert, 5’8” forward from Concordia, and Katie Adam, 5’3” guard from EllSaline. They will join fellow seniors: Allison Rose, 5’9” forward, Shea Cook, 5’5” guard; Kelsie Anderson, 5’10” forward, Baily Bolden, 5’10” post, and Lauren Hubele, 5’6” guard. Boys The Vikings return two honorable mention All-League players in senior Trey Schneider, 6’2” forward, and sophomore Nick Reinert, 5’11” guard. They are joined by seniors Trapper Bellah, 5’10” guard, Jarold Meier, 6’0” forward, and Caden Byers, 5’11” forward. Lindsborg had a 6-15 season in 2014-15. “Our goal last season was to improve over a difficult 2013-14 season where we won only one game,” said head coach Doug Schneider. “ Our goal this season is to continue to build on the successes we had last year. We have a number of players who are very experienced in our system that we are looking to have step up and play significant roles. We also have a number of young players waiting in the wings for their opportunity.” Schneider said his team’s biggest strength will be its “savvy.” “There are many players on this year’s squad who have played a lot of basketball. We will need to capitalize on that understanding of the game to play the type of ball we want to play. We also will need to play with a lot of heart and energy on both sides of the floor. Our energy will have to be one constant that we must bring night in and night out.”

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Continued from Page 13 reload after a 20-5 season that saw them finish third in the 5A state tournament. Brenna Monty, a 5’7” sophomore, averaged 10 points a game as a freshman last year. KMC head coach Billy Graf also will have a pair of 6’0” lettermen returning in Megan Lickteig and Anna Roulston. Lickteig was a part-time starter last year and Graf expects Roulston to contribute with a big year. “Anna is one of the hardest working girls I’ve known,” Graf said. “She loves to be in the gym or the weight room making herself better. She is tall and plays with physicality.” The slate has been wiped clean for Andover head coach Max Hambin. No starters or lettermen return from an 18-4 team that lost in the sub-state finals. “We are starting from scratch,” Hambin said. “We do have some good young players that will make us competitive. “ Bishop Carroll (16-7) must replace its do-everything player from last year — Shelby Lopez — but returns many players who saw action in the state tournament last year, including Abby Sauber, Brynn Maul and Ashley Carrollio, among others. Newton (14-9) lost its leading scorer to graduation —Taylor Stahly — and will look to get a big senior season from 6’0” center Payton Roberts. Andover Central (18-4) graduated three double-figure scorers, but returns 5’9” forward Amanda Kakoulias, who scored nearly 15 points a game last year and averaged over 5 rebounds. Class 4A In Class 4A, some of the top teams didn’t know until early October if they would be in Division I or II, most notably Hayden, Wamego and Andale. The Buhler Crusaders did, however, and will look to make another run at the Division I state tournament in Salina. Buhler returns two starters from a 19-6 team that finished fourth in the state tourney — 5’8” senior Jessica Steffen and 5’8” senior Morgan Rohr. Steffen, one of 4A’s top all-around athletes (State tennis champ), averaged 19 points a game last season, while Rohr had six points and 3.5 rebounds. “Jessica and Morgan will both need to have good years for us,” head coach Job McLean said. “Once you get past those two, we are really inexperienced.” The Abilene Cowgirls could be the dark horse in 4A-I this season with all five starters returning from a 16-6 team that lost to Hayden in the sub-state finals. Abilene is deep and has size as well. Belle Barbieri and Cara Donley provide one of the best 1-2 scoring punches in 4A. Barbieri averaged 14 points and 9 rebounds last year, while Donley scored 17 points a game. McKenzie Funston, a 5-7 junior, averaged nine points a contest. “We went from being very young last year to experienced (this season),” said coach Steve Riedy. “We played a grueling schedule last year that has us prepared for this season. We expect to be very good this year, but need to keep our main players healthy.” The McPherson Bullpups are anxious to bounce back. Normally, a

See GIRLS, Page 26

Page 22

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Members of this season’s four Beloit high school basketball teams are, back row from left: St. John’s/Tipton’s Justin Brummer, Mason Eilert, Davis Dubbert, Parker Gates, Eddie Koenigsman, Aaron Henke, Drake Kee, Adam Bates, Ryan Gengler, Dylan Hollerich, Ty Brummer, Ben Hake, Isaac Meyer, Gabbie Smith, Elizabeth Walter, Megan Bates, Bailey Shellito, Sami Hollerich, Chloe Miller, Ivy Miller, Brenna Eilert, Avery Gates, Kylie Eitzmann, Claire Pastrovich, Sarah Katsiyiannis, Logan Eilert. From Beloit High, front row, from left: Josie Wilson, Taryn Post, Alana Budke, Maeve Spangler, Carly Budke, Karissa Winkel, Sydney Johnson, Alexis Budke, Remi Behrends, Luke Hesting, Colson Reames, Taylor Travis, Trayton Post, Caydren Cox, Ryan Jackson, Anthony Nunez, Colson Riemann, Hunter Budke, Logan Mong, and Brendon Mason.

Beloit: A tale of basketball excellence

By LINDA MOWERY-DENNING Kansas Hardwood

riving into Beloit from the slightly roller coaster countryside of Kansas Highway 14 to the south, the town’s more prominent landmarks include the twin towers of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. The towers rise above the canopy of trees that hide the small, private high school and other associated buildings in the church’s shadow. On the other side of town, just to the south of U.S. 24, stands the community’s second — or first, depending upon your allegiance — high school, one that typically has

more than 230 students and is ranked in Class 3A by the Kansas High School Activities Association. The south side school has fewer than 50 students, which places it in Class 1A, with the state’s smaller schools. Both Beloit schools are promoted on a stone sign — the shape of an open book — at the entrance to the town’s Sonic restaurant down the highway from Beloit High School. One side has St. John’s Blujays; the other advertises the Beloit Trojans. By almost any standard, this town of about 3,850 is special when it comes to sports. Most communities are fortunate to have a single school and one team to cheer for on Friday nights. Beloit has two — and both are

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powerhouses on the basketball court. This past season, the Blujays came close to a sweep of Class 1A. The girls, led by coach Keith Kresin, took their first ever State title after a 45-35 win over Moscow. They finished the season 23-2. The boys, under head coach Lance Bergmann, ended the 2014-15 season with a 24-2 record and a second place finish at State, falling to Sharon Springs-Wallace County by a score of 72-61. This followed a year in which the Blujays won their first title in school history. On the other side of town, the Beloit boys and their coach, Ryan Eilert, ended the sea-

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Beloit

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son with a record of 19-3, falling one game short of a State playoff berth in their class. The Lady Trojans, under head coach Dallas Cox, went one game further — with a State run that fell short in the first round. When he’s not coaching, Bergmann enjoys going to Clint Horinek’s 12:11 Crossfit fitness center on the edge of town and listening to parents and students from both schools talk about their teams. Just about everyone in town follows one or the other. Bergmann said the parents can get competitive at times; however, that seldom spills over onto the students. “All the kids like each other and cheer for each other. It’s a good relationship,” he said. Beloit High School The Trojans have a proud basketball tradition. Beloit gave legendary college coach Gene Keady his first job. He was here from 1959 to 1965 before moving on and eventually landing the head coaching job at Indiana’s Purdue University. At Purdue, Keady was responsible for six Big Ten regular season championships and 18 NCAA Tournament bids, including five trips to

Page 23

the Sweet Sixteen and two to the Elite Eight. Banker Bob Lampert played for Keady at Beloit in the early 1960s and still keeps in touch with him. “He was intense on the sideline,” Lampert said. The Trojans also have had their share of outstanding players. Among them is Bill Hougland, who competed in the 1952 and 1956 Summer Olympics as a member of the American basketball team, which won gold medals both years. The 6’4” point guard, who went on to play professionally, also was a member of the Kansas Jayhawks 1952 NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship team. More recently, Beloit produced Austin Budke, who earlier this year joined the Kansas State University men’s basketball team as a walk-on after two outstanding years at Hutchinson Community College. He finished his four years at Beloit as a member of the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association First Team Class 3A AllState team, among others. Despite the talents of its players and coaches over the years, Beloit has never brought home a state title. In 2014, for instance, the boys almost made it all the way, only to be edged out by Hesston in a heartbreaking 59-54 loss.

Beloit (785) 738-3558

“I don’t think there is any other school in the state that has had such good teams and never won a State title,” Lampert said. “They always run into someone who may not be better, but they were better that night.” St. John’s-Tipton Clara Lackey enjoys telling her children about the time she was picked up by the police on her way to a game at St. John’s, about two blocks away from the home she and her husband, John, built in 1971. In fact, her ride was provided by Coach Bergmann, whose day job is with the Mitchell County Sheriff ’s Department. The Lackeys are super fans, especially when the game is basketball. Their son, Greg, who played for St. John’s, coached basketball at the university level and now serves as the color commentator for University of Denver home games. “They’ll bury him with a basketball in his hands,” John Lackey said. Another son is a basketball official who sometimes referees at Beloit High games. You can count on the Lackeys making the trip across town when their son visits — or when St. John’s has an away game and the weather is bad.

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Page 24

Lindsay Shupe can’t be stopped

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

BY Mark mccoy Kansas Hardwood

irls basketball teams in north-central Kansas have a common mantra when facing the Lady Lions of Minneapolis — stop senior point guard Lindsay Shupe. Shupe, at 5’ 7”, is the spark plug for the Lady Lions squad and is comfortable either driving the lane for a bucket or dropping the 3-ball. She averaged 18.8 points per game in the 2014-15 season, scoring 30-plus points in four games and 20-plus points in more than half of her games. Another defining asset is her willingness to share the ball, racking up 3.7 assists per game. Shupe is normally double-teamed in every game, but somehow can find an open teammate for a score. Perhaps her greatest skill is the ability to find the seam in a team’s defense and exploit it quickly, racking up several points with either shots or assists before the opposing coach has to call a time out and refigure his or her defensive strategy. Shupe is a defensive terror under the rim, posting 2.6 rebounds per game and sees the floor well as play progresses. Her quick hands and feet account for a lot of steals at mid-court. The combination of all these skills led the Lady Lions to a successful 15-8 season and the sub-State runner-up plaque in the 2014-15 season, losing to North Central Activities Association champions, the Lady Trojans of Beloit, in the championship match. The Lady Lions play in the rough and tumble NCAA league which includes basketball powerhouses Beloit, Southeast of Saline and 2A Republic County. The Lady Lions play a good out-of-league schedule and meet a lot of quality basketball clubs during the regular season, including Ell-Saline and Hoisington. Shupe was placed on several All-State honorable mentions from different publications following last season. She has been placed on the NCAA’s all-league first teams in both 2014 and 2015. An all-around athlete, Shupe is also a track star for the Lady Lions, making trips to the State track meet all three years of her high school career. She placed fifth in the 100-meter dash; fourth in the 200meter dash; and was the anchor for the 3A State champion 4X400meter relay in 2013. At the 2014 State track meet, she placed second in both the 100 and 200-meter dashes while posting the fourth fastest time in the state in the 200-meter. Last season she had a false start in the finals of the 100-meter dash, but won the 200-meter pulling away from the pack. Shupe also provides plenty of headaches for a lot of head volleyball coaches in the NCAA. She has an incredible vertical leap resulting in booming spikes and she often makes out-of-bound saves due to her quick feet. “I’m always out for the win. The win is always in my mind, of course,” Shupe said when asked about her overall philosophy of basketball. “But I’m also trying to help my teammates get ready, doing whatever we have to do on offense or defense. We try to play together as a team — anything to help us win by the end of the night.” Like many top-flight athletes, Shupe is also a scholar, maintaining a 3.8 grade point average. She plans to attend college after high school, but is unsure of a major field of study. “I’d like to play basketball somewhere if I get the opportunity,” Shupe said.

In the photo, Lindsay Shupe runs past a defender during a game this past season with Ellsworth.

By Mark McCoy/Kansas Hardwood

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Page 25

3A — Season of fierce competition

BY Mark mccoy Kansas Hardwood

hink about the 3A boys’ basketball season and eventual playoffs and the defending champion Scott Community Beavers almost always are among the first to come to mind. Although the Beavers lost a string of good players — including head coach Glenn O’Neil’s son Trey to graduation — O’Neil has the ability to rebuild after another successful run at the State title. The Beavers have been at the Big Dance in Hutchinson for five consecutive years and 2016 will, in all probability, see Scott City among the contenders. But there are plenty of others determined to stop Scott City’s annual march to State. From south-central Kansas are the Spartans of Wichita Collegiate. The Spartans only lost two players to graduation and improved on the hardwood for the past few seasons. Conway Springs is always a contender, and Douglass looks to be tough again this season. Beloit, the north-central Kansas basketball powerhouse, lost two top seniors to graduation with 6’ 4” post R.J. Jackson and allround athlete Brady Budke. However, the Trojans return a host of talented players, despite the loss of one of the state’s top point guards, who moved to the Manhattan area. Thomas Moore Prep of Hays and Ellsworth also came on strong toward the end of the 2014-15 season. TMP, which dropped from Class A4 to A3 this year, reached the state tournament this past year, but lost to Wichita Trinity in the

graduation, her sister Cami will return with a host of quality players to compete for the crown. The Lady Eagles of Silver Lake are almost always a fixture at the Big Dance and powerful Beloit will make another good run at the title. This could be the breakout year for Southeast of Saline and Minneapolis, a couple of teams that have emerged as dangerous clubs. The Lady Lions of Minneapolis are led by senior Lindsay Shupe who is one of the top point guards in 3A. Southeast of Saline will be led by Erica Montgomery, a 5’ 10” senior that can do it all on the court. Good things are expected in Hays as the TMP-Marian Monarchs return all five starters from a 17-4 season, including three who averaged in double figures — 5’9” senior Melissa Pfeifer (10.0), 5’6” junior Megan Koenigsman (14.0) and 5’7” junior Madyson Koerner (10.0). “For the past two seasons, we have only had one senior each year,” coach Rose McFarland said. “This year, we have a lot of depth and experienced players.” Sabetha only lost two senior players from a team that won its sub-State championship and Whitewater-Remington also appears to be returning a lot of basketball talent. Haven has showed strength in the past couple of seasons and the sub-state runners-up to Hesston are hungry for the title.

"For the past two seasons, we have only had one senior each year. This year, we have a lot of depth and experienced players.”

he Lady Blue Jays’ only loss of the 2014-15 season came in the 3A State tournament, when they lost 54-40 in the next-to-last round to eventual winner Hesston. Cimarron finished the season with a 25-1 record. Cimarron returns a strong set of upper classmen, but only one was a starter this past year. “Our strength is the toughness on the defensive end, and our ability to share the ball offensively,” said head coach David

Rose McFarland TMP-Hays coach

first round. The Monarchs will be led by 6’5” senior Jared Vitzum, who averaged nearly 15 points a game last year. Four other players return who played in the state tournament, including 6’2” senior Peyton Hoffman. Southeast of Saline, Hoisington, Lyons, Sacred Heart and Hesston always play a tough brand of basketball so fans in North Central Kansas should expect another stellar season of competition. Southeast of Saline was on the cusp of making it to Hutch last season, but were denied by NCAA rival Sacred Heart in the semi-final match. The Trojans will return Easton Montgomery, a quality 6’ 4” senior post that has plenty of basketball savvy. Montgomery rolled up 21 points per game last season and averaged 7 rebounds per game. In Northeast Kansas, perennial powerhouse Silver Lake will reload and both Rossville and Rock Creek — the new home court of Beloit’s former point guard Bailey Vetter — should be formidable teams. Osage City clawed its way into the championship game with eventual sub-state champion Wellsville to an exciting 41-38 finish so the Indians could also be a contender. Sabetha is another team that will re-load this season. On the girls’ side, the defending 3A champion Lady Swathers of Hesston are determined to claim a third straight State title. Although the Lady Swathers lost Caylee Richardson to

Cimarron Bluejays Ediger. “An area to watch for improvement is rebounding. We won’t be very big so we will need to be very disciplined blocking out.” The shortcomings the team has as it enters the 2015-16 season will be offset in part by the tradition and culture Ediger has built over the last decade with Cimarron’s program. “Our girls know how to win. Our experience that we do return should allow us to have another great season,” he said. The team’s returning starter is: senior

Mark McCoy is sports editor of the Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter and a frequent contributor to Kansas Hardwood.

Korina Bailon, 5’8” forward. Boys The Bluejays head into the 2015-16 season with a new — for them — coach who has many years of experience to his credit. Tim Brooks most recently finished 10 years at Manhattan High School, where he compiled an overall record of 115-92. However, he is no stranger to southwest Kansas. Brooks was assistant coach at Dodge City for 16 seasons.

Page 26

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

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he Lady Trojans had an impressive 20-4 season last year, with a State run that fell short in the first round. Beloit returns one starter from that team — senior Remi Behrends, 5’7” guard — and will look for help from players with not much experience. “It will be an interesting year because of the girls that graduated, but we still expect to compete as the girls gain experience,” said head coach Dallas Cox. “Our girls lack varsity experience and need to step up and blend with the girls who do have varsity experience.” Cox has an outstanding record in his 14 years at Beloit, averaging more than 16 wins a season. Boys After a 19-3 start to the season, the Trojans fell a game short of a State playoff berth, losing in the sub-State championship last season. With three returning starters the Trojans look to get over that hump this year and make it back to Hutch for the state playoffs. “We have high expectations for this year,” said coach Ryan Eilert. “We have a good group of upperclassmen returning that have been playing together since grade school. Our kids were disappointed with not making the State tournament last year and have been working really hard to make it back to state.” Beloit will look to its ability to get up and down the court and keep the game at a fast pace as a blueprint for success. “For us to have success we need to push the ball. Our guards and shooting ability are our strengths,” Eilert said. Returning starters are: seniors Colson Reames, 5’11” guard, and Colson Riemann, 6’1” forward; and junior Hunter Budke, 6’3” forward.

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Garden Plain Owls

he Lady Owls return three starters from a team that only lost two games this past season. The second loss came in the sub-State championship game against undefeated, and eventual state runner-up, Cimarron. Garden Plain’s defense and athleticism will be its strength going into the new season. “We should compete for the Central Plains League,” said head coach, Kody Kasselman. With his three returning starters being seniors from a year that went deep in sub-State, that is a realistic

expectation.

Returning starters are: seniors Madi Schmelzer, 5’6” guard, Daylynn Doyle, 5’7” guard, and Mackenzie Thimesch, 5’7” guard.

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Council Grove Braves

ith 11 returning lettermen, head coach Bruce Hula expects his Council Grove Braves to be more aggressive on both ends of the floor this season. “This year’s squad has more varsity experience than a year ago,” said Hula, who is in his 11th year as coach. “There is plenty of opportunity for players to show what they can do and battle to earn varsity playing time. “We should have more depth to our team this year and a number of players have the ability to come in and be major contributors. “Look for the Braves to put up a good fight throughout the season.” Returning starters are: seniors Evan Cunningham, forward, and Kyle Hayes, power forward; and junior Blake Buchman, point guard. Other lettermen are: seniors Daniel Bachura, Hunter Cowdin, and Peyton Lerner amd juniors Logan Bieling, Brett Frye, Kobe Hula, Braden Reddick and Chandler White. Girls In some ways, the 2014-15 season was a heartbreaker for the Council Grove girls. The Lady Braves started the season slowly before building an impressive winning streak, only to be end with a 55-53 loss in double overtime in sub-State to Silver Lake. Council Grove ended the season 16-7 and tied with Chase County, 6-1, for first place in the Flint Hills League. That’s a good foundation for this season. The Lady Braves are anchored by senior Erica Auchard, 5’8” shooting guard. Also in the senior class is Maddy Tischhauser, 5’9” power forward. Jason Shelangouski is head coach.

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Girls

Continued from Page 21

17-5 record would be something to celebrate, but the expectations are different at McPherson where the Bullpups missed the State tournament for just the second time in 20 years. McPherson returns two fulltime starters, one part-time starter and a sophomore who came off the bench and was the team’s second-leading scorer last year. Taylor Robertson, a 5’9” sophomore, averaged 15 points a game as a starter last year, scored 41 in one game and is one of the state’s top sophomores. Ashtyn Schieferecke, a 5’8” senior, is also a returning starter. Mandi Cooks, a 6’0” sophomore, came on strong over the second half of the season and was the team’s second leading scorer while hitting nearly 70 percent from the field. “This will be a deeper and more versatile group than we had last year,” said head coach Chris Strathman. “We are excited for this season and many of our players had a great summer of basketball.” The Andale Indians will have to reload after losing seven seniors and 88 percent of its scoring from a 19-4 team that qualified for the state tournament. Rose Hill is another school looking to make a big improvement. The Rockets qualified for the state tournament despite a 7-15 record and will return three players — 5’9” forward Anna Van Driel (13.6), 5’5” guard Mackenzie Herman (10.8) and 5’6” guard Kayna Simoneau (7.1) — who started as sophomores and scored 35 of their team’s 44 points against Paola at State. In Class 4A, Division II, the Hugoton Eagles claimed the State championship and finished with a 22-2 record. With all the firepower head coach Andy Gillen has returning, the Eagles will be strong favorites once again.

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Page 27 512 Kunkle Dr.

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Ellsworth Bearcats

o make up for their lack of size, coach Trevor Kuhlman says his Bearcats must be able to play fast and take and make the 3-pointers. “We will rely on guard play to carry us while we develop our inside presence,” he said. “Our schedule will test us, but will help us prepare for the post season.” Returning starters are senior Nick Flynn, 5’10” point guard; and junior Kaden Davis, 6’0” forward. This is Kuhlman’s third year as head coach after posting a second season record of 10-11. “We must have young kids step up and reach their potential,” he said. “We have to make our shots and play solid defense.” Girls Ken Cravens enters his 15th season as a head coach with a young team. “This year will require contributions from all the underclassmen, and a sharp, but steady learning curve,” Cravens said. Ellsworth will return three starters from a team that went 6-15 last year, but replacing scorers will be the Lady Bearcats’ biggest challenge. “Scoring will be important for our team this year, as most of it has graduated the past two seasons,” Cravens said. “We will have to quickly identify key roles for the team to be successful.” Returning starters are: juniors Amy Westerman, 5’10” forward, and Emma Klein, 5’6” guard/forward; and sophomore, Kolby Davis 5’9” guard/forward.

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Goodland Cowboys

avid Losey has five years of coaching experience, but this will be his first season as head coach at Goodland. His expectations are to have his team “play solid defense and disciplined offense.” The Cowboys finished the 2014-15 season with a 4-17 record, losing in the first round of sub-State. Returning starters are junior Nolan Deeds, 5’8”, and 6’2” sophomores Levi Archer and Wence Hendrich.

Girls In his first year as head coach of the Cowgirls, one of Ron Wolf ’s goals for his team is to “maintain a disciplined fast-pace game.” He also wants to make sure his team takes care of the basketball and out rebounds opponents. “We have great leaders in our upper classes and have worked hard this summer,” Wolf said. “We play a tough league schedule, but that should make us better at the end of the year.” The Cowgirls return four starters: seniors Faith Bierman, 5’7” guard, and Kaitlynn Raile, 5’6” forward; and juniors Margaux Thompson, 5’5” guard, and Katilyn Daise, 5’6” post. “[Out plan is] to get better each week and compete at a high level for 32 minutes,” Wolf said. “We never want to be out worked on the floor.” 1803 Cherry St.

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Hoisington Cardinals

he Cardinals are loaded with experience this season. The team that finished the 2014-15 season with an 8-13 record returns four starters and four others with significant varsity time. They are: Seniors Steffan Dolechek, 6’1” guard/point guard, and Chris Wright, 6’3” forward; and juniors Corbin Crawford, 5’10” point guard/guard, Grant Dolechek, 6’0” guard/forward, and Cameron Davis, 6’1” guard/ forward. They are joined by senior Ryan Broeder, 6’2” guard/ forward; and juniors Tyler Specht, 5’11” guard/forward, and Brenner Donovan, 6’1” guard. Head coach is Kyle Haxton, who has been at Hoisington seven years. Girls The Lady Cardinals return four starters: seniors Rylie Koester, 5’8 guard who averaged 16.1 points per game and 5.4 rebounds, Marisa Jonas, 5’7” forward, and Karisa Schremmer, 5’’5” guard; and junior Emma Harmon, 5’3” guard, who averaged 8.4 points. “We are still undersized inside but will look for some girls to step up their level of play and contribute with valuable minutes,” said head coach Mandy Mason. “The Cardinals are guard oriented and have the ability to create shots from the perimeter ... We will have to play more physical than in the past to keep opponents off the offensive boards. We are excited about the start of the new season.” Hoisington finished this past season with a 7-17 overall record.

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Larned Indians

oach Don Zimmerman, who is in his fourth season, returns several talented seniors this season. Leading the squad are Isiah Perez, a 5’10” point guard, who was named to the all-league second team in 2014-15 and has started in the backcourt for the Indians since he was a sophomore. Trevor Meyer, 6’3” power forward, received an honorable mention. The recognition came in a year when Larned ended the season with a 14-7 record and a 9-3 record in the Central Kansas League behind mighty Hesston, which posted a perfect record. It also came in a year when Larned lost six seniors and their more than 43 points to graduation. Other seniors on the Larned roster include Evan Skelton, 5’8” point guard, and Jordan Zimmerman, 6’0” guard. Girls The Lady Indians were a younger, faster team this past season than they were the year before. They still have room for improvement, after 2014-15 when they headed into the season with almost every starting position open. Larned finished the year with records of 3-17 overall and 2-12 in league play. Returning players include Allyson Aldrich, 5’5” guard; and Haley Skelton, 5’6” forward.

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Lyons Lions

his is a rebuilding year for Brian Friess’ Lyons Lions. “We will be inexperienced and will return only 13 points from our team that averaged over 40 points last year,” said Friess, who is in his 17th year as head coach. “I expect us to struggle offensively, but to work hard and play good defense.” Returning starters are Jesse Hursey, 6’3” senior; and Tyler Edwards, 6’1” junior. The Lions finished this past season with an 8-13 record. Positives for this year’s players include a strong work ethic, defense and their ability to play hard. Negatives include a lack of scoring experience, which in 2014-15 translated into a 32 percent field goal percentage. “We must shoot the ball better,” Friess said. Girls The Lady Lions are short of experience this year; however, coach Leanne Hollinger has girls ready to step up. “We have some big spots to fill but we have girls ready to go and they are eager to step back on the court and work hard to get those victories,” said Hollinger, who is in her sixth year as head coach. “It will all depend on how hard we work each and every day in practice.” Lyons’ lone returning starter is senior Laura Pineda, a 5’6” guard. In 2014-15, the Lady Lions finished the season 19-4 and finished second in sub-State. “We will be shorter, but we will have some speed,” Hollinger said.

Marion Warriors

eff McMillin expects his Warriors to be a “much more experienced team that can compete with any team we can play.” Marion was a young team in 2014-15, when it finished 4-17. And youth continues to be a factor. However, “nothing like last year,” said McMillin, who starts his eighth year as head coach. “Strengths will include our overall athleticism.” Returning starters are: senior Nicholas Stuchlik, 6’3” post; and juniors Mason Pederson, 6’0” guard, and Peyton Heidebrecht, 5’8” guard. McMillin said keys to success this season will be “everyone fitting into their roles” and “playing with energy and toughness.” Girls The Lady Warriors return four starters and head coach Kelly Robson hopes that translates into an improved record over 2014-15, when the team went 6-15. “We will need to play good defense and rebound the ball well,” Robson said. “We shoot the ball well enough, but our defense will be the biggest key to any success we have.” Returning starters are seniors Kirsten Hansen, 5’4” point guard, Bailey Robson and Erika Hess, both 5’7” guards, and Marshelle Mermis, 5’8” forward. “We aren’t a very tall team, so we will need to make good use of team speed,” Robson said. “Defensively, we can speed teams up and force turnovers ... We should have a good rotation of players, so fatigue shouldn’t become an issue.”

Marysville Bulldogs

n Scott Brown’s second year as head coach of the Bulldogs, he plans to continue building the foundation for a successful program after a 6-15 season in 2014-15. “Our keys to success will be how much time and effort we put in before the first practice,” Brown said. “Weights, workouts, summer league, and most importantly everything they do is making them do it, influencing them to do it, or is watching them do it. We expect to play very hard, we expect to all be very skilled offensively, every player, and we expect to win every 50/50 ball. Our efforts must be consistent.” Returning starters are: senior Chase Green, guard; and juniors Adam Lindhorst, forward, and Jayton Haggard, guard. Girls To be competitive, play full court and be aggressive defensively — those are Amy Renyer’s goals for her Lady Bulldogs. They also need to improve on offense. Renyer said Marysville struggled with scoring during the 2014-15 season, which ended with a 7-15 record. Strengths will be speed and “hopefully, defense.” Returning starters are: seniors Claire Cudney, 5’10” post/forward, and Ally Kort, 5’7” guard; and sophomore Sydney Pacha, 5’7” forward. Renyer said height could be another issue for her team.

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he Lions return players who coach John Darrow says “have played basketball at a high level with exceptional basketball role models from years past and that will be a major strength.” This past season ended with a record of 16-6 for Minneapolis. Returning starters are: seniors Brandon Wolfe, 5’7” guard, and Gavin Rothenberger, 5’11” post. Junior Jace McKinney, 6’2” post, also returns. Darrow, a veteran head coach who is in his first year as leader of the Lions, said learning a different system and playing with new teammates will be two of his team’s biggest challenges. “We want to be more consistent throughout the season. That starts with practicing with a purpose and continuing that focus throughout the games,” Darrow said. Girls

Head coach Bryan Weatherman returns six of his top seven players from this past season. Minneapolis has finished in the sub-State final the last two seasons, and are looking to break that threshold and push their way into State. Developing consistent scorers will be crucial to their success. “We really need to develop some kids who are more of a threat to score,” Weatherman said. All four starters returning are seniors. Using that leadership to build confident scorers can be a major asset for Minneapolis. Returning starters are: seniors Lindsay Shupe, 5’7” guard, Shay Allison, 5’11” forward, Jaidra Lott, 5’8” forward, and Nicole Forte, 5’7” guard.

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Norton Blue Jays

eorge Rossi, who is in his fourth year at Norton as head coach, expects his Lady Blue Jays to improve on their 10-12 record of 2014-15. “I feel we are fairly quick and have experience,” he said. “Scoring is our weakness, along with rebounding.” Returning starters are: Casey Ambrasier, 5’10” senior; and juniors Miah Melvin, 5’6”, Caitlyn Cox, 5’10”, and Baylee Miller, 5’7”. “We need to be able to score more consistently,” Rossi said. “We must be tougher on defense and be aggressive without silly fouls.” Boys

Developing depth and consistent scoring will be the challenges this season for Doug Reusink’s Blue Jays. Norton finished the 2014-15 season with an impressive 18-4 record. Veteran coach Reusink expects his team to show improvement throughout this coming season and be competitive in league competition. Norton returns two starters, Landon Porter, 5’11” junior guard, and Tyus Henson, 6’0” junior point guard. Also on the floor for Norton will be Quinton Porter, 6’1” senior guard who was sidelined with a knee injury during the 2014-15 season. “I feel we have some athletic kids who will compete hard, but we lack overall size and depth,” Reusink said.

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Riley Co. Falcons

ith four starters returning from the 2014-15 season, the Lady Falcons start this basketball year with more positives than negatives. “Our strengths will be experience, athleticism and team chemistry,” said Harold Oliver, who is in his 27th year as head coach. “Weakness will be size and depth.” The Lady Falcons finished this past season with a 12-10 record. Returning from that team are: seniors Alyssa Kulp, 5’9”, and Jordan Clouse, 5’8”; junior Bethany Crubel, 5’8”; and sophomore Tory Thomson, 5’4”. “With a solid nucleus back from last year, our kids have high expectations for the upcoming season,” Oliver said. “We feel like we should be a very competitive basketball team.” He said the season’s keys to success will be to remain healthy, develop depth and continue to improve individual and team skills. Boys The Falcons return Jackson Wagner, a 5’10” senior point guard who was named to the allleague first team in the 2014-15 season. Two other first team players — Trace Nelson and Brice Brummett — were lost to graduation. The Falcons ended this past season with a record of 15-7 under head coach Steve Fritz, the former Kansas State University assistant track and field coach who is in his third season at Riley County.

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Phillipsburg Panthers

ith two returning starters, coach Rachel Miller isn’t worried about her Lady Panthers having the leadership they need to compete successfully this season. Her concern is inside depth. “If we can get bench production and quality minutes from the new starters, we should compete well,” said Miller, who is in her third year as head coach. Returning starters are: Katelyn Swanson, 5’6” senior point guard, and Tatum Bartels, 5’11” junior forward. Also returning are: junior Hannah Hoover, 5’5” guard, and senior Alex Babcock, 6’0” senior. The Lady Panthers finished the 2014-15 season with a 12-10 record, playing their final game in the semifinals of sub-State. “We must defend well in the half court and out rebound our opponents,” Miller said. “Taking care of the ball and getting quality possessions is a must.” Boys The Panthers are tilted toward freshmen and sophomores this year. The only returning starter from this past season’s 5-16 team is senior Kameron Tweedy, 6’6” post, and he “must return from knee surgery at the first of the year and be a force inside,” said Keith Sides, who is starting his 20th year at Phillipsburg, the past 14 as head coach. The Panthers’ strength will be their youth guard play, specifically sophomore Trey Thompson, and athleticism.

Russell Broncos

xperience could spell success for the Broncos this season. Russell returns four starters, seniors Reshean Holloway, 6’2” guard/forward, and Mason Beagley, 6’6” post; and juniors Colton Fritschen, 5’6” guard, and Travis Ochs, 6’5” post. “We had a good summer in the gym and on the court,” said Eric Swanson, who is in his third year at Russell. “Most of our players will be upperclassmen and have been playing varsity for several years; therefore, our squad will be more experienced.” He said the Broncos will need to score more to be successful. “We need to find a point guard that will take leadership of the team on the floor,” Swanson said. “With less teaching to do of our offensive and defensive systems, we can spend practice time in training and refining the system. We haven’t shot the ball effectively or efficiently over the past two years, so getting good shots and making them will be a big key for us. We won’t be very deep, so playing smart and staying our of foul trouble will be key.” Girls Russell went .500 this past season, finishing 11-11, but after a productive summer and all five starters returning with a year of varsity experience under their belts, the Lady Broncos have high expectations for the 2015-16 season. “We were a very young team last year,” said coach Frank Schulte. “We will be strong inside. Three-point shooting could be a strength as well.” Russell has good size inside, with 6’0” post Kyleigh Kasper returning for her senior year, as well as a proven scorer, 5’6” Megan Boxberger at guard. “We need to develop a few more scorers to compliment Kasper and Boxberger,” Schulte said. “We’ll need our other starters to be more consistent scoring, as well as continuing to improve on defense.”

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Scott City Beavers

cott City is coming off a 3A State championship, but will only return two starters from the 2014-15 season. Despite the lack of varsity experience the Beavers bring into 2015-16, a talented group of junior varsity players will step into varsity roles, and — as the season progresses — Scott City should get better and be able to make a push in sub-State at the by the end of the season. The Beavers will also not have a go-to scorer for the first time in a long time, so balancing out their offense will be a key to finding consistency as a team. Returning starters are: senior Dylan Hutchins, 5’10”, and junior Bo Hess, 6’3”. Girls Having a “winner’s mentality.” That’s the goal of first year head coach Sarah McCormick for her Lady Beavers. “Our team’s strengths are that we are an experienced team. Our weakness is being able to fight through adversity,” McCormick said. “My expectations are for them to be competitive in every game and to work hard every day not only for themselves, but for their teammates as well.” Scott City finished the 2014-15 season with a record of 3-18. Returning starters are: Madison Orr, Kiana Yager, Taylor Goodman, Paige Winderlin and Bailey Latta. McCormick has coached for 13 years, five of them as head coach at Garden Plain High School.

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Southeast of Saline Gypsum Trojans

he Lady Trojans have high expectations for the upcoming season with the return of four starters: seniors Erica Montgomery, 5’10” forward; Kylee Poague, 5’5” guard; Delani White, 5’4” guard; and Allison Stutterheim, 5’6” guard. Part-time starter, junior Kylee Thaxton, 5’9” forward, also is on the roster. SES posted a 16-6 season in 2014-15. “They are very good competitors and will work hard to achieve success,” said Wayne Sager, who is starting his 21st year at SES. “My expectation is that we play the game hard, play with character and have fun while doing it.” Sager said keys to success will be depth and the desire of his players to practice defense. “We like to play the game fast so it will be important to develop some depth. We must take pride in our defense and work to get transition opportunities,” he said. At the same time, the coach considers the team’s speed to be a strength, along with the experience of its four seniors. “We will need to develop another inside presence as many teams will double up on Erica,” Sager said. “We made good progress with that last year and hopefully that will continue.” Boys

The Trojans return seven of their top 11 players from last year, when they ended the season with a 14-9 record, losing in sub-State to Hesston. Included is Easton Montgomery, 6’4” senior forward, who averged 21.2 points per game and 7.2 rebounds. The Trojans have a lot of depth, and will be able to score from all areas of the floor. Southeast is a well-rounded team that has the size to play inside, and the capability to shoot from outside. If the Trojans can play consistently, they will be a dangerous team with the ability to frustrate their opponents on a possession-by-possession basis. Improving on defense will be one of the main focuses for head coach Jeff Wells. The Trojans should have every expectation of being competitive this year. Other returning seniors are: Tanner Thaxton, 6’0” forward, and Kannen Haist, 6’5” center.

Sterling Black Bears

terling returns a core group of seniors, led by all-state 1st team selection, Kylah Comley. Comley averaged more than 15 points per game this past season. While Sterling is in a tough league, the Lady Black Bears should be as competitive as any team in 3A. “We will be led with quality senior leadership,” said head coach, Jill Rowland. “Kylah Comley gets credit for making our motor run from the point position, but the number of players with varsity experience will continue to be our strength. We have good size and continue to believe in pushing the ball up the floor when we can.” Sterling went 17-5 this past season, before falling to Lyons in sub-state. Expectations this season are to expand on that record, and compete for state this season. “We always set our sights high,” Rowland said. “We believe that we can compete at a state level.” Other returning seniors are Emma Lambert, Sarah Stallings and Sydney Wilson.

Boys Sterling is a young team loaded with talent. The Black Bears lost their 6’6” center Jordan Proffitt to graduation; however, they return several talented players, including senior Steven Hinshaw, 5’10” guard; junior Kyler Comley, 5’11” guard; and sophomore Kenan Comley, 5’8” guard who averaged 18 points a game through the first half of the 2014-15 season. Both the Comleys earned spots on their allleague teams — Kenan on first, Kyler on second. Coach Derek Schneider’s team finished this past year with a record of 13-8, which was a significant improvement over the year before when Sterling recorded only four wins. “Know the difference between having a Bank and being part of one.” MEMBER FDIC

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Girls Trevor Siebert, who starts his third year as head coach, expects his Lady Trojans to be “very competitive” this season. “We are returning some varsity experience and also have girls that are ready to step into vacant roles,” he said. “We had a successful season last year and hope to build on that for this season.” Returning from a 2014-15 team that ended the season with a 13-9 record are: seniors Cassie Overturf, 5’10”, Kennedy Smith, 6’1”, and Reilly Erskin, 5’2”. “I expect our team to be very strong defensively and rebounding,” Siebert said. “We may struggle at times on the offensive side ... To be successful we have to limit the number of turnovers we commit.”

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the

he Trojans expect to build on the 2014-15 season, which ended with a 9-12 record. “We are looking to make large strides in the win column over the previous year and make a run for the league title and also sub-State title,” said Mike Doll, who is in his second year as head coach. He also coached at Golden Plains High School for two years. “Our keys to success will rely on getting off to a good start to the season. We will be very young and it will be key to get off to a good start and build chemistry from the beginning of the year. Another key will be to limit turnovers and win the rebounding battle in every game.” The Trojans return to starters, seniors Keifer Puyear, 6’5” post, and sophomore Alexis Molina, 5’11” point guard. “Our biggest strength this year will be our shooting and our inside post play,” Doll said. “I feel confident that we can put points up on the board this year if we can execute and limit our turnovers. Our biggest weakness will be our inexperience.”

Stanton County Trojans

Page 31

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Page 32

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Sacred Heart head coach Pat Martin is flanked by senior players Lucas Comfort and Jerod Toogood.

Sacred Heart

Can experience turn into title? By LINDA MOWERY-DENNING Kansas Hardwood

ow much does Lucas Comfort like basketball? “He sleeps with a basketball under his pillow,” said his coach, Pat Martin, half in jest, half seriously. The senior at Sacred Heart-Salina doesn’t argue with the assessment. Basketball is definitely his sport of choice. “It’s the process of getting better with basketball,” Comfort said. “It’s addictive. You keep coming back to it.” This day, Comfort and his long-time friend and fellow Knight Jerod Toogood have donned their home basketball uniforms for a pre-season photograph with Martin. The two are both seniors and, in many ways, the heart of a team that Martin said is always on the hunt for a state title. “They feed off of each other,” he said of his two veteran players. “We get a lot of pick and roll off of these two.” Comfort and Toogood are part of a tradition that has put Sacred Heart basketball in the state’s top tier of programs. Martin, who starts his ninth year this season as head coach, is a huge basketball fan. Growing up, he and his 11 siblings played basketball three or four hours every day on the court his father built inside the family barn. He works to pass on that appreciation of the sport to his players — while delivering a few lessons about team building at the same time. During the Christmas season, for instance, members of the basketball team adopt a family and purchase, wrap and deliver gifts. They also mentor young players through a Little

Knights Club. Summers include basketball camp at the University of Kansas. Through it all, Martin tells his players to be humble. “Stay humble and great things will happen,” he said. Which is why Comfort will only say, “I think we’re going to do well,” when asked about the 2015-16 season. This past season’s statistics are impressive. Comfort, a 6’3” guard, is the team’s leading scorer with an average of 13 points per game, 3.6 rebounds, 2 steals and 4.7 assists. Toogood, a 6’6” forward, averaged 11 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.5 blocks. The other member of Sacred Heart’s senior trio is Jack Skidmore, a 6’4” forward, who averaged 10 points per game, 6 rebounds and 1 block. The Knights lost their 2014-15 leader, Brooks Brown, to graduation; however, his brother, Stratton, a 5’9” junior guard/forward, returns. He averaged 6.1 points per game and 3 assists. Other players expected to be key are juniors Quinn Riordan, 6’2 guard/forward, and Zach Gaskill, 6’4” forward; and sophomore Caleb Jordan, 5’10” guard. Martin said the trick will be finding someone to replace the quiet leadership provided by Brooks Brown. Comfort and Toogood are at the top of his list. The two have played basketball together since they started at the YMCA. Skidmore also is a long-time teammate. They have made a point of taking the younger players into their circle. “We are able to poke fun at each other without anybody getting mad,” Comfort said.

His goal as a senior is to win every game. Sacred Heart also has something to prove this season. The Knights have appeared at State five out of the past eight years. Martin doesn’t teach; he owns an environmental business, which allows him to coach. “We’ve had a lot of experience at State. We just haven’t won it,” Martin said. This past season was especially difficult. Sacred Heart took the title in a league that is notoriously competitive with every expectation of success at State. After all, when an injury benched Toogood for the game against arch rival Beloit, Skidmore stepped up, pouring in 25 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. “Somebody goes down; somebody else steps up,” Martin said. “We totally go by a team concept here.” But it was not to be. Sacred Heart was upset by Bennington with the Class 2A championship eventually going to St. JohnHudson. “We gave Bennington 59 points. That’s not going to happen again,” Martin said. “Our goal is to keep teams to less than 40 points.”

Comfort thinks the Knights lost their focus — or intensity, as he describes it — in the game against Bennington. “Basketball is definitely a game of momentum,” he said. “You’ve got to be able to turn that switch back on. You can’t overlook any team. That’s what last season taught us.”

Linda Mowery-Denning is publisher of the Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter and the Marquette Tribune.

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Page 33

Basketball spells tradition at Meade

By LINDA MOWERY-DENNING Kansas Hardwood

his summer it wasn’t unusual for Austin Lewis to answer a knock on his door at home and find several of his basketball players asking for entry into the high school gymnasium to practice “They just wanted to be in the gym that bad,” said Lewis, who starts his fourth year this season as head coach of the Meade Buffaloes. It’s that attitude — that love of the game — that makes Lewis think this could be a special year. Last season, the Buffaloes went 13-8, losing in the second round of sub-State to South Gray, which eventually advanced to State. “I think our guys have set the bar pretty high for themselves,” Lewis said. “By most standards we didn’t have a bad year last year, going 13-8 and winning our league in the regular season. “But these seniors have seen and been

Meade’s Kash Larrabee returns this season as one of Meade’s best ball handlers. a part of Meade being a regular at the state tournament. I don’t think last season was a major letdown, but I know they’re hungry for more.” Lewis naturally wants his team to do

well, but the desire for success may be a little stronger this year. These seniors have been with him since he started at See MEADE, Page 44

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Central Plains, St. John continue runs

BY Mark mccoy

return seniors Kash Larrabee who had 3.6 assists as a point guard and 6’8” Tristan Lewis, he 2A basketball who averaged 17.6 division is one of the points per game and best in the state, 11 rebounds last sealoaded with quality teams, son. players and coaches. The top Olpe is almost tier teams in the division can always a contender in (and have) beaten much the Big Dance and larger schools — all the way Washington County up to the 6A level. should return. Once again, the boys’ 2A On the girls’ side, basketball division will be the two-time State dominated by two stellar champion Lady clubs — the defending Oilers of Central champion Tigers of St. Plains will once again John-Hudson and the be the team to knock mighty Central Plains off as they will Oilers of Claflin, who attempt to capture a brought home the secondthird State title. The place 2014-15 trophy. Lady O’s will return Both teams were considthe scoring duo of ered to be two of the top seniors Reagan teams in the state last seaPhelan and Taylor son, with St. John putting Rolfs, who either together a perfect 26-0 seaindividually or in tanson and its third straight dem can run up a title. The Oilers lost only 10-point lead in less four games — two to the than two minutes. Mark McCoy/Kansas Hardwood Janae Ryan is a preTigers in Central Prairie Lauren Harrington of Valley Falls drives to the basket against Hill City at the mier 3-ball shooter League action; one to the and with Cassidy Tigers in the championship 2014-15 2A girls’ State basketball tournament in Manhattan. Crites and Kylee State match and a game to known for their great team effort and Kassleman know how to score and play then fourth-ranked 6A Derby at Dodge outstanding 3-ball shooting. great defense. Like the Central Plains City’s annual Tournament of Champions The Oilers will return plenty of qualiboys’ team, the Lady O’s knocked off 6A in the championship match. ty seniors from last season. Point guard Dodge City (ranked 10th at the time) by Each team lost an all-State player to Michael Ryan, who at 6’ 1” is one of the a large score during their regular season. graduation. The Tigers lost Dean Wade, best in 2A. He sees the floor and is an Like Central Plains, Meade has a better who will play for Kansas State unselfish player much like Kinnamon. than average chance of returning to University. Layne Bieberle, of Central Ryan is the top 3-ball shooter for the Manhattan. The Lady Buffaloes are wellPlains, is playing football for the Fort Oilers, who averaged 15 points per game coached and lost only two seniors. Junior Hays State University Tigers. and 4.5 assists last season. He can also Jaylin Stapleton ended the season averagHowever, both teams will return a drive the ball into the paint and score. ing 13.4 points per game and 3.1 steals. slew of excellent basketball players in the Braedan Crites, a 6’2”, 200-pound senior Moundridge, who finished second at 2015-16 season and once gain the depth stepped up in the State tournament last State last season and Ellinwood will be of each team’s bench is far above average. season and his rebounding skills were an teams to watch. Hill City will return a St. John will return Cole Kinnamon— assist to the Oilers all year. Jake team that only lost one senior to graduason of head coach Clint Kinnamon — a Warnken, at 5’11”, might be the most tion. Spearville was young last season, but 6’0” junior point guard, who last season underestimated basketball player on the has a host of tall, quality athletes that averaged 13.3 points and 4.1 assists per team, if not the division. Hunter Ingham know how to win. game. Kinnamon is widely regarded as Valley Falls, Washington County, also stepped up in post-season play as one of the top point guards in Kansas. Jefferson County North and St. Mary’s Ryan and Bieberle were carefully guardAt 6’3” and 255 pounds, senior Jacob Colgan are all top-flight programs that ed and was a big contributor to Central Milton looks more like a heavyweight could return to State in March. Plains’ title shot. grappler than a top basketball post, but From southwest Kansas, Meade will has deceivingly quick feet, rebounding Mark McCoy is sports editor of the have an excellent shot at getting to and shooting skills. The Tigers are Manhattan next March. The Buffaloes will Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter.

Kansas Hardwood

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

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he Lady Chargers return three starters from their 2014-15 season, which ended with a record of 15-9 and the first trip to state in 30 years. They are: seniors Alli Terrapin, who averaged 11 points per game as a center, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks, and forward Taylor Nikkel; and sophomore Karsen Schultz, who averaged 11.5 points per game and 2.4 steals as the team’s point guard. They will be joined by top newcomer, Abby Oliver, 5’10” freshman. “We accomplished our goals last year of making it to the State tournament,” said Shanna Perine, who is in her second year as head coach. “Now we need to build on the experience and continue to get better. “A solid group of girls return. I’m looking forward to a successful year with a great group of kids.” Boys Few gave the Chargers much chance of success this past season because of their youth. Instead, they finished with an overall record of 7-14 and tied for fourth in their league with a 4-6 record. Skyler Suther, who is in his second year as head coach, said his team came close to winning another four games. He can’t wait to see how his team performs this year. Returning starters are: senior center Bryce Kelley, forward Mitchell Wertzberger, point guard Cooper Imthurn and small forward Kameron Wurtz. Also returning is shooting guard Reed Murphy, who started several games for the Chargers this past season. Everyone except Kelley will be eligible to pay the 2016-17 season.

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he strength of the Lady Bulldogs for the 2015-16 season will be in its senior leadership and experienced guards.

That’s the word from T.J. Trout, who starts his first year as head coach after serving for eight years as assistant boys’ coach. “Younger players will need to step up in the interior and keep our focus on,” he said. Bennington lost key players Jenna Gantenbein and Kayla Schlachter to graduation. Returning starters are: point guard Jayme Sloan, guard Delaney Ellis and guard/forward Tacey Kaiser. They will be joined by Stalee Diehl, guard/forward, and a newcomer, center Alexis Watson. Sloan is an all-league player. “Each day our goal is to build our integrity, character and have a positive influence on the people around us on and off the court,” Trout said. The Lady Bulldogs ended the 2014-15 season with an overall record of 12-10 and seventh place in the Heart of America League.

Boys After serving as girls’ head coach, Curtis Pickering takes over the boys’ team following a season when the Bulldogs went 18-5. No starters return from that sub-State runnerup team. “First year coach, new coaching staff, and loss of most of last year’s production. We will develop expectations as we go,” Pickering said. He expects his team to be small, but fast. Pickering said keys to success this season will be “having underclassmen step up and produce and working hard to overcome lack of size.”

ith three starters and two part-time starters returning from the Lady Mustangs’ 2014-15 season, expectations are high for a league title and then some. “Our strength will be team speed and defense,” said Jenny Yungeberg, who is in her third year as head coach. “We have great quickness and will utilize that with our defense.” Blue Rapids finished this past season with a 16-7 record, including a second place finish at sub-state. Returning starters are: seniors Jo Roepke, 5’11” guard, and Taylor Doner, 5’6” guard; and sophomore Kayla Smith, 5’10” guard/forward. Two other players, sophomores Shea Manley, 5’7” guard, and DeAndra Woodyard, 5’10” forward, also have significant playing time. Boys The Mustangs return four starters, including Tyler Geiman, a 6’0” junior who averages 12.7 points a game and is being recruited by numerous universities. Joining him are: Cade Green and Gus Gomez, both 5’11” juniors; and seniors Alex Debey, 6’6”, and Ritter Braithwait, 6’5”. “I feel like this is the year,” said Dwight Williams, who starts his third year as head coach. “I feel like with the experience we have returning and after the summer we had, we should have a successful season. We have a very unselfish team that puts everyone else first before themselves and it showed this summer.” The back court will be the Mustangs’ strength, Williams said. “We finally have strength with experience. I feel we have a toughness and positive mindset that we didn’t have last year. Due to the experience of our seniors and juniors, we now have that.”

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Brookville Ell-Saline Cardinals

eff Vogt looks for his Lady Cardinals to show improvement this season after finishing 2014-15 with a 5-15 record. “We played a handful of underclassmen last year and weren’t able to put very many complete games together,” said Vogt, who starts his third year as Brookville’s head coach. “The team made some big strides this summer. We will need to continue to improve and if we do, we should have a very competitive team.” Returning starters are: senior Morgan Kindlesparger, 5’4” guard; and juniors Kadi Relph, 5’9” forward, and Sydney Omli, 5’4” guard. He said lack of height will be an issue, but the Lady Cardinals “will be hungry to compete and prove themselves.” “We need to cut down on turnovers, be more aggressive on defense and rebound better. We also need to be able to put some points on the board,” Vogt said. Boys Ell-Saline lost all-league player Brandon Clark and all-league honorable mention player Cody Walters to graduation; however, head coach Drew Sprague returns two starters — Koby Ingalsbe and Noah Bradley — from his 2014-15 team, which ended the season with a league record of 3-6. He also returns several other key players: Koby Ingalsbe, Noah Bradley, Tyler Weems, Spencer Kochanowski, Riley Drees, Braden Cox and Devin Bowers. “Our coaching staff is looking forward to getting the season started and we are excited to see the progress our kids have made,” Sprague said. “This is a great bunch of kids and should be a very fun and competitive year.”

Page 36

Canton-Galva Eagles

his is the Lady Eagles final year in the Heart of America League and they want to retire in style. It will help that the team lost only one starter from this past season, which ended with a loss to Ellinwood in the second round of sub-State and an 11-11 record. “Our biggest strength is going to be our familiarity with our system,” said third year Canton-Galva head coach Kelly Unruh. “Our biggest weakness is our ball control. We turned the ball over at least 20 times per game.” Returning starters include: seniors Cassidy Enns, 6’1” post, and Zoe Unruh, 5’7” forward; and junior Kelli Nightingale, 5’5” guard. “Our keys to success definitely start on the defensive end. We need to continue to improve in our intensity on the defensive end. The other area is our shooting percentage. We shot the ball almost 10 percent better last year, but still need to improve,” coach Unruh said. Boys One of the Eagles’ bigger challenges this season will be to adapt to new offensive and defensive systems after three of the team’s top four scorers were lost to graduation. Returning are: seniors Zach Snow, 6’4” center, and Travis Unruh, 6’0” guard, who will be relied on for leadership and varsity experience. “Our strengths will be our length,” said Shane Duncan, who starts his fourth year as head coach. “We could put a line-up on the floor with four players that are 6’3” or taller ... We only have two players returning with extensive varsity experience. We will also need to find some scoring on the perimeter.” Canton-Galva ended the 2024-15 season with a record of 9-12.

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Central Plains

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xpect another outstand- 800-794-6832 • www.havilandcoop.com ing season for the Lady Oilers. The back-to-back 2A State Champions return seven players with enough varsity experience to take Central Plains all the way — again. They are: seniors Reagan Phelan, 5’6” point guard; Taylor Rolfs, 5’10” guard; and Kendi he Timberwolves plan to Maxwell, 5’7” guard; and juniors continue their forward Janae Ryan, 5’7” guard; and march this season. Cassidy Criter, 5’10” guard. In his second year as head Kylee Kasselmann, 5’9” forward; coach, Brandt Rogers hopes to and Kaycee Steiner, 5’5” guard, build on the 17-5 record of also are expected to be key play- 2014-15. Coldwater finished third in its league and for the ers. season, losing in the semi-finals “Success will depend on us of sub-State to Berean Academy. continuing to play the Oiler “Hopefully, we can pick up Way: playing hard, and playing where we left off,” Rogers said. together by making the extra “The boys did a great job of pass and sharing the ball, which learning a new system and putwe have done so well in the ting it into action. I expect the past,” said Pat Stiles, a head team to keep developing as a coach for 10 years, four of them unit.” at Claflin. Returning are nine lettermen, “We will need our talented including senior starters Taylon seniors to step up and take on Harris, 5’10” point guard, Tanner leadership roles.” Kay, 6’3” shooting guard, and Cole Lohrding and Alec Boys Konrade, 6’3” forwards. The Oilers have high expectaRogers said the Timberwolves’ tions coming into this season after keys to success will be “staying a 2A State runner-up finish in healthy and having a core of 2014-15. The Oilers will have to players working for the same goal.” fill in at a couple spots, but they return three senior starters as a Girls solid foundation. The Lady Timberwolves return “We will need to establish senior sharpshooter Reagan Bayne, everyone’s identity early on to 5’5” guard/forward, who contributfigure out what role each will ed 19 points in a late-season 50-28 carry with several less experiwin over St. John. She will be enced players coming into the joined in this season’s senior class mix,” said head coach Brett by veterans Micaela Jellison, 5’8” Rolfs. forward, and Haley Unruh, 5’10” “We hope to work on much of center. this throughout the summer as The team’s other two starters — well as the first part of the seasophomores Rylee Alexander and son. Senior leadership will play a Taylor Bayne, both 5’8” guards, also big role in this growth process.” return. Guard play and controlling Under veteran head coach Tim possessions should be the Oiler’s Rietzke, the Lady Timberwolves strengths, as are their returning ended the 2014-15 season with a starters, including their senior 17-6 record. point guard, 6’1” Michael Ryan. “We should be very competitive — just need to be more consistent,” He will be joined by seniors Rietzke said. Braedan Crites, 6’2” forward, and “We are long and athletic, which Jacob Warken, 5’11” guard. allows us to run the floor well on Editor’s Note — See Page 62 for offense and cut off passing lanes on defense, but we aren’t extremely a Hardwood Extra on on the quick.” Oilers’ Taylor Rolfs.

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he Lady Red Devils will have to work hard this season to overcome their lack of experience. However, Brandon Gehring has confidence in his young team. “My expectations are for my young team to work hard in practice every day, keep a positive attitude and learn how to not settle for losing,” he said. Gehring is in his seventh year as head coach and third year at Decatur Community. His team went 10-12 in 2014-15, losing to Ellis in the sub-State semifinals. He said this season’s keys to success will be playing solid defense, controlling the basketball and being physical. Gehring thinks speed will be his team’s strength. Boys The Red Devils lost two of their top scorers — Regent Erickson and Kelden Breth — to graduation this past season. That leaves this year’s crop of seniors to fill the gap. Included in that class is 6’0” Noah Nelson, who has plenty of varsity experience under head coach Tim Berth. Other seniors on the Decatur Community roster are 5’11” Kelly Brown, 6’1” Keagen Blau, and 6’0” Andrew Wade. The Oberlin boys finished the 2014-15 season 11-11 with a 3-4 record in the Northwest Kansas League.

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he Eagles return three starters this season and two other players with heavy varsity experience. Leading the way will be seniors Kaleb Schartz, 6’0” guard/forward, and Cody Wondra, 6’4” center; and junior Tyson Martinez, 5’11” point guard. They will be joined by senior Theron Sjogren, 6’0” guard, and sophomore Nathan Monday, 6’2” forward/guard. Ellinwood finished the 2014-15 season with a 14-9 record. “We hope to build consistency of success stemming from last season’s second half run. We want to continue finishing in the top third of the league,” said head coach Derek Joiner. “Player development and role development from a year ago will be extremely important for success. Some guys who gave us good games here and there last season need to give us those type of efforts night in and night out this year. “This group plays well together, and they know what each man can do well. They now understand what kind of effort and skill it takes to be successful. We lack some size and athleticism on the boards and in the paint.”

Girls The Lady Eagles have some major roles to fill following a 21-2 season and the loss of several key seniors, including Rachel Doll, who was named most valuable player after she dropped 26 points in the Central Kansas All-Star Classic sponsored by Barton County College. Doll signed with Fort Hays State University. However, Ellinwood returns Allison Panning, a junior who is considered a top notch rebounder and defender. She sank 15 points and grabbed 13 rebounds during a 2014H ill C ity • O ak ley • W aK een ey 15 game against Attica. Scott C ity • H erin gton Ellinwood also was the team that snapped the 44-game winning streak of the Central Plains Oilers during the final game of the season. Andrew Cherry is in his first season as head coach, replacing Kyle Kreigh.

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he Lady Railers return a number of players with varsity experience after finishing the 2014-15 season with a 2-19 record. “I expect our girls to have a competitive season,” said Brooke Gursky, who is starting her third year as Herington head coach. Returning starters are: seniors Falon Kickhaefer, 5’6” guard, Sarah Lietz, 6’0” post, and Chelsea Conart, 5’9” post; and juniors Jordyn Schrader, 5’7” guard, and Ashley Hird, 5’4” point guard. “We also have an athletic group of girls. The key will be figuring out each player’s role,” Gursky said. Boys The Railers started the 2014-15 season with a win and then struggled. Head coach Gregg Hackerott hopes for an improved team this year. 555 US Hwy 77

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ith a good balance of outside and inside scoring, the Railers expect to return to State after a an 18-6 season in 2014-15. Returning are: Brendon Brenner, 6’5” point guard; junior Easton Smit, 6’3” guard; and sophomore Ryan Herl, 6’3” center. This also is all-state forward Alexcia Deutscher’s senior year as a Lady Railer.

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Hill City Ringnecks

he Lady Ringnecks return five starters from the 2014-15 season, which ended with a 19-5 record and a loss in the first round of State to Valley Falls. “We always expect our teams to be successful,” said Linda Nighswonger, who starts her 10th year as head coach. “We are returning a great deal of varsity experience.” Returning starters are seniors Lexie McDowell, 5’10” guard/ forward; Adrianna Nickelson, 5’9” forward; Kayla Bell, 5’7” forward; and Amanda Conway, 5’7” guard; and sophomore Conner Keith, 5’3” point guard. Nighswonger said her team’s strengths will be depth and experience. Its weakness is size. Keys to success this season will be for everyone to stay healthy, work hard at improvement and “be great teammates,” she said. Boys The Ringnecks need a defensive center and must overcome a lack of depth. Defense also is a question mark. Strengths are the team’s quickness and skill on the fast break. “The second half of the season we should be a pretty good ball club, but lack of depth is going to be a big problem,” said Keith Riley, who has been head coach for 47 years. The Ringnecks finished 2014-15 with a record of 16-7, ending the season in the finals of sub-State. Returning players are: seniors Tate Buckholz, 5’10” guard, and Mekhai Bates, 6’0” forward; and juniors Claiborne Kyles, 6’3” center, Zech Wilson, 5’10” point guard, and Everett Brandyberry, 5’9” guard.

Page 38

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

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oach Nathan Hiebert hopes the experience gained by his Lady Trojans this past season will translate into confidence when the 2015-16 season starts. “We bring back a large number of underclassmen from last year,” said Hiebert, who is starting his ninth year as head coach. “We were very young last year and that allowed several girls to gain experience.” Returning starters are: seniors Alex Ratzlaff, 5’10” guard, and Marah Franz, 5’5” guard. “We have to create more easy opportunities,” Hiebert said. “We will also need to have more balanced scoring as a team to be more successful within our league. We hope to use our length to create turnovers and gain some easier opportunities to score.” The Lady Trojans finished this past season with an 8-13 record. Boys As the Trojans’ only senior and returning starter, All-League honorable mention player Austin Cross is expected to pace his team. Cross, a 6’6” post, averaged 6.75 points per game and 6 rebounds this past season, which finished with an overall record of 9-12. He will be joined by juniors Preston Loewen, 5’11” guard, who averaged 6.7 points per game, and Braden Vogt, 6’0” forward; and sophomore Elias Werth, 5’9” guard. “Much of our success will depend on developing depth to go along with the returners that we have,” said Darrel Knoll, who starts his 28th year as head coach. “With only one senior on the roster, we will be young and somewhat inexperienced, but we should be very competitive this year.”

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he Lady Mavericks were forced to put players with little experience into starting roles last season. Despite that, Kiowa still won a respectable eight games, and now returns all five of its starters from last year. “Our strengths will be our athleticism, and our basketball IQ,” said head coach Thomas Derstein. “The girls’ confidence grew a lot last season, and I think they realize their potential, and will to work hard this off-season. We will also have depth. I will be able to play eight to ten girls every night.” With the Lady Mavericks improving their offensive skills last season — as well as building confidence among their starters — the Lady Mavericks should expect to finish above .500 and be competitive in the post season. With their depth, and overall youth, the future for Derstein and his team seems bright. Returning starters are: senior McKenzie Heft, 5’7” forward; junior Nicole Ballard, 5’3” guard; junior Morgan Powell, 5’3” guard; junior Janessa Zenger, 5’8” guard; and sophomore Sierra Lingafetter, 5’4” point guard. Boys Landon Davis, a 6’0” senior forward, and brothers Henry and Frank Cuevas, 5’8” junior guards, return this year to anchor the Mavericks. Zach White’s team ended the 2014-15 season with a 7-13 overall record and 6-5 in league. “I’m not going to say we’ll finish first in our league, but we’d better finish in the top half,” said White, who is in his third season as head coach.

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Girls Lincoln has a promising season to look forward to in 2015-16. The Lady Leopards were two games over .500 last year in a tough league, but bring back five starters, all seniors. “We have a lot of experience coming back, so our expectations are high,” said head coach Steve Crist. “However, our league has a lot of experience coming back so it will be tough.” Lincoln is a tall, athletic team and success will hinge on controlling possessions to get quality looks inside. Stretching the defense out with better shooting from the perimeter to free up those post players will be also be something Lincoln will have to improve on this season to be successful. Returning senior starters are: Brittni Harlow, 5’5” guard; Grace Walford, 6’0” post; Ashley Wollesen, 5’11” forward; Maggie Foulke, 5’6” guard; and Lindsay Crist, 5’8” forward.

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incoln returns six starters from last season, and their expectations from a 12-11 season are much higher. “The coaches have much higher expectations as we do have some experience, and the players know the coaches’ ways of doing things much better,” said head coach Dalen Rathbun. Continuing to improve on defense and capitalize in transition off steals will be keys for the Leopards this year, as one of their deficits is overall size. Returning players are: seniors Zac Walter, 6’0” forward, Tyrece Simms, 5’7” guard, Gabe Gulledge, 6’0” forward, Skyler Edmundson, 5’11” guard, Matt Davied, 6’2” post, Christian Emmert, 6’1” guard, and Braden Luck 6’1” forward, who suffered a knee injury before the season.

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Little River Macksville Redskins Mustangs

ith a new coach and a new system, head coach Trey Look is looking forward to seeing how his team will perform this season. Little River went 1-19 in 2014-15; however, three starters return and “I’m excited to see what these girls can do this year. Most of them hadn’t played much varsity before last season so they gained a lot of experience,” Look said. Returning are: senior Kristin Ekholm, 5’9” forward; junior Allie Peters, 5’9” guard; and sophomore Melanie Renken, 5’9” forward. “I think we have several girls that will step up and be leaders,” Look said. “I’m expecting our girls to come out and compete every game. I think if we do that and give 100 percent effort, then winning games will follow.” Boys This is a rebuilding year for the Redskins as head coach Chad Lafferty works to overcome a lack of experience in his young team. “The keys this year will be getting players to mesh as a unit and step up their play as many of them lack varsity experience,” he said. “I believe we have many kids that could be very good off the dribble with the ability to get to the rim. We also have many kids that can get down and play really good defense if they will make the commitment to do so. We will obviously go through some growing pains early on, but hopefully that will make them better for the second half of the season.” Returning seniors include Damien Martinez, 6’3” forward.

ast season’s sophomores and juniors are this year’s juniors and seniors — and they return to the court with a lot of experience. “We hope that game experience pays off,” said Jeff Kuckelman, who starts his 13th year as Mustang head coach. “Being that young, we also got some weaknesses exposed and we hope we learn from that and have improved. We have some kids that can really shoot the ball, but we have to be able to do things to get our shots off. We have to be able to attack the basket better and that will open more shots.” Projected starters are seniors Alan Ibarra, 5’8” point guard, and Lane Sebes, 6’2” forward; juniors Brigdon Russell, 5’10” guard, and Diego Delgadillo, 5’11” forward; and sophomore Kreed Parr, 5’7” guard. All but Parr were 2014-15 starters, when the Mustangs finished with a record of 8-15. “We will have to be able to guard better as well,” Kuckelman said. “Some of those weaknesses that were exposed were directly related to our lack of strength and toughness. Hopefully, a summer in the weight room along with kids enrolled in weight classes, will pay off. We also hope another year of maturity can benefit us in the strength and toughness department.”

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Meade Buffaloes

xperience and size could help the Buffaloes meet their goals this season. Meade returns three senior starters: Tristin Lewis, who is 6’8” and averaged 17.6 points per game and 11 rebounds; Landon Bird, who is 6’2” and averaged 10.7 points and 4.8 rebounds; and Kash Larrabee, who is 6’3” and averaged 9.9 points and 3.6 assists. Meade ended its 2014-15 season during the second round of substate to South Gray, which advanced to the 2A State tournament. “By most standards we didn’t have a bad year last year, going 13-8 and winning our league in the regular season,” said Austin Lewis, who is in his eighth year as head coach. “But these seniors have seen the been a part of Meade being a regular at the State tournament. “I don’t think last season was a major letdown, but I know they’re hungry for more. And I think we’ve got the talent to do some neat things if we stay healthy, keep perspective and take care of our business. “We will have some pretty decent size again. Also, we’ll have more returning experience at the guard position and have some new faces in our program that may help provide even more depth. “[Depth] is a great thing as long as everyone can handle their role and keep our team goals as their number one priority. If we are able to have some success early, the key will be staying motivated to continue getting better.”

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Medicine Lodge Indians

edicine Lodge went 5-16 last year and lost in the first round of sub-State. With three returning starters, the Indians should be competitive during the 2015-16 season, and build around that experience. In fact, given the competitiveness of their league, it should not be a stretch for the Indians to compete for a league title.

If Medicine Lodge is successful at the league level, their momentum could position them for a run in subState. However, improving on their record from this past season is the first step.

Returning starters are: seniors Gage Axline, 5’11” forward, Ethan Hargett, 6’3” forward, and Micah Richert, 5’11” guard. Girls As a freshmen, Emily Hrencher was chosen as a member of the allCentral Plains League’s second team. This season, Hrencher returns for her junior year. She will be joined by Alex Leis, who that same year received an honorable mention. She returns for her senior year. The Lady Indians are coached by Lowell Dohrmann.

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Ness City Eagles

he Eagles have some big shoes to fill going into the 2015-16 season. Four starters were lost to graduation, leaving one returning starter, Chandler Stiawalt, 6’3” junior guard. “I feel like we had a great summer and made some big improvements. I am excited about this upcoming team and understand there could be some growing pains, but hope to improve as the season progresses,” said Matt Overlease, who starts his sixth year as head coach. Ness City finished this past season with a 14-9 record. Other returning players are: seniors Dylan Hamilton, 6’0”, and Luis Rodriguez, 5’10” and juniors Payton Fellhoelter, 5’10”, and Devin Brown, 6’3”. “We will only have a couple seniors on this year’s team, so we will look for some young guys to step up and have an immediate impact. To be successful we will have to be disciplined defensively and play unselfish basketball,” Overlease said. “From what I saw this summer, the guys are eager to learn and are willing to put in the time and effort it takes to be successful.” Girls Head coach Cory Bixler will enter his first season as Ness City’s coach. Four starters will be back for the Lady Eagles, as he builds on the foundation that has been in place with those athletes. Developing a point guard will be key this season. The Eagles do not have a true ball handler, but they make up for it to an extent with overall athleticism and size. Returning starters are: senior Machen Fritts, 5’9” power forward; juniors Jaycie Richardson, 5’8” guard, and Alexis Clarke, 5’8” guard; and sophomore Baylee Holecek, 5’6” guard.

Oakley Plainsmen

akley did not win a game this past season, but all starters return from that team, whose oldest member was a sophomore. The Lady Plainsmen should expect to see progress, as it is only head coach Ty Pfannenstiel’s second season working with players. “We expect to continue to improve each day we step on the court,” Pfannenstiel said. “Our defense did some good things last year, but we have to find more ways to score.” Changing the culture to start laying another solid foundation for a program is never a rapid process, but Oakley is young enough and will have a breadth of experience in years to come to make measurable strides, and put an 0-21 season well behind. Oakey had outstanding teams not that long ago and looks for a repeat of its past success. Returning starters are: juniors Jenna Zimmerman, 5’9”, Taylor Van Eaton, 5’10”, and Myka Kuhlman, 5’6”; and sophomores Elise Corbett, 5’5”, and Nicole Scheetz, 5’11”.

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Boys

Craig Wamsley returns for his second year as head coach at Oakley after going 5-16. Wamsley returns three starters from last season, accompanied by another four players with extensive varsity experience. The Plainsmen will look to expand from last year and be better handling defensive pressure and taking care of the ball. Oakley is deep, but lacks size. Returning starters are: senior Trace Engel, junior Kameren Gabel and sophomore Jace Engel.

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Oxford Wildcats

xford will look to rebuild this year as the Wildcats lost 98 percent of their scoring on a team that went 10-11 and lost in the first round of subState. “We will be a young team,” head coach Kyle Green said. “Player development is key this summer with our summer program. We return a very athletic sophomore class, but they lack experience.” If the Wildcats can get leadership from their upperclassmen — though still inexperienced — Oxford could develop a young, athletic core and look to make major strides this season and in the years ahead. The Wildcats have no returning starters. Girls The Lady Wildcats hope this season ends as well as the 201415 season started. The team won three games before being plagued by injuries. Oxford returns this year with four seniors and a number of freshman who appear ready to help out on the court. The senior class is headed by 5’11” post Bethany Metz. Also returning for their senior year are Kelsey Metz, Kellcie Norris and Lakin Cook. Ricky Totten is in his second year as head coach.

K ANS A S

he Lady Cardinals return four players with experience — Shania Werner, Amy Casey, Lyric Dewey and Maeson Dewey. They will be coached by Kate Lehman, who is in her first year as a head coach. She hopes to improve on this past season’s 9-13 record. Success will come from “a tough defense and an effective offense.” “I think that we should have a very quick team. I also look for defensive being one of our strong points,” Lehman said. “We are returning several players that saw varsity minutes last year. That should be very helpful. A weakness will probably be learning a new offense and getting the new girls integrated into the program.” Boys Chris Dees enters his third season as head coach of the Cardinals after finishing last season 10-12, and losing in the sub-State semi finals to Central Plains. Plainville will look to gain experience and maturity this season, as it relies heavily on a group of younger, athletic players. The Cardinals enter the 2015-16 season without any senior leadership. Returning starters 5’10” point guard Hayden Friend, and 6’3” forward Justin Reif, both juniors, will lead the team. Replacing the Cardinals’ primary scorers from this past season will be a priority as well. The Cardinals will look to play fast, and rely on defense due to their lack of size.

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Rawlins Co. Buffaloes

he Lady Buffs went 4-17 this past season, but everyone returns — and with a year of experience to their credit. “I expect us to be ready to compete whenever we step on the floor. If we do this we have a chance to have a good season,” said Brad Pfortmiller, who is in his first year as head coach. “We will have to be good on defense and develop some shooters and ball handlers. We need our younger girls to be able to step in and provide some depth.” Returning are: seniors Mandilyn Horinek and Jaelynn Sis; juniors Gracie Higley, Lauren Terry and Kurstann Horinek; and sophomore Natalie Hawkins. Boys The Buffaloes went without a win during the 2014-15 season, but they’re back this year — older and with more experience. “My expectation is to win, obviously, and surprise some people,” said Jeff Lankas, who starts his eighth year as head coach. Atwood returns all of its starters from this past season after 201314, when it lost all five of its top players to graduation. On the court for the Buffaloes are: senior Drew Lankas, 6’3” post; sophomores Braden Leitner, point guard, Nick Withington, post, and Jerry Oelschlager, forward; and junior Wyatt Britt, forward.

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BellevilleRepublic Co. Buffaloes

he Lady Buffs finished two games over .500 this past season with a third-place finish in the NCAA League. Republic County improved throughout the season, and expects to build on that success this season with three starters and an additional four lettermen returning. The Lady Buffs will be able to gauge their progress in the Hillsboro Trojan Classic, where they will have the opportunity to be matched against perennial 3A powerhouse programs: Hillsboro, Riley County, Holcomb, and Hesston. Returning starters are: Ashley Pachta, 5’9”; junior Madison Scott, 5’3” guard; and Kendsey Johnson, 5’4” guard. Boys The Buffaloes had a disappointing 6-15 season in 2014-15, mostly the result of limited experience. This season, however, Republic County returns more than five starters, as their starting line up was in constant rotation last season, and they will look to build on the experience they gained. “We play in an extremely tough league and it will only be better next year,” said head coach Clay Mettlen. “We expect to be much improved with the amount of experience we bring back. We will be competitive in every game we play, and we’ll surprise a lot of people this year.” Returning players include: seniors Kale Johnson, 6’0” point guard, Tucker Allen, 5’11” point guard, Lane Shoemaker, 5’11” guard, Tyler Popelka, 6’0” forward, Derek Vanous, 6’1” for-

ward, and Cameron Wilber, 6’0 guard; and juniors Trey Kuhlman, 6’1” forward, and Justyn Stindt, 6’2” forward.

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Sacred Heart Knights

eight. Talent. Ability. The Sacred Heart Knights have it all. “We are a well balanced team with lots of experience and capable of having a great season,” said Pat Martin, who is starting his ninth year as head coach. “With all but one returning starter back, we hope to be as successful as we were last year.” The Knights ended the 201415 season with a record of 20-2, losing in the sub-State semifinals to Bennington in an upset. Brooks Brown, a 6’2” guard/ forward, was lost to graduation. Returning starters are: junior Stratten Brown, 5’9” guard/forward; and seniors Lucas Comfort, 6’3” guard, Jerod Toogood, 6’6” forward, and Jack Skidmore, 6’4” forward. Other key players will be juniors Quinn Riordan, 6’2” guard/forward, and Zach Gaskill, 6’4” forward; and sophomore Caleb Jordan, 5’10” guard. Girls What the Lady Knights lack in height, they make up for in experience. Returning players include seniors Sara Vandervoort, 5’2” guard, MaKenzie Kack, 5’7” forward/center, Karli Alvarez, 5’4” guard, and Jacey Goetz, 5’3” guard. Sacred Heart finished the 201415 season with a disappointing 2-17 and no league wins. The team’s new coach, Arnold Schmidtburger, will try to improve on that record.

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Sedan Blue Devils

his could be the year of the Blue Devils. Sedan returns five starters: seniors Noah Chee, 5’10” guard and 2nd team AllState, and Johnny Smilko, 5’11” guard; sophomores Kylar Walker, 6’1” guard, and Kiefer Brewer, 6’5” forward; and junior Jaden Uhls, 6’3” forward. A year ago, these players ended their season with a 15-8 record and a spot in sub-State finals. This season, the Blue Devils add two other talented players to their roster, Alex Perez from Lakin and Alex Burger from Colorado. “They will strongly compete for important roles,” said Lance Jeffers, who coaches both boys’ and girls’ basketball. “Without any seniors on the team last year and making it to sub-state finals, our expectations are very high.” Jeffers said the biggest challenge will be developing a solid post off the bench. Girls The Lady Blue Devils return three starters: seniors Jessica Roggow, 5’5” point guard, and Braylee Unruh, 5’6” guard; and junior Aly Hurt, 5’7” forward. Sedan’s fast-paced team went 18-5 in 2014-15 and finished as sub-State runner-up. “Once again our weakness is height and scoring in a slower paced game. Our strength is our program and team have built a tradition where winning is an expectation,” Coach Jeffers said.

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Smith Center Redmen

ough pressure defense. That sums up the goal of the Redmen this year as they work to improve their 6-14 record from the 2014-15 season. “I feel we will be athletic and quick,” said Joe Burgardt, in his third year as head coach. “We need to defend and rebound better.” Smith Center returns two starters, Blake Hackerott, 5’11” senior; and Thayne Benoit, 5’11” junior. They will be joined by seniors Gavin Overmiller, 5’10” and Austin Gooder, 6’2”; and sophomores Jesse Staples, 5’11” and Brett Meyer, 6’3”. Girls Smith Center has holes to fill along the perimeter as this season’s team lacks depth at its two and three spots. Looking for new contributors at those positions will be key to the Lady Reds new season. Smith Center returns two starters with experience at forward and post, and can look for leadership in those roles. If nothing else, this season should be an opportunity to develop those positions as head coach Nick Linn and his Lady Reds move forward. Returning starters are: junior Sara Mann, 5’11” forward; junior Rebecca McDowell, 5’5” guard; and senior Sierra Kuhn, 5’7” post.

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Solomon Gorillas

he Gorillas ended the 2013-14 season with a 16-5 overall record and a perfect first-place finish of 7-0 in the Wheat State League. Nick Perez, who is in his third year at Solomon, hopes to build on his team’s success. Solomon returns a number of players with varsity experience, including Cain Fowles, 6’2” senior guard; and Andrew Meagher, 6’3” senior forward. Other key players are: Kord Hilbert, 5’8” senior guard; Zach Neilson, 6’3” junior forward; and Cade Fiske, 5’8” junior guard. Girls Justin Coup, who starts his second year as head coach, lost two key players, Jordain Ballue and Morgan Clark, to graduation. However, the Lady Gorillas return players who have the capacity to score on any given night. Brooke Homman, for instance, contributed 19 points to Solomon’s 56-44 win this past season over Wakefield. Homman is a 5’11” junior center. Other players expected to contribute are: Lauren Cross, 5’7” senior guard; Maggie Aylward, 5’7” senior forward; Sarah Arnett, 5’10” senior forward; and Carley Rohleder, 5’6” junior guard. Solomon finished 2014-15 with an overall record of 7-12 and 4-5 in Wheat State League play.

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

K ANS A S

St. Francis Indians

he St. Francis girls return three starters: seniors Kylie Sherlock, 5’8” post, and Journey Lee, 5’5” guard; and sophomore Hanna Bracelin, 5’7” guard. “Our strength is our speed and our weakness is our experience, having three seniors and no juniors,” said Shaylinn Kaus, who starts her first year as head coach. The Lady Indians went 7-14 in 2014-15. Kaus has three rules for her team this season: never get outworked, attention to rebounding and aggressive, smart defense. “I expect our team to work hard in the gym and the classroom,” Kaus said. “We will continue focusing on fundamentals and being aggressive on both offense and defense. I expect us to work together and get better every day so we can perform to the best of our ability as one.” Boys First-year head coach Cory Busse has good things to say about his Indians, which went 10-12 this past season. “This team consists of a group of very hard-working, unselfish kids,” he said. “The kids are athletic but we struggle with a lot of the game’s fundamentals. My expectation is that we will not get out-hustled nor outworked ever, but we have a lot of room for improvement when it comes to the finer points of the game. “I think as the season goes along we will see a lot of improvement. I think we can be competitive in every game.” St. Francis returns four starters, senior Jude Faulkender, 6’1” forward; juniors Taylor Rogers, 5’9” guard, and Quinton Cravens, 6’1” forward; and sophomore Tate Busse, 5’10” guard. Jeremiah Neitzel, 6’3” junior forward, also has considerable floor experience. “I don’t worry about the kids’ effort or willingness to work but in order for us to be successful with respect to wins and losses, we are going to have to gain fundamental skills during the season,” Busse said. “We will have to work very hard to cut down on silly turnovers.

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St. JohnHudson Tigers

t won’t be the same without 6’9” Dean Wade at the rim, but you have to think the Tigers — state 2A champions for the past three years — will still be just fine. Coach Clint Kinnamon returns 10 letter winners and senior Nathan Ward, who missed last season with a shoulder injury from football. Returning starters include juniors Jorge Calleros, who averaged 6 points a game and ended the season with 43 percent from 3-point land, and Cole Kinnamon, who averaged 14 points per game and 41 percent. Both players are 6’0”. The third returning starter is Jacob Milton, a 6’3” senior. Coach Kinnamon predicts his Tigers will finish first in the Central Prairie League. “We have a team full of guys that really like each other and will share the ball,” he said. Another strength is expected to be perimeter shooting. “We had a pretty good team 3-point field goal percentage last year that should be just as good or potentially even better this season,” Kinnamon said. His team will have to watch for mistakes. “We will have to be a very solid defensively, because Dean could cover up a lot of mistakes on defense last year,” Kinnamon said.

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Trego Community Golden Eagles

espite going 5-17 last season, the Golden Eagles have much loftier expectations for this season, and rightfully so. Trego returns all five starters from last season. Coach Jeff Rhoden is confident his team’s experience, and continuity will keep the Eagles competitive this year. “I think we will be much improved over last season,” he said. “We are returning all five starters and have a core group with great attitudes, and a strong work ethic. I expect us to be highly competitive in all contests, and look to push for 15 wins.” Returning starters are: seniors Cedrick Flax, 5’11” forward, Aaron Satran, 6’0” center, and Cole Gillman, 5’9” center; and juniors Emmit Owens, 5’9” guard, and Alex Haxton, 5’8” guard.

Girls Jerod Brown, who enters his third year as head coach, has already selected a motto for this season, “Expect Success.” “Most of the fun of this season will be to see how it plays out,” he said. “I expect this group of young women to want to be successful, and I know they will work as hard as they can to make that happen. “There is a lot of potential on this team, and I am excited to watch it come out.” Returning starters are: seniors Teghan Sells, 5’6” guard, and Mariah Brungardt, 5’5” forward. “We will have to play fast and aggressive. Being physically and mentally tough will be a huge key,” Brown said. “Our defense will have to ignite our offense.”

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Wakefield Bombers

he Bombers lost three key players to graduation this past spring; however, they return three experienced players and field others who are expected to be key to the team’s success this season. Gone are Keenan Westerman, Trey Adams and John Yenni. Returning are Dylan Murphy, 5’11” senior; Hayden Bruner, 6’7” senior; and Trey Laffery, 6’4” senior. Key newcomers are Preston McCollum, 6’1” senior; and Jacob Judy, 6’3” junior. The goal, said head coach, Rich Steppe, is to build on the past season’s success. “I’m excited for the coming season,” said Steppe, who is starting his third year. “We lost our top three scorers, but I think there will be some guys who are anxious to step up and fill whatever roles will be needed. “Strengths will be familiarity with our system and defense, which I feel we have a good idea of what we want to do. We will have to be better at consistently knocking down open shots and scoring in the paint when the opportunity presents itself.” Girls The bulk of the Lady Bombers’ games ended in the loss column during the 2014-15 season. However, Wakefield returns Autumn Adams for her senior year. Adams, an all-league first team pick, averaged 16.8 points a game and more than 9 rebounds. Adam Keating coaches the Lady Bombers.

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Washington County Tigers

he Tigers have made it to State the last two years in a row, losing to powerServing North Central Kansas for over 100 years house St. John-Hudson both Locations in Washington, Mankato and Clay Center times. This season they expect to to allarea athletes! make it back to State, and compete again for the title. “We can’t be satisfied with what we’ve accomplished thus far,” head coach Lyle Thompson said. “Our expectations are to be one of the top 2A teams in state, and try to return to Manhattan and finish what we started two years ago. Our strength is that these kids are very unselfish. They have been playing together since the 3rd grade, and they have always known how to win against some of the best teams in Kansas, and Nebraska, too. “I don’t know if we have a glaring weakness, but we still have to work to get better in all phases of the game.” Returning starters are: seniors Kyle McGatlin, 5’11” guard, Konnor Penning, 6’1” post, and Cale Thompson, 6’1” point guard.

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Girls Diana Cecrle takes over as Washington’s head coach after 14 years as an assistant. In her first year she will have three returning starters to work with and four other letter winners from this past season, when Washington went 21-2 before losing in the sub-State final. The biggest loss Washington will have to account for is the departure of Erin Alexander, a 6’5” all-league, and honorable mention allstate player. “We will need to make crashing the boards a priority, and should give us a lot of options both scoring, and defensively,” Cecrle said. With the experience Washington has returning there is no reason to not expect the Lady Tigers to be competitive despite the holes they will have to fill on their starting roster. Returning starters are: seniors Mandi Allerheiligen, 5’10” post, and Courtney Moore, 5’4” point guard; and junior Annie Otott, 5’6” guard.

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Meade four years ago. “This group is kind of special to me. They’ve been with me the whole way,” he said. Lewis, who coached at Smith Center before moving here, took his teams to State his first two years at Meade. During that same period, the Buffaloes lost 13 seniors to graduation. And still the tradition continues. “We’ve had a lot of success, but Meade basketball had a lot of success before I got here,” Lewis said. About 30 boys are out for basketball this year, in a high school with a student population of 120 or better. Several of this year’s seniors have been together since they played recreation ball as children. Among them: • Tristin Lewis is a 6’8” center Landon Bird moves who averaged 17.6 points per game and 11 rebounds in 2014-15. toward the basket He is not related to Coach Lewis. during a 20014-15 game. • Landon Bird is considered the team’s best shooter. He’s capable of playing post and then stepping out and taking the 3-pointer. At 6’2”, he averaged 10.7 points per game and 4.8 rebounds. • Kash Larrabee is a 6’3” point guard who averaged 9.9 points per game and 3.6 assists. Lewis said Larrabee, a linebacker, will probably end up playing football after high school; however, he’s also a good ball handler on the basketball court. Lewis said consistency will be the key to the Buffaloes’ success. “One thing we’re going to focus on this year is finishing,” he continued. “We could beat anyone on any given night; we could have lost to anyone on any given night. We were inconsistent. We never knew which team was going to show up.” The Buffaloes already have added depth and experience to their list of strengths. “It’s almost like you have to go through those experiences and lose those close games to have that moxie to understand how to win those. I hope that’s what we gained from last year,” Lewis said. One of the joys of his job has been watching his players grow as individuals and develop their skills at basketball over the years. “You try to coach them up as young men as much as the basketball stuff,” Lewis said.

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Stepping Up

Page 45

Hanover’s Bruna is comfortable in leadership role By Brent Maycock

nder different circumstances, Will Bruna might have felt hesitant. Maybe even a bit uncomfortable. When a team is loaded with talented seniors as Hanover was a year ago, it’s not common for a sophomore to emerge as the team’s best player. In more cases than not, the younger player is more likely to accept a complementary role, deferring to his elder teammates. Bruna understands the reasoning behind such logic. He even admits that could have easily been his situation. “If I wasn’t already comfortable with them, I might have been more nervous or scared even to step up with all those upperclassmen out there,” Bruna said. “But I’d been playing with that group of guys ever since I was little. We’re all extremely close. If someone can play and isn’t afraid to step forward, they get the respect of the others immediately.” Bruna certainly had the respect of his Wildcat teammates last year as a sophomore. And rightfully so. On Hanover’s senior-dominated 2014-15 team, Bruna was anything but a passive role player. Instead, he led the Wildcats in scoring on their march to the Class 1A Division I state title, a dominating run that capped a 25-1 season. After averaging a team-best 14.1 points per game during the regular season, Bruna averaged 17.3 points per game in the state tourney, taking team-high honors in all three games, including 20 in the 58-36 win over Doniphan West in the championship game. “The kids around him were very comfortable with him and there was nothing against an underclassman being one of the leaders on the court because the kids all had one goal in mind and it didn’t matter who was doing the scoring or whatever,” Hanover coach Kim Lohse said. “Will’s one of those players who just hates to lose and he’ll do anything he can to help the team

For Kansas Hardwood

win, whether that’s scoring, passing, playing defense, whatever. The whole team realized the talent Will has, but more importantly, they knew Will’s goal was the same as everybody else, to win.”

For all of the Wildcats, the state title was special. Not only was it the first crown for the program since going back-to-back in 2009 and 2010, but it also helped ease the sting of coming up short during the football season, a loss to Central Plains in the championship game denying the Wildcats a three-sport sweep (Hanover went on to win the 1A state track title in the spring). But for Bruna, it also held a special meaning, getting to share the title with

older brother Andrew, who was a senior starter for the squad. “I guess I was tremendously blessed,” he said. “To be able to play with such a talented group and win a state championship with my older brother meant a lot to me.” It also meant Will and Andrew can hold their own when it comes to family bragging rights. In the Bruna family, that’s not an easy thing to do. You see, Will is the seventh of eight brothers in the Bruna family. All of his older brothers — Matt, Ben, Tyler, Anthony, Alex and Andrew — have played on Hanover teams that made it to the State tournament. Matt and Ben were both on Hanover’s first State championship team back in 1998 and also on the 1999 champion. Alex was on the 2009 title team. “I’ve got six older brothers and every single one of them has helped me at some point in my life,” said Will, who will get his turn as a mentor with his youngest brother, Carter, a freshman at Hanover this year. “They’re always giving me tips, showing me how to do things and talking to me about the good and the bad stuff after the games. So there’s pressure, but we put it on ourselves. If my older brothers won a state championship and were successful, I want to be successful and win state myself. I don’t want to be the only one who hasn’t done that.” That kind of family tradition has been prevalent in building Hanover’s winning tradition, one that now includes five state basketball titles. Through the years, the names may change — well the first names - but the success carries on. “We had five kids on last year’s team whose brothers had won State championships,” Lohse said, referring to Andrew See BRUNA, Page 49

Page 46

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irsten Burger does what’s needed for the KensingtonThunder Ridge girls’ basketball team. “I like playing all the positions,” Burger said. “I just go where my coach tells me I need to go.” Longhorn coach Darren Grauerholz could call on the 5’10” Burger to score one night, concentrate on rebounding the next and play tough defense on the other team’s top player the next game. “She’s one of those players where we could put her anywhere,” Grauerholz said of his senior standout. “Last year, she was either the two guard, or at times we had her at point guard. We’ve had her (playing) all the way from (point guard) to (center). I would say her true position at the high school level should be a (power forward).” Burger averaged 17 points and nine rebounds for last year’s 19-4 team. “She’s pretty well-rounded,” Grauerholz said. “She’s got a good inside game, she has a good outside shot.” The Longhorns return four seniors and all five starters from the squad that made the Class 1A Division I state tournament. “I’m hoping that we get back to state and get farther along in the bracket than we did last year,” Burger said. Grauerholz knows what he wants from his squad. “I need to have at least eight girls that just want to fight tooth and nail, regardless of whether we’re up 20 or down two,” he said. They will be led by Burger, a player Grauerholz thinks will play in college a year from now. “I know she’s going to go somewhere and play ball,” Grauerholz said. “She likes basketball too much not to.” Burger said she would like to play at the next level. “I’m not quite sure what I’m going to do yet,” she said. I’m just kind of seeing what will be offered.” Basketball is by far Burger’s favorite sport. “It just gives me an adrenaline rush other sports don’t give me,” she said. Randy Gonzales is a long-time western Kansas sports writer.

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Page 47 Overview of Boys and Girls 1A

Round up the usual suspects By LINDA MOWERY-DENNING

and gain a State tournament berth. Last year’s team got a good taste of how to win and how to compete with top teams.” Back on the boys’ side, Hanover ended f you want to know which teams in the season with a 25-1 record and a 1A, 1A have the potential to make it all Division 1 title. Kim Lohse, 1A, Division the way this year, check out last sea1 Coach of the Year, lost a bunch of talson’s State brackets. ented seniors to graduation, but he Can you say repeat? returns Will Bruna, a junior and the Two teams in particular stand out. team’s top scorer in 2014-15. On the boys’ side, the Sharon SpringsAlso be on the lookout for Attica. Wallace County Wildcats appear poised Coach Danton Hilton returns three senior to have another good year. Veteran coach starters, who will be joined by Norwich Larry O’Connor returns three seniors and transfer Jacob Norris. a junior from the 2014-15 team that Hilton, who starts his fourth year as ended the season with a record of 24-2 head coach, thinks this could be the and a State title. Bulldogs’ year. O’Connor’s expectations? “We have some kids who can really “Very simple. Repeat as State champishoot the ball well,” he said. “We are very ons,” he said. deep in our back court. Very But it won’t be without athletic and fast. High bas"Our goal is to compete for the top spot effort. ketball IQ.” “It’s going to be a nice in our league and gain a State tournament Others looking for a shot little battle,” O’Connor at league — and perhaps — said of the 1A classificaberth. Last year’s team got a good taste even a State berth include tion that includes players the Rock Hills Grizzlies of of how to win and how to compete such as Beloit St. John’sMankato. The team has Tipton High School’s with top teams." recorded nine consecutive Davis Dubbert, a 6’3” seasons of 14 or more wins. Tyler Williams sophomore. O’Connor Southern Cloud head coach Could this be a breakout also sees Dighton and year for the Grizzlies? Caldwell as threats Rock Hills has three Wallace County defeatstarters returning. ed Caldwell, 20-4, this “We expect to be in the hunt for a NPL “Guard play will be important. I think past season at State before going on to League Championship. Lincoln, St. John’soverwhelm St. John’s, 72-61, in the cham- we’ll have others ready by late February Tipton, Osborne and Rock Hills should and March,” Hoyt said. pionship game. Other teams also hope to receive invita- lead the league with Wilson, Tescott, On the girls’ side, the news doesn’t get Natoma and Chase pushing hard for top tions to State. much better than it does at Beloit-St. spots,” said Matt Hesting, who is in his Southern Cloud returns with plenty of John’s-Tipton. Coach of the Year Keith ninth year as head coach. experience and recognition. Junior Rayna Kresin returns five starters and two top “We want to play for a sub-State title!” Schmidt, 5’5” point guard, was 2nd Team reserves from his 2014-15 championship Rexford-Golden Plains also has high All-League in 2014-15. Junior Bailey team. Included is Brenna Eilert, 5’9” forhopes for a good showing during the regPrimeaux, 5’8” power forward, was Allward, who was named 1A Player of the ular season and then at sub-State, enough League Honorable Mention. Year as a sophomore. She’s now a junior Southern Cloud closed this past season to propel the team into a spot at State. with a year’s more experience. “We have the pieces in place to be very with a 14-8 record and a loss in sub-state “Having the 1A Player of the Year will competitive,” head coach Travis Smith semifinals to Wetmore. fuel us as a team, with some good shootsaid. “We have depth at positions with “I expect our girls to build off of last ing guards and posts that play well as a nine returning letter winners from last team. Team defense is a big strength if we season’s experience,” said Tyler Williams, who has been at Southern Cloud for three year’s team.” build off last year,” Kresin said. years. “My expected starters this season Joining Eilert on the court will be Linda Mowery-Denning is publisher of the played plenty a year ago and improved all seniors Chole Miller, 6’3” post, Gabbie Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter and the season and seeing them grow was evident Smith, 5’6” guard, Samatha Holloway, Marquette Tribune. She has written for many as the season went on ... Our goal is to 5’7” forward, Megan Bates, 5’5” guard, years about the people and places of Kansas. compete for the top spot in our league and Bailey Shellito, 5’8” forward.

Kansas Hardwood

“We plan on continuing to get better each and every practice and game and developing more depth and be better than last year and make a run to the state tournament again,” Kresin said. In 1A, Division I, Hoxie always has to be considered a contender. St. John’s Kresin shared 1A Coach of the Year honors with Hoxie’s Shelly Hoyt, who led her team to a state record 95 consecutive victories over the past four seasons and four State titles in a row. Her last loss was in December of 2011. The Lady Indians return to the court this season after losing talented guard Carly Heim to graduation; however, three starters return, along with a bench loaded with players looking to step into leadership roles.

Page 48

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

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Fairfield Falcons

he Falcons have a new coach this season, Mike Schoenhoff, who follows Luke Bauman into the head spot. The goal is to have an improved season, after 2014-15 when Fairfield ended the year with a 5-16 record and 2-9 in Heart of the Plains League. The Falcons will have to reach their goal without the four seniors the team lost to graduation. Among those returning is 5’9” senior guard Joel Lusk, who came off the bench in a late-season game against Macksville to contribute 7 points and 6 rebounds. Other returning seniors are: Paul Roeth, 5’10” guard/forward, Ethan Williams, 6’5” forward/ center, Jesse Dealy, 6’1” gtuard, Victor Hoarher, 6’3” forward, and Tristen Pike, 5’10” guard/forward. Girls Head coach Chris Hewitt continues to build “a winning culture” at Fairfield. The Lady Falcons improved their overall record from 9-13 in 2013-14 to 10-11 in 2014-15. They split their league record, 4-5. Fairfield lost several seniors to graduation, including 5’9” guard, forward and center Paige Soellner. This year’s senior class includes Aresali Espinosa, 5’8” guard/forward; Emma Schwertfeger, 5’10” forward; and Jasmine Pankratz, 5’7” forward. This will be Hewitt’s fifth year as head coach.

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Hanover Wildcats

he Wildcats captured the 1A Division I state title this past season, and — despite losing six seniors from last year’s team — head coach Kim Lohse has built the foundation for another successful year. “We have some holes to fill from last year, but we have a great bunch of underclassmen that are ready to step in. Our JV went undefeated last season,” Lohse said. “Our young post players will really have to step up and play big for us. We return five lettermen. We will have to shoot well from the outside again as well as our young kids stepping in to fill those holes lost by graduation.” Returning starters are: Trey Lohse, 6’1” senior; and Will Bruna, 6’0” junior. Girls The Lady Wildcats return six players who started eight or more games in 2014-15. They are: seniors Paige Doebele, 5’8” shooting guard, Morganne Zubokrtsky, 5’7” forward, and Shelby Bruna, 5’7” guard; and juniors Riley Doebele, 5’7” point guard, and Ashton Jueneman, 5’9” junior center. The Doebeles were named to their league’s second team and also received all-state honorable mention. “I expect a very good season out of the girls,” said coach Ryan Doebele, who is in his eighth year at Hanover. “After a 5-8 start to last year, we won night straight before losing to Thunder Ridge in a game we led late. We should be one of the top teams in the league and should be a state caliber team. “Our defense and depth will be our strengths this year. We also have the ability to shoot the 3 really well. Our weakness will be our post depth. We lack size and depth in the post.”

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he Indians will be a small, young team this year with no returning starters over 6’0. The Indians will look for their defense to create offense, as their biggest asset is speed. Head coach Jake Moss expects his young team to improve every day throughout the season. “We will be very young. I expect to give 100 percent every day whether it’s in practice or in a game. I expect us to be a much better team by the end of the year.” Returning starters are: senior Peyton Taylor, 5’10” center; and sophomores Easton Slipke, 5’8” guard, and Letham Schwarz, 5’7” point guard.

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LaCrosse Leopards

ichard Schmidt has coached basketball for 35 years and this will be his first year back at LaCrosse. Keys to success will be “inyour-face defense,” making free throws and rebounding. “I expect to be competitive in every game,” Schmidt said.

Girls It’s probably fair to say this could be a rebuilding year for the Lady Leopards. The 2014-15 season produced an overall record of 17-6 and a league effort of 5-3. Three starters — Alyssa Oborny, Ashley Depperschmidt and Marissa Wagner — were lost to graduation. That leaves two starters, senior Morgan West, 5’10” forward; and junior Olivia Baus, 5’11” forward, with extensive varsity experience. As a sophomore, Baus received an honorable mention from the Topeka CapitalJournal on its All-State Team. Other seniors on the roster include 5’6” Tessa Pierce, 5’8” Mary Lacy, 5’7” Brooklyn Sherman, and 5’9” Michaela Brunello.

Girls What can you say about the Hoxie girls? This is a team that finished the 2014-15 season with a perfect 26-0 record and a State title. Several of those players, including talented guard Carly Hein, were lost to graduation, but the Lady Indians still have high expectations. “We lost a lot of talent, but we expect other players to come on strong,” said Shelly Hoyt, who is starting her 15th year as head coach. “Our guard play will be S Sp o r t s P u b & G r u b important, but I think we’ll have G R EG ’ others ready by late Feburary or Great Food March. Spectacular Service Cold Beverages Returning starters are senior Owner Greg Patterson supports all area Terran Hoyt, 5’6”; and juniors high school and college athletics Brynn Niblock, 5’9”, and junior Where Friends Meet Erin Carter, 5’8”. R u sh C en t er , K S

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he Longhorns will have an opportunity to improve on their 2014-15 season, which ended with an overall record of 11-12 and a runner-up finish at sub-State. Trent Bright, who is in his seven year as head coach, returns five starters: seniors Kyle Hayes, 6’4” post, and Tayler James, 5’11” guard; juniors Carlson Cohoon, 6’0” guard, and Bryce Harms, 6’1” post; and sophomore Jacob Salmans, 5’11” guard. Bright said three things will be key to the Longhorns’ success this season — limit mental mistakes, play together and respect the process of getting prepared for the season. “We have a good group returning off of last season’s sub-State runner-up finish,” he said. “We will need some leadership to be able to get back to that level.”

ith no returning starters from this past season’s 10-12 team, it’s hard to say where the Knights will be this year, but head coach Drew Duskie goals for his Knights. “I would like to finish with a record above .500, and be in the sub-state championship with a chance to go to State,” Duskie said. “Although we don’t return any starters from last year’s team, we do return five guys with a good amount of varsity experience. We will, however, be low in numbers on the varsity team. Hard work in the off-season and commitment to the weight room in the summer will drive our success. The boys will have to buy into new offensive and defensive system too.”

Girls The Lady Longhorns have a new coach — at least in name. Long-time assistant Richard Dansel steps into the top spot for the 2014-15 season.

Girls The Lady Knights will look to expand on a 11-12 season in 2014-15 with four returning starters, as well as a deep bench and a talented freshman class coming. “I have high expectations for the 2015-16 season with four returning starters, and a talented bench,” said coach Travis Ebesle. The Lady Knights have a number of young players, but many of them already have a year of varsity experience. Ebesle will look to get his young team out in transition quickly, and use his team’s speed to run the floor as much as possible. Returning starters are: seniors MaKinlie Hennes 5’11”, and Taylor Beckes, 5’8”; and 5’7” sophomores Rachel Milles and Beylee Brummet.

Centre Cougars

he Lady Cougars have some big shoes to fill with the loss to graduation of four-year point guard Shelby Makovec. Alan Stahlecker, who is in his sixth season at Centre, thinks his team is up to the challenge. “After four straight appearances at the State tournament, the culture for Centre girls’ basketball expects to be successful and work hard to continue with success.” The Lady Cougars went 22-4 this past season, winning sub-State and taking third at State. Returning this year are senior Ally Basore, 5’10” post; and junior Shelby Pankratz, 5’7” guard.

and Will Bruna, Devin Jueneman, Hunter Nicholson and Austin Diederich. “So you know there was a little bit of pressure at home too from the older brothers where it’s, ‘We got one, now you have to get one.’ For those kids, the determination and the will to get that done is great.” This season, Will Bruna will be one of those upperclassmen, looking to lead the next wave of Wildcats to a state title. In every way, he will be Hanover’s team leader. “I think Will was a floor general a bit last year already,” Lohse said. “We didn’t have a go-to guy last year, but when Will had the ball in his hands, good things happened. When it was crunch time and Will knew he had to have the ball in his hand, he was very comfortable with it and could take over a game when he needed to. Now that responsibility is going to get a little bit bigger” It’s a challenge he’s already looking forward to.

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Madison Bulldogs

adison has all five starters returning with a core group of upperclassmen that went 13-8 last year, and won a share of the Lyon County League title. Despite that accomplishment, the Lady Bulldogs lost in the first round of sub-state. With Madison’s entire starting lineup returning, they should be set to compete for another league title, and a run at sub-State. 650 Road 10 • Madison, KS “We have to play hard, 620-437-2887 and play together,” said head Proud Supporters of coach Cody Ziegler. “If we buy in early, and play for Bulldog athletics! each other we have a chance to make a run for a league title. We’ve experienced what it takes to get there, and the girls are excited, and looking forward to the challenge.” Returning starters are seniors Allyson Bond, 5’5” guard, Tori Melton, 5’7” guard, and Montana Thompson, 5’6” guard; junior Emily Rayburn, 5’7” forward; and Calli Dannels, 5’6” guard.

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he Grizzlies have three returning starters and three lettermen from a team that lost in the sub-State semi-final in 2014-15. Head coach Matt Hesting has led the Grizzlies to nine straight seasons with 14 or more wins. With a core group returning for Rock Hills, coach Hesting should expect to compete for a title in a competitive Northern Plains League, as well as a possible sub-State championship. Returning starters are: seniors Grant Davis, 5’11” forward, and Tucker Johanek, 6’3” forward; and junior Drew Beam, 5’9” guard. Girls The Lady Grizzlies lost their head coach before the start of the season after posting a record of 2-19 in 2014-15. Their league record was 0-13. Despite the loss of four seniors to graduation, Rock Hills hopes for a better season — and a new coach — in 2015-16. Returning seniors include: 5’7” Lexi Jeffery, 5’5” Terri Slick, 5’4” Allison Railsback and 5’7” Emily Cox.

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Minneola Wildcats

his is James Temaat’s first year as head coach of the Wildcats. He hopes to breach the .500 mark, and make a run when it counts in March. With the core of his team standing 6’5,” coach Temaat’s goal for his team will be to control the pace of the game, and get good looks inside on offense. His team is not only tall, but big, with three of his players 6’3” and above weighing in between 230260 lbs. Coaching his team to play within a specific style basketball this season will be one of coach Temaat’s biggest keys to victory, if not his biggest. The size of the Wildcats have must be used an asset for them to be successful. Returning starters are: seniors Landon Walker, 6’5” forward, and Cody Berger, 6’1” guard.

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Osborne Bulldogs

racy Holloway moves up to head coach this season after being Brad Roadhouse’s assistant for five years. The Lady Dogs finished this past season with a record of 4-17. “We have to play ‘TEAM’ basketball and just take one game at a time,” Holloway said. “Our main key to success this year will be finding a leader — someone that can take control on and off the court. We have to handle pressure.” Returning starters are: Jessica Engler, 5’8” guard; Olivia Engler, 5’7” guard; and Allison Grabast, 5’9” forward. Holloway said Osborne’s strengths will be its varsity-level experience. The Lady Dogs “already [have] seen plenty of playing time, but we still struggle to score a lot of points.” Boys The Bulldogs have their work cut out for them this season. Graduation cost them 30 points per game and 13 rebounds from a 2014-15 season that ended with a record of 17-5, including a finish at sub-State as runner-up. “We will have only one senior out for basketball,” said Jamie Wolters, who is in his fourth year as head coach. “Experience will be a weakness.” Returning starters are: juniors Cullen Grabast, 6’1” guard/forward, who averaged 7 points per game, and Justin Burch, 5’11” who averaged 5 points per game. Juniors Pierce Wolters and Tanner Conway are returning lettermen.

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Page 51 GOOD LUCK

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

he Lady Cardinals return talent this year from a team that finished the 2014-15 season with a 17-5 record. Included in those numbers are sub-State runner-up, and regular season (9-0) and league tournament champions. “I expect to have a winning season and compete for a league championship this season,” said Mike Heater, who is in his third season as head coach. Returning starters are seniors Chloie Ralls, point guard and All-League second team selection, and Paige Turek, shooting guard and All-League first team selection; and Mikayla Hawkins, junior post. Also returning are: Esther Rebold, senior guard; Kendall Ray, sophomore guard; DezaRay Blaylock, senior point guard; and Carolyn Culp, junior post. “Besides the returning starters, we return several players with varsity experience,” Heater said. “We will be successful if they can step into starting and key reserve roles. We also need to stay healthy. Many of our upperclassmen had injuries over the summer.” Heater said his team’s strength is its “defensive pressure and ability to create turnovers that lead to fast break points.” At the same time, the Lady Cardinals need to work on scoring more in the half-court and improve their percentage on three-point shots.

Southern Cloud Warriors

n coach Tyler William’s three years at Southern Cloud, his Lady Warriors have improved considerably from when he first arrived. With this season’s seniors being with Coach Williams from the start, his masterpiece appears ready to unveil. Finishing 14-8 in 2014-15, the Lady Warriors lost in the semi-finals of subState. Southern Cloud returns five starters, including a point guard who

was second team all-league, and an all-state honorable mention by the Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital Journal.

With such strengths, the Lady Warriors should be poised for a legitimate run at a league title, and a possible berth in the State playoffs. “Last year’s team got a good taste of how to win, and how to compete with top teams,” Williams said. Returning starters are: juniors Rayna Schmidt, 5’5” point guard, and Bailey Primeaux, 5’8” power forward; sophomore Jacey Fowler, 5’8” small forward; senior Anne Pruitt, 5’5” guard; and sophomore Sienna Gray, 5’8” forward. Boys Seniors Kyle Fowler, 6’1” guard/forward, and Connor Graham, 6’3” forward/ center, will anchor the Warriors this season as returning starters. Roger Perkins, who is principal/superintendent and head boys’ coach the past four years, said he expects his young team to improve each day. The Warriors went 6-16, losing in the second round of sub-State in 2014-15. “The key to our season will be how the young players develop early in the season at the varsity level,” Perkins said. “I don’t know that we have any real strengths. I guess is there is one strength it is that I tried to play a lot of players last season. We return both post players from a year ago. We will have to wait and see how our young players develop into becoming varsity players. We will have to develop more skills at the guard level.”

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pearville starts this season with an impressive list of players with varsity experi-

ence. The Royal Lancers ended the 2014-15 season with a 19-4 record, including runner-up at sub-State. Returning from that team are: seniors Clinton Stein, 6’3”, and Nathan Stein, 6’3”, who led Spearville in scoring and was second in rebounding; and juniors Luke Heskamp, 5’7”, who was third in scoring and led in assists, and Kyler Stein, 6’2”. Other returning lettermen are: Jordan Knight, 5’11” junior; and Jory Lampe, 5’7” senior. “We return a core group of starters that have had valuable playing experience at a high level,” said Christopher Sohm, who is starting his sixth year as head coach. “We will need some underclassmen step up and replace the contributions of the seniors that graduated. Our guys will need to compete at a championship level every day in practice so we can achieve being the best the team on the floor on any given night.” With the loss of Kaden Stein to graduation, Spearville will need to work on rebounding, Sohm said. “We need to use our speed and quickness to push/dictate the tempo by running on offense and pressing and trapping on defense.”

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ecause of the youth of the Lady Tigers, success will come from team chemistry and hard work, said Alexa Rogers, who is in her third year as head coach. Defense also will be key. “Our strengths will be having several girls returning from last year’s varsity team,” Rogers said. “We have a big role to fill from graduate Morgan Beougher, but any of the girls are capable of doing so.” Returning starters are juniors Emily Conyac, 5’10” forward, and Cecelia Beck, 5’7” guard; and sophomores Haven Hamilton, 5’10” forward, and Delayne Colburn, 5’7” guard. Stockton finished this past season with a 13-9 record. The goal this year is to improve the overall record and play in the sub-State championship game. The Lady Tigers also hope to be in the top three teams in their league.

Boys The Tigers lost their top seven players from the 2014-15 season to graduation. And what a season it was. Stockton ended the year with a 19-7 record and third place in 1A. This is the year the Tigers rebuild. “Our expectation is to improve every month and be playing our best when the post season rolls around,” said Tom Stephens, who is in his fourth year as head coach. His team’s strengths will be execution, communication and good chemistry. Weaknesses will be an overall lack of varsity experience and team numbers. Stephens said goals for this season will be “staying healthy and team improvement as well as individual improvement in all areas.”

Thunder Ridge Kensington

he 2015-16 season will be another year of rebuilding for Thunder Ridge. “We have some young players who need to spend a lot of time in the gym,” said John Boden, who is in his fourth year at Kensington. He has been a coach for 14 years. “Everyone must buy into the program and spend a lot more time in the off season playing basketball,” Boden said. Returning starters are: Kade Van Eaton (5.9 ppg), 5’8” junior guard, and Gavin Taylor (10.2 ppg), 5’8” senior guard. Also returning are: Brayden Hale (2.5 ppg-3.6 rpg), 5’10” post; Michael Gibson (2 ppg), 5’9” guard; and Tyler Morrish (1 ppg), 5’6” junior guard. “We are really inexperienced and low on numbers. Some of the kids had a good summer basketball league in the NPL-MCL Challenge,” Boden said. Girls Kirsten Burger, who gained attention as a freshman when she was named an all-league player, returns for her senior year. Under head coach Darren Grauerholz, Thunder Ridge ended the season with a 17-5 record and 10-1 in the Northern Plains League behind State champions Beloit St. John’sTipton.

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Victoria Knights

n Dylan Drouberger’s first year as Victoria’s head coach, he led the Knights to a respectable 13-8 record with the team’s season ending in the substate semi-final. The foundation for a successful 2014-2015 season has been laid with three returning starters — all juniors. Working younger players into varsity roles will be the key to Victoria’s overall success, but the Knights have a solid group of seniors returning as well that can provide the leadership the team needs to get those younger players assimilated. The Knights will compete for a CPL title, and should expect to make a run in sub-state, if not further. Returning starters are juniors Brady Dinkel, 5’9” guard, Joe Dortland, 5’9” guard, and Eric McAlonan, 6’0” forward. Girls The Lady Knights return four starters, only one of whom is a senior, 5’5” guard Kiley Schmidtberger. She is joined by junior Sara Schippers, 5’10” guard; and sophomores Sam Leiker, 5’8” guard/forward, and Hannah Radke, 5’8” forward. Anne Dinkel, who is starting her fifth year as head coach, has several goals for her team: continue to get better and bring energy and effort to every practice and every game. She said Victoria’s keys to success for the 2015-16 season will be teamwork, commitment, hustle and quickness on defense. “We need to work to push the ball and improve [our] inside game,” Dinkel said.

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

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t could be another outstanding year for the Lady Wildcats. This past season ended with a 19-6 record and a trip to State, where Wallace County lost in the first round to Wheatland. Head coach Alicia Collett expects no less for the 2015-16 season. “I expect great things for this group,” she said. “We will be competitive in our league and subState. Our goal is to shoot for another State berth.” Returning starters are: juniors Hannan Pletcher, 5’7” post, and Stephani Noone, 5’8” forward/ guard. “Communication and teamwork,” Collett said. “These girls are capable of great things when they unite as a team.” Strengths, she said, will be “experience, attitude and passion for the game.” On the other side, numbers are a “little low” this year, Collett added.

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he Blue Jays return three seniors and one junior to a team that ended the 2014-15 season with a record of 17-7. They are: seniors Kole Konrade, Tayton Cunningham and Nathan Reimer and junior Kay Reece. Kit Walker, who starts his seventh year as head coach, said his expectations for the new season are for his team “to be competitive in our league and push for another trip to state.” He predicts Ashland will be “very athletic and fast.” Success will depend on players being consistent from game to game, he added. Girls The goal of this year’s Lady Blue Jays is to end the season with more wins than losses. This comes after a year when Ashland finished 5-14. Head coach Jannica Null said teamwork will be the key to her team’s success. “Our strengths are good leadership, weakness is ballhandling,” she said. Returning starters are: seniors Brooke Isenbart, 5’9” post, and Maeghan Matson, 5’8” post; and sophomore Jackie Endicott, 5’2” guard.

Boys It will be hard to top the 2014-15 season, when the Wildcats finished 24-2 and took the 1A Division II title, but Wallace County returns four players who contributed greatly to that success. “Our depth will be our strength,” said Larry O’Connor, who is starting FARMERS his ninth year as head coach. COOPERATIVE Returning are: seniors Luke COMPANY Schemm, Eric Gfeller and Cade Allan and junior Grady Hammer. Coldwater • Haviland • Protection • Sitka O’Connor hopes his team can Wilmore • Ashland • Medicine Lodge repeat as State champions. 800-794-6832 • www.havilandcoop.com “Health and development of our bench” will be keys to success, he said. H ow ell In su ra n ce Editor’s Note — Senior Luke A u to • H om e • Bu si sin es ess s Schemm, an outstanding athlete for C rop • Li f e Wallace County in track, football and basketball, died at a Denver hospital A shla 635-2297 shla n d 620620-635where he was taken after collapsing Protection 620-622620-6224501 622-4501 Nov. 3 during a football game with Otis-Bison at Sharon Springs.

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his could be a special year for Danton Hilton and his Attica Bulldogs. “We have a very good core of basketball players coming back, along with some freshmen that can make an immediate impact both scoring and rebounding,” he said. “We expect to be one of the best teams in the state this year, and — if we work hard and get better each day — we can be very special.” Attica finished the 2014-15 season with an 18-5 record. Returning starters include: seniors Devon Newberry, 6’3” guard/forward, Alec McDaniel, 5’9” point guard, and Tyler Deviney, 5’10” forward. Joining that group will be senior Jacob Norris, 5’11” guard transfer from Norwich. “Offensively, we will want to push the ball and get out and run,” said Hilton, who started his fourth season. “We will shoot a large number of 3s and layups. Defensively, we will need to pressure other teams on and off the ball while making sure we keep other teams off the glass.” Girls The Lady Bulldogs return three starters from a team that ended the 2014-15 season with a 15-7 record. They are: seniors Brooke Ricke, 5’6” point guard, and Valentina Ramirez, 5’10” center; and junior Kierstin Newberry, 5’6” guard. Coach Bret Ricke, who starts his eighth year at Attica, expects to improve on this past season’s record and compete for league and sub-State titles. Ricke said Attica’s strengths will be its point guard and post play, plus the team should have a decent bench. Weaknesses will include outside shooting. “The keys to our success will be staying healthy and getting good minutes and contributions from my freshman class,” he said.

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Moscow’s Mueller eyes the crown

by John Giffin

were the No. 1 seed at Dodge City’s United Wireless Arena, but in the elsi Mueller, the semifinal matchup on-the-floor against Wheatlandtechnician that Grinnell played the led Moscow to a role of Cinderella 15-point comeback in with a furious the second half of the 15-point second 2014-15 Class 1A half comeback that Division II State semistarted at the 3:15 finals and a State runmark in the third ner up finish as a quarter. junior, has one more Mueller finished season to capture the that game with 17 coveted crown. points, seven Engineering Moscow rebounds, four Coach Shawn assists and four Anderson’s “40 steals. Minutes of Hell”-like The comeback style of play; the shy, Courtesy Photo was executed with soft spoken senior is The Moscow girls celebrate their 23-3 season and a runner-up finish in 1A Division II. Moscow playing part of a group of girls exactly how it likes (along with fellow “They’re typical girls, sometimes they to play — in transition. seniors Brianna Davidson and Madilyn fight, but on the court it doesn’t show. “We want to play really fast,” Anderson Fleming) that has built a new basketThat’s a pretty big deal. Especially in said. “We want to full court press, trap, ball tradition in the town of 310 people girls sports because if you can’t get do whatever we can. When we get the halfway between Sublette and Hugoton along and be teammates and friends ball, we really don’t want to run an on U.S. Highway 56 in southwest then your season is probably not going offense. We want to get lay ups. It’s a Kansas. to end up very good. They’ve gotten really fast style of basketball.” A self described gym rat, Mueller’s along pretty well as a group since the With the changes in personnel on the goals for her senior season are simple: sixth grade.” get better individually and as a team. The centerpiece of Moscow’s offense, floor this season, that constant uptempo Her senior season will be the fourth at Mueller is an all around player on both style may have the brakes rode on it a little bit, but not pushed completely to the the point for the Lady Wildcats. Quiet, sides of the ball. She plays a role simifloor. The Lady Wildcats are bigger than yet confident, Mueller said contributlar to Chris Paul of the Los Angeles in 2014-15, but not as quick. ing as a freshman was really no big Clippers. “We’ll probably have to slow down a deal. “We want the ball in her hands,” little bit this year,” Anderson said, “but “I played with all these girls at my Anderson said. “Let her create. Let we still want to run as much as we can. junior high, so when I came up I was other girls hit shots at times. She has pretty well used to it,” Mueller said. the ball in her hands probably 90 to 95 We’ll still force the issue. We still want to push.” “When we came into play we just percent of the time.” After this season, Mueller has her stayed the same.” With the ability to hit the outside sights set on a collegiate hoops career. Cool as a cucumber on the floor, shot and put it on the floor and get to She is wanting to capture the attention Mueller suffers from pregame jitters the basket, Mueller said she likes to before every contest. So far, the westdrive and battle with the big girls down of junior college and DII coaches this winter. ern Kansas standout has been able to low the most. Experience has not curtailed the prechannel that nervous energy into on Before 2014-15, Moscow had not the court success. In 2014-15 the reached the state tournament — falling game jitters for Mueller, which she will continue to use to fuel her on court Moscow Lady Wildcats finished 23-3 to Ingalls repeatedly in the 1A Divison engine, which she hopes will help take and second in the 1A Divison II state II sub-State tournament. In 2014-15, tournament. Mueller averaged about 22 Ingalls moved to 1A Division 1 and the her team back to Dodge City and a chance at the State title. points a game — just under half of the path to the State tournament opened “It was cool to be able to play in the team scoring average of just over 50. up for the Lady Wildcats. gym with everybody watching,” Mueller Mueller is part of a group that has “For the last three or four years we’ve said of the 2015 State tournament played together since the sixth grade. had a pretty good record,” Anderson Anderson has coached the group since said. “But we finally got over that hump experience. “It was cool being able to experience that with your team.” seventh. The attitudes towards basketof getting into the State tournament. ball and each other is the No. 1 reason We’ve always ran into Ingalls and that’s the Lady Wildcats have had so much kind of been our roadblock. We were John Giffin is a lifelong lover of basketball on court success, Anderson said. able to get in this year and have some and well traveled multi-media journalist. “The main thing is they get along good things happen.” The father of two now writes for the pretty well together,” Anderson said. Mueller, Anderson and company Emporia Gazette. For Kansas Hardwood

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Page 55

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Chase Kats

oach Brent Clark considers his Lady Kays a small team with a lot of heart. “We should be able to pressure the he Blujays ended the ball more this year with more depth,” 2014-15 season with a said Clark, a 15-year coach who is in 24-2 record and State his fifth year at Chase. runner-up. The Lady Kats, with a record of The Beloit-Tipton team has 3-18 in 2014-15, return three startwork to do, but coach Lance ers: Cheyenne Weatherman, 5’6” Bergmann hopes to see his team senior who averaged 5.8 points per go all the way this year. game; Taytem Patton, 5’4” junior who averaged 11.3 points; and Mackenzie “We expect to be a highly Oberle, 4’11” sophomore, who avercompetitive team that has a aged 4.4 points. chance to win our league,” he Other returning lettermen and top said. “We also believe if we work prospects are: juniors Kyla Calhoun, hard enough, we will make another run at the State tourna- 5’3”; Katelyn Potter, 5’8”; and Andrea Aguilera, 5’7”. ment.” “Our defense will decide how sucReturning players include: cessful we are,” Clark said. “Our Parker Gates, a 6’0” senior guard; and Davis Dubbert, a 6’3” strengths should be our guard play and our weakness will be our overall junior guard/forward. size.”

“We will need several young players to step up and play well for us,” said Bergmann, who is starting his seventh year at Beloit. “We have four returning varsity players ... and will need some players to fill some roles. We have to be a very sound defensive team in order to have continued success. We will be focused on every rebound and loose ball. We also need to be aggressive on the offensive end.” Girls The 2014-15 1A Division II State champions are poised to make another run to the top. The Lady Blujays return five starters and two top reserves from a team that ended this past season with a 24-2 record under veteran coach Keith Kresin.

Boys The Kats return four starters from the 2014-15 team that ended the season with a 9-12 record and a semifinal loss at sub-state. Returning are: 5’10” senior guards Brendon Clark, Kyle Kizzar and Conner Hill; and 5’7” junior Justin Oberle. Mitch Light, in his 10th year as head coach, expects his team to finish the season with a winning record and compete for league and sub-State titles. “We will need someone or more than one person to step up and score for us,” he said. “If we can score well, our defense will keep us in the ballgames.”

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Dighton Hornets

he Lady Hornets finished the 2014-15 season sub-State runnerups in 1A Division 1. They have their sights set higher this year. “The expectation is to improve on last year,” said head coach Amy Felker. “And continue to improve everyday, and accept our role on the team.” Returning starters are: senior Kiara Budd, who averaged 8.1 points per game as a guard; and juniors Sara Cramer, 11.2 points per game as a guard; and forward Jordan Speer, 14.1 points per game. In order to meet expectations, Felker said the Lady Hornets must work on defense, stay healthy and avoid foul trouble.

Frankfort Wildcats

n Nick Anderson’s second season at Frankfort, he wants to build on his team’s understanding of his system, and improve from an 8-15 record. Replacing his top three scorers from the 2014-15 season will — without doubt — be his biggest challenge this season. The Wildcats will return two starters as well as two seniors, to a team that still has a lot of players who can contribute. Size will also be a big factor in how successful the Wildcats will be. They don’t have a player taller than 6’1”. Returning starts are: juniors Adam Kenworth, 6’1” forward, and Brenen Levi, 5’10” point guard.

Girls The past two years have been difficult for the Lady Wildcats as they compiled a 9-33 record. Boys This is the year head coach Bruce After losing five of its most expeGunter hopes the experience pays rienced players a year ago, the off. Hornets continue to aim for “With our experience coming back, improvement. we have some talented players who They finished the 2014-15 seatook their lumps last year,” he said. son with a 12-9 overall record and “Our seniors have been called upon to 5-4 in the Northwest Kansas play at the varsity level from their League, behind Wallace County, sophomore year to the present.” Hoxie and Quinter. Returning starters include: seniors Dighton has only one senior — Kyla Hardwick and Maura Kennedy, Wyatt Habiger, leaving a bench filled with juniors and sophomores. both 5’7” forwards, and Marie Wessel, 5’10” center. Included is 6’4” junior Tyler Gunter also expects major contriLingg, who was recognized in sevbutions from a talented group of eral all-team lists, and sophomore sophomores and freshmen. Jordan Horn. The downside for Frankfort is Dean Cramer is head coach of that this past season’s point guard the Hornets. and leading scorer, Abra Shirley, has said she may not play basketball her senior year.

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Golden Plains Bulldogs

oach Parker Christensen isn’t shy about voicing his goals for his Lady Bulldogs this season. “Our goals will be to make it back to the state tournament and compete for a state title!” he said. Golden Plains finished the 2014-15 season with a record of 16-7, ending its run in the sub-state finals with a loss to Wheatland/Grinnell. Returning starters Dave’s Auto Supply are: seniors Kami Miller, 5’6” guard; 120 N. Williams Kynndra Rush, 5’7” Rexford, KS guard/forward; and Maddy Walz, 5’11” forward; and juniors Gabi Schiltz, 5’9” guard/forward; and Amber Erwin, 5’10” center. Christensen said his team is all about Experience. Experience. Experience. “We are going to have much better depth this season,” he said. “We return 90 percent of our scoring. And we bring in a couple of incoming freshman who were very successful in junior high.” To be successful, Christensen said his players must improve their field goal and free throw percentages. “The keys will be to stay healthy, play tough defense and be a strong rebounding team and use our speed and athleticism to be a higher scoring team,” he said.

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Boys Golden Plains returns three starters, seniors Koi Wessel, 6’5” forward who averages 14.6 points per game and eight rebounds, and Kade Wessel, 6’5” forward who averages 11.3 points and 6.5 rebounds, and junior Brett Gerbitz, 5’9” guard, who averages 7.5 points. “Our expectations this year are to be very competitive and make a run at a league title and a run in the sub-State tournament,” said Travis Smith, who is in his second season as head coach. “After going 7-1 in our summer league, the young men have gained confidence for this upcoming season.” Height will be a strength; ballhanding could be a challenge. “We need to take care of the ball in pressure situations,” Smith said. He thinks his players — which include nine returning letter winners — can be “very competitive” this season, but they must “buy into the team concept.”

Logan Trojans

n Mike Wilderman’s first year as head coach at Logan, he will try to build on a team that went 12-9 last year, and returns four starters. “I expect us to develop a stronger defensive presence,” coach Wilderman said, “and improve team play by hard-work and good communication. Our key to success will evolve around upperclassmen developing strong leadership skills.” Returning starters are: seniors Regan Kats, 6’3” forward, and Austin Tien, 5’10” point guard; and juniors Josh VanLaeys, 6’3” forward, and Kelson Kats 6’0” forward.

Greeley County Jackrabbits

ith all five Lady Jackrabbit starters returning, it’s shaping up to be a good season following a year that ended with a 3-18 record. “We had quite a few games last season where we went into the locker room at half time either ahead of with the score close, but we really struggled during the second half,” said Sherri Elder, who starts Serving 17 Communities Including: her first year as head coach after two years as Tribune an assistant. PO Box 309 423 Broadway Ave “I want us to be able to come out after half Tribune, KS 67879 and play a strong second half and finish games.” 620.376.4228 Returning are: seniors “Cassidy Hild, 5’9” post, and Holly Myers, 5’7” post; juniors Morgan Woelk, 5’2” guard, and Irelyn Elder, 5’3” guard; and sophomore Hahhan Brandl, 5’10” post. “All of the starters have been playing varsity since they were freshmen and they play well together as a team,” Elder said. Boys The graduation of the Jackrabbits’ 6’5” post Cody Harney left a hole in the team; however, first-year head coach Dan Hild expects his guards to be strong. Greeley County finished this past season with a 14-8 record, including seconds at sub-State and at league tournament. Returning starters are: Tycel Ibarra, 6’1” point guard; Levi Johnson, 5’10” shooting guard; and Sergio Trejo, 6’0” small forward. Hild said one job will be to develop a bench and keep players from injuries. “We expect to be competitive in every game we play,” he said.

Palco Roosters

t’s Kyle Fox’s first year as a teacher and coach and his goal is for his Lady Roosters to “make some noise” at sub-State. That means Palco will need to show improvement as the season progresses. The team went 8-13 a year ago. Returning starters are juniors Savannah Desbien, guard, and Cameron Knipp, forward. They will be the team’s strength. “Our weaknesses are losing three starters and lack of numbers and experience will make it hard to simulate game experience,” Fox said. As a result, younger players must step up, he said. “Our keys to success for the 2015-16 season will be getting the players to buy in and show commitment each day,” Fox added. Boys Despite a 4-16 record in 2014-15, Palco has high hopes of hitting the .500 mark this season, as they have all five starters returning. “We also added two beneficial players with experience, and we’re all able to play together,” said head coach Ethan Kosjer. “Our keys to success will be controlling possessions, converting on offense, and out rebounding the other team.” Returning starters are: sophomores Garrett Handley, 5’11” point guard, and David Thompson, 6’0” forward; and seniors Leo Hope, 5’10” guard, Dominic Desaire, 5’9” guard, and Alex McLaughlin center. Palco-Damar-Zurich Recreation Commission P.O. Box 53 Palco, Kansas

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atoma returns a solid group of players with varsity experience, and a full year in their second-year head coach’s system. Coach Nolan Smith has high expectations for his team after a 10-12 record in his first year. “This year’s team strength will be that we return a lot of players with varsity experience,” Smith said. “They are more familiar with what I like to run, and are also more comfortable running it. Our quickness and defense should be strengths.” The Tigers main weakness will be that they do not have a lot of height. If Natoma can build on its experience, and can get even more comfortable with Smith’s system, his team should be able to peak late in the season, and make a run at sub-state. Returning starters are: seniors Dean Masters 6’0” forward, and Joey Raat 5’10” guard; and junior Teyvian Frye 5’8” guard.

Girls Natoma has four starters returning from a team that went 8-15 in 2014-15. This is also head coach Cody Dunlap’s first year with the Lady Tigers. Dunlap’s team plays excellent defense, and is solid on the boards. Experience will be an asset for Natoma, but the team lacks depth from the bench. If Natoma can develop a supporting cast around its core group of starters, and progress as a cohesive unit throughout the season, Dunlap thinks her squad could be in position to be very competitive in sub-state. Returning starters are: senior Regan Casey, 5’4” shooting guard; junior Terran Homburg, 5’6” power forward; and sophomores Peyton Ostermeyer, 6’0” center, and Hannah Chambay, 5’3” point guard.

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Norwich Eagles

ollowing a league championship last year, the Eagles went on to win sub-State and finish third at State. With four starters returning for coach Mike Klaver, the Lady Eagles expectations for the 201516 season are nothing short of repeating as league champions and making another run in State. With the four starters returning all being upperclassmen, this season will also be an opportunity to develop, and provide experience to younger bench players. Returning starters are: seniors Macy Stephen, 5’8” guard, and Derian Garrison, 5’5” guard; and juniors Jayden Schroder, 5’10” forward, and Megan Kelly, 5’9” forward.

he Huskies finished with a 14-8 record this past season, and were runners-up in sub-state. This season they return one starter from that team, and will have to have someone step up at point guard to handle offense. “We will not have much experience,” said head coach Chuck Fessenden. “We don’t return many scorers. We are going to need some young kids to step up and score for us. We will also need to find someone to handle the ball.” Boys The Huskies return two post The Norwich Eagles are coached players that will make reboundby Ron Roe. ing one of their stronger points. Returning starters include senior Colten Bach, 6’1” forward. Girls The Lady Huskies expect to compete for a league title this season, especially if they stay healthy. Northern Valley ended the 2014-15 season with a 7-14 record. Four starters from that team return: seniors Shayna Vincent, 5’9”, Brooke Baird, 5’5”, and Elexsa Anderson, 5’3”; and 5’5” sophomore Chaylee Lowry. Logan Kats, in his fourth season as head coach, said his team’s strengths are quickness and shooting. Weaknesses will be rebounding and depth.

Otis-Bison Cougars

he Cougars must work on offense this season to develop their potential. “We must shoot better, we must be more efficient on offense,” said Erin Patrick, who starts his third season as head coach. Otis-Bison returns four starters: seniors Nick Higgason, 5’9” forward, Brandon Keller, 5’6” guard, and Hayden Maier, 6’2” forward; and junior Kade Urban, 5’9” guard. “We expect to have another winning season and I expect to be a competitive team,” Patrick said. “We would like to believe we can compete for a sub-state championship.” Patrick, who has a 27-18 record with the Cougars, said this team’s strengths will be its defense, rebounding and knowledge of the Otis-Bison system of play. Girls Taylor Regan, who produced a 30-point game against State champions Central Plains during the 2014-15 season, returns for her junior year. She will be joined by seniors Megan Tammen, Liza Wesseloh and Haley Vondracek. The Lady Cougars finished the 2014-15 season with an overall record of 6-13 under head coach Richard Schmidt, who left this season for a head coaching job at LaCrosse.

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Rural Vista Heat

he Heat returns seven players with varsity experience. They also are quick; however, most are still young and rebounding could be a problem, espite a season that was said Joe Ross, who is in his first year as head coach of the Rural well below .500, the Bobcats made a serious Vista boys. “We will try to play uptempo, push in sub-state and finished press and push the ball,” he said. as runners-up. Rural Vista finished the 2014-15 With four starters coming reason with an 8-13 record. back, and a point guard who Returning from that team are startmissed all of last season, the ers: senior Brantley Floyd, 5’11” Bobcats expect to improve on forward, and juniors Trace their 8-15 record from 2014-15. Hostetter, 5’9” guard, and Cade “Our keys to success will be improving defense, rebounding, Stilwell, 6’0” guard. They will be joined by juniors Jaryth Barten, 5’5” and our shooting percentage,” guard, Kade Elliott, 6’1” forward, said head coach Charles and Mason Hinkle, 5’11” forward; Packard. and sophomore Dawson Worrell, “We will also need to reduce 6’1” forward. our turnovers with better ball “We must play good defense, handling, and decision making. We return five players with a lot have good shot selection and we of experience at the varsity level. need to create turnovers and score We will need to find scorers and in transition,” Ross said. rebounders to replace the Girls seniors we lost to graduation.” Kane Hensley is in his first year Returning starters are: as head coach for the Heat, and his seniors Daniel Hair, 6’2” guard, first team will be a young one. Nick Jasper, 6’2” center, and Building a foundation this season Dustin Martin, 6’0” forward; will be fundamental to his next few and junior Jordan Sargent, 5’6” seasons at Rural Vista. guard. “With 10 freshmen, two sophomores, and two juniors, our expecGirls tations are to improve each game, The Lady Bobcats are coached and get better as the season proby Amy Flax. gresses, as we gain experience,” Hensley said. The two upperclassmen Rural Vista returns were starters this past season, and that bodes well for developing the leadership the team will need to form a cohesive unit moving forward. “If we play well defensively, and make some shots we will see success,” Hensley said. Returning starters are: juniors Hayley Weeks, 6’0” center, and Madison Kahnt, 5’8” guard.

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erry King thinks his biggest challenge this season will be to bring his freshmen up to speed. “Half our team will be freshmen,” said King, who is in his sixth year as head coach of the Lady Trojans. The team’s success won’t be entirely on their shoulders, however. Tescott returns four players from this past season’s team, which ended the season with a record of 3-17: seniors Kaitlynn King, 5’9” point guard, and Kara Reith, 5’9” forward; and juniors Hailey Pittman, 5’7” guard, and Wendy Griffin, 5’7” forward. “Our two returning guards will play a huge role in our success this year,” King said. “Our upperclassmen [also] will be a huge plus.” Boys The Trojans have to overcome a lack of height and depth to improve on their 2014-15 record of 4-16. Seniors include: 5’7” Cole Perry, 5’5” Devon Lee and 5’9” Byron Peterson.

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Triplains Titans

he Titans return four starters, seniors Ryan Gfeller, Coleton Rogge and Justin Schmidt and junior Tad Holm. The goal is to exceed this past season’s 12-8 record, which ended in the second round of sub-State with a loss to Greeley County. Michael Collett, who is in his fourth year as head coach, wants to see his players improve their shooting skills. “My expectations are to as individuals and as a team become better ball players and to become a sound team,” he said. He said keys to success will be the team’s “desire to execute every game and develop into a smart basketball team.” Strengths will be the Titans’ defense and bench. Girls Coach Kent Gfeller has taken the Lady Titans to three substate runner-up finishes in a row. In his fourth season as head coach, his team will need to fill in for a core group of girls lost to graduation. “We need to replace 31 points and 22 rebounds, but I have 12 solid players returning,” coach Gfeller said. “Out of that bunch we need a few of them to step up and fill our spots. The key will be our ability to play as a team and improve every day. Our inside game with Kelly (senior center Lamb) will be our strength. We need better shooters. We definitely need to improve on that.” Kelly Lamb will be joined as a returning starter by sophomore Maddie Lamb, 5’8” forward.

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SylvanLucas Mustangs

he Mustangs have a new head coach this season, but he is no stranger. Cody Flinn has been an assistant for 14 years before stepping into the head spot. The Mustangs are coming off a season that ended with a 15-9 record and a loss in the sub-state finals. Flinn has no returning starters from that team. Still, he sees his team as young, but quick and aggressive. His goals will be the development of players, playing hard, including at practice, and defensive intensity. “I expect us to play hard and compete in every game we play,” Flinn said. “I expect us to play with a lot of passion and play increasingly hard on defense.” Girls The Lady Mustangs will take the season game-by-game; however, head coach Emily Carney makes no secret about her team’s desire to win a Northern Plains League title and return to State. Sylvan ended the 2014-15 season with an overall league record of 9-3 and a first-round loss at State. From that team returns all-state players Courtney Batchman, first team, and Bayleigh Broeckelman, honorable mention. They will join two other returning starters, Greta Wehrman and Cursstyn Jorgenson. Kerstin Decker also is a key player. Carney, who is in her second season as head coach, said her goal for the Lady Mustangs is to have them “improve and grow as a team.” Another key to success will be to “work hard to stay consistent throughout the whole season,” she said.

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oach Bryan McKinney’s goal is to make this at least a .500 season. His players will have to overcome their inexperience to reach that mark. Specifically, McKinney plans to focus on improved ball handling, consistent scoring and better defense. He has only two seniors — McKenna Hale and Ashley Kleinke — on his roster. He also returns three juniors — Alivia McKinney, Siera Seader and Janelle Frazier. Rounding out the squad are sophomore Kelly Sowers and freshmen Janna See and Briley Aldridge. The Lady Coyotes ended the 2014-15 season with a record of 4-18. Boys The Coyotes are a young team, but they return senior Peter Cress, 6’2” center. Bailey McQuillan, 5’10” sophomore, also returns. The squad finished the 201415 season with an overall record of 10-11 and 6-4 in league.

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Grainfield-Wheatland Grinnell ‘Hawks

uilding consistency will be the biggest job for the Thunderhawks if they hope to have another successful year. The 2014-15 season ended with a berth in State after sweeping through sub-state. Wheatland-Grinnell only returns two starters after losing three seniors graduation. The Thunderhawks will also have to improve on defense and rebound even better than last year. “We will be a very fast team this year,” said head coach Brendan Ptacek, “but we are not very big and will not be deep so foul trouble will hurt us.” Returning starters are: seniors Clayton Schwarz, 5’10 guard, and Kaleb Holaday, 6’2” forward.

Girls Cheryl Martin is in her second year as head coach of the Lady ‘Hawks and — if her first year is any indication — Wheatland fans can look forward to an enjoyable season. The squad posted 19 wins in 2014-15 and lost one senior to graduation, Monica Stephens, a good scorer and rebounder, to graduation. However, among the returners is junior Bailey Bixenman, 5’5” guard and the team’s top long-range shooter. Seniors are Kristen Heier, 5’3” guard, and Faith Tuttle, 5’5” guard.

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

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Beloit

Continued from Page 23

They’re basketball fans. It’s that simple. Clara, an unofficial, self-appointed score keeper, tracks game action with a pencil and paper from her seat in the stands. John said other spectators often turn to Clara for scoring information. “After the game, I’ll give my notes to the player with the highest points,” she said. Five years ago, Tipton joined the Blujays in sports and now the school is known as Beloit St. John’s-Tipton. In its fourth year, the partnership allowed the Blujays to win their first basketball title in school history and make their first appearance at State in 32 years. Tipton had never played at State. Bergmann, who is in his seventh season as head coach, said things were different when he played for St. John’s in the late 1990s and early 2000s. “It was a struggle at first. When I played, Tipton and St. John’s were as big of rivals as you could find. Now it’s all one school,” he said. Clint Horinek, who started his fitness business in his garage with four clients, comes from Brewster in far northwest Kansas. Basketball is

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the town passtime. “If you didn’t play basketball for at least three hours a day, you were an outcast,” Horinek said. He and his wife, Sarah, moved to Beloit three years ago so their children could attend St. John’s. Sarah is originally from the Chicago area and played college basketball. They feel at home in Beloit. “She loves the small town feel of the sports here,” Clint said. “Here everybody cares about everybody else.” Looking ahead All four of Beloit’s high school basketball coaches are from this area originally. Ryan Eilert played basketball for Beloit High and his dad was a St. John’s graduate. Three out of four of Eilert’s assistant coaches are BHS grads. Cox left for 20 years after going to State his senior year. He coached at Marysville, Solomon and in Nebraska before returning home 15 years ago. Kresin also coaches football and recently won his 100th game. Bergmann is the third generation of his family to attend St. John’s. His father competed for a State title in the 1970s. “It kind of runs in cycles,” said John Lackey. “I

can remember back in the 1970s. Beloit had good teams. Then it goes down again ... right now we’re in a good time.” This summer, Ryan Eilert lost one of his top players, Bailey Vetter, who transferred to Rock Creek High School near Manhattan. However, Beloit still returns three starters and another player with considerable experience, seniors Colson Reames, 5’11” guard who averaged 20 points per game this past season, Colson Riemann, 6’1” senior forward who averaged 3 points, and Luke Hesting 5’10” guard who averaged 6.6 points; and junior Hunter Budke, 6’3” junior forward, who averaged 10.5 points. “We’ve got high expectations,” Eilert said. “We have kids coming back and younger kids who are ready to step up.” Leading the Lady Trojans will be senior Remi Behrends, 5’7” guard, the only returning starter from Beloit’s 20-4 team from this past season. “It will be an interesting year because of the girls that graduated, but we still expect to be competitive as the girls gain experience,” Coach Cox said. St. John’s-Tipton lost Trey Dubbert, the reign-

See BELOIT, Page 61

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Beloit

Continued from Page 60

ing Class 1A, Division Player of the Year, and 6’6” Michael Schmitt to graduation; however, Dubbert’s brother, Davis, returns. The junior guard/forward averaged 16.2 point per game going into this past season’s State tournament. Dubbert will be joined by senior Parker Gates, 6’0” guard. This could be another milestone year for the Lady Blujays. Basketball observers described them as “young” in a year when St. John’s came

Boys

Continued from Page 14

6’4” senior Jake Allen (3) also return. All in all, the Golden Eagles have 10 players back who played in last year’s state tournament. “We don’t have that one ‘big,’ but are longer as a team than in recent seasons,” coach Lonnie Lollar said. “And, I believe the potential is there to guard well as a team.” Kapaun was 16-7 last year and also qualified for the State tournament. The Crusaders have just one starter returning — 6’2” senior Brock Monty — and will be looking to reloading after graduating nine seniors. “We’re moving forward with a younger group of athletes,” coach John Cherne said. “Our style of play will be energetic and entertaining for the basketball fans at Kapaun.” Andover Central returns one of the best 1-2 scoring punches in the state in looking to improve on last year’s 15-7 season that ended in the sub-State finals. Darraja Parnell, a 6’2” senior, poured in 21.5 points and grabbed seven rebounds a game, while 6’0” junior Cole Taylor averaged 14.3 points a contest. “Darraja is one of the best scorers in the state and Cole is a great shooter,” Central coach Jesse Herrman said. “We should be able to play fast offensively with good 3-point shooting. But, rebounding will be a priority for us.” Maize South had its best season in school history last year, reaching the State championship game before losing to Wichita Heights. The Mavericks have just one starter returning — 6’1” senior Payten Ricks (13.0 ppg.) — but five additional lettermen. “We have a long way to go in regards to finding our identity after having such a dominant team last season,” head coach Kip Schultz said. “Payten Ricks proved himself last season and I look for him to really grow

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home with a State title. This season, the girls’ team returns with all of its starters and another year of experience. On the roster are: seniors Chloe Miller, Sami Hollerich and Gabbie Smith and juniors Elizabeth Walter and Brenna Eilert, who was was 1A Player of the Year as a sophomore. Competition Over the years, some Beloit residents have suggested the two schools get together to play for a city championship. Few support the idea

as a player who has to contribute on all levels.” Salina Central is another team that has an outstanding regular season, but was upset in sub-State play. The Mustangs have two starters returning in 5’9” junior Brayden Neuschafer (11.1 ppg) and 6’3” senior J.D. McHenry (6.5) as well as five additional lettermen. “We have great shooters, good team speed and quickness,” head coach Doug Finch said. “We’ll have to play small ball due to the lack of height, but we’ll be very aggressive on defense and in transition.” Class 4A In Class 4A, the central and western half of the state is loaded with outstanding teams in both Division I and II. Leading the way, as usual, are the McPherson Bullpups, who brought home the school’s 13th State championship last year, wrapping up a perfect 25-0 season with a dominant performance against BasehorLinwood in the finals. The Bullpups will take a 40-game winning streak into the season. The Bullpups lost three talented starters in Kyler Kinnamon, Payton Stephens and Nathan Nutter, but will reload with two starters and six lettermen returning. Drew Pyle, a 6’3” senior, scored 15 points a game last year, while 6’3” senior Spenser Wine added eight a game. “This team should be a very good outside shooting team,” said coach Kurt Kinnamon, who is 405-70 in 20 seasons at the school (six state titles). “We have a team that knows what it takes to be a championship contender and they take pride in doing the little things it takes.” If there’s a dark horse in Class 4A Division I this season, it may very well be the Abilene

because they’re afraid it could spark a competition that doesn’t exist now. “I don’t know what good would come from something like that,” Clint Horinek said. John Lackey agreed. “Just keep it the way it is,” he said. Which — if all goes as planned — should be another good year for Beloit basketball. Linda Mowery-Denning is publisher of the Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter and the Marquette Tribune.

Cowboys. Four starters return from an 18-4 team that lost in the sub-State finals and three of them averaged in double figures — 6’4” senior Harley Hazlett (11.5 ppg., 7.6 rpg.), 6’8” senior Eric Harms (12.4 ppg.) and 6’2” junior Ryan Wilson (11.5 ppg.). Andrew Schwarting, a 6’1” senior, scored 6.4 a game. “We feel we have all the pieces to be a very good 4A team,” said Abilene coach Terry Taylor. “Our confidence is very high and our players expect to win each night we play. We will be tested early with very strong opponents like McPherson, Rock Creek and Concordia in December.” The Hays High Indians were 14-8 last year under veteran coach Rick Keltner, but ran into the McPherson Bullpups in the subState finals. The Indians return two starters from that team, including 6’3” senior Isaiah Nunnery, who is expected to be one of the top players in 4A. Nunnery averaged 14 points and seven rebounds a game, handed out six assists per contest and nearly had three triple-doubles last season. Keith Dryden, a 6’3” senior, also returns, along with seniors Drew Young (6’2”), Laken Jacobs (5’10”) and Maddux winter (6’0”) and 6’4” junior Shane Berens. “We graduated some fine seniors, but return a lot of guys whop gained valuable experience last year,” Keltner said. The Andale Indians reached the 4A-I State tournament last year and return two starters — 6’6” senior Jeff Ast (9.7 ppg., 5.8 rpg.) and 6’2” senior Clint Walstad (6.0 ppg.) – from that 19-4 team. “Despite the lack of experience, we have a lot of faith in the players who will be stepping up and filling the roles left by last year’s seniors,” head coach Jeff Buchanan said.

See BOYS, Page 64

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Rolfs part of ‘lethal, one-two punch’

BY Mark mccoy Kansas Hardwood

entral Plains’ forward/point guard, senior Taylor Rolfs, is one half of a basketball-playing duo that head coach Pat Stiles once called “a lethal, one-two punch.” “When Taylor and Reagan (Phelan) are ‘on’, they deliver points so fast that it simply destroys the momentum of the other team,” he said following the Lady Oiler’s second consecutive State title win last March. “You just never know when they are going to click.” As the Lady O’s point guard Phelan approaches the basket, usually double or triple-teamed, Rolfs moves swiftly into position and one short pass later, the Lady O’s have racked up points. And vice versa. When the duo are in their stride, a quick 10-14 point surge can be established within two minutes of play, such as in the sub-State game against Ellinwood. Rolfs, at 5’ 11”, is by far the quickest power-forward in 2A play. In addition, if Phelan needs a rare break from the floor, Rolfs fills in the point guard slot with ease and the Lady O’s never seem to miss a beat — or a point. The girls led the Lady O’s to an undefeated 2A State championship in 2013-14 and on to win 19 more games for a 45-game winning streak before dropping the last game of the 2014-15 regular season to fourthranked 2A Ellinwood. Central Plains dominated the sub-State championship game against the Lady Eagles with the outcome of the game decided by a Rolfs-Phelan surge in the middle of the second quarter. The Lady O’s rolled on to repeat as the 2015 2A State Champs. Along the way, Central Plains pummeled 6A Dodge City, who were ranked 10th in the State at the time of the late season basketball game. “Taylor — being so long — makes it tough for teams to guard against,” Stiles said. “She

average and drained 37 treys. Rolfs also made 52 charity shots for the Lady O’s last season and had a 32-point game against Ness City in 2014-15. “I’m out there to have fun and play to win,” said Rolfs about her basketball philosophy. “It’s a fun thing to do and I’m kind of good at it I guess.” “We practice the press a lot,” Rolfs said about the tandem scoring machine of Phelan-Rolfs. “So we know what the other person is going to do. Also, Regan and I have been playing together since third grade, so we kind of know each other and what we are doing.” Central Plains High School was created in the 2011-12 school year, combining the former Quivira Heights and Claflin school districts and under head coach Toby Holmes, the Lady O’s fought to a fourth-place State finish. Prior to consolidation, there was little love lost between the two schools on the hardwood. There were a lot of question marks concerning how successful consolation would translate on the court. A short four years later, both the girls and boys programs are considered to be at the top of 2A play. “That really hasn’t affected us like some people though it would,” Rolfs said about the consolidation. “It really doesn’t affect our team at all. We all get along and don’t worry about that.” Pat Stiles became the Lady Oilers’ coach the following season. “He is really great,” Rolfs said. “He is laid-back and doesn’t make it stressful. I like him; he is very good.” Mark McCoy/Kansas Hardwood An all-around athlete who has received many volleyball accolades and State track medals in her high school accounts for plenty of points outside the key. career, Rolfs has made a verbal commitment Rolfs can perform under pressure. It was to play for the Fort Hays State Lady Tigers her clutch jump shot just within the arc with basketball following high school. 1.4 seconds on the clock that sealed the 2014 “I’m really excited about that — to be able State title against a seasoned and powerful to play after high school,” she said. Jefferson County North team. And it was Rolfs who gave the Lady O’s The Rolfs family lives north of Claflin on their first lead of the 2015 championship a farm and is sports-minded. Her father game, with a bucket early in the third quarter Trever is the athletic director at Barton against a scrappy Moundridge club. Community College; her mother Kim is the Her stats are impressive. Rolfs led the Lady head Lady O volleyball coach and assistant O’s in scoring last season with a total of 430 Lady O basketball coach and her brother points and a 17.2-point-per-game average. She Trey is a quality athlete at the junior high made 132 2-point field goals for a 56 percent level. has range and the ball handling skills of a guard in a 5’ 11” frame, making a tough matchup for our opponents.” Rolfs is comfortable either battling within the paint or shooting 3-balls. She is a proficient free throw shooter and sees the floor well. Rolfs also has a quick jump shot that

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

His own Path

Page 63

Sloan Baker takes baseball over hardwood John Giffin Kansas Hardwood

oming off a 3A State basketball title and a runner-up finish in 3A state football, Scott Community High School graduate Sloan Baker chose to pursue a baseball career at Butler Community College. A two-year starter for the Beaver basketball team, Baker was a key player for the 2015 3A state champs and the 2014 4A Division II state runner-up team. Scott Community defeated Wichita Collegiate 60-48 in the finals of the 2015 3A State tournament at Hutch Sports Arena. The title was the third in four years for the Beavers. “We were in a different gym my senior year because we were 3A,” Baker said. “Hutch Sports Arena is a little bigger than Hartman Arena. We bring a lot of fans, so it was great to get one my senior year.” In 2014, Scott Community fell to 4A Division II champ Eudora in the title game. In 2015, Scott split with 4A Division II champ Holcomb. Baker said Eudora was a tough team, but overall he didn’t see a major difference in the competition level between 3A and 4A Division II. Baker was also a key component in for the Scott Community football team that finished second in 3A State. A tight end and outside linebacker, He was selected and competed in the Shrine Bowl for the East team. “It was an eye opener,” Baker said. “It showed how blessed we are to play this sport. There’s kids out there that can’t play sports that would really like to. They don’t complain about having a missing leg. They get up everyday just excited to play at least.” A three sport athlete in high school, Baker took time to work on all sports in the summertime. “I woke up at 5:30 in the morning and worked out for football at the weight room,” Baker said. “Then I would go practice baseball in the evening in Garden City with my summer team, then I’d get back and we’d have open gym at night where we played pick up for a little while. Then I’d start all over the next morning.” He considered a college football career before he ultimately decided on baseball.

“I almost played college football at Butler too,” Baker said. “I just think it’s a lot different in college then high school football.” The son of his high school baseball coach and brother of Wichita State basketball player Ron Baker, Sloan never really considered playing collegiate hoops. His heart has always beat for America’s Pasttime. “I’ve always had a passion for baseball ever since I was a little kid,” Baker said. “My dad was the baseball coach at a small school when I was real young, so I always grew up playing baseball and going out there and messing around with the high schoolers.” After an over .500 season as a sophomore for baseball Beavers, Baker’s junior and senior years were difficult due to a lack of experience on the team. Baker started at shortsop his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. “My junior year we won one game, my senior year we won five games,” Baker said. “We started seven sophomores and two seniors. Two juniors and seven freshmen my junior season. It helped me out because I had to lead the team. Helped me grow up a little bit and become a leader.” A right handed pitcher for the resurging Butler Grizzy baseball squad, Baker chose to move to El Dorado with designs on eventually signing with a Division 1 school. “I came on a visit here and I really liked it,” Baker said. “Last year they had a really good year and I really liked Coach (BJ) McVay and Coach (Ty) Reece. They’re known for getting players to the next level and I really like that.” After college, Baker wants to earn a paycheck on the diamond. “It’s everyone’s dream here to go as far as they possibly can,” Baker said. “That’s definitely my goal. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out and I’ll go on with life.”

John Giffin for Kansas Hardwood

Sloan Baker works out during a practice at Butler Community College’s Champions Training Center during a Grizzly baseball practice.

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Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

KSU will have to rely on recruits By MATTHEW DENNING

Tournament. The following season Weber had a solid season and went into the NCAA Tournament, losing to Kentucky in the first round. hat every Kansas State fan Last year was a mash-up of odd lossworried about — or should es, one worse than the “Pervis Pasco have worried about — Fiasco” of 2003, which I before pushing Frank thought was impossible, Martin out as head coach "It’s the first year they’re completely separated and upsets that were in 2012 has happened in equally odd. In a season 2015. from anything their predecessor did. The reverse where Weber should be Absolute team mutiny — has happened to Bruce Weber." poised to show what he even worse than what was has built, he is back at rumored to have been in square one, with his the works with Martin. program in slightly betPre-season first team Big ter shape than KU’s football team. are going to have to be ready to start. XII player, Marcus Foster, along with There are a lot of questions the Contracts are normally given to new Malek Harris, and Tre Harris were disWildcats will have answers to by the coaches on five year trials. The fourth missed from the team. Shortly after, end of the season. Most of them don’t year is the year coaches are expected to point guards Jevon Thomas and Nigel look like good answers though, and that produce. It’s the first year they’re comJohnson bolted along with Jack bodes poorly for Bruce Weber. There is Karapetyan. Even Wesly Iwundu deleted pletely separated from anything their no way to gauge what Kansas State will a tweet saying “Yeah it’s over ... I’m gone.” predecessor did. The reverse has haplook like, based off the fact we haven’t pened to Bruce Weber. On the positive side, Kansas State has seen the majority of its roster play, and In Weber’s first season with K-State, an astonishing seven recruits coming in, he won a Big XII championship, despite that’s not normally a good indication of some so new they are still only verbal things to come. losing to a play-in team in the NCAA commitments less than 100 days away For Kansas Hardwood

from the start of the season. To try to predict the 2015-16 season for K-State with any optimism would be unwise. The Wildcats did land the state’s top recruit, Dean Wade. Wade, along with six other first-year Wildcats

Boys Continued from Page 61 Wellington made its first trip to the state tournament in several years last March and ended up losing to Basehor-Linwood in the first round. The Crusaders (12-11) lost a good one in Trevor Nance, but feature a pair of talented sophomores in 6’1” A.J. Snipes (9.8 ppg.) and 6’4” Ian King (7.9 ppg.). The Circle Thunderbirds are looking for another strong season after last year’s 16-6 record and sub-state runner-up finish. The T-Birds return two double-figure scorers in 6’3” senior Brendon Horyna (10.0) and 5’9” junior Cal Hartley (14.0). “We have a good core group of younger players returning, but they lack varsity experience,” head coach Bo Horyna said. “They are very committed and have been working hard since last season to improve their skills.” In Class 4A Division II, Holcomb and Rock Creek played for the state championship last March and Holcomb came away with a 63-55 victory to finish 24-1, while Rock Creek ended 23-2. Both teams are expected to be strong again and both feature quality big men.

The Holcomb Longhorns return three starters from their state title team, including 6’7” junior Conner VanCleave, who averaged 13.5 points and 9.9 rebounds a game. Christian Merz, a 6’0” senior, scored 10 points and game and 5’11” junior Brandon Stegman is also a returning starter. Holcomb’s only loss last year came against 3A State champ Scott City. The two teams split during the regular season. “Our team will be a very athletic and skilled group,” said Holcomb coach Chad Nowak. “We will need to find a few kids to fill in for the great senior group we had last year.” Rock Creek returns a talented big man of its own in 6’6” junior Carson Becker, who averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds a game. Becker was a first-team all-state player last year. Also returning is 6’4” senior Jared Garcia, who scored 10 points a game. Caleb Rogge is a 6’2” senior guard who came off the bench last year and averaged seven a game. “Our kids are motivated to achieve greater heights this year,” said coach Jim Johnston. “We will be a better offensive team this year,

but will have to work to get our defense where we want it.” The Concordia Panthers feature the state’s leading returning scorer in 6’4” senior Cooper Holmes, who averaged 30.2 points and 9.5 rebounds a game last year while shooting 53.8 percent from the field. He is joined by returning starters Ian Nordell, a 6’4” junior who averaged 11 points and 7 rebounds a game, and 6’1” senior Ethan Bechard, who scored eight points a game. “We have a very solid core returning from last year,” head coach Michael Roe said. “They have plenty of experience to help our younger players come along quickly. They play well together and are excited for the season to start.” Wichita Trinity finished third in the 4A-II state tourney last year, but returns just one starter in 6-4 senior Mitchell List. However, the Knights should have a roster with at least five players 6’3” or taller and could be a force to be reckoned with once again. Harold Bechard is a veteran Kansas sports writer and editor of Vipe.

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Page 65

Another ‘monster’ year for KU

By MATT DENNING

to the All Big XII Team at the end of last season, and finished the end of Big XII play on the All Big XII Tournament Team. he Jayhawks roll into the 2015-16 It goes without saying that Perry Ellis season after representing the should expect to have a monster year. He United States in the World has been consistently solid for KU University Games, along with SMU’s Nic throughout his career, and has made meaMoore, where they won a gold medal in a surable improvement from year to year. double-overtime game with Germany. Ellis is the kind of Frank Mason had a phenomplayer that can, and enal showing, Perry Ellis was as "In a group of teams where there is not a clear will, put a team on solid as he has been throughout separation at the top of the pile, this could be the year his back if he has to, his career at Kansas, and forKU gets back to the Final 4." and grind through a mer five-star recruit and once close game. By the predicted top-5 draft pick, end of the season Wayne Seldon Jr., played well Ellis could squeeze too. The three scored a cominto the Top 10 in bined 59 points in the win over scoring and rebounding, all time, at KU. ranking. Germany. Despite his illustrious career at KU, Ellis Because of their returning players and With that foundation leading the hasn’t been to a Final 4. those additions, KU is ranked in the top Jayhawks into this season, it is not surIn a group of teams where there is not 5 of most preseason polls. prising that KU will be the favorite to a clear separation at the top of the pile, As of early September, the only real win the Big XII for the 12th straight year. this could be the year KU gets back to setback the Jayhawks may face is making That kind of success is unprecedented in the Final 4, and sends one of their best sure Cheick Diallo is cleared to play by the current state of college basketball. players off with an exclamation mark on the start of the season. The NCAA is In a time when one-and-done college his college resume. currently waiting to make a decision on players are the most sought after recruits his academic eligibility. coming out of high school, head coach Look for Wayne Seldon Jr. to have a big Matthew Denning is a freelance sports Bill Self has found a way to keep projectyear. He was on the cusp of being named writer who lives in Manhattan. ed lottery picks in his program longer

For Kansas Hardwood

than most blue blood NCAA basketball schools. With the exception of Kelly Oubre and Cliff Alexander, KU’s roster is almost identical to last year, with the addition of three Top 100 (ESPN) recruits, including two top 5 power forwards in Cheick Diallo and Carlton Bragg. and that has them in the top-5 of a lot of preseason

This has to be Wichita State’s year By MATT DENNING For Kansas Hardwood

ichita State enters the 201516 season with arguably the best backcourt in college basketball. Ron Baker and Fred Van Vleet enter their senior year as pre-season All Americans, and will look to make good on what they started together four years ago. Van Vleet and Baker will be joined by Kansas transfer, and Wichita native, Conner Frankamp. Frankamp came out of high school in 2013 as the 34th best recruit in the nation as ranked by Rivals, and the 7th best point guard in his class. He was also an Olympian and gold medalist representing the United States his senior year, and scored a team high, 22 points in the final win over Australia.

Jabari Parker and Jahlil Okafor were also in that game. Kansas was flush with point guards Frankamp’s freshman year, leading him to take his talents back down to the 316. Frankamp is a phenomenal shooter beyond the arch, and his versatility to move to shooting guard will allow Van Vleet to still thrive at point, while also giving him the option to come off the court more often if needed. Van Vleet plays as fast as any point guard in the country and he has averaged over 31 minutes a game for the last two seasons. Keeping him fresh will help the Shockers enormously. Top 100 ESPN recruit, Markis McDuffie will also join the team at small forward to head up decent 2015 recruiting class for Wichita State. Over the last four seasons Gregg Marshall has completely transformed Wichita State basketball into a legiti-

mate powerhouse program, and arguably the best program in the state over the last three years, which is truly remarkable. This season may be the last that Marshall has in a few years to make a deep tournament run. Van Vleet and and Baker leaving after graduation at the end of the year is going to be a huge blow, but for this season, the Shockers should have every expectation of winning the Missouri Valley Conference, but they have to make sure to pile up as many wins as they can. If the past season proved anything, it’s that it doesn’t matter if you have one of the best seasons in NCAA history in the Missouri Valley Conference. The selection committee will only give you a No. 1 seed out of obligation, and the worst one. The Shockers have to be undeniable this season.

Page 66

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

MAYB is all about basketball

By Kyle McCaskey For Kansas Hardwood

t began as a humble, singular tournament — the first Mid America Youth Basketball tournament was the ‘Summer Kickoff,’ 23 years ago. Even in the wildest of dreams more than two decades ago, seeing MAYB expand to its size and scope today would have been difficult to fathom. “It started with 50 teams the first year,” said MAYB director of marketing Layne Frick. “That tournament is upward in the 700s of teams currently. It’s grown, and from that one tournament, we offer about 450 to 500 tournaments across the U.S. each year.” In its infancy, MAYB was bred from the idea to produce more youth basketball opportunities locally in Kansas. Founded in Newton by Greg Raleigh — who is also the Hesston boys’ basketball coach — the first years offered a handful of tournaments to a few dozen teams. “He found other high school coaches, just in the area, who saw that there was a need for high school players to play outside of the season. He saw that there was a need, and there weren’t any basketball tournaments going on in this region,” Frick said. “If you wanted to play, the only option was to go East or West – and we’re talking pretty much the coast to play games.” Growth did take time. The MAYB mission and brand needed to be established, for one, and secondly, needed believers in the product. “Once these area tournaments were successful, I would say that was kind of the catapult into the surrounding states and around the region,” Frick said. “People saw that he was doing it the right way. It wasn’t a scam. It wasn’t him doing it for the money. It was him providing an opportunity for kids to play.” Standing behind those principles has been paramount for MAYB in its longevity. Without question, there are options for today’s youth basketball athlete. There are local recreational teams, national outlets with more razzle-dazzle and organizations wishing to copycat the MAYB pre-

scription for success. But MAYB is the veteran point guard of those choices. Offer a well-run tournament with even competition levels at a reasonable entry fee, and it becomes a bargain. “I would say it’s kind of the way MAYB was started, with just keeping it as cost effective as possible,” Frick said. “We don’t get into memberships. We don’t do all those other fees that other organizations do. “We keep is as simple as possible to

"Our market is the rec teams to club teams that are average, where the majority of kids play." Layne Frick

Director of marketing

form a team, and then those teams, we make it as cost effective as possible. There aren’t any organizations like us who match our prices. For the cost effectiveness, we are the best in the area.” Some high-profile names have come from the MAYB circuit. Frick noted players such as Wichita State’s Conner Frankamp and former KU stars Brandon Rush and Tyrel Reed, or women’s stars such as Nebraska’s Emily Wood or former Kansas State player Shalee Lehning. Those gems can certainly be found in the MAYB ranks, but they are not necessarily the target. The purpose of MAYB is to paint opportunities with a broad stroke, not fine lines. Teams are formed with a wide range of skill levels. “We do kind of pick up the spectrum of competition level. For our younger divisions, the heart, or meat, of what we do is those average teams,” Frick said. While MAYB is best known for its plentiful and well-oiled tournaments, there is more to it than seemingly aroundthe-clock basketball games. Even as its tentacles wiggle out to more and more states, the organization’s heart and soul remains The Sunflower State. “We have programs throughout the different communities, where we try to help communities form teams. We try to help

bring tournaments to those communities as fundraisers to their programs,” Frick said. “I feel like we’ve done a very good job of keeping a vested interest into Kansas.” As an example, in its home city of Newton, MAYB offers the Junior Railers program. MAYB helps with advertising and encouraging involvement throughout the community, striving to find a Junior Railers team for kids wanting to try out. Many of MAYB’s tournaments are directed by high school coaches. “What they’ll do is they’ll run a tournament, and the proceeds of that tournament will go into the high school program, or a lot of coaches are involved in youth programs in the community, and they’ll give back to the community,” Frick said. In MAYB’s most recent season, nearly 10,000 teams played in at least one tournament. Put another way, the number of teams participating was 200 times larger than MAYB’s first campaign. That is not where MAYB stalls its growth. As it did in its quiet beginnings, the organization is looking to the future, trying to fill the interests and potential vacancies that exist for athletes. Soon, MAYB intends to expand into high school exposure tournaments to give its older players the prospect of being viewed by college coaches. “That’s something we haven’t done before. That’s a different market than we do now,” Frick said. “I kind of touched on our niche. Our market is the rec teams to club teams that are average, where the majority of the kids play. We see that there is a trend of teams going, or interested, in these exposure tournaments. “We’re looking at that. That can look very different and have many ideas in what that looks like.” MAYB will adapt — it has proven undeniably capable of that over 23 years — but its core will not be adjusted. Athletes in the Midwest just need a chance, and MAYB can supply it. “It started here in Kansas,” Frick said. “I guess that’s where our heart is, in offering those kids an opportunity.” Kyle McCaskey writes for the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Kansas Hardwood, Volume 4

Page 67

Mascots reflect community character

By LINDA MOWERY-DENNING Kansas Hardwood

s the B-17 Flying Fortress cruised above Wakefield’s main street, the pilot banked a wing of the World War II-era plane to avoid the water tower at the top of the hill, across from the schoolhouse. A few minutes later, the plane returned, this time headed down main street in the opposite direction before leaving Wakefield to follow the Republican River west and eventually back home, to Schilling Air Force Base in Salina, 50 miles away. It was early on a Sunday morning in 1940 or 1941 and aboard the B-17 was Bill Ritter, a graduate of Wakefield High School and crew navigator. He had talked his fellow airmen into a flyover of his hometown as part of their training activities. The noise from the B-17 brought residents out of their homes in pajamas and nightgowns to check out the skies over Wakefield. That was the day Wakefield High School found its identity, apparently for the first time. “Before 1941-42, we were just called Wakefield, according to the papers I’ve seen. Then, after the flyover, everybody started calling us the Bombers,” said Ladd Braden, a life-time resident who teaches woodworking at Wakefield and shares the story of the school mascot almost every year during Homecoming.

“You hear the stories and you try to keep them alive,” he said. And when it comes to Kansas mascots, there’s a lot to keep alive. Just ask Jordan Poland, director of the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in Wichita. Since January, he has traveled the state for the Kansas Humanities Council, giving talks about Kansas mascots. Poland holds degrees in history from Wichita State and Kansas State universities. “Mascots are one of the features that distinguish Kansas communities,” he said. “It’s not a coincidence that many mascots around the state are represented on their community’s water tower because mascot are an important identifier of who we are and where we come from.” Many of the mascots are conventional. Poland, who has compiled a data bank of Kansas mascots, said the top 11 names represent 50 percent of the mascots. It’s good to be an Eagle. Or a Bulldog. Or a Wildcat. Others, such as Wakefield, are more rooted in local legend or character. Consider Hill City High School — known as the Ringnecks. In the mid-1940s, two students suggested changing the school’s mascot from Tigers to Ringnecks. “Morland was the Tigers. Stockton was the Tigers. They wanted something more unique to separate us from the Tiger herd,” said Lowell Beecher, a retired teacher and member of the local

historical society. Ringnecks, on the other hand, were unique — not only in Kansas, but across the United States. The mascot, a nod to the region’s reputation as a pheasant hunter’s paradise, was adopted by a vote of students. “It’s a neat mascot,” Beecher said. “It’s colorful and it has been real well received.” And it’s still the only Ringneck in the land.” At one time, two local sports enthusiasts painted a Ringneck logo on a large white car with fins and drove the 1960s-era tank in parades and other celebrations. “They had a good time with it,” Beecher said. Time is a barrier encountered by Poland and others doing research on Kansas mascots. Those who were around when many of the mascots were chosen are long gone, taking the history with them. Wakefield’s Bill Ritter died about 20 years ago. The town also produced at least three other airmen, including Russell Javins, who was shot down during his third mission over France and smuggled to safety through the French underground. In the mid-1960s, the town was moved to make way for Milford Reservoir. “A lot of people don’t realize how much history is right in front of them,” Poland said. “This is a way to encourage people to start a conversation in their families, in their communities.”

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Winter Kickoff

December 5-6, 2015 in Wichita/Newton, KS

3rd & 4th Grade Shootout

February 27-28, 2016 in Wichita/Newton, KS

Winter Finale

April 2-3, 2016 in Wichita/Newton, KS

Summer Kickoff

June 10-12, 2016 in Wichita Metro

1A-2A Championships

June 17-19, 2016 in Maize/Wichita, KS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Academy Sports + Outdoorsâ&#x20AC;? MAYB National Championships

August 4-7, 2016 Boys in Wichita Metro and Girls in OKC, OK Metro