Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 by Sixteen 60 Publishing Co.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Inspired by Coaches!

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Kansas Pregame

One of the biggest driving forces for us here at Kansas Pregame is inspiration from our own high school coaches. Our love of sports and the desire to chronicle the stories of high school athletes across the state in beautiful full color keepsake publications is fueled by our own experiences as high school athletes, often made all the more memorable because of the many inspiring coaches who shared their passion for organized sports, and the many journalists who covered them. The 2021 Winter Edition, previewing basketball and wrestling seasons across Kansas, was another grueling passion project. New writer Keegan McCullick is sure to become one of the foremost experts on JOHN BAETZ high school sports in the Sunflower State, and now nearing one year on the job he edges closer to having PUBLISHER facts about nearly every school in the state right at both his physical and mental fingertips. As always, the quality of our publications is dependent on complete coach questionnaires and Keegan worked diligently to secure questionnaires from hundreds of coaches from all classifications across the entire state, because who knows better the makeup of their team than the coaches who lead them. Freelance writers like Harold Bechard, Brett Marshall, Jim Misunas and Brian Thomas gathered more information and used their local knowledge to provide complete and accurate previews. Accurate, detailed content continues to be the driving force for us at Kansas Pregame and we’re thankful to the hundreds of coaches, athletic directors, school secretaries and others who helped us track down information about their local teams. In some cases, coaches did not respond with questionnaires, or provided little detail, and there are a number of factors to consider: Coaches are busy, schedules are hectic, new coaches may not have received our email requesting questionnaires. We tried every method at our disposal to reach the coaches of Kansas, but, if you’re one who didn’t hear from us, we want to hear from you. Please email us your updated contact info to kansaspregame@gmail.com, or text it to (785) 524-6019. Do you have players coming back next year that deserve feature coverage? Have a relationship with an excellent local photographer who would like to share their work? Want to nominate someone for the Nex-Tech Wireless Supporting Cast or the Citizens State Bank Hometown Proud features? For all these things and more, shoot us an email or text. Again, thank you to the many inspiring coaches in Kansas who help make our coverage possible, and to those we didn’t reach, please reach out to us!

WHAT’S INSIDE? 5 Supporting Cast

35 Directory

6 Hometown Proud

37 Basketball

9 Winter Spotlights Begin

78 Wrestling

UPGRADE:

WINTER Edition, Vol. 4

John Baetz & Bree McReynolds-Baetz, Publishers Co-owners of Sixteen 60 Publishing Co., publishers of Kansas Pregame Football Magazine, Kansas Pregame Winter Edition and Kansas Pregame Spring Edition. Staff Writer: Keegan McCullick Layout and Design: John Baetz & Becky Rathbun Ad Design: Becky Rathbun & Kayla Kvacik, Kvacik Graphics Contributing writers: Harold Bechard; Brett Marshall; Jim Misunas, Great Bend Tribune; Brian Thomas, Montgomery County Chronicle/Prairie Star Contributing photographers: RJ Forbus, Connor Waltz, Rich Norrod, Everett Royer, Becky Rathbun Acknowledgments: With a project of this size and scope we can’t possibly thank all the contributors individually, but a special “Thank You!” goes out to the photographers, athletic directors, coaches and parents who helped us provide complete coverage. And a salute to the advertising sponsors who make this possible. Mail inquiries to kansaspregame@gmail.com, or, Kansas Pregame, PO Box 186, Lincoln, KS 67455 Publication date: Volume 4, November 26, 2021 Find back issues online at www.issuu.com/1660publishing, or, find a list of free Kansas Pregame print distribution locations and links to the current digital edition at www.kansaspregame.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram The 2021 Winter cover shoot was hosted at Kansas Wesleyan University’s beautifully renovated Mabee Arena inside the stateof-the-art Student Activities Center. KWU has made significant improvements to their campus in just the past few years including the expanded Graves Family Sports Complex, the new Nursing Education Center, residence hall improvements and other updates and this fall welcomed the largest incoming class in school history. For more information visit www.kwu.edu.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

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Sports Hall of Fame status, all he needs is someone to film his own deserved enshrinement into the very hall of fame he created.

Garden Plain Chain Gang

WINTER SUPPORTING CAST Kansas Pregame & Nex-Tech Wireless are joining forces to recognize the individuals behind the scenes who help area school athletic teams achieve success. Administrators, team managers, assistant coaches, media members & more.

Jacque Bretton

Oftentimes tragedy brings out the best in people, and in the case of Jacque Bretton and the town of Phillipsburg, that rang true. Bretton and her family lost almost everything they owned five years ago in a house fire. The aftermath of the fire was tough for the family, having no shelter and few belongings left. The city rallied, however, and made sure that the family was taken care of, fed and sheltered. Eventually, Jacque and her family were back on their feet, but she felt a need to give back to the people that gave her family so much. “Our community was very generous to my kids and I,” Bretton said. After years of capturing “Kodak” moments during her kids junior high and high school games Bretton - who had a long-running interest and talent in sports photography - began taking and providing photos back to the community, free of charge, as a thank you to the support felt in her community. “I really enjoy photography and sharing it. The smile and excitement I get from those I have captured makes it all worth it and I love giving back to my community!” Bretton said. And not just sports, Bretton also captures images of vocal concerts, plays, Kansas’ Biggest Rodeo held annually in Phillipsburg and more. Bretton’s photos aren’t run of the mill quality and have appeared in publica-

tions - including Kansas Pregame - and on websites due to their quality. She has won a few awards for her images, and is currently aiming for more with her kindness-based work.

Dale Leech

For Minneapolis High School, in a time before results and highlights were readily available on social media, Dale Leech was the videographer, voice, historian and passion behind it’s sports media. “It was reported that the local technician for the cable television system was looking for someone to provide video of MHS games to put on the local cable channel for playback,” Leech said. “Having had some previous experience in shooting video of my son’s junior high football games, I volunteered to try it out. So, in that first football game of the season in 2000 vs. Marion, I sheepishly sat down in the home stands with my VHS Camcorder that only had an exterior microphone, and recorded the game with some commentary, trying not to speak too loudly as to draw attention to myself.” Leech’s output continued to grow with time. “Over time I began to include things such as school musicals, concerts, and many other community events – all to be replayed over the local cable channel. Others, over time, also provided VHS recordings of some volleyball games and wrestling events. I stayed with it because I enjoyed the activity and bringing home the games to the home folks.” Leech was also a founder of the Minneapolis Sports Hall of Fame and runs the website linked to it. As of this fall, Leech began attending games strictly as a fan after years of service, his hope that someone else will take the baton on the video production side. After capturing multiple moments and players worthy of Minneapolis

For the last three decades, Garden Plain has counted on Rod Fisher (38 years), Dennis Meyer (36 years), Doug Fisher (30 years), and more recently, Phil Klein (eight years), as their Friday night chain gang. “These gentlemen were the epitome of commitment,” Garden Plain Athletic Director Corey Brack said. “They showed up every Friday - if they had to miss, they had someone to cover met with the officials and never had a complaint. It didn’t matter the weather, they were there with smiles on their faces. They have seen a lot of football games throughout the year.” Rod’s reason to join was simple. “It’s the best seat in the house.” Second on the job - Dennis - joined for much of the same reason. Rod’s younger brother - Doug - joined a few years later, and the trio then stuck together for 30 years. Top-billed games against Conway Springs and Cheney, playoff games, watching family members play, getting to know coaches, and occasional collisions with athletes were all part of the sideline joy. Eight years ago, the crew received its final member, Phil Klein, giving them a fourth body to more easily handle the duties. This past season, however, the veteran crew finally decided to call it quits. “I figured after 38 years and waking up with all kinds of body aches, it was time to let someone else enjoy it,” Rod said. About Nex-Tech Wireless Nex-Tech Wireless, owned by Nex-Tech Inc./ Rural Telephone, Golden Belt Telephone and Tri-County Telephone is a premiere wireless provider offering high-tech wireless solutions to residents in over 40 counties of central and western Kansas as well as local coverage to 4 counties in Colorado. Nex-Tech Wireless focuses on providing its customers cutting edge technology including data and mobile services, as well as the latest wireless equipment and competitive wireless plans that provide nationwide coverage. For more information, visit www.nex-techwireless.com

Hometown PROUD Hometown Proud Student-Athletes, brought to you by Citizens State Bank and Trust Company with locations in Ellsworth, Lincoln, Delphos, Glasco and Minneapolis.

DAWSON O’BANNON

GAVIN WEBBER

GAGE CARLSON

BROOKE WEHRMAN

Courtesy Photo

Ellsworth

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Minneapolis

Becky Rathbun

Lincoln

Hailey Gilbert

Minneapolis

Minneapolis senior Cameron Cleveland is a standout multi-sport athlete, earning first team all-league honors twice and honorable mention once in volleyball, getting a 3A all-state honorable mention nod in basketball last season, and earning first team all-league honors last spring during softball season. She also serves as a team co-captain in both volleyball and basketball. Cleveland doesn’t end her involvement at just sports, though. She’s also co-captain of the dance team, participates in the school musical, holds office in STUCO, is National Honor Society Vice President, is on the FCA Leadership Team and is a support staff member. Cleveland holds a 3.976 GPA, is a four-time member of the High Honor Roll and also received honors as a member of the All-Academic Team for volleyball in 2020. “Cameron is one of the hardest working kids I have ever coached in 24 years,” head basketball coach Bryan Weatherman said. “Her dedication to the weight room has made her the athlete that she is. Not a practice or day in the weight room goes by that she doesn’t leave it all.” Cleveland is undecided on where she will attend college, but hopes to play volleyball and - already being a certified CNA - is looking into a career in the medical field.

Lincoln senior Dawson O’Bannon has an air of professionalism in her approach to activities she’s involved with, as first-year Lincoln basketball coach Jenna Farris has quickly learned. “She holds herself and the team to high standards.” Farris said. “As coaches we really appreciate her intensity and effort throughout every practice. Her effort not only shows up on the court, but in the classroom as well.” O’Bannon is her class president and was inducted into the National Honor Society as a sophomore. On the basketball court, O’Bannon averaged 5 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game as a junior and for her efforts in her just completed senior volleyball season she earned all-league honorable mention. She also plays on the combined Lincoln/Sylvan-Lucas softball team. The senior, who has played on varsity in all three sports since her freshman year, was also runner-up in state powerlifting last spring, missing out on the 148 pound title - determined by total weight lifted in three core lifts - by only five pounds. After the conclusion of her senior year, O’Bannon plans to attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City to study pre-dentistry, with a goal to become a dental surgeon.

Minneapolis senior Gage Carlson showed he can get results directly last winter, qualifying for the 3A state wrestling tournament as a junior at 120, but there’s more to his role on his team than meets the eye. “Gage is a great leader,” assistant wrestling coach Courtney Marsh said. “He leads by example and is a vocal motivator for his teammates. As coaches, we rely on him to communicate with the other wrestlers and relay information in their group chat. He has high expectations for himself and his teammates. Gage is extremely tough and we look forward to seeing him on the podium again in Hays this season.” Carlson has also made an impact on the football field, earning second team all-league free safety honors for the Lions a season ago as a junior and making another big impact during his recently completed senior season, recording 47 tackles and two interceptions. Aside from being a valuable member on both the football and wrestling teams, Carlson also thrives in the classroom - holding a 3.7 GPA - and spends much of his time away from sports and school working on the Carlson family farm. Carlson is undecided on his college plans, but is considering attending K-State or Fort Hays State.

Ellsworth’s Gavin Webber has been a two-year letterwinner in football, one year in basketball, and a past member of the baseball team - despite cancellation of the 201920 season due to COVID and an injury suffered during football his junior year preventing him from completing a full baseball season. The injury also caused him to miss basketball as a junior and football as a senior, so this member of the Class of 2022 can’t wait for his senior season of hoops. “Gavin has worked very hard to get himself prepared for his senior year of basketball, and we are looking forward to having him back as a point or shooting guard,” head coach Ryan Webber said. “As the lone senior on the team this year, our success this season will hinge on his leadership and on the court contributions. Off the court Gavin stays active in school, and makes schoolwork and good grades a priority.” Webber carries a 4.0 GPA, has been on Ellsworth’s High Honor Roll for the last three-and-a-half years, has been a member of National Honor Society for two, and has been active in student government the last three years. Gavin plans on attending Kansas State University next year to study Engineering.

Sylvan-Lucas

Terri Thrun

CAMERON CLEVELAND

Sylvan-Lucas senior Brooke Wehrman is familiar with the concept of effort earning opportunity. “Brooke has worked hard every year to improve on the floor and in school,” Sylvan-Lucas girls’ basketball coach Craig Batchman said. “She earned a starting role for our team last year and always had a positive attitude throughout the season and encouraged her team.” Standing 5-8, Wehrman averaged five points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game last season as a junior on Sylvan-Lucas’ 13-6 team. Aside from basketball, Wehrman is also a member of the cheer squad and a student at Post Rock Dance Academy. Thriving outside of sports, Wehrman is a member of National Honor Society, STUCO and KAY Club. And, when the senior leader is not found participating in a school related activity, she can commonly be found waiting tables at Flyboy’s in Sylvan Grove. After considering her options, Wehrman plans to attend Kansas State University after high school and plans to go into social work or business.

Hometown Proud features by Keegan McCullick

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

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You wouldn’t step on the court or mat without gearing up.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

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SPECIAL CONNECTION

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

Basketball Siblings Provide Unique Support System

(L-R) Aubrey Shaw, Aidan Shaw, Brett Sarwinski and Mia Sarwinski (Photos by Connor Waltz)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer The connection between siblings is often among the strongest of human relationships. Siblings can be friends, confidants, advisers and even teammates. But when it comes to older brothers with younger sisters, the relationship is even more unique. For Overland Park teens Aidan and Aubrey Shaw and Galena’s Brett and Mia Sarwinski, that relationship manifests itself the most in their common love for the game of basketball. Shaw siblings play at different schools, but with the same passion Aidan Shaw, a rangy 6-8 wing for Blue Valley High School has used his size and skill set to emerge as one of the top players in the Midwest. After completing his upcoming senior season for the Tigers he’s anxious to take those skills to the highest level. Shaw has a knack for shot blocking, averaging 3.4 per game last season, but also can move his feet fast and use his length to give offensive players fits on the perimeter. It’s no wonder a trove of DI programs offered him a scholarship spot on their team. Ultimately, head coach Cuonzo Martin and his Missouri Tigers were the lucky school that landed the four-star forward’s commitment, after diligently maintaining a strong relationship over the years. “It was definitely the coaching, and my relationship with the coaches,” Shaw said of his reasons for choosing Missouri over offers from KU, Iowa, Oklahoma State and others. “I’ve been talking to coach Cuonzo and coach Hollander, and you know all the other coaching staff since like freshman year. So just kind of building that relationship, it was a pretty big deal for me.” While his time at Mizzou is a year down the road, Shaw’s upcoming season with Blue Valley draws much closer, but it came close to not occurring at all. Like many other elite Kansas prospects, including former Bishop Miege stars Mark Mitchell (Sunrise Christian) and Taj Manning (La Lumiere School), former Collegiate standout Gradey Dick (Sunrise Christian), Louisburg’s Julian Margrave (New Hampton Prep), and others, Shaw was planning to move on to a prep school, Link Year, in Branson, Mo., for his senior season, to play for his AAU coach and former Missouri State player Rodney Perry. “So the prep school, their head coach is my club team coach, so I was just really comfortable with him and I wanted to go play with him,” Shaw said. “But just like, I

realized that, you know, staying home would be better for me, like more of what I needed, rather than going to play with whoever, you know, and so, yeah, I just felt like it would benefit me more if I stayed home and really worked on myself and my craft and everything I need to do.” The all-state senior’s decision to stay at Blue Valley is a boon for coach Dwight Williams, with Shaw coming off a year in which he averaged 19.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.4 blocked shots per game. With only one other starter returning for the Tigers - fellow senior Zak Svendsen Shaw will be looked to for production and leadership. “Aidan was put in a position of making a difficult decision and realized it wasn’t for the best for him at the time,” coach Williams said. “It doesn’t mean he shouldn’t get a second chance back with us, we welcomed him back with open arms knowing the scenario he is in and what his goals are for himself. He and I are close and on the same page moving forward. We had a great talk about the situation and that’s between us. We have the same goal in mind, to win a state championship, and I am really looking forward to coaching Aidan and the team this season and to see what Aidan does on the court.” Individually, Shaw has been refining his game on the summer circuit, adding polish that will only make him more dangerous. “[I have] really been working since last season, really been working on my shot, getting that more consistent,” Shaw said. “I’ve been gaining weight, getting stronger, and you know, really just trying to build my ball IQ, just playing a lot of basketball.” Shaw’s time on the AAU circuit limited reps in summer league with his Tiger teammates, leaving some meshing to do in the practices leading up to the season’s start. Shaw has been able to manage some time with his team, however, and likes their potential, especially after two consecutive seasons at .500. “I mean, I’ve really been enjoying it so far,” Shaw said. “We’ve had our conditioning and open gym, so I’ve gotten really to know players, and you know, kind of feel them out. I feel like it’s going to be...a good season...especially if we get all the pieces together and, you know, build the team and all play together, like this is gonna be nice, so I feel good about it.” Individually, Shaw mentioned he wouldn’t mind breaking some records and receiving awards, but was sure to point out leadership en route to the state tournament at the core

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of his goals. “Win state, that’s a pretty big one,” Shaw said. “Really, we just need to get the whole team together and get some good chemistry. We have great pieces, we just need to get our ball IQ up.” While Shaw enters his senior year with big goals, his younger sister, incoming freshman Aubrey Shaw, is preparing to embark on her own high school basketball career at Blue Valley North. “Well she already is dominant right now,” Aidan said. “And the girls and the guys, the game’s a little different, but she’s definitely killing right now and she’d kill on the boys’ side for her age, too.” Despite attending different high schools, the two spend ample time on the court working with each other. “We go to the gym together a lot, actually,” Aidan said. “So we’re really competitive and I feel like that’s a big part of, you know, being a good player, or separating yourself from being a good player and a great player, you know, being competitive and wanting to be better. So I feel like her trying to compete against me is really going to help her and that’s, I mean that’s what we do all the time.” That hard work, along with having one of the nation’s best high school players as a practice partner, has already begun paying off for Aubrey, as she holds scholarship offers from Missouri, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Arkansas, K-State, Vanderbilt, Louisville and KU all before ever even playing a high school game. “I’ve been talking to coaches and stuff,” Aubrey said. “I’m open to a program that just wants to welcome me as [part of] a second family that has a really good style of play, kind of like how I do, fast style, really competitive, a good program for education and for sports as well.” The incoming freshman also emphasized the importance of time on the court with her brother to her development. “Yeah, I always liked to watch my brother growing up,” Aubrey said. “Of course he’s like my role model, also my sister as well since they’re both older than me, but him being a senior and me being a freshman, I’m glad that I’m able to have us both playing and then kind of getting to compete, because we always do that kind of stuff.” Aubrey’s practice time is not restricted to time with Aidan, however. North head coach Anne Fritz, having had the entire summer to work with Shaw, has praised her incoming freshman’s effort and ability, noting her versatility, and the start time for most of her workouts, 6 a.m. “She is unique because of her work ethic, she spends hours before or after school getting better,” Fritz said. “She is working to develop an all-around game. She can play positions one through five. She is a crazy good passer and has great court vision. She understands the game really well for a freshman.” Fritz expects her freshman to make an immediate impact, noting the level of respect she receives from her teammates and her level of maturity. The next four seasons could be special for the younger Shaw, and older brother Aidan will be there to help her along the way. Sarwinski family a central piece of Galena athletics Brett and Mia Sarwinski are siblings playing key roles on their respective basketball teams, and Galena High continued on page 15

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

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GREENBACK GIRL POWER

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

Pratt Returns Loaded Girls Squad

(L-R): Jadyn Thompson, Livia Swift, Head Coach Tate Thompson, Ava Mull, Keimarla Thompson. (Photo by RJ Forbus)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer In just the first two years of the program’s existence, Pratt High School’s girls’ wrestling team has taken off. In both of the sports first two KSHSAA sanctioned seasons Tate Thompson led his team to a pair of top-four finishes, most recently as the state runner-up to Baldwin in February. The second place finish was the culmination of a great season that included a 4-0 dual record and CKL, district, regional, and sub-state championships. The Greenbacks return three state place-winners from that group: senior Livia Swift, who is a two-time state champ; junior Jadyn Thompson, who finished third at state last season and fifth as a freshman; and Jadyn’s younger sister, sophomore Keimarla Thompson, who placed fifth as a freshman. “I feel great about the first two sanctioned seasons of girls’ wrestling and the success we were able to have from the get-go,” head coach Tate Thompson said. “In year one, we placed fourth as a team in all classes. Last year brought a different dynamic as we were split into two classes. If it weren’t a COVID year, we would have qualified seven girls for the state tournament, as that is how many we took to sub-state. Instead, we took five girls to state and placed three of those with only one girl graduating [off that team]. We needed one more win in order to win the tournament as we lost by 5.5 points. The hard part was watching the upper weight classes, and we did not have any girls over 155.” To help alleviate some of the struggles of placing wrestlers in the upper weight classes, senior Ava Mull, who finished runner-up at state for Larned last season in the 170 pound class with a 29-2 record, transferred to Pratt for the 2021-22 season. “Ava Mull is a tough competitor and she understands the importance of building a team mindset in general, but she also understands the importance of team when it comes to building women’s wrestling now and in the future,” coach Thompson said. “Ava is an ambassador for the sport just like our other team leaders are and, in that way, she fits right in, already understanding that her achievements will mean nothing if she does not build up someone else to be able to accomplish those same goals.” With Ava’s addition, the Greenbacks pick up even more momentum heading into the season, and Livia Swift hopes the addition of Mull can help her add a team title to

her two individual trophies. “When I heard that Ava was going to be a Greenback this year my mind went straight to thinking of winning a state title as a team,” Swift said. “We are so blessed that she is here. Ava is a great athlete and person. She definitely raised our odds and we are so thankful.” In Swift’s opinion, it’s far from just last year’s state placers that can have an impact on this season. “I’ve never doubted a Greenback wrestler, male or female,” Swift said. “The discipline, talent, mental toughness, and work ethic is within us all. The way we use those abilities in each match is what makes or breaks it. I love my team and I think this season will end in our favor.” Those ideals are something that coach Thompson pushes heavily to instill in his athletes. “Our biggest focuses in practice are fundamental wrestling positions and mental training,” coach Thompson said. “We will work until each wrestler is very confident in their skill set and until they understand that the physical part of wrestling is huge, but the mental part of wrestling is a game changer.” In the last two years, Swift has gone an impressive 65-5, with a 32-2 record last season as a junior on the way to her 143-pound title. Despite having two championship medals already in her possession, it’s not hard for her to find motivation for another. “I know that if I win a state title it will give my team better odds to win a state championship all together,” Swift said. “I also want to do it for my five-year old self that thought her wrestling career was over after middle school. I want to continue to help grow girls wrestling in my high school, town, and state. I want all those other little girls to have someone to look up to, someone they know when that person walks in the room.” In the offseason, the senior has focused on improving on her feet, her confidence in taking shots, and as is consistent with all Greenback wrestlers, improving her mental and physical fortitude. “She is a tough competitor who thrives on leading her team, promoting our sport, and finding ways to get better each time out,” coach Thompson said of Swift. “Livia spends countless hours perfecting technique, footwork, and positioning. She buys into mental training and understands the importance of our focus on that aspect of the sport.”

SPRING BREAK: GO WILD!

No matter the obstacle placed in front of Swift this season, she is determined and confident in overcoming it. “It’s all about how much you want it,” Swift said. “I don’t think anyone wants it more than us. After being so close last year, falling short to a great team, we’re hungry for that title. If there was one obstacle I could think of, it would be being outnumbered as a team, which might not be a problem this coming season.” Sisters Jadyn and Keimarla Thompson - who are daughters to coach Thompson - will be vital cogs in Pratt’s state tournament success as well. Jadyn, a junior on the team, came incredibly close to wrestling in the state championship match last season in the 115-pound category. continued on page 15

DREAMS DO COME TRUE Kimberly, Keishaune, Ke’Rel and Keimarla were four siblings ages 3-10. Like all children, they simply wanted the love, safety, and security that family provides. But in 2010, their family was having difficulty meeting their needs. Their mother struggled with substance use, and her boyfriend physically abused one of the children. When the abuse was reported, he threatened the other children, saying he would burn down the house or kill them. For their safety, the courts brought the children into foster care. While foster care is a necessary intervention to keep a child safe, this began a difficult road for the four brothers and sisters. At times, they were separated from each other or had to move houses, which is not the intent of any foster care program. There were not enough foster families in their hometown, and of those families who were available, few had the bedroom space to care for all four children. After two years, it became clear that their mother was not able to provide a safe home and the courts terminated her parental rights. The children dreamed of being adopted together by a loving family, but as the years went by, that dream seemed more and more out of reach. Searching for the Right Family As a lead agency on behalf of the Kansas Department for Children and Families, KVC provided foster family care for the children. When they became in need of an adoptive family, KVC worked in collaboration with Adopt KS Kids to help them find a family by listing their profile on AdoptKSKids.org and the KVC adoption website. Driven by the knowledge that “children grow best in families,” KVC wanted these four kids to be among the 4,000 youth it has matched with adoptive forever families in its history. By having their profiles on AdoptKSKids.org, the children were in front of the perfect audience: adults looking to grow their families. Tate and Meriam Thompson continued on page 28

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Page 13

BACK IN BLACK

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

Experienced Sterling The Favorites In 2A

Front row (L-R): Bennie Horsch, Sadie Beagley, Coach Jill Rowland, Faith Ekart, Lily Gray; Middle row: Kaitlyn Cornelius, Kali Briar, Kate Rowland; Top row: Lacey Farney, Makenna Linden (Photo by RJ Forbus)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Sterling High School won its first women’s state title in history last season after defeating Pittsburg-Colgan by a score of 52-36 in the 2A championship, finishing the season with a record of 25-1. From that team, a scary amount of talent returns, and in the case of incoming 6-5 freshman Lily Gray, arrives. Ten experienced varsity players return in all. Seniors Kali Briar, Sadie Beagley, Kaitlyn Cornelius, Bennie Horsch, Makenna Linden, Faith Ekart, Riley Richter and Lacey Farney, along with juniors Kate Rowland and Bella Brownlee, will retake the court for the Black Bears, and despite a tough road ahead, they’ll be a favorite to repeat next March. “We have several good teams on our schedule this year, teams that are talented, well coached and will present challenges for our team in a variety of different ways,” head coach Jill Rowland said. “Beyond the typical scheduling, injuries and unknown postseason matchups, of which we have no control over, the biggest single challenge I see for this team is recreating the team chemistry that served us so well last season. We do return many players off of last year’s championship team, however, this is still a new team and a new season. We must stay hungry and humble if we hope to reach our goals for this year.” Senior Kali Briar leads off most conversations about Sterling’s upcoming season. Coming off a junior season in which she earned KBCA Player of the Year in Class 2A, Briar is a force with the ball in her hands. The senior guard averaged 11.5 points, five assists, five rebounds, and two steals while shooting 45 percent from the field and 83 percent from the line. “My biggest strength as a point guard is my ability to see the floor well, knowing my teammates strengths, distributing the ball, and my ability to shoot the three,” Briar said when asked about the strong points of her game. Briar’s skills fit the classic primary ball-handling arche-

type, as does her approach to leadership. “I strive to be a leader on and off the court,” Briar said. “My commitment to the game and to my teammates is what drives me to stay focused and work hard.” While Briar’s efforts alone would be enough to propel most teams to a quality season, she is far from the only big-time talent back for Sterling and is joined by several other capable leaders. “Our leadership on the court is strong and certainly an asset for this team,” Rowland said. “I am counting on our upperclassmen to lead us through the upcoming challenges and keep us united both on and off the court.” A few of those upperclassmen who received some level of postseason accolade - in addition to Briar - are Horsch (second team all-state), Beagley (honorable mention allstate), Linden (honorable mention all-state), and Rowland (honorable mention all-league). Splitting guard duties with Briar is Linden, who averaged 11.3 points, four rebounds, and two steals per contest as a junior. Her tenacious defensive play gives the opposition fits and can often lead to transition buckets. “I think my speed and quickness are my biggest strengths as a player,” Linden said. “Not having the height, I think my speed sets me apart and helps me contribute towards my team.” Linden was quick to point out the biggest enemy for the Black Bears this season - complacency. “I feel like the biggest challenge for myself and my team would be not to settle from last year and not take what we have for granted,” Linden said. “Some people would just be content on having one state championship, but with everyone returning this season, and especially it being our last, we need to work harder than we did last year to accomplish another state title.” Horsch, who stands 5-10, was the 2A state tournament’s Most Outstanding Player last season. Prior to that she had no shortage of success, averaging 15.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game over the course of the season.

Beagley, Horsch’s main accomplice in the post, was the team’s leading rebounder last season, averaging 6.5 a contest to go along with 10.7 points per game. She was selected as a member of the all-tournament team during the title run and excels in the post. “I would define my role on the team as being a positive leader that can rebound and score,” Beagley said. While Beagley is a bit undersized, she makes up with that with pure hustle. Junior Kate Rowland chipped in five points, two rebounds, and two assists per contest coming off the bench. While statistically having to take a back seat to the starting lineup, she is another dangerous perimeter player for the Black Bears. The overall talent, experience, and depth of the Black Bears is unique, and though Sterling possesses no shortage of residual talent from last season, the addition of freshman Lily Gray, who towers over opponents at 6-5, should strike fear in the heart of opponents. Rowland said Gray played a combination of JV and varsity over the summer, and she is hoping for her to contribute at all levels. “This will be another pressure packed season for this group, but I am confident that they can handle this as they have in the past,” Rowland said. “The key is to stay grounded, remain focused on the next game on the schedule, and do our best to tune out all the rest of the noise. Control what we can control.” Other 2A frontrunners State runner-up Pittsburg-Colgan returns first team all-state junior Lauren Torrance from a team that finished 20-4 last season and won a girls’ state tournament game for the first time in school history. Torrance, a 6-1 post, recorded seven rebounds in the title game loss to Sterling. Colgan coach Abby Farabi also welcomes back second team all-league senior Lauren Yaghmour, the only Panther to score in double figures in the title game. Valley Heights returns all but one starter off a team that went 21-2 last season and lost to Colgan on a last second shot in the state semifinals. First team all-state senior Emma Yungeberg is joined by defensive standout Maddy Vermetten and primary ball handler Cat Toerber to provide a trio of returning four-year starters. Sixth-year coach Jordan Broxterman also welcomes back sophomore Delana Murk after she started last year as just a freshman along with six other players with varsity experience. The Mustangs will miss graduated four-year starter Emma Toerber, an honorable mention all-state pick last season. Fresh off the first volleyball state title in school history, Smith Center is poised to be a competitor in basketball as well. Veteran coach Nick Linn, one of the most successful volleyball and basketball coaches in the state, welcomes back lengthy senior post Tallon Rentschler, a second team all-state pick last year and an FHSU volleyball commit. A quality supporting cast returns to help the Lady Red improve on last year’s 16-6 finish.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Page 15

Siblings/from page 9 School couldn’t ask for a much better duo. Brett, a senior who averaged 17 points per game last year for the Bulldogs, has been a member of back-to-back league and sub-state championship teams. Mia, a junior, has also impressed. As a sophomore, defenses had to scheme around her in an effort to stop the Bulldogs’ offense. Athletic success is nothing new for the Sarwinski family. Brett and Mia’s father, Beau Sarwinski, is the head football coach at Galena, a program that has had considerable success during his many years at the helm. In that time, Sarwinski has coached three sons, PJ, Nick, and now, Brett. PJ, a redshirt junior linebacker, and Nick, a freshman running back, are both members of Pittsburg State’s football program, while Brett just finished up a successful senior season, playing quarterback for his dad. Basketball, however, is the sport that links Mia and Brett. The two have helped each other hone their craft, and will continue to this winter. “It’s very competitive between me and him all the time,” Mia said. “We’re in the gym together, always. Usually, you know, it’s a game like one-on-one, or maybe a game of H-O-R-S-E, but we’re always trying to push each other to be the best that we can.” For Brett and his Galena teammates, a small push seems to be all they will need this season. After inconclusively finishing in the top four at the state tournament two years ago during the beginning of the pandemic, and then finishing second last season, the Bulldogs are poised for yet another big season. Sarwinski was voted the 3A Player of the Year by multiple outlets as a junior, largely due to his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. “Brett does so well at controlling the pace of the game,”

head coach Matt Meyr said. “Some nights he can take over by playing fast and scoring in transition. Other nights he will slow the game down and beat you in the half court. Over his career, he has always been a scorer. But his sophomore and junior year he really stepped up on defense. Most nights he now will guard the other team’s best offensive player. He has also become a much better rebounder.” His play in the past has consistently put his team in position to win, and this year he hopes to help the Bulldogs win their final game of the year. “I definitely feel good about our basketball program because the last few years we made it to state,” Sarwinski said. “We’ve been taking steps farther, trying to get that state championship, and the big thing is we got a lot of guys coming back. We’ve got a good core group of guys that work hard and try to get better every day.” Sarwinski is one of four starters returning for the Bulldogs along with seniors Kenyon Martin (5 ppg, 6-4), Kobe McGlothlin (7 ppg, 6-1), and junior Tyler Little (12 ppg, 10 rpg, 6-5). The talented group has won a lot of games through the years, but based on Brett’s thoughts, they’re far from content. “Every time you get second, it just makes you want more, you just want to keep taking steps to get the championship,” Sarwinski said. Galena’s girls’ program has been on a streak of winning seasons as well - finishing last season 14-8 and Mia’s freshman season 16-6 - but have yet to make the state tournament during Mia’s high school career. “We’re definitely aiming toward state,” Mia said. “First, we want to take it one game at a time. Obviously, we want to win sub-state, but state is the main goal.” Mia averaged 18 points, eight rebounds, four steals and

Pratt/from page 11 “Jadyn Thompson beat last year’s state champion four times during the season,” coach Thompson said. “She had only lost one match going into state and that was to Isabell [Ortiz, eventual state champ at 115]. Jadyn had a mental lapse in her semifinal match and lost focus, but her team mindset brought her back because she understands that if she falls mentally, it can be contagious.” After finishing up her freshman season with a 30-8 record and a fifth-place state finish, Jadyn had a 36-2 record last year en route to her third-place finish. Despite coming up just short individually last season, Jadyn’s focus is on the team’s result before anything else. “I’m always hungry, but what matters more to me is a team title,” Jadyn said. “To do my part, I need to end the season well with hopes to be a champion individually... and as a team.” Jadyn’s sister, Keimarla, plans to build on her impressive 28-13 start to her career that saw her take fifth at state. “By the end of the season, Keimarla was light enough to wrestle 143 instead of 155, and she lost one match she shouldn’t have at state,” coach Thompson said. “But she bounced back and finished in fifth place, and is a returning state placer for us, but she will be wrestling 138 this year as she is already under that weight walking around.” The sophomore will go into this season with a summer dedicated to drilling under her belt, attending a team camp with the rest of the team, and getting in as many reps as possible. Her goal individually is to improve on last year’s finish, but she too is focused on the team goal. “I feel like we have a very stable and good team this year,” Keimarla said. “I think we will have a lot more girls and boys going to state this year. We have good chances if we just try our best and push forward.”

A junior in the 101-pound category, Lilly Herrman (23-16) for 2021. For Washburn Rural, the result was the same. was also a state qualifier for Pratt last season who will In 2020 Washburn Rural won the first KSHSAA girls’ also look to take a big step this season. team wrestling title when four of their six qualifiers placed “She wrestled well all of last year, but she is determined in the top five, including 235-pound champion Dajia to get on the podium this year by keeping the proper Anderson. In February, Anderson would repeat as a state mindset from start to finish,” coach Thompson said. “Lilly champion - this time at 191 - and was joined at the top of is a tough young lady and she will get it done.” the podium by 155-pound champ Rebecca Smith, as the Sophomores Gloria Webb (18-12) at 143 and Emmaline Junior Blues won their second straight team title, this time Primrose (17-16) at 132 will also be important pieces of at the top of the larger division. the Pratt wrestling puzzle. In addition to the two champions, four other wrestlers Given the high expectations for the Greenback girls placed in the top six at state and while Anderson and team, coach Thompson is keeping the focus away from Smith graduated, the other four placers return. the end result and is instead focused on the process. For head coach Damon Walker, who moves over exclu“We always have newcomers to the sport that will sively to the girls’ side after leading both the boys and girls make an impact, but until we start on November 15th, to team titles last season, the key to success is less about we won’t know if they are with us or not,” Thompson winning and more about working together. said, “Especially if we didn’t see them in the summer. “Continue our tradition of strong interpersonal relationBut our goal is to fill all 12 weight classes. Last year we ships,” Walker said of his team’s key to success. “When qualified seven to sub-state and five of those to state, that is in place, everything else takes care of itself.” with three placers. This year we look to increase qualifiers, placers, and placings, Follow KWCA Online and but we can only do that if we continue to promote the sport in a positive manner on Social Media at: to the younger girls. The one thing I can www.kansaswrestling.org guarantee is that we will continue to build www.twitter.com/kwcaonline for the future while we shape the talent of www.facebook.com/kwcaonline today with hard work, focus on fundamentals, and constant mental training.” https://kwca.podomatic.com Washburn Rural looks to repeat After just one year as a KSHSAA sanctioned sport, girls’ wrestling saw such an KWCA uptick in participation the single all-class Leading, Honoring, and Serving Kansas Wrestling! division from 2020 was split into a smaller 4A-1A division and a larger 5A-6A division

three assists per game during her sophomore campaign, and while she didn’t receive as many accolades as her freshman year, her importance to her team is something rival coaches focus on. Former assistant, and now head coach, Zach Shockey, said a successful offensive install is important heading into the 2021-22 season. “The key to our team’s success this season will be offensive execution,” Shockey said. “We will need to be able to adapt to the numerous looks we see as teams adjust to slow Sarwinski down.” The junior has responded by keeping a basketball in her hands as often as possible. “This summer we’ve been working quite a bit on just different offenses, different defenses, and I think our team’s really adapted well to the things our coach has done for our team,” Mia said. “I’ve been in the gym every day in [the] summer and just working on my game and just trying to do my best whatever I can for the team.” Mia will be joined by two other returning starters, seniors Michaela Newman and Raylynn Downey. The trio and the rest of the team that fills out around them will have a heavy emphasis on offensive execution. If they’re able to do that, coach Shockey believes the other end of the floor will take care of itself. “If we can score consistently, we will have the opportunity to pressure our opponents on the defensive end, which has always been a strength for this group,” Shockey noted. While Mia is only a junior and is far from a college decision, Brett intends to attend a four-year college to pursue an engineering degree, and is currently undecided on whether or not he will play a sport.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

6A STANDOUTS

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

Gray, Smith Among Best In NEK Metros

(L-R): Kiki Smith, Madyson Gray (Photos by Connor Waltz)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Lawrence Free State senior wrestler Madyson Gray and junior Topeka High basketball player Kiki Smith are two of the top athletes in the northeast Kansas metropolitan region that includes the ever expanding cities of Topeka, Lawrence and Kansas City. While Smith is just one-piece of a fantastic group of returners for the powerful THS basketball team Gray is the only confirmed wrestler for a newly combined Lawrence High and Free State girls’ wrestling squad. Regardless, these girls are two of the names to know in 6A athletics and Keegan McCullick takes a closer look. Gray’s style? Dominant! Senior Lawrence Free State wrestler Madyson Gray is among the most dominant athletes active in the state of Kansas right now. Over the course of the last three years, she has won three state championships (the past two the first KSHSAA sanctioned girls’ wrestling championships), has amassed a 61-0 record against girls - all of them by fall - was a Junior World Team Trials All-American, a Folkstyle

National All-American, and recently committed to Grand View University to wrestle after high school. Grand View is located in Des Moines, Iowa, and is a program that just started wrestling in 2019. “I first saw Mady wrestle in seventh grade,” Lawrence Free State wrestling coach Randy Streeter said. “She was strong, but raw. I could tell there was talent there, but it wasn’t yet tested and she had a long way to go in terms of technique. In the last couple years, thanks to her club coaches, high school coaches and her practice partners, she has gained an exponential amount of strength and her technique sharpens every day. The ceiling is high for this wrestler.” While Gray has already achieved more in her career than most wrestlers can dream of, complacency is not an issue, as she continues to work toward her goals with a vigorous attitude. “I’m looking to go for that championship again this year and I want to try to keep my ‘no mercy mentality’ with getting that undefeated title again,” Gray said. “Hopefully maybe make some new friends along the way to help out some. Obviously, there’s some new girls on the team and hopefully help them out and help them get to state, too.” The group that goes out will be the first women’s wrestling team in the history of Free State or Lawrence High, but there is still work to be done on getting the numbers up, however, as Gray was the only confirmed wrestler on the team at the time of this article.

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Page 17

“As far as I know, we’re still trying to get girls on the team,” Gray said in late October. “I’m surprised I’m the only one on the team [officially, at this time], even if they have very little experience, we’re going to help them be part of it.” Gray can harken back to her memories of picking up the sport herself. “I think I’ve only had one experience with wrestling before I even started,” Gray said. “It was when I was way younger. I just remember watching from the stands, but then I saw it in middle school. I was like, ‘This would be fun.’” Practice, and overall attention to her craft, are a couple reasons Gray is so successful. She is open to critiquing herself, pointing out areas in her style she’s working on such as moving in her stance for better leg defense or maintaining pace during matches, but her confidence in her abilities never waivers. To further complement who she is in the wrestling room, she’s able to harness her “no mercy mentality” that has led her to so much success in competition, while remaining a pleasant person to have at practice. “To be honest, Mady is a gentle giant,” Streeter said. “She never gets too high. Never gets too low. She’s aggressive in the room, but also loves to have a great time.” Gray, individually, is looking to extend her championship streak with another dominant season. After winning the 136 pound weight class last year, she still handles each match with a fresh approach. “I never really have, like, a straightforward game plan going much,” Gray said. “I try to change it up every single match. I mean, obviously I have go-to moves like a low-single - people see that a lot - but I try to mix it up sometimes and try not to do things that [opponents] will expect.”

continued on page 19

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 Page 19 6A Standouts/from page 17 No matter the result of her senior campaign, Gray can rest

assured in the dominance of her career. “I’ve never had a more dominant female wrestler,” Streeter said. “In terms of her dominance against other female wrestlers, she’s the best I’ve seen for sure.” After three spectacular seasons Topeka High looks to finish the job After a series of close calls in earning a state championship over the last three seasons - three straight 22 plus win seasons, three straight Centennial League championships, three straight trips to the 6A state semifinals - Topeka head coach Hannah Alexander summed up the collective mental state of her Trojan basketball squad. “Expectations remain high as we enter the 2021-22 season,” Alexander said. “We return several key players from last year’s 23-2 state runner-up team. We will be a more balanced scoring team, as we do have several girls that are capable of leading us in scoring on any given night. But the Trojans did graduate a number of key players - JaNeysha Hendrick, Lilly Smith, Jae’Mya Lyons and Zoe Caryl - all who are participating in college athletics. “The girls will have to step up their games collectively to make up for what those outstanding players provided for us last year.” While COVID robbed the Trojans of a chance to play for a state title two years ago THS actually ended the season 23-0 - losses to Washburn Rural and Shawnee Mission Northwest were tough pills to swallow. But a three-headed monster is back to help the Trojans take the final step in a fouryear journey. Recent Stanford softball commit Nijaree Canady is the first of those players. The first team all-state senior averaged 20.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.8 blocks per game as a junior last season and has served as a presence in the paint for the Trojans throughout high school. Her ability to dominate the game both offensively and defensively make her one of the top players in the state across all classes. As if Canady wasn’t enough of a force alone, second team all-state junior, Kiki Smith, who averaged 15.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, three assists, and 2.8 steals per game last season, is one of the top point guards in the state. As a freshman she led the team in scoring at 20 points a game. “We’re looking pretty good this season,” Smith said. “We’ve lost a lot compared to the years before, since I’ve been here, but I feel like we’ll be good. We have Nijaree coming back, obviously Tae and then we have some of the sophomores and freshmen who are now sophomores coming in this year who are going to play a big role in varsity this year and help us out a lot. So I think we’ll be good.” A majority of Smith’s offseason was spent rehabbing a meniscus injury, but she’s ready to get back to action. Her ability to move side-to-side quickly is vital for the junior, who prides herself on her on-ball defense. The Tae that Smith refers to is the third in the standout Topeka trifecta, senior Tae Thomas, who averaged a well-balanced statline of 6.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. Thomas also kicks for the football team and is the younger sister of former THS football standout and current University of Minnesota runnning back Ky Thomas. “After making it to state for three years in a row now and coming up empty handed it has really motivated us and we are very excited and hoping to bring back a state championship this year,” Thomas said. Thomas, a Northwestern Oklahoma State basketball commit, intends to do her part to help make up for the loss of scoring from three key seniors lost to graduation. Canady, Smith, and Thomas have played in the same basketball circle since long before high school, which only adds to the tight knit relationship within the team. “We’ve actually grown up playing with each other and also against each other,” Smith said. “So we like, know how each of us play. Um, me and Nijaree, personally, we get really hyped when one of us is doing good. Like we’re just really hyped there for each other, and along with Tae, me and her.” The three returning starters are accompanied by a deep group of fellow letterwinners. Seniors DayShauna Wiley, Jade Fulton, juniors Faith Shields, Adisyn Caryl, and sophomores Ayana Leesman, Ladaysha Baird, and Avery Zimmerman return from last year’s varsity roster. “We will have some very tough decisions to make as far as personnel, starting lineups, etc.,” Alexander said. “Some of the girls are very interchangeable, but also bring their own unique strengths to the floor. That should make for some very competitive practices as there will be some excellent battles for playing time at certain spots.” While Topeka clearly has the talent to accomplish plenty this year, Smith’s lack of self-aggrandizement shows the conviction of the Trojans this season. “We’re going to have to really work hard, way harder than we have the past two years,” Smith said. “Like I said, we’re obviously not as strong as we have been, so we’re gonna definitely have to push ourselves and practice really focused, take every game seriously, and just keep doing what we’ve been doing and just doing it even better.”

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Page 21

TROJAN HORSES

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

Experienced Hillsboro Among 2A Favorites

(L-R) Matthew Potucek, Grayson Ratzaff, Brekyn Ratzlaff (Photo by RJ Forbus)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer For the fourth time in his career, and the first time since 1998, Darrel Knoll led the Hillsboro Trojans to a state basketball title. The Trojans lost the first two games of the season, then braved a tumultuous schedule plagued by cancellations and rescheduling brought along by COVID-19, but still managed to finish 23-3 - their only other loss coming at the hands of eventual 3A state champs, Hesston. The cherry on top for Hillsboro as they begin to defend their hard-fought state title is the amount of talent returning from that team. “We have five players who started and/or played significant minutes last year, as well as three others who gained good varsity experience last year,” coach Knoll said. “We have good athleticism, quickness, and speed, and several players have the ability to score, so we will be very balanced offensively. Keys will be staying healthy, developing depth, and having excellent team chemistry. We do have several younger players who will battle for a spot on the varsity roster so our practices should be competitive as well.” A majority of the returning production will come from seniors Matthew Potucek (honorable mention all-state) and Grayson Ratzlaff (honorable mention all-state), and junior Brekyn Ratzlaff (second team all-state). The trio strikes a surprising amount of balance in the scoring load, with all three averaging between 11.5 and 12 points per game. Grayson Ratzlaff is the first of the three Hillsboro stars that stands out, primarily due to his 6-7 frame and powerlifter-like build. The senior is the team’s top returning rebounder, averaging 5.8 a game last season. He can also defend well, averaging a block and 1.6 steals per contest. “[Grayson is] a match-up problem for opponents because he plays inside and out,” Knoll said. “[He] defends the basket well and cleans up key rebounds, especially in late game situations. A highlight film maker with his multiple dunks, smart competitor, [and] plays to win - 72 percent [from the field] in the fourth quarter this year - and contested shots and cleaned up boards at the end of multiple games, including the state final.” Ratzlaff said he worked to develop his mid-range jumper and ability to run the floor over the summer. Beyond improving aspects of his own game, he ultimately feels

like the key for Hillsboro will be playing together. “I think right off the bat we need to come out and play like we’ve been playing together our whole lives,” Ratzlaff said. “...Just come in with chemistry right off the bat.” Sharing the court with Grayson is his younger cousin Brekyn, who has played up a grade through the years in order to be with the current senior group. This has allowed for considerable time on the court for the trio over the years, something that Grayson believes gives them an advantage. “I definitely think it’s helped give us like, kind of a knowing of what the other people are doing during the game, and it helps us trust each other a lot more,” Grayson said. “Gives us more chemistry to work together.” While Grayson’s game is based on using his frame, Brekyn stands at 6-1 and plays point guard for the Trojans. The junior averaged a team-high for returning players, 12 points and 3.6 assists per game, and was the motor that kept the engine going for Hillsboro all season long, also averaging two steals and making 34 of 97 three-point attempts on the year. “[Brekyn is an] excellent point guard who makes everyone around him better,” Knoll said. “[He’s] smart on both offense and defense. Brekyn is a tremendous passer, big shot maker, and a true competitor, and has great poise and basketball IQ.” Brekyn’s efforts last season saw him make a number of first team all-state lists, along with a second team nod from the KBCA. “I feel good,” Brekyn said about the upcoming season. “We got a lot of our main guys back. We lost three seniors, but our starting five is really good.” The third of Hillsboro’s returning core, Matthew Potucek, averaged 11.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, two assists, and a team-high 2.3 steals per game. The senior’s defense and rebounding abilities are a bit of his trademark, but he is a dangerous offensive weapon as well. “Athletic, tough, hard-nosed competitor who is an excellent defender who can guard any position,” Knoll said of Potucek. “He is also hard to defend, and he is a playmaker both on offense and defense.” Potucek shot 54 percent from the floor last year and feels good about Hillsboro’s team this season. “We have a pretty good chance to do what we did last

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year because we have our main guys back and some good role players coming back, too,” Potucek said. The confidence the Trojans have in their depth this year is well-placed. They return three seniors and two juniors who saw significant time on the court. Senior Frank Wichert averaged 4.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, one assist, and one steal during last season, leading all returning bench players in production. “We do expect to compete at a high level again this year,” Knoll said. “Every year, we have the same goal, play up to our potential and be great teammates. We also look to improve on what we did last year, which includes becoming tougher defensively, executing better offensively, and being our best with things we can control. If we do that, we should be very competitive again this year.” The Trojans will face a challenging schedule. In fact, last season, despite winning a state championship, they finished second in league behind Hesston - who has won the CKL seven out of the last nine seasons - that reality doesn’t bother Knoll, however. “Our schedule should prepare us for postseason play,” Knoll said. “The CKL always provides multiple tough matchups. Also, our mid-season tournament usually matches us up with teams like Holcomb, Riley County, and Hesston. In addition, our non-league opponents are solid with teams like Southeast of Saline, Sterling, Hutch Trinity, Moundridge and Inman, just to name a few.” Despite the challenging schedule, Hillsboro is focused and loaded for bear. “We’re done celebrating the state championship, now it’s time to go try to get another,” Grayson said. “We were riding that high for about a month, and once summer hit, we knew we had to keep grinding to get ready for the next season again, because it’s not going to come easy, and yeah, we know we have to work again.” Other 2A frontrunners Wabaunsee and Valley Falls appear to return the most talent from last year’s state teams with the Chargers welcoming back the Oliver brothers and the Dragons returning Avery Gatzemeyer. Also, St. Marys just slips into 2A this season and should challenge behind coach Will Spradling, big man Fred Criqui and the Hurla cousins.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

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EAGLES PREPARE TO TAKE FLIGHT

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

(L-R) Jose Guzman, Taylor Cable. (Photo by RJ Forbus)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer After a defeat in the 1A-DI state semifinals in March at the hands of South Gray, Ness City is returning a team they’re hoping will push just a bit further this season, and make it back to the top of the state’s podium, somewhere the Eagles visited just three seasons ago. “We had a really good experience coming back since we went to state last year and got third,” said senior point guard Jose Guzman. “We exceeded our goal, we just surprised ourselves, we didn’t know what to expect, but we went into it, you know, head on and just played to the best of our ability. [This year] I feel like we have really good pieces, like people on the bench that are coming in and stepped up over the summer, have gone in and put in work in practice and just come together and then just having a coach that has won a state title in 2019.” Brandt Rogers was the coach that took Ness City to

the state tournament in 2019 en route to the school’s first men’s state basketball title. Rogers has coached for eight years and boasts a 111-52 record overall. Five of those seasons are at Ness City where he is 59-28. With four starters returning, along with some other important pieces, the only aspect of the season that worries Rogers is what he can’t control. “The biggest challenge we will have is if our season gets shortened or limited like it did last year,” Rogers said. “We didn’t have very many practices before our first game last season because of COVID, which didn’t allow us to get the proper conditioning for running the floor well.” The good news for Ness City is the time they’ve had to develop their transition offense over the summer, even if it was without first team all-state post, senior Taylor Cable. “We had quite a few games this offseason,” Rogers said. “Taylor was unable to play this summer due to a previous injury, so we had plenty of opportunities for other players to step up. The team stepped up and played some great competition. I am looking forward to watching this team reach its potential.” Cable’s injury issues kept him on the football sideline this fall, but he expects to be back to action during basketball season, which is great news for the Eagles. The 6-5 senior is coming off of a 2020-21 campaign that he dominated, averaging 20 points, 14 rebounds, two steals, and three blocks per game. His consistent double-doubles and menacing defense were enough to earn him first team all-state honors. “Taylor has several strengths,” coach Rogers said. “I would say his biggest strength is in rebounding. A missed

Ness City Shoots For State Run

shot is almost as good as a pass to Taylor. He is also a high energy player that doesn’t show much emotion. His ability to keep his cool under pressure is a big bonus.” While one might worry Cable’s numbers could suffer from Ness City wanting to push the tempo given his bulky 6-5 frame, the senior’s mobility is surprisingly good, and impressive enough for coach Rogers to place him at the point of attack when they pressure opponents. “Not much is going to change for me because we usually press and I’m usually at the top of that,” Cable said. “So I think that I’m pretty quick compared to most, and just trying as hard as possible to run as fast as possible at the beginning of practice is what I try and do to get in shape.” Guzman is another key piece for Ness City after averaging 11.8 points per game, along with three assists and three steals. Guzman took on additional responsibility with Cable rehabbing over the summer, but also continued to work on his game at various team camps, as well as individually. “Just fundamentals, perfecting fundamentals,” Guzman said. “To where I can create out of the little things and just everything that I can keep working on improving fundamental wise, dribbling, layups, and then just adding everything together and shooting, obviously, I’ve just been shooting and just working on becoming a better player.” Guzman has the ability to keep opponents honest as a scoring threat, while complementing Cable and taking some pressure off him in the middle.

continued on page 93

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Page 24

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

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ICT POWERS

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

Andover Central, Heights Among The Best In Wichita

(L-R) Ellie Stearns, Brittany Harshaw, Cayanna Stanley, Zyanna Walker (Photos by Connor Waltz

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer The city of Wichita has long been known for some of the best high school basketball in the state for both boys and girls teams, and that tradition is expected to continue this season. Wichita Heights is a perennial power in high school basketball and a pair of standout senior girls will look to lead the Falcons to another postseason run while Andover Central will try to recover from the graduation of a pair of standout seniors with a dynamic senior duo of their own. Together the Jaguars and Falcons make up just two several powerhouse basketball programs in the ICT. Andover Central looks to start new streak After winning 45 straight games over the course of the last two seasons, Andover Central saw their streak end in the state championship in March against St. Thomas Aquinas by a score of 52-44. The Jaguars bid farewell to a talented pairing in Jaden Newfarmer (Washburn) and Bailey Wilborn (University of Maine), but also bring back seniors Brittany Harshaw (Creighton signee), Ellie Stearns (Fort Hays commit), and junior Maddie Amekporfor (D2 interest). “[We] have lots of returning talent that I hope are ready to fill all the different roles that Bailey and Jaden have filled for the program and those roles are not based on individual performance,” head coach Stana Jefferson said. “The roles are based on ‘team only’ and ‘team first’. I have coached some incredible players throughout my career, and my best players have always made their teammates better by truly understanding how to be a great leader.” Measuring in at 6-foot, Harshaw averaged 18.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game as a junior and is among the top college prospects in Kansas in the class of 2022. After averaging 17.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game as a sophomore, Harshaw verbally committed to

play basketball at Creighton last August with offers from Nebraska, Drake, Wichita State, Kansas, North Dakota State and UMKC. Her play earned her KBCA first team all-state honors in each of the past two seasons. “I think we’re going to be pretty solid,” Harshaw said. “We lost two seniors, so we’re going to have to kind of work a lot to fill their positions, but I think we’ll still be pretty good.” Harshaw - who has been hard at work on her shot and conditioning in the offseason - stressed defense as a team focus this season. “I think that’s kind of what hurt us in the championship game was our defense, and so we just need to work on that and then be able to guard different positions. Like we had two bigs that we’d never seen before,” Harshaw said. “So just being able to guard different people in bigger positions - practice it.” Harshaw’s longtime teammate, Ellie Stearns, is also coming off of a big year, averaging 13 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Stearns earned honorable mention from the KBCA after primarily playing wing for the Jaguars, but is expected to run more point this season. “Hopefully, [I will] take over that point guard role as well as I can and be that person that will get my team going and just be able to score the ball at a high rate,” Stearns said. “Since we lost two

scorers for our team, me and Brittany will have to step up in that role and make some more plays in the game.” Though Stearns took a relative back seat scoring last year, defensively she was constantly in the driver’s seat, citing it as one of her biggest strengths. “I think that’s always been my strength,” Stearns said. “Coach likes to stick me on, like, the best player on the other team just so I can put pressure on them and force them to get in their head a little and hopefully get some defensive stops to help my team get going.” Amekporfor rounds out the returning starters after averaging 9.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game as a sophomore. The 6-foot junior’s college recruiting interest is picking up and her summer included a visit to DII Missouri Western State. Jefferson - who coached the Jaguars to state titles in 2008 and 2010 - repeatedly stressed the value of leadership and chemistry to the team’s success. She’s also optimistic of the level of competition within her team during the lead up to the season. “Several kids came off the bench last year that provided big moments for the Jaguars,” Jefferson said. “Practice will be competitive right out of the gate.” Seniors Brayden Wheatly, Kellyn Rogers, and Carly Parker are players Jefferson said to keep an eye on, along with a good group of

continued on page 102

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

CENTRAL TIME

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

Salina Central Returns Key Pieces posting 20 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 2.3 steals per game last season, Kierscht was voted to the KBCA first team. “Aubrie is one of the best shooters in the country,” Fear said. “She can impact a game with her three-point shooting, but also with her ability to get to the basket. Another way she impacts a game is that the defense is often geared toward stopping her and that allows her teammates opportunities.” Kierscht - who will play basketball for the Naval Academy next year - didn’t earn her soft scoring touch spontaneously. The senior puts in considerable gym time and keeps her alarm clock set early. “I mean, what I’m most known for is definitely like my shooting,” Kierscht said. ”I work on that like every day obviously, but left handed floaters, not just right handed floaters, but making sure my left hand is strong, too. I would say that’s the best thing about me. It’s my work ethic. Like right now I go to the gym like 5:45 a.m. before school, make a thousand shots and then after school I either train kids or I also do my finishing drills, too.” Kierscht’s willingness to dedicate her time to also passing on her knowledge of the game not only helps her team now, but future basketball players throughout the Salina area. “I started doing that like last year and I think I had like up to 15 kids that I trained,” Kierscht said. “So I love that, just being a role model to the youth is something I really enjoy.”

(L-R) Aubrie Kierscht, Hampton Williams (Photos by Connor Waltz)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Salina Central advanced to the state semifinals last season, before eventually falling to Andover Central, leaving their final mark at 19-5. Returning experience from that squad leaves the Mustangs with high expectations entering the season. “We are a very optimistic group as we prepare for the 2020-21 season,” said head coach Chris Fear. “We have a very talented group of players returning from our team that finished 19-5 and brought home the 5A third place trophy from the state tournament. We will be led by seniors Hampton Williams, Aubrie Kierscht, Chaliscia Samilton and Landry Stewart. Those four seniors are all three-year letter winners. Junior Mykayla Cunningham is a two-year letter winner.” The full group returning for Central will be spearheaded by the high-scoring ability of senior Aubrie Kierscht. After

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Many of the kids Kierscht trained wouldn’t have been far from the age she and her teammate Hampton Williams were when they first took the court together. “I mean, we’ve been playing together since like third grade,” Kierscht said. “So obviously our duo, or whatever, is strong because we’ve been playing together for so long. I mean, we’ve always talked about doing big things in high school.” While they’ve each done “big things” by this point in their careers - Williams being a vital member of last year’s state qualifying team and earning all-state honorable mention honors - both believe they have unfinished business. “It’s just to win the state championship,” Kierscht said of the team’s goal. “I mean, that’s always the goal I think, but yeah, I think a big part of that though, is not just looking for the state championship, so taking game-by-game because last year we would go into a game and we would be focused on the next game, because we thought that was, you know, more important, but it wasn’t like in the moment and sometimes when you focus on the future and not the present, that can get you in trouble.” While Kierscht is known for her scoring, Williams is an aggressive rebounder, averaging 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals, to go along with seven points a game last season. “Hampton does so many things well for us,” Fear said. “She can dominate the game by rebounding and defending or by scoring the basketball at the rim, or from the perimeter. She is extremely versatile and unselfish.” Williams - an Abilene Christian basketball signee - feels confident in the team, pointing out the importance an extra year of development can bring a team. “I feel like it’s ‘stick with what we’re doing’ and it’ll work,” Williams said. “But to an extent that we have to run people

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Dreams/from page 11

Page 28

The Thompson siblings in 2018. (Submitted Photo)

of Pratt were one of the couples browsing the website. Tate is a high school English teacher and coaches wrestling and tennis, and Meriam works for a state government agency. They had three biological children already, Hogan, Jadyn and Tiger. While they started with the idea of adopting one child, they eventually set their hearts on adopting a sibling group. They specifically searched for African-American siblings that included teens because they knew these youth often wait longer to be adopted. They became a licensed foster home through the Kansas Children’s Service League, while also inquiring on children available for adoption. “We always talked about adoption even before we got married because my wrestling coach informally adopted Meriam,” said Tate. “He took her in when she was in high school. So when our daughter said that she wanted a little sister, we told her that can only happen if we adopt. We asked our kids, are you interested in adoption? And they were.” In fact, it was unanimous and the whole family took the required training class together. Meeting for the First Time By the time the Thompson family found the four siblings’ profile, the kids had given up hope that they would be adopted. They believed it was their fate to age out of foster care without a permanent family. In fact, the kids’ online profile didn’t include oldest sister Kimberly who was almost 18 and had decided to age out of care. The Thompsons researched to find there were four and invited Kimberly to be part of the adoption. So when the four heard there was a family that wanted to meet them, they were not interested. “I can remember going to the children’s foster home with their case manager to tell them about the family,” said Jenna Brown, an adoptive resource coordinator at KVC. “Prior to our meeting, the children had written letters to the family saying they did not want to meet them or be adopted by them. As we went over the family’s profile book, one of them actually took notes about the family as he soaked it all in. In the end, when I asked them if they were willing to at least meet the family with no commitment to agreeing to adoption, they all agreed except for Ke’Rel. He let me know he was not willing to meet them, which I told him was fine but if he changed his mind he was welcome to come.”

But ultimately, Ke’Rel had a change of heart. “We were able to facilitate the first visit to our office, and thankfully Ke’Rel decided to come. It would be difficult to put into words the transformation that occurred during that visit in watching the children open up to the idea that this could really happen.” Four teen siblings adopted, expanded family Tate confirmed there was a little magic at that first meeting as their three children and the four siblings met for the first time. “The four kids were expecting to meet only Meriam and me, but we don’t do things that way in our family. When we’re going to meet someone important to us, we all go. So we brought our kids, too.” Jenna shared how the siblings processed that unexpected interaction. “The four children asked to go into a room by themselves to talk. Essentially they had a family meeting where they talked about changing their mind about being adopted by them. Soon after, they visited the family’s home, and a month later, they requested to move in with them.” From there, the adoption process moved along. The kids adjusted well to the new community which was much more rural than they were used to. “They weren’t sure initially,” said Tate, “but really they were just happy to be somewhere where they were wanted. They all made friends easily and got involved in tennis, wrestling, musicals, plays, anything they wanted to do. They’re thriving with all the activities here.” Dreams that You Dare to Dream Really Do Come True As adoption day grew closer, Tate says, “They were excited about it but they weren’t sure because other possible adoptions had fallen through. So until it happened, they just didn’t believe it would. We kept telling them we were permanent.” On finalization day, they all wore the shirts that said, “Thompson Family – Get on the bus” and had all nine family members’ names. A TV station reporter came to cover the happy story, and since the court was running about an hour behind, she

got to see them interacting positively and even let them take the camera. Their parents say it made the kids feel special. The parents felt special, too. Oldest daughter Kimberly always wished for a dad. She found that in Tate. “She moved to Pratt for her senior year, which was a big change, but we spent a lot of time together all year.” Ke’Rel loves his big brother Hogan and wants to do everything he does. The feeling is mutual, as Hogan says the adoption means getting “two best friends” in brothers Keishaune and Ke’Rel. “They’ll be able to be my friends throughout my whole entire life because, well, they’re going to be my family,” he said. All seven kids understand they are equal. There’s no difference between biological or adopted kids; just seven brothers and sisters. “Since the first visit, they started calling us Mommy and Daddy,” said Tate. “It felt good because we thought that might be difficult. It turns out, they just wanted a home where they belonged and where they could be loved and supported, permanently.” Encouraging Others to Foster or Adopt a Child To those considering adopting a child from foster care, the Thompsons say, “Keep pushing and working at it and it will happen. It can be a long process, but try to be positive. It’s worth it in the end.” They also want to dispel the myth that adopting from foster care is expensive. “On social media, I always see people talk about the expense. Yes, you will pay more for food! But the adoption itself is essentially free, which is different than a private adoption. There are so many kids in need, so if you want to make a difference, this is something you can do right now.” This article originally appeared on the KVC Kansas website, https://kansas.kvc.org, in October of 2018.

Meriam and Tate Thompson in 2018. (Submitted Photo)

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

RED DEMONS RISING

Barker, Mendez Headline 6A Contender

(L-R) Luke Barker, Damian Mendez (Photo by RJ Forbus)

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Dodge City is coming off of a third place finish at last year’s 6A state wrestling tournament, with a couple of the best wrestlers in the state leading the way. “We have a veteran group that has a ton of wrestling experience,” head coach Tate Lowe said. “Having Damian Mendez and Luke Barker, who are not only state known, but nationally known, and are great leaders in our room help elevate the team. Our goal every year is to put a state championship caliber team out on the mat and this year fits the bill. We will focus this year on ‘W.I.N.’ which stands for ‘What’s Important Now.’” In heavy quotes, Mendez “redeemed” himself last season, when he recaptured a state championship with a record of 35-0, beating defending 120 pound champion Easton Taylor of Manhattan 3-1 in the 132 pound final. He had already won the state championship at 106 as a freshman with a record of 41-7, but suffered his lone loss in the state final as a sophomore, finishing that season as the 113 pound runner-up with a record of 27-1. “Damian has always been a naturally gifted wrestler,” Lowe said. “He can see something and replicate it. His wrestling technique, knowledge and love for the sport are at an elite level. He can wrestle with anyone in the nation and has tremendous upside. He is a college ready wrestler.” Mendez has long been a workaholic when it comes to sports, pushing himself and his teammates to keep constant involvement in one way or another. “Well, we always like to keep each other posted up,” Mendez said. “Make sure you’re getting that work on the offseason, not just slacking. If you’re at least staying active in something you know, not just sitting at home, playing video games, or you know, whatever.”

Page 29

a whole new level to his ability and having that growth mindset will develop his wrestling to great heights.” While Barker has grown mentally, he is also working on doing the same physically. After wrestling in the 152 pound class the two prior years, he’s now moving up. “So this year is a big change in my weight, I’m jumping up a few weight classes,” Barker said. “I’m looking at 170, but during football season I’ve been having that mindset of going to 182, so I’ve been trying to push my weight as much as possible, but we’ll see where I’m at.” With wrestlers being known to drop significant weight at times, it can be hard doing the opposite. “That is definitely a struggle,” Barker said. “I’m not used to eating, you know I used to think it was easy to gain weight, but not anymore.” Barker has worked hard on his skill set, and according to his coach that includes stops outside of Dodge City. “His development is accredited to some great wrestling people from across the state,” Lowe said. “He has worked with great people from Ulysses, Larned, Great Bend and Dodge City and has developed his own style using the best of all those places. We are extremely happy he is in Dodge City for his high school part of that journey.” The Red Demons also return three other state-placers in seniors Santonio Turner (24-15, 4th place at 220) and Israel Ramirez (26-13, 5th place at 126) and junior Roman Loya (29-11, 5th place at 195), along with three other state qualifiers, including senior Rudy Hernandez who was fifth at 138 as a sophomore. The Red Demons enter the season as the third ranked team in 3A. In spite of the optimism Lowe remains focused on the “What’s Important Now” concept going into this season.

The two-time state champ has personally focused on the weight room and improving his conditioning, while all the while competing in several offseason tournaments. “I still remember when he first started freestyle and Greco as a little guy,” Lowe said. “I knew he was going to be good at wrestling. He loves to compete, and the sport of wrestling, and that is evident in his work ethic in the practice room. He has an extremely high motor and gas tank that is hard to match. That partly comes natural, but you would be hard pressed to find someone who scrapes harder in practice then he does.” Like his coach, Mendez shared his excitement about the team and what they can accomplish this season, but when it comes to his own time on the mat the focus is a bit closer to home. “I feel really confident and it’s just - I always want to have it ‘me vs. me’ - you know what I mean?,” Mendez said. “So it’s just always so that I could get better around where I could be in potential, where I could be in just closing the gap.” Mendez’s teammate, and fellow former state champion, junior Luke Barker, finds himself in a similar position as Mendez was a year ago. After winning the 152 pound state title with a record of 28-6 as a freshman, Barker suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 loss in the championship match in February, earning him runner-up with a 34-4 record. Despite the championship loss, his head coach is far continued on page 30 from concerned about his athlete. Dine-In Now Open “Luke Barker is the most Where Available driven kid I have ever coached,” Lowe said. “He has the athletic ability, along with the work ethic, drive, and determination to locations in Dodge City, go along with it. One of the Garden City and Liberal! big things I have noticed after last season was how he has started taking the mental aspect to another level. He has matured and Download the Pizza Hut app understands the mental to find deals, earn rewards and part of the sport is a big order your favorite Pizza, Pasta, part of success at a high Breadsticks, Wings and Desserts! level. I think this adds ULYSSES, KS KS GOODLAND, KS SYRACUSE, WHEELER, KS KS COLBY, KSOAKLEY, KS SUBLETTE, KS JOHNSON, ULYSSES, KS KS ULYSSES, WHEELER, KS 2718 West Oklahoma 1100 Ave. US-50 | Toll | Free: (620) 800-356-3460 384-7421 | West 620-356-3460 1104 West Hwy 1104 24 West | Toll Hwy Free: 24 877-320-4020 | 785-890-7575 | 785-890-7575 Kansas Ave. 685 Kansas | 56 Toll Ave. 800-832-2124 785-332-2124 785-332-2124 West Oklahoma 2718685 West Ave. | Toll Free: Ave. 800-356-3460 | Free: 620-356-3460 | 620-356-3460 405 Kansas W.| Toll Horton 405 Ave. W. |Horton Toll3670 Free: Ave. 800-532-6529 | 785-462-3391 | Free: 785-462-3391 US| 2718 Hwy 3670 40 | Oklahoma USTollHwy 40 800-209-4001 | E785-672-3272 | 785-672-3272 Hwy Hwy | |Toll 56 Free: West 800-464-2691 | |620-675-2691 | 620-675-2691 West 725 Ave. Rd Toll 122718 |Free: (620) 800-356-3460 492-6836 | Oklahoma 620-356-3460 685 Kansas Ave. 685 Free: Ave. 800-832-2124 | 785-332-2124 785-332-2124

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“Being able to move forward no matter the situation,” Lowe said of his team’s focus. “We stress to not worry about the score, just score. Those concepts go hand in hand. We need to focus on what we need to be doing in this moment. This year we will not look at the past or look into the future. Stress what needs to get done now. I think this will help us in focusing on details, handling adversity and rising to occasions when called upon.”

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

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WINTER SPOTLIGHT

PANTHERS ON THE PROWL

at 138). All three wrestlers have state title aspirations for the upcoming season, and have shown the ability in the past to back those hopes. Weber - a three time place winner after finishing sixth as a freshman and fifth as a sophomore - achieved the pinnacle of wrestling success his junior season going 32-3 en route to his state title victory. The defending champ plans on sticking to what he knows, which (L-R): Wyatt Weber, Bre Ridgeway, Kaden Spragis (Photo by RJ Forbus) incorporates a rather unorthodox By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer signature move. For the last seven KSHSAA wrestling seasons, Goddard “Everybody calls it the Wyatt,” Weber said. “At least the High School has been on a state championship warpath, people that know call it the Wyatt. Just get your arms tight winning all seven in that span, and giving few other teams up like this [simulating a hold] and you can’t do anything prospects of competing with them. when we’re both up in neutral, right, and there’s different That’s not to say their dominant streak will last forever, variations once I get it set up. I mean, you’re either going as 5A is full of programs working to dethrone the Lions. this way or that way, or you’re going to fall, one way or Great Bend is one team that hopes to find their was in the another.” top three come February. While Weber was fully aware of how to perform the “I feel like we are a dark horse in 5A to bring home a “Wyatt,” he clarified that trying to compare it to another trophy,” head coach Nathan Broeckelman said. “You have move for context simply isn’t doable. Maize and Goddard battling, but third place is wide open. “Not really, to be honest. It’s something nobody’s ever We return two finalists and a placer and only lost two seen.” varsity letter winners from last year’s team. Our seniors Weber’s abilities on the mat have been something he will need to help guide our underclassmen so that we can has developed over time, and something his head coach, bring home a state trophy and finish the year out as WAC Nathan Broeckelman, has enjoyed getting to work on. Champions.” “He is by far one of the most exciting wrestlers Coming off of a seventh place finish at state last season, based on the moves he does - we have, and we can the Panthers are centered around their three returning usually count on him getting the job done on the mat,” state place-winners, seniors Kaden Spragis (2nd at 106), Broeckelman said. “He is looking forward to making a run Avery Wolf (4th at 113) and Wyatt Weber (1st for his second state title.”

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It’s not just technique for Weber though, it’s also his toughness. “Wyatt is one of those tough-nosed wrestlers who will not take anything lightly,” Broeckelman said. “He does not care who he wrestles, but it will be an intense battle.” Spragis finished his runner-up junior season with a record of 37-4. The year prior he finished fifth in the state with a record of 40-14. “Kaden has grown up through our kids wrestling program and has worked hard to get to be the wrestler he is today,” Broeckelman said. “He will be going for his third state medal and looking for another state finals appearance. His freshman year he may have had an opportunity to bring home a medal but was behind other returning finalist Wyatt Weber. Kaden has spent a ton of time in the offseasons preparing for his final year as a Panther.” Spragis is excited about the team going into this season, after being pleasantly surprised a year ago. “Compared to my freshman and sophomore year, we were really good and then we lost all of our seniors and everything, but my junior year I didn’t think we were going to be that good, Spragis said. “We actually ended up doing really good at state. We haven’t lost anyone, so I think we’ll be better than what we did last year.” Wolf is the third returning state placer for the Panthers. The senior finished 38-8 a year ago, but will likely be in a tough weight category, with all three of the wrestlers that placed ahead of him at the state tournament returning. On the girls side of the sport, senior Bre Ridgeway (Hastings College commit) is the only Panther wrestler coming off of an undefeated season, after finishing last year 36-0 on her way to a championship in the 126 pound class. During the inaugural girl’s state championship in 2020, Ridgeway finished third after posting a 35-2 record. “Bre has been wrestling most of her life through our kids program,” Broeckelman said. “She is one that has wrestled with the boys all her life and finally had the opportunity to compete with girls so she does not have a disadvantage.” Ridgeway and Broeckelman both feel good about the girls team returning for the Panthers. “Our girls are very similar to the boys,” Broeckelman said. “On paper we are barely a top 10 team but we are the returning WAC Champions and will be looking to repeat that. We do lose more letterwinners but our incoming freshmen class were also Middle School Girls WAC Champions. We are looking forward to filling in our line-up and battling for a WAC Championship and state trophy.” While the girls team has the potential, Ridgeway is a surefire asset for the Panthers program, and not just as a winner. “Bre will also be looking for her second state title and will be the one we look to for leadership on the girls team,” Broeckelman said. “She is wanting to bring home another state trophy.”

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Page 33

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

HARDCORE HOXIE

Defending Champs 3-2-1A Favorites

at state. This year we need to do the same and stay hungry and humble and wrestle the same gritty style like we have something to prove to everyone.” A talented array of wrestlers delivered (L-R): Marissa Porsch, Drew Bretz, Derek Johnson and Drew Bell (Photo by RJ Forbus) the title for Hoxie, By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer who easily outscored second place Hill City 154 to 84. Hoxie had nine wrestlers place at the state tournament, Hoxie has a storied wrestling history. As of 2003, the Indians had won 10 state titles. Prior to the state tournaand the three individual champions are all returning for another season: senior Drew Bell (132 state champ), ment last season, however, they had been on an 18-year title drought. junior Drew Bretz (138 state champ), and junior Derek During the 2020-21 season, that all changed, as head Johnson (145 state champ). “I am excited heading into the season,” Porsch said. coach Mike Porsch was finally able to get the program back at the top after coming close the previous four “We return all but one wrestler [from last season] and had a good group of wrestlers that trained really hard in seasons, including a runner-up finish in 2019-20. the summer with many of them wrestling against national “Last year we wrestled knowing that we came up short competition.” at the state tournament the year before and didn’t want Bell also noted the work put in over the summer. that to happen again,” Porsch said. “We wanted our best “I went to a bunch of tournaments over the summer, tournament to be at the end. Not sure that happened, but wrestling a lot of guys from out of state. I had like three we kept focus through all the qualifiers and wrestled well

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

guys that I wrestled that were from Kansas over the summer and I finished about 40 matches or so,” Bell said. The state champ has been pushing himself beyond state tournaments for years now, something he and his coach both believe contributed to his development. “Drew is a fierce competitor and an extremely hard worker, a quiet leader in the room that makes everyone around him better,” Porsch said. “Drew has been testing himself on the national scene for many years and his hard work shows.” Bell - who took first as both a sophomore and junior, and fourth as a freshman - finished last season undefeated for the first time, at 44-0, but the success is not something the senior lingers on for long. “Yeah, it was pretty good,” Bell said. “I mean, I don’t know, we kind of put it to bed. Those of us that wrestled over the summer, because, I mean, we don’t just want to finish with one, we want to finish out the rest.” Bretz finished the season 43-3 and made a big jump from finishing sixth at state as a freshman. “Drew is a gifted athlete that finds ways to make adjustments against tough competition and find ways to win,” Porsch said. “Drew has really improved on the mental aspect of the sport and has really made gains and I believe

continued on page 34

PASSING THE BATON

Johnson Hands Norton Reins To Broeckelman

2004, having wrestled at Fort Hays, before coaching a couple years at Kingman, and then eventually heading to Norton to teach and coach. Johnson was also heavily involved with the Kansas National Team, spending significant time away from home, and his (Photo by RJ Forbus) wrestling program in Norton. (L-R): Coach Bill Broeckelman, Kolton Field, Coach Bill Johnson “I’m traveling around all over the United By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer States,” Johnson said. “Gaining some knowledge as Norton High School has won an astounding 17 state much as I can with the Kansas National Team going to wrestling team titles during the school’s existence, second Fargo every summer like some of these guys from Hoxie are now doing all that and so that really jumps your levels only to Arkansas City with 21. from a like a big duck in a small pond, to a bigger pond.” The Blue Jays won their first state tournament in 1959 under legendary head coach J.R. Durham, who would go The time spent on the road was helpful to Johnson’s on to win six total for Norton - three of which were all-class career as a whole, but in the early 2000s he decided it titles - his last being in 1973. was time to stick closer to home. It would be another 31 years, in 2004, before Norton “Jake Durham won six state titles in a short amount of time when he was coaching as well,” Johnson said. would again reach the top of the podium as a team, when head coach Bill Johnson won his first state title in a “So the foundation was there and we just had to, you coaching tenure that started in Norton in 1991. know, bring back that culture and I guess about 2002 is when I gave up the national circuit going to Fargo every Once Johnson got the first he turned Norton into the summer.” most dominant program in 3-2-1A winning team titles in Although Norton had teams place prior to their champi2004 through 2006, 2010, 2011, 2013 through 2017 and 2020. onship season, it wasn’t until after this decision to shift his focus that the Blue Jays returned to their once lofty perch. Johnson was already a fixture in Kansas wrestling by

SAFARI BREAKFAST

“I gave that up in 2002 and wanted to focus more on just my team at Norton,” Johnson said. “Instead of making the state of Kansas better, just try to focus in on Norton and so we started some stuff we called a Summer Takedown League...and lots of, you know, summer camps every summer in Norton, and just put a lot of time into the kids club too. So when I stopped doing the the national stuff in 2002, so 2004 it paid off right away with a state title.” Johnson had the privilege of coaching all three of his sons - Ryan, Eric and Skyler - to individual state championships during their career, along with Darius Shields in 2020, who Johnson and his wife took in after the passing of Shields’ mother. Johnson coached over 30 state champions in his career, as well as leading the Blue Jays to 11 team titles. His most recent team title was in 2020, when Shields, as well as current two-time state champ, Kolton Field, both won golds to help in the championship effort. After years of Kansas wrestling dominance, by 2018, Johnson was beginning to consider what would be best for his own future, the decision would not be easy though. “Yeah, I wanted to quit then,” Johnson said. “That’s when I wanted to get out and I talked to my wife and things about it, but, probably Darius Shields that I brought in as a foster kid, he was still in our home and he was

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Page 34

Hoxie/from page 33

he will keep improving.” After finishing second place at the sub-state tournament to Oakley’s Eric Cain, Bretz managed to make up for that loss by defeating Cain in the state tournament championship match. While Bretz’s strength and technique are important to his success, he believes it’s what is in his head that allowed him to take some big jumps forward. “Last season, I think I was just stronger, you know, mentally,” Bretz said. “I kind of got the first year jitters out of the way and kind of knew what I needed to do to finish, because when I finished sixth in my freshman year, I knew I could have finished better. So I just came back sophomore year, knowing that I needed to finish as high up as I could, and that was just my goal the whole year.” Fellow junior and state champ, Derek Johnson, was the other of two Hoxie wrestlers that finished the season unblemished, finishing 43-0. Johnson’s championship during his sophomore year gave him his second state title, after winning it all with a record of 34-3 as a freshman. “Derek has been a consistent performer for us and keeps putting in the work to be one of the top wrestlers in the state,” Porsch said. “Derek has searched out the best competition he could in the spring and summer to jump levels in his wrestling.” Johnson pointed out the excitement in the community and the efforts he and his teammates are putting in to get back to the top. “I think everybody is hoping for us to repeat,” Johnson said. “Especially since we only lost one senior. The team who got second only lost one senior and the team who got third lost quite a few, so we’re looking to repeat. Hopefully

be more dominant than last year. I think we got some good freshman incoming and they can fill in some of the weights that we need, so that’s good. Me and some of the other guys have been putting in a lot of work over the summer doing like freestyle and Greco stuff, so I don’t think anybody else has been doing that, so hopefully that adds to our success as well.” The lone senior place-winner to graduate was Aidan Baalman (2nd at 160) but the Indians return a load of talent in addition to the three titlists including junior Tate Weimer (2nd at 106), junior Wayne Shepard (4th at 113), sophomore Carson Ochs (6th at 120), junior Dayton Bell (2nd at 126) and senior Brandon Baker (6th at 285). While the boys appear the favorites to repeat as state champs, the lone female wrestler on the team, senior Marissa Porsch, is a trailblazer for women’s wrestling. “This is Marissa’s third year as a wrestler, but she has picked the sport up quickly and has spent time training and learning every chance she gets,” coach Porsch said of his pupil and daughter. “This was the first time she was able to compete on a national level and she performed very well and I’m sure the experience will show up through the season.” Porsch finished third at 132 pounds in the 4A-1A state tournament last season with a season record of 43-2, after finishing fourth at 130 pounds during the inaugural all classification KSHSAA women’s wrestling state tournament in 2020. Porsch wrestles against the guys in practice, as she is the lone girl at Hoxie currently out for wrestling, something she has worked to change over the years. “I’ve tried to recruit for the past couple years obviously, but no one is just really interested,” Porsch said.

Despite being the lone female out for the team, Porsch doesn’t skip a beat on the mat, although she did have to deal with an injury this offseason. “Yeah, I spent a lot of time on freestyle this summer until I broke my collarbone, but otherwise I was working a lot with freestyle and I was also doing a whole bunch of conditioning with the boys even after I broke my collarbone,” Porsch said. “Once I could, I was doing a lot of conditioning so I know I’ll be in really good shape going into season, and then as the season goes on I’ll just get into better and better.” Porsch spent three months recovering from her collarbone injury, but is excited to return to the mat. “I know I have a lot to make back from that, but so far coming back into practice, I don’t feel too bad,” Porsch said. This isn’t the first time coach Porsch has had the opportunity to coach one his children - Dayton Porsch (who wrestles at Pratt Community College after transferring from the University of Northern Iowa) was a four-time state champ for his father, and Tristan (wrestling at Fort Hays) was a four-time state placer - and now he is enjoying the opportunity to coach his daughter. “I have been fortunate to create some great relationships over the years with many of the athletes I’ve coached,” Porsch said. “I was able to coach two sons and now being able to coach Marissa has been special. She is truly a trailblazer for other girls to follow in Hoxie when she decided to wrestle. She has done it right and works tremendously hard at getting better. I hope she can inspire other young girls in Hoxie to give it a try.”

Norton/from page 33 still wrestling, so it was a hard time to get out. And then of course, Kolton Field, you know he’s a special kid to me because of where he was and where he is now and not just wrestling but becoming a man as well, and through some of his struggles that he’s had along the way. So it wasn’t the right, it’s never the right time I guess.” Despite the difficult decision, Johnson would soon begin going back down the path of higher education. “I didn’t even start my Masters Degree for administration until I was 52 years old,” Johnson said. “So that was just like three years ago I started that and finished it just last April. So then, all these jobs in Norton came available, four administrative jobs came available in Norton. I’m a religious man. I think it was a God thing, that God was telling me, ‘Hey, you need to go one more year.’ So actually I’ve been thinking about it since 2018.” Johnson now holds duties as both a principal and an athletic director at Norton, and the question for who would carry the torch just required a look close to home. One of Johnson’s former wrestlers, and an assistant coach, Billy Broeckelman, was a perfect option. Although Broeckelman was highly successful as a wrestler for Johnson, taking second in state in 2008, it was the experience of having a two-time state champion brother, now Great Bend head coach Nathan Broeckelman, that has likely prepared him more than anything else. “So, you know, my dad always told me growing up - my brother was a two-time state champion - that filling shoes isn’t really a fun job to do. So the biggest thing to do with your life is just make your own path, take what you know and go with it. I learned a lot these last few years watching Johnson and he let me run some practices, let me do some things, gave me feedback, gave me a lot of advice.” Both coaches understand the gravity of following a legendary career, Johnson pointing out how lucky he was

to have a couple years buffer between him and Durham, but having the familiarity Broeckelman has with the Blue Jays is an advantage in and of itself. One of Broeckelman’s top wrestlers, Field - who Johnson had actually pulled aside three tournaments in during last season to inform him he would not be returning, and that he would love for Field to be one of his last state champs - feels extremely confident in the passing of the torch between coaches. “When he came in a couple of years ago all the kids loved him,” Field said of Broeckelman. “Everyone made a connection with him and everyone gets along with him. You see eye-to-eye. He’s putting good work in and he’s going to use the same techniques and same rich traditions that Johnson has applied. I think Broeckelman will just step right in and keep it going.” Broeckelman will have a challenge maintaining Norton’s consistent success, but he had a front row seat to learn the “little things” from one of the best coaches in KSHSAA history. “As an athlete, you don’t see all the behind the scenes things that he does for all the kids,” Broeckelman said. “We knew he made breakfast burritos, we knew he got there super early in case the kid needed [him] there, we knew that he always had the vans warmed up so that it wasn’t a cold drive there, but he was always there early, you always knew he was there to talk to you if you needed him, there’s

never a doubt in my mind that he wasn’t in our corner, and coaching with him, you see that even more because you can see the struggles he has within. As a kid, you just don’t see those things.” While Broeckelman’s words clearly shine a light on the quality of coach Johnson was in his time, it might be Field who exemplifies best the impact Johnson has had on his wrestlers, not by talking about the retired coach directly, but instead by discussing his goals for this season. “To be honest, even in the past years being state champion really wasn’t my goal,” Field said. “My goal is just to go out and score a bunch of points and whatever happens, happens. So looking to this year, I mean, it’d be cool to win three in a row, but at the same time, I think my bigger goal is to just give back to the team and help them just try to be successful and like, on Monday nights when the little kids are in the wrestling room, just help them out too, so they have someone to look up to and they can chase their championship as well.”

Joy Johnson Phone: 785-877-3221

Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League, Division I........ 37 Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League, Division II....... 38 Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League, Division III...... 38 Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League, Division IV...... 39 Big 7 League........................................................ 40 Centennial League............................................... 41 Central Kansas League........................................ 42 Central Plains League.......................................... 43 Central Prairie League.... 44; Others.................... 45 Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee League.................... 46 Eastern Kansas League....................................... 47 Flint Hills League.................................................. 47 Frontier League.................................................... 48 Great West Activities Conference......................... 49 Greater Wichita Athletic League........................... 50 Heart of America League...................................... 51 Heart of the Plains League................................... 52 Hi-Plains League.... 53; Kaw Valley Conference..53 Kansas City-Atchison League.............................. 54 Lyon County League............................................ 54 Mid-Continent League.......................................... 55 Mid-East League.................................................. 56

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North Central Activities Association...................... 57 North Central Kansas League.............................. 59 Northeast Kansas League.................................... 61 Northern Plains League........................................ 62 Northwest Kansas League................................... 65 Pioneer League.................................................... 66 Southeast Kansas League................................... 67 South Central Border League............................... 68 Southern Plains-Iroquois Activities Association.... 69 Sunflower League................................................. 70 Three Rivers League............................................ 70 Tri-Valley League.................................................. 72 Twin Valley League............................................... 72 United Kansas Conference................................... 74 Western Athletic Conference................................ 75 Western Kansas Liberty League.......................... 76 Wheat State League............................................. 76 6A Wrestling......................................................... 78 5A Wrestling......................................................... 79 4A Wrestling......................................................... 80 3-2-1A Wrestling................................................... 81 DI Girls Wrestling.... 82; DII Girls Wrestling.......... 83

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By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS Having both the 6A state runner-up - Campus - and 5A state champs - Maize - in the same division made the AVCTL-I among the toughest leagues in the state a year ago. A trove of talent returning could lead to much of the same this season. While Maize and Campus both see the departure of all-state players, Maize’s Kyle Grill is returning and looks to be one of the best in the league, while the combination of 6-5 Andrell Burton and 6-3 Zion Young gives Campus a new pairing to build around. Derby showed signs of brilliance last year, led by senior Fontaine Williams, while Newton - despite just two-wins last season returns a majority of their roster after playing one of the toughest schedules in the state and often putting up a good fight. In a league seemingly never short on talent, the best question might be, who’s up next? From their 11-9 squad last season, DERBY brings back their top three scorers; 6-2 second team all-league senior Fontaine Williams (16 ppg, 4 rpb), 6-2 senior third team all-league Jameer Clemons (11 ppg, 2 apg) and senior 6-5 Amari Thomas (10 ppg, 5 rpg). The trio are among the best in the AVCTL while 6-1 senior Trent Parke (4 ppg, 2 rpg) and 6-3 senior Deshawne Titus (4 ppg) also return for the Panthers. “We have high expectations for ourselves this season,” coach Brett Flory said. “We return a good deal of experience, depth, and athleticism. We are undersized, so rebounding is a concern, but we hope we can make up for that by being a team that presses you full-court for 32 minutes with good depth, quickness, and athleticism. Offensively, we will spread the floor with a lot of solid three-point threats, and will try to play faster than any team in Kansas. We will need to do a great job of unselfishly sharing minutes and sacrificing for the good of the team. If we can achieve that mentality, we should have a chance to be a very good basketball team.” From last season’s 21-3 6A runner-up, CAMPUS loses their top three scorers in Sterling Chapman (Tulsa), Steven Strong (Newman), and Jayden Hall. A young core led by 6-3 junior Zion Young and 6-5 sophomore Andrell Burton looks to sustain the Colts postseason success of the past two seasons. “We have some young kids that are going to get in the fire early,” coach Chris Davis said. “We have been spoiled the last three years. We are excited to coach our young kids, we just have to improve every day.” HUTCHINSON wasn’t able to find much success in the win column last season, and much of that resulted from playing in the AVCTL. In fact, all 13 losses came from league play, including a hard-fought 70-61 state quarterfinal loss to Campus, the eventual 6A runner-up. Hutch brings back two returning starters in juniors Garret Robertson (9.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.7 apg) and Nic Lange (4.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg), but will need to replace the production of 6-7 Myles Thompson, an all-AVCTL selection now playing for Barton County

Community College. “[Our keys to success are] taking care of the basketball, winning the war on the glass and playing as one unit on both ends of the floor,” coach Bryan Miller said. The defending 5A state champs lose a huge piece from a year ago in first team all-state Jacob Hanna (University of IllinoisSpringfield), but that doesn’t mean all is lost for MAIZE, not even close. Head coach Chris Grill brings back four of his five starters from last season, including his son, second team all-state senior Kyle Grill (11.3 ppg, 3.8 reb, 3.6 apg, FHSU commit), who was instrumental in their state championship run last season. Standout junior Avery Johnson (13.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.2 apg), also a 4-star QB prospect on the football field, returns as a dangerous weapon for the Eagles, while seniors Jaden Gustafson (6-4, 6.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, Wichita State baseball commit) and Mason Belcher (6-8, 6 ppg, 4.6 rpg) provide a presence in the paint. “Our goals are to be competitive in every game,” coach Grill said. “We will try to compete for a league championship as well as a state championship.” MAIZE SOUTH gets back three starters from last year’s 10-11 team in senior Owen Clyne (5.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1 apg, .8 spg), junior Isaiah Atwater (8.3 ppg, 3 apg, 3 rpg, 1.4 spg), and sophomore Jeron Askren (5.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg, .7 apg, .4 spg). With a few key losses from last year, the 2021-22 Mavericks team needs a few up-and-comers to play important minutes, but for the most part, head coach Joe Jackson thinks the primary focus needs to be on the little things. “Rebounding, defending, and shot selection,” Jackson said. “We must rebound the ball to compete. We must eliminate good shots from our opponents. We must take good shots. If we do these three things, we will give ourselves a chance to achieve our goals.” NEWTON has four returning starters and the knowledge that they played nine state tournament qualifiers during their 2-19 season a year ago. All-AVCTL senior Dylan Petz (11.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, .8 spg) is the top returning scorer, while fellow seniors Tanner Dorrell (6.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.4 apg, .4 spg) and Joe Slechta (3.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg, .7 apg, 1.9 spg) are also likely focal points for Newton. One of the biggest boosts for fifth year head coach Andy Preston’s squad is junior point guard Camden Carr’s (6.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.3 apg, 1.5 spg) return. His floor-generalship was missed during the second half of the 20-21 season due to injury. SALINA SOUTH says goodbye to seven key seniors from graduation coming off of last season’s 16-5 finish. Junior Te’Jon McDaniel (5.8 ppg, 5 rpg) is the lone returning starter for the Cougars as they figure out their new rotation. GIRLS Derby and Maize both made the state tournament last year out of the AVCTL-I and both teams look to make appearances this season, with Derby getting back two all-state caliber players in Addy Brown and Tatum Boettger and Maize bringing back four out of five of their starters from their state team. Maize South’s 6-3 junior Avery Lowe is another player to look out for as she embarks on another year of moving her team in the Dine-In Now Open right direction. Where Available Each team in the league brings back experience, and ORDER ONLINE with that, potential to shake up the league this season. DERBY finished 17-5 last season with a state tournament with locations in Hays, appearance before being by Dodge City in the Hutchinson and Salina! eliminated quarterfinals. After eight years, three top three finishes at state Download the Pizza Hut - including the 2018 6A title app to find deals, and six straight sub-state titles, earn rewards and order Derby bids farewell to head your favorite Pizza, Pasta, coach Jodie Karsak following a family move to the Kansas Breadsticks, Wings City area. and Desserts!

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New head coach Dan Harrison, Karsak’s assistant for three seasons, inherits a wealth of talent as the Panthers return their top two scorers in first team all-state junior Addy Brown (18.5 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.3 spg) and all-state honorable mention senior Tatum Boettger (11.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.8 apg) and also welcome back standout junior guard Maryn Archer, who missed much of last season to injury. Archer (Arkansas commit) and Brown (more than a dozen major DI offers) are two of the top basketball prospects in the country and together with sophomore Destiny Smith (Southern Illinois offer) gives the Panthers a trio of Division I prospects. Seniors Chris Yager and Jada Hopson return to provide leadership and sophomore Naomi White (CSU-Pueblo offer) is another emerging name to know for a talented Panther team. CAMPUS struggled last season in the AVCTL-I, finishing 1-11 and in seventh place in league and 4-17 overall. Four senior starters including Tya Tindall (11.1 ppg), Analysia Morales (5.7 ppg), Sadie Hubbard (4.5 ppg), and Kara Smith (2.4 ppg). “We need to be better fundamentally,” coach Robbie Wright said. “To improve as a team, we need our players to improve individually, so that is our goal. We will be successful if we can get stops on defense and our guards can shoot the ball more consistently on offense.” HUTCHINSON finished 8-12 and placed fourth in the league continued on page 90

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

ARK VALLEY CHISHOLM TRAIL LEAGUE, DIVISION II

Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS The AVCTL-II may feature the most open playing field in the state for teams looking to surprise folks this year. With the graduation of much of Andover’s dominant team, a question of who will challenge for that status this year is on everyone’s mind. While Andover does retain some of it’s status, BJ Redic being a good asset to any team, Arkansas City returns the most talent and from a team that won 14 games. Valley Center is in much of the same boat as Andover, with a lone returner in 6-8 tower Noah Simmons from their 16-win team. Team’s like Eisenhower and Andover Central are likely plotting an overthrow of the top brass as well, good players from teams that didn’t obtain as much success as preferred last season. After falling short in the sub-state finals against

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a talented Bishop Carroll team and graduating first team all-state Jack Johnson (Dallas Baptist University), ANDOVER is left with a reloading job after finishing 19-3. The one remaining cog from last year’s squad is 6-3 junior BJ Redic (8.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, .5 apg, .6 bpg, .5 spg). Fifth year head coach Martin Shetlar plans on building on the success and culture built over the last couple of years, but isn’t looking past the first step of gaining on-court experience for a group of players yet to be tested at the varsity level. In his first year as head coach, Tyler Richardson’s Jaguar squad wasn’t able to gain much momentum, finishing 6-11 and losing in the first round of sub-state. Despite the tough start, there are plenty of reasons for ANDOVER CENTRAL fans to look forward to this season. Seniors Max Holcomb and second team all-league Skyler Clevenger, along with junior honorable mention all-league Brian Perry are three of those reasons. Further complementing that talented trio is junior Wichita Southeast transfer Kobe Smith, who earned second team all-league honors in the GWAL as a sophomore. ARKANSAS CITY returns a strong trio of juniors from last year’s team in Trevor Pierce (6.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Gabe Welch (4.5 ppg, 1.5 rpg), and Cadon Clark (3.4 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.5 apg), but otherwise graduates last year’s primary contributors from a team that finished 14-8, including first team allleague senior Brock Merz (Emporia track). Last season was a bit of a lull in an otherwise highly successful Steve Blue tenure at

EISENHOWER. Finishing the season just 6-16, it was only the Tigers second time outside of the top two in the league since the school’s inception in 2011. A trio of starters return in seniors Jason McCarty (4 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg), Cade Friend (3 ppg, 3 rpg) and Owen Rush (5 ppg, 2 rpg). “Last year we really struggled shooting the ball,” coach Blue said. “Many of our losses our defense kept us in the game, but offensively we struggled. So going into this season we will hope to shoot it better, but improving our shot selection and our Execution on offense. We will need to improve our defense to the point that we are creating offensive opportunities. In our 10 years of being open we have only finished out of the top two in league twice so getting back to the top is definitely a goal of ours.” GODDARD finished last year 1-20 and returns no starters - and lose all-league second team Camron Moses, and honorable mention Jackson LeFevre to graduation - as Lee Baldwin takes over as head coach for the program. His goal for the season is to “change the culture.” Senior Mason Lubbers (3.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.3 apg), senior Seth Wilhelm (.4 ppg, 1.9 rpg), junior Ryan Bay (1.1 ppg, 1 rpg), and sophomore Jake Jasnoski (1.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg) are the Lions’ returners with noteworthy varsity experience. SALINA CENTRAL managed just seven wins last season, but from those trials they return five starters; seniors Nolan Puckett (7.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, .8 apg, 1 spg), Micah Moore (3 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.3 apg, .5 spg), Hayden Vidricksen (1.5 ppg,

Page 38 1.6 rpg, 1.1 apg, .6 spg), Parker Kavanagh (2.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg, .6 apg, .6 spg) and junior Kenyon McMillan (3.7 ppg, 2 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.2 spg). The Mustangs are also expected to get contributions from transfers Sid Duplessis (Elk Grove, Calif.) and Ethan Waters (Fairfield High, Langdon, Kan.) “We return our most experienced team in my three years as head coach,” Ryan Modin said. “We’ll have a senior-laden group that have been playing together for a long time. Most of them have been playing varsity since they were sophomores. We feel like we should have a really competitive team and can play with any team on our schedule.” Last year’s VALLEY CENTER squad was able to notch a 16-6 record along with a league runner-up finish in the AVCTL-II, but to duplicate or improve on that, the Hornets have a lot of work to do by the season’s start. Seventh year head coach Ty Unrau said one of his team’s biggest goals is to get the ball inside for high-percentage shots, which makes sense when factoring in lone returning starter, 6-8 senior Noah Simmons (8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, .7 bpg). GIRLS In what will probably be one of the most watched league matchups in the state this season, league champs Andover continued on page 85

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ARK VALLEY CHISHOLM TRAIL LEAGUE, DIVISION III

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS Augusta and Buhler were unable to edge one or another in last season’s league championship race. Augusta junior Kaden McDaniel and Buhler junior Jack Voth both likely remember this and have hope to lead their teams to an outright title this season. A McPherson team that came on strong toward the end of last year is lurking and have all the talent necessary to return to their rightful place at the top of the league. Circle and El Dorado return plenty of experience to try and get above .500 this season. A share of the league title and coming three points shy of advancing to the state tournament game made last season a memorable one for AUGUSTA, but the departure of seven seniors from that squad leaves a number of questions for Ryan Petty as he enters his second year as the Orioles head coach. Junior Kaden McDaniel (10.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg) should bring a level of continuity from last year’s success, while seniors Morgan Livingston, a physical 6-1 bruiser, and Josh Burton, a talented outside shooter, look to help McDaniel lead the way. Sophomore Gavin Kiser, a 6-4 standout on the football and baseball fields as well, is likely to be a key contributor on the court. “We are going to be very young with the loss of seven seniors from our roster,” coach Ryan Petty said. “We will look to compete every night as we grow throughout the season.” Junior Jack Voth (14.3 ppg, 6 rpg) and senior

Isaiah Hernandez (8 ppg, 4.5 apg) give BUHLER a talented one-two punch from last year’s coleague championship team, outside of that the Crusaders will have no meaningful varsity experience coming back and will have a tall task in replacing the production of graduated first team all-state player Max Alexander. “We are going to try to grow up as quickly as possible and see if our younger guys with very little experience can step up and play well,” head coach Ryan Swanson said. “We have very good leadership and experience back with Hernandez and Voth so that will help the others as they step up to the varsity level.” CIRCLE returns four starters from last season’s 5-15 squad, including senior guard Luke McGinnis (13.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.25 apg, 1.8 spg), 6-4 senior Brenden Galloway (5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1 bpg, 1 spg), as well as juniors Ty Smith (6.5 ppg, 5 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1 spg) and Trevor Cowman (6.5 ppg, 5 rpg, 1 apg, 1 spg). “Hoping to finish with an above .500 record and finish in the top half of our division,” said ninth year head coach Bo Horyna “Quickness is a strength, and height is a weakness. We are not very tall, but we have several quick players. Should be a good shooting team.” After a 4-17 inaugural season, EL DORADO head coach Drew Culbertson brings back four starters for his second go around. Seniors Jaydon Sundgren (8.6 ppg, 3 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.5 spg), Jeremiah Kemboi (7.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.8 apg), and Connor Clausing (6.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg), along with standout junior LJ Berkstresser (11.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg,

2.4 apg, 2.4 spg) return to improve on their last place league finish last year. “Finishing games and shooting,” Culbertson said of team keys entering the season. “We had a lot of close games that we didn’t finish out. Hopefully we can figure out a way to turn those results around. A lot of that has to do with shooting the ball better. We’ve put a lot of time in shooting the ball and we have guys that can shoot. Hopefully we can improve our shooting percentage.” Even in a 13-11 “off year” for the storied MCPHERSON basketball program, they still managed a share of the league title and a third place finish at state, making it head coach Kurt Kinnamon’s 18th state tournament appearance. Back from that determined team is senior honorable mention all-state guard Seth Madron (15.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.8 spg), who looks to sustain his production from last season. Fellow returning seniors with starting experience Jayden Dukes (5.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2 apg, 1 spg) and 6-4 Darriene Gibbs (3.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg) will also play key roles this season. Juniors Mason Miller (4.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Hunter Alvord (2.5 ppg, 1.9 rpg), and Sam Becker (1.3 ppg, 1 rpg) also saw solid minutes on varsity last season and are likely to compete for the remaining starting spots. Kinnamon pointed out a lack of rim protection and perimeter shooting as concerns for his squad this season, but thanks to overall team athleticism he intends to employ an uptempo attack to keep the opposition off-balance. continued on page 88

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

ARK VALLEY CHISHOLM TRAIL LEAGUE, DIVISION IV

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS Rose Hill looks to take another league championship home behind the return of all-state guard Adriel Smith, but a few other programs in the league may have something to say about that. Andale and Wellington return nearly everyone, Clearwater’s Brett Gibbs is a double-double machine, Mulvane still has multiple pieces from a season ago and Collegiate returns league defensive player of the year Wesley Fair. The talent is there and Rose Hill must prepare for a title defense. ANDALE is coming off of their first losing season in over a decade after finishing 10-12 a year ago, but optimism abounds for the Indians this season. Head coach Jeff Buchanan - who took Andale to the state tournament in seven of his last 10 seasons - returns every contributor from last season’s team. Seniors Nathan Nemechek (8.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, honorable mention all-state), Jacksyn Potucek (10 ppg, 2.3 rpg, second team all-league), and Seth Reichenberger (8.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, honorable mention all-league) will lead the way for Buchanan’s squad, while fellow senior Zach Winter (6.2 ppg, 1.2 rpg) and junior Wyatt Spexarth (8 ppg, 3.1 rpg) fill-out a well-balanced starting line up. Junior Noah Bruce (4.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg) is the top returner on a bench with six experienced players. CLEARWATER finished last season with a record of 9-13, but made a strong sub-state tournament run that included a play-in win over Winfield and an upset of top-seed Mulvane before the Indians dropped the finals match-up with Rose Hill, 51-44. With the late season success, as well as four returners with starting experience from last year’s squad driving momentum, head coach Dustin Clevenger might have all the ingredients necessary to shake up the AVCTL-IV. Senior Brett Gibbs (11.8 ppg, 8 rpg, 1.8 bpg) provides a solid post presence, while fellow seniors Nick Warren (5.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg), Mason Seiter (2.6 ppg, 1 rpg), and Trent Hastings (2.5 ppg, 1.2 rpg) round out the group with starting experience. Senior Cole Keesing is also likely to see time on the court. A key for Clearwater wil be depth, as outside of the above mentioned players, they return little to no experience. If guys can step up, Clearwater may have what it takes to push past a sub-state championship game for the first time since 1981.

After a 15-5 season that ended with an upset at the hands of Clearwater in the sub-state opener, MULVANE says goodbye to all-state combo guard Trey Abasolo (Southwestern), but AVCTLIV Coach of the Year Mike Abasolo brings back four other starters from a season ago. Second team all-league senior Ian Comer (6-2) will lead the way while senior honorable mention all-league Landon Coe (6-2), senior North Dakota State football commit Mason Ellis (6-2) and sophomore all-league honorable mention Kaiden Abasolo return to continue the Wildcats winning ways. After a league championship and second straight 4A state tournament appearance for ROSE HILL in 2021, head coach Josh Shirley brings back three starters who were major pieces of that success. Senior second team all-state combo-guard Adriel Smith (23.3 ppg, 3 apg) will be among the best 4A has to offer. Alongside Smith will be senior guard Xander Landrie (8.3 ppg, 5 rpg) and junior guard Kellan Simoneau (10.2 ppg, 2 apg). “Returning three starters from last season will allow us to have some continuity early in the season on both the offensive and defensive end,” coach Shirley said. “But it will be crucial to see how some of our younger players step up and develop into their increased roles this season.” WELLINGTON’s 6-13 mark from last season is deceiving, with eight of the Crusaders 13 losses by single digits. From that hard-fought season return five starters - four of which are only juniors including Banks Hinshaw (11.3 ppg, 4 rpg, 1 apg), Montel Tate (6.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Jack Wright (6.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.4 apg), and Cope Henry (3.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg). Lone senior RJ Clift (1.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg) is another key component. Entering his 33rd year at WICHITA COLLEGIATE, with six state titles to show for it, head coach Mitch Fiegel may not have the depth and offensive firepower the Spartans often display, but for anyone familiar with the effectiveness of Fiegel’s full-court press, this could be a tough season for opposing guards. “Even though we most likely will not be platooning, we will be pressing baseline to baseline for 32 minutes and for the first time in a long time we will not have to hide anyone defensively,” Fiegel said. “This group can be a very, very good team defensively.” Coming back from last season’s sub-state runner-up squad are seven lettermen, with six of them competing for starting spots this season,

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including seniors Jack Duarte (6-2), Charlie Dunne (5-10), Cameron Brown (6-3), Sam Augustin (6-1), and junior twin brothers Wesley (61) and Quentin Fair (6-1). Wesley Fair was voted by AVCTL-IV coaches as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore and will likely see an increased role on offense this season. GIRLS The women’s AVCTL-IV appear to be among the most brutal leagues in the state this season, which is something Clearwater head coach Casey Carlson took time to elaborate on. “Our league will be the toughest it’s ever been this year,” coach Carlson said. “Makenzie Fairchild at Andale is a matchup nightmare and Wellington has two to three incoming freshmen that will be impactful. You add them to their already strong guard play and they will be tough to defend. Collegiate will be much improved this season and led by senior Elle Mund. Mulvane returns almost everyone that played last year. Rose Hill will be young, but are well coached.” All that’s needed from here is a good seat and a bag of popcorn. After posting an 18-6 record, winning the ACTVL-IV, and advancing to the 4A state semifinals, ANDALE returns three consistent starters from last season’s starting lineup in 5-5 senior Kelli Wegerer (25 made three-pointers), 5-11 AVCTL-IV Defensive Player of the Year junior McKenzie Fairchild (10 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.6 spg), and 5-6 junior Camryn Winter (37:35 assist to turnover ratio), along with key reserves, 5-4 senior Grace

Page 39 Georges and 5-8 junior Jenna Kuepker. “With the loss of practice because of COVID, etc., we were able to come together and be a really good team in January and early February,” head coach Ted Anderson said. “The loss of practice because of snow forced us to rely on our defense, as no teams really shot well last year, including us. Eighteen and six tied for the best in our tenure at Andale. Our next step is to compete with McPherson and then hopefully not be scared versus Miege. We trailed 35-20 at the half and lost 50-35. We are going to work hard to get our program to the next level. We gained valuable experience.” State qualifiers CLEARWATER finished a solid 15-7 last season and returns a deep group of contributors, including 6-2 senior Brooke Berline, 6-0 senior Laurel Streit, 5-10 senior Taylee Hatton, 5-7 senior Sydnee Cotham, 5-8 junior Carli Carlson, 5-9 junior Camryn Clevenger, 5-10 sophomore Elizabeth Tjaden, along with sophomore Allison Clevenger, and freshman Kaylee Hampton, both named incoming impact players by coach Casey Carlson. “Coming off our first state trip since 2013, we are extremely optomistic about this season as we return 90 precnet or our scoring,” coach Carlson said. “Both Carli Carlson and Elizabeth Tjaden were first team all-league and honorable mention all-state players last season and look to build from last year. Carlson is excited to have his daughter, Carli, back from injury, and together with Tjaden the duo provides a pair of college level players. “Carli is back to 100 percent after suffering a seaon ending knee injury during the mid-season continued on page 102

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RIVERSIDE finished 6-17, but finished the season strong, advancing to the sub-state championship. The Cyclones were led by 6-2 freshman Taylor Weishaar (14.2 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 1.8 spg, 2.1 bpg). Now going into her sophomore season, she is joined by classmate Halle Studer (4.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.2 apg), senior Megan O’Grady (3.4 ppg, 2 rpg), and senior Zoey Hayes (2.2 ppg, 1.8 rpg), all major contributors last season. ROYAL VALLEY coach David Boucher led his team to a 17-5 record last season before being inched 44-41 in a second round OT matchup with continued on page 93 730 Arizona St

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Page 40 brings back returning starters in 5-9 senior Macey Patch and 5-10 junior Brooke Flewelling, as well as 5-6 senior Amariah Allen, 5-6 senior Staci Bone, 5-10 senior Taylor Moore, and 5-9 junior Lindsey Wisdom, all varsity contributors. “We are looking forward to the upcoming season with the new combination of players on our team,” third year coach Kurt Haussler said. “We are thankful that we were able to have summer leagues, camps, and workouts this offseason for our players and give them the opportunity to develop and grow individually and as a team. We lose three senior starters from the 2020-21 season but return six players that have varsity experience and will look to that group for leadership on our varsity team and throughout our entire program.” Five starters return for JEFFERSON WEST after finishing 13-8 last season. First team all-league seniors Kristin Biltoft (13.1 ppg, 6 rpg, 3.6 apg, 3.6 spg) and Mellany Roenne (10.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.9 apg, 3.9 spg), along with senior Mallory Young (6.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.6 spg), senior Brookleyn Michaelis (5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.2 spg, 1 bpg), and sophomore Elle Dickey (3.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg) will try to build on last year’s momentum. Senior Meg Tibbits, junior Allie Warden, and sophomore Kinley Stones also return after lettering last season. “We’ve made it to state three times in the past eight seasons, including second in 2017,” head coach John Malloy said. “Prior to this the girls basketball program had only made it to state once in school history.” NEMAHA CENTRAL rolled through most opponents en route to a league championship and 21-2 final record. The only opponent that was able to beat them, Sabetha, did it twice, the second time being a double-overtime 27-24 loss in the substate championship. Two starters return from that squad, senior Tayrn Ganstrom (5 ppg, 2.8 apg) and junior Ella Larkin (5.5 rpg, 2 spg). “We lost three really great seniors that had played a lot of minutes for us, so replacing them is going to be key,” head coach Hadden Hiltgen said. “We have five solid girls that have played a lot of varsity minutes, but finding depth behind them will be very important. We have a lot of girls out for basketball and competition for the remaining varsity spots will be fun to watch.” PERRY-LECOMPTON faced a harsh exit from state qualifier Osawatomie in the second round of sub-state last season, finishing 5-17 overall. Junior Katy Hurd (10.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg), sophomore Taylor Damme (8.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg), senior Campbell Keller (7.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg), and senior Brooke Metcalfe (5.5 ppg, 4 rpg) return as some of the top contributors from a year ago.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 graduate a number of seniors from that team, including all-league combo of Josh Broxterman and Garret Athon. Despite the frustration of a first round sub-state By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer exit, NEMAHA CENTRAL finished last season BOYS with a 14-6 record and league runners-up, and Royal Valley claimed a second straight league they bring back lots of experience from that team. title last season, barely edging Nemaha Central Returning starters include, 6-4 senior Marc Beck for the top spot in a season that saw five out of (12.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2 spg, 1 bpg), 6-4 senior Kurt eight league teams post winning records for the Beck (12.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2 spg, 1 bpg), 6-3 sesecond straight year, with Jeff West coming up nior Carter Lutz (4.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg), and 6-2 senior just below .500. letterman Cole Hermesch. Unfortunately, 5-10 HIAWATHA was just 2-14 last season and unsenior Zac Cramer (9.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.5 apg, able to get much go in league play, finishing with2.5 spg) will miss the season due to an injury out a win and getting knocked out in the first round sustained during football, but the Thunder still are of sub-state. formidable without his important contributions. HOLTON finished 14-8 last season and gave up “This team should be able to run the floor, shoot less than 42 points per game, making them one of and play good defense,” head coach Jon Thomas the best scoring defenses in the state, and helpsaid. “Their challenge will be to find a chemistry ing them qualify for the 4A state tournament. Two that will lead to utilizing their talents successfully. starters return from that squad in junior Matthew A few underclassmen could play a significant role Lierz (40 percent from three) and senior Reese on this team, but they will have to also prove how Holaday. they are able to contribute to that desired chemis“This was a good, relatively normal offseason,” try and fill a needed role.” head coach Connor Bechard said. “We have PERRY-LECOMPTON closed out last season at players involved in many different sports, and it 13-8 after being knocked out in the second round is good to see them take an interest in improving of sub-state. Junior Gunnar Ball (10.8 ppg, 8.4 their basketball skills in the offseason. We have a rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.2 spg) and senior Kaden Doleman good core group coming back who are leading the (8.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.1 spg) come back right way. We hope to build on the momentum we after putting up solid numbers a season ago. had going at the end of last season. It is going to It took overtime in the sub-state championbe tough with our league being really good and ship game for Valley Falls to upset a scrappy our non-conference schedule is also a great chalRIVERSIDE team, who finished the season 15-7. lenge. We hope to continue to build our program in The Cyclones lose the talents of first team allthe right direction and believe we have the ability league Bray Davies, but get back first team allto compete with any team in the state.” league senior Nehemiah Byrd. ROYAL VALLEY qualified for the state tournaSABETHA was unable to get much going last ment and finished last season 20-4, while also season, finishing just 3-18 with a first round subclaiming a second straight league title. From that state exit. Sophomore Marcus Bauman is a player squad, four starters return in seniors Brady Klotz to keep an eye on for the Blue Jays after spending (130 points, 171 rebounds, Northwest Missouri time sharpening on the prep hoop circuit during State baseball commit), Mason Thomas (25 the offseason. blocks), KJ Miller (40 percent from three), and GIRLS Jake Kelly (35 points, 60 rebounds). One chalSabetha took the 3A state title last season, but lenge for the Panthers will be replacing all-state Nemaha Central is the team with the claim to the guard Nahcs Wahwassuck, a Division I prospect Big Seven league title. The back-and-forth was for now at Link Academy for his senior year. real with both teams, as there is no doubt Nemaha “We return a ton of experience with Brady and Cental is looking for payback after being dealt Mason both starting for three years and KJ betheir only two losses by Sabetha, and ultimately ing a major contributor his sophomore year and having their season ended. starting his junior year for us,” head coach Chris Those two aren’t alone in contention for the Brown said. “Those three have the potential to be league, as teams like Royal Valley and Jeff West as good of a front line as anyone in the league will aim to increase their fortunes after good seaand state, we will need more production from our sons. guards to make another run at the state tournaHIAWATHA returns seniors Clara Lindstrom ment.” and Sarah Madsen after finishing 10-11 a season After a second round sub-state exit, ago. The Red Hawks were knocked out in the first JEFFERSON WEST finished 8-10. It could end round of sub-state and look to bounce back. up being a rebuilding year for the Tigers, as they HOLTON was 10-12 a season ago and and

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By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS Topeka West was the team-to-beat in the Centennial last season with one of the most talented rosters in the state, finishing second to Maize in 5A. They again have plenty of talent, but could meet more resistance, especially without their all-state guard, Trevion Alexander, now playing basketball at Cowley Community College. Washburn Rural finished 10-3 in the league, just two games behind West, but has questions to answer with four starters graduating. Seaman returns all five starters and look like a contender. EMPORIA gets back two starters coming off of an 8-13 season. Senior Jacob Ortega (6 ppg) and junior Parker Leeds (7 ppg) will lead the way for head coach Beau Welch’s squad, who said “gaining experience and getting comfortable with roles” is key to his team’s success this season. After a down year at 5-17, HAYDEN hired Lebo coach Dwayne Paul. After a five year run as an assistant at Emporia State, Paul coached the Wolves for the past three seasons and went 4010 with two state tournament appearances and a Lyon County League Tournament title earlier this year. Paul welcomes back junior Joe Otting (6-4 honorable mention all-league post and one of the top offensive line prospects in Kansas), junior Jake Muller (6-0 guard) and senior Trent Duffey (6-2 guard) from last season’s team. “Play harder than other teams, play unselfish, play consistent,” Paul said of team keys to success. “Have high energy no matter what’s going on. Get better every time on the floor.” HIGHLAND PARK finished last season with a 12-8 overall record, and an 11-5 league record, giving them a third place finish. The Scots will be led by second team all-Centennial League guard Juan’Tario Roberts, a four-year starter who averaged 16.2 points per game last season and fourth year coach Michael Williams calls “arguably the best all-around guard in the city.” Juniors Jahmir Kingcannon (8 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 41 percent from three), Tre Richardson (6 ppg, 1.7 spg), and Katraleus Aldridge (8 ppg, 4 rpg) round out the returning starters, but the Scots must find a replacement for all-Centennial League standout 12 E North St Seneca, KS (785) 336-2111

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CJ Powell, now at Butler Community College. “Ultimate goal is to continue the success that this storied Highland Park basketball program has had and especially most recently,” coach Williams said. JUNCTION CITY finished 9-12 last year and four seniors return for the Blue Jays in 6-1 honorable mention all-league Howard Johnson (14.5 ppg), 6-1 honorable mention all-league Terrance Tedder (9.5 ppg, 2.5 spg), 6-3 Seth Clark (9.5 ppg, 6 rpg), and David Rowell (3.4 ppg, 6 rpg). “Our key will be the leadership of our seniors,” head coach Nick Perez said. “We will have a top heavy roster that brings back plenty of varsity experience. Our senior guards have developed since they were freshmen and now it’s their show. We need our posts to step up and be a presence. Our defensive mentality has changed so we are going to have to play even harder than we have in the past.” MANHATTAN returns two starters from last year’s 9-11 team, senior Tate Brown (6.4 ppg, 1.9 rpg) and junior Jack Wilson (6.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.4 bpg, honorable mention all-league). Last year’s young squad showed potential at times, even winning the McPherson Invitational Tournament. Gone from that squad are graduated first team all-league Owen Braxmeyer and junior honorable mention all-league Cameron Carr, now at Link Academy. “We have a solid core of returners in Tate Brown, Jack Wilson, and Cole Coonrod to mix in with an exciting group of newcomers in Dre Delort, Trey Holloway, Collins Elumogo and Keenan Schartz,” head coach Benji George said. “We truly have a team this year that collectively could be much greater than the sum of its parts and I’m excited to see our team rise together and compete in the Centennial League.” All five starters return for a SEAMAN team that finished 10-6 with a third place Centennial League finish including 6-4 second team allleague senior Ty Henry (13.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2 apg), 6-1 all-league honorable mention senior Mateo Hyman (12.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.5 apg), 6-3 Casen Stallbaumer (7.3 ppg, 3 rpg), 6-1 all-league honorable mention junior Kaeden Bonner (11.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.4 apg), and 6-4 junior Aron Davis (6.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg). “With all five starters returning the expectations are very high for an outstanding season,” coach Craig Cox said. “Expect the league to be very competitive from top to bottom. One of our goals will be to win the league title in our last year in the

Centennial League.” TOPEKA hired new head coach Ty Baumgardner this offseason, after the Trojans won just three games last season. The 20th year head coach gets 6-6 sophomore BJ Canady (7 ppg, 5.1 rpg) back from that team and is familiar with the task ahead of him. “We inherited a program that won a total of four games last year,” Baumgardener said. “Freshmen did not win a game, JV won one game and varsity won three games, so we have a lot of work ahead of us, but if we can make some improvements on those three levels that would be a good start. We have, though, been very pleased with the players work ethic this preseason.” TOPEKA WEST returns senior all-state honorable mention Elijah Brooks (15.4 ppg, 7.5 rpg), senior all-league honorable mention Zander Putthoff (9.3 ppg, 2 rpg), junior Sincere Austin (3.8 ppg, 1.6 rpg) and Xavier Alexander (2.7 ppg, 1.4), who each made contributions in last year’s state runner-up effort. The graduation of first team all-state Trevion Alexander and second team allstate Marque Wilkerson provide tough voids to fill. After going 15-6, WASHBURN-RURAL gets back all-league honorable mention junior Jack Bachelor, but will need to replace the rest of their starting lineup. Seniors Quincy Kidd and Brock Howard also have varsity experience, while junior Wyatt Conklin, Lucas Hanks and Trey Morris are potential top newcomers to Kevin Muff’s squad. “More questions about who will raise up and decide they want to help us,” Muff said. “Inexperience returns that will open up opportunities for the best program players to be an impact [players].” GIRLS Topeka has arguably the best trio in the state returning in Nijaree Canady, Tae Thomas and Kiki Smith, and are a large reason their team has been in the last three state tournaments. Washburn Rural is a team loaded with talent, including Brooklyn DeLeye and Emma Krueger, two of the league’s top returning scorers. Seaman and newcomer of the year, now-sophomore Taylin Stallbaumer, have potential, and Hayden with standout Macy Smith returning from an injury are also teams to watch. One particular team with big-time success on their mind is EMPORIA, who finished last season with a 15-7 record after a sub-state championship loss. From that team, head coach Carolyn Dorsey gets back serious talent. All-state HM senior Gracie Gilpin (15.8 ppg) is capable of lighting up scoreboards, while junior Rebecca Snyder (10.2 ppg, 7.4 rpg) and senior Allie Baker (5.3 ppg) also return as starters from last season. Beyond those three, Dorsey is confident in the team’s depth and was to the point when talking about goals, “Get to state!” She was also quick to emphasize how that goal will be achieved. “Our success will be determined by how hard we defend,” Dorsey said. “We will have a lot of depth and a lot of experience returning. Our scor-

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ing should be more balanced also.” HAYDEN senior Macy Smith (12.4 ppg, 5 rpg, 3.5 apg) went down last season with an ACL tear, but returns with a year of rest and recovery in hopes of improving on the Wildcats 9-12 record. Senior Carly Stuke (12.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1 apg) will be the lone returning starter alongside Smith. Outside of their two proven upperclassmen, Hayden will have a good group of youngsters. “Getting Smith healthy from her ACL tear, which happened in game seven last year,” coach Carvel Reynoldson emphasized as one key, while also looking to the development of underclassmen. “We have a good group of freshmen and sophomores that will be a key to our success.” HIGHLAND PARK was unable to notch a win last season, finishing 0-17, and returns two starters in 5-7 senior Aisya Taylor (13.8 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 apg) and 5-8 senior Akira Schutts (4 ppg, 4 rpg). “This season we are looking to add more players to our program,” head coach Robert Brown said. “The 2025 class is going to help us do that. With the mix of a few veteran players and younger players the program will make some surprises. We will for sure lean on senior Aisya Taylor. If our girls can continue to put the hard work in and build a sisterhood I believe success will follow.” JUNCTION CITY finished 7-13 last season before being eliminated in a sub-state play-in game against Free State. The Blue Jays have not had a winning record since the 2009 season. Three key players return for MANHATTAN after going 11-10 and finishing fourth in the league last season, including 6-1 senior Grace Dixon (6.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg), 5-4 junior Destiny Yates (6 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, honorable mention all-league), and continued on page 45

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By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS The 2A champs, Hillsboro, were bested by the 3A champ Hesston in the hunt for last season’s CKL title, and both teams have the tools necessary for some epic showdowns this season. Cousins Grayson and Brekyn Ratzlaff, along with Matthew Potucek make one of the more imposing three-headed monsters in the state for Hillsboro, while Hesston gets back the top player in 3A last season, Cason Richardson, along with a strong senior class. At press time, a knee injury looked as though it may keep Richardson off the floor for much of the season though. In the meantime Haven, Hoisington, and Lyons had championship aspirations of their own last

season, before coming up short. While Smoky Valley’s Haven Lisell-Stewart and Nickerson’s Carson Linn both fly under the radar as excellent players with hopes of putting their team’s in the conversation. A young HALSTEAD team was unable to notch a win last season, finishing 0-21. Back are 6-2 senior Jackson Swift, 6-5 senior Connor Boyd, 6-6 junior Spencer Johnson, and 5-10 sophomore Dylan McDonald to give the Dragons one of the bigger returning starting lineups in 3A. “[Our team goals are to] become a family, make our players love and enjoy the game, win more games than last year, form leadership and trust the process,” first year coach Chris Santoya said. HAVEN graduated seven seniors from last year’s 17-6 team that finished tied for fourth in the league race. Top returners from last year include 6-5 senior Dalton Schrag, 5-11 senior Zeke Kraft, 5-10 senior Treyton Yoder, 6-2 junior DJ Miller, and 6-2 junior Brant Sipe. “I believe we have some guys ready to step into bigger varsity roles this season, but I’m not sure how much depth we will have,” coach Lonnie Paramore said. “There are some younger guys who should push for some varsity minutes. We will see who earns varsity minutes in practice as we progress through the season.” HESSTON looks to defend last season’s 23-1 3A state championship and they return starters in seniors Brayden Schilling (8.2 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg) and Nick Arnold (7 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg) to help make it happen, while junior Jake Proctor (7.7 ppg, 3 rpg) and senior Ty Schroeder (6 ppg, 4 rpg) are also important championship pieces returning for the Swathers. Coach Greg Raleigh’s team did take a big hit in the offseason with the injury of 3A Player of the Year, senior Cason Richardson (16.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 3.9 apg, 2.1 spg). Raleigh said Richardson could make it back late in the season, but wasn’t confident of his return at press time. HILLSBORO has one of the best trios in the state returning after winning the 2A state title a year ago with a 23-3 record with 6-7 senior Grayson Ratzlaff (11.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2 apg, 1 bpg, 1.6 spg), 6-1 senior Matthew Potucek (11.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2 apg, 2.3 spg), and junior Brekyn Ratzlaff (12 ppg, 3 rpg, 3.6 apg, 2 spg). Other varsity players returning include 6-1 senior Frank Wichert (4.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg), 6-0 senior Duncan Duell (2.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg), 6-0 senior Jaxxon Hanschu (1.1 rpg), 6-0 junior Tyson Plenert (2.5 ppg, 1.2 rpg), and 6-3 junior Jacob Thiessen (1.5 ppg, 1 rpg). “We do expect to compete at a high level again

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CENTRAL KANSAS LEAGUE

this year,” head coach Darrel Knoll said. HOISINGTON closed out last season with a 17-5 record after being eliminated in the quarterfinals of a loaded Larned sub-state. The Cardinals return no starters, but do return varsity experience in 6-3 senior Bralen Thompson (6 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1 apg, 1 spg), 6-1 junior Leyton Haxton (5 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1 spg), 6-3 senior Noah Dolezal (1.4 ppg, 1.3 rpg) and 6-0 sophomore Tony Moore (1.4 ppg). “I’m excited about this group, they are talented,” head coach Kyle Haxton said. “I believe this team will work relentlessly on the defensive end and we can really score it. We have several good shooters with range, especially Bralen, Leyton, and Tony, and these three are really good at creating for their teammates as well. Noah will be a tough presence in the lane and play physical, along with Legend Robinson. Chase will give us some length on both ends of the floor.” LARNED finished 7-13 a season ago after being knocked out by eventual sub-state champs, Hugoton in the opening round of the tournament. The Indians lose a large senior class for the second season in a row. Two starters return for LYONS after finishing last season 15-5; 6-4 senior Dawson Stover (3.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and 6-3 senior Cade Crawford look to carry on last season’s success for head coach Brian Friess as he enters his 21st year leading the Lions. “The Lions are expected to be led by seniors Cade Crawford and Dawson Stover,” Friess said. “Both were team captains, starters, and played big roles on last year’s team. Crawford is an explosive athlete who can get to the hole or shoot the three-ball. Stover has been hampered with a farming accident injury, but seems to be as strong as ever. We will need his inside presence if we are to be successful. Stover can also knock down the three-ball.” NICKERSON returns one starter from last season’s 5-16 team in senior Carson Linn (8.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1 spg). Coach Curt Field pointed out defense, shooting, and rebounding as keys this season for the Panthers.

PRATT was knocked out in the first round of substate by a McPherson team that went on a run all the way to the state semifinals. The Greenbacks finished 7-13 and return 6-4 all-league honorable mention senior Peyton Koehler. Pratt looks to register their first season with more than eight wins since making the state tournament in 2017. SMOKY VALLEY has been unable to post a winning record for the last three seasons, going 7-13 most recently. The Vikings return one starter from last season in 6-3 all-state honorable mention senior Haven Lysell-Stewart (11.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.1 apg), along with a good group of reserves from last season’s bench. “The 2021 Vikings will also see the return of junior guard Karson Pihl, who played significant minutes his freshman season, but sat out all of last season with an ACL injury,” coach Doug Schneider said.” The Vikings also return a number of players who played quality minutes last season including seniors Lukas Apel and Trayton Miller, both guards; and juniors Kade Blanchat, forward, and Vincent Pickering, guard.” GIRLS The girls side of the CKL was jam-packed with talented teams last season, Halstead, Hesston, Hoisington and Nickerson being the cream of the crop. This year looks to have potential for much of the same as key players return for most of those squads. HALSTEAD finished 20-3 after losing in doubleovertime in the state tournament to eventual 3A champions, Cheney. The Dragons return no starters from a year ago, however, and will have to start anew with letterwinners including 5-4 senior Leah Webber, 5-6 senior Taylor Wagner, 5-5 junior Clara Myers, 5-10 sophomore Dominique Schutte, and 5-2 sophomore Lauren Wilson. Coach Derek Schutte also pointed out freshmen, 5-7 Dalaine Schutte and 5-5 Kacie Young as likely varsity contributors. HAVEN returns two starters from last year’s 8-14 team that finished seventh in the CKL. Senior Reese Roper (11 ppg) and junior Brie Brawner (5 ppg) are both proven continued on page 89

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By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS The Central Plains League is likely to see another exciting season of high school hoops, teams like Cheney and Medicine Lodge bring back plenty of offensive firepower with hopes of taking a step forward from last season. The Voth brothers at Cheney were already a fantastic connection this past football season, the court provides even more opportunity, though teams know better than to leave Luke Grace with too little attention. Medicine Lodge has one of the best scoring tandems in 1A with Cauy Scripsick and Theron Wedel averaging a combined 36 a game as part of a lineup returning four starters from a year ago. Belle Plaine and Trinity both made trips to the state tournament, a feat in itself, but both have spots to fill this season. Garden Plain, too, finds themselves looking for answers entering the year. Teams like Chaparral and Douglass have hopes of breaking out of last year’s slump. Chaparral seems to have some of the right tools in Jackson Swartz, Alec Pfaff, and Kaden Harding, all three received all-league honors. BELLE PLAINE finished 14-6, winning a substate championship, before eventually being knocked out in the quarterfinals by eventual 2A state champs, Hillsboro. Juniors Isaac Bible and Brayden Stepenson return - both are multi-year starters - but the Dragons will have a hard time replacing the play of Eli Wiseman and Austin Hilton, one of the league’s best guard tandems last season, as well as forward Tim Bible. CHAPARRAL was 8-11 at the conclusion of last season. All-league honorable mention seniors Kaden Harding and Alec Pfaff, along with 6-4 second team all-league junior Jackson Swartz give the Roadrunners a solid core group to build off of as they look to break into the top half of the league. CHENEY finished last season one game short of a state tournament berth with a record of 203, and all five starters return from that co-league championship squad. First team all-league senior Harrison Voth (15 ppg), senior Luke Grace (16 ppg), senior Harrison Middleton (8 ppg), senior Dylan Doshier (7 ppg), and Harrison’s younger brother Jackson Voth (5 ppg), are likely to be a dangerous starting five. “Rebound, defend, and share the ball,” coach Linndy Frieden said of team keys. “We have a lot of experience coming back and great team chemistry, but have to continue to get better each day and we want to be playing our best basketball in February and March.” After finishing 5-15 last season, CONWAY SPRINGS returns two senior starters in Izic Billups (7 ppg) and Derrick Smith (3 ppg). The Cardinals are looking for their first winning season since 2017. “Our key to success this year will be staying focused and not beating ourselves,” head coach Paul Lange said. “[We want to] finish in the top third of our league and win in the postseason.” DOUGLASS finished 4-14 last season after getting knocked out in the first round of sub-state by Collegiate. The Bulldogs have gotten close a couple times, but haven’t been unable to put together a winning season since 2014, when they won 16 games. Junior Avrey Albright is the top returner for

Douglass. GARDEN PLAIN was 12-7 a year ago, before graduating their entire starting lineup and top two players off of the bench. With little varsity experience available, coach Antwan Seymore will rely on 6-1 senior Jaden Steirwalt, 6-2 senior Andrew Bugner, 5-9 junior Collin Haukap, 6-1 junior Noah McGregor, and 5-11 junior Luke Hillman to step into new roles. “We will be young and inexperienced,” Seymore said. “We will be rebuilding after graduating seven seniors who played 99 percent of the minutes last year. Expectations for this team and new crop of players is to improve on a daily basis and learn how to compete at the varsity level. One of our biggest hurdles will be can we play together as a team and not try to be individual heroes? If we can understand the teamwork concept, that will allow us to be successful as the season progresses.” Seymore also offered his thoughts on the league as a whole. “The league will be led by Cheney with everyone else playing for second place and on. Medicine Lodge will be a very dangerous team to watch out for with Theron Wedel leading them. Wichita Trinity will be tough as usual. Chaparral will be experienced and another team to watch out for because of how long and athletic they will be.” KINGMAN got knocked out in the first round of sub-state against Lyons by a score of 75-57 and finished the year 5-13. The Eagles had a young roster a year ago. MEDICINE LODGE’s offense centered around senior Theron Wedel (20 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 apg) and junior Cauy Scripsick (16 ppg, 9 rpg) last season and both return, along with fellow starters, seniors Chance Winter (7 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg) and Grady Clouse (6 ppg, 6rpg, 2 spg). The top end talent will no doubt be there for Medicine Lodge as they look to take a step forward on last season’s 11-10 mark. “Our first goal is to improve as a defensive team, and also as a whole on rebounding,” coach Joe Dohrmann said. “The last goal is to compete with the top teams in our league” WICHITA-INDEPENDENT had the tough draw of eventual sub-state champions, Belle Plaine, in the first round of their sub-state tournament, which they lost 84-58 to finish the season 4-12 overall. Juniors Christian Dean and Joseph Recalde-Phillips are two of the top returners for the Panthers as they attempt to improve on last year’s result. WICHITA-TRINITY finished last season 16-4 with a sub-state championship in-tow before losing to eventual state champs Hesston in the state quarterfinals, 55-47. Junior Collin Rucker is an important piece for the Knights as they enter into a new season with all-state honorable mention Christian Williams and David Spencer both graduated. GIRLS All eyes are on Cheney as they defend a league,

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Page 43 and a state title, with four of their five starters back from a year ago, though the loss of standout Kylee Scheer leaves a notable question mark for new coach Sarah McCormick, who takes the reins from Rod Scheer after serving as his assistant. Garden Plain looks to make it back to the state tournament as well after finishing in the top four, but before they get to that destination, dethroning the league champs wouldn’t be a bad detour. BELLE PLAINE managed to upset West Elk in the first round of the sub-state tournament last year, before being eliminated by eventual state top four finisher, Garden Plain, and closed out the season 8-13. The Dragons get back senior Alayna Mowdy and look to get back above .500. CHAPARRAL will have to replace a talented senior class from their 13-7 squad a season ago, including first team all-league Sophie Francis and honorable mention Faith Gates. Senior all-league honorable mention Mattelyn Schwartz (8.4 ppg, 8.2 rpg) and junior Haley Kangas (6.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.4 spg) are the Roadrunners most seasoned players and lead a group of young up-and-comers. CHENEY won the school’s second girls state title last season with a perfect record of 25-0 and now assistant Sarah McCormick will take the reins from Rod Scheer, who stepped down after the season to spend more time with family. Four seniors return from last season’s outstanding lineup including honorable mention allstate forward Brynn McCormick, second team all-league Brooklyn Wewe along with Campbell Hague and Lacey Luers. Replacing first team allstate guard Kylee Scheer will be tough, but coach McCormick feels good about the team going into this season. “We want to continue to be as successful as we have been in the previous years,” McCormick said. “Our experience and depth will be key to our success this year.” McCormick led Scott City’s girls to four consecutive state tournament appearances in her five seasons as coach, the first four girls state trips in school history, before taking the assistant role at Cheney last fall. CONWAY SPRINGS gets back a majority of last season’s young roster that managed a 4-17 record. Senior Loren May (honorable mention allleague), junior Caitlyn May, junior Katelyn Koester, and senior Ally Lange return to the starting lineup and look to lead the way for a still relatively young, but fairly experienced group. DOUGLASS finished 5-13 last season and returns two key players in 5-10 second team allleague junior Rebecca Hajdukovich and 5-8 senior

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Lauren Henderson - who head coach Daniel Jantz called the team’s best defender. Other returning players include sophomores Hayleigh Waggoner, Emily Born, Kennedy Bergsten, and juniors Joslyn DeLano and Avery Roberts. Sophomore Mariah Barkus and freshman Alexsis Barkus are also expected to impact the Douglass roster. “We have a really solid group of young players that can take a big leap this year with more consistent practice time and defined roles,” coach Jantz said. “The Barkus girls will also add some firepower and playmaking. We are small, but can hopefully make up for that with speed and shooting.” GARDEN PLAIN was 17-6 last season and placed in the top four at the state tournament after winning back-to-back state championships the two years prior. Senior Brooke Hammond (5-8, 6.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.7 spg, 2 apg, Emporia State track signee) and 5-5 junior Madelyn Rolfs (7.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.5 spg, 1 apg) are the two returning starters from that group while 5-11 senior Sophie Smith, 5-9 senior Naomi Dooley, 5-4 junior Sydney Puetz and 5-6 junior Celia Puetz are also expected to see plenty of court time. “We return two starters from last year’s team,” head coach Kody Kasselman said. “We also return a number of kids with varsity experience. We feel we have a team that can compete for a league title and have some postseason success. The challenge early could be meshing into new roles as the dynamic of our team has changed. We are excited to see how things shake out in the months to come.” All-league honorable mention Hannah Pearce will be an important replacement for KINGMAN, who finished 4-15 a season ago after a first round sub-state loss to Southeast of Saline. The Eagles continued on page 86

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Central Plains, Senior By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS CENTRAL PLAINS returns three starters from their 6-16 team last season in 5-9 sophomore Peyton Ryan, 5-11 sophomore Hunter Klima, and 5-11 senior Cole Lamatsch. Head coach Bryce Steiner pointed out the importance of his younger players stepping into key roles and contributing. “[Our goal this season is to] compete every night and get better with a tough schedule to put ourselves in a position to win games in the postseason,” coach Steiner said. Central Prairie League champions ELLINWOOD were unable to overcome a tough Sterling squad in last season’s sub-state finals, leaving them with

an 18-5 record. A loaded roster of returners led by 6-1 first team all-state junior Britton Dutton (23.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4 apg) looks to take the Eagles at least one step further this season. Dutton will be joined by 6-4 junior Parker Scheck (10 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.3 bpg), 6-3 junior Koy Behnke (3.9 ppg, 3.7 apg, 3.3 rpg), 6-2 senior Cody Zink (2.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.7 spg), and 5-7 sophomore Alex Brack (1.8 ppg), while 5-10 sophomore Drew Heinz and 6-3 senior Trey Schofield are also likely to see varsity minutes this season. Head coach Derek Joiner named “League championship, state tournament, state championship” as the team’s goals for this season before going on about his team’s key to success. “Dutton is obviously a special 2A talent and high school talent in general,” Joiner said. “But we have other guys who have some real talent. We need them to realize more of that potential. Dutton has achieved some awesome individual accomplishments. I am ready to see him elevate his teammates as well with his upperclassmen role and maturity.” After a first round sub-state exit against Quinter, KINSLEY finished 6-15 a season ago and brings back senior Levi Taylor. With more experience under the belt of what was a young team last season, the Coyotes could take a step forward this year. LA CROSSE closed out the season at 11-8 in 2021 after advancing to the second round of substate, before also being knocked out by Quinter by a score of 48-38. The Leopards return senior Haden Sherman (8.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg), sophomore Gage Burk (6.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and junior Bryce Conner (3 ppg, 3.3 rpg). After suffering a first round upset in sub-state against St. John, MACKSVILLE returns four starters from last season’s 13-7 team, all four being juniors, including 6-1 Lance Lickiss (2.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.7 apg), 5-8 Alvaro Ibarra (4.7 ppg, 2.1 rpb, 1.5 apg), 6-2 Alexis Barron (10.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.4 spg), and 6-6 Ryan Kuckelman (12.7 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.6 spg, 1.8 bpg). Senior Alex Mendez (6-2, 4-7 ppg, 2.9 rpg), 5-11 sophomore Jason Cleveland (1 rpg), along with high-scoring sixth man 5-8 junior Rogelio Ibarra (15.1 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.7 apg, 2.2 spg), return after rotating off the bench for the Mustangs. Head coach Jeff Kuckelman named 5-9 freshman point guard Hector Gomez as the projected floor general for the Mustangs. “We look to be much improved with another year of starting experience for our juniors,” Kuckelman said. “We look to push the ball up and down the

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floor as our guards have good quickness as well as our bigs do. We are athletic enough that we have the capabilities to guard well and pressure opponents. We have some people that can shoot well but we need to be better at creating open shots and getting to the rim. Our league is very challenging and we face several good teams in tournaments and out of conference so it will be tough showing improvement. We hope that our tough schedule prepares us to make a run in the postseason.” After finishing last year 17-8 and making it as far as the state semifinals, NESS CITY welcomes back four of five starters, including 6-5 all-state senior Taylor Cable (20 ppg, 14 rpg, 2 spg, 3 bpg), who absolutely dominated a number of games last season. Returning starters alongside Cable, will be fellow seniors Jose Guzman (11.8 ppg, 3 apg, 3 spg), Jackson Seib (4.8 ppg, 2.5 spg, 2.5 rpg, 3 apg) and Dawson Stoecklein (4.8 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg). The Eagles will have solid depth according to coach Brandt Rogers, who also pointed out his squads success over the summer. “Running the floor, building off the successes we had this offseason, contributions from other players; Gavin Schreiber, Corbin Ross, Danny Guzman, Brayden Schniepp, and Casen Marshall,” Rogers said of team keys. OTIS-BISON returns three senior starters from last season’s 3-16 team in Dalton Regan (9.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.1 apg), Kaden Foust (4.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and Peytan Butler (4.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.6 apg). Head coach Curtis Little is emphasizing defense going into this season, along with competing in a tough Central Prairie League. ‘[Our goal is to] be competitive against our league opponents and improve throughout the year,” coach Little said. “Becoming a team that loves to play defense [is key].” ST. JOHN, in their first year of the post-Klint Kinnamon era, turned heads during the sub-state championship when the Tigers, entering into the tournament at 7-12, upset their way into the championship game before having their Cinderella story ruined by Pratt-Skyline, 41-38, finishing the

season 9-13. The Tigers return a good core of 6-7 senior Elijah Delp (13 ppg, 9 rpg, 2 bpg), 6-0 senior Preston Dunn (6.5 ppg), and 5-10 senior Hunter Smith (5.8 ppg). “Our goals this season are to be in the top three of our league and be in a position to make a run in sub-state much like we did in 2020-21,” said head coach Danton Hilton. “We have a very tough schedule that will undoubtedly make us a better team as we progress through the season. We need to rebound the ball and take care of it when we have it. We averaged 15 turnovers per game last year, and only seven assists. If we improve that, our record will be much better than what it was last year.” After a first round sub-state loss to La Crosse, VICTORIA was 7-13. For the second year in a row, the Knights football team’s success could indirectly affect the basketball team with a late playoff run. Back are 5-10 junior Thaddeus Wohler (4.2 ppg, 3 rpg) and 6-3 junior Leo Schmeidler (3.5 ppg, 1.2 rpg) to give the Knights a pair of experienced players to build around. GIRLS Along with their ninth league title in a row last season, CENTRAL PLAINS continues their historic run of state championships, claiming their seventh consecutive this past spring and very likely would’ve been their eighth had COVID not ended the 2020 state tournament after the quarterfinals. Head coach Pat Stiles is quickly becoming one of the most prolific coaches in state history and his team for this season appears to have the ability to continue his ascension. The Oilers return just two starters, but those two are the first team all-state duo of 5-9 senior Kassidy Nixon (10 ppg, 4.1 apg, 8 rpg, 4.6 spg, 62 percent from the field) and 5-8 junior Brynna Hammeke (20.2 ppg, 2.8 apg, 4.8 rpg, 3.8 spg, 72 percent from the field). They also return varsity contributors in 5-2 junior Kyla Metro, 5-5 sophomore Mollie Steiner, 5-0 sophomore Melissa Donecker, 5-9 sophomore Addyson Ogle, and transfers from Cunningham, 5-10 senior Madison McGuire, and 5-4 junior continued atop page 45

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Reese McGuire. “We graduated three starters off of last year’s team,” Stiles said. “We return two starters and six players with some varsity experience which should give us more depth. We will take one practice, one game at a time and continue to keep working to get better, with the ‘Win the Day’ attitude. Our tough schedule should help prepare us for the postseason where we want to be play-

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CENTENNIAL/FROM 41____ junior Avery Larson (8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.8 spg, honorable mention all-league). The graduation of second team all-league player Taylor Claussen does leaving a gaping hole. “[Keys to success are] continued improvement from young players who received key playing time last year,” coach Scott Mall said. “Building depth, especially on inside play.” SEAMAN won their third straight sub-state championship in a row last season, despite having just five wins going in, finishing the season 8-15. Three starters return from that scrappy squad; junior Carstyn Anderson (3 ppg, 1 rpg, 1 apg), second team all-league sophomore Taylin Stallbaumer (10 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg, 80 percent from the line) and sophomore Brooklyn Gormley (6 ppg, 4 rpg). Juniors Jayce Schumann (2 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1 apg, 1 spg) and Lindsey Smith ( 2ppg, 2 rpg) also played plenty of varsity minutes and will see plenty more this season. “We want to continue on our run of making it to the state tournament and having my teams play to their potential,” coach Matt Tinsley said. “Although we will be a young team, I feel like we are talented and have a deep bench. Part of our success over the years has been the buy-in to playing hard and unselfishly and we will continue that again this season.” After a 3-17 developmental season for TOPEKA WEST last winter the Chargers will have considerably more experience under the belt of their starting five. Senior Whitley Benson (3 ppg), junior Jazmyn Ford (5 ppg, 5 rpg), sophomore Zoe Clark (3 ppg), and sophomore Siani Sanchez (5 ppg, 2 apg) lead the way for a young roster around them. “We played a lot of girls last year, and we were extremely young,” coach Jeff Skar said. “In addition, we were trying to install a new style of play. Some of that is in, but a lot of it is not. We will benefit from having a season together, and now an offseason, so looking to establish some good habits, some continuity, and play to our

ing our best basketball at that time. Success will depend on us maintaining the awesome culture the girls have created by playing hard, playing for each other, making the extra pass and sharing the ball.” ELLINWOOD was knocked out in the first round of sub-state last season 67-61 by Stanton County. The Eagles return junior Brittney Simpson (14.3 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 apg, 2.1 spg), junior Bella Baker (8.8 ppg, 6 rpg, 1 apg, 1.5 spg) and senior Mary Dimitt (6.7 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.4 spg) as their three main contributors from a season ago. KINSLEY finished 0-17 last season after graduating a talented senior class the year before. Junior Cadence Alvarez is a top returner for the Coyotes. LA CROSSE was 4-14 to close out the season after a first round exit against Victoria. The Leopards return senior Brooke Herrman and sophomore Avery Parrott as they look to improve upon last season’s mark. MACKSVILLE finished just 5-15 last season, but had an extremely young roster that returns in its entirety. Sophomore Mayce Russell (15.8 ppg, 5 rpg, 2.1 apg, 4.5 spg), senior (6.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2 apg, 2.4 spg), junior Joselin Garcia (5.3 ppg,

strengths.” TOPEKA HIGH finished 23-2 last season with a 6A state runner-up finish, as well as a 10-0 league title. The Trojans are in a habit of state qualifying as of late, making it the past three seasons. Much of that success has to do with first team all-state 6-0 senior Nijaree Canady (Stanford softball commit), 5-6 senior Tae Thomas (Northwestern Oklahoma State basketball commit), and second team all-state junior Kiki Smith. “We return several key players from last year’s 23-2 state runner-up team,” head coach Hannah Alexander said. “We will be a more balanced scoring team, as we do have several girls that are capable of leading us in scoring on any given night.” WASHBURN RURAL finished second in the Centennial last season with an 11-2 record, and finished with a 17-3 mark overall. They return high-scoring 6-2 junior Brooklyn DeLeye (17.3 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.6 apg, Kentucky volleyball commit), 5-11 senior Emma Krueger (11.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.1 apg, Grand Canyon basketball signee), 5-7 senior Campbell Bagshaw (3.3 ppg, 2 rpg, 1.8 apg, Kansas softball signee), 5-5 junior MaRyah Lutz (5.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.1 apg, honorable mention all-league), 5-9 senior Ella Hurtig (5.1 ppg, 2 rpg, 1.6 apg), 5-10 senior Katelynn Brogan (2.2 ppg, 1.5 rpg, all-state volleyball all-tournament), 5-10 sophomore Zoe Canfield (7.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 3.4 apg, second team all-league), and 5-11 sophomore Jada Ingram 6.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.2 apg, honorable mention all-league), all provided varying level of varsity contributions. “We will look to increase our scoring from the three-point line from last year, and be able to attack the rim and finish from there or the freethrow line,” head coach Kevin Bordewick. “We will also have to have some people step up and be able to handle the ball under pressure. With a year or two of varsity experience behind us I think we have a better understanding of what it will take to win some more games and maybe make a big postseason run.”

Page 45 4.7 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1 spg), junior Lupita Galan (3.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.8 bpg), sophomore Kambry Adams (3.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.2 spg) and sophomore Logan Sanders (2.2 rpg) were all starters at some point for the Mustangs a season ago. Coach Megan Schroeder also gets varsity reserves, junior Madison Butler, senior Kimbery Arreola, sophomore Roxanna Carrillo, junior Amber Clawson and senior Berenice Acost. “This year I expect a more confident team,” Schroeder said. “Our team will try to build off of last season and this past summer. We had several young girls contribute and gain much needed experience at the varsity level last year. This team should have more confidence and chemistry because of that experience. We will be returning all five starters and the entire varsity squad, plus gaining a good group of freshmen. I expect a

couple of incoming freshmen to contribute immediately on varsity. We are excited to build off of the improvements from last year. We play in a really tough league, so we must continue to progress to be able to compete with all those great teams. With the entire varsity returning, we hope to make a big jump this year. Our goal will be to improve on our rebounding, defense, and transition offense.” NESS CITY returns four starters from last season’s 7-15 squad that finished 4-4 in league including 5-11 senior Alexa Reinhardt (8.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg), 5-5 senior Taylor Starr (5.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg), 5-6 senior Zoe Seib (10 ppg, 3 rpg) and 5-1 senior Kennedy Liggett (1.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg). Key reserves 5-9 junior Hannah Delaney (8.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg) and 5-1 sophomore Danae Rodriguez (4 ppg, 1.7 rpg) further bolster the Eagle rotation this season. continued on page 89

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By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Here are the previews for Wichita Classical, which is not currently in a league, and the Fowler girls, the lone questionnaire submitted from the Santa Fe Trail League this year. BOYS On the heels of a state tournament appearance, CLASSICAL SCHOOL OF WICHITA finished with an 18-4 record and brings back a junior trio of Jordy Doloff (12.8 ppg, 2.5 apg, 2.4 spg), Carter Sinclair (12.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg), and Brett Buckingham (10.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2 spg). Head coach Tim Dolloff - Jordy’s father - pointed to rebounding as the team’s primary key to success, and hopes to return to the state tournament after being knocked out in the first round by last year’s eventual champion, Olpe GIRLS CLASSICAL SCHOOL OF WICHITA was unable to get much going last season, finishing the year 0-19. While they didn’t notch a win, they return four starters, all of which were underclassmen last season. Junior Ava Sweigart (2 ppg), and sophomores Kaylee Shanfelt (2ppg, 4 rpg), Kate Zickafoose (1 ppg), and Flannery Black (2

OTHERS

ppg, 2 rpg) will all have another year of experience under their belt entering this season. “[Our goal is] To become a great defensive and great rebounding team,” coach Justin Kenas said. “We need our young players to develop confidence offensively.” FOWLER finished last season 2-16 in Bryan Branstine’s second year at the helm of the girls program. The Goldbugs return no varsity starters from that team and Branstine plans to go back to the basics with his group, making fundamentals their primary focus going into the season.

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senior Colling McCartney (second team), and 6-5 senior Landon Dean (honorable mention, Okie State football commit). Frontenac is in the hunt for their first post-season berth since 2004. GALENA brings back four starters from last year’s 23-3 state runner-up squad, not the least of which is 5-10 first team all-state senior Brett Sarwinski (17 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg), along with seniors Kenyon Martin (6-5, 5 ppg), Kobe McGlothlin (6-2, 8 ppg, 5 rpg) and 6-5 first team all-league junior Tyler Little (13 ppg, 10 rpg, 4 apg). “We are trying to build on the last couple year’s success,” said head coach Matt Meyr. “Going to try to win our third consecutive league championship and third consecutive sub-state championship. Staying healthy is always the number one key. We will rely a lot on our defense as always, so we must rebound the ball well and limit the opposing team’s offensive chances. Offensively we need to continue to shoot the ball at a higher percentage from the field and the free throw line.” GIRARD went 12-7 after being knocked out by league opponent Frontenac in the first round of last season’s sub-state tournament. The Trojans return first team all-league senior Brahm Born, senior Brecken Troike, senior Quinn O’Rand, and junior Alex Coester. Fresh off a standout 10-1 football season, the Trojans will get a boost from junior Luke Niggemann, who missed all of last basketball season with a knee injury. After a 4-17 down season in 2020, ST. MARY’SCOLGAN improved to 9-12 last season and were barely edged out in the second round of sub-state by a highly talented Erie squad in overtime. Second team all-league senior Jalen VanBecelaere and honorable mention senior Nick Ison both return for the Panthers as they look to take another step. Colgan is among the most successful programs in state history and hasn’t faced consecutive losing seasons in decades. RIVERTON lost in a heartbreaker against eventual state runner-up Galena in the sub-state championship game by a score of 34-33, and finished the season 15-5. First team all-league Isaac Welch and honorable mention Joel Sigua are going to be tough to find a replacements for, but the Rams get back second team all-league junior Jamey Richardson. GIRLS While the Colgan boys are experiencing unfamiliar territory in the losing column, their girls team won their first state tournament game in school history last season, ultimately advancing to the championship game where they lost to a loaded Sterling squad. The Lady Panthers bring back some of the best players in the state from that team. Frontenac, Galena and Girard are returning lineups with talent to challenge just about anybody in the state. Galena’s Mia Sarwinski is among the best scorers in the state, Girard’s Faith Poland was the lone unanimous first team all-league selection last year, and Frontenac returns two first team all-league players and a second teamer. BAXTER SPRINGS was eliminated in the first round of sub-state 57-36 by Galena last season, leaving them with a 7-11 mark on the year. Replacing all-league honorable mention Allie Fry is likely at the top of their list of priorities. After a first round sub-state exit, COLUMBUS finished 4-15 last season. Seniors Lily Mooney,

Lexy Stone, and Jade Fouts return for a final shot, but replacing all-league honorable mention Kerry Jones is key for the Titans. FRONTENAC closed out the 2020 season on a 14-game win streak before the cancellation of the season’s final two rounds. Last season, the Raiders made it back to the semifinals, but this time were defeated by eventual state champs Cheney, 62-46, finishing the season with a 17-3 mark. First team all-league senior Heather Arnett, first team all-league junior Hattie Pyle, and second team all-league senior Sydney Frankenberry are a potent core back for league coach of the year Scott Fields, but all-league honorable mention Reagan Hipfl is gone to graduation. Former assistant Zach Shockey takes over head coaching duties at GALENA this season, with the team coming off a 14-8 finish a year ago. Three starters return from that team; seniors Raylynn Downey (5 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 spg), Michaela Newman (4 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 spg), and junior Mia Sarwinski (18 ppg, 8 rpg, 4 spg, 3 apg). “Our number one goal is to be competitive in the CNC, and to be playing our best basketball at sub-state time,” coach Shockey said. “We want to work towards becoming a deeper team that can rely on multiple people to execute and finish plays at both ends. The key to our team’s success this season will be offensive execution. We will need to be able to adapt to the numerous looks we see as teams adjust to slow Sarwinski down. If we can score consistently, we will have the opportunity to pressure our opponents on the defensive end, which has always been a strength for this group.” GIRARD had a good season a year ago, finishing 18-4 and advancing to the sub-state championship before eventually meeting their fate at the hands of a loaded Frontenac team. Now, 23rd year head coach Brad Herlocker (342-105 overall, 16th year at Girard, 254-87) returns three seniors in 5-11 Kinley Smith, 5-10 all-league second team Olivia Cullen and the CNC’s lone unanimous first team all-league selection, Faith Poland. The Trojans do lose all-league honorable mention Jaada Valley to graduation. “We are setting out to get better every game,” Herlocker said. “If we do this we could be in the hunt for league title and postseason success. We lost some good players, but have some good players coming back. We need to work very hard early on to shore up those spots and try to be the best version of ourselves we can be.”

Ron Gates

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS For the third consecutive season, the CNC saw Galena hoisting a league championship after they finished the 10-1 in league play. The 3A state runner-up Bulldogs return another strong lineup including the Sports in Kansas 3A Player of the Year Brett Sarwinski and first team all-state Tyler Little. The defending champs have challengers, however, and if animosity carries over from last year’s CNC dominated sub-state tournament at Riverton High School, the Bulldogs could be in hot water. Riverton deserves the first acknowledgement, after Galena only narrowly ruined the Rams’ hopes of an upset in the sub-state championship game, winning by just a point. Riverton had to go through Columbus to get to Galena, after Columbus was able to knock off Cherryvale in the first round. Frontenac upset Girard in a four vs. five substate match before also falling in a close attempt at knocking Galena out of the title game. The Raiders return one of the best starting lineups in the league. Then there is the sleeping giant, St. Mary’s Colgan. The Panthers were untouchable at best, and really good at worst, during the whole of the 21st Century, right up until the last two seasons, where they’ve been unable to get above .500. BAXTER SPRINGS was 3-18 last season, and struggled particularly in league play, finishing 0-12. All-league honorable mention senior Kamo Williamson (7.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and senior Bryce Thiessen (3.2 ppg, 1.2 rpg) are the lone returners for Alan Hibler’s squad as the coach enters his fifth season on the sidelines for the Lions with a 49-39 record. “[Our goals this season are to] become more competitive and develop young kids, which are the core of our future,” Hibler said. “Have to be able to score, could not score last year as only averaged 38 per game, must make shots.” COLUMBUS finished 10-12 last season, but first upset Cherryvale in the first round of the substate tournament, before getting knocked out in the second round by a talented Riverton squad. Five starters return for the Titans, all juniors, including all-league 6-4 honorable mention Brett Hamilton (12.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.4 apg, .9 spg), 6-4 Kolt Ungeheuer (6.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.2 spg), 6-0 allleague second team Landin Midgett (11.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.2 spg), 6-5 Seth Stover (5.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.3 apg), and 6-4 Cole Minor (4.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.2 apg, .9 spg). Head coach Jeff Smiley says his team is aiming for 60 ppg, on 50 percent shooting from the field and 75 percent from the line as team goals. Columbus only scored 19 points in their sub-state loss last season. “[Our keys to success are] scoring more points, shooting higher percentages, beating teams in our conference, winning close games,” Smiley said. “Have to be able to score, could not score last year as only averaged 38 per game, must make shots.” FRONTENAC closed out last season at 13-7 after losing in the second round of sub-state to eventual state runner-up Galena by five points. The Raiders quietly return a talented group of four all-league players; junior 6-2 Mario Menghini (first team), 6-8 senior Jordan Fudge (first team), 6-2

Faith Poland

Girard, Senior

Derek Livingston

CRAWFORD-NEOSHO-CHEROKEE LEAGUE

After a loss in the 2A title game, ST. MARY’S COLGAN finished last season as the 2A state runner-up, posting a 20-4 record and winning a share of the CNC League title. A three-headed monster returns for the Panthers in all-state honorable mention senior Lauren Yaghmour, first team allstate junior Lauren Torrance, and all-state honorable mention sophomore Lily Brown. “[Our goal is to] win a state title game,” head coach Abby Farabi said. “We won our first game in the state tournament in school history and made it to the title game. We hope to finish the business this year. Chemistry and speed [are keys to success]. We will have a fairly veteran squad.” RIVERTON moved in the right direction last year after finishing 2020 1-19 and going winless the season prior, closing out 2021 3-13. The Rams do have bright spots on the team, including head coach Adam Thomasson’s daughter, junior allleague second team selection Jacy Thomasson, also a standout volleyball player with a Pitt. State offer, and all-league honorable mention sophomore Chloe Parker. It has been over 15 years since the Rams last posted a winning record.

Jordan Fudge

Frontenac, Senior

FRONTENAC Booster Club

Proudly supporting Frontenac High School students and athletes!

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

EASTERN KANSAS LEAGUE

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS The EKL is traditionally one of the toughest leagues in the state. In fact, there has been an EKL state champion in all but three years since 2010 - with the exception of the state tournament cancellation of 2020. Last season was no exception as the league saw two of it’s teams - Blue Valley North and Bishop Miege - take home state titles. Blue Valley Northwest, meanwhile, made the state tournament, but were unable to add their sixth championship since winning their first in 2013. The league had a load of all-state talent - Jack Chapman and Alston Mason at Northwest, Andrew Orr at Blue Valley North, and Taj Manning and Mark Mitchell of Miege all made first team lists in their class - and all of those names have since moved on. Eyes will be on Blue Valley’s Aidan Shaw after he ultimately chose not to join a prep school like Miege’s Mitchell and Manning, and instead returns to to lead the Tigers in an EKL much different from last season. BISHOP MIEGE was a historically talented 4A team that finished 22-1 last season, ultimately winning the state title game by a record 54-point margin. With two of the state’s top players in 2022s Mark Mitchell and Taj Manning both leaving for prep schools, and the graduation of senior second team all-state Harrison Braudis (Minnesota State), returning senior starters Xavier Hall (7.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.1 spg, 39.3 three-point percentage) and Christian Bowen-Webb (11.7 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.3 spg, 42.4 three-point percentage) will be looked to early as new leaders emerge. “We will have a challenge replacing three allstate players, but we will be relying on a senior

class for their leadership in our quest to repeat as state champions,” long-time Stag coach Rick Zych said. BLUE VALLEY finished 11-11 last season and returns two starters from that squad in senior Zak Svendsen (7 ppg, 3 apg) and first team all-state senior Aidan Shaw (19.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 3.4 bpg, Mizzou commit). Shaw’s ability to score will make the Tigers dangerous on offense, which is likely why coach Dwight Williams key to success was only one word, “Defense!” BLUE VALLEY NORTH comes off of a dream season, finishing 21-3 with a state championship, their second in school history, the other in 1997. The Mustangs return some talent, but lose first team all-state Anderw Orr, second team all-state Isaac Patterson, and all-state honorable mention Nikko Taylor. The three most experienced players returning for head coach Ryan Phifer are 6-3 senior Kernan Bundy, 6-1 senior J.D. Roane, and 6-1 junior Jaxon Goldberg, while 6-5 senior Luc DeVore and 6-5 junior Blake Garrett were named as players to watch by Phifer. “We will have to replace a lot of production from last year’s team,” Phifer said. “ We lost four starters and have only three letterwinners back, led by second team All-EKL guard Kernan Bundy. Even though we don’t have that much experience back, we do have some solid young players that will get some playing time this year. With the lack of experience to start the season, it might take some time for this team to gel. However, I am excited about the growth this team should show throughout the year and feel we could be very competitive at the end of the season.” BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST was forced to watch league rival Blue Valley North do something they’ve become accustomed to, winning the 6A state championship. They were instead knocked

FLINT HILLS LEAGUE

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS Lyndon managed a Flint Hills League championship last season and will have much of that talent back entering this season, minus the glaring loss of second team all-state Miles Kitselman who is now playing football at Hutchinson Community College. Northern Heights having to replace multiple all-state players last season caused a significant drop in their record while Bruce Hula’s Council Grove team could barely get traction only playing 11 games during the season. Osage City is the favorite if production from returning players is factored in as high-scoring junior Landon Boss leads a strong group back after last year’s successful campaign. CENTRAL HEIGHTS was knocked out in the second round of sub-state by top seeded Berean Academy and ended up with a record of 10-11 overall and 4-6 in league play. The Vikings return starters in 6-3 junior Conner Peel, 6-2 junior Luke Burkdoll, and 6-3 sophomore Ethan Rowan, as well as 5-8 junior Max Cannady, 6-1 junior Luke Brown, and 6-0 junior Nicholas Schultz. Head coach Tyler Oestreicher also pointed out sophomore 6-1 sophomore Alex Skeet, 5-4 sophomore Baker Moore, and 5-6 sophomore

Kyler Bellinger as potential varsity contributors. “I look for our team to be very young and exciting this year,” coach Oestreicher said. “We are going to be very intense in our defensive front and aggressive on the offensive end. We lost several seniors from last year and will have a few with some varsity experience which will be challenging at first. We have another challenge of having no seniors with varsity experience and leadership will have to fall into our juniors and sophomores hands. They are very capable of leading this team but the challenge is on them. I think we will overcome these challenges early and have a great stretch this season. Our goal every year is to be at our peak come sub-state time. We always look to get better each year and hope to build from each game.” After a second round sub-state tournament loss to Lyndon, CHASE COUNTY finished last season with a final record of 14-7 and fourth place league finish. The Bulldogs get back juniors Cooper Schroer (8.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2 apg) and Aidan Eidman (10.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.3 apg) from last season’s squad. Beyond their two returning starters, there will be little varsity experience and plenty of playing time to be earned. “Our goal is to be a competitive team every game and rely on our teamwork to do so, head coach

out in the first round of the state tournament and their hopes for a fourth consecutive state championship were dashed, finishing the season with a 20-2 record. The Huskies said goodbye to one of the best senior classes in the state, including first team all-state Jack Chapman (University of Missouri-Kansas City) and Alston Mason (Oklahoma), along with 6-7 all-state honorable mention Ben Fritz (University of Central Missouri). Despite the glaring loss of that trio, it arguably pales in comparison to the departure of head coach Ed Fritz, who won five state championships for the Huskies since 2013. New head coach Aaron Ihm could well be the right person for the job, as he followed a legendary coach at his prior program, Raytown South (Mo.), before winning a state championship with them in 2020. Ihm is likely to rely on senior Joey Robinson, one of the few pieces of varsity continuity from the Fritz era. After finishing 7-13 overall and 2-6 in the EKL last season, BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST gets back four senior starters from that team, including all-state honorable mention Jin Woo Kim (15 ppg, 3 apg, 3 rpg, 1 spg, 78 percent from the line), 6-1 Sebastian Hamm (7 ppg, 1 spg, 30 percent from three-point), 6-8 Cooper Schwieger (11 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 bpg, 59 percent from the field), and 6-7 Carson Schwieger (7 ppg, 6 rpg, 1 bpg, 59 percent from the field). Quillan Rank (6-0 junior) is expected to take over point guard duties after serving as backup last season and 6-1 junior Jackson Noland, 6-4 senior Charlie Christensen, and 6-3 junior Jackson Bell are also expected to see plenty of court this season, according to head coach Dustin Leochner. “After narrowly missing a second consecutive trip to the state tournament in 2021 we are looking to turn the corner in a significant way, coach Leochner said. “We believe this is the best team we’ve had at Southwest in many years. We have a very good combination of point guard play, solid perimeter shooting, multi-threat guards and very skilled big men with good shooting range. We return four starters from last season, all seniors, and our seven deep all have legitimate varsity experience. Two of our seniors played significant

Page 47 minutes in our 2020 postseason run to the state tournament. We will once again play the most difficult schedule in 5A, but we believe we will continue to be more competitive in the EKL and feel we can make a long run in the 5A postseason. The key will be for our guys to trust each other and for them to continue to show the desire to share the ball and play together as they have in the past.” BLUE VALLEY WEST found themselves retooling their roster after the departure of a large senior class in 2019-20, ultimately finishing the season 9-12 after losing to Blue Valley in the first round of the sub-state tournament. ST. THOMAS AQUINAS lost in the first round of sub-state in a 73-71 overtime nail-biter against Spring Hill and ended their season with a 7-14 mark. The Saints lose all-league honorable mention guard Tank Young (NW Missouri State football) from a season ago, but get back seven lettermen from that team, including seniors Will Gavin, John Merfen, Aidan Werth, and Ryan Yankovich, junior Will Rost, as well as sophomores Wyatt Lewis and Kale Staats. Entering his 10th year as head coach of ST. JAMES ACADEMY, Stan Dohm gets back four starters from last season’s 11-10 team. Seniors Sam Somerhalder (6-7, 14.3, 5.3 rpg, 3.1 apg), Tyler Claiborne (6-2, 8.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Garret Lynch (6-4, 4.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg), and junior Brian Hawthorne (6-1, 10.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.7 apg) are the core of a group that has been intact for the last two seasons. “We are returning a group that has been together for the last three years in the starting line-up, Dohm said. “Football season will cut into most of our first semester practice times. Getting a good rhythm and being healthy the last month of the season should lead to a good run. Establishing roles and developing chemistry are always keys to any team. We will need to improve defensively overall if we want to reach our potential as a team” GIRLS The EKL girls are no less dominant than the boys, and in fact matched the two state championships won by the guys with Miege in 4A and continued on page 88

Cade Witte said. “We are looking to improve on our regular season win totals, and our league and sub-state tournament finishes. We won’t have a lot of returning varsity experience. We need players to fill roles and contribute consistently throughout the season.” COUNCIL GROVE played just 11 games last season due to COVID and were unable to gain much traction. The Braves finished 4-7 after a first round sub-state loss to Osage City, but have a lot to be optimistic about. Seniors Hunter Brintle, Koen Hula and Kellen Marshall return from last season’s starting lineup, while juniors Gavin Mills and Anthony Monihen come back after playing important roles. The Braves graduated Hadyn Bieling, Bennet Bolen and Isaac Buchman. “Expectations are high as this year’s squad has some varsity experience back returning three starters, right at 82 percent of their scoring, and just over 70 percent of their rebounding,” coach Hula said. “The player’s experience will be valuable this season as players will look to build through the Brave’s defense first mentality to compete for another conference title. Last season the Braves only played 11 games due to COVID shortening their schedule, so bench personnel development will be a major key to the Braves’ success this season. Look for the Braves to

continue to build and become stronger throughout the season and compete at a high level. This year’s conference race should be hard fought and competitive as the top of conference is strong. Seniors Koen Hula and Kellen Marshall ought to get a lot of attention every game we play, as well as some state recognition.” After finishing last season with a 19-5 record, regular season league title, and a top four state tournament finish, LYNDON loses key pieces to graduation in second team all-state selection Miles Kitselman and unanimous all-league selection Luke Detwiler. Despite that, three starters from a year ago return in seniors Darian Massey (5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 5.5 apg, 3 spg) and Toby Miller (11 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 bpg), both honorable mention all-league selections, and 6-5 junior Jackson Biggs (6 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3 apg). “Our goal is to compete for championships,” head coach Michael Massey said. “We want to work hard everyday in practice to put ourselves in the position to reach this goal. We have to become more physical. Our success will be determined by how physical we play.” MISSION VALLEY returns HM all-state senior Joel Deters (11.5 ppg, 3 rpg, 1 apg) and senior Keaton Marcotte (9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1 apg, .5 bpg, .5 spg) continued on page 106

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 increase as the team’s only experienced starter. It being the team’s last year in the league, head coach Steve Wallace named winning the Frontier one of the team’s top goals, with “toughness” and By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer “defense” as the keys to get them there. BOYS League runner-up LOUISBURG wrapped up Despite making it all the way to the state the 2021 season as the 4A state runner-up with championship last season, Louisburg was unable an 18-7 record after falling to a truly dominant to capture a league title. Instead, that honor went Bishop Miege squad by a score of 94-40, the to Tonganoxie, the first one for the Chieftains in biggest point disparity in KSHSAA championship 35 years. history. The Wildcats graduate a talented senior Mind the pun, but the Frontier is truly open this class and also say goodbye to first team all-state season, as Louisburg and Tonganoxie both saw junior Julian Margrave as he moves on to New considerable talent depart their halls in May. Hampton Prep in New Hampshire. The graduation Two of the most productive players from of second team all-league Weston Gutterman also last season - Trey Moala at Paola and Noah leaves a glaring hole. The Wildcats do return one McCullough at Ottawa - both played on teams starter in 5-11 senior Michael Sueferling (7.1 ppg, with losing records. As both players enter their 2.7 rpg, 1.9 apg). final seasons of high school basketball it will be “[Our keys to success are to] play with great interesting to see if they can fill a potential power effort, execute on both ends of the floor, and vacuum at the top of the league. represent our community in a positive way,” coach Beyond those two hopefuls, every team in the Ty Pfannenstiel said. league has important questions to answer. Coach Cliff McCullough’s OTTAWA team BALDWIN drew the unenviable task of facing finished 8-12, with a fifth place league finish and Miege in the first round of sub-state and were an early sub-state exit from a tough play-in game knocked out 83-25, finishing the season 2-19 with versus Paola. From that squad the Cyclones a last place league finish, The Bulldogs return two bring back four starters and valuable experience. pieces from that team in senior Cole Mahaffey (9 Senior 6-1 second team all league selection Noah ppg, 5 rpg) and junior Caleb Carr (8 ppg, 3 apg, McCullough (18.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2 spg), 2 spg). Junior Sam Darnell, a key reserve for the 6-0 senior Chase Bloomer (6.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.2 Bulldogs last season, who dealt with injuries, also apg), 5-11 senior Austin Nitcher (5.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg, returns. 2.8 apg, 1.4 spg) and 6-5 all-league honorable “[Our goal is to] raise the expectation for mention junior Jake Titus (10.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg) look ourselves and our team everyday,” coach Don to continue their solid production and make a Blanchat said. “Change the culture of our team postseason run. and advance on what we did last season. The “First team goal is to get back into the top three play of our returning starters, Mahaffey and Carr of the Frontier League and make a deep run into [is key]. Having sixth man Sam Darnell back and the playoffs to give ourselves a chance to get to healthy will give us a huge boost as well. We will the state tournament,” ninth year boys head coach be counting on varsity newcomers to fill crucial McCullough said. “Had a really down year last spots and play big minutes. If our younger guys season due to significant losses from the 19-20 can be ready the Bulldogs will have a chance to team. Last year gave these guys a chance to gain be good this season.” a lot of varsity experience with only one player BONNER SPRINGS secured a one seed at returning from the 19-20 team. their sub-state tournament - despite being below McCullough, who spent 16 seasons as the girls .500 at 8-9 going in - before eventually facing head coach before taking over the boys program, elimination in the finals against Mill Valley. From will also look to even out the scoring on his squad. that team, the Braves return an all-league senior “We have to find more balanced scoring or combination in Trent Stimac (11.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, at least another scoring to shoulder the load,” 1.8 apg, second team) and Jayce Smith (9.5 ppg, McCullough said. “I am hoping that will be 3.3 rpg, honorable mention), along with fellow resolved through the experience gained from last returning starters in senior Jayden Young (5 ppg, season. These guys were really disappointed in 3 rpg, 1.4 apg) and junior Tavian Cruse (6.3 ppg, last season’s results and used that as their focus 3.3 rpg) from last season’s 10-11 team. this summer. I’m sure there will be some adversity “[Our goal is to] compete for a league title and as there was last year with fans/no fans, masks/ get better with each game,” head coach Dan Streit no masks. Hopefully we don’t have to deal with it, said. “[Staying] injury free and solid defense [are but if we do we should be able to handle it.” our keys to success].” PAOLA played one seed and eventual state After a first round sub-state exit at the hands runner-up Louisburg close in their first round of Tonganoxie last season, EUDORA gets back sub-state match-up last year, losing 51-44, and starters; 6-6 junior Jaden Hamm (10 ppg, 9 rpg), were likely a little winded after reaching that point 5-9 junior Kale Hammerschmidt (6 ppg, 2 rpg) and through a play-in game. First year head coach 6-6 senior Traeger Rader (6 ppg, 2 rpg) from an Ryan Oshel takes over after the Panthers finished 8-10 team. The Cardinals success will be in part 8-12 last season and saw important pieces based on how well young players mature. graduate this past May, including all-league “[Our goal is] to be the best we can be by the honorable mention Bo Robinson. The good news end of February,” coach Kyle Deterding said. “[We for Oshel and Paola is the return of 6-5 first team need] young players to grow into their roles. We all-league and all-state honorable mention senior may only have one or two seniors this year.” Trey Moala (17.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.3 spg). KC-PIPER upset one seed Basehor-Linwood “Our short term goal is pretty generic, but it is after winning a play-in game to get there, but to get better every day,” Oshel said. “We have to were unable to overcome KC-Washington, getting make every day better than the last. Our long term knocked off 63-60 in that final game, finishing the goals would be the same as most teams around season 10-9. Returning 6-4 first team all-league the state. We want to try and win our league and senior Jaron Briggs is likely to see his importance we want to make it to the state tournament.”

FRONTIER LEAGUE

SPRING HILL won a 73-71 OT thriller against Aquinas in the first round of sub-state last season, but couldn’t overcome Pittsburg in the second round of their sub-state tournament. Juniors Luke Metcalf (5.2 ppg, 1.8 rpg) and Jamon Beck (5.9 ppg, 1 rpg, 39 percent from three) return as starter’s for the Broncos, after finishing last season 9-10 with a tie for second place in the Frontier League. “[Our goal is to] finish in the top two of the league and advance to state,” coach Wes Book said. “Ability to defend and rebound, developing consistency at the point guard position [are our keys to success]” After winning their first league championship in 35 years it took the likes of Miege to knock TONGANOXIE out of the state tournament. The Chieftains get back two starters from that 15-5 season, 6-1 senior Andrew Willson (8.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.3 spg) and 5-11 senior Zane Novotney (6.5 ppg, 3 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.5 spg). Fourth year head coach Phil Jones is going to need leadership out of his seniors to help along a roster with little varsity experience. “[Our goal is to] compete for an above average record and make ourselves a top six seed heading into postseason play,” coach Jones said. “Our two returning starters from last year are both great perimeter shooters. A key will for us will be the growth of JV players and the two returners knocking down outside shots at a rate above 38 percent.” GIRLS The girls side of the Frontier League has a few storylines to keep an eye on. Will Eudora and the sensational Harper Schreiner bounceback after a regression in the win column a year ago? Can Louisburg continue its winning ways despite a mass exodus of accomplished seniors? Does Piper have the ability to reload after winning their sixth straight league title despite losing the entirety of their starting lineup? Those are just a few of the storylines heading into the season as all nine teams have their own narrative developing. BALDWIN narrowly upset Eudora in the first round of sub-state last year, 33-32, before going on to get knocked out in the championship game against Miege. The Bulldogs finished the season 11-10 and return three starters from that squad. Seniors Riley Smith (12.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.1 apg), Izzy Harvey (4.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 spg), and junior Karly Neufeld (9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1 spg) take over the leadership role after the graduation of some key seniors. “Despite the loss of some key seniors from last year, we hope to be competitive every night and be in contention for the Frontier League title and a chance at the state tournament,” coach Bob Martin said. “We will not be a very big team, so we need to find a way to hold our own on the boards. We will need to show some consistency in shooting and find a way to limit our turnovers.“ BONNER SPRINGS entered into their substate tournament as a three seed with a 4-11 record before going on to upset KC-Sumner for a state tournament appearance. Ultimately, they were knocked off in the first round by Lansing and finished 6-13. Head coach Peyton Leslie returns 5-4 senior Corrie Hassett (6 ppg), 5-11 second team all-league junior Mariya Noel (14.5 ppg, 6 rpg) and all-league honorable mention junior Wren VanCleave (7 ppg, 7 rpg). “[Our key to success is] being able to get

Page 48 consistent stops defensively,” Leslie said. EUDORA faced an upset after earning the top seed in the sub-state tournament. The Cardinals finished 10-10 after winning 20 games the year prior. Fortunately for the Cardinals, 5-8 first team all-state senior Harper Schreiner (16.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 7.4 apg, 3 spg, Pitt State commit) is among the best in 3A and has help from fellow returning starter, 5-8 senior Mackenzie Mayer (4.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.2 spg). “We will be blending younger players with some experienced returners,” head coach Brandon Parker said. “Developing team chemistry and patience will be the key with the team.” Entering into the 21st year of his coaching career, Shane Stout (330-141 overall, 184-45 at Piper) and his KC-PIPER team finished 14-6 and captured their sixth consecutive league title last season with an 8-1 mark in the Frontier League. The Pirates will have a completely new starting lineup after graduating all five a year ago. “We will need to improve on a daily basis,” Stout said, “Due to graduation and injuries we have minimal returning varsity experience. Our non-conference schedule is loaded with top-tier opponents from both Kansas and the Missouri side.” LOUISBURG experienced the girls program’s best finish in history last season, finishing top four in the state with a 19-5 record after being defeated in the semifinals by McPherson 58-46. The Wildcats will have some important roster spots to fill, including second team all-state Madilyn Melton (Benedictine), second team all-league Megan Foote, and all-league honorable mention Brooklyn Diedrich and Alyse Moore. Lone returner, second team all-league Jordan Mysted (10.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg) has her hands full as she looks to carry on the momentum of last season’s historic finish. OTTAWA was knocked out of the first round of sub-state against top four state finalist and league opponent Louisburg, 44-34, and finished 7-14 a season ago. Head coach Matt Schurman gets back the all-state honorable mention senior pairing of Sofia Ficken (7 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.1 apg) and Kirsten Evans (6.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.9 spg) for the upcoming campaign. “We must continue to move the program forward by finishing in the top half of a very difficult Frontier League,” coach Schurman said, “moving past the point of just settling for competing with the perennial powers of our league.” PAOLA finished last season 7-13 and returns four starters; juniors Maggie Kauk (5 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 spg), Ava Kehl (4 ppg, 6 rpg) and Maddie Pitzer (3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2 spg) and senior Kate Ediger (11.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1 apg, 2 spg). Posting a winning record and a sub-state championship are goals for head coach Jamie Butler, who also said “taking care of the ball, finishing plays, [and] being disciplined on defense” were her team’s keys to success. SPRING HILL closed out last season at 11-9 with a second place finish in league. The Broncos were eliminated from sub-state by a tough Aquinas team in the championship. From that team returns two starters, senior Cate Milroy and junior Jenna Weber, along with a large group of seniors off the bench. “We return an experienced group of players that are excited for this upcoming season,” coach Clay Frigon said. “With all the distractions from last year the girls are ready to take every opportunity they are given this year to compete. We continued on page 106

GREAT WEST ACTIVITIES CONFERENCE By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS While the Great West Activities Conference has been a talented league over the last few years, Hugoton has truly been the dominant team in the GWAC as of late, winning a league title in each of the past three seasons. This season will be a new experience for Hugoton, however, as they look to replace four top scorers from a year ago and a highly successful coach in C.J. Korf. With Korf and that senior class gone, the league is up for grabs, and there are a few team’s looking to close in. Cimarron brings back one of the league’s top scorers in Braxton Harrison and a couple important pieces from a team that couldn’t quite get on a roll last season. The Blue Jays haven’t had a winning season since 2017. Meanwhile a once dominant Scott City program intends to regain traction after a couple down seasons. Holcomb has quietly been waiting in the wings and making frequent state tournament appearances. The Longhorns return a big group from last season’s team that finished with a 9-3 league record. Colby, Goodland and Ulysses all return quality parts from last year’s team, will try to get back above .500. Chris Chilton will take over coaching duties at CIMARRON after they finished 7-11 on the heels of a first round sub-state exit. Chilton gets back two starters from last year in seniors Braxton Harrison (16.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.4 apg, 3.6 spg) and Luke Janzen (6.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1 spg). “Our goal is to have a winning record and compete for a league championship,” Chilton said. “[We want to] grow during the season and put ourselves in a position to return to state. [A key to success is] making sure we play fundamentally sound basketball and limit turnovers. We are going to want to play fast, but under control, take good shots and defend.” COLBY was knocked out in the first round

of last year’s sub-state tournament 70-59 by Norton, finishing the season 9-12. The Eagles saw the graduation of all-league players Peyton Wahlmeier and Ryan Myers this past spring, but all-league honorable mention junior Hunter Vaughn is a key returner for the Eagles. After facing a first round sub-state defeat against Phillipsburg in the four versus five game, GOODLAND finished 9-12 overall with a 2-4 league record. In Mike Doll’s sixth year as the Cowboys’ head coach he return three starters in 6-0 senior Matt Nemecheck (4 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg), 6-5 junior Devontay Hardy (7 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2 bpg) and 6-0 sophomore Cole Linton (8.5 ppg, 3 rpg) but bids farewell to 6-4 first team all-league combo guard Brennan Brumbaugh, now playing for Barton County Community College. “Our main goal will be to continue to keep the momentum of building a consistent winning program moving in the right direction and build some depth throughout our whole program,” coach Doll said. “Nothing special here, we are going to have to put ourselves in good positions to win games by dictating the game through our defense and rebounding.” One of the better programs over the last decade, HOLCOMB has made the state tournament four out of the last eight seasons and had another solid run in 2021 despite being knocked out in the sub-state semifinals, finishing at 15-7 with a 9-3 league record. This year the Longhorns bring back a deep group, with only two players lost to graduation, first team allleague Zephyn Mason and fellow starter Josh See. A senior group including, 6-4 second team all-league Cooper Autry, 6-2 all-league honorable mention Daegan Vanpelt, 5-10 Braxton Sizemore, 6-4 Kaden Johnson, 5-11 Luke Tolbert, 5-8 Kolby Johnson, 5-10 Race Arcery and 5-8 Jace Novack, returns along with juniors 5-8 Dalton Long, 5-11 Cris Palacios, and sophomores 5-10 Damon Mesa and 6-2 Kooper Tichenor. Head coach Chad Novack pointed out size as a

Page 49 concern for his deep lineup, but called work ethic and desire to compete team strenghts. “We have a group of kids that are willing to work really hard right now and want to be successful,” Novack said. “They have put a lot of extra time on their own to be really competitive this season. We have a lot of overall team speed and athleticism.” After winning a third straight GWAC title with HUGOTON last season, C.J. Korf moved on to an athletic director job at Southeast of Saline. Trey O’Neil, a former Fort Hays State player and son of legendary former Scott City coach Glenn O’Neil, takes over head coaching duties after a stint as an assistant at Hays High. The Eagles went 21-3 with a league championship and qualified for state before being knocked out in the quarterfinals but graduated the talent of second team all-state Sawyer Harper, honorable mention all-state Jayce Korf (Highland Community College), second team all-league Haden Daharsh, and allleague honorable mention Wyatt Angell. O’Neil does get back 6-4 senior Cade Mecklenburg (4 ppg, 2.2 rpg) and 6-1 junior Ryle Riddlesperger (9 ppg, 2 rpg, .9 apg), both key contributors from last year’s talented team, and senior Gavin Williams provides more height standing 6-5. Replacing their top four scorers and coach Korf will be tough tasks for the Eagles. “[Our goal is to] continue and enhance the success of Eagle basketball,” O’Neil said. “Lost a really good group of seniors last year that led the team to a state tournament appearance. Looking forward to a new group of players leading the charge for the 21-22 season. Buying into a new system with a completely new group of individuals [is our key to success].” SCOTT CITY has traditionally been one of the top programs of the last decade or so, but has fallen on a couple down years, finishing last season with a 5-15 mark after a first round sub-state exit against top seed Lakin. The Beavers graduate a few regular rotation players, but return a majority of their varsity squad in sophomore Gus Hawkins, junior Lawson Bailey, senior Carter Gooden, junior Dylan Metzger, and senior Austin Thon. continued on page 86

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS Greater Wichita Athletic League champs BISHOP CARROLL nearly defeated eventual state champions Maize in the quarterfinals of last season’s 5A state tournament. Instead, the Golden Eagles were bested by a score of 37-33, finishing the season 19-3 overall and 14-1 in league play. Carroll graduated six seniors from that team, five from the starting lineup, one of them being first team all-state guard/forward Alex Littlejohn (Kansas Wesleyan). Head coach Mike Domnick - who led Eagles to the state championship during the 2021 class’ freshman season in 2018 - does return a number of role players off of last year’s team, including seniors Michael Polley (6-2, 1.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.6 apg), Bergen Loveless (6-0), Jack Hartman (6-4), Cole Schmidt (6-1), Eason Kendrick (6-4) and junior Braden Beasley (6-0). Hutch Trinity transfer Walt Gray is another player with potential to make an impact. The 6-4 junior is a standout football player who started at defensive end for the Golden Eagles and previously led Hutch Trinity in rushing, but also earned honors from the Heart of America League for his work with the Celtic basketball team. Domnick called defense and rebounding primary keys to success for his team. “[Our goal this year is] to compete for another league championship and advance to state,” Domnick said. KAPAUN MT. CARMEL closed out last season 15-6 in the wake of a first round sub-state loss to a talented Andover team. The Crusaders say farewell to a load of talent from that team including first team all-league Blake Danitschek, second team all-city Ethan Stuhlsatz, and honorable mention selections Grant Johnson and Tiger Jones. They do get one player who received all-league honors back in honorable mention 6-6 junior Will Anciaux, the lone returning starter for the Crusaders and younger brother of former Kapaun girls standout Ella Anciaux, who is now playing at Wichita State. Will is also a standout on the football field and one of the top tight end prospects in the class of 2023 with offers from Michigan State, Iowa State, KU, K-State and at least one offer to play both football and basketball from Division II Washburn University in Topeka. WICHITA EAST finished the 2021 season 11-10, concluded by a first round exit against league-opponent Wichita Northwest, 56-51. This season marks the second at East for head coach Clint Kinnamon after winning multiple championships at St. John and amassing a career record of 490-204. The Blue Aces return no starters from their 11-win team of a season ago, but Kinnamon did point out seniors 6-1 Larry Graham, 6-1 Peter Kaufman, 6-0 Travon Manuel, 5-9 Caquoy Patterson and incoming 6-2 freshman Collin Laws as players to watch this season. Quickness at the guard position is a positive Kinnamon sees in his team, but potential weak spots include team size, rebounding, and varsity experience. WICHITA HEIGHTS bounced back from their sub-.500 2020 and made a trip to the 6A state tournament before being knocked out in a heartbreaking quarterfinals 41-36 overtime contest with Free State. The Falcons lose all-state honorable mention Bronxon Frierson and all-city second team A.J. Neal to graduation, but bring

back four key players in 6-4 all-city honorable mention sophomore T.J. Williams, 6-4 all-city honorable mention senior Dreylin Kemp, 6-1 senior Chase Harris and 6-1 junior Marcus Ziegler. Legendary Heights coach Joe Auer was inducted into the Wichita Sports Hall of Fame this offseason. The Falcons have an intriguing season opening match-up with Derby. WICHITA NORTH was knocked out in a substate play-in game against Wichita West to close out last season, leaving them with a 2-19 record on the year. North loses a few top players to graduation, including all-league honorable mention Taye Lawrie, but does return junior all-city honorable mention selection Jacob Wassall. After a sub-state championship defeat against Heights, WICHITA NORTHWEST finished out last season with a 14-8 record and returns just one starter from last season in 5-10 senior Geremiah Moore (8.3 ppg, 2.9 apg), but will have some soul searching to do in terms of filling out the rest of the roster. How well they can develop team chemistry and share the ball is going to be the main driver of success for the Grizzlies this season. “[Our goal are to] build on the season we had last year, top three league finish and make it to state,” head coach Andy Hill said. WICHITA SOUTH faced eventual state runner-up Campus in the first round of sub-state, losing the game 77-50 and finishing the season 7-14. The Titans lose second team all-city Darryon Frierson and all-city honorable mention Kalin Wilson to graduation, but return seniors Abel Jones and Jamari Robison, junior Terrence Hutton and sophomore Asa Tarver, all consistent rotation players a year ago. WICHITA SOUTHEAST went into their substate as a two-seed, but lost in the first round to a scrappy Derby team by a score of 55-50, finishing the year with an 11-9 record. Senior all-city honorable mention Amarion Walker is the lone returning starter for the Golden Buffaloes, after losing three starters to graduation and another, Kobe Smith, who transferred to Andover Central for the upcoming season. WICHITA WEST got a sub-state win in a playin game against North, before facing Heights in the first round and losing 66-53. The Pioneers graduated all-state honorable mention Hezikiah Washington, along with Keith Gray and A.J. McCullough. Senior Steven Ridpath, sophomore Roberts Basks Jr., and junior Cameron Taylor return with varsity experience. GIRLS Despite ending their season with an upset loss against Kapaun in the first round of substate, BISHOP CARROLL earned themselves a GWAL championship last season, finishing with a 14-1 record in league, and a 15-4 mark overall. The Golden Eagles return a strong trio of 5-7 senior Kendall Forbes (9 ppg, 2.4 apg, 4.7 rpg), 5-0 senior Kiley Donnan (4.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg), and 5-5 junior Landon Forbes (4.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg). Head coach Taylor Dugan named her teams goals as repeating as GWAL champs and competing in the state tournament. “Our key to success will be filling the large roles of our former seniors,” Dugan said. “We will need several young players to step up and learn quickly to contribute at the varsity level.” KAPAUN MT. CARMEL didn’t get long to celebrate their upset over Carroll in the first round of sub-state before running into the Andover

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GREATER WICHITA ATHLETIC LEAGUE Central buzzsaw, losing that game 73-64 and finishing the season 13-9. The Crusaders lose second team all-state Ella Anciaux and all-city second team Jennifer Jacobs, but do retain junior all-city second team Sophia Gimino and junior all-city honorable mention Kaelin Quigley, and sophomore all-city honorable mention Lizzie Romer. WICHITA EAST finished 12-7 a year ago after facing a top-notch Wichita Heights team in the sub-state championship game, losing 60-27. The Blue Aces return a mound of senior talent from last season, including first team all-city Asia Dawson and honorable mention recipients Aubree Dawson, Denae McElrath, Akeir Scales and Tiana Winn, though second team all-city Isis Sanders is now at Maize South. WICHITA HEIGHTS dominated their sub-state last season, before eventually running into a determined Topeka team in the state quarterfinals and getting knocked off 71-36. Heights loses all-state second team Laniah Randle (Southern Illinois), but get back a talented trio of first team all-city senior Cayanna Stanley, all-city honorable mention Mya Mayberry, and four-star Louisville Cardinal commit Zyanna Walker, who went down with an ACL injury last February, but has worked hard to get back to her top form. The Falcons also return valuable rotation players in senior Jordan Bell, sophomore Nyah Chandler, and senior Mariaysha Zeigler. WICHITA NORTH faced a first round exit at the hands of Wichita East and finished last season 7-14. North was expected to get back all-city second team senior AmUnique Cavitt, all-city honorable mention junior Katie Blessman, and all-city honorable mention Guadalupe Urbina. North will be on the hunt for their first winning season in well over a decade. WICHITA NORTHWEST wasn’t able to gain much momentum in head coach Marcus Myers first season coaching the Grizzlies, finishing just 1-17. The Grizzlies have a few young building blocks for Myers to work with, however, in 6-3 junior Taylor Kilpatrick (.6 ppg, 7 rpg), 5-4 Wichita South transfer

sophomore Nascent Robinson (7 ppg, 3 rpg) and 5-4 incoming freshman Aaliyah Richard. Junior Zoey Baker and sophomore Sasha Reid are also key returners to the program according to Myers. “I look for our team to go with a big line-up,” Myers said. “Use our length/height on both ends of the floor. Play physical, get after it.” WICHITA SOUTH lost a tough first round matchup with Wichita Southeast, ultimately losing 43-40, and finishing the season 5-15. The Titans lose all-city honorable mention Raisha Banks and Deja Jackson to graduation, but get back talented sophomore all-city honorable mention Zion Butler as they try and regain the magic of the mid-2010’s when they won four straight state championships between 2013 and 2016. After WICHITA SOUTHEAST knocked South out of the sub-state tournament, they had a tough matchup with a Derby team with some elite players, losing 64-31. The Golden Buffaloes lose a lot of talent from that team in all-city first team Jaila Harding, second team all-city Katelyn Kennedy, and all-city honorable mention Deseree Adair, but do return all-city honorable mention selections sophomores Jakhia Jones and RaMya Kennedy. WICHITA WEST is coming off of a 2-14 season, the first with head coach Kevin Jolley at the helm. West returns 6-0 senior Siboney Pena (4 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 bpg) and 5-6 junior Kiari Albright (8 ppg, 4 rpb, 3 spg, 2 bpg) all starters last season and good pieces to build a new lineup with. “Team goals are to be a lot more competitive this season,” Jolley said. “We need our freshmen to group up really fast and I think we can be more competitive than last year.”

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

HEART OF AMERICA LEAGUE By Keegn McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS BENNINGTON finished 7-12 last season after getting knocked out in the first round of sub-state soundly by Sacred Heart. However, the Bulldogs will get another crack at it with essentially the same lineup this season, including the team’s top scorer, first team all-league sophomore Eli Lawson (12.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.2 bpg). He’ll be joined fellow sophomores Talan Pickering (7.9 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 1.4 apg) and Matt Nemecheck (4.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.1 apg), along with a big senior group of Cayden Bauer (8.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.6 bpg), Ryker Green (5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.7 apg), Ben Stanley (3.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.2 apg), Jawaun Allen (2.7 ppg, 1.8 ppg, 1.6 apg) and junior Dalton McDowell (1.5 ppg). After tying for first in the HOA title with an 8-1 regular season record, BEREAN ACADEMY faced off against a talented Lyndon team in last season’s sub-state final. The Warriors won their prior rounds by double-digits, but came up just short, losing 41-36 and finishing the season with an overall record of 19-3. The Warriors graduated a talented senior group last spring, including second team all-state Chase Wiebe, second team all-league Sam Snook, all-league honorable mention Jon Hoover, Blake Timken, and Grant Busenitz. Berean does return 6-5 all-league honorable mention senior Austin Thiessen (9.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg). Head coach Lewis Wiebe is entering his 28th season at Berean with a 502-135 record and two state championships, and his 37th year as a head coach overall with 664-207 record. He called the ability to “take care of the ball and develop our passing ability” as keys to success for the Warriors. “[Our goals this year are] to get better as a team and as individual players,” Wiebe said. “We have a lot of young players and they will need to develop in order for us to compete well.” ELL-SALINE finished last season 0-21 and bring back two returning starters from that team in 6-1 all-league honorable mention junior Kade Wilson (8 ppg, 7 rpg) and 6-1 sophomore Marshall Johnson (6 ppg, 3 rpg). “[Our goal this season is] to finally win some basketball games,” head coach Marty Wendel said. “We grew a ton last year as a team and we had a great summer so we are excited to get back after it and hopefully see some games end in the win column for us. The biggest key to our success is how well we can score the basketball this season. We struggled to score consistently last season and it made it difficult for us to stay in games because of it.” HUTCH-TRINITY dropped a heartbreaker in the sub-state championship against eventual state champion Hillsboro, losing 49-47. Trinity loses three all-league players to graduation Lucas Hammeke, Evan Remar, and Landon Gray - as well as second team all-league junior Walt Gray, who transferred to Bishop Carroll. INMAN finished 10-11 last season after a 5951 defeat at the hands of Trinity. The Teutons lose all-league honorable mention Derick Johnson to graduation, but get back second team all-league Jace Doerksen, his fellow seniors Kyler Konrade, Kendyn Blank, Dawson

Mannebach, junior Eli Brunk and first team allleague sophomore Tanner Heckel. The Teutons got a late start to the basketball season thanks to another deep postseason run in football. MARION finished last season 5-15 after getting knocked out of the sub-state tournament by Chase County, 57-41. The Warriors lose a majority of their production from that team to graduation, but return senior Campbell Winter (2.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg) and junior Caden Wilhelm (1.9 ppg, 1.1 rpg) from last season. MOUNDRIDGE finished 14-8 last season after a loss in the sub-state championship round to Hillsboro. Head coach Vance Unrau - entering his 35th year of coaching Moundrige with a 525-274 record - gets back one of the league’s top players in 5-9 first team all-league junior Landon Kaufman (20.1 ppg, 3.7 apg, 2.5 rpg, 2.9 spg), along with fellow returning starter 6-6 junior Logan Churchill (9.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg), and key reserves 5-9 senior Joseph Schrag, and 5-8 senior Garret Doherty, 6-1 senior Ethan Bradewiedge, 5-9 senior Joseph Lane, and 6-1 junior Alec Huddle. “It seems to be a recurring theme that we will play a very difficult schedule both in our league and non-league games,” Unrau said. “The preChristmas schedule will give us all we want. My hope is that we will accept the challenge and establish ourselves as a team that I think we are capable of being. We return two starters - Kaufman and Churchill - who will need to continue to elevate their game for us, both had good offseasons. Another key to our season will be all of our supporting cast, both returners from last year’s team and new additions that are less experienced and young.” Unrau called depth a potential strength. “I feel we have more depth this year that will help us play fast when the opportunities exist. I want our guys to be more committed on the defensive end and show more aggressiveness on the glass. Both have been recent deficiencies.” REMINGTON had a tough time in the HOA last season, finishing 1-8 in league and 4-13 overall. The Broncos were fairly young, though, returning three starters in 5-11 senior Braden Scribner (10.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg), 6-0 senior Griffin Cook (5 ppg), and 6-1 junior Samuel Entz (7.6 ppg, 4 rpg) and returning lettermen 6-0 junior Dylan Margreiter, 6-1 junior Sage Martin and 6-3 senior Duke Kinley. “After losing only two seniors, I am optimistic that this team will make a big jump in the win column from last year,” coach Matt Regier said. “We return six different players that started multiple games last year, and have several others who are ready to compete at the varsity level after a couple of years developing on our JV squad. We should be able to defend at a high level and shoot the ball well from the outside. Depth will also be a strength. This is a hard-working, high character group, and I look forward to seeing what they can accomplish after a great off-season.” SEDGWICK closed out last season with a 5-4 league record - good enough for fourth - along with an 11-9 overall record after losing a tough first round sub-state matchup in the four vs. five

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seed game to Moundridge, 59-50. The Cardinals return a large amount of their production from last year, including three returning starters 6-2 senior Lance Hoffsommer (15.8 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 2 apg), 5-10 senior Ryan Stucky (2.5 ppg, 1.5 apg), 6-2 senior Connor Tillman (9.2 ppg, 4 rpg, 1 apg), along with rotation players 6-6 senior Sam Culp (5.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, though may be lost to a knee injury in football), 6-0 senior Jordan Hansen (1.2 ppg, 1.3 rpg), 5-10 senior Blake Huebert, 5-11 junior Christian Brown (3 ppg, 2 rpg), 5-7 junior Westyn Anderson, 6-2 sophomore Jeff Nold, and 6-0 sophomore Jackson Scarlett. “A large and experienced senior class should help offset the lack of practice time we will have to begin the season (because of the football playoffs),” Darren Crumrine said. “This group provides good length and athleticism to our team. Barring any football injuries, we should have depth. This should allow us to put together multiple line up combinations. Our perimeter shooting will be a huge key to our success. If we are able to stretch the floor, our athleticism should create other scoring opportunities.” STERLING qualified for state before getting knocked out in the first round against a Harlen Obioha-led Hoxie team, leaving their final mark at 18-6. The Black Bears lose first team allstate big man Tyus Wilson - now high jumping at the University of Nebraska - to graduation, but return a big senior group led by 6-0 second team all-league Zach Surface (9.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 35 percent from three, three year starter), 6-1 all-league honorable mention Cody Oden (6.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, three year starter), 6-2 Donovin Hopewell (3.1 ppg, 6 rpg, 2.1 spg), 5-8 Kaz Comley (4.8 ppg, three year starter), 6-0 Trevor Ochs (two year starter), along with 6-0 junior Noah Zambo, and 6-2 sophomore Gabe Riffel. GIRLS BENNINGTON finished last season 8-8 after being dealt a first round exit by Sedgwick in substate. Senior Olivia Lawson (6-0, 6.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.1 bpg) is the lone returning starter Tracy Piepho will have to work with in his first year as the Bulldogs head coach. “We are very inexperienced and young,”

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Piepho said. “We must develop the young talent we have and keep everything positive. We will emphasize improving every day in practice and never being outworked on game night!” BEREAN ACADEMY made a state tournament appearance last season before getting knocked out by Colgan and finishing the season 16-7. The Warriors get back two of their best players in first team all-league junior Lillie Veer and second team all-league senior Sally Wine. ELL-SALINE gets back all five starters from last season’s 6-14 team. Senior Raleigh Kramer (8.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg), sophomore Bayleigh Schneider (4.3 ppg, 1.4 apg), senior Sadie Bradley (4.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg), junior Keala Wilson (2.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and junior Raynee Hardesty (1.1 ppg, 1.7 apg) and their second year head coach Bill Gies expects improvement. “We want to finish in the top half of our league, and have that signature win,” Gies said. HUTCH TRINITY was knocked out of the first round of sub-state last season by Sacred Heart and finished the season with a 9-12 record. The Celtics graduate two all-league players; Hayley Hughes and Becca Hammersmith, but get back all-league honorable mention senior Lauren Galliher. INMAN closed out last season with a 7-13 mark after a first round sub-state exit against Moundridge. The Teutons have a tough task in replacing second team all-league Raegan Neufeld, but get back another key player from last year in senior all-league honorable mention Hannah Martisko. MARION was 1-19 overall last season with an 0-8 mark in league play. Jason Hett enters into his third year as the Warriors head coach with a 4-37 record at the school, and gets back two starters from last season in 5-8 senior Jayden May and 5-5 sophomore Grace Hett. “Our goal this season to work to be a competitive basketball team that competes for 32 minutes on both sides of the ball,” Hett said. “We will be lacking some size, but we will try to make up for that with running the floor and getting out in transition. The key to this team being successful is our ability to stay together, be tough, and disciplined. We will have to be a scrappy bunch willing to outwork everyone. MOUNDRIDGE loses two all-league seniors after making a state tournament appearance a year ago, before getting knocked out 48-39 in the quarterfinals by Garden Plain, finishing the season with a 17-6 record. The Wildcats continued on page 58

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HEART OF THE PLAINS LEAGUE By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS After nine years as an assistant, head coach Monte Miller will take over an ATTICA team with excellent potential. After finishing 15-6 last season, four starters come back for the Bulldogs, including 6-1 all-league senior Xander Newberry (18 ppg, 7 rpg). Newberry will be joined by 6-1 Cooper Traffas (8 ppg, 5 rpg), 5-9 junior Conor Harnden (9 ppg, 3 spg), and 5-10 sophomore Colton McDaniel (8 ppg). “Having four starters back is good to have so our goals are gonna be set pretty high,” head coach Monte Miller said. “[Our keys to success are] to stay healthy and take it one game at a time and play the second half of our schedule like we do at the beginning.” BURRTON finished last season 0-15 after a first round exit against Peabody-Burns. This marks the second consecutive winless season for the Chargers. CENTRAL CHRISTIAN finished last season 13-8 overall and 7-2 in league, good for second place. Seniors Jack Losew (5 ppg, 5 rpg) and junior Drew Yoder (8 ppg, 6 rpg) return and will be looking to help head coach Adam Clark reach his 300th win in his 27 years with the program, with his current overall mark at 287-189. “We will only have four upperclassmen (all post players) and will be an overall very young group,” Clark said. “We will have high expectations but will need to have some younger guys step up and fill some key roles. It’s a very coachable and hard-working group of guys. We will need to play solid defense and rebound the ball really well and knock down the three-point shot and make our teammates better.” CUNNINGHAM faced a first round sub-state exit against Stafford and finished last season 4-15. The Wildcats return all-league honorable mention junior Lane Halderson, junior Trey DeWeese and senior Isaiah Reed from last year’s team. FAIRFIELD is coming off of a 9-11 season and returns much of their roster, including seniors Jacob Bauman, Brady Fowler, Andrew Kennedy, Camre Haumont and Griffin Fischer, juniors Jarod Bauman, Mason Kalmar, Ashtin Cochran and Taylor Mathes, along with sophomores Calen Wente and Rex Zongker. The Falcons did take a hit with the transfer of junior standout Ethan Waters to Salina Central,

senior multi-season starter Cody Canady not returning to in-person school and Cochran getting a late start to the season due to injury. “[Our goals are to] work better as a team, communicate on both ends of the court, and develop a better team culture,” coach Nathan Shaefer said “[Our keys to success are] whether or not we can work together as a team and not get flustered if we get behind.” NORWICH gets back four starters from their 14-4 squad a year ago in senior Chance Hilger (6-2, 12.9 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.3 apg), junior Jace Gosch (6-4, 11.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.1 apg), junior Dax Rosenhagen (5-9, 5.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.8 apg), and sophomore Tray Schroeder (5-10, 8.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.3 apg). “Our goals this year are to build a team who takes pride on the defensive end of the floor,” second year head coach Nicholas Kyle said. “Although we took a huge leap last year in terms of winning percentage, the one thing keeping us from separating ourselves as a true state contender is the defensive end of the floor. We have set the goal of becoming the first Norwich men’s team to reach the state tournament in the last 27 years. Our two keys will be discipline and ‘buy in.’” Kyle felt good about year one at the helm, and is anxious for year two. “As a first year head coach, I accomplished what I had in mind for this team last year, although we fell short of our ultimate goal in substate. Now that we have an idea of what we plan to do on both ends of the ball, the level of intensity we must approach it with will be the biggest change going into this season. Additionally, our bench will be a large factor in our success this year. Last year we only played six guys at the varsity level. This was never an issue last year, but our JV guys worked very hard this offseason to help us grow our rotation.” PRATT-SKYLINE finished last season 13-7 and made the state tournament after a couple of close contests in sub-state, but were eliminated in the state quarterfinals against eventual runner-up South Gray. Skyline gets back all-league senior Nathan Adams, but will have to replace three all-league players lost to graduation. PRETTY PRAIRIE was knocked out in the second round of sub-state in a tough matchup against St. John, and finished the season with a 13-7 record. Two juniors return from last sea-

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Page 52 son’s regulation rotation in Brian Steadman and all-league Blake Stucky. SOUTH BARBER finished 2-15 last year after a 64-51 first round exit against eventual substate champs South Haven. The Chieftains get back all-league honorable mention senior Caden Rathgeber from that squad. STAFFORD advanced to the second round of last season’s sub-state in Attica, before losing to the tournament’s host 54-38 and closing out the season with a 4-15 record. First team all-league junior Dakota Rodriguez and all-league honorable mention Josh Hildebrand return as two of the team’s top players. GIRLS ATTICA finished last season with a solid 13-8 mark, but gets back only one starter from that team in senior Tamara Lozoya (10.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.4 spg, 2.7 apg). “Our goal this year is to gain confidence in ourselves and each other,” third year head coach Scotty McCartney said. “Another goal for us is growth. We lost four starters last year and a lot of minutes at the varsity level. This year we will have to grow quickly and gain game experience. Speed and hard work [are our keys to success]. We lack some height that we will have to make up with athleticism, hard work, and speed.” BURRTON gets back seniors Maci Dunleavy and all-league honorable mention McKinsie Hoopes after finishing last season 3-15 with a first round sub-state loss. CENTRAL CHRISTIAN closed out last season at 16-5 after a 36-33 sub-state championship loss to eventual 1A-DII runner-up Cunningham. The Cougars get back all-league junior Kaylee Kaufman, along with senior all-league honorable mention selections Samantha Ramsey and Aly Lambert. CUNNINGHAM nearly had their dream season a year ago, advancing all the way to the 1A-DII state championship game before losing 39-34 against perennial powerhouse Central Plains, finishing the season 20-3. The Wildcats graduated all-state standout Morgan Meyers - now playing basketball at Barton CC - and all-league Maddison Panek and took a hit with the transfer of honorable mention all-league senior Madie McGuire and her sister, junior Reese McGuire, to Central Plains. Also gone is coach Eric Meyers who passes the whistle to Steve Coleman. FAIRFIELD was beaten soundly in the first round of sub-state by Skyline in a four vs. five matchup and ended the season at 8-12. Allleague honorable mention Kaylie Combs moves on after graduation, though the Falcons do return junior Paisley Smyth who has shown she’s very capable of production, especially on the defensive end. Erin Schwertfeger, Karly Combs and Mikayla Pugh are other key returners. NORWICH eliminated top seed Pretty Prairie in the sub-state final last season and rode that momentum all the way to the state championship game, before eventually losing to an undefeated Olpe team and ending a big season at 20-4. The Eagles lose two all-league players, Brittany Gosch and Avery Rosenhagen to graduation, but return all-league honorable mention senior Kira Kelly and fellow senior Anna Kyle as they look to make another postseason run. PRATT-SKYLINE made it into the second round of sub-state before being defeated by top seed Pretty Prairie and finishing the season at .500 with a 9-9 mark. The Thunderbirds return

Cheri Ricke

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Xander Newberry

Attica, Senior

lone postseason award recipient in 5-6 allleague honorable mention junior Kady Anschutz, along with fellow juniors, 5-10 junior Presli Harts, 5-7 Monika Castillo, 5-4 Tracy Nation, 5-5 Hallee Young, and 5-8 senior Baylee Lauffer. “Our roster will look junior dominant at first glance, and rightfully so, with our lone senior sticking it out with a new coach and new system for her senior year,” first year head coach Chris Sanders said. “Senior Baylee Lauffer came in and played heavy varsity minutes as a freshman and we will rely on her game experience and leadership this season. Numbers-wise our juniors will contribute the most overall game experience with all of them playing varsity minutes in some capacity last year, along with junior newcomer Josie Wray, who has elected to play this year. Overall, this group has potential to start a new program with a bang and potentially end up in the top half of the league. Five incoming freshmen played valuable minutes at the middle school level and will be pushed into gaining varsity experience as quickly as possible. In league play, I think Pretty Prairie will return a bunch of experience and will be outstanding this season. I’d also be interested in seeing how Norwich or Hutch-Central Christain end up this year. I think they both return valuable pieces.” PRETTY PRAIRIE earned the top seed in last year’s sub-state held at Norwich, but were eventually upset in the championship game against the tournament’s host by a score of 46-29, finishing the season 18-4. The Bulldogs return a couple of all-league seniors in McKenna Vogl and Jorah Harbaugh, along with juniors Bailey Young and Trinity Kruse. The Bulldogs will miss the talents of graduated all-league honorable mention selection Grace Hendrickson, now playing volleyball at Pratt Community College. SOUTH BARBER finished last season 4-12 after getting knocked out in the first round of sub-state against Argonia. A top priority for the Chieftains is replacing graduated all-league honorable mention Nora Gugelmeyer. STAFFORD faced a first round exit in the same sub-state as South Barber, losing 49-29 to Central Christian and finishing their season with a 4-14 record. The Trojans have a tall task in replacing all-league Emily Green - who led them in points per game the last couple of seasons - along with Mariah Burgey, Ines Llanza-Anton and Jayce Hildebrand, who graduated alongside Green. Sophomore Taylor Denio and senior Lexi Morgan will be two top returners.

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

HI-PLAINS LEAGUE

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS After going 7-14 a year ago, ELKHART returns a majority of their varsity roster in 5-6 junior Clayton Cole (10 ppg), 5-9 junior Kage Ralstin, 6-0 senior Joey Dougherty, 6-0 senior Justin McKinley, 5-8 junior Austin Rich, 6-0 sophomore Donavyn Rhodes, 5-8 junior Cesar Gomez and 6-2 senior Javen Werkmeister. “The amount of experience our young men got in the program competing at a high level will carry over to the court and allow for us to transition smoothly from practice to games,” head coach Jason Wilson said. “The young men have understood the concept offensively and defensively after a full summer of team camps and workouts and have progressed nicely. Now we must continue to work and get better each day with the belief we can compete at a high level each night we step on the court. Experience is high and the excitement is pouring out for the opportunity for this group to turn around the basketball program.” LAKIN was perfect in league play last year, winning the title with a 7-0 record, and finished the season 21-2 after falling to Hugoton in the sub-state championship. Hunter Davis and Dominick Daniels are both moving on after graduating this past spring, but the Broncs return seniors Servando Gonzalez (11.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg, 2 spg, second team all-league), all-league second team Allen Martinez (13.5 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg, 2.5 spg), Connor Hudson (4 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg), junior Pablo Arreola and sophomore

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Maddox Beltran. “As always, expectations remain high for the 2021-22 season,” coach Nate Schmitt said. “We return several key components from last year’s team. Although, we will have to replace some key players from a successful run. We look to have some experienced guys willing and ready to go when their name is called.” Schmitt will look to a trio of seniors to carry the torch this season. “We return seniors Servando Gonzalez, one of the hardest working kids to come through the program, and a second team HPL selection; Allen Martinez, who was also a second team HPL selection who stepped in as a starter last year and made a major impact on both sides of the ball, and a kid that brings a tenacity to the court that is unmatched; lastly, we return senior Connor Hudson who has started multiple times in his career, and is looking to play a much larger role this year.” Schmitt said Pablo Arreola, Maddox Beltran, and incoming freshman Colter Oldham all had great summers and proved they can play at the varsity level. “We look to be a very balanced scoring team across the board as we return two of our three leading scorers from last year and others who are looking to fill the void,” Schmitt added. “We will continue to pride ourselves on effort, our press and shooting the ball consistently and confidently. We have a very competitive nonconference schedule this year. We will use these experiences to prepare us for big games down

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the road. We start off early in the year traveling to Goodland and playing in the Topside Tip-Off for the fourth consecutive year. This tournament will put our kids to the test early. We also look forward to taking on some larger GWAC opponents including Holcomb, Scott City, and Hugoton.” Continuing league dominance is a priority for Schmitt as well. “Last year we won both the HPL Regular Season (7-0), as well as the HPL Tournament Championship. We will have our fair share of tests throughout league play, but look to put ourselves in a position to battle for another league title.” SOUTHWESTERN HEIGHTS finished out last season with an 11-9 record and a second place Hi-Plains League tournament finish. Starters from that team include first team allleague senior Sergio Chavez (16.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1 spg) and senior Nathaniel Grimaldo (7.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.4 bpg, 61 percent from the field), along with important contributors off of the bench, seniors Colby Reiss (7.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 42 percent from three) and Jimmy Bernable (6.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 67 percent from the field). “[Our goals are] to be HPL Champions, either league or tournament, winning season, be a good defensive team, and play as one unit,” coach Nefro Saucedo said. “Help defense senior leaders knocking down outside shots and playing as a team [are our keys to success].” STANTON COUNTY upset Syracuse 54-52 in the first round of sub-state last season, before facing Sterling in the second round and losing 55-27, finishing the season with an 8-14 mark. Back are 6-3 junior Devin Dawson and 5-10

senior Sam Davidson as the top returners for the Trojans, though the loss of unanimous first team all-league selection Cole Scott provides a tough void to fill. SUBLETTE had a tough first round sub-state matchup against eventual state qualifier Sterling, losing that game 66-30 and finishing the season 7-13. The Larks had a young roster a year ago and bring back all-league honorable mention senior Tristan Friesen, sophomore Ace Martinez, senior Ryan Garetson, freshman Mason Unruh, sophomore Miguel Hernandez, and senior Derek Dyck. SYRACUSE lost two seniors from their 14-7 team from a year ago. Juniors Kyler Keller (13.8 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg), Hugo Leyva (6.1 ppg, 3 rpg) and sophomore Jay Gould (2.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg) are still a young group, but all have starting experience under their belt. “[Our goals are to] build on the foundation we laid last year, win league in regular season and the league tournament, and make a state appearance,” coach Jordan Wahlmeier said. “Finding consistency, durability, and mental toughness [are keys to success]. Our lineups are changing to a bigger style of play, finding ways to transition successfully on offense/defense will help us out tremendously. Executing on offense and discipline on defense will be huge for us. We have a group of guys with a passion for basketball, but we will need to integrate that passion with game experience. We are a very young squad this year, the maturity that comes with discipline and decision making on the floor is key. We will have growing pains, but limiting those by leaning on our team leaders will help continued on page 60

KAW VALLEY CONFERENCE

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Four Kansas schools from the Crossroads Conference wrapped up play in the league last season. Now, Bishop Ward, Heritage Christian, Maranatha and Kansas City Christian are part of the Kaw Valley Conference, along with Cair Paravel of Topeka and Seabury Academy out of Lawrence. BOYS BISHOP SEABURY took a massive step back from the 22-2 state semifinal season in 2020, winning just one game last season, a sub-state tournament play-in game over Northern Heights, 53-39, before falling to Jeff County North to go 1-13 on the season. The Seahawks were 51-18 with two state tournament appearances in the three seasons prior, but coach Jonathan Raney left to take an assistant position with Washburn prior to last season and 2020 standouts Juju Ramirez and Zach Bloch moved on to prep schools. Ramirez is a senior at New Hampton Prep this season and Bloch is now playing for the University of Northern Colorado after spending last season at Colorado Prep. All-Lawrence Journal-World 6-3 combo guard Sam Hertzog graduated in the spring after providing 15 points and six rebounds a game last season. BISHOP WARD went 6-15 last season and gets back one returning starter in 6-0 senior Lorenzo Hernandez (13 ppg). In his two seasons with Bishop Ward head coach Steve Sitzer has gone 10-22, but holds a 340-198 mark on his career. “[Our goal is] to play better defense and to

make other teams play at a faster pace,” coach Sitzer said. “Defense and pushing the ball in transition [will be key].” CAIR PARAVEL opened sub-state play with a 55-54 win over Burlingame, before going on to face eventual state champs Olpe in the second round, losing 54-26, and finishing the season with a 10-8 mark. The Lions return much of their roster for ninth year coach Mike Malloy including a trio of standouts in seniors Noah Hastert (66, 15.9 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2.8 spg, 2.7 bpg, second team all-city) and Zach Clark (6-4, 16.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1 apg, 1 spg, third team all-city) and junior Luke Fay (6-2, 13.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.6 spg, honorable mention all-city). HERITAGE CHRISTAIN loses several starters from last season’s 13-8 squad, but the good news is that their one starter back, junior Owen Evans (14.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg, 3.5 spg), is a talented all-around player. Third year head coach Evan Burns emphasized his team’s one key to success as “chemistry” in their hunt to “win conference” and “win sub-state.” KC-CHRISTIAN finished last season with a 7-12 mark and returns seniors Alex Knernschield (15.2 ppg, 8 rpg) and Ethan Ko (4.1 ppg, 4 apg, 2 spg) from that squad. “We will need some younger players to step up and fill shoes of the seniors that graduated,” head coach Josh Poteet said. “We had a great summer with 27 different students participating in summer tournaments. We will have around 35 players out for basketball and will help create a continued on page 60

Brian Turrel, Wyandotte Daily News

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Trayvon Foster Washington, Senior

File Photo

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer No league was more directly affected by the global COVID pandemic last year than the Kansas City-Atchison League, as league teams were not even allowed to begin playing until after the holiday break. Regardless of that tough reality, the KCAL played plenty of hard-fought basketball, and perhaps, at times, felt the effects of less regular season games played earlier in the season. With hopes high for a healthy and full season around the league KCAL schools forge ahead this season. BOYS Despite a first round upset by Holton in substate, ATCHISON had a solid season with a record of 12-9 and a share of the league title. The Phoenix lose all-state honorable mention Xavier Cushinberry to graduation, but three starters return from that squad in juniors Jesse Greenly (10 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Raef Bowen (5.5 ppg, 1.5 apg) and sophomore Jeter Purdy (8.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg). “We are still very young so we are looking to establish the program in only the second year,”

Trever Quaney

Burlingame, Senior

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS Finishing 12-7 and sharing league runner-up honors in 2021, BURLINGAME’s expectations are high this season as they return senior duo of 6-8 Trevor Quaney (16.5 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 2.5 bpg) and 6-3 Lance Noonan (15 ppg, 7.7 rpg). “We want to compete for the LCL title,” coach Eric West said. “That is a tall order because Olpe is the defending state champ and they bring back a lot of talent. Madison and Lebo will also be tough, as usual. If we can do well in our league that will set us up to have a chance to make a run in the postseason.” To do that, West will need to develop complements to his dynamic duo. “Quaney and Noonan are a great one-two combo in the post,” West said. “We must develop solid guard play and make some perimeter shots to take the pressure off of those guys. We have

head coach Pat Battle said. “We certainly want to be much better defensively and will have to play a smart up-tempo game on offense.” Battle said the Phoenix have many questions to answer. “How quickly our young team learns from their experiences? How well do we hold our own on the boards despite being undersized? How well do we shoot from the perimeter? We also will have to do a better job at forcing turnovers and getting deflections.” FL SCHLAGLE had a shortened season last year, finishing 1-11 with an 0-10 league record. Head coach Geo Lyons gets four key players back from that squad in 6-0 senior Landon Burke, 5-10 senior Ryan Smith, 5-10 junior Jameel Wilson, and 5-10 junior Kameron Daboe. “[Our goals are to] compete for a league title and advance to the state tournament,” coach Lyons said. “Our keys to success this year will be scoring in transition, turning teams over and defending the post.” SUMNER ACADEMY finished 5-6 after losing their first round matchup against eventual substate champs Mill Valley, 50-40. The Sabres lose a couple seniors from their rotation in Dominic Lee, Xavier Wallace and Kyun Jackson, but get back a key returning starter in junior Jammial Hicks. JC HARMON entered into sub-state as the one seed with the outright KCAL league title, but saw their otherwise successful season end abruptly with an upset loss to Shawnee Mission North in the first round. Harmon finished the season with a 10-3 record and lose their top two scorers to graduation. The Hawks do get back three returning starters in 6-2 senior Lynell Lane (8 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg), 6-2 senior Eddie King (6 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg, 1 spg) and junior Jason Rodriquez several kids capable of doing this, it’s just a matter of developing confidence and continuity. We will have strong senior leadership with kids who have played in a lot of big games. That experience needs to pay off for us this season!” HARTFORD got themselves past the first round of last year’s sub-state at Peabody-Burns, but couldn’t overcome state bound Elyria Christian in the second round, and finished the season 4-15. Junior Ali Smith was all-league honorable mention for the Jaguars a season ago. LEBO finished 17-4 last season after narrowly losing in the second round of sub-state by tournament host Madison, 44-41. The Wolves graduated all-league performers Devan McEwen and Andrew Bailey in May. Junior Landon Grimmett was also voted all-league honorable mention as a sophomore last season. The Wolves bid farewell to coach Dwayne Paul, who accepted the Topeka Hayden job after three successful seasons at Lebo with two state tournament appearances. SOUTHERN COFFEY COUNTY entered into sub-state with a 5-12 record, but managed to fight all the way to the championship game, before eventually being knocked out by a talented Waverly team and finishing the season 7-13. Replacing all-league honorable mention Nathan Borntreger will be a top priority for the Titans. After a strong run that ended in the sub-state championship against a load Olpe squad, MADISON finished last season 17-6. The Bulldogs return key senior Drew Stutesman (14

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KANSAS CITY-ATCHISON LEAGUE

(7 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg, 3 spg). Other key reserves include seniors Jamarrion Evans and Chrishuad Berry, both varsity contributors a season ago. “[Our goal this year is to] continue to push the ball and play at a fast pace. Also play solid halfcourt man defense,” head coach David Gonzales said. “[We also] must stay healthy and shoot the ball well from the perimeter.” WASHINGTON comes off of a big year after finishing third at the 5A state tournament with a 10-5 record, along with a second place league finish. Head coach Josh Gray has one returning starter in senior Trayvon Foster (11.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.7 spg), but replacing all-state honorable mention Nathan Johnson will be a challenge for Washington. Defense, turnover rate, and consistency were among Gray’s keys to success entering this season, while winning league and making the state tournament are the team’s main goals. WYANDOTTE finished 3-7 after being knocked out of a sub-state play-in game against Shawnee Mission North. GIRLS ATCHISON was 9-7 overall a year ago, but finished second in the KCAL with a record of 8-2. The Phoenixe return 6-1 all-state honorable mention senior Katy Harris (18.1 ppg, 14.7) who is among the proficient players in the state and will be joined by sophomore Presley Simpson (9.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.7 apg). Head coach Nicholas Rebant pointed out “finishing above .500 and league champs” as his team’s goals before elaborating on keys to reaching them. “Working together, outrebounding the opponents and creating pressure,” Rebant said.

“Work inside to out offensively and play hard.” FL SCHLAGLE earned a two seed for the sub-state tournament at Turner, but were quickly brought down to earth by three seed Bonner Springs in the first round in an 80-38 loss, finishing the season 4-8. Junior De’Janae Brown is a top returner for the Stallions as they try and return to a winning record, something they’d grown accustomed to over the past few years. JC HARMON lost by forfeit in the first round of last year’s sub-state matchup with Shawnee Mission East and finished the season with a 3-7 record. Junior Maryah Taylor is a top returner for the Hawks this season. SUMNER ACADEMY entered into their substate championship matchup with Bonner Springs 10-0 before they were barraged by that Braves team, losing that game 71-42 and finishing the season with a 10-1 record. Sumner loses key players Jordyn Rowe (one of the state’s top scorers), Allaina Spencer and Vanessa Rodriguez to graduation, while seniors Teneill Childers and Taya Spencer are two important returners for the Sabres. WASHINGTON finished 4-5 last season after a loss to Leavenworth in their sub-state play-in game. Junior Mia Gomez is a top returning player for the Wildcats. WYANDOTTE ended last season with an 0-10 record on the heels of a sub-state play-in game loss. The good news for the Bulldogs? They return their entire team from last season, including seniors Merrill Davis, Mercy Garcia, juniors Dyshay Morgan, Taije Wade, Angie Delegado, Ashlee Edwards and sophomores Alex Javier and Arionna Hobson.

ppg, 9 rpg, 3 spg, 3 apg, 2 bpg). “We are reloading this season,” sixth year head coach Brett Dannels said. “We are looking to build on the last two seasons and make a run at the LCL championship and the state tournament. We have a nice group of seniors and juniors that have good experience. We must handle the ball well and look to play the inside/out game offensively. Defensive is a matter of toughness and this group possesses that. If we play solid defense we will be very successful.” MARAIS DES CYGNE VALLEY finished last season 0-16, but return five senior starters

in Cole Lacey, Wyatt Lingenfelter, Chisholm Woodson, Braden Reed, and Max Davis. New head coach John Bass is hoping to implement his system fast and is aiming to finish the season above .500. OLPE finished 18-3 with a 1A-DII state championship trophy as the most prized souvenir from the season. It marks the first state championship for their men’s program, but likely the most unique aspect of the title is the girls winning it all in 2021 as well. The Eagles lose first team all-state selection Jordan Barnard to continued on page 87

LYON COUNTY LEAGUE

MID-CONTINENT LEAGUE By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS ELLIS closed out last season 17-6 after a substate championship loss to Hoxie. Seniors Sam Honas and Tyson Jiminez were both key players a year ago for the Railroaders, but replacing graduates Daniel Eck and all-state honorable mention selection Brady Frickey is a top priority. HILL CITY was a young squad a year ago that managed to make it past the first round of substate against a solid Wichita County team, before meeting defeat against Hoxie in the quarterfinals and finishing the year 15-6. Senior Derek Keith (6-3, 12 ppg, 8 rpg), junior Trent Long (6-4, 11 ppg, 6 rpg), junior Peyton Harmon (2 ppg) and sophomore Dylan Gansel (7 ppg) were all key contributors for the Ringnecks last season and will look to help Keith Riley make another postseason push in his 53rd season as head coach. “Our strength will be our inside game with Keith and Long,” Riley said. After a league championship, and a state semifinal appearance last season - where they dropped a shocking upset to Cinderella Wabaunsee 73-56 to finish 24-1 - HOXIE is going to have to work hard to replace the dominance of 7-footer Harlan Obioha (Niagra). Senior Ashton Dowell (9.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.3 apg, 1.1 spg) and junior Brady Jones (5.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1 spg) are the only two pieces back from a season ago. A fast-paced style of play will replace last season’s more half-court centric approach, according to head coach Jake Moss. “Our goals will be to stay competitive in a tough Mid-Continent League, while getting better throughout the year as a unit,” coach Moss said. “We expect to be a more up-tempo team than we have been in the past couple of seasons, so getting accustomed to that style of play as fast as we can will suit us well. The key to our success will be adjusting to playing with some new personnel and acquiring some depth throughout the season. We are losing a lot of minutes off of last year’s team and will have some new and young faces that have not played at the varsity level yet to fill those. Continuing our unselfish play along with getting better on the defensive side of the ball will keep us competitive this year.” After being knocked out in the second round of sub-state 53-50 by Minneapolis, NORTON finished last season at 14-7 overall with a 6-4 MCL record, good enough for fifth in the league. Head

coach Doug Reusink - 376-268 entering his 31st year at Norton, and 43rd overall - returns three seniors from that team in 6-0 Matt Millour (4.7 ppg, 1.3 rpg), Drake Harding (3.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg), and the towering 6-9 Nolan Juenemann (12.1 ppg, 6 rpg). “[Our goals are to] compete for a league title and reach the state tournament,” Reusink said. “[Keys to success are] finding guards for the ones we lost. We need to develop some kids to run our offense and handle pressure.” OAKLEY finished last season with a 9-12 overall record and return a number of key bench players from that roster, but no starters for Aaron Dardis’ first year as the Plainsmen head coach. Three seniors in 6-2 Jackson Pfeifer, 5-11 Corbin Bockwinkel and 6-1 Ian Fink, and juniors including 6-2 Will Schmidt, 5-10 Brayden Cunningham, 6-2 Josiah Annis, 6-0 Craig Kuhlman, and 6-1 Ethan Kerr all have the opportunity to see increased playing time. “Our players will step into new roles this season on the varsity level,” coach Dardis said. “In addition, the changes with a new coach takes time, but we were able to get a head start on that this summer. We expect the MCL schedule to provide us with a tough game night in and night out. Our keys to success will be to stay healthy, develop quality depth and focus on incremental improvement.” PHILLIPSBURG was just below .500 last season at 10-12 and loses honorable mention allstate point guard, Ty Sides. Three starters return for the Panthers; seniors Joel Ford (10.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.7 spg), Jeremy Ford (5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.3 apg) and junior Devin Johnson (4.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg). Well-balanced scoring and defense are two points of emphasis for coach Keith Sides. “We will need to have good point guard play as we lost Ty Sides from graduation,” coach Sides said. “We will also need to be a balanced scoring team and get more scoring from our interior than we have the last three years. If we can defend well I feel we can be in the top four of our league.” PLAINVILLE finished 5-16 a year ago and will have to replace all but one starter, senior Anders Dewey (12 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg). “Our team goals remain the same year in and year out,” coach Chris Drees said. “We want to play with intensity and focus. We want to be tough on the defensive end of the floor and exeNO ONE

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cute on offense. We will be an undersized team so our main key will be rebounding. If we can do a good job rebounding, I think we can have success.” After a 6-15 mark overall RUSSELL gets back a solid group to delve into a new season. Graduation takes Braydon Gibson, Andrew Kraus and Briar Urlich - a trio that combine for 20 points and 12 rebounds per game last season - while varsity returners include seniors in 6-3 Josh Sohm, 5-8 Aiden Rohr, and juniors including 6-9 Jordayn Buhrle, 5-11 Jackson Cross, 6-0 Cameron Farmer, 5-11 Charlie Krug, 5-9 Wyatt Middleton, and 6-4 Jace Peerman. Head coach Blaine Maier also pointed out 6-1 senior LaAries Winzerling, 6-0 senior Andrew Roth and 6-2 junior David Pummell as additions to expect from the Broncos JV squad last season. “Expectations have risen,” coach Maier said. “After a number of challenging years with way too many games ending in a running clock, the Bronco boys learned to compete last year. The team started the year with a 6-6 record, battling through a COVID shutdown and a couple of injuries. The Broncos placed third in last year’s Russell Amos-Morris Tournament and hope to play in the championship game this season. The second half of the season presented a much tougher schedule and the Bronco boys fought hard and competed with the top teams of the MCL recording close losses with Norton, Trego, Ellis, Hill City and TMP.” SMITH CENTER managed just one win last season, going 1-19 overall and finishing 0-17 in the MCL. First year coach Patrick Miller takes over a squad that returns 6-4 senior Nolan Lehmann (6.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1 spg), 5-10 junior Tarek Koelsch (3.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.2 apg, .6 spg), and 5-10 sophomore Wyatt Overmiller (7.6 ppg, 1.6 rpg, .9 apg). “Our goal is to compete for a league title by developing our basketball skills throughout the season,” coach Miller said. “Our major key to success will be shot selection, this will increase our shooting percentage.” STOCKTON came out of their Osborne substate tournament as champions, despite going in as the four-seed with a 7-10 mark. The Tigers

Everett Royer, KSportsimages.com

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Charlie Russell

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were defeated in the quarterfinals against Ness City, 53-41, and finished the season with a final record of 10-11. Stockton graduated their leading scorer and second team all-league selection Ethan Means, along with a good-sized group of seniors that will be tough to replace. TMP made it all the way to the quarterfinals in last year’s 3A state tournament before losing a 6455 matchup against eventual champs Hesston. The Monarchs finished the season 21-5 overall to go with an 11-1 league record. All-state selection Jackson Schulte, all-league selection Lucas Lang and a few other key pieces are gone due to graduation, but 6-6 second team all-league junior Dylan Werth, along with fellow juniors Kade Harris, Luke Rome, Landon Rozean, Michael Hale, Harrison continued on page 91

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MID-EAST LEAGUE

By Keegan McCullick, Kansas Pregame BOYS Chrstian Ulsaker and his ALMA-WABAUNSEE team made an epic run all the way to the state championship game after going into sub-state with a 7-12 record handing unbeaten Hoxie their only loss of the season in state semifinals. The Chargers eventually did lose in the title game to an extremely tough Hillsboro team, but get some nice carry-over pieces, including 6-1 senior Cade Oliver (11.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2 apg), 6-0 senior Bryaden Meseke (14 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.8 apg), and 6-3 junior Eli Oliver (9.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.4 apg). “Our main goal is to continue to build the tradition we have started here at Wabaunsee High School,” Ulsaker said. “Another goal is to compete for a league championship and to ultimately win state. Keys to success: limit second chance points, contest everything at the rim, create turnovers, shoot high percentage shots, be tougher than the other team.” RILEY COUNTY finished last season 1011 and would count on production from senior Trey Harmison (11 ppg, 6 rpg, 4 apg, 2 spg) if he hadn’t suffered a season ending injury late in the football season. The goal for the upcoming season is to “compete for a league and sub-state championship” according to head coach Dustin Webber. “Health [will be a major key to success], if we can remain healthy we have a chance to do some good things,” coach Webber said. ROSSVILLE struggled in the win column last season, finishing with a 1-20 record. The Bulldogs return three starters from that team in junior Kade Perine (6.2 ppg, 1.8 apg, 2.6r rpg, 1.4 spg), senior Aiden Garcia (4.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.4 spg) and senior Brody Lietz (4.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 40 percent from the field). Senior Raphael Cooney (3.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg) returns as well after serving as a rotation player a year ago. “We will be a very young team. We have a large freshman class coming in with some talent and they will most likely have to contribute at the varsity level, ready or not,” head coach Eammon Bradley said. “They will be helped by some returners though. Guys like Kade Perine, Brody Lietz, and Raphael Cooney have all had pretty good offseasons and some Sophomores like Camden Horak and Avery

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Crosswhite will have to step in and compete for varsity time. We are looking forward to the challenge of competing with such a young group, but its a challenge our kids are ready for. Our league is consistently one of the toughest leagues, regardless of classification. It is incredibly fun to play in such a quality league because competitors want to play great competition and we have it every night in this league.” ROCK CREEK finished last season in the top four in the state after losing 48-41 in the quarterfinals against Galena, ending the season with a 22-3 record overall and a share of the league title. The Mustangs have an entire starting lineup to replace, including first team all-state Dawson Zenger, but do get back some pieces head coach Jim Johnston feels good about. Four seniors, 6-2 Zac Becker, 5-10 Konrad Carlson, 6-4 Grant Dugan, 6-8 Eyan Phipps, along with juniors Ethan Burgess, Logan Sturdy, and Dalton Whitworth provide plenty of size and solid experience going into this season. “We are going to be a quick and athletic team, and we will be able to space the floor and play at a fast pace,” Johnston said. “We lost a great group of senior leaders and everybody on our team is going to have to step up and fill their roles. Our kids know they have a tradition to maintain and they have put in the time to improve and be ready for the season.” Head coach Johnny Roberts finished 5-15 in his first year at SILVER LAKE. For his second go around, 5-10 senior Luke Womack (7.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.6 apg, .7 spg) and 6-5 junior Kamryn Kaniper (10.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.5 apg) return as he tries to move his Eagles team forward. “We are working to become a program that competes at the highest level,” Roberts said. ST. MARYS head coach, and former K-State guard, Will Spradling, led the Bears to a 19-4 finish last season with a share of the league title, but came one game short of reaching the state tournament in a sub-state loss to league rival Rock Creek in a de facto league championship game. The Bears will get another shot this year with four starters returning, including lengthy 6-7 senior Fred Criqui (12 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 bpg), 6-4 se-

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nior Noah Jacobson (5 ppg, 3 rpg), senior Jaxon Hurla (9 ppg, 5 apg, 3 rpb) and all-state junior Keller Hurla (14 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg). “In order for us to be successful we must control the glass,” Spradling said. “We are at our best when we are in transition so we need to be able to get stops. We are a very good three-point shooting team but we also must have balance and attack the paint.” GIRLS Third year head coach Trevor Keller’s ALMAWABAUNSEE team surprised fans last year when they made a state tournament appearance, despite entering sub-state at just 6-14. The Chargers bring back four of five starters, as seniors Lauren Schutter (14.5 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2.6 apg, 3.3 bpg, Illinois State volleyball signee, state champion triple and long jumper) and Kara Hafenstine (3.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 6 apg, 1.5 spg, Ottawa University softball signee), and sophomores Karli Meseke (6 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2 apg, 1 spg) and Taryn Maike (5 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg, 1.5 spg) look to extend last year’s postseason momentum into this season. “As a program we place an emphasis on daily improvement which we believe will allow us to be playing our best basketball in late February into early March,” Keller said. “[We want to] compete for a league title and to play in Bramlage.” RILEY COUNTY made their way through substate all the way to the championship game before falling to Silver Lake and finishing the season 15-5. First team all-league junior CJ Rignell was a top performer for the Falcons a season ago and has been in the rotation since her freshman season. ROCK CREEK finished last season as the MEL champs with a 9-1 league record and 17-5 mark overall. The Mustangs lose two starters in sisters Evie and Lauren Gill, but get back three seniors from the lineup in 5-7 all-league honorable mention Brooklyn Goehring (7.2 ppg, 4 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.5 spg), 5-10 first team all-league Grace Gehl (12.6 ppg, 7 rpg), and 5-9 first team all-league Lexi DeWeese. A deep bench full of returning junior letterman also includes 5-9 Kya Lingenberg, 5-0 Claire Matzke, 5-6 Kinley Ebert,

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5-4 Brynn McFall, 5-9 Becca Conrow, as well as 5-4 sophomore Laiken Buell. ROSSVILLE faced a first round defeat against Rock Creek in last year’s sub-state tournament, 52-42, and ended the year with a 5-13 record. SILVER LAKE qualified for state after handling business in sub-state but were knocked out in the first round by state runner-up Sabetha and closed out the year with a 12-10 record, the first winning season for the Eagles in five years. Silver Lake gets four starters back from that team with 5-6 honorable mention all-league junior Mariah Farmer (7 ppg, 2.7 apg), 5-11 junior Taylor Ross (8.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg), 5-6 all-state honorable mention sophomore McKinley Kruger (8.7 ppg, 2.5 apg), and 6-0 all-league honorable mention sophomore MaKenzie McDaniel (8.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg). Other players that could see varsity time this season include 5-8 senior Lauren Rollenhagen, 5-3 junior Lexis Berndt, 5-8 junior Lanie Koelliker, 5-7 sophomore Kaibryn Kruger, 5-8 sophomore Kaylee Deiter, and 5-4 sophomore Sarah Wehrli. ST. MARYS finished last season 7-14 and brings back a large chunk of that roster. Four starters return for the Bears in senior Katelyn Hurla (13.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 spg), senior Vivian Martin (8.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg), sophomore Cat Moylan (4 ppg, 37 precent from three), and sophomore Brenna Smith. Senior Mahtee O’Shea, and sophomores Hope Garland and Sarah Lett are also likely to see lots of court time. “We need to be more consistent and play to our strengths, which are speed, scoring, and changing defenses,” head coach Paul Musselman said. “Katelyn Hurla is our most experienced and best overall player and she will again play a major role. Everyone will have to step up and do their best to replace the experience and production of Morgan Hurla, senior point guard, and cousin of Katelyn. The four-year starter was lost for the year with a knee injury in volleyball practice. Senior Vivian Martin will play a major role, as well as sophomores Cat Moylan and Brenna Smith, after both played a lot as freshman. We have a lot of young depth that will compete for playing time.”

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NORTH CENTRAL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer The North Central Activities Association didn’t have one team standing head and shoulders above all others last season, with both the boys and girls league titles being hard-fought. Sacred Heart took the boy’s title despite playing less games due to COVID and Southeast took the girl’s title outright for the first time since 2005. Both the Southeast of Saline boys and girls programs will be tough squads to deal with this season, with the boys returning one of the best front court tandems in the league with 6-5 Eli Sawyers and 6-4 Nakari Morrical-Palmer, while the girls return four starters who received allleague honors. BOYS After finishing 5-13, with a 3-7 league record, BELOIT returns six players with starting experience, including seniors Caleb Burks (11.4 ppg), Owen Eilert (13 ppg) and Jackson Rexroat (1.2 ppg), junior Wyatt Brockelman (7.3 ppg), as well as sophomores Quinn Eilert (6.3 ppg) and Bryce Beisner (7.2 ppg). “Even though we have everyone returning we will still be a young team with four sophomores playing significant minutes,” head coach Ryan Eilert said. “Offensively, we need to take care of the ball and play with a sense of urgency. Defensively, we have to keep guys in front of us and battle for every rebound.” The Trojans will get another late start to the season after a second straight deep postseason run in football. Fifth year ELLSWORTH head coach Ryan Webber loses his entire starting lineup from last season’s 10-7 team that finished 3-5 in league play but has 6-3 senior Gavin Webber, 6-0 junior

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Cade Gwinner and 6-2 sophomore Will Cravens as the Bearcats’ top returning contributors. “[Our expectations for the coming season are to] execute with a purpose on both ends of the court, finish top half of our league, and play in the sub-state finals,” Webber said. MINNEAPOLIS finished last season as substate runner-up with a 15-6 final record. The Lions witnessed the departure of a talented senior class, and return just one starter, senior Ryker Nelson (2.7 ppg, 3 rpg, 1.3 spg, 1.7 apg). “We have to have several guys step into roles at the varsity level that they have played at the JV level,” head coach John Darrow said, “When they do that, we will be successful.” REPUBLIC COUNTY was 2-15 last season, with an 0-8 league record. However, they return four good sized starters with 6-4 seniors Blake Aurand (9.1 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.9 bpg) and Caleb Bates (8-6 ppg, 4.9 rpg), as well as 6-1 junior Samson Thumann (4.3 ppg) and 6-0 junior Trey Melton (4.6 ppg). Head coach Nic Junker’s goals for his team include a “winning season and postseason success.” SACRED HEART managed to take the NCAA league title last season, finishing with a record of 15-4. The Knights lose first team all-league selection Caleb Gilliand as part of a large group lost to graduation. Senior Alex Disberger (13.2 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 1 apg, 1.3 spg, 1 bpg) is the team’s lone returning starter. Sophomores Michael Matteucci (2.1 ppg, 1 rpg, 1.3 apg), Max Ehrlich (3.2 ppg, 1.5 rpg) and senior Ben Cheney (1.2 ppg) also contributed valuable minutes for Sacred Heart last season. SOUTHEAST OF SALINE finished 14-8 a year ago, good for second in the NCAA at 7-2.

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Southeast alum, and fourth year head coach, Bryson Flax, will have plenty of size to work with in his two returning juniors, 6-5 Eli Sawyers (14 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2 apg, 1.5 bpg) and 6-4 Nakari Morrical-Palmer (9 ppg, 7 rpg, 3.3 apg), as the Trojans try to extend their season past the quarterfinal round of sub-state. “We need to be better defensively as a unit and limit extra possessions,” Flax said. GIRLS After a down year for the typically successful BELOIT program, the Trojans look to bounce back from their 3-13 mark with a solid group returning. Three starters, 5-7 senior Tate Tietjens (5.6 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg), 5-6 senior LeNae Knight (2 ppg, 4 rpg), and junior Peyton Remus (6.9 ppg, 2.5 apg, 1.4 apg, 2 spg), along with key reserves 5-8 sophomore Mylie Brown (4.8 ppg, 4 rpg, 1 apg) and 5-8 senior Addison Emmot (.5 ppg, 1 rpg) aim to put the program back in a winning direction. “We must find some consistency on the offensive end,” fifth year coach Shauna Remus noted. “We will need to develop a post presence and take care of the ball. We will again be a young and inexpereinced team, so consistency will be key!” ELLSWORTH starts fresh after graduating the starting lineup from last season’s 4-15 team. Gaining experience and improving scoring output will be the Bearcat’s biggest focuses, according to head coach Ken Cravens. head coach Bryan MINNEAPOLIS Weatherman returns three starters from last season’s 10-10 team. Senior Cameron Cleveland (11.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.5 apg), junior Alayna Cosaart (7 ppg, 2.3 rpg, .7 apg), and sophomore

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Nakari Morrical-Palmer Southeast of Saline, Junior

Maggie Shupe (4.8 ppg, 3.8, .9 apg) look to make improvements on last season’s .500 record. “We lost our school’s all time leading rebounder - Courtney Forte - to graduation,” Weatherman said. “We will need to make up for her production on the boards collaboratively. We will also need to rely on pressure defense to create more scoring opportunities. We are going to be a much better shooting team from last year and will rely on the three-point shot more than we did last season.” REPUBLIC COUNTY finished just 3-15 last season with a young roster. They return seven of eight lettermen, including four starters in 5-4 senior Nicole Popekla, 5-3 junior Emily Hansen, 5-9 junior Rosalie Goertzen, and 5-9 junior Ashleigh Russell. The Buffaloes will face a tough schedule, particularly in the mid-season Hillsboro Trojan Classic, but head coach Colton Grove believes that will help prepare his team for the end of the season. SACRED HEART had an 11-8 record last year with now-seniors Ellie Woodall and Madisyn Ehrlich key players on that team. A significant portion of Sacred Heart’s underclassmen from continued on page 58

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2021-2022,” head coach Shauna Smith said. “Following three straight years of being eliminated in the sub-state semis, we are focused on last year’s varsity bench are likely to see more taking that ‘next step.’” court time in this season. SOUTHEAST OF SALINE comes off of a 15-7 season that saw them win the NCAA with an 8-0 record. The Trojans bring back everyone from that squad, including 5-8 senior Karsyn Schlesener, 5-7 senior Mallorie Pearson, 5-7 senior Alaina Yianakopulos, 5-8 junior Avery Caselman, and 5-6 sophomore Maddie Harris, all starters on last season’s team. “Expectations remain high as we enter

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get back first team all-league senior Kate Eichelberger and junior Kindall Elmore. REMINGTON finished 3-13 after facing a first round elimination against Berean Academy. The Broncos returns two all-league honorable mention players in senior Emily Wedel and sophomore Bri Hochstetler, along with seniors Marissa Hays and Elli Van Zelfden. SEDGWICK was 10-11 last season and returns a solid core of returning starters including 5-3 sophomore Logan Stucky (10.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.1 spg), 5-7 senior Alexa Scarlett (7.4 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg, 1.8 spg) and 5-8 junior Addie Fitch (5.8 ppg, 6 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.2 spg) for head coach Aaron Stucky as he enters his 12th year as the girls head coach. “Get better every day,” Stucky said of the team’s goal this season. “[Our keys to success are to] be physically tough and do a much better job of rebounding.” STERLING suffered only one loss in last season’s 25-1 2A state championship rampage and return a loaded roster. First team all-state senior Kali Briar (11.5 ppg, 5 apg, 5 rpg, 2 spg, 45 percent from the field, 83 percent from the line), 5-10 second team all-

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state senior Bennie Horsch (15.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg), all-state honorable mention senior McKenna Linden (11.3 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 spg), second team all-league senior Sadie Beagley (10.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg) and all-league honorable mention junior Kate Rowland (5 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg) return from last season’s starting lineup, along with regular rotation players in senior Kaitlyn Cornelius and juniors Lacey Farne and Belle Brownlee. Sterling also has a 6-5 incoming freshman, Lily Gray, who is likely to see court time and creates an imposing presence in the paint for one of the frontrunners in class 2A.

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NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS LEAGUE By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS Entering his first year as the head coach of ABILENE, Erik Graefe gets a huge piece back from last year’s 13-7 state qualifying team in all-state honorable mention senior Kaleb Becker (15 ppg, 8 rpg). The 6-4 senior is poised to be a double-double machine for the Cowboys, and will be accompanied by fellow senior and returning starter, Jaylen West (5 ppg, 4 apg). The duo will have to lead the way for what will otherwise be an untested Abilene basketball roster. Graefe said “integrating the young guys” into the varsity rotation is the team’s key to success. CHAPMAN ended their season dropping a 2820 defensive showdown against soon-to-be substate champs Abilene, ending their season with a final mark of 4-13. Three starters return from last season’s 4-16 CLAY CENTER team in seniors Simon Lee (2 ppg, 1 rpg) and Carson Floersch (7 ppg, 3 rpg), and junior Mark Hoffman (8 ppg, 3 rpg). “Our team’s success will be measured on our growth throughout the season and how well we can battle through adversity,” third year Tiger head coach Travis Smith said. “Every season has its highs and lows and our ability to stay grounded and stay focused [is key]. We want to be at our best in March and have an opportunity to compete for a league title and go to state.” CONCORDIA head coach Derek Holmes finished 10-12 during his first year as head coach of the Panther boys. Seniors Cav Carlgren (10.8

ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.5 spg) and Tyler Hobrock (5.2 ppg, 7.1 rpg) will take the leadership reins for the Panthers as returning starters and a number of JV players from last year are likely to be counted on to surround the two upperclassmen. “Our kids that played JV last year must adapt to the varsity level at a fairly quick pace,” Holmes said. “We must develop some depth and stay healthy because we are not a real deep team.” MARYSVILLE was 8-2 in conference play and won a share of the league title with Wamego, before eventually closing out the season with an 18-4 mark. Nobody from that starting lineup is back this season, but three lettermen do return in juniors Jack Lauer, Peyton Smith and Rhett Williams. “We lost a great group of seniors, but return a group that is longer and more athletic than any team we’ve had,” eighth year coach Scott Brown said. “If we can learn to work hard on a consistent basis and come together as a team, we have a chance to be pretty good.” WAMEGO lost a shot at advancing to the state tournament by only four points last season, dropping the game 60-56, and finishing the season with a 14-6 record and a co-league championship. Seniors Jake Fritz, Buck Springer, and Ledjor Rowden were top players for the Red Raiders as juniors last season. The graduation of first team all-league forward Tanner Hecht (18.3 ppg, 8.7 rpg last season) - now playing basketball at Colorado Christian University - leaves a glaring hole.

GIRLS ABILENE couldn’t quite make it past Concordia in their first round sub-state matchup last season, losing that game 57-52 and finishing the season with a 4-14 record. The Cowboys are looking for their first winning season since 2019 and will try to do so without graduated first team all-league selection Abi Lillard, the only all-league selection for the Cowgirls last season. CHAPMAN had a tough time getting much going last season, finishing 1-16 after a first round sub-state exit against then-undefeated Clay Center. The good news for the Fighting Irish is that they were an extremely young team, with their primary rotation consisting almost completely of juniors, sophomores and freshman. All-league honorable mention junior Maya Kirkpatrick was a top player a year ago as a sophomore for the Irish. CLAY CENTER was unblemished last season until the first round of the state tournament, when they were defeated by McPherson, finishing the season 23-1. Four starters from that team graduated last May, leaving senior Shelby Siebold (9 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg, 3 spg) as the lone returning starter. Head coach Jeff Edwards intends to use his team’s athleticism, making Siebold a good fit to lead the team with her ability to force turn-

Ron Preston, Abilene Refelctor-Chronicle

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Kaleb Becker

Abilene, Senior

overs. “We are going to be working towards establishing our identity as a team, as we graduated four starters from the previous season,” Edwards said. “We will be a quick and aggressive team and will rely on our defense and speed to be successful.” Siebold was one of three first team all-league selections for the Tigers along with now graduated Reaghan Henry and Clara Edwards, with Edwards off to play Division I softball at the University of South Dakota. CONCORDIA finished last season 9-12 after losing to Clay Center in the sub-state championship. The Panthers came fairly close last continued on page 105

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the young guys out.” WICHITA COUNTY couldn’t get past their first round matchup with Hill City and finished the season with a 13-8 mark. The Indians lose a massive senior class that accounted for most of their production, including first team all-league picks Kayde Rietzke and Manny Chavez. Junior Erhik Hermosillo (2.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.8 spg) saw the most court time of the group returning for Wichita County and is ready for a break-out season. GIRLS ELKHART finished last season 19-3, with a league championship to show for it. From that team, four starters return; seniors Kamry Richardson (5 ppg, 1.7 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.2 spg), Sydney Brillhart (3.8 ppg, 1.7 apg, 2.1 rpg, 1.2 spg), Jenni Forbes (7.4 ppg, 2.1 apg, 3.6 rpg, 1.6 spg, 1.2 bpg) and Maycee Eagan (5.3 ppg, 1.2 apg, 3.6 rpg, 1.6 spg), but gone to graduation is HPL co-Player of the Year Chevelle Ralstin. “We want to continue to improve throughout the season, win the Hi-Plains League and HPL Tournament, and position ourselves for a top seed in the sub-state tournament,” coach Rex Richardson said. “[Our keys to success are to] continue to improve defensively and finding consistency on offense.” Three seed LAKIN was upset in the first round of sub-state by six seed Scott City 52-46 last season and finished with an 11-10 record. The Broncs lose Hi-Plains co-Player of the Year Jaya Esquibel, along with a couple fellow key seniors, but do return a deep group including all-league honorable mention junior Taegan Bachman (6 ppg, 4.3 rpb, 1.9 apg, 1.7 spg), junior Sara

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Wright (3.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 1 spg), sophomore Jara Davidson (4.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1 spg), and sophomore Samantha Vogel (2.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg). In the offseason the Lady Broncs hired former long-time Garden City boys’ head coach Jacy Holloway to take the reins of the girls program. Former coach Vanessa Equibel will remain on staff as an assistant. After a first round sub-state exit against Cimarron, SOUTHWESTERN HEIGHTS closed out the season with a 4-16 record. The Mustangs lose all-league second team senior Sarah Headrick to graduation, but return juniors Lucy Vajnar, Anastasia Alvidrez, Yanley Puentes, Roxy Stone and senior Diana Olvera, who all saw time on varsity last season. STANTON COUNTY dispatched Ellinwood in the first round of their Spearville sub-state, before moving on to take on the best girls basketball in the state last season, Sterling, losing by a score of 62-34. The Trojans lose all-league first team Jordyn Tucker, along with a couple others to graduation, but get back junior second team all-league selection Adyson Scott, and key contributors senior Yeimi Rodriguez and juniors Alexys Walker and Chesney Peterson, also one of the state’s elite distance runners. Before Stanton County had the honor in the second round of sub-state at Spearville, SUBLETTE took Sterling on in the first round, and predictably didn’t have much luck either, losing the game 89-37 and finishing the season 2-18. The Larks lose all-league second team selection Isabelle Desaire to graduation, but return Desaire’s second team co-member, junior Clarysa Webber (9.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.1 spg), along with key reserves from last season in senior Jasmine Splechter (2.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg), junior Mayte Trejo (2.4 ppg, 1.2 rpg), and junior Rachel

Roese (2.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.2 spg). After a 9-12 record last season, SYRACUSE returns three starters; juniors Yaya Moreno (6.1 ppg, 2 rpg, 1 apg, 2.5 spg) and Ashlyn Finlay (3.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 2.1 spg) and senior Kadee Thomeczek (6 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.7 spg). Head coach Kendra Fyler pointed out “defensive intensity” as the team’s key to success in their bid to finish above .500. WICHITA COUNTY got knocked out in the first round of sub-state against Hoxie 45-30 in the four vs. five matchup. The Indians finished the season 11-10 and get back a majority of their

depth chart of a season ago, including first team all-league senior Amelia Koehn and second team all-league sophomore Megan Ricke, along with senior Ally Wiggs, junior Jasive Hernandez, junior Vanesa Jimenez, and sophomore Erika Terriquez, who all saw varsity time.

KAW VALLEY/FROM PG 53___

Olpe in the quarterfinals 67-19 to finish 6-9 on the season. Third team all-city selection Jaley Barkley was a junior last season. HERITAGE CHRISTIAN returns three starters from their 5-14 team of a season ago, including 5-7 senior Amma Liebelt (2 ppg), 6-0 sophomore Caelyn Ferguson (9.5 ppg, 5 rpg) and 5-5 sophomore Anna Schenk (3 ppg, 7 rpg). “[Our keys to success are] playing as a team and utilizing each player’s strengths for the benefit of the whole,” coach Liz Cole said. KC-CHRISTIAN finished last season 11-11 following a 61-48 opening round sub-state loss to eventual state qualifier Wabaunsee and returns two juniors coming off solid sophomore performances, Meredith Veer (10 ppg, 2.5 apg, 2 spg) and Daley Diggs (6 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1 bpg). First year head coach Josh Woodward is emphasizing a “growth mindset” for his young team. MARANATHA CHRISTIAN was knocked out in the first round of sub-state last season 60-20 by Mission Valley and closed out the season with a 2-14 record.

competitive environment.” MARANATHA CHRISTIAN ended last season 4-11 with a fourth place Crossroads League finish in the conference’s last season. Fourth year head coach Ronald Newton returns four starters from last year’s team in Rex Robinette, Colton Williams, Luke Formwalt and Jonathan Dighton. “[Our goal this season is to] win the Kaw Valley and win our sub-state,” coach Newton said. “Playing together, sharing the ball, defending, toughness and team rebounding [are our keys to success].” GIRLS Two-seed BISHOP WARD suffered a first round upset against sub-state tournament host and seven-seed Wellsville, a 2-15 team, losing a heartbreaker by two points and finishing the season 11-3 last year. CAIR PARAVEL survived Madison by onepoint in the sub-state opener, 37-36, before getting blasted by eventual state champion

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By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS Troy Hoffman and his ATCHISON COUNTY team likely weren’t completely pleased with last year’s 5-15 record, but the silver lining is they return all five starters from that team; 6-0 senior Kieran Courter (9.6 ppg, 3.2 apg, 3.1 spg, honorable mention all-league), 6-0 senior Caleb Miller (2.3 ppg), 6-1 junior Trenton Kimmi (6.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg), 6-2 junior Matt Worley (6.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg) and 6-3 junior Coltin Myers (5.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg). ACCHS will have to wait for Courter to return from knee surgery after the winter break, but the Tigers do enter the season carrying the momentum of the first winning football season since 2012 after a 6-3 finish earlier this fall. HORTON was eliminated in the first round of the sub-state tournament and finished last season with a 2-18 record. Despite a tough season, head coach Don Smith was working with a young group and returns four starters - all seniors - from that lineup in Layne Mottin, Trevor Ottman, Ethan Miller and Trey Lockwood (honorable mention all-league). Other varsity returners include juniors Garrettson Chee, Dayton Simon and Trevor Walkup, sophomores Jack Allen, Kaden Wilburn and Trent Ottman, and freshmen Kaden Smith, Chandler Newman, Gannon Becker and Cooper Wischrop. “I believe we have a bright future in this program,” coach Smith said. “We need to focus on fundamentals and work toward progress benchmarks that will make us a better team. This group of guys always come to practice with great attitudes. I look forward to the season.” JACKSON HEIGHTS finished 8-10 a year ago, with a 7-7 NEKL record, giving them a fifth place league finish. Head coach Brett Plattner will get back four senior starters from that team including Jason Bosley (10.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.3 apg, 2 spg, honorable mention all-league), Grant Amon (7.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 1.6 spg), Silas Holliday (4.2 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.8 apg) and Dakota Abel (2.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg). Ball movement, consistent shooting, and defense are aspects Plattner mentioned as points of emphasis this season. JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH finished 16-4 overall last season with a 9-3 league record, good enough to place them in a tie for second. Head coach Tonya Kramer gets back seniors Ryan Felkdkamp (16.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.4 spg, first team all-league), Karson Worthington (4.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1 spg), Caleb Worthington (1.9 ppg, 1 rpg, 1 apg) and junior Blake Fowler (3.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.1 spg) but graduates second team all-league selections Emmett Jobbins James Kramer and honorable mention Trevor Pentlin. “We need to continue to build upon our progress and strengthen our style of play that will put us in a position to have a successful season,” Kramer said. Senior Drew Caudle (10 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2 apg, 1.2 spg, honorable mention all-league) is the lone returning starter from last season’s 15-6 MAUR HILL team that finished third in the NEKL. “Main key, getting a whole new lineup on the same page to continue experiencing the same level of success,” coach Brad Kunecke said. MCLOUTH wasn’t able to make it out of their first round matchup with Mission Valley during

their sub-state tournament, losing that game 5036 and finishing the season 6-12. A top priority for the Bulldogs is replacing lone league honor winner Matt Kuglin. Last year’s 2-16 result wasn’t a dream season for OSKALOOSA, but the good news is four senior starters return, including AJ Kreutzer (4 ppg, 4.3 rpg), Cord Perry (5.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.3 spg), Jack Hopkins (4.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and Trevor Willitis (2.7 ppg, 1.1 spg). Cutting down on turnovers and rebounding are two of head coach Jeremy Rockhold’s team keys. PLEASANT RIDGE was 14-5 overall last season and won the NEKL title with a 13-2 league record. Two important pieces from that team return in 6-1 seniors Walker Adams (12 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.8 spg, .3 bpg, second team allleague) and Justin Johnston (5.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.3 spg, .5 bpg). “Make a run in the state playoffs and get kids scholarships who want to play basketball at the next level,” coach Isaac Jaramillo said of goals. VALLEY FALLS qualified for the state tournament in March, before falling in the first round to Cinderella story Alma-Wabaunsee in their path to the title game. The Dragons final record was 17-5 overall, with a 13-3 record in league, good enough for a tie for second place. Head coach Caleb Gatzemeyer gets back three starters from last season in first team all-league senior Avery Gatzemeyer (14 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 42 percent from three), all-league honorable mention senior Trenton Kraxner (8 ppg, 6.5 rpg), and 6-0 junior Dylan Cervantez (8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 38 percent from three) and projects 5-10 senior Brennen Miller (5 ppg, 2.2 apg) and 6-0 sophomore Zac Evans (5 ppg) to join them in the starting lineup. Other returning players include 6-2 Carson Clark (4 ppg), 6-3 Spencer Dougramaji, 5-8 Samuel Drinkard, and 6-1 Logan Martens, all seniors. John Frakes, a 6-6 junior, and 6-3 sophomore Nolan Doughramaji are also likely to suit up on varsity. “[We] will need to replace the athleticism of last year’s senior class,” coach Gatzemeyer said. “[We] will be deep and will be able to shoot it, play fast and be intense on defense. Will be an exciting group. Have to be able to rebound and keep teams out of the paint.” GIRLS A young, but talented two-seeded ATCHISON COUNTY team was dealt a tough upset in the first round of sub-state, losing to seven-seed Riverside - who went on to play in the championship game - by a score of 46-40, and finished with a final record of 16-5. Juniors Addison Schletzbaum (first team all-league), Natalie Nitz (second team all-league), Alleah Wallisch (second team all-league), and senior Macie Behrnes (honorable mention all-league) all received postseason honors for their play a season ago. HORTON advanced to the second round of sub-state before being knocked out by eventual state qualifiers Valley Heights. Head coach Zach Nelson returns two starters from last year in senior Maliyah Soto (first team all-league) and junior Madison Stirton. Nelson also expects a group of freshmen including Kamryn Kahbeah, Piper Chartier, and Carly Hutfles. “[Our goals are to] improve everyday and play with confidence,” Nelson said. Head coach Dan Shupe’s JACKSON

HEIGHTS squad won their second straight league title last season, before being upset by Clifton-Clyde during the sub-state tournament, leaving them with an 18-2 record on the year. Four starters are coming back for the Cobras in senior McKenzie McMahon (8 ppg, 5 rpg, honorable mention all-league), junior Kaylee Thompson (13 ppg, 10 rpg, second team allleague), junior Rebekah Hutfles (8 ppg), and senior Kylee Dieckmann (2 ppg), along with important substitute, Kanyon Olberding (8 ppg). A league championship three-peat and a deep postseason run are Shupe’s primary goals for his team this season, but to do that, he’ll need to find a replacement for graduated first team all-league selection Amaya Marlatt. JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH finished last season 14-8 with a third place NEKL finish. Entering his 18th year with the team, head coach Steve Noll bids farewell to all-league selections Kinsey Schneider and Kassidy Robertson, but returns seniors Lydia Tweed (7 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Tera Wistuba (6 ppg, 7 rpg), junior Calire Lobbins and sophomore Abby Laird (5 ppg) from last year’s starting lineup. Sophomore Clara Johnson and junior Macy Thompson were also mentioned by Noll as players likely to see plenty of time on the varsity court this season. MAUR HILL returns an experienced core group from last year’s 9-11 team, including seniors Zoey Stec ( 6.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.4 apg), Blair Taylor (1.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg) and Hannah Kocour (7.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1 apg). “We will play a little bit deeper than we have in the past,” head coach Luke Noll said. “So getting several girls with no varsity experience to compete at varsity level will take some time but something we’re excited about.” MCLOUTH gets back four starters from their 1-16 team including junior Jill Holwick (7.8 ppg) and seniors Jaci Lackey (7.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, honorable mention all-league), Shianne Hill (5.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and Katie Williams (2.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg). “The NEKL is always a tough league,” head coach Phillipe McCree said. “Every game will be competitive and you’ll have to bring it every night We’ll rely on our senior leadership this season. Our seniors have three years of experience and will be up for the task at hand.” OSKALOOSA was knocked out of the first round of sub-state by one seed Nemaha Central and finished the year 4-12. The Bears say goodbye to all-league first team selection Regan Curry (now playing softball at Central Arkansas alongside twin sister Reese) and all-league honorable mention Sophia Rockhold (now playing

Kieran Courter

Atchison County, Senior Tiffany Sieve

NORTHEAST KANSAS LEAGUE

Page 61 Addison Schletzbaum

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Avery Gatzemeyer

Valley Falls, Senior

softball at Emporia State). Replacing their production along with a talented senior class is key. PLEASANT RIDGE took on eventual state runner-up Sabetha in the first round of the substate tournament, losing that game 65-18, and finishing the season with a 6-9 record. Two top players for the Rams last season were second team all-league selection Gabi Watkins and allleague honorable mention Emily Langley, now a senior and sophomore respectively. VALLEY FALLS finished 4-16, but with six young players with starting experience returning, the Dragons could awaken this season. Juniors Carly Henson (1.2 ppg, 1.9 rpg), Lilly Darveaux (3.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg) and senior Makayla Yates (5.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg) will be looked to for leadership as upperclassmen, while sophomores Korie Kirkwood (8.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg), Lauren Brown (4.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg), Renay Myers (3.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg) and Emma Montgomery (1.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg) are all coming off impressive freshman seasons. Coach Jordan Hale believes his team can take a leap forward from last year’s win total.

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NORTHERN PLAINS LEAGUE By Keegan McCullick, Kansas Pregame BOYS BELOIT-ST. JOHN’S/TIPTON worked out of their two-seed at sub-state and ended up qualifying for the state tournament after a 32-29 victory against Natoma. The Blujays’ exciting season ended against a dominant Hanover squad that went on to win 1A-DII, but a strong end to a 12-8 season and postseason appearance made for nice consolation. Head coach Lance Bergmann - entering his 13th season with the team and holding a 210-69 record - returns 6-0 first team all-league senior Jaret Eitzman (10.5 ppg, 5 rpg, 1 apg) and 6-2 junior Luke Bates (7.5 ppg, 3 rpg), both starters from a season ago. Graduated allleague honorable mention Blake Perez is one of the Blujays top players to replace this season. “[Our goals are] be competitive in our league and try to finish towards the top, put ourselves into a position to make a run at another state appearance, outwork our opponents and play with more desire than them,” coach Bergmann said. “We will have to play fundamental defense and grab every possible rebound. Offensively we will need to take good shots and be very fundamental on our decisions. We must handle the ball and get the ball where it needs to be.” After a winless season in 2019-20, CHASE took a step forward last season notching a 2-15 record, with both wins coming in league play BRUSH ART • DONLEVY LITHO • SUN GRAPHICS against Tescott. The Kats were knocked out of sub-state in the first round by Hartford in a four vs. five matchup 48-30, but had a young nucleus

featuring a large group of sophomores, including now-juniors Christian Cavendar, Alex Cavendar, Jaden Freisner, Garrett Brady Jayden Lattimer, and Branden Vise, along with seniors Ismael Martinez and Payton Steadman. LAKESIDE had a solid season last year, finishing 7-3 in the NPL with a fourth place finish, then advancing to the sub-state semifinals before being knocked out by Osborne and ending with an 8-5 overall mark. Head coach Drew Duskie loses second team all-league selection Wyatt Eberle to graduation, but gets four of his starters from a season ago back - all seniors - including 5-11 first team all-league selection Kylan Cunningham (14.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 6 apg, 2.9 spg), 6-3 Jace Schoen (5.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.9 spg), 5-8 all-league honorable mention Tyler Schoen (8.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.2 spg) and 5-9 Cooper Brown (6.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.5 apg, .6 spg), along with returning lettermen in 5-11 senior Peyton Ellis (5.2 ppg, 2.1 rpg, .5 apg, .5 spg), 5-7 senior Preston Schweitzer, and junior Ross Hutson. “We return four starters off of last year’s team,” coach Duskie said. “We lack size inside, so scoring down low could be a problem against teams with big physical post players. We have the speed and quickness to get out in transition and should be able to get transition baskets off of missed or made shots. Defensively we will be

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a good group coming back led by Joel Rees, Trey Simms, Caleb Dotterer and Logan Meier. We should have a competitive group with senior Brandon Holman, juniors Noah Esposito and Blake Knight, and sophomores Branden Sinclair and Gage Steward all fighting for minutes, with a large freshman class that is hungry to push for spots. We will have a good group to compete everyday against each other in practice. Our varsity success will hinge on playing good defense, boxing out, rebounding, and taking care of the basketball on offense.” NATOMA entered sub-state at Wakefield as the one-seed and advanced to the championship game before being knocked out 32-29 by St.

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small but should be able to add some full court pressure and use our athleticism to make some teams feel uncomfortable in hopes of getting turnovers and easy points in transition. Our guards are led by Kylan Cunningham, who is our point guard and has a very nice touch from beyond the arc. Tyler Schoen and Cooper Brown return as two other guards who will need to help us out on the offensive end. Peyton Ellis moves into the starting lineup and can play some post or step out and knock down jump shots. Jace Schoen is our main post player who will need to continue to develop his moves on the block and be aggressive for us to be successful.” After a first round sub-state exit against league opponent Sylvan-Lucas, LINCOLN finished last year 3-12 overall with all three wins from league play, good for a 10th place finish in the NPL. First year head coach Eric Tate takes over a Leopards program that lost its lone all-league honoree - second team selection Landon O’Hare - to graduation, but gets back some solid pieces to work with in 5-8 junior Trey Simms (8.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.8 apg), 6-1 senior Joel Rees (5.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg), 5-8 sophomore Caleb Dotterer (5.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and 5-10 sophomore Logan Meier (2.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg). “[Our goals are] to grow, build, and compete everyday in practice and in our contests,” coach Tate said. “We will have to work hard, especially on the defensive end. We want to set a new level of success here at Lincoln High School. We have

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 John’s-Tipton, ending the season with an 11-6 record overall and a fifth place league finish at 7-4. The Tigers lose first team all-league selection Jayce Dickerson to graduation, but get back three starters from last season. All-league honorable mention senior Kayden Martinez (10.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.9 spg), senior Tracen Frye (6.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.8 spg), and senior Derek George (5.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg, .9 apg, 1.2 spg) give the Tigers a solid foundation to build on. “[Our goals are to] improve daily, grow as young men individually and as a team,” head coach Chris Broeckelman said, “Team unity and players stepping up and learning new roles [are our keys to success].” After entering as the two-seed, OSBORNE lost in the sub-state championship game at their homesite against Stockton last season, ending their year with a solid 12-8 mark, and an 8-1 record in league giving them the regular season league championship. Head coach Jamie Wolters - who is entering his tenth year as Osborne’s head coach with a 151-52 mark - loses one starter after graduating Brandon Befort, but gets back four key players in 6-2 se-

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nior Grady Wolters (9.9 ppg), 6-0 senior Dayton Lantz (9.9 ppg), 6-2 sophomore Doak Guttery (9.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg) and part-time starter Mason Schurr. The Bulldogs also add the talent of 6-5 senior Ronnie Thompson, a transfer from the state of Utah that Wolters said “will be a very important part of our season”. “[Our goals are to] improve everyday at practice, win league, and make a trip back to state,” Wolters said. “Playing together and getting better everyday [are the keys to that success].” After a first round sub-state upset loss to Linn in a 49-48 nail-biter, PIKE VALLEY returns two starters from last year’s 6-6 squad. Senior 5-9 all-league honorable mention selection Keaton Reeves and 6-2 senior Jackson Russell provide experience for 40th year head coach Gary Loring to build on. Replacing third team all-league Brennan Flavin and all-league honorable mention Ethan Benne, both seniors a year ago, is going to be important for the Panthers. “[Our goals this season are to] work hard to make it through a complete season and build on the team strengths we have each day,” Loring said. “Defense and consistent improvement

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at the offensive end [are they keys to that success].” ROCK HILLS entered the Osborne-hosted sub-state as the one-seed, but lost after a first round bye to a Stockton team determined to make the state tournament for the second consecutive season, 59-44. The Grizzlies finished the season with an 11-7 record and a 7-5 mark in league. First year head coach Zach Duffy takes over with no starters returning and will especially miss graduated first team all-league selection Jerrod Gillet and all-league honorable mention Mason Higer. Two key players from last season’s bench return in 5-8 junior Ethan Kenworth and 5-9 Wyatt Evert. “We are a very young, inexperienced team,” Duffy said. “I want our team to show consistent and steady improvement from game to game. I would like to see our defense rank in the top half of the league in points allowed per game.

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We have to be sound defensively. We must take pride in it because everything starts there for us. We will also have to focus on controlling the tempo of the game. Underclassmen will need to step up and assume leadership roles.” After a first round sub-state exit, SOUTHERN CLOUD finished last season 2-12, with both wins against league opponents Tescott and Chase. Roger Perkins takes over for Cody Flinn and welcomes back three starters in 6-1 junior Levi Cool, 6-1 senior Gabe Rice and 6-2 junior Bryson Schmidt. SYLVAN-LUCAS was knocked out in the semifinals of sub-state last season and closed out the season 15-5 with a second place finish in league play. Head coach Jeff Starkey - entering his fourth season at Sylvan-Lucas and 15th overall with a 227-91 record - returns three starters from that team in 5-9 senior William Rhudolph (6.3 ppg, 1.9 spg, 37.3 percent from three), 5-7 senior Jaxson continued on page 64

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 CHASE finished last season with a 2-15 record /FROM PG 63____________ overall after a first round sub-state exit. The Heenan (4.3 ppg, 1.4 spg, 2.5 apg - though may Kats were also 2-9 in league with wins against miss much of the season to injury) and 6-2 ju- Natoma and Lakeside. Third team all-league nior Valden Dohl (7.1 ppg). Other top returners Skylar Harrington is lost to graduation, but 5-9 for the Mustangs include 6-1 senior Ray Decker junior Cassie Herrera has been a key player for (4.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg), 6-0 senior Dayton Couse Chase during the last couple of seasons. In the wake of last season’s first round (3.5 ppg), 5-4 senior Zach Rose (1.6 ppg, 50 percent from three), and 6-0 sophomore Lane sub-state exit against state-bound Osborne, Homewood (1.8 ppg). The Mustangs will have LAKESIDE returns three starters from that 3-9 a glaring hole from the graduation of 6-3 honor- squad including senior Morgan Eberle, senior able mention all-state forward Jonah Huehl, who Baillee Cunningham, and junior Taylor Baetz. averaged 15.1 points and 7.8 rebounds a game Replacing the output of second team all-league Kylia Geisler and all-league honorable mention in his three seasons of varsity. “We return six players that experienced a lot Payton Hake is likely to be at the top of the of varsity minutes over the last couple of years,” Knights’ to do list. “[Our goals this season are to] place in the top Starkey said. “We have some depth and the three in our league and have a winning record,” competition to get on the floor should give us a head coach Travis Eberle said. “[Our keys to chance to be pretty good.” TESCOTT finished 4-19 last season after a first success are] playing as a team and having conround sub-state exit against Wilson. First year fidence to score. Also, stepping up our defensive head coach Rob Glenn is taking over sideline game.” LINCOLN will turn to one of its own following duties and gets back returning starters in 6-1 senior Michael Challans, 6-2 sophomore Dawson the departure of Steve Crist - 202-249 and one state tournament appearance in 22 years as Lee and 5-11 sophomore Carter Peters. “[Our goals are to] win the turnover and re- head coach - handing the reins to former allbound battles, play smart and play together,” state player Jenna Farris, who wrapped up her coach Glenn said. “Our hard work and maximum college playing career at Kansas Wesleyan in 2017 where she earned postseason recognition effort [are the keys to success].” THUNDER RIDGE lost in the first round of from the KCAC in three consecutive seasons. sub-state to league opponent Lakeside by a Farris, who was just a freshman on Crist’s lone score of 61-34, ending last season 6-11 overall, state qualifying team in 2010, gets four players with a 5-5 record in league play. Third team all- with starting experience back from last season’s league junior Dylan Bice was a top player for the 5-9 squad; 5-4 senior Dawson O’Bannon (5.0 Longhorns last season, but he and his team- ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.6 spg), 5-9 senior Tana Hayworth mates will get a late start to the season thanks (4.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg), 5-5 senior Raegen Stewart to a deep football playoff run. Jace Randall pro- (1.5 ppg, 2 rpg, 1.0 spg) and 5-8 junior Avery vided a good outside scoring threat last season Obermueller (7.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg). Alyssa Behrens, and scored in double figures in multiple contests. Alex Biggs, Emalie Hull, Marley Madsen, Lily Together with Dylan Bice’s twin brother Dalton Sinclair, Kylie Hull and Jasmine Fenn are all exand Jaden Stauffer the Longhorns will be led by pected to be part of the varsity rotation as well a strong group of juniors who will try and get the giving Farris solid depth as she enters her first year on the bench for her hometown team. team above the .500 mark this season. NATOMA is coming off an 0-16 finish lastWILSON was knocked out of the second round of sub-state by St. John’s-Beloit and fin- season but gets back four starters in juniors ished their season 8-8 overall, with a 4-5 record Candyce Engling (all-league honorable mention) in league play. The Dragons will have a young and Raylyn Paget, and seniors Sara Lyle and team, with no seniors on board, after the gradua- Jillian Pdrybau. The Tigers also get a new head tion of second team all-league selection Camryn coach with Kurt Grafel taking over in his first year Eberhart and all-league honorable mention as a girls coach, having already spent four years as the coach of the boys program and amassing Garrett Theilen. a 26-48 record. GIRLS “The ultimate goal is to win some games afAfter advancing all the way to the state quarterfinals with only one loss on their slate, BELOIT- ter no wins since 2017-18,” coach Grafel said. ST. JOHN’S/TIPTON was finally knocked out of “Being aggressive, gaining confidence, and bethe postseason by Cunningham, finishing the ing competitive will be high on our list of things year in the top four of the 1A-DII state tourna- to accomplish. Staying healthy and becoming ment with an 18-2 overall mark and a perfect confident while having a competitive nature [are 10-0 record in league play giving them the NPL keys to success].” OSBORNE won their sub-state en route to their title as well. A top priority for the Blujays will be state tournament appearance, before getting replacing first team all-state selection Lauryn Dubbert, a dominant outside scorer and tena- knocked out in the first round and finishing the cious defender who is now playing for Division II year 17-5. The Bulldogs return a deep pool of talNewman University in Wichita. Two 5-7 seniors ent centered around returning starters including return in second team all-league selection Leah 5-4 second team all-state junior Trinity Lutters Brummer and honorable mention all-league se- (18.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.8 spg, 1.5 apg), 5-11 alllection Paige Hollerich who are joined by return- league honorable mention Ava Stull (7.4 ppg, 8 ing 5-10 junior Ella Wiles. The trio will work to rpg, 1.5 spg, 1.3 apg, 2.6 bpg), 5-7 senior Taylor lead St. John’s to a continued high level of play. Elson (6.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.8 spg, 1.5 apg), and “[Our goals are] to win our league and make 5-4 sophomore Gracie Riner (10.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, it back to the state tournament,” said third year 3.5 spg, 3.6 apg). Kallie Kaser, a 5-5 junior (1.2 head coach Leah Bergmann, now 34-8 at SJBT. ppg, 4.4 rpg), also logged valuable minutes last “Our defense and ability to run the floor will be season and other varsity returners include 5-3 senior Blair Wolters, 5-7 senior Allison Brummer, key to our success.” 5-4 junior Brooke Befort, 5-8 junior Allison Cole,

NPL

5-7 junior Aydan Dill, 5-6 junior Teagan Ellenz and 5-5 sophomore Hudson Wolters. “We have high expectations as we enter the season,” said third year head coach Trina Lutters, now 31-14 at Osborne. “We have several key players returning from last year’s team. Last year, we were a young team and I think that the experience of making it to state will be very beneficial to the girls. We only lost one senior last year. [The returning players] will be eager to step back on the court and finish what we have started. Our team is quick up and down the floor which will help us defensively. I expect us to be very competitive with ourselves, making it easier to push ourselves in practice. We have several girls that will be able to step up and score, along with having leaders in rebounding, assists and steals. Our goals continue to be working together and finding the fit for each one of our individual talents. All the girls bring a strength to the team.” Second year coach Cole Callaway brings only one starter back from last year’s 1-9 PIKE VALLEY squad in sophomore Reese Douglas (2 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.5 apg). Beyond Douglas, the Panthers will have a lot of varsity experience to gain. “After losing four starters, we will be relatively young,” Callaway said. “Our main goal this season is to continue to get better as individuals and as a team through the course of the season. Our ability to defend and turn turnovers into easy baskets [are our keys to success].” Coming off of a first round OT upset loss against Stockton in sub-state, ROCK HILLS finished 10-5 last season with a 6-4 record in league play. Third team all-league Jauclyn Lemke will be tough to replace for the Grizzlies. First team all-league selection Lauren Whelchel, now a junior, was a top player for Rock Hills a year ago. SOUTHERN CLOUD faced a tough upset in the second round of the sub-state tournament after a first round bye, losing that contest 31-23 and ending the year with a solid 10-5 mark overall and 7-2 in league play. Replacing graduated second team all-league Shae McMillian and allleague honorable mention Athina Liby is likely at the top of the Warriors’ to-do list, but third year coach Ryan Perkins does welcome back 5-4 junior Braya Darnall (3.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.4 apg, 3.0 spg) to provide defensive leadership and carry a bigger load offensively. “We are going to be a young group this year compared to the past couple years,” Perkins said. “This year I just want the girls to improve

Page 64 and become better basketball players everyday.” After a hard-fought 45-38 loss to Rural Vista in the second round of last year’s sub-state at Canton-Galva, SYLVAN-LUCAS finished the season with a 13-6 record. The Mustangs return five players with starting experience in 5-7 senior Liz Cline (2 ppg, 2 rpg), 5-8 senior Brooke Wehrmann (5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.5 spg), 5-9 junior Keeli Knobbe (11.9 ppg, 6 rpg, first team allleague), 5-7 junior Sophie Pancost (2.3 ppg, 3 rpg) and 5-7 sophomore Emma Finkenbinder (6.5 ppg, 1.8 spg) but bid farewell to graduated third team all-league selection Cadence Nondorf. [Our goal this season is to] improve each game both offensively and defensively,” fifth year head coach Craig Batchman said. “Defensive pressure and execution on the offensive end [are our keys to success].” On the heels of a sub-state championship loss against league opponent St. John’s, TESCOTT brings back four starters from a 9-9 team. Seniors Johnna Perry (2.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 spg), Raven Peterson (8.2 ppg, 8.1 rpg),third team all-league junior Mallorie Church (9.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.2 spg, 2.7 apg) and sophomore Riley Still (2.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg) look to improve on a solid 2020-21 season. Replacing last year’s lone senior in the starting lineup, Kylie Flax, will be key for the Trojans. Head coach Shawn Pecenka, now in his third season as the girls’ head coach after a long run coaching the boys, pointed to bench play and perimeter shooting as two focal points for his team this season. “[Our goal is to] improve on what’s been accomplished the last two seasons,” Pecenka said. “In order to do that we will need to be more efficient at scoring the basketball. Hope to see a winning season and a climb in the league standings.” continued on page 108

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NORTHWEST KANSAS LEAGUE By Keegan McCullick, Kansas Pregame BOYS DECATUR COMMUNITY finished 1-20 last season, but return six players with starting experience in seniors Tod Mastin (10 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg), Logan Hayward (4 ppg, 5 rpg), Logan Koger (4 ppg, 4 rpg), Corbin Wessel ( 3 ppg, 6 rpg), and juniors Bryant Addleman (8 ppg, 6 rpg) and Teague Morford (2 ppg, 1 rpg). Rebounding, limiting turnovers, and consistency are a few of second year coach Kellen Fernetti’s biggest areas of focus for his team. “Our team goals for this season are to continue to improve, be better today than yesterday, set mini goals for ourselves and see if we can achieve those goals,” coach Fernetti said. “We have to be better at handling pressure defense, and we have to rebound the basketball better. Defensively, we need to be strong and more unified. Offensively, we need to find ways to score, as that was difficult for us last season. Play with tremendous effort, energy and enthusiasm each and every day.” DIGHTON finished last season 4-17 after a first round sub-state loss to Weskan, and 4-5 in league play, but the Hornets enter the season with plenty of momentum after a quarterfinal run in the football playoffs and a 9-2 record. Gone to graduation is third team all-league selection Blaine Whipple, but three starters are back for first year head coach Tyler Lingg in juniors Max Neeley and Eli Wilkinson and senior Jaden Colemen, none of whom average over single digit points per game a year ago. Senior forward Porter Stephens and junior forward Hector Wilkinson provide additional varsity experience, while freshman point guard Daniel Cramer and 6-3 sophomore forward Carson Shimer are expected to be thrown into the varsity mix. After a 13-9 finish last season, GREELEY COUNTY returns five starters in seniors Cade Magan (6 ppg, 3 rpg) and Jesus Martinez (3.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.1 apg), along with juniors Titus Sherer (9.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.5 spg), Jaxson Brandl (19.6 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 3.5, 2 bpg) and Jaraith Yanez (6 ppg, 2 rpg, 1.6 apg). Brandl and Sherer were both first team all-league selections, while Brandl also earned first team all-state honors. “Team chemistry and leadership will be a big part of our success,” coach Josh Gooch said. “We’ve had a young group the last couple of years, but struggled last year when it came down

to crunch time.“ QUINTER made it to the sub-state finals last season, falling to a talented Ness City team, 67-60. The Bulldogs finished the season 15-8 overall, with a 5-1 mark in league play. Head coach John Crist - entering his 29th season at Quinter with a 421-226 record - expected to get back four senior starters from a season ago, including 6-3 second team all-state Jaden Boone (20.5 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 1.8 apg), 5-9 Eli Gruenbacher (4.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.2 apg), 5-7 Kyler Johnson (2.9 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 2.1 apg), and 6-2 Gus Bridges (6.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.1 apg), but suffered a devastating loss in the offseason when Boone likely saw his high school basketball career end to a serious injury sustained at the mid-point of the high school football season. A large group of lettermen return, however, including 6-3 senior Bradley Riedel (6.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.7 apg), 6-0 junior Preston Havlas (4.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.2 apg), 5-7 junior Zayne Beckner (3 ppg, 1.8 rpg, .7 apg), and 6-1 junior Braden Polifka (2.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.1 apg). “We hope that we can continue to build on the way we finished the season,” Crist said. “We have a lot of kids that started since they were freshman. This is a very experienced team and hopefully that will pay dividends in close games and once postseason arrives. We will be very deep and we hope to use that to our advantage with full court pressure and an up-tempo style of play. We also have a very talented sophomore class that could push some upperclassmen, which will provide for some very competitive practices and in turn make us all better. Hopefully we can stay healthy, peak at the right time and make a good run in the postseason.” A young RAWLINS COUNTY team finished 6-13 after a first round sub-state loss to Stockton a season ago. New head coach Nathan Ketzner takes over and gets all five starters back in 6-0 senior Jose Paz, 5-5 senior Isaac Domsch, 6-2 junior Brady Beckman and 5-11 sophomore Brandon Chvatl. Also returning from last year’s varsity are 5-11 sophomore Braxton Dixson, 6-0 sophomore Pete Couse, and 6-1 junior Grady Lohoefner. “This is a team that is still rebuilding,” Ketzner said. “Two years ago there were only seven players on the team. We are a younger team with only two seniors seeing much playing time last year. We look to build upon the improvements

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Dine-in or Carryout we made last year and should be competitive in our league this year.” St. Francis and Cheylin will enter a new cooperative for basketball this season and play as the CHEYLIN/ST. FRANCIS Cougars. The cooperative is a product of concerns about numbers and is expected to result in 1518 boys out for the combined team. Players expected to contribute varsity minutes for coach Cory Busse including senior Dylan Ketzner, juniors Ben Busse and Preston Witzel and sophomores Pablo Bermudez, Brady Ketzner, Victor Hernandez and Jordan Smull. Sophomore football standout Logan McCarty was also expected to play a key role on the team but a football injury will likely keep him out the entire basketball season. Coach Busse spent the last six years as the head coach at St. Francis and is a Cheylin alum. The new-look Cougars will compete in class 2A and the Northwest Kansas League and play Sainty’s original schedule. WALLACE COUNTY returns three starters from last year’s 4-17 team that finished sixth in the NWKL, including senior Jake Willems (6.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.9 apg), junior Cade Johnson (5.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg), and sophomore Evan Pearce (9.7 ppg, 7.6 rpg). The Wildcats bid farewell to graduated first team all-league selection Landon Johnson, but Pearce returns after earning third team honors as a freshman. “Our team success depends on picking up where we left off at the end of last season,” second year head coach Laran Steele said. “We were playing really well late last season and it continued throughout the summer. We just need to continue to build and improve on our game from where we were last season. Our half court defense along with defensive rebounding and limiting turnovers are all areas we struggled in at times last season. Improving in these areas will help our team be successful” GIRLS DECATUR COMMUNITY finished last season

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12-10 with second place finishes in league play, the league tournament and sub-state. From that team that was so close on multiple occasions, four starters return in seniors Gabbie Vontz (8.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.9 spg), Riley Ketterl (4.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg), Brynna Addleman (8.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg) and junior Breyana Gehring (4.3 ppg, 6 rpg). Head coach Brandon Gehring noted that building depth and finding ways to score are team keys. “Our goal is to make it to the state tournament!” Gehring said. After a 14-10 record that culminated in a state tournament appearance, DIGHTON brings back four starters; senior Traci Cramer (9 ppg, 5.8 ppg, 4.8 apg, 5.3 spg, first team all-league), and juniors Allie Von Leonrod (4.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 4.8 apg, 5.3 spg), Brianna Maughlin (4.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.1 spg) and Jessi Whipple (9.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1 apg, 2.8 spg, third team allleague). Lost to graduation is second team allleaguer Emily Wilms. Head coach Joni Bollinger has high hopes for her squad, saying “make finals at state” is one of her team’s main goals. “[Our goal is] to be competitive in every game,” Bollinger said. “We may not always be the most talented team on the floor, but we will be the team on the floor that works the hardest and hustles the most. We do not have one key player that creates success, but we have an entire team that works together with the same goals.” Seven-seed GREELEY COUNTY was knocked out in the first round of sub-state against tournament host Dighton, who would go on to qualify for state. The Jackrabbits finished the season with a 3-17 record. Now senior Mila Reynolds was the lone all-league selection on the team last season, earning third team recognition. continued on page 109 Hwy 36

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Burlington, Senior By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS ANDERSON COUNTY made it past an overtime contest with Osawatomie in the first round of sub-state before going on to face eventual state qualifiers Wellsville in the second round and losing 57-29 to finish the season 11-11. The Bulldogs have a senior laden group to lead the way this season. Second team allleague senior Reece Katzer was a top player last season as a junior and is a presence in the paint at 6-9. He is joined by 6-5 senior Division I offensive line prospect Chaylin Peine, 6-5 junior Garrison Martin and 6-4 junior Caden Register to give the Bulldogs one of the tallest lineups in class 3A. From a 16-5 team that finished second in the Pioneer League in 2021, BURLINGTON gets back some vital pieces. Senior Sam Smith (16 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2 spg, first team all-league) has a knack for getting the ball in the hoop, while fellow seniors Ty Anderson (7.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.6 apg, 2.5 spg) and Max Kuhlmann (6.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.4 apg, .9 spg) also further bolster an experienced group. The Wildcats do bid farewell to graduated first team all-league selection Brian Payer, but head coach Justin Logan is optimistic entering the season. “Our expectations and goals for this season are high,” coach Justin Logan said. “We have a heavily senior lead group with a lot of experience from last season returning. Our goals this season will be to go into Christmas with a winning record - we begin with a tough pre-break schedule then we want to win our Burlington Invitational Mid-Season Tournament, then win the Pioneer League. Lastly, we want to finish our season in Hutchinson and want to play three games when we get there.” Logan also plans to mix things up this season. “Our keys to success this season will come from our ability to be comfortable playing different styles of basketball. Our experience and maturity will be a strength for us being able to recognize and adapt to many of different gameplans that will be thrown our way. Fighting complacency and staying prepared to see some team’s best each and every night.” IOLA got past a nail-biting first round sub-state matchup against Fort Scott last year, winning 50-49, and then moving on to the second round where they were beaten soundly by eventual state runner-up Louisburg, 57-32. Replacing all-league first team selection Landon Carsen to graduation is a top priority for the Mustangs. OSAWATOMIE loses four starters from a year

ago, when they finished with a 9-12 record. Lone returner Kaden Fields, a 6-5 senior, is a great piece to build around, but head coach Chris Pitts will have a lot of spots to fill around him. “[Our goals this season are to] stay healthy, have fun and compete,” head coach Chris Pitts said. “Working together and enjoying the game of basketball [are our keys to success].” PRAIRIE VIEW finished 4-15 after a first round sub-state defeat against league opponent Burlington. Senior Josh Robbins has been a top player for the Buffalos over the last couple of seasons, earning second team all-league honors as a sophomore. SANTA FE TRAIL finished last season third in the Pioneer standings with a 7-5 league record, to go with a 12-9 mark overall, their fourth consecutive winning season. Lone returning starter, 5-7 senior Blake Buessing (7 ppg, 3 rpg, 1 apg, 2 spg), leads a large group of returning lettermen including four seniors in 5-9 Noah McCoy, 6-3 Brett Schwartz, 6-1 Landon Watkins, 6-3 Chase Arnold, 5-9 junior Theron Berckefeldt, and 5-9 sophomores Lane Workman and Chad Robert. “Losing four senior starters - many multipleyear starters - leave very big shoes to fill in the Charger program,” head coach Thatcher Decker said. “It will be our least experienced team we have put on the floor in five years but we have a quality program from top to bottom and live by the ‘next man up’ credo and I have zero reservations regarding the young men that will fill the Charger uniforms this season. The keys for Charger success in 2021-22 are the same as always, playing fast and aggressively on offense and being relentless on defense. Though inexperienced in varsity ‘on court’ minutes we have tough skilled young men who are comfortable in our system which should allow them to grow up in a hurry once we get the season underway. Blake Buessing is our only returning starter and will fill our team leader role, but I am confident he is up to the task. In addition, we will have seniors Noah McCoy and Brett Schwartz that look to have great senior seasons. Senior Landon Watkins, a newcomer to the Charger program, brings a high basketball IQ that will pay dividends immediately. Our underclassmen, led by Theron Berckefeldt, Chad Robert and Lane Workman, among others, promise to be great players in the near future. and we look forward to the 2021-22 season!” WELLSVILLE edged Burlington in the substate final, 68-65, and finished the season 19-4 after a 55-48 state quarterfinal loss to Galena. The Eagles graduated a pair of second team all-league selections in Jackson Showalter and Kaden O’Neil, but first team all-league selection Jimmy Dorsey was just a junior a season ago. The 6-5 senior averaged 19.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game last season and was named to several all-state teams. GIRLS ANDERSON COUNTY made their way to the Wellsville sub-state championship against Osawatomie, losing 78-56 and finishing the season with a final mark of 18-4. The Bulldogs say goodbye to two of their best players from last season in all-league first team selections Rayna Jasper and Cali Foltz, but a strong group of sophomores is expected to help fourth year head coach Amy Disbrow continue the program’s success. Sophomores Kylie Disbrow (3.4 ppg,

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7.6 rpg, 1.5 bpg) and Caitlyn Foltz (3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.3 spg) both stand 6-feet tall and provide excellent length and athleticism. Addy Fudge is expected to take over at point guard after playing varsity minutes as a freshman last season. Disbrow said team goals are to “be competitive in league and sub-state” and called “scoring balance and defense” keys to success. BURLINGTON finished last season 10-10 overall, with an 8-4 mark in league play, giving them a third place league finish. Four starters are coming back from that squad in 5-5 junior Karlie Whiteworth, 5-11 second team all-league senior Caydence Deobele (12 ppg, 8 rpg), 5-7 first team all-league Harlee Young (14 ppg, 87 percent from the line), 5-7 senior Madison Coursen (4.7 ppg, 4 rpg), along with rotation players 5-5 senior Miranda Meats, 5-7 junior Josie Fejfar and 5-3 junior Paige Dittrich. “The Burlington Ladycats were young and inexperienced last season and we battled hard,” said head coach Doug Stewart. “We finished the season with a 10-10 record. We played ourselves into every game with tough defense. We will need to become a better offensive team to improve this year. This season we will rely on the experience we gained last season and win more of the closer games. We lose one quality starting senior in Myka Watkins. We will return a group that has six players who now have some starting experience at the varsity level. The Pioneer league will be solid this year. Santa Fe Trail returns a lot and will be the favorite. All the other teams Wellsville, Osawatomie, Iola, Santa Fe Trail, and Prairie View return most of their top players. The league will be very competitive. With our returning experience we plan on battling for a League Championship.” IOLA was knocked out of the play-in game of their sub-state tournament last season, losing 49-40 and finishing the season with a 1-16 mark. Replacing second team all-league senior Becca Sprague is a necessity for the Mustangs. League runner-up OSAWATOMIE made it all the way to the state quarterfinals with a record of 22-3 last season, before being narrowly defeated by Frontenac 71-69. From that team they return two starters, seniors Rosalynn Johnson (8 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg, 1 bpg, 3 spg) and Avery Dempsey (8 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg, 1 bpg, 3 spg) but the graduation of all-state selection Amiah Simmons, now playing at Division II Biola University in La Mirada, Calif., leaves a glaring hole. Simmons averaged a whopping 34 points per game last season and was named the Tri-County Player

PIONEER LEAGUE

of the Year by the Miami County Republic newspaper. Also gone to graduation is second team all-league selection Allie Lagasse. “[Our goal is to] compete with an unmatched passion for each other and the game,” head coach Beau Gadwood said. PRAIRIE VIEW was knocked out of sub-state in the first round against eventual state qualifier Osawatomie by a score of 87-42, finishing with a 2-18 record. SANTA FE TRAIL is coming off of a 9-12 season, with a 7-5 record in league play. First year head coach Jacee Kramer is taking over the program and gets back four returning starters from that team, including sophomore Braegan Buessing (6.6 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.8 apg, 3 spg), junior Sydney Whitaker (7.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.6 spg), sophomore Kaelee Washington (4.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg) and senior Abby Rowe (1.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg), as well as key returners junior Ajah Banks (1.1 ppg, 1.1 rpg) and sophomore Whitney Herren (5.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.4 spg). “We spent a lot of time this summer working on fundamentals and putting in new offenses and defenses,” coach Kramer said. “We played several scrimmages and attended a team camp. There was a lot of growth in how we are planning to play this upcoming season and in the direction that we are looking to take this program. We are looking to establish a new style of basketball at SFT. With our returning players and a few others coming up that will contribute, we should display some experience and IQ that will push our team towards a winning season.” WELLSVILLE comes off a down year, finishing last season 4-17. Three starters return in 5-6 senior Bethany Pearson (6.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.3 spg), 5-7 junior Jacey Clancy (5.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.3 spg) and 5-8 sophomore Aaliyah Green (3.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.8 spg). “Our goals for this season are to win our league and compete well in our Top Gun tournament which always has some of the top teams from 3A and 4A in it,” said 10th year coach Brock Campbell. “We also want to finish the season well so we put ourselves in a good position for sub-state. Our keys to this year will be having some of our younger players step up and compete well at the varsity level. We will not have a lot of height this year so we will be very reliant on our guards to do a lot of the scoring for us.”

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SOUTHEAST KANSAS LEAGUE By Brian Thomas, Montgomery Co. Chronicle BOYS Pittsburg continued its recent trend of success in the Southeast Kansas League by capturing its fifth league title in the past six years. The Purple Dragons won last year’s title by two full games over runner-up Fort Scott. Look for Pittsburg to once again be in the thick of the SEK race by season’s end. Despite the loss of several key players, including 5A Player of the Year Javon Grant, PITTSBURG looks to remain atop the SEK standings during the 2021-22 season. The Purple Dragons, under the direction of secondyear head coach Jordan Woods, are coming off a 15-7 season that included an SEK championship and trip to the Class 5A State Tournament. They closed out the season with a loss to De Soto in the quarterfinal round. Grant is continuing his playing career at Division I Sam Houston State University. He is one of four starters lost due to graduation. Yet, the Purple Dragons have one returning starter back in the lineup in 6-2 senior guard Elijah Thornton. From there, four other players return with varsity experience, including 6-5 junior forward Jackson Turnbull, 6-3 sophomore guard Mason English, 5-11 senior guard Grant Roelfs and 5-11 senior guard Austin Mckechnie. “We do not return a lot of experience, but some players did receive a lot of playing time at certain times last year,” Woods said. “Right now, we do not have an identity of who we are as a team. Once we figure it out, this group will take on who we need to be and play hard night in and night out. These players did get to compete against some talented players every day in practice and hope to use that when it comes to competition. This group of players will have some challenges ahead of them, but they encourage adversity and will become better because of it.” Clint Heffern’s first season with FORT SCOTT had its fair share of ups and downs along the way. The Tigers finished with a sub-.500 record at 10-11 but still earned second place in the final SEK standings with an 8-4 league mark. The Tigers will lack experience this season with only one returning starter back in the lineup. Collin Thomas returns for his senior campaign after averaging six points and 3.9 rebounds per game a year ago. From there, FSHS has plenty of spots to fill, which will make it challenging to be near the top of the league standings again this season. “We hope to be competitive in every game we play,” Heffern said. “We will need to limit turnovers and play disciplined basketball each night.” CHANUTE took third place in the SEK last season and was just one win away from a trip to the 4A state tournament. The Blue Comets hope to improve on their 11-7 campaign from a year ago as Devon Crabtree begins his third season as head coach. Leading the way for CHS will be 6-3 senior Kam Koester, who averaged 15.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game a season ago. Also back is 6-0 senior Shan Williams (4.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 apg). “We want to continue to improve,” said Crabtree. “We would like to see our guys take the next step in playing team defense. Our

success will depend on the leadership of our upperclassmen and the development of our younger players.” One year after claiming the SEK championship with an unbeaten league slate in 2019-20, PARSONS fell into the middle of the pack last season, closing things out with a 12-8 record that included a fourth-place finish in the final standings. Although the Vikings were not at the top of the SEK last season, it still had a successful run that included a sub-state championship and trip to the 4A state quarterfinals, falling to Louisburg. Three starters are back in the lineup this season, including seniors Paxton Swanson and Cedric Webb at both the guard and forward positions. Swanson was an all-league second team selection a year ago. Also returning this season is junior point guard Jessie Jones. “We will rely on them heavily as they are the players who return with significant varsity experience,” said Viking head coach Anthony Houk. “We have two other seniors and two other juniors that we will lean on for depth. We will also look for our sophomore class to play a big part in what we do on the court this season.” Despite a third straight losing season, LABETTE COUNTY showed progress a year ago, once again adding to its win total by season’s end. The Grizzlies, who started 1-4 prior to the holiday break, closed the season at 7-13 overall, which included a fifth-place finish in the final SEK standings. Now in his third season as head coach, Bradley Argabright is looking to carry some momentum into the 2021-22 campaign with the return of four starters from last year’s squad. Leading the way will be first team all-league honoree Eli Hestand. The 5-11 senior shooting guard was also honorable mention allstate by multiple outlets after averaging 16.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Also back in the lineup are 6-2 senior forward Alex Meister (10 ppg, 3.5 rpg), 5-11 junior point guard Tray Vinson (4.4 ppg, 2.4 apg) and 6-0 senior point guard Chase Carnahan (3.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2 spg, 2 apg). “We will have more experience than we have in the past couple of years, and I expect our older guys to show our younger guys the way things should be done in our program,” Argabright said. “Our expectations this season are to improve day in and day out. No matter if that is a practice or a game, we expect to get better.” After a successful career at Labette County, Brad Smith saw some ups and downs in year one at INDEPENDENCE. The result was a 5-16 record that included a sixth-place SEK finish. Despite those struggles, not all was lost for the Bulldogs, giving them hope heading into the 2021-22 campaign. IHS returns one of the top big men in the SEK in Easton Ewing. The 6-7 junior forward/center averaged a double-double at 18.1 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. He was named first team all-league and 4A all-class by multiple outlets. Ewing is one of two returning starters back for the Bulldogs, which will also include 6-0 junior guard Hayden Smith (4.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.3 apg). Two other players were parttime starters - 5-10 junior guard Brecken Bertie (4.8 ppg, 1.4 rpg) and 5-9 junior guard Davis Merrick (2.3 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 1.4 apg). Another returning letterman, 6-0 junior guard Cooper

Page 67 Smith, should also contribute this season. “Last year, we played so many inexperienced players, mainly in the sophomore class,” said Smith, who has an overall record of 359-340 as he begins his 33rd season as a head coach. “They now have a varsity season under their belt, and they know how I operate as their coach. This group is anxious to compete and have a successful season. I believe we will be a fun team to watch. I expect this team to vie for an SEK league championship. We will definitely not be taken lightly. It won’t be easy as the SEK will be well balanced.” It’s been a rough few years for COFFEYVILLEFIELD KINDLEY, which finished last in the SEK for a second straight season. Now, following a 3-18 campaign, Griffin Walker returns to his alma mater as the first-year head coach of the Golden Tornado. A 2000 graduate of FKHS, Walker was a two-time all-league performer during his playing career with the ‘Nado. He takes over the program following the departure of Tyler Thompson, who was 96-101 during his nine seasons as coach. Field Kindley lost second team all-league selection Tariq Logan to graduation but returns a solid senior class that includes 6-2 forward Caden Herring, 5-11 Ethan Viets, 5-11 Zach Slavin, 6-1 Nate Rippe and 6-4 Jermaine Eddie. Herring is the top returner at 11 points and seven rebounds per game a year ago. “We have numerous players that could be outstanding players this season,” Walker said. “I will need to see them play in a regulation game before expressing their potential. Our program is super young, and the future is yet to be determined.” GIRLS Labette County has dominated the Southeast Kansas League for quite some time, including a recent streak of four consecutive championships and 21 titles in the history of its program. Last season, the Lady Grizzlies controlled the league from start to finish, taking first place by five games ahead of both Chanute and Pittsburg in the runner-up spot. With another solid group of players returning, LCHS should once again be near the top of the SEK at the end of the season. SEK Coach of the Year Kristi Snider has LABETTE COUNTY once again at the top of the SEK standings. A year ago, she led the Lady Grizzlies to a 19-3 overall record and a trip to the 4A state quarterfinals, only to come up a point short to Louisburg. The defending league champions have four returning starters back in the lineup, led by unanimous all-league selection Madison Brannin. The 5-9 senior guard/forward

Sean Frye, Parsons Sun

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Madison Brannin Labette County, Senior

averaged 12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.8 steals a year ago. Another key player will be Anna Dean (8.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.1 apg), a 6-0 senior forward who was named second team all-league. Other returning starters include 5-8 senior guard Karsyn Stewart (6.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2 apg, 2 spg) and 5-6 senior forward/guard Lauren Forbes (5.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg). From there, the Lady Grizzlies will also look for contributions from 5-6 senior guard Jasmine Perez, 5-9 junior guard/forward Shelbie Wilson, 5-7 senior forward Ashantae Smith, 5-4 junior guard Audrey Dewey and 5-8 junior forward Ridley Lynn. “We return four starters and one part-time starter from last year’s squad,” said Snider, who has a career record of 433-112 in 25 seasons as head coach. “We are really excited for this bunch of kids. They are a very unique bunch of kids that got a tremendous amount of playing time last year.” After tying for second place in the SEK, CHANUTE will have to fill some key holes in its lineup as it tries to again finish near the top of the league. The Blue Comets posted their third straight winning season a year ago, finishing 15-7 overall and 7-5 in the league. Head coach Dustin Fox, who begins his 11th season, lost some key figures from that squad, including unanimous allleague selection Kori Babcock and second team pick Mattilyn Cranor. Chanute welcomes back one starter to the lineup in 5-7 junior guard Tyra Bogle (5.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.4 spg). Other players that should contribute include senior Madison Lafarge (5-11 guard/forward), junior Preston Keating (5-6 guard), and sophomores Peyton Shields (5-6 guard), Kierny Folder continued on page 109

Parsons Par sons H i g h

H i g h

S c h o o l

3030 Morton, Parsons, Kansas 67357 | Phone: 620-421-3660 | Fax: 620-423-8816 | Parsons High School, the Home of the Vikings, is a center of academic excellence in Southeast Kansas. We educate for life, offering a variety of premier Career and Technical Education programs and dual credit college classes. Visit our schools to explore our options and see why USD 503 is your school district of choice.

3030 Morton, Parsons, Kansas 67357 | Phone: 620-421-3660 | Fax: 620-423-8816 | p h s . v i k i n g n e t . n e t Parsons High School, the Home of the Vikings, is a center of academic excellence in Southeast Kansas. We educate for life, offering a variety of premier Career and Technical Education

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 By Brian Thomas, Montgomery Co. Chronicle BOYS Due to cancellations from the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an unbalanced schedule for the South Central Border League during the 2020-21 campaign. By season’s end, South Haven had claimed the boys’ championship by percentage points, edging out second-place West Elk and third-place Sedan. All three teams were within a half-game of each other in the final standings. The loss of all-state player Cooper Wolf leaves a hole in the SOUTH HAVEN lineup this season. Yet, the Cardinals have hopes of returning to the top of the SCBL with the return of three senior starters. South Haven had an overall record of 15-7 a year ago, which included a trip to the Class 1A-Division II State Tournament. The Cardinals suffered a 48-43 first-round loss to Pawnee Heights. Wolf, who hit the 1,000-point milestone for his career during his junior season, is gone from this year’s squad but returning is 6-1 guard/forward Nathan Hilt, 6-1 guard Ethan Theurer and 5-5 guard Tucker Locke. In addition to those players, others back on the varsity roster include 6-2 senior forward Parker Dodds, 5-10 senior guard Grady Howell and 5-11 sophomore guard Alex Smith. “Expectations are high,” said fourth-year coach Robert Weber, who has a 39-62 record on the South Haven bench. “We return six guys that either started or saw major varsity minutes from last year’s state tournament team. We will be very competitive with plenty of experience returning and a lot of our young guys showing up over the summer. We have plenty of athletic ability again this year, which will give us some very tough decisions to make as far as personnel, starting lineups, etc.” WEST ELK was definitely affected by COVID last season as it was only able to play six of its nine league games. That may have cost the Patriots a shot at the SCBL title as it took second place by percentage points behind South Haven. WEHS, which captured the league tournament championship in mid-January, went on to post a 13-6 overall record, falling to Belle Plaine in the semifinal round of the Garden Plain sub-state. Now head coach Dave Miller and his squad look ahead with the return of two starters from last year’s squad. Back in the lineup are 6-5 senior forward Wesley Young (12.5 ppg, 10.7 rpg, second team all-league) along with 6-2 junior forward Jarrett Wilson (2.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg). The Patriots also welcome transfer Garrett Toon, a 6-2 senior forward who was a starter last season at league rival Central of Burden. West Elk also has six other players returning from last year — 5-7 junior guard Dustin Montgomery, 5-7 senior guard Tate Stewart, 5-10 senior guard Colin Wilson, 5-11 senior guard Blade Kenyon, 5-9 junior guard Eli Denton and 6-2 senior forward Brock Cook. “We lost a lot of experience and key players from last year’s squad,” said Miller, who has a 216-119 record at WEHS as he enters his 16th season. “In order for us to reach our goals, our more inexperienced players will have to step up. If we get buy-in from our incoming players and strong leadership from our upperclassmen, we will have a chance to reach our goals.” Another team that came up just short of a league championship during last year’s COVID season was SEDAN, which finished just a half-

game out of first place. Following a successful run through the playoffs in football, the Blue Devils are hoping that success carries onto the hardwood during. The Blue Devils, who were 15-5 a year ago, have just one starter back in the lineup this season, but he will be a huge key to the team’s success. Dameion Hatten, a 6-2 senior guard, returns after reaching the 1,000-point milestone for his career last year as a junior. Hatten averaged 19.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.0 steals per game a year ago as he earned All-Class 2A and All-SCBL honors. Although Hatten is the only starter returning to the lineup, SHS has plenty of experience returning, including its second-leading scorer in Keaton Dickens. The 6-0 senior guard came off the bench to earn honorable mention all-league. Other returning lettermen include 5-8 senior guard Isaiah Smilko, 6-2 junior forward Koda Blankinship, 5-8 sophomore guard Lyndon Sears and 5-8 sophomore guard Jeremiah Prince. “I think we have a chance of being a very good team by the end of the year,” said Blue Devil coach Lance Jeffers, who has a 152-49 record in the program. “We lost a couple of seniors last year and four starters all together. But we have some guys that are ready to step into those roles. We also had a couple of guys move in that should compete for valuable minutes. I thought we were athletic last year, and I think we are even more athletic this year.” CALDWELL will have some big shoes to fill with the loss of three key players due to graduation. The Bluejays closed out the season at 8-7 overall after a loss to Pratt-Skyline in the Class 1A-Division I Norwich sub-state. Leading the list of departures was first team all-league pick Trey Strnad. Also gone are honorable mention picks Jude Stow and Jadon Brown. Five players with varsity experience do return: Teagan Thompson, Keiondre Smith, Dawson Bristor, Brody Perkins and Jackson Risley. K.B. Criss begins his sixth season as head coach at CEDAR VALE/DEXTER. The Spartans are hoping to make a push back to the top of the SCBL this season after claiming a share of the title two seasons ago. Coming off an 8-7 campaign that included a tie with Caldwell for fourth place in the league, CVD has three starters back from last year’s squad - 6-0 senior Cole Clark, 6-4 junior Xavier Strong and 6-2 junior Caden Woods. Clark had a double-figure average in scoring at 10 points per game. Other individuals returning for the Spartans include 6-3 sophomore Brayden Henderson, 6-4 sophomore Devonte Harris and 5-8 senior Cody Waters. A couple of key senior newcomers to the squad are 6-3 Gonzalo Rodriguez and 6-5 Fernando Alen who will help to give CVD one of the tallest lineups in the league. “The unknown for us is how quickly we will develop chemistry and hit our stride on both ends of the floor,” said Criss, who has a 72-31 record with the Spartans. “We graduated our lead guard, who handled a lot of pressure for us last year. We have a couple of foreign exchange students who we have never seen play in a real game, but both really enjoy basketball.” For the first time in five years, CENTRAL OF BURDEN will not have a new coach heading into a season. Austin Filtingberger returns for his second season after leading the Raiders to a 6-15 overall record and sixth-place finish in the SCBL. Youth will be a factor for the Raiders this

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season with no returning seniors on the squad. Although three starters are back in the lineup, they are all underclassmen in 5-8 sophomore point guard Jace Wunderlich (9.6 ppg, 3.0 apg), 6-2 sophomore forward Hunter O’Neil and 5-9 junior Nocona Hamilton (5.5 ppg). CHS lost a key figure from last year’s squad over the summer as honorable mention all-league pick Garrett Toon transferred to league rival West Elk for his senior campaign. “Last year, we were playing a lot of underclassmen, and we hope that pays off for us in the next couple of years,” Filtingberger said. “We are going to have to play mistake-free basketball. We don’t have the size or experience to make a whole lot of mistakes on the court. We will have to be disciplined and make sure we are doing the right things while we are in the game.” Veteran coach Kyle Green has all five starters back at OXFORD as the Wildcats try to make a push up the SCBL standings. The Wildcats are coming off a 4-11 season that included a four-game shortened league slate for seventh place. OHS lost in the semifinals of the Flinthills sub-state to Wichita Classical. Although a young squad, with just one returning senior in the lineup, Oxford has experience back, led by honorable mention all-league pick Peyton Rush. The 6-2 junior averaged 10.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last season. Also back is the team’s top scorer, 6-0 junior guard Kyan Morris, who averaged 11 points and 5.7 boards an outing. From there, the cast of returning players includes 6-0 junior point guard Hayden Ruyle (6.1 ppg, 3.1 apg), 6-0 junior guard Logan Mclain (8.8 ppg, 2.5 apg) and 6-1 senior post Dylan Hofmeier (6.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg). Two other contributors include 6-0 junior guard Colby Hammond and 6-3 sophomore post Cayden Carpenter. “Finally, after a three-year rebuild of the program, we are in spot with upperclassmen where we should be able to compete,” said Green, who enters his 16th season as the alltime winningest coach in program history at 204150. “It was huge for the kids and the program to win a postseason game last year for the first time in four years. This bunch has taken their beatings together. They’ve had to play a lot of varsity minutes as freshmen/sophomores when they should be learning at the JV level. They have just continued to work and keep showing up in the summer and to practice every winter with a great attitude and work ethic.” Last season, despite finishing eighth in the SCBL, FLINTHILLS was just one win away from a trip to state. Although the Mustangs came up short, they hope that momentum carries into the 2021-22 season. Flinthills finished with a 7-12 overall record a year ago, losing to Wichita Classical 70-51 in the championship game of the Class 1A-Division I Rosalia sub-state. This year’s squad will rely heavily on a pair of returning players in junior Hunter Lowmaster and senior Kendall Pinkerton. Lowmaster was named second team all-league a year ago, while Pinkerton picked up honorable mention. First team all-league selection Austin King will lead the way for UDALL after the Eagles went 3-15 a year ago. King, a 6-7 senior, averaged just under a double-double at 16.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per game a year ago. He is one of four

starters back in the lineup for the Eagles, which includes 6-1 senior Trent Whiteman (10.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg), 6-0 sophomore Jenson Harness (5.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg) and 5-8 junior David Otis (3.1 ppg). “Our success will be determined on how aggressive our defense is,” said first-year Eagle coach Jarod Meier. “We have the pieces to be a solid team offensively, but taking pride in our defense and locking teams down will be the key to our success.” Bob Almanza will be seeking his 100th victory at ARGONIA this season as the Red Raiders seek a move up the league standings. Gone from last year’s 2-16 squad is Noah Phillips due to graduation. Yet, AHS has two starters back in the lineup - 5-10 sophomore Dalton Morrison and 5-9 junior Damien Smith. Morrison averaged 10 points per game last season for the Red Raiders. Also expected to contribute will be returning letterman Jed Phillips, a 5-11 junior. “We will take pride in our defense and effort, hopefully outworking some opponents,” Almanza said. “We won’t have a big team, so we will need to control the pace of the games as well as make a concerted effort to rebound bigger than we are.” GIRLS A late-season victory over South Haven propelled Sedan to the SCBL girls’ championship - a half game ahead of the Cardinals in the final standings. It was the second league championship in four years for the Lady Devils, who last title came during the 2017-18 campaign when they were part of a four-way tie atop the standings. There should once again be a battle at the top of the league standings this season. For the sixth time in program history, SEDAN captured the SCBL championship last season, finishing with an overall record of 16-6. Although the Lady Devils came up short of a trip to state, it was still a successful campaign that included a seven-game win streak late in the season. SHS lost a key figure from that squad in 1,000-point scorer Caitlin Williams due to graduation. Yet the Lady Devils should once again be near the top of the league standings with the return of two starters - 5-2 senior guard Landrea Sears and 5-8 junior forward Jacie Cummings. Sears was first team all-league and honorable mention All-Class 2A after averaging 8.2 points, 4.1 assists and 4.5 steals per game a year ago. Cummings was a double-figure scorer at 11 points an outing, while also pulling down seven boards as she was named All-SCBL Second Team. From there, Sedan also has five other returning letterwinners, including 5-2 senior guard Anna Spradling, 5-6 junior forward Madi Hurt, 5-5 junior guard Madison Holt, 5-4 junior guard Melody Holt and 5-6 junior forward Ashley Kunath. “I was happy with the way we played this summer and hope that we start the season where we left off,” said Lance Jeffers, who has a record of 211-123 as he enters his 16th season with the Lady Devil program. “If that is the case, I am optimistic in our season. Our girls really enjoy playing with each other. They like to get out and run and bother teams defensively. We will have to have girls step up and shoot the ball well from the outside. We have good shooters … it just continued on page 103

SOUTHERN PLAINS-IROQUOIS ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS ASHLAND’s 7-14 mark last season, and 0-11 league record go to show just how competitive the SPIAA was in 2020-21. Junior Jose Amaya (7.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, .9 apg, 1.7 spg), sophomore Britt Grigsby (3.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.8 spg, 20 charges taken) and sophomore Landen McPhail (11.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2 apg, 1.1 bpg, 1.5 spg) make a good trio to build a foundation on over the next couple of seasons. “[Our goal is] individual and team improvement of at least one percent in each and every practice and game,” coach Giles Fox said. “The willingness to compete from start to finish - regardless of the score - against larger and/or more experienced teams and coaches, and the ability of our young coaching staff to learn from, improve upon, and/or correct coaching decisions quickly and effectively will be our team’s keys to success this season.” Coming off of a blowout win over Satanta in the first round of sub-state, BUCKLIN got knocked out in the second round against a great South Gray team and ended the season 12-10. Five starters return for the Red Aces including 5-9 second team all-league senior Scott Price (14.3 ppg, 3.8 apg, 3.8 rpg,) 5-10 all-league honorable mention senior Nate Bowman (14.5 ppg, 4 apg, 3 rpg), 6-4 senior Colton Stein (3.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, .7 apg), 6-5 junior Jaron Lindsay (4.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg) and 5-11 sophomore Andrew Bowman (7.6 ppg, 5 rpg, 1.9 apg). Other players likely to see varsity time are 5-10 junior Zaden Pearce (.5 ppg, .2 rpg, .8 apg) and 6-1 junior Garin Stimpert (1.1 ppg, .9 rpg, .8 apg), as well as incoming freshman Lucas Kirk and Kolson Cook. “Excited to have some experience returning with upperclassmen,” fourth year coach Derek Bevan said. “We are focused on tightening up our defense this year and letting that flow into our offense. Efficiency will be a word used a lot this year as we focus on offensive efficiency and improving our percentages, especially at the charity stripe.” State qualifier Ness City was barely able to overcome HODGEMAN COUNTY in the second round of sub-state last season, edging them out 69-67. The Longhorns lost six graduates from that 13-9 team - which took third in the SPIAA Tournament - but still bring back two crucial pieces from that squad. Sophomore Owen Reece (62, 17.38 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.8 apg, second team allleague) looks to continue his scoring dominance as he enters just his second year of high school play, while Senior Brayden Bergkamp (6-3, 6.8 ppg, 10.28 RPG, 2.32 SPG, 1 BPG, honorable mention all-league) patrols the paint. Seniors Garrett Ruff and Blake Boyd, along with junior Sawyer Bowman also logged varsity minutes and will compete for playing time with a group of incoming varsity players. “We graduated a heavy senior class with six seniors,” second year head coach Gustavo Flores said. “We will have some young kids who are going to have to fill those roles right from the gate. We have some returning players with varsity experience. Our goal is to compete and put ourselves in a position to be able to compete for a league title along with getting us ready to compete in the postseason.”

INGALLS finished last season 13-9 after a tough 50-49 sub-state loss to Hodgeman County. The Bulldogs lose all-state honorable mention selection Tate Davis, along with a couple of rotational seniors from last season, but otherwise had a young roster with promise a year ago that featured 6-6 Tyson Bleumer, now a senior. KIOWA COUNTY seniors Caydan Pore (12.6 ppg), Connor Pore (6.2 ppg), Bo West (6 ppg), and junior Brady Deterding (11.5 ppg) will look to improve last year’s 10-12 mark with another valuable year of experience under their belts. Fifth year Maverick coach Matt Hoffman will need to find a replacment for graduated first team all-league selection Luke Ballard. “We are looking to be competitive in the SPIAA which will have some of the best teams in the state in 1A yet again,” coach Hoffman said. “Being healthy will be imperative for the success of our team. We will have to defend to have success. We are not a very tall team across the board so getting up and playing tough will be needed.” MEADE made it to the sub-state championship game last season, where they couldn’t overcome a South Gray team that ultimately lost just once all season. The Buffaloes finished with an 18-5 record. Vance Shewey - a member of the 1,000-point club - and Dakota Paul are tough players for fifth year head coach Tyler Flavin to replace, but he gets back seniors Torren Haynes (5-11 , 4 ppg, 2.5 apg), Zach Volden (6-0, 3 ppg, 2 rpg), Trace Hegwood (6-0, 4 ppg), Ian Unruh (6-1, 2 ppg), Myles Kelsay (5-9, 2 ppg), 6-3 junior Graden Stapleton (9 ppg, 1.8 rpg), and sophomores Brock Keith (5-11, 8 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg) and 6-3 Bradon Bird. “The Buffaloes will return three starters from last year’s team that finished 18-5,” coach Flavin said. “We have a strong nucleus of kids that are very close together in their skill set and ability. This has motivated kids over the summer to get in the weight room and gym which will heat up the competition level at practice. Critical for us this season will be identifying kids who can rebound and defend in the paint as we lost nearly sixty percent of our team rebounds to graduation. Also, we are going to need to solidify kids who can score the basketball with the absence of Shewy’s 19 points per game. The SPIAA league will again be very competitive with South Gray, Bucklin, Pawnee Heights and Hodgeman County all returning a number of players that can change a game. We should also fit into this mix near the top of the league and join in the excitement of vying for both the regular season title and SPIAA tournament championship.” MINNEOLA finished 8-11 last year and returns five starters from that team in seniors Brayton Dewell (11 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4 apg, 2.3 spg, 33 charges taken, second team all-league), Alex Deibert (8 ppg, 5 rpg, 2.3 spg), Cameron Million (5 ppg, 7 rpg), junior Noah Deibert (8.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg) and sophomore Eli Lang (10 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.6 spg). “Our team goal for this upcoming season is to compete in a very tough league. We wanna be hitting on all cylinders come March and look to make a run,” head coach James Temaat said. “A key to our season this year will be defense. We have to play tough nosed defense night in

and night out to be successful this upcoming season.” PAWNEE HEIGHTS is coming off of a state semifinals appearance and a 14-10 record. Five players return from that team that ended 2021 on a high note. First team all-state junior Alec Carlson (6-1, 22.6 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.8 apg, 3 bpg, 2 spg), seniors Braden Colglazier (6-2, 11.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 2 apg, .4 bpg, 2 spg, second team allleague), Adam Hands (6-2, 12.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg, .9 apg, .3 bpg, 1 spg), junior Dakota Ryan (6-0, 2.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg, .4 apg, .7 spg) and sophomore Davin Hamby (5-8, 3.9, 2.6 rpg, .9 apg, .2 bpg, .9 spg) will make up one of the most experience starting lineups in the state. “We cannot rely on the success we had last year during the regular season and the state tournament and expect that to happen again without hard work and buy-in from every player,” new head coach Rick Carlson said. “Each player will need to accept their role for the team to have success again this year.” SATANTA went 12-8 during the 2020-21 season and gets back three starters. Two seniors, Christian Ramirez (8.2 ppg, 1.3 spg, 2.1 rpg) and quick-handed Edwin Rodriguez (6.2 ppg, 4 spg, 2 rpg), along with junior Kacen Anthony (5 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1 spg), return to coach Tim Dusin’s squad. The 10th year head coach emphasized health, rebounding and young player development as the keys to success, before touching on the team’s goals for this season. “We want to improve our free throw percentage, win the close games, and improve our record from last year,” Dusin said. SOUTH CENTRAL brings back 6-2 senior Tucker Uhl (4.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.1 bpg, third team all-league) as the lone starter from last year’s 13-8 team that finished third in the SPIAA at 8-3. “We will have to be great on the defensive end,” second year head coach Bud Valerius said. “We will have to do all the little things right in order to compete at a high level.” Head coach Mark Applegate and SOUTH GRAY came up just short of their sixth state title at the end of last season, losing to Olpe in the 1A-DI state title game by a score of 54-47 to finish the year 24-1. While losing 6-3 first team all-state selection Aaron Skidmore and 6-5 honorable mention all-state selection Carter Riley to graduation will hurt, second team all-state selection Brady Deges (17.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3 apg), senior Brent Penner (10.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and junior Carter Jantz (9.5 ppg) all return after serving as key pieces of last year’s state runner-up team. “We want to win our league, league tourney, and try to qualify for the state tourney,” Applegate said. “We graduated a lot of leadership, we will have to have some players step up and accept new roles.” Applegate enters his 40th season as the head coach of the Rebels with 724 wins to his credit. Eight-seed SPEARVILLE wasn’t able to overcome a tough first round sub-state matchup against Ellinwood, losing that game 48-30, and finishing the season 6-14. The Lancers had a large junior group last year that could make more noise this season. GIRLS ASHLAND won both of their sub-state games by double-digits to advance to the state tourna-

Bucklin Yearbook

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Bucklin, Senior Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Tim Rietzke

South Central, Coach ment, but were knocked out in the first round by a tough Cunnigham team, 56-28, finishing with a final mark of 13-8. Second team all-state junior Mackinzie Walker was the Blue Jays leading scorer and one of top 1A-DII players in the state already as a sophomore last season. SPIAA tournament champions, BUCKLIN played in a number of close games last season, including a classic sub-state finals game against South Central, where they couldn’t quite pull out the victory, losing 39-36 in overtime. The Red Aces finished the season 16-6 and bring back a majority of last season’s young roster. HODGEMAN COUNTY finished top four in the state last season after getting knocked out in the semifinals by soon-to-be 1A-DI state champs Olpe. The Longhorns lose all-state honorable mention Colette Pelton and Jaiden Borger to graduation, but get back three returning starters in 5-8 senior Kaylee James (honorable mention all-league), 5-11 senior Grace Shiew, and 5-6 junior Malynn Beil (second team all-league), along with other experienced varsity players in 5-6 senior Reese Nuss, 5-0 senior Hayleigh Burke, 5-7 junior Jessie Ruff, 5-5 junior Logan Lee and 5-6 sophomores Casey Schaffer and Morgan Ruff. “Expectations remain high as we enter the 2021-22 season,” head coach Trent Bright said. “We return several key players from last year’s 21-5 state third place team. We look to continue with our defensive success and build to get stronger on the offensive end. We will be a balanced scoring team, as we do have several girls that are capable of leading us in scoring on any given night. Our non-league schedule will be games that will be good for us to test our team against Ness City, Macksville, and our preseason tournament at Wakeeney, which opens with Oakley. Other tough teams at the Trego Tournament include Trego Community, Hoxie, Ness City and Northern Valley. In league play, we have a number of teams in the SPIAA that could be really competitive. South Central, South Gray and Meade are going to be tough matchups this season. We know as a team that we are going to have to work really hard to get to where we want continued on page 85

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

SUNFLOWER LEAGUE

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Head coach Sam Stroh took FREE STATE all the way to the state semifinal game before they were eventually edged out by Campus, leaving them at 20-4. In his six seasons as head coach Stroh has led Free State to substate championships in each of the past five seasons culminating with the deep postseason run in March and a school record for wins. Now, in Stroh’s seventh year, the Firebirds get back three returning starters including second team all-state selection Mozae Downing (6-4, 7 ppg, 5 apg, Sr.), second team all-league selection Cooper Jackson (9 ppg, 2 spg, Sr.), and Jailen Thompson (7 ppg, 4 rpg). The Firebirds also picked up a key transfer in the offseason when honorable mention 5A all-state selection Jordan Brown moved over from Basehor-Linwood. The 6-4 senior is an Emporia State basketball signee and also one of the top wide receivers in the state of Kansas. Stroh’s team goals for this season are to the point: “Play to our potential, win the Sunflower League, and get back to the state tournament.” GARDNER-EDGERTON was knocked out of the first round of the sub-state tournament against league opponent Olathe West by a score of 64-44, leaving the Trailblazers final mark at 8-13. Third team all-league senior Jack McClure was a top player for G-E last season as a junior. LAWRENCE made it through sub-state by a hair against Olathe West, winning 44-43 in the championship game, before going on to knock out powerhouse Blue Valley Northwest in the state quarterfinals, and ultimately ending their season after a loss to eventual state champs Blue Valley North. The Lions have a tall task in replacing first team all-state standout Zeke Mayo who is now playing basketball at South Dakota State. Second team all-league senior Pearse Long is going to be key to Lawrence’s success this season. MILL VALLEY finished 11-12 last season after advancing to the state tournament and getting knocked out in the quarterfinals. The Jaguars lose third team all-league selection Nick Mason to graduation, but had another top player in nowjunior Dylan Blazer, also a third team all-league member. OLATHE EAST had the tough task of taking on Blue Valley Northwest in the first round of sub-state and lost that game 91-51, finishing the season with a 4-15 record. OLATHE NORTH upset league opponent Olathe South last season in sub-state play by a score of 45-34, before going on to lose the championship game against a stacked Blue Valley Northwest squad. Replacing second team all-league senior Quinton Mason is going to be a top priority for North. OLATHE NORTHWEST finished 8-13 last season and were dealt a first round sub-state exit, but four starters return from that team in seniors Zaid Dajani (6-4, 20 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg, a Washburn basketball signee), Ethan Rains (10 ppg, 4 apg), Alex Ling (5 ppg, 4 rpg), and 6-6 junior Aidan Sullivan (6 ppg, 5 rpg). Defense and rebounding are the main points of emphasis head coach Mike Grove has laid out for his team this season. OLATHE SOUTH brings back a senior four-

pack of returning starters from last season’s 14-7 team. Corbin Dozier (10 ppg, 1.5 bpg), Brody Casson (5 ppg, 5rpg), Owen Alexander (4 ppg, 3 rpg) and Cooper Whitley (7 ppg) return, and head coach Dan Morrow feels like the depth goes far beyond that. “We have ten players that are capable of starting and playing at the varsity level,” Morrow said. “Being unselfish and putting the team first will be key.” OLATHE WEST finished last season 11-11 after a 44-43 heartbreaker to Lawrence in the finals of sub-state. The Owls return one starter from that squad in 6-1 senior Terique Suwareh. The loss of Carter Lichtsinn (Barton County Community College), Tommy Faseru (Baker), Reggie Dennis, and Aidan Sturdivan leaves the Owls with glaring holes, but a big senior group from last year’s varsity bench, including 6-5 Jayson Luse, 6-1 Brisyn Robinson, 6-4 Mikai Blakeney, 6-0 Mike Anderson, and 6-5 Tanner

Page 70 Zimmerman, along with junior newcomers to the varsity, 6-2 Harrison Kisling and 5-9 Thatcher Ahlers. “We hope to continue to build our program with a solid group of returners,” coach Brad Ball said. “We want to continue to play with great effort and enthusiasm. The Sunflower League should be very tough once again and we will have to play well to compete at a high level. Terique Suwareh returns as the starting point guard and will have to lead our team on and off the floor. Returning Seniors Jayson Luse, Mikai Blakeney, Brisyn Robinson, and Mike Anderson look to build on solid junior campaigns. Tanner Zimmerman, Harrison Kisling, and Thatcher Ahlers are expected to have bigger roles this season. A host of solid Sophomores look to challenge for playing time after going 19-0 as freshmen.” SHAWNEE MISSION EAST held the two-spot in last season’s sub-state championship, before tournament host Shawnee Mission Northwest spoiled their aspirations with a 74-68 upset en route to their own state tournament appearance, finishing the year with a 15-5 record. The

THREE RIVERS LEAGUE

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS ALTOONA-MIDWAY finished last season 6-13 in Lane Huffman’s first season as head coach. From that team, seniors Jackson Ashmore (10.8 ppg), Dalton Smith (5.5 ppg), junior Andy Tiger (5.1 ppg) and sophomore Jacob Meigs return to continue moving the program in the right direction. “Our goal is to always finish in the top three of the league,” coach Huffman said. “We also have our eyes set on earning the number one seed in our sub-state. The culture within the boys program at A-M is changing, earning a spot in the state tournament is our main goal. Everyone has to play their role, putting the team first. We have a nice mix of seniors, juniors, and some new players that don’t have much varsity experience. I expect us to have 8-10 guys contribute. If each player can accept what we need them to do, we are going to win some games. Our improvement defensively is also crucial, I am confident that we will have some players that get after it defensively.” CHETOPA won a first round sub-state match, before being crushed 79-22 by state qualifiers Waverly in the second round. The Hornets finished 6-13 on the season. After an 8-12 season and a third place league finish a year ago, COLONY-CREST will move forward with a new head coach in Dakota Sporing. He will have two returning starters in senior Ethan Prasko (4.8 ppg, 5 rpg) and junior Karter Miller (2.7 ppg, 1.7 rpg) and the goal is to again finish somewhere in the top three of the league. Ken Glaser and his JAYHAWK-LINN squad finished last season 6-11. An improvement on that mark will start with sharp-shooting senior team captain Kain Leisure (15.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2 apg, 43 percent from three). Alongside Leisure returns a group with varsity experience including seniors Anthony Bush (3 ppg, 4 rpg, 1 bpg), Landon Schneider (2 ppg, 1 apg, 1 spg) and Noah Purinton (2 ppg), juniors Austin Nation (6 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg, 1.5 spg) and Dylan Nickelson (4 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.5 spg), and sophomore Gus Grote (3 ppg, 2 rpg, 1 bpg). Freshman Braden Nation is also likely to see varsity time at some point in the season.

“Generally speaking, our team needs to outcompete and out-work opposing teams on a nightly basis, while competing intelligently staying out of foul trouble,” coach Ken Glaser said. “We must also drastically reduce our tendency to settle for the type of shots our opponents want us to take, as well as committing unforced turnovers ... both of which have plagued our team in the past. Individually, our senior team captain, Kain Leisure, will need to take another giant leap forward in his performance on the court, as he did last season. Kain is already one of the better players and threepoint shooters in 2A and is certainly capable of performing at an even higher-level in 2021-2022. Junior guards Austin Nation and Dylan Nickelson - both two-year starters - are outstanding athletes who must also provide us with consistency and stability on the court. Seniors Landon Schneider, Anthony Bush and Noah Purinton will be stepping into much more significant roles this season, after coming off the bench most of last season. Each one of them is capable of embracing this challenge and providing our team with productivity in their increased minutes on the court.” Glaser said the Jayhawks could count on young players as well. “In terms of youth, two young forwards, Gus Grote (sophomore) and Braeden Nation (freshman) are both talented players and physically-gifted athletes who will need to play major minutes and provide major contributions within our primary playing-rotation and should also realistically compete for starting spots. Both of them will be essential keys to our team’s fortunes both this year and in the future.” MARMATON VALLEY finished last season 0-19 - their second consecutive winless season but return all five starters from that team. Seniors Quincy Adams and Robert Cook, along with juniors Dylan Drake, Bryce Ensminger and Evan Kent will look to move the program a step forward, and head coach Gavin Cole believes they will be helped this year with a deeper bench. “[Our goal is to] be more competitive night in and night out,” coach Gavin Cole said. “We should be very much improved compared to the past

Lancers lose two of their top players in the first team all-league duo of Preston Reynolds and Will Townsend. Entering the sub-state tournament with only two wins and earning the low seed, SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH defeated KC-Wyandotte handily in their sub-state play-in matchup, before then defeating one-seed KC-Harmon 54-41. North’s Cinderella story came to an end against league opponent Shawnee Mission Northwest in the championship game, however, and the Bison finished their season 4-19. SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST returns three starters, including high-scoring duo Damare Smith (16.8 ppg, 3 rpg, 4.1 apg, first team all-league), and Langdon Wagler (16.8 ppg, 5 rpg, 1.8 apg, second team all-league), along with smooth-shooting senior Dante Wheatcroft (7.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.3 apg, honorable mention all-league). All three were key players on last season’s 14-7 state qualifying squad. SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH faced heartbreak last season when they were dealt a first round sub-state upset by Blue Valley, finishing the season 16-5. Senior Harrison couple years. We will have a lot more kids and competition for playing time. This should make us much more competitive. I don’t want to set a win/ loss goal for our team but we definitely want to win games, and become a team that people associate with playing extremely hard, and being hard to beat. [Our key to success is] finding more ways to score the ball. Points have been hard to come by the past couple years. This year’s team has the capabilities to run the floor and get easy buckets in transition or from offensive rebounding. We also have to improve on limiting turnovers. Too many turnovers last year led to easy buckets on the other end. We will be emphasizing ball security and good decision making.” After finishing 7-12 last season, NORTHEASTARMA returns senior Rylan Keidel, junior Kevin Moyer and sophomore Dawson Troth from that starting lineup. While those three do have solid experience, the team will be young outside of them, with Keidel as the only returning senior. Third year coach Karl Wicker called the “ability to finish on the offensive end and decrease second chance points on the defensive end” keys to success. “We lost a good senior ball player last year, but have some great potential within us,” Wicker said. “If we can get rolling, and everyone stays healthy, I think we have a good shot at being one of the top teams in the league.” OSWEGO was 4-13 a year ago, but gets back 6-2 senior Trayton Walker (13.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg), 6-2 senior Chance Thomas (6.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.1 bpg), 5-8 senior Jace Landes (2.3 ppg, 1 rpg, 1 apg), and 5-9 junior Colton Goddard (3.1 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 1 apg). The four upperclassmen are joined by first year head coach Steve McBrien as they look to improve on last season’s final mark. “[Our goal this season is] to play great defense and to be fundamentally sound,” McBrien said. “[Our keys to success are] to play team basketball and work harder than our opponents.” PLEASANTON finished 6-11 after a first round sub-state exit at the hands of league opponent Southeast. The Blue Jays return one of the league’s top players in first team all-league junior Dale Gillespie, and are going to need more topnotch play out of him in 2021-22.

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Hughes (11 ppg, 4.5 apg, 3.1 rpg, 2.2 spg) is the lone returning starter from that team, but given head coach Brett McFall’s 251-124 career record, he has a track record of helping teams reload. SHAWNEE MISSION WEST was 2-18 overall and 1-12 in league last season, finishing in last place. Hope exists for Hunter Henry as he enters into his third year as head coach with junior Pierce Ross (8 ppg, 3 rpg), senior Dante Jackson (7.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg) and junior Jayse Boatwright (7 ppg, 2 apg) all back in hopes of big improvement on last season. GIRLS FREE STATE took on juggernaut Topeka in the first round of sub-state last season, losing that one 64-31 and closing out the season with a 6-12 record. Replacing 6-0 second team allstate senior Shannon Clarke, a Navy basketball commit, will be a tall order for the Firebirds. GARDNER-EDGERTON brings back three starters from last year’s 10-12 season. Seniors Kiersten Markos (3.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, .2 bpg, .5 spg) and Kaelin Platt (5.3 ppg, 2 rpg, 1 spg), along with sophomore Aaliyah Moss (4.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg,

.2 bpg, .8 spg) will navigate the Blazers through the challenging Sunflower League, after an eighth place finish with a 5-8 record a year ago. “Keys to success for us in 2021-22 will be to come together as a team and to develop confidence and depth as we ask several players to step into new and larger roles,” head coach Joe Leiker said. LAWRENCE was beaten soundly in the first round of last season’s sub-state tournament, losing 61-24 and finishing the season with a 2-19 record. Juniors Lucy Hardy, Serenity Keo, and Amaya Marshall were a few of the top players as sophomore last season. After winning their play-in game against a winless KC-Turner squad, MILL VALLEY turned around and nearly upset one-seed KC-Sumner Academy, who came into the game undefeated, losing only 36-34. Senior Emree Zars (a William Jewell basketball signee) was a top player a year ago for the Jaguars as a 5-11 junior. OLATHE EAST couldn’t overcome league opponent, and eventual state qualifier Olathe North, losing 45-36 and finishing the year with a 7-11 record. Third team all-league senior Aubrey

CHEROKEE-SOUTHEAST made it past their first round sub-state match last season, before facing Uniontown in the second round and getting knocked out in a 44-20 game. The Lancers finished the season 11-8 and have to replace first team all-league Jace Coltrane’s production. Fellow first team all-league junior Cade Burdette is likely to see a further increased role. ST. PAUL finished just 2-9 after a first round loss to Chetopa in the sub-state tournament. UNIONTOWN finished second place in the Three Rivers League last season with a 10-1 record in league play and 15-7 overall. From that team, senior starters Luke Perry (10 ppg) and Dawson Dreisbach (6 ppg, 8 rpg) return. “We will need our seniors - Luke and Dawson -to help out our younger, more inexperienced players,” said third year boys’ head coach Chad Hays, who is 30-14 overall. “They will need to be positive leaders for our program.” The Eagles just missed the state tournament last season with a 42-38 loss to Erie in the substate final. YATES CENTER was knocked out in the first round of sub-state, losing to Central Heights 6341. First team all-league senior Sean Hurst and second team all-league junior Cash Cummings were top players for the Wildcats last season, and the team got good news when a football

injury to the 6-4 Hurst, who was also the standout quarterback for the Wildcats, is not expected to impact his basketball season. GIRLS ALTOONA-MIDWAY finished 0-11 last season after getting knocked out in the first round of substate by league opponent St. Paul. Three-seed CHETOPA was upset in the first round of sub-state last season by a one-win Marais des Cygnes Valley team, 33-31. The Hornets finished the season 5-12 and have to replace all-league senior Brali Conard, Chetopa’s first ever female to join the 1,000-point club. COLONY-CREST finished 2-17 after a first round sub-state loss to Lebo. Graduated second team all-league selection Aubree Holloran was a vital cog for the Lancers last season. JAYHAWK-LINN didn’t get past the first round of sub-state last season, losing to eventual state runner-up Colgan by a score of 72-36. The Jayhawks graduated second team all-league selection Emilie Nation this past spring. MARMATON VALLEY held a final mark of 4-12 after a first round loss in sub-state to Southern Coffey County, falling by just two points, 32-30. NORTHEAST-ARMA finished last season 7-12 and brings back three returning starters; juniors Makenzie Jackson (6.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1 spg) and continued on page 111

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Rogers was a top player for East a season ago. OLATHE NORTH qualified for state after a thrilling 41-36 overtime victory in the sub-state championship game against league opponent Olathe South. North was then in-turn defeated by another league opponent, Olathe West, in the quarterfinals of state by a score of 55-41. The Eagles finished the season with a 16-7 record. Second team all-state senior Sania Copeland (Missouri State commit) returns as one of the top players in the state this season. The Eagles placed three other members of the class of 2022 on the all-league team to go along with Copeland’s first team selection. Saniya Simmons (second team, Lincoln University commit), Ashlynn Alloway (third team) and Yiibari Nwidadah (third team, Washburn commit), while current junior Tyriana Stanford also earned honorable mention OLATHE NORTHWEST was knocked out in the first round of sub-state by Gardner-Edgerton 52-46 and finished last season with a 10-11 mark. Northwest loses all-league honorable mention senior Holly McCormick, but nowsophomores, and fellow honorable mention members, Jillian Huckabey and Skyler Pierce were also key players on last year’s squad. Head coach Mike Allen pointed out the key to OLATHE SOUTH’s success this season as “underclassmen and inexperienced players need to step up and play well,” as well as simply stating, “Raegan Halliday.” Halliday (11.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.6 spg, Southern Illinois signee), now a senior for the Falcons, had an impressive junior year for Olathe South and helped lead them all the way to the substate championship. Fellow returning starters,

6-0 senior Elizabeth Webb (3.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1 apg, 1 spg) and 5-10 sophomore Ella Anderson (5.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1 spg) will also be vital to the teams success as they integrate the underclassmen in 2021-22. OLATHE WEST dominated their way through sub-state and carried that energy into the first round of the state tournament, knocking out league opponent Olathe North, 55-41. The Owls would finish in the top four of the state after losing 59-45 to Shawnee Mission Northwest in the semifinals. Their final mark of 15-6 mixed with a third place state trophy made it a big year for West, but the loss of three seniors - second team all-league selection Mackenzie Hart, and the all-league honorable mention duo of Michaelle Anderson and T’yonne Duncan - is going to be tough to replace. The Owls did have two other players make honorable mention in now-senior Alexis Duncan and junior Jordyn Wilson. SHAWNEE MISSION EAST was knocked out in the second round of sub-state by 6A state champs Shawnee Mission Northwest 5942. East finished the season 9-11 and has the tough task of replacing second team all-league selection Bailey Collar. SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH had the unenviable task of playing eventual state champs and league opponents Shawnee Mission Northwest in the first round of last season’s sub-state tournament at SM Northwest. North finished the year with a 3-16 record. Defending 6A state champs SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST were an unstoppable force last season, finishing with an unblemished 23-0 record. The Cougars lose 6-2 first team allcontinued on page 92

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

TRI-VALLEY LEAGUE By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS BLUESTEM returns seniors Landen Wilson (11.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.9 spg), Jake Emmons (8.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.4 spg, 2.1 apg) and Kristofer Laidler (6.9 ppg, 5 rpg, 1 spg, 1.5 apg) from a team that finished 6-13 after a first round sub-state loss to West Elk, 56-41. “We are looking to compete at a very high level with this group of young men,” coach Branigun Gomez said. “We want to be competitive in every game and have our big senior class show leadership for our younger group.” CANEY VALLEY finished 11-9 after losing in the first round of a tough sub-state bracket to Riverton, 44-30. Seniors Jack Billingsley (9.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.5 apg) and Anthony Rogers (5.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg) return to the lineup. “We have to defend better in our man defense,” fourth year Caney Valley head coach Jim Deaton said. “We are going to have to develop more scorers because we lost our top three from last season. We need to be a better rebounding team than we’ve been. Finally, we’ve got a lot of seniors that have the ability to provide some much needed leadership.” Two-seed CHERRYVALE was served an upset in the first round of sub-state last year against seven-seed Columbus. The Chargers finished with a solid final mark of 16-6, but now they’ll have to replace the production of three all-league players in Landon Bennet, Devin Sawyer, and Kolbyn Hooper. ERIE managed to finish last season with a 21-2 record, a state tournament appearance and a first place league finish. Honorable mention all-state selection Eric Dillinger (15 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.7 apg,

1.1 bpg), a 6-6 senior, is the lone returning starter for the Red Devils, but returning seniors Garrett Ruark (4.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.8 apg) and Ethan Bartholomew (1 ppg, 1.4 rpg, .5 apg, .5 spg) were key contributors on last year’s team. “As with any year we would like to put ourselves in positions to be successful and competitive each night,” 10th year Erie head coach Nick Pfeifer said. “We know that in order to do this we must put in the work in practice and be prepared on the defensive end and skilled and smart offensively. Another team goal will be to continue to improve throughout the season and be playing our best basketball during the sub-state tournament. I believe our keys for success this year will be having new players successfully step into much more prominent roles. We will need guys to be very aggressive and confident on offense and demonstrate the ability to produce on both ends of the floor. As a team we will need to be excellent defensively while staying out of foul trouble and making teams earn every opportunity to score.” EUREKA blew past first round sub-state opponent Chaparral by a score of 66-46, before having to deal with a loaded Cheney team in the second round, and losing that game 68-36 in arguably the toughest sub-state in Kansas. The Tornadoes finished the season 13-10 and lose a couple key seniors, but had a top freshman a season ago in all-league honorable mention Blake Rucker, now a sophomore. FREDONIA was dealt a first round loss against eventual state qualifier Wichita-Trinity in sub-state and finished out the season at 4-16. Replacing first team all-league Layne Mayeske’s production is going to be a top priority for the Yellowjackets. Coach David Taylor’s HUMBOLDT team gets

TWIN VALLEY LEAGUE By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS Jayson Tynon’s AXTELL squad will be young this season, but they bring back some proven components. All-state honorable mention junior guard Isaac Detweiler (16 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg, 3 spg) and 6-5 junior Owen Strathman (9 ppg, 9 rpg, 2 bpg) will be a dangerous one-two punch, while sophomore Grant Buessing (2 ppg, 2 rpg) also returns after putting in varsity minutes last season. Axtell’s otherwise inexperienced roster will have to quickly acclimate to varsity play a fact made even more urgent by another late start to the season due to a deep football playoff run. “We will be young with only one senior on the team,” said Tynon, now in his seventh year as head coach of the Eagles. “Our number one goal, as always, is to get better every day. We will have to overcome some growing pains as the younger guys adjust to varsity basketball. Number two, as always, is to be playing the last Saturday of the state tournament.” BLUE VALLEY-RANDOLPH finished last season 4-15 after a narrow first round loss against league opponent Axtell, 44-40. CENTRALIA lost a tough second round substate matchup against Clifton-Clyde, 61-46, and finished the year 10-10. All-league seniors Raef Osterhaus and Presley Bowers were two of the Panthers top players a season ago as juniors. CLIFTON-CLYDE’s 20-3 record and 1A-DI

quarterfinal appearance in 2021 was a fantastic run, but from that team Clifton-Clyde returns no starters and will have a new head coach in Justin Steinbrock, who spent the prior two years as an assistant. “We will have a lot of new faces playing this year for us,” coach Steinbrock said. “We graduated a senior class that has played a ton of minutes for us during their high school careers. They were very successful and left their mark on our program. Our goals will not change. We want to complete and win the TVL league each year. We are always wanting to make a return trip back to the state tournament, but take it a step or two further this year. We will need to grow up quickly and have some leaders step up early. Someone, or a group of men, are going to have to step up and be the vocal leaders of the team. We will not have the size we had last year so we will have to make shots and let our defense create more shots for our offense to be successful.” DONIPHAN WEST was knocked out in the first round of sub-state by league opponent Centralia, giving the Mustangs a final mark of 8-13. First team all-league selection Lafe Blevins was Doniphan West’s top performer a year ago and has moved on after graduation. Seniors Trent Spiker, Creighton Johnson, Broc Leatherman, Kole Franken and Hunter Smith return with varsity experience along with junior Brody Jeschke. FRANKFORT finished last season 15-6 overall

back two excellent scorers in junior Trey Sommers (15 ppg) and senior Drew Wilhite (13 ppg). The duo will be looked to early and often for points, while seniors Gavin Page and Levi McGowen also return from last year’s starting lineup. The Cubs finished just under .500 last season at 9-10. “How well we defend and rebound will be crucial to our success,” said 15th year coach David Taylor. “Those are the two aspects that we feel we can control. How well we paly together on the offensive end and can limit mistakes will also be a big factor for us.” NEODESHA returns a number of players from their 2020-21 2-18 team. Seniors Gage Bell, Maddux Johnson, Peyton Toms, Jackson Adams, Garrett Davis, along with sophomores Wyatt Songer and Mason Springer will be an experienced group for new head coach Nick Hart who called improving each game and being competitive team goals adding “buy-in from the kids with the new staff” as keys to success. GIRLS BLUESTEM starts fresh after going 8-11 a year ago, as former Andover coach Max Hamblin takes over with more than three decades of coaching experience. He gets three starters from last season to work with in 5-9 senior Lauren Donner, 6-0 junior Riese Witty, and 5-6 sophomore Holli Emmons. Hamblin set teams goals to “win 15-plus games, compete for league and sub-state titles” and called improved defense, three-point shooting and free-throw shooting keys to success. CANEY VALLEY finished 3-15 last season after a first round sub-state defeat. First team allleague junior Saige Scott was a top player for the Bullpups as a sophomore. CHERRYVALLE was knocked out in the second round of sub-state by Girard and finished the year 14-7. All-league honorable mention junior Kelsi Lantz was one of the Chargers top players last season, the other being now-graduated first team all-league member Mariah Monroy. ERIE was narrowly defeated in a first round substate matchup with league opponent Humboldt

Page 72 and finished the year with an 11-9 record. First team all-league Skyler Clevenger was a top player for the Red Devils and graduated this past spring. Defending league champs EUREKA finished 20-3 last season and return four starters for legendary former Hoxie coach Shelly Hoyt, including seniors Abby Singateh, Brooklyn Ptacek, London Hilton, and sophomore Ashley Singhateh. Hoyt is 78-14 at Eureka and has over 530 wins in her coaching career. She’ll need to replace second team all-state selection Chazni Ptacek, but has plenty of talent back in the Singhateh’s - both first team all-league selections - and honorable mention selection Brooklyn Ptacek. Hilton is an outstanding athlete who rounds out the group of experienced and talented players that has the Lady Tornadoes entering the season with the highest of expectations. “We have high expectations of ourselves and plan to extend our season further than any Eureka girls basketball team has gone before,” Shelly Hoyt, now in her fifth year at Eureka, said. “We need to stay healthy and play smart to keep key players on the floor.” FREDONIA finished 3-14 last year with allleague honorable mention junior Natalie Jenkins the Yellowjackets top performer as a sophomore. HUMBOLDT made their way methodically into the sub-state championship game held at their homesite last year, before eventually being defeated by a loaded St. Mary’s-Colgan squad. The Cubs are going to have to replace two first team all-league selections in graduates Jada Dangerfield and Jessica Myers. NEODESHA was 12-5 overall last year, with a 6-1 league record, which earned them second place in the TVL. Four starters return to push that success even further in seniors Dyllan Kemper, Emily Tomlinson, Cameron Stover and junior Kristen Stover. “We have a great group of older players coming back,” coach Justin Pierce said. “But finding a couple young players to fill some spots and give us quality minutes could be a big key.”

and gets back two important pieces from that team in seniors Samuel Gros (10 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1 bpg, 1.7 spg, second team all-league) and Caden Dalinghaus (7.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.8 apg, 2.6 spg), though the departure of graduated first team all-league selection Gavin Cornelison leaves a glaring hole. While regular season games were typically no issue for the Wildcats, they didn’t have much success in tournament play, which is an area of focus for second year coach Ben Steinlage going into this season. “As always, we want to try and get a little better each day and hopefully that will allow us to compete for a regular season and tournament league championship, along with putting us in a spot to make it back to the state tournament,” Steinlage said. “We need to develop some more depth in our underclassmen, this year’s seniors need to step into bigger roles and continue to raise their level of play, and as always stay healthy.” The HANOVER basketball juggernaut won it’s seventh state championship in program history last season, winning the 1A-DII crown, and return two vital pieces from that starting lineup; senior 1A-DII Player of the Year Emmitt Jueneman (18 ppg, 4.7 apg, 3 rpg, 3.3 spg) and senior Keagan Dimler (10 ppg, 5.3 apg, 3.3 spg). Head coach Cory Jensen enters his second season as head coach with the the unenviable task of replacing three starters, two of whom made all-

state teams. “Our goals will remain the same,” coach Jensen said. “We don’t spell out specific goals, but we do constantly talk about where we want to get to, and more importantly how are we going to get there. We want to be the best possible team we can be. To do that, we speak more in terms of how would a state championship team practice? How would they communicate? How would they be effective leaders on and off the court? Those are the types of conversations we have.” Though his goals aren’t pointed, Jensen still has his eye on achieving excellence, and while his two returning starters are where that process starts, it ends with a team effort. “We will again try and become one of the best teams in 1A. We return two starters in Keagan Dimler and Emmitt Jueneman. Obviously we need those two to perform and be great leaders and teammates. But, we have two other seniors that will have just as big of an impact on our team’s success. Philip Doebele and Braelen Stallbaumer are going to be a key factor for us this year. Philip is our best shooter on the team, Braelen is our best rebounder. We will also have two juniors who will be vital to our success; Josh Zarybnicky and Chase Bruna. Both of those guys give us weapons offensively and defensively that will help our team. Josh is a long athletic defendcontinued atop the next page

er and slasher. Chase is another lengthy kid who has worked hard in the weight room and in the gym shooting throughout the summer. Replacing three starters will be a learning process, but I am extremely excited to get in the gym and starting with this new group and working towards becoming a great team.” LINN was unable to finish out their sub-state tournament due to COVID, after advancing past the first round. The Bulldogs finished 5-15 on the year and return four starters from that team in senior Kevin Alvarado (4.4 ppg), sophomore Gavin Turk (2 ppg), sophomore Anthony Ayala (2.4 ppg) and junior Azequiel Ruacho (1.3 ppg). “[Our goals are] to continue to grow on how we ended last season and to compete every day,” coach Michael Voelker said. “Need to keep learning and growing together. We will be fairly young again, but expectations do not change. We need to compete everyday to strive to improve as a team.” ONAGA finished last season 3-17, but get back all five starters and eight letterwinners from that squad. Seniors Jason Abitz, Casey Myers, along with juniors Colby Fordham, Zac Fisher and Ty Figge will look to take a step forward. “We lost 21 games by an average of 44 points per game two years ago,” coach Luke Baxter said. “We broke a 42-game losing streak in our second game last year and won our first league game in three years. I saw improvement last year, but I thought we could be better. I expect more from our upperclassmen this season. We have a lot of varsity experience coming back from last season. The key for our season will be our execution on offense. A lot of the varsity players last season were sophomores and juniors so we will count on them to improve each week to consistently compete at a higher level this upcoming season.” Finishing last season with an overall record of 9-12, TROY was unable to get much going against top ranked teams until the league tournament, where they finished third, and sub-state, where they were runner-up. Four starters return from that team; senior Griffin Weber (8.1 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg, 2 spg), senior Camden Anderson (7 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2 spg, 29 percent from three), junior Jerrit Norris (19 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 2.8 bpg, 1.5 apg, first team all-league), and junior Reagan Hartman (6.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2 apg, 1.4 spg). “Another slow start to the season but, a good run in the TVL tournament, finishing third,” coach Jonathon Rodvelt said of last season. “We had two upset victories over Washington County and Frankfort. In the semifinals we lost to Hanover by five points after leading until the final minute. Centralia withdrew from the third place game

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due to COVID. Last year was full of heart-breaking losses, with 10 of the 12 losses being two possession games within the final two minutes. We competed against every team, including two close games against eventual 1A-DII state champion Hanover. We finished the season with a loss to Frankfort, falling behind late in the sub-state semifinals. In the offseason we took steps to play many games against much tougher competition. Along with skill workouts our players took it upon themselves to attend camps and personal workouts to get better. We will play faster and more aggressive than the past two years, with athletes in every position. Depth on the bench is also no longer a concern with the ability to play about eight or nine players deep. Defense is still our calling card, we want to be the best defensive team, and it will need to be better this year. We need to continue improving in the defensive half-court, play tighter on the ball, and keep opponent’s best shooters from getting hot, giving up 46.6ppg - eight pts lower than the 19-20 season. Offensively, we need to be more balanced and keep defenses from packing the lane. Balance will only come if we knock down more outside shots, only shooting 24 percent from outside the arc last season. Only one senior graduated from last year’s team, and a talented freshman class has increased our numbers. There should be better competition in practice this year as players battle for playing time. All returning players have a good understanding of our offensive and defensive schemes. If we can play more consistent this year, we plan on making a deep run into March.” Cale Green finished his first season as VALLEY HEIGHTS head coach with a record of 9-11 and returns three starters from that squad. Seniors Trayton Claycamp (3.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1 spg), Trenton L’Ecuyer (8.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.1 spg) and junior Caden Parker (2.9 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1 apg, .5 spg) will lead a young team around them. Green noted that one of the biggest keys to success for his squad will be the leadership displayed by his veterans. “We will have a lot of young guys on the team this year,” Green said. “It is imperative that our upperclassmen are leaders this year. We will need to limit turnovers, limit offensive rebounds, and score the ball. We had a hard time scoring last year. If we do those things we should be able to take control of a game with the athletes we will have.” WASHINGTON COUNTY got hit hard by COVID, playing only 14 games during the season and finishing 6-8. Four starters return in se-

niors Nathanial Tice, Coy Stamm, Mason Miller, and junior Payton LeDuc Jr. Competitiveness, team unity, and constant effort are a few keys to success coach Robert Smith sees for his Tiger team. WETMORE finished last season 13-9 after making their way to the sub-state championship game against eventual 1A-DII state champions Hanover, losing that game 74-37. Second team all-league senior Braden Henry was a top player for the Cardinals a season ago as a junior. GIRLS AXTELL finished last season 3-18, but lost only one senior to graduation last year, with the rest of last season’s roster being young. BLUE VALLEY-RANDOLPH overcame Axtell in the first round of sub-state 53-44, but ran into a tough Hanover team in the next round that sent them home with a 72-38 loss. Senior Breanna Young was second team all-league for the Rams a season ago as a junior. CENTRALIA ended their season with a 1010 record last season after losing a 49-46 double-overtime heartbreaker to Clifton-Clyde in sub-state. First team all-league senior Avery Deters was a top player for the Panthers a season ago as a junior, but the only Panther to earn such recognition from the league coaches. Three starters return from coach Kieran Wurtz’s 12-11 CLIFTON-CLYDE team. Seniors Emma Nobert (11 ppg, 5 rpg, 1 spg) and Karsyn Sikes (4.3 ppg, 1 spg), and sophomore Shea Wurtz (14 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.3 spg, first team all-league) will build on last year’s up-and-down season. “Staying healthy will be key for us just like many teams,” coach Wurtz said. “We have some girls who put in a lot of time in the gym this summer working on their shot, so outside shooting could be a strength for us and will be a big factor in how we do this year.” DONIPHAN WEST was not to be denied as they made their way to the sub-state tournament at Centralia High School, before going on to win their first round state tournament game against Little River, and eventually being defeated in a semifinal matchup against Norwich, 54-49. The Mustangs finished the season with a 20-4 record. First team all-league selection Chloe Clevenger transferred to McPherson for her junior year this season, leaving a gaping hole. Second team allleague junior Avery Weathersbee was also a top performer a season ago as just a sophomore. FRANKFORT finished last season 17-4 overall, with a 9-2 league record. The Cats return just one starter in senior Kayla Cornelison and lose a talented class to graduation. Other varsity

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returners include 5-6 junior Tayrn Parthmer and 5-10 junior Kennedy Seleska, along with a large junior class consisting of 5-8 Hattie Gros, 5-5 Emma Hardwick, 5-10 Sydney Wapp, 5-8 Lexi Dalinghaus and 5-5 Tana Stowell. “We will push tempo when it’s available and slow it down and run our half-court offense when we can’t run,” sixth year girls’ head coach Brian Ebert said. “We will need everyone to step up and do that night in and night out. Consistency is a must for us to be successful. We will be very young and will surely have growing pains, hopefully at a limited amount. Our underclassmen are very talented and will be relied on a lot this season. The key will be how quick the underclassmen adjust to the varsity speed and play up to the varsity level. I’m very excited to see how we improve from day one then to the last game of the season.” HANOVER came into sub-state as a one-seed, but were unable to make it out, losing in their finals matchup with Wetmore by just one point, 33-32. The Wildcats finished 14-7 on the season and had two young standouts on their roster in now-junior Ceegan Atkins and senior Avery Behrends, with both receiving all-league honors. Atkins and Behrends also earned all-state recognition for their play in leading the Hanover volleyball team to the 1A-DII state title over Lebo in late October. Together with Katelyn Klipp Tess Lohse and Allison Jueneman the Wildcats have one of the most experienced and talented group of athletes in the state. LINN was 10-12 a year ago and returns three starters in 5-7 Kyrah Peters (6 ppg, 4 apg), Sophia Bott (12.5 ppg, 3 apg, second team all-league) and 5-11 Kendra Damman (3 ppg, 5 rpg). Third year head coach Trevor Kuhlman noted his team’s goal as finishing in the top third of the league after a 5-7 record with an eighth place finish last season. “Have to value the ball and find ways to score easy baskets,” Kuhlman said. continued on page 90

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in 5-8 senior Caitlin Bishop, 5-8 senior McKenzie Moburg, 5-11 senior Kamryn Farris, 6-1 senior Makenzie Manthe and 5-8 junior Skylar Weaver, along with a deep group of varsity bench players from a year ago. “Last year we had the best year in Lansing girls’ basketball history, and we return five major pieces to that success,” said fifth year head coach KC Simmons. “We have had several players take great leaps in the offseason that we hope to add to the mix. We are a very balanced team, being able to score in a variety of ways, plus our kids take a great amount of pride in their defense. Last year we hoped to be a great team, this year we are expected to be a great team how we handle that pressure is the biggest key to our success this year.” LEAVENWORTH got a dominant win in their sub-state play-in game against KC-Washington last season by a score of 66-23. The next round against top-seed Lansing was nearly a success as well, but the Pioneers couldn’t quite pull off the upset, losing to the Lions 47-43, and finishing the season with a 9-11 record. After a 5-14 overall season record, to go with a 3-7 mark in UKC play, SHAWNEE HEIGHTS returns a number of varsity contributors from last season, including 5-8 senior Abby Schulte, 6-3 senior Zoe Oczko, a big junior group with 5-9 Riley Showalter, 5-4 Taylor Rottinghaus, 5-10 Abby Fleischer, 5-6 Hayden Hill, 5-8 Taylor Rantz, and 5-5 sophomore Breezy Canady. Also, 5-8 junior Emari Doby is also coming back after

missing last season due to an injury sustained just prior to the start of practice. “Last season was a difficult one for the T-Birds, not only dealing COVID-19, but also a multitude of injuries,” coach Bob Wells said.” Because of the way last season played out, a number of younger girls gained a lot of experience and hopefully will be ready to step up and play consistent roles this season. The T-Birds will be led by 5-8 senior Abby Schulte and 6-3 senior Zoe Oczko. Junior Emari Doby will be welcomed back after missing last season with an ACL tear. Riley Showalter, Taylor Rottinghaus, Haydin Hill, Abby Fleischer and Taylor Rantz all saw playing time as sophomores and are ready to make bigger impacts as juniors this season. Breezy Canady came on strong after Christmas and had significant playing time as a freshman, with a year of varsity experience even more will be expected of her. There is room for a few girls from the JV team or incoming freshmen to step up and help at the varsity level. We are all looking forward to coming together as a team, working hard throughout the season.” Full Service Financial Institution

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honorable mention junior Nate Pewe was their top non-senior a year ago after the 6-4 athlete averaged 10 points and six rebounds a game. Fellow senior Jarin Sanders will join Pewe as a returning starter after he average five points a game last season. Legendary former Highland Park coach Ken Darting, who came out of retirement to lead the T-Birds in 2018, emphasized rebounding and defese as the keys to improving on last season’s six wins. A former all-conference and all-region baseball player at Emporia State, Darting was inducted into the Hornet Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017. GIRLS After a sub-state loss to KC-Piper, BASEHORLINWOOD finished 12-9 a year ago with a second place finish in league play. The Bobcats lost a good senior group, but return 6-2 all-league honorable mention senior Sarah Lawless, along with 5-6 senior Alexys Augustine, 5-8 senior Teigan Capper, 5-5 junior Emma Johnson and 5-4 junior Taylor Cruse. Tatkenhorst said Lawless is picking up interest from college recruiters and called Augustine “an excellent all-around player,” while also noting that Johnson and Cruse are both “more than ready” for their chance to make an impact on varsity. “We graduated five seniors and they have been a big part of our success for the last four years, incredible players!” 10th year BLHS coach Tatkenhorst said. “The five [returning] players mentioned above have played varsity before and will have increased roles. We have several more juniors and sophomores that will see the court and are talented players. I look forward to coaching this team.” Coming into the sub-state tournament as a four win three-seed, BONNER SPRINGS finished 6-13 last year after dominating their two sub-state games - 80-38 against Schlagle and 71-42 against previously undefeated one-seed Sumner Academy - before ultimately losing in the first round of the state to Lansing. The Braves now join the UKC after coming over from the Frontier League and second year coach Peyton Leslie returns a trio of experienced starters in 5-4 senior Corrie Hassett (6 ppg), 5-11 junior Mariya Noel (14.5 ppg, 6 rpg, second team all-league), and junior Wren VanCleave Jr. (7 ppg, 7 rpg, honorable mention all-league). Leslie named the teams three goals for the season as “win league, win sub-state, win state,” and called “being able to get consistent stops defensively” the key to her team’s success. DE SOTO had a final mark of 11-11 last season and brings back 5-7 senior Sadie Carber and 5-7 junior Mack Carson. “Shot making ability and defensive presence” are a couple of seventh year head coach Ryan Robie’s biggest points of emphasis heading into the season. Robie owns an 84-50 overall record in six years coaching the Wildcats. KC-TURNER finished last season 0-13 and will have a new head coach this season in Kelley Newton. “We want to be competitive in every game this year,” Newton said. “We will have a lot of juniors and sophomores and with them we want to go 10-10.” State-qualifiers, LANSING won the UKC last year with an 8-1 record in league play, along with a 19-4 overall record - tied for most wins in program history - and gets back all five starters

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By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS BASEHOR-LINWOOD entered sub-state with a one-seed before being upset by four-seed KCPiper 53-40, giving them a final record of 14-5. The Bobcats had a talented all-league junior trio a season ago in first team all-league senior Jordan Brown, and second team selections seniors Carter Bergman and Trevor McBride, but Brown transferred to Lawrence Free State in the offseason. After a second round sub-state exit against Mill Valley, BONNER SPRINGS returns five starters from last year’s 11-11 squad. Seniors Trent Stimac (6-1, 13 ppg), Jayce Smith (6-1, 8 ppg), 5-9 Jaden Young, 5-9 Sa’vey Womack, and 6-2 junior Tavian Cruse provide an experienced lineup for 9th year Braves’ head coach Dan Streit, who called avoiding injuries and solid defense points of emphasis this season. “[Our goal is to] compete for a league title and get better with each game,” said Streit, who has a 99-53 overall record in his five seasons at Bonner Springs. DE SOTO gets back lone returning starter, 6-1 senior Tyler Schutlze (5.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1 spg), from last season’s 19-4 league championship and state semifinalist squad. Outside shooting is a heavy focus for the Wildcats as they prepare to start the season with an inexperienced roster. Replacing first team all-league duo Nate Barnhart and Wyatt Noll is going to be a particularly tough task for De Soto and UKC Coach of the Year Matt Rice. Barnhart is an especially noticeable departure standing seven feet tall. He is now a freshman on the University of Wyoming basketball team. KC-TURNER closed out last season without a win. The Golden Bears graduated all-league honorable mention Arnoldo Silvestre, their top player from a year ago. LANSING finished the 2021 season with a record of 12-8 and a third place league finish. Senior Joren Remington (6-4, 12 ppg) is the lone returning starter from last season for fourth year head coach Jason Jones to build a rotation around. Gone to graduation are speedy first team all-league guard Malik Benson, one of the fastest athletes the state of Kansas has ever seen who is now playing football at Hutchinson Community College; first team all-league selection Peyton Basler, now playing baseball at Charleston Southern University in Charleston, South Carolina; and current senior Caden Crawford, a 6-5 honorable mention all-league selection who will graduate at semester to start his journey with the University of Iowa football program in January. Jones wants to see his team “play together, unselfish, hard, and be the best teammates you can possibly be.” His keys to success are “players stepping into new roles and underclassmen stepping up.” LEAVENWORTH lost their sub-state playin game against KC-Piper last season and finished the year 4-16. Seniors Tyrese Cannon and Jaikun Darthard were top players for the Pioneers as juniors, both earning all-league honors. SHAWNEE HEIGHTS finished last season at 6-11 after a first round sub-state loss to league opponent De Soto. The Thunderbirds have to replace two graduated all-league players in Harvey Davis and Isaiah Johnson. All-league

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By Jim Misunas, Great Bend Tribune BOYS Western Athletic Conference juggernaunt HAYS HIGH (22-1, 8-0) cruised through the boys league schedule until losing 52-49 to eventual state champion Topeka West in the 5A state quarterfinals. Coach Alex Hutchins owns a 39-7 record in two years with the Indians. Two seasons ago, Hays (17-6) advanced to the 5A state semifinals, which were canceled amid COVID fears. “We will have to overcome the loss of leadership and production from Jason Krannawitter and T.J. Nunnery and Dalyn Schwarz,” Hutchins said. Seven seniors return to deliver the Indians an experienced lineup led by 6-6 senior Jace Linenberger (16.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block) and Carson Kieffer (10 ppg, 6.5 assists, 1.4 steals). “Our returning senior class is an unselfish group with depth and experience,” he said. “However, we need guys to take big steps forward and seize larger offensive roles. In order to build on last year, we need to continue to play unselfish basketball and focus on defending.” Other key players returning with varsity experience are Jordan Dale (4.3 ppg, 2 assists, 2 steals), Noah Weimer (3 ppg), Wesley Oakley (3 ppg, 2 asssists), Ashton Hernandez (1.5 ppg), Garrett Wellbrock (1 ppg) and junior Devin Schmidtberger (2 ppg). DODGE CITY (12-9, 5-3) enjoyed a quick resurgence after a 4-17 campaign under former Stanton County coach Shane Traughber, who directed a high-energy, aggressive style of basketball in his first season. Dodge City beat Liberal 68-52 and Hutchinson High beat Dodge City 63-47 in 6A sub-state play. The Red Demons pushed WAC champion Hays High in both showdowns. “We have a solid group of seniors who are also great leaders in our program,” Traughber said. “We won’t be overly tall, but we have skilled, hungry, and hard-working players. We had an excellent summer where guys challenged themselves and got better. Our guys did a great job last year adapting to a new system. We plan to build on that momentum.” Second team All-WAC senior Cooper Scheck (9.3 ppg) shot 35 percent on three-pointers. The 6-4 Aidan Sowers (8 ppg, 5 rpg) joins fellow se-

niors Dawson Taylor (7 ppg, 4 rpg) and Dylan Smith (4 ppg, 2 assists) - all were three-year starters. Senior Tyler Cox (2 ppg, 2 rpg) and junior Isaiah Taylor (2 ppg) also have experience. Other contributors will be seniors Daniel Sanchez and Enrique Chavez, juniors Isaiah Taylor, Austin Schulte and Tristen Buller and sophomore Tochi Okoro. First-year coach Kyle Kriegh from Kingman will lead GREAT BEND (4-15, 1-7), a team with intriguing potential with two returning starters, two high-impact transfers, and five other letterwinners. The Panthers finished the season with a 58-38 substate loss to Hays with five players sidelined with injuries. “Our four returning seniors want to be competitive,” he said. “Our team goal is to be competitive every time we take the court and give ourselves a chance to win. Our keys are playing together on offense and defense with relentless effort.” Senior point guard Sage Koelsch (10 ppg, 3.3 assists, 1.5 steals) and 6-5 senior Stefan Spray (7.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg) provide valuable starting experience. “Sage is a a dependable point guard who brings a tough, physical mentality at both ends of the court,” Kreigh said. “I’ve been pleased with his effort and leadership. Stefan is capable of getting a double-double every night with a tremendous work ethic. We need him to be a presence on the inside and he has ability to shoot from beyond the arc.” Chanute transfer Carter Coombs (12.6 ppg, 2 assists) and Ellinwood junior transfer 6-3 Tyler Stuhlsatz (13 ppg, 2 assists, 2 steals) shot 41percent on three-pointers. “Carter Coombs’ confidence is contagious. He’s a warrior on the court,” Kriegh said. “Carter will not back down from any challenge. Tyler Stuhlsatz is a smooth lefty who can score from everywhere on the court.” Other veterans are seniors Paco Hernandez and Joseph Moeder and juniors Braylon Council, Cayden Scheuerman and Mathew Moeder. GARDEN CITY (9-8, 3-5) features first-year coach Jeff Williamson, who replaces longtime coach Jacy Holloway, who steps over to lead the Lakin girls’ program. The Buffaloes lost to Hutchinson High 58-51 in 6A substate play. Williamson has goals of posting a winning record and competing for a Western Athletic Conference title and a 6A state basketball berth.

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Two years ago, the Buffaloes finished 10-11 while in 2019 GC won the WAC and finished 175, the fifth best record in school history. Returners with starting experience include seniors Aaron Guevara, sharpshooter and ballhandler Tae Rosales, Luke Tolbert and 6-4 junior Caleb Wiese (5.8 ppg, 5 rpg). The Buffaloes played an aggressive defensive style last year. Guevara, Rosales, Tolbert and Wiese scored in double figures on a regular basis. Other returning players expected to contribute are seniors Caleb Metzen and Jack Koksal and junior Cooper Ramsey. LIBERAL (7-14, 3-5) will be a work in progress under first-year head coach Keenan Thompon. Thompson led the Salina-Sacred Heart girls to a 25-16 record in two years. The Bethany College graduate spent four seasons as an assistant at Hugoton, which were 73-24 with three state tournament trips in that span. LHS graduated its top three scorers from a team that averaged 50 points a game a season ago. Senior Shay Kerr (4 ppg, 3 rpg) leads the offense after enjoying a high game of 19 points against Great Bend. Other veterans include seniors Israel Garcia-Rotolo (4 ppg, 3 rpg), Hunter Huskey (3 ppg), inside powerhouse Aldo Avalos (1 ppg), Logan Miller (2 ppg) and Colby Tran. Brooks Kappelmann is a promising newcomer. GIRLS DODGE CITY’s girls (21-2, 8-0) have put together a quality program under 10th-year head coach Kelly Snodgrass. The Red Demons cruised through the WAC unbeaten last season. They defeated Liberal 56-47 in the sub-state championship and 6A power Derby 55-30 in the state quarterfinals before losing to Topeka High 54-37 in the 6A state semifinals. The Red Demons play an aggressive, attacking defensive style that swings over to an inside/outside offensive game. Dodge City’s leader will be senior All-WAC selection Camree Johnson, who has averaged double figures the past two seasons. She averaged 16 points in two games against Great Bend. Superb junior point guard Becca Unruh will provide the Red Demons with two solid veter-

Page 75 ans and help to soften the blow of the graduation of all-state selection Kisa Unruh, Becca’s older sister. Other key returnees are senior Amaya Perez (Newman University signee) and Victoria Gonzalez (Howard College basketball signee) . LIBERAL (17-5, 5-3) were the second-best team west of Wichita, but were stuck with 6A powerhouse Dodge City, which swept them 45-36, 60-43 and 56-47 in three contest lasts season, the final one in the 6A sub-state championship. Liberal won the Salina Invitational Tournament with a thrilling 60-58 buzzer-beating win over a good Salina Central team on a long a pass and banked in shot to down the Mustangs after they had come back from 16 points down, according to a Conor Nicholl recap. Second-year coach Brandi Fowler served as an assistant for seven seasons. Liberal posted the school’s best record at 23-0 two years ago, but had a state championship dream derailed by the COVID cancellation of the state semifinal games. Senior All-WAC Ashley Carrillo (16 ppg, 3 asssists, 3 steals, Presbyterian basketball signee) provides Liberal with a reliable scorer along with 5-9 senior Bree Horyna (8.5 ppg, 7 rpg, 2.6 assists, Hutch Community College basketball signee). “Our goals will develop as the season progresses,” Fowler said. “We want to play better every day, compete harder than anyone else, play great team defense, communicate everything and always have a blast. Keys are communication, team defense, and rebounding.” Other veterans are 5-10 junior Rylie Hallman (3 ppg, 3.4 rpg), and sophomores Hailey Contreras (7 ppg) and Elle Hatcher (2 ppg) GREAT BEND (7-12, 1-7) started to turn the corner under former Great Bend standout Cindy Beck, who played for a 2005 NAIA national champion at Washburn University. Salina South downed the Panthers 51-35 in 5A postseason play. Beck switched defenses and the Panthers performed well when their pressure defense was effective. Returning starters are senior Taryn Warren (4 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and athletic Mersadie Spray (7 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 steals) will lead a balanced offense. Others returning with varsity experience are Allyson Kaiser, Emma Loomis, Hannah continued on page 93

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 losing to state qualifier Stockton. Coach Michael By Jim Misunas, Great Bend Tribune Delimont’s team features 6-4 senior Dylan Van BOYS The WHEATLAND-GRINNELL Thunderhawks Laeys (11 ppg, 11 rog, 1.5 apg, 1.5 srg, first (14-7) will reload after a 1A-DII state quarterfinal team all-league), 6-3 senior Kylor Hogan (6 ppg, appearance that ended with a 52-44 loss 4 rpg, 1 apg), senior Ty Kats (11 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 to league rival Northern Valley. Coach Will apg, 2 spg, second team all-league), senior Josh Bixenman (53-32) starts his fifth year keyed Uhland (4.4 ppg) and 6-1 senior Connor Knipp (5 by seniors Isaac Mendez (10.3 ppg, 3.0 spg, ppg, 3 rpg). Also, Delimont expects to get back honorable mention all-league), 6-2 Trey Vincent senior Jadin Newell at some point during the (10.1 ppg, 2.5 spg), Ryan Heier (3.8 ppg, 2.6 season once he recovers from a broken ankle apg), and 6-2 junior Jett Vincent (13.4 ppg, 6.5 suffered during the football season. The WESKAN Coyotes (9-13) and coach rpg, first team all-league). “Our overall goal is to make it back to the 1A Braydon Summers feature a trio of veterans state tournament and make a run for a state standout Dalton Mackley (11.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 5.1 championship,” Bixenman said. “One of our big apg, 4.1 spg, second team all-league), 6-3 twogoals every year is to bring home four golds year starter Lane Purvis (5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.2 apg, from our tournaments - Castle Rock, league, 1.8 spg), and Jadon Schemm (1 ppg, 2 rbg, 1 sub-state and state. But the process is greater apg, 1.3 spg). “The goal we’ve have set is to become a than the product. We always preached get 1% better every day. Show up, buy in, and work. Our fundamentals team,” said Summers. “We want keys will be our defensive side of the ball. We to do little things right every game and every have six players who can score at will and can rep. Our goal is to end with a better fundamental lead us in scoring every night. We lack height. team on-the-court at the end of the season than But being tough, physical, and playing fast on the the one we started with. Our success will rely on our returning upperclassman. They will set defensive end will be important.” The NORTHERN VALLEY Huskies (14-10, the tone every practice and lead the younger 5-2) were the league’s surprise with a semifinal guys on the team in a positive way. We’ll have a appearance at the 1A-DII state tournament at couple younger kids who can step in and make a Great Bend. The Huskies downed Wheatland- big impact right away.” The WESTERN PLAINS-HEALY Bobcats (8Grinnell in the quarterfinals before losing to eventual 1A-DII champs Hanover in the 10) return coach Jeff Jones and just one starter semifinals. The Huskies return a solid nucleus in sophomore Caleb Weeks. Jones is confident in 6-2 senior Eric Loya (12.1 ppg, second team the Bobcats can achieve its first winning boys all-league), 6-0 senior point guard Bailey Sides basketball record in the school’s 19-year history. “Our goal is to enjoy the first winning season (12 ppg, 6 apg, first team all-league), 6-2 junior Foster Brands (10 ppg) and 6-0 sophomore in a male sport in the 19-year history of Western Plains,” Jones said. “By the end of the season, Kenton Thalheim (9 ppg). “Our goal is a state basketball appearance we want to make a legitimate run of winning again,” said third year head coach Kevin sub-state. It depends on how quickly we work Sides. “Our keys are defensive pressure and together and learn the game. We have new faces, transfers and freshmen with true athleticism but rebounding.” The LOGAN-PALCO Trojans (15-7, 6-1) is no experience playing high school basketball.” TRIPLAINS-BREWSTER (8-10, 4-3) features the league’s darkhorse surprise favorite keyed by nine seniors and blessed with height and ninth-year coach Michael Collett (96-70), who strength. The Trojans split four games with 1A has consistently built quality teams with the state semifinalist Northern Valley, winning 59- Titans. He welcomes back five quality veterans 55 and 67-64, but losing 59-51 and 64-48 in 1A in Joey Meyers (11.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.1 assists sub-state play. The Trojans shocked unbeaten and 1.6 steals, first team all-league), 6-4 Brock Osborne two years ago at regionals before Woolf (8.5 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.2 assists), Daxton

WHEAT STATE LEAGUE By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer BOYS Former long-time Brewster and Wallace County coach Larry O’Connor brings back a deep, athletic group in his second year coaching CANTON-GALVA after finishing 9-10. Seniors Tyson Struber (11.5 ppg, K-State football commit) and Christian Darrah (8.4 ppg), along with juniors Garret Maltbie (12.1 ppg) and Cason Mastre (7.5 ppg) return from last year’s starting lineup. Those four will be bolstered by a bench that O’Connor plans to utilize often. “[Our goals are to] get better everyday, compete for a league championship, and make a run to make state,” O’Connor said. “Continue to group into our system, best players playing having their best season, shooting the ball, overall team defense, and speed. We will be a very deep team this year and will play a lot of kids.” CENTRE finished last season 0-15 after graduating most of their starting lineup from their

9-13 team the year prior. ELYRIA CHRISTIAN put together a solid 16-9 record a season ago and gets back two returning starters in seniors Keyan Wigger (6.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg) and Ben Unruh (5.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg). “We try to play both ends of the floor well,” said head coach Zach Goodrich. “But this season I believe we will have a little more ability on the offensive end, and we are excited about that.” GOESSEL finished last season as the Wheat State runner-up, posting an 8-1 record in league, and a 14-7 overall mark. Four letterwinners return from that team in 6-1 senior Skyler Wuest )12.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg), 6-3 senior Caiden Duerksen (10.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg), 5-11 senior Jacob Schrag (2.1 ppg) and 5-7 junior Kacen Smith (1.5 ppg). “Offensively we are returning a good chunk of our scoring from last season but did lose a lot of our height so rebounding will be a key,” head coach Curtis Guhr said. “Defensively we will look to our speed to help make up for the loss of height from graduation. With large numbers

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Latham (8.6 ppg, 1.6 assists and 1.7 steals), 6-3 Cayde Welsh (6.1 points,6.9 rpg and 2.6 assists) and Austin Hillery (6.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.5 assists). The REXFORD-GOLDEN PLAINS Bulldogs (1-20, 0-7) averaged 38 points per game, but should improve behind six seniors - Alex Gonzalez (5.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2 assists), Ashton Schlitz (4.1 ppg), Fabian Cepeda (4.1 ppg), Jovanny Infante (3.1 ppg, 4 rpg) and Roberto Loya (3 ppg). The Bulldogs graduated their only all-league recipient of a year ago, honorable mention selection Wade Rush. GIRLS The REXFORD-GOLDEN PLAINS girls faced the ultimate challenge in a 50-39 setback to seven-time defending state champion Central Plains in the 1A-DII state basketball tournament. The Bulldogs (23-1, 7-0) cruised through the Western Kansas Liberty League and were unbeaten until they lost to the Oilers in the 1A semifinals at Great Bend. Longtime Golden Plains coach Parker Christensen (388-261) is starting his 28th season. The Bulldogs are 70-3 the past three seasons. Three-year starter Kassie Miller (13 ppg, 6 rpg, 4.5 apg, 4.4 spg, first team all-league) will lead the Bulldogs along with Breanna Rath (5 ppg, 2 apg, 3 spg, secong team all-league) and Morgan Wark (3 ppg, 6 rpg), though first team all-league selections Brooke and Ashley Stoll are gone to graduation. “We want to compete for the league title and sub-state championship and make it back to the 1A state tournament.” Christensen said. “We’ll have a solid eight-player rotation to make a state tournament run again. Our junior varsity girls went undefeated last season. Moving these girls up to varsity will require a lot of work and effort

Town & Country Service S Hwy Hwy 4 40 0 • W Winona, inona, K KS S 785-846-7473 785-846-7473 once again, we look forward to competitiveness in practices and finding the right people to fit into roles will be important to how successful this year can be. We look to build off last year’s success and continue to build our program.” After a 3-14 mark last season, HERINGTON returns junior Will Lingenfelser (1.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg) and sophomore Tyus Becker (2.4 ppg, 5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.2 spg) from that starting lineup. Head coach Jacob Kehres will be emphasizing the fundamental development of his young roster. “Improving at the little things daily, learning to compete every day in everything we do, and translating those habits to game nights,” Kehres said of team keys. “Instilling a sense of pride in our program and developing a strong work ethic. Committing to the little things every possession will lead to us seeing more success this year. We will have a lot of younger kids with limited varsity experience so getting everyone to gel together will be important for us to move in the right direction.” LITTLE RIVER made it all the way to the state semifinals last season, before being knocked out by soon-to-be 1A-DI state champs Olpe, giving

on their part.” The WHEATLAND-GRINNELL Thunderhawks (10-10, 5-2) feature two 5-10 players and five returning starters for first-year coach Marlin Beougher, who owns an 85-45 career coaching record. Returning starters are Anna Godek (12.4 ppg, 2.8 apg, 3.3 spg, second team all-league), Kerri Heier (5.4 ppg, 2.5 apg, 2.3 spg), Isabella Ostmeyer (3.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg), 5-10 Livia Schultz (11.6 ppg, 8.8 rpg, second team all-league) and 5-10 Karoline Schroeder (6.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg). Key reserves will be Jordyn Beckman, Halle Habiger, Maddy Zerr and freshman sensation Emily Heier. “It should be a fun year,” Beougher said. “We have a lot of varsity experience with our top eight and five starters returning. Our team is excited to play. All of our games will be tough, but winnable.” LOGAN/PALCO (9-11) are led by coach Logan Waters. Honorable mention all-league senior Kirsten Marcotte (4.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.4 spg) headlines four returning starters. She will join veterans Abigail Graham (5.5 ppg, 5.8 pg, 1 spg), 5-10 Mara Kats (4.3ppg, 4.1 rpg), Kenzie Wells (3.7 ppg, 1.5 spg), Rylee Delimont (2.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.4 apg), Ansley Delimont (2.7 ppg) and Cydnee Rider (2.8 ppg). Gone to graduation is first team all-legaue selection Khloee Braun. The NORTHERN VALLEY Huskies (1-20, 1-6) squeezed out one league victory for coach Mitch Pugh. There’s huge optimism keyed by five returning sophomore and junior starters Austyn Cox (8 ppg, 5.6 rpg, honorable mention all-league), Braxton Cox (4 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Mary Baird (6 ppg, 4.3 rpg), Shaylee Vsetecka (2 ppg, 3.3 rpg) and Stephanie Whitney (2 ppg, 2.8 rpg). continued on page 92

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Ph: 800.272.1411 them a final record of of 22-2. One of the better multi-sport senior classes in the state - including first team all-state Jayden Garrison, all-league honorable mention Graham Stephens, and second team all-state Trey Rolfs - are gone now after graduating last spring, and will be tough to replace. Junior all-league honorable mention selection Braxton Lafferty is likely to see a role increase this season. PEADBODY-BURNS returns six key rotation players from last season’s 11-9 team. Seniors in 5-10 Noal Reynolds (first team all-league), 6-1 Phillip Young, 6-0 Jake Partridge, 6-4 Alex Caldwell, 5-9 Thomas Smith, and 5-7 Hunter Navrat give head coach Bob Kyle an experienced group. [Our goals are to] continue to improve on last year’s success, continue to grow as a team and play as a unit,” Kyle said. RURAL VISTA finished 8-13 a year ago, with a 3-6 mark in league play, and gets back juniors Parker Stilwell (6 ppg) and Jason Elsen from that starting lineup, but the graduation of first team all-league selections Cameron Campuzano and Dylan Worrell continued atop the next page

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leaves a big hole. “This will be a rebuilding year for Rural Vista. We will have only one senior on the roster and two juniors,” coach Adam Sobba said. “We will look to improve as the season goes on but things will be tough as we will be young and very undersized. We are going to have to play physical against bigger and stronger kids. We will be playing a number of freshmen and sophomores who will need to find ways to keep improving as the season goes on.” SOLOMON’s first year head coach Kyler Stein, a Spearville native, gets the keys to a team that brings back four starters from last season’s 17-6 squad that finished 9-4 in league play and runner-up in sub-state behind Little River. The team’s best offensive weapon returns in 5-10 first team all-league junior Makaen Hasting (17.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.5 apg, 2.5 spg), and he’s joined by 6-2 seniors Caden Acosta (12.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1 apg, 1.2 spg) and all-league honorable mention Dylan Hynes (10.6 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.3 apg), as well as 6-0 sophomore Spencer Coup (8.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.8 spg). “Our goals are to improve daily and become a better team than we were yesterday,” Stein said. “Our team goal is to make our first ever state tournament in Solomon history - I’ve been told it’s never happened. I believe our key to success will be our tempo. We have an abundance of guards and I believe we will be able to press, run and play at a very fast speed. I think this will give us a great advantage to score a lot of points and pressure on defense.” WAKEFIELD finished 3-14 last season after losing a first round sub-state matchup against state qualifiers St. John’s-Beloit/Tipton. The Bombers lose a few key seniors, but also had returning senior Trevor Uken and junior Micah Wendt as top players a season ago. GIRLS CANTON-GALVA finished last season with a 5-17 mark after a first round sub-state exit against Rural Vista. The Eagles lose their top player from last season in first team all-league and second team all-state selection Alexa Bell and will have to find a way to replace her productivity.

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CENTRE was 5-10 last season after a second round sub-state exit against Elyria Christian. The Cougars lost an all-league duo in Alyssa and Samantha Espinosa to graduation. After a posting a 17-6 record, with an 8-1 mark in league play, ELYRIA CHRISTIAN gets back all of their key varsity players barring Olivia Peters - who transferred. Senior 5-8 first team all-league selection Kylee Penner (11.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg), 5-10 senior KiLynn Starbug (3.8 ppg, 3.9 spg), 5-6 senior Olivia Clark, 5-9 junior Ryland Hawkinson (8.1 ppg, 2.5 spg, 1.3 bpg), 5-5 first team all-league junior Allie Stone (7.2 ppg, 3.9 spg), 5-3 junior Alexus Swenson (2.9 ppg) and 5-5 sophomore Macy Reiff all return from last year’s varsity roster. Newcomers mentioned by coach Greg Fields include 5-9 senior Hannah Froese, 5-7 sophomore Julia Allen and 5-8 freshman Carlie Joe Rohaus. “The 2020-21 season was one of the most enjoyable years of my coaching career,” ninth year coach Greg Fields said. “It has been a joy to watch this current group of players continue to improve each season. Last year, the four teams that we lost to all went on to their respective state tournaments. I am hopeful that we can continue to improve this season. We still lack a tall presence under the basket, but our speed and athleticism will hopefully make scoring difficult for our opponents.” In his 15th year coaching at GOESSEL, Ryan Hoopes expects to have nine players back from last year’s 6-15 team, all of whom have at least some starting experience. Seniors 5-3 Kaleigh Guhr, 5-6 Lyna Lerhman, 5-7 Rachael Zogleman, 5-7 Emily Flaming, juniors 5-6 Sarah Spurlin (questionable availability this season due to ankle injury), Riley Graber (returns after injury last season), as well as sophomores 5-8 Jaicee Griffin, 5-5 Braylyn Hoopes and 5-5 Cheyenne Sawyer will all be a part of Goessel’s deep roster. “We return a lot of experience this year,” coach Hoopes said. “The girls have worked very hard over the summer. Although we lack size, we have a core eight or nine girls that have a lot of experience playing together on a varsity court. This should help us start out strong. The key for us will be utilizing everyone’s skills to the

fullest and maintaining it for the entire season. We really don’t have one key player, but many who can contribute in different ways. These girls grew a lot this summer as a team, and proved they can play at a high level. We are hoping that transfers over to the regular season. We also have a very athletic freshman class that will help push everyone in practice. We expect to play in a lot of close games, and hopefully capitalize on the majority of them this year.” HERINGTON made it past first round substate opponent Yates Center, before coming up short in a 55-27 second round loss to Berean Academy. Seniors Tristyn Kremeier and Halla Rutschman were both all-league selections a season ago for the Railroaders. Replacing the talents of now-graduated first team all-league selection Carrie Roe, now playing volleyball at Butler Community College, is likely to be at the top of the Railers’ task list. LITTLE RIVER made a state tournament appearance last season to go along with their 8-0 Wheat State League championship, finishing the season 20-4 overall. From that team a load of talent returns, including five starters in 6-1 first team all-state senior Lily Boughfman (13.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.2 spg, 3.8 bpg), 5-8 senior Mekenzie Renken (6.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.6 spg), 5-7 senior Amaya Sneath (2.9 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 1 apg, 1.4 spg), 5-4 sophomore Alaina Eck (7.3 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 2.6 apg, 3.1 spg), and 6-0 sophomore Aubrey Olander (11.1 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.9 spg, 1 bpg, first team all-league). Other players to expect to see on varsity include 5-8 junior Courtney Stansbury, 5-4 junior Victoria Norez, 5-6 senior Jessie Smith, 5-9 senior Raelynn Welsh, 5-7 sophomore Ashely Stephenson, 5-4 sophomore Kate Ellwood, 5-9 freshman Elsie Boughfman and 5-6 freshman Chenzie BeBaere.

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“We return all five starters from last year, plus we return several letterwinners,” head coach Brent Clark said. “We will have both some size and quickness and lots of depth. We will also have some very talented incoming freshmen.“ PEABODY-BURNS was unable to complete a season because of numbers and are again faced with too little interest to field a team this winter. RURAL VISTA gets back double-double machine, junior Kacie Acres (11 ppg, 11 rpg), from last year’s 13-7 sub-state runner up squad. “We always strive to compete for a league title and a shot at the state tournament,” said head coach Kane Hensley. “We will be young this year with up to three sophomore starters. We will look to improve every day in practice and from game to game.” SOLOMON was knocked out 50-28 in the first round of last season’s sub-state held at CantonGalva, giving them a final tally of 5-15. New head coach Bill Scheef takes the reins of the program this year and gets two returning starters in senior Tyra Thompson and sophomore Taytum Anderson back to work with. Scheef stressed daily improvement in individual and team skill development, as well as patience for his team that is going to consist of one senior, one junior, one sophomore, and 12 freshmen. WAKEFIELD gets back four players with starting experience off of last season’s 7-11 team that finished 3-4 in league play, good for a fifth place finish. Those players include 5-8 senior Ashley Pollman, 5-11 senior Haylie Avery, 5-7 junior Jada Clark, and 5-2 junior Erin Flickinger. “We should have a balanced team that has varsity experience,” coach David Hughes said. “We must play better defense to be competitive. The key to our season will be to maintain our enthusiasm and desire to continue to improve when we get to late January and February.”

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Hogan said. He’s got plenty of firepower returning in state champions Jonathan Morrison (106, possibly moving up to 113) and Jacob Tangpricha (113, possibly moving up to 126). Morrison is now a sophomore after a 29-3 record his freshman year; Tangpricha (33-2) will be a senior. But that’s not all, junior Henri McGivern (6th place at 126/21-15 record, may drop to 120 this year), Austin Fager was second at 170 (30-4, Sr.) while Nick Vincent and Aidan Boline, were fourth and fifth, respectively, at 152 and 160 with records of 27-9 and 7-4. Junior Zach Franco was a state Manhattan, Senior qualifier at 220 and sophomore Chase Calhoon a sub-stae qualifier at 195. OLATHE NORTH was the 2021 runner-up to Rural and coach Josh Carroll, entering his 10th season, will have plenty of experience to make a run this time around. There are seven returners who made the medal stand a year ago, including Casin Lawrence (20-3, Jr.), Cael Alderman (23-3, Jr.), Jacob Vasquez (18-7, So.), Trevor Vasquez (20-7, So.), Alec Samuelson (21-10, Jr.), 160-pound runner-up Landon Wilkes (21-3, Sr.) and Jorge Gallegos (10-8, Sr.). “Our goal is to improve as the year moves along,” Hogan said. “The success will come down to how we improve as individuals during Washburn Rural, Senior the course of the year.” DODGE CITY’s Red Demons will have a solid By Brett Marshall, For Kansas Pregame nucleus of returners for coach Tate Lowe after In a year when the Kansas State High School a strong third-place team finish at the 6A state Activities Association adjusted its format to tourney. Lowe’s top returner is senior Damian include three stages (regional, sub-state and Mendez, who went unbeaten at 35-0 to win the state), only eight wrestlers qualified for the 132-pound weight, and earned NHSCAA, Fargo state tournament as opposed to the traditional and USA Wrestling All-American honors in the 16, eight each from the east and west super- offseason. The Demons were 25-3 in duals a regionals. With as much normalcy as one could year ago, won the Western Athletic Conference hope for, the 2021-22 season will return to its dual title and came away with their highest finish previous format with two super regionals being at state in many years. conducted to qualify eight each from the East “The goals remain similar - win the conference and West sites to expand back to the 16-wrestler dual title, improve daily, win regionals and win a bracket in the 14 weight classes. state championship,” Lowe said. Shed no tears for TOPEKA-WASHBURN His stable of experience includes Ismael RURAL and its new head coach Josh Hogan. Ramirez (138, 28-25, 5th place at 126), Rudy The Junior Blues came through the COVID-19 Hernandez (145, 17-12, 5th place at 138), state pandemic and walked away with the 6A state runner-up Luke Barker at 152 (170, 36-4, Jr.) championship, the first not only for the Junior who also was a 2020 state championship to his Blues, but for any Topeka high school program. name. He earned USA Wrestling Showcase AllThey won the title in convincing fashion, too, American honors in the offseason. Also, Lowe racking up 159.5 points to run away from welcomes back Roman Loya (195, 29-11, 5th perennial eastern power Olathe North’s 112 place) and Santonio Turner (220, 24-15, Sr.), points. Dodge City was third with 106 while who was fourth at state at that weight. Derby (78) and Olathe South (66) rounded out OLATHE SOUTH’s Falcons placed fifth in the the top five. The Junior Blues went undefeated state tourney a year ago and compiled a 20-12 in duals, going 19-0, and then swept through the dual record in the tough Sunflower League. Centennial League tournament, the regional, Coach Conor Fitzgerald said, “We want to grow sub-state and then state to make it picture as wrestlers and young men, to compete at a perfect. Hogan took over the program after high level, and strengthen the program culture.” running the Topeka Thunder kids’ club. Previous His top returners include seniors Johnny head coach Damon Parker is now exclusively Cash Thomas, a two-time state qualifier who coaching the state champion girls’ team. was fourth in 2021 at 145 pounds, and 2021 “Our primary goal is to repeat what we did champion at 170 and fifth-place in 2019 Blake last year, and maybe even by a wider margin,” Jouret, now a senior. Others in the varsity lineup include Miles Dismang (So., Full Service Financial Institution 106), Memphis Schulz (So., 113), Zach Keller (Jr., 120), Aidan Howat (So., 126), Edsel Quintana (Sr., 132), Kaleb Johnson (Sr., 145), Kyler Gibbens (Jr., 160), Jack Sullivan (Sr., 170), Lucas Ryburn (Jr., 182) and Jack Garden City • 1714 E. Kansas Ave • 1504 Taylor Plz • Bauer (Jr., 285). 800.825.7661 • gpcu.org

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Under Coach Dalton Miller the HAYSVILLE CAMPUS Colts enjoyed a banner 2020-21 season, placing sixth at the state tournament while owning a 19-3 dual record and finishing third in the AVCTL-Division I tournament. “We want to have a dual record of 80 percent or higher,” Miller said. “Our goals are to win the AVCTL and to go after a top five finish at the state championship.” Miller’s top returner is senior Dylan Sheler, whose 28-12 record a year ago pulled him into a third-place finish at 126-pounds. He was third at 126 in 2020 and second at 106 pounds in 2019. Aidan Williams, a senior, posted a 21-12 mark and qualified for state two years ago. Others who should be in the lineup include Eric Spangler (Jr., 21-14, 113), and Barrett Roads (Sr., 20-9, 195). The Colts bid farewell to graduated state champion Nathan Bowen, who won the 145 pound title and finished last season with a record of 39-1 while finishing his career as a four-time qualifier and three-time placer. “For our team to succeed we need to hold ourselves to high expectations and continue to learn and get better each day,” Miller noted. “Learning to wrestle is not something that happens quickly, and our team must strive to become better through all the ups and downs of a wrestling season.” OLATHE EAST’s Hawks performed well in 2021, placing seventh as a team at state with 57 points. Three of Coach Lance Larson’s wrestlers were state medalists, with senior Jacob Bragg taking fourth at 138 (22-8), senior Turner Lennard placing third at 220 (26-6), sophomore Brett Carroll fourth at 285 pounds (22-10) and state qualifier senior Nick Carlson (23-11) who will either be at 145 or 152 pounds. Jacob Bradley, a three-time state qualifier, was injured after regionals last year and was unable to compete after going 20-12 at 132 pounds. “The returning qualifiers and state placers can build on what they achieved last season,” Larson said, “and the non-qualifiers can continue to grow as wrestlers. Those will be keys for us. We want them to better themselves as individuals, students and athletes.” There was nothing normal for the GARDEN CITY Buffaloes a year ago. Just a few days into practice, the Buffs’ Board of Education closed down not only in-school learning but also all of the athletics and activities from the third week of November through the Christmas holiday break. Unable to practice until after the New Year made the entire season shorter, tougher and behind the proverbial eight-ball. “It was just a bad year in general,” said 10th year coach Carlos Prieto, who owns four 6A state team titles (2013-2016). “In the past we had improved as the season went along, and overachieved at the state, but we haven’t done that lately. We need to get back to the little things we did when we were winning. It’s important for the kids to buy in and we have to change that culture again.” One of the best returners for Prieto will be sophomore Sebastian Lopez, who crashed the 285-pound division with a third-place state finish and a 25-5 record. He was a Double Fargo All-American this past summer. The Buffs were eighth at the state tourney and will also return junior Ryan Heiman, fifth at 126 in 2020. Among his newcomers will be Sal Barrentos (145, Sr.), who was backup to state

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champion Erick Dominguez (138, but moved to Pennsylvania) and Sebastian Rodriguez (Sr., 138), who backed up third-place state finisher Josh Janas last season at 152 pounds. Other top returners include Dakota Smith (Jr., 120), and Colin Kleysteuber (Jr., 152). Incoming freshmen expected to challenge include Brayden Hill (220), Brayden Pacheco (113) as well as sophomore Julius Medina (106). Prieto expects contributions from Ben Dunlap (170, Sr.), Alonzo Marquez (160, Sr.), junior Alan Chairez (195), and Jonathan Romo (182, Fr.). The BLUE VALLEY Tigers had a modest 9-16 dual record a year ago under coach Kale Mann, but he returns an experienced roster, including all of his state qualifiers who won a match. That group includes two-time state entrant and 138-pound runner-up Michael Solomon (152, Sr.). Other top returners are Dane Minor (113, So.), Nathan Gaddie (132, Jr.), Jay Soykan (1`38, Sr.), Collin Taylor (145, Sr.), Blake McManamon (160, Jr.), Logan Stewart (182, Sr.), Clayton Kavlick (195, Sr.) and Nick Herzog (285, Sr., 5th in 2021). BLUE VALLEY NORTH coach JD Spadoni welcomes back senior Ty Farrington (3rd at 195, 220 this year), Maze Mickens (170, Sr.), Tyshawn Andrew (160, Sr.), Sam Perez (126, Jr.) and Wesley Dubreuil (132, So.). BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST has a cadre of experience after compiling a 24-10 dual record in 2021. Coach Zack Orrick returns two-time state qualifier Thomas Peterson (113, Jr., 30-11), onetime qualifiers Aidan Markley (120, Jr., 19-23), Max Garrelts (132, Sr., 35-10), Gavin Biancalana (182, Sr., 24-12), Peyton Ruby (195, Sr., 17-29), and Abe Babalola (285, Sr., 10-13). “We are looking to continue to improve each and every day,” Orrick said. “We want to put ourselves in position to compete in league, and state tournaments.” Other candidates include James Bi (126, Jr., 12-17), Ryan Denton (138, Jr., 17-21), Luke Elliott (145, Sr., 16-16), Barrett Waller (160, Jr., 8-6), Nicholas Mironov (170, Sr., 5-6), Joel Deppe (220, Jr., 7-6). For BLUE VALLEY WEST, they are coming off a 15-15 dual record and a 16th place finish at state. Randy Lowe is in his 21st year at the helm and has a competitive group of experienced wrestlers back in the fold. That includes Ben Darling (120, 5th, 30-7), Luke Olsen (126, 6th, 27-9), Matt Lancaster (182, 13-1) who was injured last year after placing third in 2020, and Brooks Lowe (220, 33-5, 2nd in state 2021). “Hopefully we can fill our lineup and be competitive at every weight,” Lowe said. The DERBY Panthers have been one of the traditional powers in 6A for years. The 2021 season was no different as coach Bill Ross guided his team to a 15-1 dual record, runnerup in the AVCTL and a fourth-place team finish at the state championship. While a number of his top mat guys graduated, Ross has two-time fourth-place finisher Knowlyn Egan returning (145), along with Miles Wash (195, 4th), Brayden Tatum (126, 2nd in Class 4A transferred), state medalist Tate Rusher (4th, 138) and Lane Bernstorf (182). continued on page 100

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Page 79 “Our goal is to improve daily and prepare for late February,” head coach Travis Keal said. “To be successful, we will need great leadership and work ethic, along with positive attitudes to improve daily.” SHAWNEE HEIGHTS could be the dark horse in 5A. The T-Birds finished sixth in the team race last year, were Regional 3 champions and return eight wrestlers who reached the state tournament, including six who medaled junior Tyler Lincoln (37-5), fourth at 106; senior Brock Ferguson (39-5), fourth at 120; senior Caden Walker (37-2), fourth at 160; senior Cole Manrose (31-15), sixth at 170; senior Preston Hartman (37-8), fourth at 182; and senior Garrett Peery (36-8), fifth at 220. Ferguson and Walker are three-time state qualifiers. Also back for the T-Birds are state qualifiers Ty Lewis (35-9), a senior at 138, and Sean Wunder (34-8), a junior at 195. Other returning lettermen are sophomore Andrew Bonebrake (28-12, 113), senior Cole Parrish (23-21, 132), senior Joey Hilton (33-9, 145), sophomore Alan Baughman (14-12, 152) and senior Dawson Campbell (7-6, 185). “Our team goals are always to practice and compete with gratitude, work hard in all areas of life and exemplify toughness throughout,” coach Chad Parks said. ARKANSAS CITY has been one of the top programs in Kansas for decades. The Bulldogs placed fifth in 5A last year and return two state medalists - senior Jevin Foust (27-9), who was the runner-up at 132 pounds and junior Wyatt Bahm (27-12), who placed fifth at 152. Also back are sophomore Cody Bruce (152), senior Aiden Whetstone (182) and junior Justis Moiser (195). “We are going to be very young and inexperienced so our main goal is to improve every day,” coach Greg Buckbee said. “Gaining experience and not having our young inexperienced wrestlers get frustrated. The NEWTON Railroaders feature one of the state’s top wrestlers in any class in junior Nick Treaster, a two-time state champion, who has posted a two-year record of 73-2. He is part of one of the most successful wrestling families in Kansas history. He, along with his older brothers Logan and Grant, have wrestled in 10 state tournaments for Newton High School, never finishing lower than third. The trio have combined for five state titles and Nick’s father, Matt, was a four-time state champ at Beloit. Treaster, who has won two straight 106 pound titles, will wrestle at 113 this season. He will be joined by three other teammates who medaled at state last year - senior Colin Bybee (30-7), who placed fifth at 120 pounds; sophomore Logan Buchanan (29-10), who was fifth at 195 and junior Rio Gomez (35-7), who placed fourth at 285. KAPAUN MT. CARMEL’s Bubba Wright is one of seven state champions returning from last year. Wright, now a senior, won the 120-pound title last season with a 34-1 record. He also placed third at 106 as a sophomore and fourth at 106 as a freshman. Also returning for the

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 sophomore Ronan Wunsch (182), junior Peyton Ritter (220), senior Taylor Vincent (285) and senior Aaron Wagner (285). “We need to stay healthy, find a weight class for By Harold Bechard, For Kansas Pregame everyone, win league for a fifth straight year and How long will the GODDARD wrestling dynasty make a run at a state championship,” said head continue? No one knows, but it’s a good bet it coach Mike Schauer. won’t end this season. The Lions, under head ST. THOMAS AQUINAS returns five wrestlers coach Brett Means, have not just won every 5A who medaled at the state tournament last year, championship since 2015, but have dominated including junior Dylan Elmore, who finished during state tournament week. They have won second at 152 pounds as a sophomore with the last seven state titles by an average of 68 a 37-2 record. Also back for the Saints will be points per meet - the largest by 125.5 points in junior Tobius Kriner (29-14), sixth at 106; senior 2018 and the smallest margin of victory, if you Jordan Habben (27-5), third at 132; junior Sean can call it that, by 33.5 points in 2020. Carroll (31-9), fifth at 195, and sophomore The Lions will be the favorite again this season Gianni Rizzi, a state qualifier at 160. Head coach with five state medalists returning from last Eric Akin also expects strong seasons from year’s team, including state champions Jerrdon freshmen Kaden Allen (120) and Gabe Goode Fisher (145 pounds) and Zachary Wessley (132), (132), sophomores Luke Hancock (170) and P.J. and if that’s not enough, it appears the Lions Cunningham (220) and junior Dylan Waggerman will add three-time 6A state champion Quentin (145). All have competed and been successful Saunders, who moves over from Wichita West at Kids’ State, Cadet Nationals, Greco and after winning the last two 182 pound titles and Folkstyle competition, among others. 170 as a freshman. “The key to our success will be a collaborative Fisher, a senior who was 23-1 last year, is a effort,” Akin said. “We will have a very strong two-time state champion. He also won at 132 squad this year despite losing a great senior pounds as a sophomore and placed third at class last year. Our returning wrestlers should 126 as a freshman. Wessley brought home the make a big time impact this year and be the heart 132-pound state title as a freshman last year, of this squad.” posting a 22-2 record. Also returning for the GREAT BEND finished seventh in the 5A state Lions is last year’s runner-up at 195 pounds, meet last year and the Panthers are looking Kaden Glass, who has finished second at 195 to improve on that this season. They return as a sophomore and junior. Jayden Miller (27lettermen in all but two varsity weight spots, 10) placed third at 112 as a junior last year and including defending 138 pound state champion Levi Glover (26-10) was fifth at 106 pounds as Wyatt Weber, a senior who posted a 32-3 record a sophomore. The Lions will also be expecting last season after finishing fifth at 120 as a big seasons from Daniel Helmers at 120 pounds, sophomore and sixth at 106 as a freshman. Two Phoenix Rothenberger at 126 and Braydon of his teammates also medaled last year - Kaden Wickliffe at 285. Spragis (37-4), who finished second at 106 as a “Our goal is to win the state championship,” junior, and Avery Wolf (38-8), who placed fourth Means said. “We have some newcomers who at 113 as a junior. will have to step up and fill the holes of the five Also returning and expected to push for state graduating state placers.” berths are junior Emmanuel Prieto (113), junior Strong challengers for one of the three trophies Skyler McMullen (132), senior John Szot (145), at the state meet are expected to be Maize, St. junior Cooper Liles (145), senior Vaiden Weinrich Thomas Aquinas, Great Bend, Mill Valley and (160), sophomore Matthew Johnson (182), Shawnee Heights, to name a few. sophomore Keyven Schroeder (195) and senior The MAIZE Eagles placed second at the Scott Heilman (220). state tournament last year with 124.5 points. “The key this year is building on the success They were also unbeaten AVCTL champs and we’ve had,” coach Nathan Broeckelman said. finished second at regionals and sub-state as “One of our goals is to bring home a state trophy.” well. Six state medalists return for the Eagles, Broeckelman continues to build the program led by junior Nakaylen Shabazz, who won the welcoming 45 boys and 32 girls the first week 113-pound state championship with a 34-1 of practice. record. Shabazz also finished second at 106 as MILL VALLEY, the Regional 4 champion, a freshman in 2020. placed third at state last year after winning 6A Also back for Maize are sophomore Daniel in 2020. The Jaguars lost three state champions Gomez (30-10), third at 120 pounds; junior to graduation, but return wrestlers who medaled Clayton Bowers (19-6), third at 126; junior - Dillon Cooper (18-3), who finished third at 106 Camden Padgett (27-9), fourth at 132; as a freshman, and Eddie Hughart (14-2), who sophomore Ayden Flores (33-6), third at 145, placed second at 113 as a sophomore. Hughart and junior Connor Padgett (35-4), third at 160. also finished third at 106 as a freshman. Adding Those also expected to provide quality depth depth to the roster will be sophomore Maddox to the Maize roster are senior Keton Patterson Casella (126), sophomore Colin McAlister (138) who placed fourth at state in 2020, junior (145), junior Sam Imes (160) and senior Payton Cody Hughbanks (152), senior Cael Moses Douglas (195). Casella and Douglas were state (152/160), sophomore Jayden Ford (160), qualifiers last year.

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Crusaders is junior Nathan Fury, who placed second at 170 pounds last year with a 39-3 record. Fury finished fourth at 170 as a freshman. BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST, which tied Newton for eighth place at state last season, welcomes back a pair of highly-decorated wrestlers who finished as state runners-up last year - seniors Hayden Mills and Brett Umentum. Mills finished 38-1 last year at 126 pounds, his only loss coming in the state finals to Valley Center’s unbeaten champion Alyeus Craig. Mills is a two-time state champ, winning at 106 as a freshman and 113 as a sophomore. Umentum placed second at 145 pounds with a 37-3 record. He won the 126-pound state title as a sophomore and placed second at 113 as a freshman. Full Service Financial Institution “Team goals are to make the state tournament an easy meet by making our practices and schedule harder than the state meet,” coach Cody Parks said. “We believe duals, tournaments, and state titles are won in the practice room. We want to be the most Hays • 2720 Broadway • 785.628.1007 • gpcu.org continued on page 101 Member NCUA Federally insured by NCUA

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onship. The Blue Comets will once again be the favorites to win the league and will likely make another serious postseason run this season. Experience is a key for Chanute as it returns nine state qualifiers, including defending state champion Trey Leedy at 145 pounds. A two-time state placer, Leedy is the top-ranked wrestler at that weight class according in the preseason rankings. The Blue Comets have three other state placers back, including Kolton Misener at 113, Trey Dillow at 132 and Nathan Cunningham at 285. All three head into the season ranked — Misener and Cunningham #1, and Dillow #3. Other state qualifiers returning are Dylan DeMeritt at 106, Kedric Emling at 152, Ty Galemore at 170, Bryan Jackett at 195 and Tuker Davis at 220. Jackett and Davis are both preseason ranked #5 by the KWCA, while Galemore is #6. “Our senior depth and leadership will determine our success this year,” Albright said. “Our senior class is full of potential. I hope our younger athletes follow their lead.” After finishing third at state a year ago, TONGANOXIE enters the new season ranked fourth by the KWCA. The Chieftains, who were the runner-up in the Frontier League, had a strong postseason run a year ago that included district and regional championships, as well as a sub-state runner-up. Brett Delich begins his third season at as coach THS. He has three individuals back that placed at state a year ago — senior Gabriel Bailey (28-3), second at 152; senior Grayson Sonntag (26-1), third at 126; and sophomore Braeden Moore (17-3), third at 113. Sonntag previously won a state championship as a sophomore in 2020. All three of those wrestlers have moved up in weight class this season, with Bailey at 170, Sonntag at 138 and Moore at 126. The Chieftains also have four others that quali-

By Brian Thomas, Montgomery Co. Chronicle

By a narrow 2.5-point margin, Andale dethroned Chanute as the 4A championship to close out the 2021 season. Tonganoxie came in third in the final standings, with Fort Scott taking fourth and Holton fifth. ANDALE captured its first state championship in the sport since 2012. It was also the fourth title in program history after previously claiming crowns in 2006 and 2011. There will likely be a battle at the top once again for the 4A championship, with the Indians right in the thick of things. AHS opens the season ranked second in 4A by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association and has plenty of returning talent to earn a second straight crown. The Indians lost some key wrestlers from last year, including state champions Hector Serratos at 126 and Cayden Winter at 220. Yet, they also have four returning state placers and six individuals that are currently preseason ranked by the KWCA. Leading the way for Andale is sophomore Owen Eck, the defending state champion at 120 that is ranked second preseason at 138. Also returning are senior Colton Miller, currently second at 120 after placing third at 106; junior AJ Furnish, ranked second at 132 after placing fourth a year ago; and junior Riley Marx, ranked fourth at 220 and placing fifth a year ago at 195. The preseason rankings also include freshman Trent Eck in second at 106 and junior Jonah Meyer in fifth at 160. CHANUTE had captured its first state championship in program history one year earlier and came close to a second straight title last season. Expect the Southeast Kansas League champion Blue Comets to once again be in the mix as they enter the season as the top-ranked team in 4A by the KWCA. CHS, under the direction of head coach Andy Albright, went 18-4 in duals and claimed a fourth consecutive SEK champi-

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fied for state last season. Those individuals and their current weight are sophomore Noah Bailey (132), senior Connor Bruch (152), sophomore Colton Brusven (160) and junior Hunter Benedict (195). The remaining weight classes will likely be filled by senior Cooper Jones (285); junior Wyatt Harris (182); sophomores Jordan Bauswell (106), Presley Herrig (113), Malik Newton (145) and Ryder Sparks (220); and freshman Will Addie (120). “Our goal is to compete and get better everyday on and off the mat,” Delich said. “Hard work will get our team to achieve success this season.” Despite finishing fourth in the Southeast Kansas League, FORT SCOTT had an incredible postseason run that included three individual state champions and a fourth-place finish in 4A. The Tigers are under the direction of Alvin Metcalf, who was named the District Coach of the Year. Fort Scott lost two of its top wrestlers due to graduation in state champions Coby Burchett at 132 and Malachi Vann at 170. Both Burchett and Vann hit the 100-win milestones for their Tiger careers. Leading the way for FSHS will be defending state champion Jacob Stinnett at 152 pounds. The senior heads into the new season ranked #1 in the weight class by the KWCA. Also back in the lineup for the Tigers is junior Jasper Allison, who took fourth place at 106 pounds. Allison is currently ranked #3 at 120 pounds. The return of five state qualifiers, including three that placed, has HOLTON ranked third in 4A by the KWCA after capturing fifth place at state a year ago. Cullen Jackson is the

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head coach for a Wildcat team that finished 14-6 in duals and was third place in the Big 7 League last season. Back in the lineup for the Wildcats after placing at state last season are senior Tucker Gilliland (23-15) at 113, junior Jayden Fletcher (33-6) at 160 and sophomore Dalton Roush (22-8) at 220. Also qualifying for Holton were senior Dustin Chermok (25-13) at 285 and junior Garyson Booth (16-14) at 170. Other returning wrestlers include seniors Lucas Adcock (145) and Cayden Jackson (152), junior Tyler Phillips (182) and sophomore Cale Hein (126). “Our goal is to win a Big 7 championship, regional championship and a state trophy,” Jackson said. “The key for us is staying healthy.” The Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association released its preseason rankings, with Chanute leading the way with the top spot in 4A. Andale was picked second, followed by Holton in third, Tonganoxie fourth, Colby fifth, Augusta sixth, Abilene seventh, Clay Center Community eighth, Pratt ninth and Rose Hill 10th. COLBY had a solid 2020-21 season that included a district championship and runner-up finish in the Great continued on page 94

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By Brian Thomas, Montgomery Co. Chronicle A year ago, Hoxie dominated the state tournament field en route to the Class 3-2-1A championship, finishing with 154 points at state competition. Hill City followed in second place with with 84 points, while Eureka came in third at 61. Norton Community and Silver Lake rounded out the top five of the team standings. HOXIE heads into the new season as a heavy favorite to repeat as champion with the return of three individual champions and other returning state placers from last year’s squad. The Indians, under longtime coach Mike Porsch, had the perfect storm to their first state title since 2003, going undefeated in dual action at 16-0, while claiming the Mid-Continent League crown. They also took first place in the district, regional and sub-state tournaments en route to the state title. Returning to the Hoxie lineup this season are defending state champions senior Drew Bell, junior Drew Bretz and junior Derek Johnson. Both Bell and Johnson have won a pair of tate titles. The remainder of the lineup include a pair of runner-up performers in juniors Tate Weimer and Dayton Bell, as well as junior Wayne Shepard, fourth at state; senior Brandon Baker, sixth; and sophomore Carson Ochs, sixth. Other individuals that should contribute this season are seniors Kaden Sekevac and Donovan Balluch, along with junior Ryan Shaw. “We want to stay hungry and humble for our veterans and bring our young guys up to speed quickly so they are ready to score team points and place individually at the state tournament,” Porsch said. Also from the Mid-Continent League, HILL CITY is looking for another strong showing this season after finishing as the state runner-up a year ago. Under the direction of head coach Steve Nickelson, the Ringnecks have several returning wrestlers in their lineup this season, including two-time state placer Carter Underhill at 120, who returns for his senior campaign after placing third at 106. Two-time qualifier Kaleb Atkins is back for his junior season at 113 after placing third. Three other individuals placed at state last season and are back, including senior Aidan Hockman, a three-time qualifier at 138; sophomore Aiden Amrein at 160; and senior Thayn Wait at heavyweight. Also back in the lineup for Hill City are senior Ayden Nickelson at 170, junior Conner Dinkel at 182 and senior Jarien Ashbaugh at 220. EUREKA, which captured the 3-2-1A title in 2019, hopes to make another run near the top this season with the return of three state qualifiers from last season’s squad. The Tornadoes, who compete in the Tri-Valley League, are led by Mike Davison - now in his 13th season with the program. Davison welcomes back senior Brody Harrison at 145 pounds after he placed fifth in that weight class at state a year ago. Senior Garrison Spoonts, a three-time state qualifier, returns at 170, while senior Cole Strickler is also back at 285 after qualifying a year ago. “We want to get better each week while having as much fun as possible,” Davison said. State power NORTON should once again be in the running in 3-2-1A after claiming eight team championships since 2010. The Bluejays will see a significant change as they welcome a

new coach in alum Billy Broeckelman, who takes the reins from legendary coach Bill Johnson. Broeckelman will lean heavily on the leadership of senior Kolton Field at 132 pounds. Field is a two-time state champion and is coming off a 34-1 campaign a year ago. Also back is state placer Garrett Urban. The junior will compete at 170 pounds after finishing 37-8 last season. Mid-East League champion SILVER LAKE captured district and sub-state championships on its way to a top-five finish at state last season. Barring any injuries, the Eagles should once again be a contender near the top of the final team standings in 3-2-1A. Silver Lake welcomes back eight wrestlers to its lineup, including threetime state qualifier Justin Rakestraw at 138 pounds, as well as two-time qualifiers Daigan Kruger at 170 and Triston Vande Velde at 182. Kruger was 50-3 and placed third last season, while Rakestraw came in fourth (132), Vande Velde was fifth. Senior Preston Gillen was sixth last season at 195, while another state qualifier back is senior Devin Dullmeier at 125. Other key returners include sophomore Blake Redmond at 145, sophomore Chase Root at 160 and junior Kaden Walker at 220. According to the preseason rankings by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association, Hoxie is the favorite to win the 3-2-1A state title, followed by Hill City in second, Silver Lake third, Oakley fourth, Beloit fifth, Plainville sixth, Douglass seventh, Wellsville eighth, Marysville ninth and Norton Community 10th. OAKLEY just missed out on a top-10 finish at state last season, taking 11th place in the final standings. Under the direction of head coach Bryce Lewis, the Plainsmen have six wrestlers back in the lineup that could make a push towards the top in 3-2-1A. The top returning wrestler is senior Christian Kock at 220 pounds who was 26-17 a year ago and took fourth place at state in that weight class. Two other qualifiers are back, including senior Jonathan Temaat at 195 and sophomore Ivan Jirak (26-15) at 285. Also returning to the lineup are senior Tristan Ryburn at 152 (18-18), junior Landyn Plummer at 145 and sophomore Ace Plummer at 126. “Recruiting and developing athletes who are willing to work and learn is essential to our success and will have a snowball effect on the program,” Lewis said. “More individuals in the wrestling room equates to better practices and offers greater potential to fill all weight classes. Improved practice helps to minimize mistakes, win close matches and earn higher placings.” BELOIT is coming off a sixth-place finish at state a year ago. Long-time Beloit head coach Andy Niemczyk believes he has a squad that can crack the top three during the 2021-22 season. “We feel we can take seven to eight kids to the state tournament and possibly bring home a top-three trophy,” Niemczyk said. “We will need to avoid injuries, especially near the end of the season, and we need to improve weekly.” To achieve that success, the Trojans will rely on a solid group of returning wrestlers, including state placers Tate Kadel and Brennan Walker. Walker, a senior, went 33-10 en route to a fourthplace finish at 182 pounds, while Kadel, a junior, was 23-11 and third place at 160. Other key individuals to the lineup will be seniors Connor Cosand (126), Jacob Barry (138), Braden Burks (195) and Cameron Konkel (220); juniors Ayden Loomis (120) and Caden Anderson (152); and

Page 81 sophomores Coe Neilson (113), Xander Elam (145) and Jake MacCrory (285). Head coach Ryan Becker has three key wrestlers back at PLAINVILLE this season. The Cardinals will rely on the leadership of seniors Logan Normandin at 126 and Ben Hansen at 182, as well as junior Kyler Werner at 195. Normandin is a two-time third-place finisher at state, while Hansen was fourth a year ago. Werner was a state placer, taking fifth in 2020. Central Plains League runner-up DOUGLASS has several wrestlers back in its lineup for head coach Dusty Rhodes. The Bulldogs have three qualifiers back in the lineup, including one that placed at last year’s state tournament. Leading the way will be senior Matt Reynolds, who captured fourth place at 138 pounds. Also competing in state a year ago were seniors Jace High at 182 and Joe Martin at 220. Rhodes also looks for contributions from seniors Dalton Halyard at 160, Justin Martin at 152, Nicholas Parker at 145 and Hunter Alexander at 220. “The key for us is wrestlers willing to put in the hard work that it takes to be a championship team,” Rhodes said. Ranked eighth in the preseason poll is WELLSVILLE, who welcomes back a pair of individuals who placed sixth at state in seniors Ethan Elliott and Wyatt Bird. Bird is ranked third at 160 entering the sesason, while Elliott comes in fourth at 138. Two other individuals are ranked in the preseason, including senior Cruz Farley in third at 195 and junior David Signs in sixth at 170. MARYSVILLE is looking for another strong season for head coach Cole Fredrickson. The Bulldogs took third place at sub-state and were ninth overall in 3-2-1A a year ago. Gable Fredrickson returns for his sophomore campaign after a standout season that included a 26-10 record and state title at 113 pounds. He is set to make the move up to 120 this season. Two other state qualifiers are back from last season, including seniors Patrick Smith at 182 and Beau Wassenberg at 195. “We were really young last season but showed a lot of growth by the end,” Cole Fredrickson said. “We hope to build on that this season and hope to have a big season out of our juniors and seniors. We have a good group of freshmen and sophomores that will round us out. We need to be able to consistently make improvements throughout the season.” BLUESTEM has one state qualifier back from last season in junior Kolby Hebb, who went 2413 at 285 pounds. Othe individuals that will be key for the Lions will be seniors Trevor Taylor (160) and Bailey Fiebiger (195); junior Ethan Buxton (285); and sophomores Dagan Turner (106), Zak Dotter (120) and Zane McFall (182). “Individual wrestlers need to figure out what they are good at and put themselves in positions to use what they’re good at,” said Nash Burtin, who begins his fifth season coaching Bluestem. Doug Bingham returns as head coach at BURLINGAME, which will be seeking state qualifiers this season. The Bearcats did not have any individuals qualify for state last season. “We want to place in the top third at the tournaments we enter and send a few more to state this year,” Bingham said. CANEY VALLEY will be led by a pair of returning state qualifiers this season in junior Heath Ellis at 126 and sophomore Garret

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Southeast of Saline, Senior Watson at 160. Ellis had a 14-10 record for the Bullpups last season. “We need to keep the numbers up,” said CVHS coach Jerod Rigdon. “Our competition in the room needs to get better.” Central Plains League champion CHAPARRAL is coming off a solid season in which it captured a district title and was fifth at the regional tournament. The Roadrunners, under the direction of ninth-year coach Jeff Green, have a solid group of wrestlers in the lineup this season that includes seniors David Diaz (132) and Justin Moritz (145); juniors Cody Moritz (120), Joe Ord (152), Eli Gates (182) and Carson Gates (285); sophomores Carson Bandy (126), Pake Green (138) and Joe Planansky (145); and freshmen Keaton Bollman (106) and Angle Mendoza (113). Ord is the top returner after a 26-2 mark last season. “We want to win league again, place top three in all the tournaments we attend this year and win all of our duals,” Green said. CHASE COUNTY has two returning state qualifiers in its lineup this season, including junior Mitch Budke at 160 and sophomore Micah Cauthers at 145. Budke, who was also a standout for the Bulldog football team, had an impressive 27-7 record a year ago, while Cauthers went 1713. Derick Budke, a three-time wrestling Coach of the Year by the Kansas Coaches Association, also has three other individuals back in the lineup this season - juniors Cal Kohlmeier (18-18) at 182 and Gavyn Francis at 138, as well as sophomore Brock Griffin (18-14) at 152. “We don’t wrestle in a league or many duals,” Budke said. “Our team goals are to score 60 percent of our match takedowns, score 80 percent of the first takedowns and score the final points of the match 80 percent of the time. We teach an offensive brand of wrestling, and these goals reflect our philosophy.” CHERRYVALE, which won the Tri-Valley League championship four straight years from 2015-18, looks to get back near the top of the TVL this season but will rely on many new faces to the program. The Chargers are led by Casey Lickteig, who begins his seventh season in charge, and welcomes back senior state qualifier Dalton Morrill at 113 pounds. Morrill went 11-9 last season. Also back is senior Isaiaha Castorena at 126. Castorena was a perfect 10-0 last season before suffering an injury in districts that closed out his season. “We look to build on our success as a younger team last year and continued on page 97

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Olathe West, Junior

Olivia Stean

Bonner Springs, Sophomore By Brett Marshall, For Kansas Pregame Girls wrestling in Kansas has become one of the fastest growing sports at the prep level. From a non-recognized Kansas State High School Activities Association sport just a few short years ago, the girls wrestling programs across the Sunflower State have exploded. And with the upcoming season, there is plenty of youthful talent just waiting to return to the mat . Last season, because of the explosive growth of the sport, KSHSAA went from an all-class state championship in 2020 to a two-division state tournament with class 6A-5A comprising Division I and classes 4A-1A making up Division II. In the state’s largest two classifications, Washburn Rural has ruled the state tournament in the first two years of the infant program, winning the title each year. The Junior Blues easily captured the team title a season ago with 100 points to outdistance runner-up Wichita North’s 74 points, and they enter this season as the preseason No.2 ranked team behind Dodge City, which placed fourth a season ago. The Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association unveiled their first preseason rankings the week of Nov. 9 and following Dodge City and Washburn Rural in the top 10 are Wichita North, Shawnee Heights, Emporia, Garden City, Goddard, Olathe West, Valley Center and Gardner-Edgerton. Garden City was a close third in 2021 with 71 points while Dodge City was fourth with 69 points. Additionally, with 12 weight divisions for the girls’ competition, there are 72 medals to be handed out at the state meet, and from the 2020 medal stand there are 44 returners, including six champions, to defend their crowns. The number of returning medalists in each weight class is as follows: 101 (1), 109 (3), 115 (3), 120 (5), 126 (4), 132 (3), 138 (3), 143 (5), 155 (6), 170 (3), 191 (4) and 235 (4); though some wrestlers have moved up or down a weight from a season ago. According to KSHSAA participation numbers, there were just 111 girls competing in the 2015-16 school year. That number has steadily increased

each year, reaching 227 in 2017-18, 376 in 201819 and skyrocketing to 926 in 2020 when the first official state tournament was held. The numbers held steady a year ago at 913. DODGE CITY returns six medalists from its 2021 squad, led by state runner-up Ashley Arroyo at 155 pounds who compiled a 22-2 win-loss record and enters her junior season. Other medal winners are Ariana DeLaRosa at 120 (18-4, 4th place), Leslie Garcia at 132 pounds (11-10, 6th place), Jolette Almaraz at 170 pounds (16-5, 4th place) and Ashley Martinez at 191 (7-7, 6th place). Red Demons’ Coach Tate Lowe, entering his fourth season, also has back state qualifier Dayanara Garcia at 138 pounds (24-6) and Stephanie Ortega at 101 pounds (11-14). The Demons were regional champs sub-state runner-up and fourth at state to conclude a successful 2021 season. “Our goals are to win regionals and state,” Lowe said. While WASHBURN RURAL lost some key members from its championship roster, coach Damon Parker - who moves over to coach exclusively the girls this season - still has a solid group returning. The Junior Blues posted a 15-1 dual record, won the Centennial League and then capped off their title campaign with firsts at regionals, substate and then state. Among Parker’s top returners are junior Addison Broxterman at 120 pounds, runner-up), senior Shayne Miles at 115 pounds (6th), 101 Kristin Rezac (10), 109 Kaitlyn Morris (11), Alexis Fredrickson at 126 pounds (5th), Jaliah Johnson at 170 (3rd). Parker will also be relying on Natalie Tibbetts (Jr., 132), Carmen Alson (Jr., 143), Laiken Clark (So., 143) and Sophia Ross (235). “We want to continue to progress as a full unit, adding more pieces to the puzzle that we have not introduced in the past,” Parker said. “We want to continue our tradition of strong interpersonal relationships. When that is in place, everything else takes care of itself.” WICHITA NORTH has one state champion, another medalist and two state qualifiers to provide leadership for this year’s team under coach Quinton Burgess. Junior Larisa Garcia won 109 with a 33-2 record while junior Rodah Bengi took fourth at 115 with a 30-4 mark. Diana Colchado (126, Jr., 28-6) and Jaycee Tyler (143, So., 18-12) were state qualifiers. Also back are junior Elaina Cox (120, Jr., 14-10), Sandra Arellano (132, Sr., 20-8), and Maley Hansen (138, Jr., 12-12) who will get competition from sophomore Ella Salas. “Filling our room with quality wrestlers and providing a competitive practice environment will be the biggest goals for us,” said Burgess. SHAWNEE HEIGHTS’ Lady Thunderbirds are on the rise this season for coach Chad Parks. The Lady T-Birds were 11-0 and won the United Kansas Conference title, placed third in regionals and sixth at sub-state. Senior Maranda Bell, third at 191 pounds (31-5 and a two-time state qualifier) is the top returner. Junior Riley Thompson is back at 120 pounds after a fifth-place finish, posting a 23-13 mark. State qualifiers returning include Odessa Schmidt (109, So., 18-11) and Molly Busenitz (115, Jr., 22-8). Other veteran experience will come from Haley Haltom (132, Sr., 17-10), Isabelle Sanchez (138, Jr., 10-12), Gloria Lillich (143, Sr., 10-16), Emma Conway (155, Jr., 11-13) and Emily Ward (170, So., 17-11). “We are excited about the season and all it will entail,” Parks said. “Last season was awesome with our girls’ team, and we expect this season to be as well. Gratitude, effort and toughness are the themes for us.”

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GIRLS DIVISION I WRESTLING

GARDEN CITY flew under the radar for much of last season, due in part to a restriction on competition until January following a suspension of all winter sports at GCHS in the month of December. So, playing catch-up, coach Carlos Prieto had his Lady Buffs ready for state where they finished a surprising third. Three returning medalists, including state runner-up Belle Hernandez (126) return. She is expected to move up to 132 this season. Also returning are fifth-place finishers Bethanee Cruz (Jr., 138), and Alondra Guzman (Sr., 155), who may drop to 143 this year. Other experience comes from Anahi Cervantes at 109 (Jr.), Sara Chapa at 115 (Sr.), Esme Corrado at 120 (Jr.) and Angel Serrano at either 143 or 155 (Jr.). Prieto, who is in his 10th season with the boys and third with the girls’ program, feels like his team will be better equipped at the start. “With a full season I like what the future holds,” Prieto said. “A lot of them came in over the summer, so we’re excited.” OLATHE WEST finished sixth at the state tournament and are preseason ranked No. 8 and Lucas Vincent begins his first year as the girls’ coach. West placed first in the East regional and fourth at sub-state before their solid finish at state. Unbeaten state champion Makayla Rivera returns at 235 pounds following a 27-0 record. She has placed second and first in her first two varsity seasons with an eye on another title in her junior season. Other state qualifiers returning include sophomore Kaylie Rodriguez at 109 pounds, Isabel Rodriguez (120, Sr., 14-9), Gianna Garcia-Campos (126, So., 14-9), and fourth-place medalist Laney Finazzo (155, Jr., 14-10). Vincent will also have another state qualifier in junior Zahr Andela at 170 pounds (19-8) and then got transfer JayLee Roark (Fort Scott), a junior at 191 pounds, who was a state qualifier in Division II. “We want to establish Olathe West as one of the top girls’ wrestling programs in Kansas,” Vincent said. “The keys for success will be competing every day in the wrestling room, being mentally tough and physically strong, and having fun.” The Sunflower League has produced one of the top girls’ programs quickly in GARDNEREDGERTON, which finished seventh a year ago at state and is preseason ranked No. 10. Coach Tyler Cordts welcomes back senior Lilly Kepler (3rd, 120, 28-6) and juniors Dakota Konzem (143, 19-2, 4th) and Shelby Davis (155, 32-2), who was third at state, and qualifier Michaela Konzem (115, Sr., 23-7). G-E was undefeated in duals last year and Cordts expects his veterans to lead the way. “Our goal is to qualify the entire team for state and bring home some hardware,” Cordts said. HAYS HIGH had the challenge of competing during the regular season against the likes of Dodge City, Garden City and Great Bend, but coach Heath Meder returns two-time state placer and 2021 runner-up Sarah Zimmerman at 109 pounds. Other expected contributors are Elsie Chartier (115, So.), Addison Otte (120, So.), Kea Dees (126, So.), Karte Gutierrez (132, So.), Lexi Burton (143, So.), and Halle Lohmeyer (155, Jr.). “We want to continue to build the new girls’ program and get more of our girls to the state tournament and on the podium,” Meder said. The GREAT BEND Panthers, who won the unofficial WAC team title last year, returns one of the top wrestlers in Kansas in Bre Ridgeway. All the incoming senior did a year ago was post a

36-0 record in claiming the 126-pound title. Coach Nathan Broeckelman will look to Ridgeway to lead a strong cast of performers again. The Panthers were 3-1 in their duals against league schools, and won the Great Bend Tournament of Champions. In addition to Ridgeway, Broeckelman returns Daizy Gomez at 120, Katie Kuhlman at 132 and Sierra Ferguson at 138. “We want to continue to build the tradition of bringing home state medals,” Broeckelman said. “And to bring home a state trophy.” JUNCTION CITY’s Lady Bluejays return two state medalists in Laila Lesher (115, So., 19-8, 5th) and senior Brooke Swango (143, Sr., 15-9, 6th). Coach Tyler Gonzales expects other returners to fill in, including Jaidyn Alvarazo (Fr.) at 101 pounds, Charly Goodwin (120, So., 26-13) and junior Aislynn Bailey (138, 8-20). The Lady ‘Jays were fourth at regionals, 10th at sub-state and 26th at state. “We want to grow the sport for women in the high school, to have fun, learn to compete and get better each week,” said Gonzales. LEAVENWORTH brings back three-time state qualifier Julian Long, a senior at 106 pounds, and two-time state finalist Hannah Jackson at 191. Coach Matthew Long says, “We want to place as many at state as possible through hard work and dedication.” New LIBERAL coach Michael Fowler has state medalist Mana Chanthasone, a junior at 106 pounds, returning to his roster. He welcomes back state qualifier Leilani Torres, a senior at 191. “We want to be technical wrestlers and to qualify all wrestlers for state,” Fowler said. The Greater Wichita Athletic League didn’t have its regular season championship last season because of COVID, but WICHITA SOUTHEAST coach Aaron Johnson is hoping to build around state qualifier Egypt Allen (170). “We need to improve on what we got better at last year,” Johnson said, “and to get more numbers in the room.” KANSAS CITY-WASHINGTON is coached by Aaron McGhee, now in his fourth season. His top returner is sophomore Breanna Neal at 191 pounds who had a 3-5 record. “We need to take advantage of our opportunities and compete more in practice to win on the mat,” McGhee said. ANDOVER CENTRAL from the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division II returns twotime state runner-up in senior Xara Bacci at 143 pounds. PITTSBURG had a breakthrough season a year ago when they qualified their first two state wrestlers. Coach LC Davis hopes to send at least four girls to this year’s state tournament. EMPORIA was fifth in the first preseason rankings of the year with four wrestlers ranked: Evelin Geronimo, fourth at 101; Madelynn Griffin, third at 126; Virginia Munoz, second at 138 and Megan Olson, fifth at 235. GODDARD, known for their dominant boys’ team, is ranked seventh in the preseason girls’ rankings with two wrestlers at the top of their respective classification, Audrie Felkins at 115 and Ashlynn Goodwin. VALLEY CENTER is preseason ranked ninth with Cheyenne Blackwood ranked third at 138 and Grace Timmons also ranked third at 155. OLATHE NORTH has a trio of wrestlers preseason ranked in Catherine Duong at 109 and Elizabeth Ruggles at 191, both seniors, and sophomore continued on page 84

said. “We hope to field a competitive dual team as well as to compete in bracket tournaments.” CIMARRON returns sophomore Veronica Greene (113) after she took sixth place in last season’s state tournament. After losing her first round match against M.J. Huff from Buhler, Greene turned around and won by 5-4 decision in the next round and kept her day alive. Greene finished the season with a record of 7-21. Coach Lance Walker is hoping to increase participation in the girls program, his main goal for this season. CIRCLE gets back a top wrestler in the state in third ranked junior Katelyn Schmidt (143) after she took fifth at state last season. She defeated Eureka’s Lyndsey Escareno in that match, who is ranked one spot behind her in the preseason rankings. CHAPMAN returns two wrestlers from last year’s team that took sixth at Rossville Regionals. Sophomore Grace Johns (170) had a 6-9 record last year, while senior Chelsey Armbruster (235) took second place at state - after finishing sixth the year prior. “With our numbers increasing every year, our goal is to put together enough great finishes to win a team title for tournaments,” head coach Zach Lucas said. “We have a couple of great veteran girls that have had lots of success, and they will be a huge asset to the newer wrestlers we will gain this year.” CHASE COUNTY brings back a few state qualifiers from last season, including senior regional champion Cassie Herron (9-3 at 101, 11-12 overall), sophomore Kinzie Rogers (20-5 at 109, 22-14 overall, SQ), senior Nora Budke (10-5, 138, SQ), senior Reese Kohr (8-4, 132), and junior Avia Banks (9-4, 155, SQ). “Our women’s team competed well, finishing second in the district tournament and fourth in the regional tournament,” coach Derrick Budke said. “Our goals for this year would be to improve our first takedown percent as a squad to 80 percent and be 70 percent pin-to-pin ratio. Our ladies wrestled many freestyle and summer events. To be successful we have to capitalize on that experience and improve our ability to take our opponents down.” COFFEYVILLE-FIELD KINDLEY finished second in the Southeast Kansas League a season ago and brings back five wrestlers from that team. Senior Kenzi Smith (9-12, 138) was the team’s lone state qualifier, and is joined by sophomore Emma Hall (11-13, 109), senior Heaven Mims (2-4 at 115, senior Melissa Ortiz (10-13, 120), and sophomore Delilah Wright (2-16, 126/132). “I think our main goal is to continue to build,” coach Rachelle McGehee said. “I think our seniors last year really set the bar for this group. They see it is possible to qualify and even medal at state when they put in the time. They are a fun and energetic group to be around and have really bought into what we are trying to do here. The number of athletes we have and the continued focus on fundamentals will be in our sights for the coming year.” COLUMBUS gets back second ranked junior Addison Saporito (109) and fifth ranked senior Emily Welch (143) from last season’s squad. Saporito was the team’s lone state place-winner, finishing third last season. COUNCIL GROVE top-ranked junior Jolie

Citori Bosserman Oakley, Junior

Kammie Schanz Mulvane, Junior

Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com

By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer After just one year as a KSHSAA sanctioned sport, girls’ wrestling saw such an uptick in participation that, subsequently, the single all-class division from 2020 was split into a smaller 4A-1A classification and a larger 5A-6A class for 2021. Salina’s Tony’s Pizza Event Center played host to the first Girls 4A-1A State Tournament and there was no shortage of action. Baldwin managed to take the team title, despite not having a single wrestler in a finals match. The Bulldogs instead went the route of “death by a thousand cuts” with four wrestlers placing in the top five, overcoming Pratt and Paola teams that were right on their heels. A common goal for coaches entering this year is to grow the sport. Since passage of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 more opportunities are available for female athletes, but not until the 2019-20 season was wrestling a KSHSAA approved sport for girls. A number of pioneers in the sport - both female wrestlers and their coaches - are taking the mat this upcoming season, and will be remembered for pushing the sport forward. Another exciting and historic season lies ahead, and even if big meaningful storylines aren’t for you, just sit back and enjoy some quality wrestling. ABILENE gets one top-ranked wrestler back from last season that tied for eighth in the state in second ranked senior Lyndsey Buechman (170), who finished third in the state at 170 last season. BALDWIN enters this season as the second ranked team after winning the first ever Kansas Girls 4-1A DII State Wrestling title a season ago with 54.5 points. The defending champs bring back a talented group - including a couple of state place-winners - in sixth ranked sophomore Nora Prather (132), second ranked junior Audrey Darnell (138, 3rd in 2021), sixth ranked sophomore Jaden Wharton (170), sixth ranked sophomore Elee Pittman (191), and second ranked junior Made Hargett (235, 3rd in 2021). BUHLER has one of the top wrestlers in the state in top ranked senior Emilie Schweizer (191), who took first last season in the 235 class. BURLINGAME returns three state qualifiers from last year’s tournament. Junior Morgyn Baker and sophomore Isabelle Masters both made appearances, while sophomore Maliyah Lopez took fifth in 101, after placing second at districts behind Burden-Central’s Allie Pippitt. Pioneer league champs BURLINGTON were part of a four-way tie for eighth pace at last year’s state tournament, scoring 32 points. They return a big group, including a number of state qualifiers in senior M.J. Huff, a two-time qualifier who finished 3rd at 101 in 2021, and senior E’owynn Codney, another two-time state qualifier, who took fifth at 115 in 2021. They also return sophomore Zoe McKenzie (126), junior Aylliah Cole (132, junior Kameron Clay (138), senior Mikayla Meierhoff (143), senior Catherine Rohrer (155, sub-state qualifier), and junior Rebekah Schaffer (235, substate qualifier). Freshmen Olivia Lyon (120) and Carlee Cole (170) are also likely to see varsity mat time. “[Our goal this year is] to take the next step in our program’s growth and continue to build on the excitement that has been created with our girls wrestling program,” coach Doug Vander Linden

Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com

GIRLS DIVISION II WRESTLING

Page 83 Ziegler (170) took first in state last year for the Braves, overcoming Pratt-transfer Ava Mull, then at Larned, in that title match. DOUGLASS holds the 10th spot in this year’s preseason rankings due to returning place-winners in third ranked sophomore Tyelor Rozell (115, sixth in 20-21) and second ranked senior Jewella Cokeley (155, 4th in 20-21). EUREKA has two state qualifiers and a place-winner back from their squad a season ago. Sophomore Lyndsey Escareno (143) took sixth at the state tournament last season, while junior Rylee Shepherd (109) and senior Skylee Dodd also made state appearances. Junior Laikyn Turner (138) also returns from last year’s varsity. “[Our goals are to] keep growing our girls program and take more to state,” head coach Mike Davison said. FLINTHILLS gets back two seniors from a season ago in Whitney Mantanonam (25-14, 132) and Mary Spencer (12-14, 170). “[Our goal is] to stay focused on getting better in the practice room everyday,” head coach Larry Gawith said. FREDONIA’s lone wrestler ranked in the top six in state is second ranked sophomore Layla Tindle (132) who took third in state last season at 126. HOISINGTON holds down the seventh spot in the preseason rankings with the return of three wrestlers in third ranked sophomore Shenna Gocela (101, 4th in 20-21), sixth ranked junior Kiana Grandclair (115), and second ranked junior Emily Lovett (120, 4th in 2021). Fredonia’s Tindle overcame HOLTON’s Macey Gross (132) in the third place match at state last year, giving Gross a fourth place finish. Gross enters this season ranked third in 132, setting up a potential rematch between the two. HOXIE returns their lone girl in Marissa Porsch, who took third in the state tournament last year at 132. Porsch is the daughter of Hoxie head coach Mike Porsch - who has also coached two state champion sons. Marissa took fourth in 2020. LAKIN gets back two wrestlers from last year’s team that tied for fifth in the state. Number one ranked senior Isabell Ortiz (115, state champion in 2021, third in 2020) and her sister, number four ranked junior Josiah Ortiz (109, 5th in 2021) were key to last season’s team finish and are a big reason the Broncs enter into this season holding the eighth place team ranking. Isabell enters her senior year with a 70-9 overall record against girls while Josiah is a junior with a 53-8 overall record against girls. LOUISBURG returns one wrestler from last season in senior Bailey Hallas (115). Hallas was a D-II Regional Qualifier last season and finished with a 2-9 record. MCPHERSON’s top returning wrestler from last season is senior Holli Giddings (155) who finished third at state last season for a Bullpups team that finished 2-0 in duals and second at substate. Giddings enters this season sustaining her third place ranking in the state and is joined by a big group including senior Amy Hale and senior Arriana Gross, junior Hunter Wilson, junior Erin Kutina, and sophomores Addyson Senecal, Shaylee Scheets, and Jordyn Matters. “[Our goals are to get] more than 25 girls out, top five at state, academic state champs,” head coach Doug Kretzer said. “[Keys are to] work hard every day, have a team that cares deeply about each other, stay healthy, get better as the season progresses.”

Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Jolie Ziegler

Council Grove, Junior Number one ranked sophomore Hope Blake (132) is the top returner for MISSION VALLEY after taking first place at the state tournament a season ago over Marysville’s Elise Rose. MULVANE junior Kammie Schanz (138) looks to defend last season’s unbeaten (19-0) state title and enters this year ranked first in the state. She was state runner-up to Pratt’s Livia Swift as a freshman with a one-point loss in the 143-pound title match. OAKLEY holds the sixth spot in this year’s preseasons rankings and returns three wrestlers in top-ranked junior Citori Bosserman (101, state champion in 2021), junior Mikyah Cain (126, third in 2021), and senior Jalyn Moore (235, SQ). OSKALOOSA had one of the top wrestlers in the state last year in 155-pound runner-up Allison King, who lost just twice, the last time in the state title match with Ottawa’s Darby Weidl. King returns as a junior continued on page 84

Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 DII Girls/from page 82 to try and pick up just “Learning and growing as a young group of comone more win, and is top-ranked in the preseason. petitors,” coach Clint Bedore said of his team’s PHILLIPSBURG gets back state qualifying goals. “The practice room and an increase in sophomore Isabella Keesee (126). numbers will help our girls program.” “[We are] working on improving our numbers SMITH CENTER’s lone state qualifier from for the girls wrestling team,” head coach Andy last season returns in fifth ranked junior Sierra Kenney said. “Helping the new wrestlers learn Lanning (191). Lanning took fifth in last year’s about the sport and techniques and improving state tournament, but has a number of talented each week [are key].” wrestlers in her weight class that kept her from Tate Thompson’s PRATT team finished second moving up in the preseason rankings. at state last season - scoring 49 points - and won PAOLA finished third in state last year as a team, the Sportsmanship Award to further add to last finishing the tournament with 46 points total. A few season’s success. The Greenbacks bring back wrestlers return from that group, one of whom is a wealth of talent and enter this season as the two-time state runner-up senior Kailyn Younger top-ranked team in DII. Defending state cham- (126) - ranked third in the state coming into this pion, and number one preseason ranked Livia season - along with sophomore Bailey Donahue Swift (143) is Thompson’s top returning wrestler, (120), junior Grace Bull (132), junior Jailyn Taylor and one of the best in the state. Also returning (138) and sophomore Kayleigh Wurtz (171). is fifth ranked sophomore Lily Herrman (101) “[Our goal is to] compete and wrestle hard,” fourth ranked junior Jadyn Thompson (126, 3rd head coach Darvin Willard said. “Getting all the in 20-21), fourth ranked sophomore Keimarla girls to learn the sport [is key]. Our girls team will Thompson (138, 5th in 20-21), as well as Larned be young and new to the sport.” REMINGTON has three upperclassmen that will transfer and second ranked senior Ava Mull (191), the state runner-up at 170 a season ago. take the mat this season, including senior Cora ROSSVILLE doesn’t have a ton of top-billed Thiel (109), Senior Samantha Emmons (170), and wrestlers from last season, but the two they have junior Addison Evans (120). “Our goal is to push the wall back everyday,” back are good. The sophomore duo of Keera Lacock (120, fourth in 2021) and Kendra Hurla head coach Casey Gobel said. (126, first in 2021) each hold top rankings individWELLINGTON enters this season ranked ually going into this season and were a huge part fourth, the same placing they finished with at last of the Bulldogs fifth place team finish at state last year’s state tournament. Defending state champion and number one ranked junior Anna Cullens season. STAFFORD has two veteran wrestlers back (109) returns, along with fourth ranked senior from last season in sophomores Morgan Guner Kaitlyn Hain (132, sixth in 2021), and third ranked (143, 5-21) and Kate McCloskey (155, 10-4). senior Averie Burns (235, fourth in 2021). Coming off of a second place finish at 126 at “Hard work and determination” are the keys to success for head coach Jimmy Brozek. last year’s state tournament, WINFIELD senior Three wrestlers will take the mat for STOCKTON Mikayla Konrade maintains that spot in the prethis season. Senior Raven Long, as well as fresh- season rankings, with Rossville’s defending 120 men Ashlyn Hahn and Kourtney Bigge are hoping pound state champ, Kendra Hurla taking the top to set the tone for Tiger wrestling going forward. spot after moving up to 126.

Jewella Cokeley

Douglass, Senior

DI Girls/from page 82 Hailey Conley ranked fourth at 235. BONNER SPRINGS welcomes back state champion sophomore Olivia Stean, ranked first at 170 entering the season. Stean’s father was a champion for Bonner Springs in 1992. DERBY has the second ranked wrestler at 101 in Amara Ehsa. EISENHOWER junior Lainie Burkhart is ranked third at 109, while SPRING HILL’s Julie Yoder, a sophomore, is ranked fifth in the same weight and her teammate Neveah Tauer, a senior, is ranked sixth at 132. CAMPUS junior Erin Jackson is third at 115. BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST has senior Hannah Glynn ranked second at 120. SALINA CENTRAL junior Lydia Dong is sixth at 126 and her teammate, senior Makayla Anderson is sixth at 170. OLATHE NORTHWEST junior Gianna

Page 84 DeCicco is ranked third at 132. WICHITA SOUTH has a pair of wrestlers preseason ranked in senior Delilah Sherbin - fifth at 143 - and sophomore Trinity Williams - third at 170. SHAWNEE MISSION WEST sophomore Alaina Johnston is preseason ranked fourth at 120, while SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH has senior Sara Soureshjani ranked sixth at 143. NEWTON junior Jaymie Murray is preseason ranked sixth at 155 while WICHITA SOUTHEAST senior Egypt Allen is fourth at 170. BASEHOR-LINWOOD senior Cadence Christenson is ranked fifth at 191, WICHITA WEST sophomore Druzzla Johnson is ranked second at 235 and OLATHE EAST senior Akaiya Tinsley is ranked third at 235 to round out the preseason rankings.

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Page 85 tournament a year ago. All five starters return for the Mustangs, including 5-7 first team all-state senior Aubrie Kierscht (20 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.1 apg, 2.3 spg), all-state honorable mention selections in 5-9 junior Mykayla Cunningham (10.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.9 apg, 3.1 spg) and 5-10 senior Hampton Williams (7 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.6 spg), along with 5-11 senior Chaliscia Samilton (8.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg, .9 spg) and 5-9 senior Landry Sweat (6.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2 apg, 1 spg). “Our biggest strength this season will be our ability to run the floor and get offense from several different sources,” said head coach Chris Fear. “We have several versatile players who can make shots and handle the basketball. I am confident we are going to be a tough team to defend. Our guard court is deep and we have good size on the wing. We do not have great depth in the post however so we will have to work as a unit and be very aggressive rebounding the basketball. We have become a veteran team at this point and have very high expectations for the 2021-22 campaign.” VALLEY CENTER closed out last season at 8-14 after a sub-state loss to state qualifiers Maize. Back for the Hornets are 5-8 senior Anna Eldridge (11 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 spg) and 5-4 junior Ali Coash (10 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg, 2 spg) - both were voted all-league honorable mention last season, - and 5-4 senior Halle Brittain (4 ppg, 2 rpg, 1 apg) also returns.

Everett Royer, KSportsImages.ocm

AVCTL-II/from page 38 Central and runner-up Salina Central - ACHS finishing as state runner-up and SCHS in the top four of the state - will battle for league and 5A supremacy. They aren’t alone in the league, however, and there is a full season ahead of teams giving them their best shots. Eisenhower, Andover, and Valley Center are bringing back talented players, while Goddard looks to surprise everyone with it’s quietly talented roster. ANDOVER closed out last season at 9-12 with a loss to cross-town rival and 5A state runner-up Andover Central in the first round of sub-state. The Trojans return seniors Brooke Eby and Kylie Forney, juniors Sydney Anderson and Jayda Kelly, as well as sophomores Brooke Walker and Alana Shetlar, all contributors a year ago. The aforementioned ANDOVER CENTRAL returns three starters from last year’s team, including first team all-state senior Brittany Harshaw (18.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.3 apg, Creighton signee), all-state senior Ellie Stearns (13 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.7 apg, FHSU commit), and junior Maddie Amekporfor (9.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.3 apg). Seniors Brayden Wheatley, Kellyn Rogers, and Carly Parker are also expected to make an impact for two-time state champion coach Stana Jefferson. “Have three incredible returning starters that have lots of experience,” coach Jefferson said. “Several kids came off the bench last year that provided big moments for the Jaguars. Practice will be competitive right out of the gate. Great leadership and team chemistry will be the key to our success.” ARKANSAS CITY was unable to notch a win last season, finishing 0-20. Senior Emma Badley is one of their top returning players after averaging 3.2 ppg last season. EISENHOWER was 14-6 last season, ultimately getting eliminated in a first round substate matchup with Maize South. With second team all-state Kennedy Nicholson (Benedctine) lost to graduation, the Tigers have a void to fill. Junior honorable mention all-league pick Addison Verbeck is likely to be looked to early and often. GODDARD was only 7-14 a year ago, but returns four starters. The Lions are led by 5-9 second team all-state senior Maycee James (16.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 3.6 apg, 5.9), among the peskiest defenders in the state, while fellow returning starters, 5-8 senior Bailey Scoggin (5.7 ppg, 1.6 rpg), 5-6 senior Ashlynn Wcislo (5.3 ppg), and 5-11 sophomore Larun Gordon (3 ppg, 4 rpg, 1 bpg) return to give the Lions even more firepower. “Our team goals are to be a better team as a whole from a year ago,” coach Marcus James said. “It was a strange season for every team in all parts of the state and country, but that is not an excuse. We want to be a force in one of the toughest leagues in the state of Kansas. We want to challenge ourselves, and thus others, when we play them. Double-digit wins this season is a very attainable goal for a great group of veterans coming back. We are counting on some youth to step up and contribute as well. We are very excited to get out on the floor and compete hard every night.” SALINA CENTRAL has a claim to one of the scariest returning lineups in the state after finishing 19-5 with a top four finish at the state

Chaliscia Samilton

Salina Central, Senior

Mike Hogan

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 SPIAA/from page 69 to be. We have an HEIGHTS gets back three starters from that team expectation to be competitive in the league and in 5-10 senior Elizabeth Rasmussen (5 ppg, 3 prepare ourselves for the postseason. It all starts rpg), 5-8 senior Yamie Cordero (3 ppg, 1 rpg) and with our defensive effort.” 6-3 sophomore Olivia Hands (10 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 Four-seed INGALLS couldn’t overcome their bpg, honorable mention all-league). five-seed opponent Ness City in sub-state, losing Lindsey Heskamp takes over a SATANTA pro63-51. The Bulldogs finished 12-8 and will have gram that finished 5-16 overall last season, and a talented senior group to replace, including top has no returning starters to work with. Hard work, an enjoyable experience for the players, basketscorers Regan Ast and Alexa Lightner. KIOWA COUNTY finished 10-12 last season, ball fundamentals and positive attitudes are a few with a 6-5 mark in the SPIAA. A big group re- points of emphasis for Heskamp. SOUTH CENTRAL was narrowly defeated by turns from that team, including five seniors in 5-8 Addi Heinson, 5-7 Addison Sherer, 5-7 Emma Norwich in their state quarterfinal matchup last Thompson, 5-8 Blythe Campbell and 5-5 Liberty season by a score of 35-33. They get back three Gilkey, along with 5-5 junior Raygan Heft and 5-7 starters for sure from that 19-6 team in 5-6 sejunior Shelby Lingafelter. nior Sierra Jellison (12.6 ppg, 5 rpg, second team “For the 2021-22 season we are expecting im- all-league), 5-7 senior Kirsten Hackney (5-7 ppg, provement in all phases of our program,” first year 3 rpg), and 5-9 junior Kodie Herd (13.8 ppg, 8 head coach Marcus Mitchell said. “We only lost rpg). Senior Hadley Lohrding is dealing with an two players from last year’s team and returning injury and her status for this season is currently seven players highlighted by SPIAA league hon- unknown. orable mention Addi Heinson. Addison Sherer “With our starting point guard injured in an accishot the ball well last season and had contin- dent our lineup may have to be adjusted, but our ued success shooting it this summer. Raygan goal for each season is to be competitive in the Heft has a high IQ and her defensive pressure always strong SPIAA League, which will always can cause issues by herself. We will be adding make the team ready for postseason play,” coach three players from our JV team that will be able Tim Rietzke said. “Obviously, our health will be a to compete for minutes as well. Our success will factor, but leadership from our experienced playdepend on guard play on both sides of the ball, ers and how quickly our young players adapt will especially defense, since we are undersized and be major keys.” have low depth at the post position. We hope to Coach Rietzke enters his 40th year coaching make up what we lack in size with speed and ag- at Coldwater-South Central, including a seven gressiveness. In non-league play we will host the year stint from 2001 to 2008 where he coached first annual Kiowa County Shootout with Medicine boys and girls at the same time. He has 784 wins Lodge, Otis Bison and Pratt-Skyline. We also will against 441 losses in those 39 years at the helm. SOUTH GRAY finished 15-6 during the 2020-21 face off with Kinsley and Southwestern Heights in non-league play. In league play, the SPIAA league season and returns three starters from that team is arguably the most competitive in the state. in senior Attison Clark (11.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg, second Ashland, Hodgeman County, South Central and team all-league), junior Halli Meairs (6.7 ppg), and Spearville all made it to state last year. South Gray sophomore Vi Helm (7.1 ppg, 5 rpg). Head coach and Bucklin all made serious postseason runs Mindy Stillwell named health and uptempo tranas well before meeting with league foes in the sition basketball as her team’s two primary keys Regional Championship games. With 10 players to success. listed on our roster, we will have some tough deciSPEARVILLE returns eight key players from sions to make with our personnel since we ideally last year’s 17-5 team; seniors Anna Stein (9.3 want to play our top eight to nine players. With ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3 bpg) and Reneau Ratzlaff (4.3 us having a deep roster consisting of competitive ppg), along with juniors Taegan Pedigo (5.2 ppg, talented players there will be intense battles for 5.8 apg, 3 spg), Tawney Kromina (7 ppg, 5 rpg), positions at practice.” Tessa Kueker (8 ppg, 45 3PT made), Kristen MEADE went 6-14 last season but returns Huston (2.5 ppg, 3.8 apg), Kara Brakey (3.1 ppg, a large group that first year head coach Mario 5.2 rpg) and Kathryn Nolte (4.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg). Saucedo feels can help the Lady Buffs including “We were one of the best defensive teams in 5-8 senior Kiana Unruh, 5-7 senior Kaya Hartnett, the southwest part of the state [last season], we 5-11 senior Rylin Rudzik, 5-5 senior Allie Miller, must continue to do that,” second year Spearville 5-6 junior Ryleigh Foster, 6-0 junior Kyra Shewey head coach Todd Cossman said. “[Keys to suc(second team all-league, along with a group of cess include the ability to] execute on offense - we underclassmen. don’t have any one all-star offensive player, but “We want to play competitively in every game we have a number of players who can do different we play,” Saucedo said, noting the team needs to things - [so we] need to buy-in to winning as a “stay healthy” and “build on our senior leadership.” team and executing on offense.” MINNEOLA was knocked out in the first round of sub-state by Kiowa County and finished the season 7-12. The Wildcats had two particularly talented underclassmen last season in now-junior Madi Dennison (second team all-league) and sophomore Maiya Shelor. After going 11-10 in 2020-21, PAWNEE

Maycee James

Goddard, Senior

Jeff Ramsey, Agent Phone: 620-544-4303 CPL/from page 43

enter into this season looking for their first winning record since 2018, when they won 19 games. MEDICINE LODGE returns three starters including 6-0 senior Rachel Fischer (15.4 ppg, 12.6 rpg, 2.3 spg), sophomore Jhayla Alojacin, and junior Camyrn Smith. Fischer is a size mismatch much of the time, which will continue to be an asset for the Indians, as they look to improve on last year’s 4-15 record. Head coach Kami Dahlberg said of her team’s goals, “Always to make it further than the previous year.” Chris Porter’s WICHITA-INDEPENDENT finished a solid 13-9 with a fourth place league finish in 2021, but the Panthers bring back little from that squad. Senior Megan Skinner (7 ppg, 6 rpg, 4 apg, 1 bpg, 1 spg) is the lone returning starter of what will be a young team, her steady statline gives them a solid foundation.

Jackie Elliott

Page 86

Emma Lehman

Goodland, Senior

Brad Nading, Garden City Telegram

junior Summya Adigun (10 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2.6 spg, offers from Southwestern Oklahoma State, Sterling College, Seward Community College). Head coach Emmanuel Aidgun - in his fifth year at Hugoton and 9th overall with a 109-73 record - mentioned “developing our role players and giving them the confidence to be impact players for our team” as a key to success for his Eagles. “Our primary goal as a team is to make sure we continue to get better as the season progresses,” Adigun said. “We would also like to compete for a GWAC championship, win our sub-state and have an opportunity to compete in the 3A state tournament.” Nineteenth year head coach Amy Felker finished 6-16 with a 3-12 record and sixth place finish in the GWAC during her first year at SCOTT CITY. Felker is 247-168 overall in her career and she gets back all five starters from last season including 5-5 second team all-league senior Amber Latta (11.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.8 apg, 2.9 spg), 6-0 all-league honorable mention junior Brooke Strine (10.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1 bpg, 1.1 spg), 5-6 sophomore Erika Felker (7.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2 spg), 6-0 senior Ella Rumford (4.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.3 spg, .5 bpg) and 5-8 senior Alli Patton (3.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, .8 spg). “[Our goals are] to improve upon last year, work hard on defense and become more consistent,” Felker said. “Trust in teammates, ccoring, rebounding, hustle every play. Guards need to create to make plays, and posts need to finish around the basket.” ULYSSES defeated Buhler in their sub-state play-in game last season, 42-27, before having the tables turned on them with a 64-24 defeat at the hands of one-seed Nickerson, leaving their final record at 3-17. Jackie Keaton, Jocelin Baeza, Halle Nagel, and all-league honorable mention Leslie Lerma all move on due to graduation. Junior Cami Kenny and sophomore Chloe Curl both return for the Tigers as they look for their first winning season since 2019.

Nicole Ruda

Holcomb, Senior Carrie Towns Photography

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 GWAC/from page 49 ULYSSES loses first healthy, injuries have plagued us in the past team all-league Lance Walker and second team years. If we stay healthy this group of girls could all-league Aaron Galindo from last season’s 5-14 be really special this year.” team that was eliminated in the play-in round COLBY was unable to overcome sub-state of sub-state. The Tigers do return all-league host Norton in the first round of the tournament, honorable mention senior Ryan Nightengale. losing 44-21. Senior first team all-league Ulysses has floated around .500 at best over the selection Brooklyn Jones (Metro State signee) last decade, their last season above that mark and senior all-league honorable mention Emma in 2012. Curry return to the starting lineup after finishing GIRLS last season 11-10. Head coach Yancey Walker The Hugoton girls decided they wanted a takes over in his first year with the Eagles after league title of their own to match the boys last 23 years of coaching in both the high school and season, winning the GWAC outright. A big part college ranks. Walker called “to get better each of that title was Mikyn Hamlin, who averaged just day” a goal for his team this season. over 20 points per game as a sophomore, while “[Our keys to success are] adjusting to a teammates Summya Adigun and Gianna Vos new coach with a new style and to become pitched in double-digit scoring averages of their exceptional at the mundane,” Walker said. own. The Eagles will again be a tough matchup, In just three seasons coach Bill Biermann has and the favorite to repeat as league champs, but led the GOODLAND Cowgirls from five, to 12, to they’ll have worthy challengers. 18 wins, with an 18-4 league runner-up finish a Goodland returns plenty of talent from a team season ago and a narrow 48-46 loss to TMP in that finished second in the league race and the quarterfinals of the Norton sub-state to end fourth year coach Bill Biermann has the team the season. trending in the right direction improving their win Gone to graduation are honorable mention alltotal in each of his first three seasons. league players Mikayla Biermann and Sydney Cimarron has a trio that averaged double-digits Hahn but back are a trio of standouts in first of their own in McKayla Miller, Emily Acton and team all-league junior Talexa Weeter (6-0, 17 Jacee Wilson, with others that provided valuable ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.7 apg, 2.3 spg) and honorable production a year ago also coming back. The mention all-GWAC selections in senior Emma Bluejays had a great season, but were crushed Lehman (5-11, 7.5 ppg, 2 rpg, 1.2 spg) and in the sub-state championship by Hugoton. junior Lindsey Cure (6-0, 7.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.8 Colby gets back two players who made the apg, 2.5 spg). all-league team a year ago in Brooklyn Jones “Our program has improved a great deal the and Emma Curry. The Eagles have the core last couple of years and I think we are striving necessary to make a push to improve on last for a winning culture and consistency,” Biermann season’s just above .500 record. said. “Our first goal will be to try and win our Scott City brings back all five starters from a own tournament here at the beginning of the year ago, including two all-league players in year in our tough Topside Tipoff Tournament. Amber Latta and Brooke Strine. We played Dodge City in the finals last year and Holcomb and Ulysses also bring back some would like to improve on that second place finish good young players that are hoping to lift by winning it. We are working hard to win the their schools out of the bottom of the league competitive GWAC. There are very good teams standings. in our league led by third place in state last year, CIMARRON was able to navigate their way to Hugoton. If we continue to improve and find a the sub-state championship game effortlessly way to replace a couple of senior guards we lost, before running into a tough Hugoton team, I think we have a real shot to get to the state losing 60-33. Significant talent returns for new tournament.” head coach Austin Stebens - who previously In addition to replacing the graduated guard served as an assistant to Eli Epplegate on the play of a year ago Biermann also called Cimarron bench - after the Bluejays finished last “improving our team defense and rebound season 17-6 and 5-4 in conference play. margin” critical to the team’s success. The Bluejays will be led by 6-1 honorable “Finally, our commitment to each other and mention all-state junior McKayla Miller (17 ppg, building team chemistry,” Biermann added. “We 8 rpg, 4.2 apg, 2 bpg, multiple DI offers including have enough talent, it’s pulling it all together.” Oklahoma State, KU, K-State, Wichita State HOLCOMB made it past the first round of the and more) who is joined by 5-9 senior Emily sub-state tournament a year ago, before facing Acton (13 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg, second team all- a 68-23 defeat by a state-bound Hugoton squad GWAC), 5-8 senior Jacee Wilson (10 ppg, 4 and closing out the season with a 7-15 mark. rpg), 6-0 junior Caitlyn Sonday (9 ppg, 7 rpg, The Longhorns lose senior Blair Holliday to 1.5 bpg), 5-9 senior Melody Carter (6 ppg) and graduation, but get back second team all-league 5-10 junior Taryn Jantz (5 ppg) who return after senior Nicole Ruda, senior McKee Blackburn, putting in valuable varsity minutes last season. all-league honorable mention sophomore Jera The Bluejays will likely get further help from Kruleski and junior Paige Jones. 5-7 senior Ryleigh Dyke, 5-7 sophomore Jayna GWAC champs HUGOTON were barely Wilson, as well as junior Kennedy Jarnagin, who edged out of the state 3A semifinals last year by is returning from an injury. Sabetha 57-55, finishing the season 23-2. Three “As a team, winning a league title would be pivotal junior starters return from that team, huge for us,” coach Stebens said. “The GWAC including first team all-state and D-I prospect has some really good girls basketball teams Mikyn Hamlin (20.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.5 and we are lucky to be a part of it. Three of spg, offers from Wichita State, University of the last four years we have been in the sub- Missouri-Kansas City, University of Wyoming, state championship and have came up short University of San Francisco), 5-9 second team each year. This group of girls would love to get all-league junior Gianna Vos (12.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, over that hump and make a trip to the state 2.3 spg, offers from Florida Southern, Newman, tournament this year. A big thing for us is to stay Emporia State), and 5-8 second team all-league

Summya Adigun

Hugoton, Junior

“[Our goal this year is] to improve upon last year,” coach Chris Porter said. “Learn how to mesh together with new players.” WICHITA-TRINITY was knocked out in the second round of sub-state by eventual state champs, Cheney, closing out the season with a 12-7 mark. The loss of 6-0 senior Austin Broadie will hurt the Knights, but they get back all-league honorable mention senior Aubrey Winter (10.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg) and senior Megan Hedstrom (7.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.2spg), both showing their own abilities to score when needed last season.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 LCL/from page 54

graduation, but bring back a talented roster including all-state honorable mention senior Damon Redeker (6-1, 10 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg, 2 spg), second team all-league senior Derek Hoelting (6-0, 12 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 spg), senior Ted Skalsky, senior Eli Foraker, along with juniors Truman Bailey, Blake Redeker, Darren Heins, and sophomore Blake Skalsky. As usual the start to the basketball season will have to wait as the Eagles make another deep playoff run. Veteran coach Chris Schmidt, now in his 25th season as the head basketball coach and his 15th year as head football coach, will again try to repeat as the coach of the 1A state champs in football and basketball. After making a successful sub-state tournament run and state appearance, WAVERLY was knocked out in the quarterfinals by Elyria-Christian and finished the season 11-10. Second team all-league senior Damian Foster was the Bulldogs top player last season. GIRLS BURLINGAME came into their sub-state as the two-seed and faced one-seed Olpe in the championship round losing 49-33 to the eventual state champs. The Bearcats return three starters from that team in first team all-league senior Daelyn Winters (12 ppg, 3.4 apg, 3.8 spg), junior Gracie Simmons (5 ppg, 5 4 rpg), and second team all-league sophomore Kaylin Noonan (14.6 ppg, 7 rpg), along with reserves senior Kenna Masters, senior Brooke LCL/continued on page 90

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Grosdidier will lead a sophomore class that head coach Matt Shulman believes will be the key to his team’s success. “How will our group of sophomores step up as varsity players this year?” Shulman said of the team’s key question entering the season. Coming off of a 2-15 finish a year ago, BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST returns three starters in seniors Abby Augustine (7.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1 bpg, 1.4 spg), Carsen Tinkler (6 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg, 1 bpg, 1 spg), and sophomore Maryam ElDemerdash (2 ppg, 2.1 rpg, .6 spg, .8 apg). “[Our goal is to] continue to build experience and development with a predominately freshman and sophomore varsity team,” coach TJ Taylor said. “Relying on seniors Abby Augustine and Carsen Tinkler, their leadership will be the key in how fast we can develop our predominantly freshman and sophomore varsity team and entirely young program.” BLUE VALLEY WEST was also 2-15 last season, falling to league opponent Blue Valley North by a score of 72-61 in a sub-state play-in game. The Jaguars continue an attempt to gain traction, but the EKL is among the toughest leagues in the state, only managing one win in league play last season against Blue Valley Southwest. ST. JAMES ACADEMY couldn’t overcome league rival Aquinas in their state quarterfinals last season, falling 61-31 and finishing the season with an 11-9 record. Second year head coach Justin Snell gets back three starters from that state qualifying team; 5-7 junior Riley Bruggeman (11.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.6 spg), 5-10 senior Beth Grant (4.8 ppg), and 5-7 junior Lauren Steinlage (4.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.1 apg). Snell set the team goal to make the final four at the state tournament, one step further than last season. “We will be a much smaller, much quicker,

younger team than we were last year,” Snell said. “We will need to play fast on the offensive end, defend well as a team and team rebound. We will need contributions from a number of newcomers and returners to be at our best this year.” ST. THOMAS AQUINAS took the 5A state title with a record of 20-2 last season and - minus the departure of second team all-state Madison Skelton (Emporia State) - returns a majority of the talent from that team. Senior 6-3 twin towers Charlotte O’Keefe (7.5 ppg, 8.4 rpg, University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley signee) and first team all-state Beatrice Culliton (13.3 ppg, 8.6 rpb, Oklahoma signee) will patrol the paint once again, while junior Catherine Goodwin (4.9 ppg, 1.7 rpg) and sophomore Jamya McPherson (6.5 ppg, 2 rpg) round out whats left of the championship starting lineup. Team chemistry, playing hard and having fun are a few keys to success emphasized by 24th year coach Rick Hetzel.

AVCTL-III/from page 38 Head coach Ben Ponce has not been able to instill winning ways at WINFIELD quite yet, but building the team’s culture and taking positive steps forward remain the center of his goals. Three key seniors return from last years 2-18 squad, including Riley Yingling (5.2 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg), Armon Acosta (2.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.1 apg, .8 spg), and Kyan Towles (10.6 ppg, 5 rpg, 1 apg). GIRLS McPherson ran away with the AVCTL-III title last season, finishing 10-0 and eventually as state runner-up, but the Bullpups lose a considerable amount of last season’s firepower. Circle also graduated the majority of their offensive production from a year ago, including all-state guard Kimalee Cook, also one of the state’s top sprinters, now playing basketball at Southern Nazarene. Winfield’s quietly got one of the better foundations with their twin towers in the post, while the rest of the league looks to replace talent, or build on steps taken last season. AUGUSTA loses first team all-league selection Macee Anderson to graduation but the Orioles get back the rest of last season’s roster from a 6-15 team, including 5-11 senior Sydney Scott, 5-2 senior Ella Puckett, 5-11 junior Avery Williams, and 5-4 junior Aspen Peterson. “We will have some very tough decisions to make as far as personnel, starting lineups, etc.,” head coach Rainey Maloy said. “There will be competitive practices early on for girls to earn spots. We have a hard working freshmen class coming in that could push our junior varsity and

junior Lyric Edgerle (1.2 ppg, .8 rpg), and 5-7 junior Katie Coble (.9 ppg, 1.4 rpg) who were all letterwinners last season. “Circle returns multiple letterwinners from last year’s squad, but will lack much crunch time experience,” 16th year head coach Brian Henry said. “The T-Birds hope to build off a successful season last year. Circle will continue to play pressure defense and look to run both man and zone defenses. Circle will continue to use a guard oriented offense. After graduating five productive seniors, the T-Birds look to rebuild and compete in the always difficult AVCTL Division-III.” EL DORADO was 0-19 last year, but returns a majority of that roster, including 5-3 senior Victoria George, 5-8 senior Regan Lattey, 5-6 senior Presley Johnson, 5-5 senior Jaelyn Sheffler, 5-3 junior Macy Parsons, 5-3 junior Gibby Baker, and 5-9 junior Sydney Scholes. “I’d like to see us pick up our intensity on the defensive end and to see an increase in our shooting percentage,” coach Julie Jones said. “Everybody needs to shoot the ball.” MCPHERSON finished as the 4A state runnerup last year, losing to a dominant Miege team. Head coach Chris Stathman returns two starters, 5-9 senior Peyton Howard and 5-6 senior Lauren Labertew, along with a majority of last season’s bench. The Bullpups also bring in Doniphan West transfer Chloe Clevenger. “This year’s team will hopefully be able to fly under the radar a little bit, as we are not returning near the offensive firepower that we have been accustomed to having for the last several years,” Strathman said. “We are going to be a team that

will have to rely on our defense, rebounding, ball security and shot selection. We must have all of those components working in order to compete with the really good teams on our schedule.” Coming off of an 11-9 season, WINFIELD returns two starters in 6-2 all-state honorable mention sophomore Aleah Moree (13.6 ppg, 10 rpg, 1.6 bpg) and 6-0 senior Neveah Green (4 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.6 bpg), giving 10th year head coach Chris VenJohn an imposing front court. Junior Crosby Curtis, along with seniors Anna Ross, Hailey Sparks, Hailey Shelton and Zee Witcher provide further experience to carry over from last year. “[Our goal this year is] to take a step forward in our program and win games,” VenJohn said. “Keep building on the culture and be competitive night in and night out.”

Beatrice Culliton Aquinas, Senior

Mulvane Sports

varsity kids and could possibly have their own opportunity at the higher levels.” BUHLER finished 4-17 in head coach Sierra Mchelstetter’s first season and 5-1 junior Taryn Horning is the only starter coming back for the Crusaders. Seniors Abby Yutzy, Paige McDowell, and Maren Lackey also return after logging considerable varsity minutes. “We will be a young team as we enter the 2021-2022 season,” coach Sierra Michelstetter said. “We have a few key players from last year returning to lead the way. We will have to replace a huge inside presence, and some players will have to step up to fill those roles. Our seniors all have experience playing varsity, and will become great leaders for our incoming class of freshmen. We will have a few freshmen that will step up in key positions for our team. Our expectation for the season is to complete every time we step on the floor. We have a tough non-conference schedule playing Nickerson, Hutchinson, Hesston and Andale. Our conference schedule will be tough again this year with McPherson leading the way [and] Circle, Augusta and Winfield all returning great players. We will be young, but with high expectations to compete and play hard.” CIRCLE finished last season 14-6 with a second place AVCTL finish before graduating their entire starting lineup in May. Despite that, they do have a decent amount of varsity experience returning including 5-6 senior Abi Shaults (1.4 ppg, 1 rpg, 1 spg), 5-6 senior Adie White (.9 ppg), 5-8 senior Erin Johnson (2.1 ppg, 1.4 rpg), 5-10 senior Delaynie Dennison (1.1 ppg, 1.3 rpg), 5-5 sophomore Kya Thornton (.9 ppg, .7 rpg), 5-8

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Brian Turrel

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 EKL/from page 47 Aquinas in 5A winning second team all-state senior Emajin McCallop, titles of their own. Blue Valley and St. James also senior Adrianna Smith, and all-league honorable mention senior Allie Burns to help the new coach qualified for state. Aquinas and Blue Valley get back loads of tal- English continue the Miege tradition of success. ent from their state teams, while Miege has some BLUE VALLEY finished 16-7 last season, with serious soul searching to do with their roster and a state tournament appearance. All five starters staff losses. return from that team including seniors Sophie Blue Valley North is going to be another team Deveney (10 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg, 2 spg, 2 bpg, 40 to keep in mind when talking EKL action. The percent from three), Katie Daniels (3 ppg, 4 rpg, Mustangs return two starters from last season’s 1 apg, 1 spg), juniors Aden Bax (3 ppg, 1 rpg, 1 solid squad, but also bring in Aubrey Shaw, an apg, 2 spg), Ainelsey Lister (3 ppg, 4 rpg, 1 apg, incoming freshman that already has received D-I 2 spg), and sophomore Jadyn Wooten (3 ppg, 4 offers. Shaw is the younger sister of top men’s rpg, 5 apg, 4 spg). prospect, and Blue Valley star, Aidan Shaw. Outside shooting and interior defense are a It’s an old complaint that teams in the KC Metro couple of head coach Bruce Erickson’s main foget more media attention than the rest of the cuses for his team as they look to return to the state, but if winning is what dictates coverage, state tournament. there are plenty of reasons to cover the EKL. “[Our key to success is] shooting the ball well,” Class 4A state champs BISHOP MIEGE finished Erickson said. “Won’t be very tall but are very tal23-1 last season, with their only loss coming to 6A ented at all of the guard positions. Need to be able champs and league opponents Shawnee Mission to guard some inside players without fouling.” Northwest. The Stags had only three games total BLUE VALLEY NORTH gets back two starters in which they didn’t win by double-digits, the loss from last year’s 14-7 team that finished third in the to Northwest and two wins over Aquinas. The sea- EKL in 5-7 seniors Carolina Cool (12 ppg) and son was a perfect ending point for legendary head Mary Crossland (9 ppg). Incoming 6-1 freshman coach Terry English’s career, which spanned 45 Aubrey Shaw is likely to see plenty of court time years with an astounding 22 state championships as well. Head coach Ann Fritz is could pass 600 and a 910-168 record during the span. The coach wins during the season with her overall record announced his retirement from head coaching du- currently 586-233. ties at the conclusion of the championship game. “[Our keys to success are] being strong defenEnglish had been the only head coach for Miege sively, and controlling the offensive and defensive in program history, but the new head coach’s last boards,” Fritz said. “[Our goal is to] get better evname will remain the same in the program as ery game.” Terry’s son, Jeff English, takes over his father’s BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST was 9-11 with a coaching duties. 4-7 league record last season and returns three The Stags also say goodbye to one of the best starters from that team in 5-4 senior Hayley players in school history, all-american Payton Numrich (5 ppg, 4 apg, 2 spg), 6-2 sophomore Verhulst (Louisville), as well as all-state honor- Lainie Douglas (11 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 bpg) and sophoable mention Gabi Henderson-Artis. Back are 5-8 more Josie Grosdidier (7 ppg, 4 rpg). Douglas and

Aleah Moree

Winfield, Sophomore

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 CPL/from page 45

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performers at the varsity level. Chemistry, depth and getting off to a good start are some keys to success that head coach Dwight Roper emphasized for this season. HESSTON nearly got the best of a talented Halstead team in last season’s sub-state finals, but couldn’t quite seal the deal with a 40-36 loss, and finished the season 15-7. Seniors Harley Ferralez (2.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.5 apg), Caryn Yoder (11.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.7 apg, 2.4 spg), Katie Kueker (8.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.1 spg), and 5-8 junior Anna Humphreys (9.7 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.5 spg) return to give the Swathers a formidable core. “The core foundation of our team has some solid experience,” head coach Matt Richardson said. “We hope to develop depth as the season goes on and we look to advance our young players so that they become comfortable and aggressive assets for us to use throughout the season. Having depth will enable us to practice better and push ourselves everyday instead of only on game nights.” HILLSBORO has two starters back from their 19-4 sub-state runner-up squad. Senior Emersyn Funk (2 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.1 spg) and sophomore Zaylee Werth (6.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.4 spg) give the Trojans a core to build around, with the help of key reserves from last season, senior Sammie Saunders (1.2 ppg), senior Reese

Hefley (1.8 ppg), and sophomore Savannah Shahan (5.7 ppg, 3 rpg). HOISINGTON returns top scorer in senior Macy Hanzlick (10.5 ppg, 6-4 rpg, 1.9 apg, 2.5 spg, 1 bpg) from last season’s 8-13 squad that faced a first round sub-state exit, along with junior Addy Mason (6.1 ppg, 1 rpg, 1 apg, 1.1 spg). After a 2-18 season, LARNED says goodbye to “After a couple years of rebuilding, our upperclassmen have been playing varsity for a couple of years so we have a lot of varsity experience coming back,” coach Shelby Flax said. “They’ll be joined with a lot of underclassmen who have the ability to come in and contribute as well. The girls should be more comfortable in their roles and more comfortable reading different scenarios on the court. They put in a lot of time this summer and focused on getting better at their reactions and responses to each other and defenses. Offensively, we will be looking to everyone to contribute and how well we can read each other and the defense to put points on the board. Defensively, we will hope to pressure the other teams and have a good rotation to keep everyone fresh. We have a lot of girls that are quick and know their rotations well, so defense should be exciting.” OTIS-BISON coach Jade Winter enters her first year with an experienced junior class to work with

from last season’s 8-9 team that was knocked out in the first round of sub-state. Juniors Johanna Baalman (8.9 ppg, 8.4 rpb, 2.6 spg), Hailee Morrison (7.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.3 spg), Maci Wiltse (3.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.8 apg) and Taylor Croisant (1.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1 apg) are experienced yet still relatively young. Winter pointed out “staying active on defense” as one of the team’s biggest keys to success. After being held back from a potential state title in the 2020 tournament due to COVID, ST. JOHN finished 12-9 last season after being eliminated 40-36 in the second round of sub-state by eventually state runner-up, Norwich. Back are 5-10 first team all-state senior Darby Smith along with senior Kaylynn Claussen, senior Payton Meyer, sophomore Heidi Fisher and junior Jade Portillo - who missed most of last season with a knee injury. VICTORIA posted one of their best records in years, finishing 15-5 after facing second round sub-state elimination at the hands of Quinter. The Knights lose a couple graduates from that squad, but return some valuable assets. Senior Melany Huser (12.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.4 apg, 3.9 spg), junior Macy Hammerschmidt (7.8 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.7 apg, 3.1 spg), senior Kassi Weber (5.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.6 bpg), junior Brooklyn Nowak (4.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.1 spg), senior Kaitlyn

5-10 senior Julie Tapia, one of their top players from the last couple of years. The Indians have not had a winning season since 2017. After earning the one-seed, NICKERSON was the sub-state runner-up with a championship loss to McPherson, ultimately finishing 18-4. The Panthers return one of the top players in the state in 6-2 first team all-state junior Ava Jones (24.2 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 2 spg, Arizona State commit), while 5-8 junior Josie McLean (6.6 ppg, 2.5 apg, 2.5 spg, 2 rpg) and 5-6 senior Kieryn Ontjes (7.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.6 spg) round out a group of three excellent returning starters. Senior Alexis Allen (56, 4.6 ppg, 1 rpg, 2 apg, 1 spg), 5-6 sophomore Destiny Ponds, 5-9 sophomore Kalyse Abernathy, and 5-3 sophomore Ayla Ontjes further bolster Nickerson’s returning varsity lineup. “We really have a chance to have a solid basketball team,” head coach Jon McLean said. “We have good experience with three returning starters who have played a lot of minutes in past seasons. Our other returning players have also played solid for us in the past. We have to

stay healthy. We have to develop our younger players to be solid varsity players for us. Players improving and creating some depth would be a big help in team success.” PRATT finished 5-16 last season, and 2-6 in the CKL, placing them in eighth in the final standings. The Greenbacks return all five starters from that young team; senior Lexi Walker (9.9 ppg), junior Gabby Gatlin (10.8 ppg, 2.1 spg), junior Marleigh Bates (3.5 ppg, 6 rpg), sophomore Corinne Donnenwerth (3.6 ppg), and sophomore Jaycie Theis (4.9 ppg). “We will need to continue to get better at offensive decision making and taking care of the ball,” coach Dustin Hildebrand said. “We made some good strides last year but will have to get even better.” Five starters return to SMOKY VALLEY’s lineup this season after finishing 13-8 a year ago, a good start for head coach Jason Drouillard in his first year at Smoky Valley. Seniors Abby Rose (2.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, .8 apg, 1.3 bpg, .7 spg, all-state volleyball standout), Breanna Priddy (5.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg, .3 apg, 1.3 bpg, 1 spg), Avery VanDerWege

(1.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg, .9 apg, 1 bpg, .3 spg), along with sophomores Adrian Hazelwood (8.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.3 bpg, 1 spg) and Keira Mullen (2.6 ppg, 1.8 rpg, .3 apg, .4 spg) will all look to adjust to a new system and take a step forward.

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Windholz (3.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2 apg, 2.4 spg), and sophomore Lindsey Scheck (2.4 ppg, 1.2 rpg) all return in hopes of continuing the positive direction the Knights have been going under head coach Kristin Werth. The team enters the season with some momentum after a fourth place finish at the 1A-DI state volleyball tournament.

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LCL/from page 87 Lewis, senior Emma Tyson, junior Isabella Tyson and junior Alexandra Crook. “We have our top two scorers back in Winters and Noonan,” head coach Jeff Slater said. “They will lead the way in scoring. We need Gracie Simmons, Kenna Masters, Brooke Lewis, Alexandra Crook and Bella Tyson to all increase their production this year to replace what we lost with Emmy Punches and Megan Giffin. Our group of seniors is one of the more decorated classes in school history. The underclassmen around them have played a significant role in the success this past year as well. All these girls are a part of the League volleyball champions last season, a 20-3 basketball year, state runnerup finish in softball, and school record relays/ state medalist at state track. Our expectations are to finish our season in Dodge City, at the state tournament, as well as compete for a league title.” HARTFORD advanced to the second round of sub-state, before being knocked out by the Central Plains juggernaut, and finished the year with a 5-11 mark. Senior Kiernan Breshears was all-league honorable mention for the Jaguars a season ago. LEBO came into sub-state as the three-seed and advanced to the second round of the tournament before being knocked out in a nailbiting 47-45 overtime loss to a good Burlingame

squad. The Wolves were a young team last season, with junior Brooklyn Jones, senior Abby Peek, and sophomore Audrey Peek all receiving second team all-league recognition. SOUTHERN COFFEY COUNTY was knocked out in the second round of sub-state by eventual state qualifier St. Paul and finished the season with a 5-13 record. Junior Josie Weers was the lone member of the all-league team, getting an honorable mention nod. MADISON was edged by Cair Paravel in the first round of sub-state, 37-36, and finished the season 8-12. Second team all-league junior Yolaine Luthi leads a trio of returning starters for fifth year coach Vanessa Kresin. Senior Reese Farrow and junior Sarah Miser also return. MARAIS DES CYGNE VALLEY was extremely young last season and managed a non-league win, going 1-17 overall and 0-7 in the LCL. All five starters from that group return in 5-8 sophomore Olivia Lacey, 5-6 sophomore Emma Marsh, 5-5 junior Madison Cormode, 5-8 junior Lindsey Johnson, and 5-4 junior Avary Simmons. “[Our goal this season is to] work hard and get better every day,” coach Mike McDouglad said. “[Keys to success are] quickly determining our team’s identity, defend and play to our strengths.” Legendary OLPE head coach Jesse Nelson won his fourth career state championship -

and fourth in school history - this past season in dominant fashion, winning the title game 42-25 over Norwich and finishing the season 25-0. After the victory, Nelson decided it was best to close out his illustrious career, retiring at season’s end after 44 years with a 925111 career record. Taking over for the Nelson is former Emporia State men’s coach Ron Slaymaker, who will have a tall task in replacing first team all-state players Macy Smith and Marley Heins, second team all-state selection Maya Bishop, and second team all-league selection Hattie Fisher, all who graduated this past spring. WAVERLY finished last season 15-6 after losing to St. Paul in the sub-state finals. The Bulldogs also had a decent showing at the league level, going 4-3 and placing fourth in the LCL, while also having first team Sara Williams and second team Macy Fairchild both receive all-league recognition. With those two graduating, along with leading scorer Kaylynn Vogts, returning senior starters 5-8 Chloe Meehan (4 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 spg) and 5-11 Bonnie Romig (3 ppg, 9 rpg), and top newcomers 5-6 junior Serenity Lockwood, 5-9 freshman Josie Romig and 5-8 freshman Morgan Vogts, all are likely to see role increases on the varsity floor. “Some may view this as a rebuilding year, based on what we lost to graduation,” head coach Ty Piper said. “However, expectations

Page 90 spg), 5-4 honorable mtnion all-league senior Kylie Arnold (7 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg, 3 spg), and 5-3 senior Kalysa Hamel (5.9 ppg, 1.6 rpg, Bethany commit). Juniors Lauren Harris, Emily Anderson, Elena Herbel, Montanna Packett and Giselle Nash were named as potential starters for new head coach Justin Ebert. “As is often the case, our league is full of talented and improving teams,” Ebert said. “Derby, Maize, and Maize South are all teams capable of making a run at our league title and playing deep in March. Our team will again struggle to match height and physicality of several teams forcing us to play a guard orientated style of basketball.” Derby Informer Sports

Maryn Archer Derby, Junior

Derby Informer Sports

AVCTL-I/from page 37 a season ago. The Salthawks return 5-6 seniors Harlie Wilson (8 ppg, 3 apg, 3 spg, 2.6 bpg), Jayci Moriasi (2 ppg, 1 rpg, 1 spg), and 6-foot junior Mya Thompson (6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.2 spg) from last season’s starting lineup. Coming off of an 18-3 record capped by a state tournament appearance, MAIZE brings back four key varsity players from a year ago, all seniors; 5-5 Kyla Frenchers (9.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 3 apg, Regis University signee), 5-6 Brekkyn Pierce (4.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.1 apg), 5-7 Jade Martinez (2.1 ppg, 1 rpg), and 5-8 Madison Lambert (5.5 ppg, 1.2 rpg, KWU signee). “I look forward to this season as we have four players that return who had significant roles last year,” head coach Jerrod Handy said. “We will be very experienced and eager to get back on the court after making it to state last year.” MAIZE SOUTH went 14-8 last season, earning third place in the AVCTL-I with a 10-4 league record. Returning 6-3 junior Avery Lowe (14.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.4 bpg) was first team all-league as a sophomore and is joined by returning 5-9 senior Jenna Uehling (7.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg). “Returning the nucleus of our team, we feel our experience this year will hopefully guide us to another successful year,” coach Ben Hamilton said. “Our practices will be extremely competitive as our depth of our team gives us the ability to have a new lineup weekly staying competitive for the long season.” NEWTON finished 2-19 in head coach Tavis Leake’s first season. He returns all five starters; 5-7 seniors Hayley Loewen and Alexis Epp, 5-5 junior Olivia Antonowich, 5-6 junior Camryn Entz and 5-2 sophomore Abby Koontz. After falling in a hard-fought sub-state championship game against rival Salina Central 48-45, SALINA SOUTH finished with a final mark of 10-12. The Cougars return 5-5 senior Sydney Peterson (8.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2 apg, 1.4

Addy Brown Derby, Junior

remain high at Waverly. We have a good balance of experience and youth, and should be much more balanced offensively than we have been in the past couple of years. Replacing almost 42 points per game won’t be easy, but seniors Chloe Meehan and Bonnie Romig have a lot of varsity experience and will be looked to as leaders for the group. Freshmen Josie Romig and Morgan Vogts will have an opportunity to earn quality varsity minutes, which bodes well for the program’s future. As with most years, the LCL looks to be very strong, especially at the top. Lebo returns virtually everyone from last year’s team, and will add a couple of impact freshmen. Burlingame and Madison return many of their top players from a year ago, as well. Olpe, the defending 1A-DI champions, will have a lot to replace, but they seem to do that very well every time they need to.” Andy Bayless

Derby Informer Sports

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 TVL/from page 73 ONAGA fin- gave ourselves a chance to have a great run late ished last season 5-14 after a first round sub-state in the year. Fans can expect to see a very hungry, defeat against Frankfort. Senior Kenzie Schwartz hard working team this season. We have a strong was second team all-league as a junior for the nucleus returning and expect some younger girls Buffaloes last season. to provide added depth to our team this year. Keys TROY finished 5-16 and brings back all five start- to this season will be to develop a deep roster so ers from that team. Seniors Abby Parks (2.8 ppg), we can play 7-10 girls without much drop in proAvery Euler (6.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1 apg, 1 spg), Claire duction on the floor.” Broxterman is 93-25 in five seasons as head Winder (2.6 ppg) and Reagan Hill (7.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3 apg, 2 spg), and junior Paityn Engemann coach and will again have one of the top teams (7.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3 apg, 2 spg) all return to the in 2A behind the duo of returning first team allhardwood for the Trojans. Coach Derek Jasper league selections in Yungeberg and Toerber, with pointed out limiting turnovers and rebounding as Yungeberg an all-state selection and University two focal points for success in his 25th season. of Michigan track and field signee where she will “[Our goals are to] improve the win total and im- throw the javelin. prove how we compete in our very tough league,” WASHINGTON COUNTY couldn’t get out of Jasper said. the second round of sub-state last season, losing VALLEY HEIGHTS advanced all the way to the 61-43 to Riverside and finishing the season with a semifinals of the 2A state tournament before get- 10-10 final mark. ting knocked out by Pittsburg-Colgan, giving them WETMORE came into Axtell sub-state as a twoa final tally of 21-2. The Mustangs also managed seed and had a first round bye, before playing in a league championship with a 10-0 record and two consecutive close games - 34-30 win vs Linn, return four starters from that talented bunch, in- and a 33-32 win over Hanover in the championcluding 5-9 sophomore Delana Murk, along with ship - that sent them to the state tournament. The a senior trio of 5-9 Maddy Vermetten, 5-10 Emma Cardinals would go on to lose in the quarterfinals Yungeberg, and 5-5 Cat Toerber. Also returning at state, closing out the season with a 16-8 record. from last season with varsity experience are 5-5 First team all-league senior Kenzie Strathman was senior Abigail Steinfort, 5-7 junior Taya Smith, 5-9 a top player for Wetmore a season ago. junior Kaylee Skalla and 5-8 sophomores Maggie Toerber, Brooke Porter, and Audra Steinfort. “Last year was another successful season for our Mustang basketball program,” sixth year Valley Heights’ head coach Jordan Broxterman said. “We made it to the state tournament for the third time in the last four years and finished with a third place trophy after getting beat by Pitt.Colgan on a last second shot in the semifinals. I was proud of how the team faced adversity last year after dealing with a quarantine and missing a total of 20 practices throughout the season due to COVID. Despite the lack of practice time, we were Hanover, Senior able to have a successful season and ultimately

Daelyn Winters

Burlingame, Senior

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 MCL/from page 55 Lowe and seniors City (192-126), and 23rd year as a head coach Jace Wentling, Gavin Unrein, Kenton Ginther, overall (305-184), returns three seniors from last Bryce Seib and Andrew Schwartz give fourth season’s starting lineup; Raygan Garrison (1.6 year head coach Bill Meagher a large group of ppg, 3 rpg), Leah Lindenman (3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, .8 upperclassmen to work with. apg) and Caelyn Pimlott (3.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1 apg), “We are really excited about the group of guys along with junior letterwinners Grace Bieker and we have coming back this year,” coach Meagher Ella Hart. The remainder of the roster is made up said. “We graduated five really talented players of three juniors, five sophomores and just two from last year’s team and will need some guys to freshmen. step up and fill those roles. We need to work to After finishing last season 11-12 overall with a find consistent scoring from our guards and con- seventh place league finish, HOXIE’s girls weltinue to see good development of our big men comes new head coach Easton Slipke, his first inside. We are really excited about the group we job as a head coach. Slipke gets back 5-6 senior have back but also understand that we are going Hayley Jacobs (6.1 ppg, 6 rpg, 1 apg, 2.3 spg) to have to work really hard to be the kind of team and sophomore Josey Kennedy (6.2 ppg, 2 rpg, we want to be by the end of the season.” 2.2 apg, 2 spg), both starters a season ago. TREGO finished 16-6 a year ago and returns After finishing last season 15-7, NORTON four starters from that team, including HM all- graduated their entire starting lineup, but do state senior Charlie Russell (16 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 bring back a large group of lettermen. Senior apg, 3 spg), along with fellow seniors Cole Feldt Madi DuBois, juniors Avery Porter, Cara Cox, (9 ppg, 4 apg, 2 rpg, 2 spg), Tyler Malsam (4 ppg, Dylan Hawks, and sophomores Jenessa Ruder, 4 rpg, 1 apg) and Caden Brown (5 ppg, 2 rpg). MacKenzie Clydesdale, Lauryn Harding, and After finishing fourth last year, head coach Sean Olivia Miller will all compete for starting spots Dreiling has made an MCL crown his team’s after logging minutes last season. primary goal this year, and believes keeping his OAKLEY finished 8-13 last season. Head team healthy is the key. coach Mike Zimmerman gets back two starters “Expectations are high for this season,” head in 5-8 senior Liberty Booker (15 ppg, 7rpg) and coach Sean Dreiling said. “We expect to be one junior Jaelle Johnson (5 ppg, 4 rpg). of the best teams in the league and compete for “Our goal is just to play the best basketball the MCL crown. We have a talented group and a game we can each night,” Zimmerman said. hard working group both on the court and in the “Every night is a new night. Whatever happened classroom. As with any team, health will play a in previous seasons or games does not matter. vital role in our team’s success.” An important key will be how our younger players GIRLS handle varsity basketball. We have two starters ELLIS advanced to the sub-state finals last back. Our other varsity players have very little in season before falling to tournament host Trego, any varsity experience. Rebounding will also be 55-42, in the championship game to close out the key for us. We will be pretty small overall.” year at 14-9. The Railroaders have to replace first PHILLIPSBURG finished last season 20-3, team all-state selection Grace Eck (now playing tied for first place in regular season league play hoops at Fort Hays State) and all-league honor- and qualified for the state tournament, before beable mention Abby North, both tough tasks. Emily ing defeated in a tough 52-47 matchup against Eck, a 5-6 junior, was second team all-league a Hugoton in the state quarterfinals. The Panthers season ago on a roster that possessed few se- should again be one of the top teams in Kansas niors. thanks to the return of first team all-state junior HILL CITY finished 6-14 last season with a Taryn Sides (20.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 6.1 spg, 5 apg, 2-9 league record after a first round sub-state K-State commit), along with 6-foot twin towers, loss to Smith Center ended their season. Head senior Abby Babcock (7.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.4 spg, coach Linda Nighswonger, in her 16th year at Hill 1.3 apg) and junior Heather Schemper (7.6 ppg,

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Page 91 5.6 rpg, 1.8 spg). “We want to compete at a high level for a chance to win MCL regular season and MCL tourney titles,” head coach Rachel Miller said. “We look to get back to the state tournament and past the first round game.” PLAINVILLE finished last season 2-19 and welcome first year head coach Brian Barr. “[Our goal this year is] to become a better overall player and person on and off the court,” Barr said. “[Keys to success are] hard work and sacrifice.” Four of five seniors return from last year’s 9-11 RUSSELL squad including seniors Camille Dortland (10.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.2 spg), Rylan Reeves (10.4 ppg, 8 rpg, 1 apg, 1.3 spg), Aniya Stierlen (10 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.8 bpg, .9 spg) and Emerson Nichols (8.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3 apg, 1 spg) who will look to help propel the Broncos to the top of the league and into the postseason. “We will have a large group of seniors with tons of experience to lead the team,” new head coach Darrell Dortland said. “We have a good group of younger players that will energize the team. When we combine all the players, we will have a team of athletic basketball players that will be fun to watch.” After posting a 16-6 overall record and winning a league tournament championship last season, SMITH CENTER returns a ton of top end talent, with six key players back. Second team all-state senior Tallon Rentschler (16.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.7 apg, 3.6 spg, Fort Hays State volleyball signee) leads the talented group also consisting of senior Ashlyn Long (8.9 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.6 spg, Hutch Community College volleyball signee), junior Maile Hrabe (12 ppg, 2 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.7 spg), and sophomores Camryn Hutchinson (2.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.9 spg), Dakota Kattenberg (8.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.8 spg) and Gracie Kirchhoff (2.6 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1 apg, 1.2 spg). Long-time volleyball and basketball coach Nick Linn enters his 30th season at the helm having just led the netters to the 2A state title for the first time in his tenure. Linn enters the seasib wwutg a 440-208 basketball coaching record at Smith Center and now has

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led Smith Center teams to both basketball and volleyball state championships in his tenure. Seven-seed STOCKTON shook up last year’s sub-state held in Osborne with an upset over 10-3 two-seed Rock Hills, beating them 64-59 in overtime. The Tigers ended up losing in the next round to eventual sub-state champs Osborne, but energized the ending of a 5-14 season. TMP came up just short of reaching state, losing 68-61 in the sub-state championship game against top seed Phillipsburg, finishing the season 19-4. Four senior starters return from that squad, including six-footer Emilee Lane (14 ppg, 10 rpg, 2 apg, 2 spg, 1 bpg, UNK volleyball signee), Sophia Balthazor (9 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg, 1 spg), Megan Hamel (7 ppg, 3 rpg, 6 apg, 2 spg) and Kassidy Yost (4 ppg, 5 rpg, 1 apg, 1 spg). Key reserve Jaci VonLintel (10 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 apg, 3 spg, 1 bpg) was also a dangerous weapon off the bench. Head coach Rose McFarland called “staying healthy” her team’s main key to success. TREGO advanced to state last season before being defeated by eventual champs Sterling in the quarterfinals to finishing with a final mark of 20-4. The Golden Eagles return two starters from that team in 5-10 senior Madison Walt (9.2 ppg, 5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 2 bpg, 1.9 spg) and sophomore Kaylee Walt (3.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1 apg) but will have a glaring hole to fill with the graduation of multiyear all-state selection Lili Shubert. “We want to compete for both the MCL regular season and tournament crowns,” second year head coach Shelby Crawford said. “We want to win our fourth straight sub-state championship and have a chance to compete in the state tournament. We hope to be even tougher on defense this season and be able to rebound the ball at a high rate. We need to develop consistent scorers on the offensive end to help replace the class we graduated last season.”

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Page 92 WKLL/from page 76 “We need to play solid defense, beat the press and increase shooting percentage,” Pugh said. “We need to be better at rebounding as a team and limit turnovers. We’ll use the experience of playing as underclassmen to continue to build as a solid team.” The TRIPLAINS-BREWSTER girls have posted 1-14 and 2-16 records the past two years. A trio of seniors - Lizabeth Fellhoelter, 5-8 Lora Peterson (second team all-league) and Reyna Kenny will lead the Titans. Juniors Jessa Platt and Ellie Clymer and sophomore Libertee Fellhoelter also contributed last season. A bright future is on the horizon with seven sophomores who will continue to contribute. The WESKAN Coyotes feature a trio of seniors – 5-9 Bethany Rother, 5-6 Kendi Miller and 5-4 Brielle Allen (second team all-league), along with junior Desiree McQuillan and 5-6 sophomore Ky Miller. Gone to graduation is first team all-league selection JC Allen. The WESTERN PLAINS/HEALY Bobcats (314, 0-8) feature first-year coach James Hayes. Seniors Tabitha Williams, Alana Strickler and Daisy Gonzalez will be three-year starters who will provide a solid trio. Gone to gradution is lone all-league honoree in honorable mention selection Carlee Flax.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 SFL/from page 71 state selection “We return several key players from last year’s Kennedy Taylor, now playing basketball at the 23-0 state championship team. We will have to University of Colorado, but still bring back a replace Kennedy Taylor, one of the state’s best talented senior group in 6-0 Tamara Harris- post players, and our best defensive player, Webster (10 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.1 apg), 5-7 Saige Kylie Dunn. We will be a more balanced scoring Grampsas (9.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 5.4 apg, honorable team, as we have several girls that are capable mention all-state), 5-7 Ericka Ojeda (6.6 ppg, 1.5 of leading us in scoring on any given night. Look rpg, 1.3 apg), 5-11 Ella Mackiewicz (8.7 ppg, 5 for us to play a different style of game as we are rpg, 1.2 apg), 6-0 Maggie Chapin (2.1 ppg, 1 rpg, more versatile on the outside with some of our .5 apg). A trio of juniors also join the varsity roster athletic wings. We are excited to build on last this season in 5-6 Bennet Peck, 5-4 Maddie year’s state championship run!“ SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH went 13-7 last Mauch and 5-8 Erin Moody. “Expectations will not change as we enter the season and brings back four key players in 5-8 2021-22 season,” head coach Tyler Stewart said. sophomore Camryn Smith (12.8 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 3.6 apg, 3.5 spg), 5-6 sophomore Joycelyn Moore (7.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.1 spg, 2 apg) and 5-7 seniors Emma Thurston (4.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.9 spg, 1.7 apg) and Lily Kovlcik (4.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.8 spg). SHAWNEE MISSION WEST had a fantastic regular season last year, but lost an OT heartbreaker to eventual state champion Shawnee Mission Northwest for the league championship and then was upset in the substate championship by Blue Valley. From that team that finished the year 18-3, head coach Mark Rabbitt gets back all-state junior S’Mya Nichols (15 ppg, 6 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.5 spg, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, UCLA, Mississippi State, KU, Missouri, Wisconsin, West Virginia offers), senior Taedyn Gray (9 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 bpg, Drake basketball signee), sophomore Izzy Joyce (9 ppg, 3.5 spg) and senior Aaliyah Garcia (6 ppg). After last year’s result, Rabbitt’s goal for this year is simple: “Win the Sunflower League and advance to the 6A state tournament.”

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Page 93 WAC/from page 75 Loomis, Emilee Hall and Makenzie Premer. A lack of height is a concern. “Our defense is going to be a big focus for us this year, and something we need to improve on,” Beck said. “We will have to learn to battle inside when we are outsized by opponents. Our expectations will continue to grow as we progress through the season.” Beck said she plans to play multiple players. “We lost a lot of experience to graduation,” she said. “That will lead to very competitive practices to see who will step up and fill some key positions.” She projects a more competitive WAC race. “It’ll be a battle for the top spot,” she said. “Dodge, Liberal, and Garden all return multiple athletic key players. We will have to slow good scorers to be able to compete. Hays was young last year, but returns experience and solid players.” The GARDEN CITY Buffaloes (11-6, 5-3) took a giant step forward and upset Liberal 42-38 for their best victory of the season under sixth-year head coach Matt Pfeifer (45-58). The Buffaloes finished 10-11 two years ago. Junior 5-9 scorer Aileen Becerril (11 ppg, 3 rpg) shot 41 percent from three and returns as one of the league’s finest shooters. She averaged 16 ppg against Great Bend. Amaya Gallegos (10 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 assists, 2 steals) will be a versatile standout. The Buffaloes graduated everyone else. “We’ll continue to compete in a difficult Western Athletic league,” Pfeifer said. “We’ll have to develop young and unproven talent. We’ll have new players stepping up into a tougher role.” The revolving coaching door finally stopped as

Len Melvin returns for the HAYS HIGH Indians (6-15, 1-7). Melvin served as the Indians’ fourth head coach in four years last season. Salina Central ended the Indians’ season 52-29 in substate play. The Indians split with Great Bend for its only league victory. Hays High’s two standout starters feature 5-11 senior Alecia Ruder, an effective inside force and 5-6 senior point guard Carly Lang, one of the league’s best players. Other varsity veterans are 5-7 junior Morgan Engel and senior Jersey Johnson. Other juniors include Ashlynn Zimmer, Claire Humphrey, Aspen Melvin and Madyson Sennett. “We want to be a team that plays hard and competes every night,” Melvin said.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 Ness City/from page 23 Big 7/from page 40 Rogers has eventual state runbeen particularly impressed with Guzman’s ner-up and league rival Sabetha. The Panthers regrowth as a shooter. turn two starters in junior all-state honorable men“Jose is able to impact the game with tion Kennedy Bryan (9.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.4 his driving abilities,” Rogers said. “Towards spg) and Karlie Albright (3.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.1 apg, the end of last season, his jumper really 1.1 spg), along with lettermen, senior Shanokwe came around, which made him a threat from Price (2.9 ppg, 1.5 rpg), senior Samantha Neuner anywhere on the court. If he continues in this (1 rpg) and junior Morgan Davis (3.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg). direction, we will be a tough team.” “It will be fun to watch their energy and hard work While his individual play is impressive, from this summer pay off for them,” Boucher said. Guzman’s primary drive this season is “This team hangs their hat in making effort plays singular, and has little to do with his personal and playing with positive energy. They are a joy to scoring numbers. coach and are hungry to get back going.” “It’s win state. Yeah, that’s been our goal,” SABETHA came just short of a 3A state chamGuzman said. “After getting third and seeing pionship last season, losing to Cheney in the title that feeling and then also when we were game 60-54 and finishing the season 23-3. A large freshmen, our seniors and our team won chunk of the roster graduated last spring, but sestate and just seeing that, seeing how the city nior Emily Krebs (3.7 ppg, 2 apg, 2.6 rpg) and juwas and the atmosphere is awesome and nior Mary Lukert (7 ppg, 1.7 spg, 1.2 apg) provide those seniors went out and they they earned some continuity for the Bluejays. it and we want to earn it, too, we want to be “Our goal is always to improve everyday,” coach that team that goes out with it and just, win Nate Bauman said. “But this year we will definitely state is our goal, just keep that the one and need to have some players grow into new roles keep playing hard and get to it.” that will include needing to replace over 35 points Fellow seniors Dawson Stoecklein and per game from our graduated seniors. More imJackson Seib join Cable and Guzman with portantly, however, will be needing to replace their starting experience. Stoecklein averaged 4.8 communication and toughness on the defensive points, three rebounds, and two assists per end of the floor. We’ve got a great group ready to game last season, while Seib averaged 4.8 step up to that challenge!” points, 2.5 steals, 2.5 rebounds, and three assists per game. Other key players Rogers expects to contribute this season are seniors Gavin Schreiber, Corbin Ross, and Casen Marshall, 785-623-2650 • 1105 Canterbury Dr. along with juniors Danny Guzman and Hays, KS 67601 www.haysrec.org Brayden Schniepp.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 with experience at most weights.” The return of defending state champion Tucker Cell leads the way for ABILENE. Cell went a perfect 38-0 en route to the 113-pound title a year ago and was the first undefeated freshman in Abilene’s illustrious wrestling history. He returns for his sophomore season and will compete at 132. James Stout, in his 19th season as head coach, directed the Cowboys to a 9-4 dual record and third-place finish in the North Central Kansas League. They went on to capture 16th place in 4A. In addition to Cell, Abilene returns other state qualifiers in senior Kaleb Stoda (30-7) at 126, senior Javin Welsh (27-5) at 138, junior Christopher McClanahan (30-8) at 120, and junior Braden Wilson (29-7) at 145. Wilson captured sixth place at 138 but is making the move up in weight class. Cooper Wuthnow had previously qualified for state in 2020 and will now compete at 152. Also competing for the Cowboys will be juniors Eli Shubert at 160 and Tristan Randles at 170. “Our experienced returners will continue to improve and hope to fill more upper and lower weights,” Stout said. “We are filling as many upper and lower weights with younger kids to make our dual team more competitive. We will be a better team in the tougher tournaments and hopefully state with all the state experience in the middle of our lineup.” CLAY CENTER COMMUNITY returns all but but two of its wrestlers from last year’s lineup that captured the North Central Kansas League and district championships. The Tigers are coached by Brandon Pigorsch, who begins his 13th season in the program. Leading the way for CCCHS are a pair of wrestlers who took sixth place at state in sophomores Talyn Pfizenmaier (25-7) at 145 and Tucker Jackson (32-7) at 152. Also back in the lineup will be seniors Garett Kalivoda (12-6) and Zach Bolinger (6-4); juniors Taylor Dumas (9-6), Brett Loader (28-9) and Luke Young (17-11); and sophomores Jimmy Gordon (18-12), Morgan Brumfield (11-11), Carter Long (10-2), Brody Hayes (22-6) and Colton Spellman (9-6). “We want to improve each day, stay healthy and develop a championship mindset and mentality,” Pigorsch said. “We return a

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4A/from page 80 West Activities Conference. The Eagles also finished as the runner-up at both regionals and sub-state before placing eighth at 4A State. Matt Sims, who begins his 16th season as head coach, has five state qualifiers back from a year ago, including four that placed at the state tournament. Leading the way for the Eagles is senior Tyler Voss, a three-time state placer who took fourth a year ago with a 38-5 overall record. Also placing were sophomore Kaeden McCarty (37-8) in fifth place, as well as senior Aiden Cook (29-15) and sophomore Tucker Wark (28-17) both in sixth. Another state qualifier was senior Nick Rehmer, who finished the season at 32-11. “We want to continue to build and improve on being champions both on and off the mat,” Sims said. “We will need to be a little better in every area and aspect of our team. We had a great finish to last year’s season and look to build on that with young talent and senior leadership.” State champion Marcus Terry returns to lead the way for AUGUSTA this season. The junior finished with a 31-3 record and will compete at the 113 or 120 weight class. He is one of four state placers back for the Orioles. Brandon Terry, now in his 16th season as head coach, welcomes back junior Cannon Carey (22-5), who placed fourth at 113 but will move up to 132; senior Garrett Davis (35-2), fourth at 170, but could move up to 182; and junior Grady Fox (31-8), sixth at 120, but now at 138. Other returning wrestlers include seniors Justin Lin (120/126), Zach Englebrecht (145/152), Zane Hennessey (145/152), Hoit Williams (220) and Jace Christiansen (285); and juniors Kalvin LaPlant (106/113), Austin Duncan (126/132), Haze Flower (138/145), Roman Coldwell (145/152), Weston Bratton (160), Thomas Johnson (170/182) and Gabe Kant (182/195). The Orioles went a perfect 8-0 in duals last season and went on to capture the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division III championship. In the postseason, they won the district and regional titles, placed third at sub-state and finished sixth in Class 4A at state. “Our team goals are to get better everyday and have fun,” Terry said. “We will need to spread out in weight, but should be solid

Page 94 team that has a lot of experience, and we have a great coaching staff. Our team is competitive, and we need to use this when the postseason hits.” After placing 10th at state last season, PRATT has a strong group of returning wrestlers that includes four that are currently in the KWCA preseason rankings. Senior Dalton Weber placed fifth at 113 last year and heads into the new season ranked #4 at 120. Junior Drake Van Scoyoc pulls in the third ranking at 285, while senior Keishaune Thompson (145) and junior Koda Dipman (152) both come in fifth in their respective weight classes. Dipman was injured last season but had previously captured sixth place at state in 2020. Thompson was a state qualifier a year ago. The Greenbacks, who are coached by Tate Thompson, will also fill some spots with senior Jesus Ornelas (285), as well as juniors Maddox Riffey (113) and Ke’Rel Thompson (160). “Our keys to success will begin with being mentally tough, unselfish and finding spots that fit our individual wrestlers best,” Thompson said. “Seniors have to be good leaders, and our talented freshmen need to start off in the tradition of team in mind while understanding that we expect to be in the top 10 in the state every year. So we have to practice drilling in such a way that allows that to happen. There are a few spots where we have two talented wrestlers vying for a spot. They need to push each other and be positive teammates at the same time.” A top-three performer at four regular-season tournaments, ROSE HILL had a strong run through the postseason last season that was capped off with a seventh-place finish at 4A State. The Rockets are led by second-year head coach Chris Saferite. The top returning wrestler for the Rockets is Keegan Beavers, who captured fourth place at 145 pounds last season. He enters the new season ranked second in 4A at that weight class by the KWCA. Another Rocket wrestler ranked in the preseason is freshman Johny Leck, who is first at 106. “We want a league title, a regional title and a top-five finish at the state tournament,” Saferite said. “We will be a very young but talented team this year. We will have to have good leadership from

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a positive attitude are the keys to our success.” HAYDEN went 5-5 in duals last season and looks for more success with the return of seven wrestlers to its lineup. The Wildcats are coached by Doug Spencer. He brings back a group of wrestlers that includes senior Juan Roman-Perez (220); juniors Ben Holmes (120), Bradyn Rose (152), Jameson Kennedy (170), JC Cummings (195) and Jimmy Longstaff (285); and sophomore Drew Crady (160). “We want to continue to grow and be competitive,” Spencer said. “We need consistent growth as student-athletes and a desire to compete against the best.” Despite having no returning state qualifiers from last season, HESSTON is still hoping a solid group of returning wrestlers will contribute to its success. Doug Broadfoot will once again be head coach of the Swathers, who posted a 5-0-1 dual record a year ago. The top returning wrestler for HHS will be sophomore Jaden Wald (16-8) at 106 pounds. He will be joined in the lineup by senior Bryson Hartung (170); juniors Bailey Reed (138), Tyrone Taylor (160), Hayden Hartung (182) and Cooper McCormick (220); and sophomore Layne Clark (113). “Our goal is to gain valuable experience and gain confidence to be more competitive in 4A,” Broadfoot said. “Remaining positive while keeping an eye on the end of season goal of being competitive in the postseason is paramount to any success we hope to have.” INDEPENDENCE finished as the Southeast Kansas League runner-up for a third straight year behind Chanute. The Bulldogs will likely remain near the top of the league this season with the return of several key wrestlers from last season. Zack Camacho, who enters his seventh season as head coach, leads a Bulldog squad that welcomes back 11 starters from a year ago. That includes a pair of state qualifiers in senior Cooper Anderson at 126 and sophomore Kohen Wright at 120. Wright enters the season ranked #4 at 126 by the KWCA. Also returning for the Bulldogs are seniors Jude Stafford (145), Wyatt Shaffer (195) and Sir Grant (285); juniors Ethan Line (160) and Gunnar Allen (170); and sophomores Mason Gibbons (113), Saxton Renfro (132), Josh Lawrie (138) and Dillon Kuehn (220). “Our key to success is staying healthy and filling every weight,” Camacho said. “We are going to be really tough this year, and a key component to that will be our freshman class. They are going to fill our weak spots, and a few of them will compete really well at the varsity level. We also have a lot of sophomores coming back after a good freshman year, and they are looking to make a name for themselves.” A pair of state qualifiers return for IOLA this season after the Mustangs placed seventh in the Pioneer League. Jason Bates begins his eighth season in the IHS program. Leading the way for Iola are senior TJ Taylor at 126 and sophomore Danny Boeken at 220. Taylor is a two-time state qualifier and became the first wrestler in school history to win three league championships. He finished the season with a 25-5 record, while Boeken closed things out at 22-7. Also returning this season are senior Dominic McGee at 285, junior Wyatt Westervelt at 182, and sophomores Damian Wacker and Xander Sellman. “A team goal we have this year is to fill as many weight classes as possible and to increase the numbers on our team,” Bates said.

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been leaders at FKHS and closed out successful careers last season. White won the heavyweight division at state, while Camp took sixth place at 182. Despite those losses, the Golden Tornado still has three returning wrestlers in their lineup senior Jesse Hall at 126, junior Devon Vincent at 160 and sophomore Amanie Luten at 152. “Our goals are really going to be seeing what it is we have to work with,” McGlothin said. “We had a huge senior group last year that a lot of these guys have been fortunate enough to be behind and learn from. Some of the guys we have now are really still untested though, and it will be interesting to see who is going to fill those slots and step up. I think embracing the challenge and the process of growth is going to be our keys.” CONCORDIA, the runner-up of the North Central Kansas League, placed 20th at 4A State a year ago. The Panthers are under the direction of fifth-year head coach Josh Brown. Leading the way will be senior Keyan Miller at 182 pounds. Miller went 26-13 and was sixth at 170 a year ago. He is the only returning state qualifier for the Panthers. Other individuals battling for spots in the lineup are senior Logan Leiszler (216) at 120, junior Koby Tyler (21-11) at 113, junior Daniel Vines (18-8) at 126, sophomore Easton Swihart at 132, senior Toby Wahlmeier or sophomore Dustin Sterrett at 145, sophomore Mason Eickman at 152, sophomore Caleb Hanson at 160, senior Nathan Brown (16-11) at 170, sophomore Jace Tholstrup at 220 and senior Dalton Owen (13-13) at heavyweight. “We are going to be depending on our upperclassman to set the tone for the underclassman in the practice room and during competition,” Brown said. Seniors Dawson Lapping and Justice Compton return for FRONTENAC after finishing as the state runner-up in their respective weight classes. Under the direction of head coach Keith Aikin, the Raiders are hoping their leadership will provide a boost for the remainder of the squad this season. Lapping went 34-5 en route to a second place finish at 145. He enters the season ranked #2 at 152. Compton is also preseason ranked #2 at 170 after placing second in that weight class a year ago with a 32-8 record. FHS lost Dylan Ensch due to graduation. Ensch, a three-time state qualifier and two-time regional champion, took fourth place at 182 pounds and finished his senior campaign at 34-8. Joseph Sramek enters his 16th season as head coach at GOODLAND. The Cowboys return a total of seven individuals that have qualified for state competition. Leading the way for GHS is senior DJ Knox, who is a three-time qualifier and two-time state runner-up. A year ago, he posted a 32-4 record that he will take into the 120-pound weight class this season. Junior Mason Hernandez (25-8), a two-time qualifier, placed sixth as a freshman and will compete at 160. Other returning qualifiers include seniors Gantzen Miller (22-15) at 195, Caleb Duell (1918) at 220 and Dexter Dautel (26-14) at 285; as well as juniors Kyan Ensign (24-12) at 152 and Isaiah Shinette (23-13) at 182. Also in the lineup will be juniors Octavio Gonzalez at 126 and Maverick Spresser at 170. “We are going to continue improve off the success we had last year to take the next step at the state level,” Sramek said. “Staying healthy, working hard every day to improve and having

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Buhler, Senior

Kim Eck

the few upperclassman, and the underclassmen need to buy in. The goal is to get better everyday and give yourself a chance at the end of the year.” BUHLER hopes to make a major push in the postseason this year after taking 19th place in 4A last season. The Crusaders, who are directed by head coach Mike Juby, will be led by two-time state champion Sam Elliott. The senior will compete at the 170-pound weight class. Other BHS wrestlers with postseason experience include 2019 state qualifier Drew Lugafet, a senior, at 132, along with sub-state qualifier Cooper McCloy, a sophomore, at 160. Also in the lineup will be seniors Martean Perez (152) and Jackson Childs (285); juniors Jayce Spencer (120) and Jaxson Roeder (138); sophomores Hayden Perez (145) and Lucas Anderson (182); and freshman Colton Parsons (113). “Our main focus is on individual accomplishments this year,” Juby said. “The goal is to place in the top three schools at regionals, qualify seven for state and place in the top 10 at 4A.” Taking third place in the Pioneer League, BURLINGTON should have the depth to be competitive thoughout the 2021-22 season. The Wildcats are coached by Doug Vander Linden, who led them to a 10-8 dual record. BHS also took second place at districts, ninth at regionals and 13th at sub-state before finishing the season in 25th place at the state tournament. Burlington is strong in numbers and will likely fill a starting lineup that includes seniors Mitch Broyles (138), Gage Shetler (145), Tyler Kirkby (160), Brock Zimmerman (170) and Deric Cole (195); juniors Owen McManus (120), Tucker Williams (132) and Wayne Rohrer (220); sophomores Quade Conkle (106) and Ethan Barley (113); and freshman Isaiah Moss (126). “We hope to have the roster depth to fill two complete lineups to create great matchups in the room for partners and challenge matches,” Vander Linden said. “We are looking to grow as the season progresses and be able to be competitive during the month of February.” The Irish of CHAPMAN are thin in postseason experience, as junior Justin Wisner-McLane (145) is the lone returning state qualifier after doing so previously as a freshman in 2020. As a team, CHS took fifth place last season in the North Central Kansas League. Other wrestlers in contention for the Irish varsity this season will be seniors Gannon Mosher (195), Jacob Schoby (195), Jeremiah Hughes (220) and Colt Sell (285); juniors Ryan Clark (170), Brayden Lexow (220) and Troy Boyd (285); and sophomores Travis Leasure (120), Michael Shipman (152) and Augustus Johns (152). “With our numbers growing, we will have intense competition for varsity weight classes that hasn’t been seen in Chapman for some time,” said Chapman coach Zach Lucas. “If we can hone in on that competition and make each other better every single practice, we will be in great position to send several guys to the state tournament.” After losing state champion Brady White and placer Ethan Camp, COFFEYVILLE-FIELD KINDLEY will be looking for some new individuals to step into leadership roles this season. Spencer McGlothin returns as Golden Tornado coach after leading the team to sixth place in the Southeast Kansas League and fourth place in the Burlington Regional. White and Camp had

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Jacob Stinnett

Fort Scott, Senior

Kim Eck

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Owen Eck

Andale, Sophomore LABETTE COUNTY took fifth place in the Southeast Kansas League last season. The Grizzlies are once again led by Chas Thompson, who begins his second season as head coach after stepping away from his role as head coach at Fort Hays State University to get back closer to family. According to Thompson, the lineup will likely consist of Rowdy Noble at 106, Cason Wyrick at 113, Kyler Irwin or Iden Stover at 120/126, Jakob Smith at 132, Tanner Templeton at 138, Xander Woodward at 152, Preston Myers at 160, Austin Ourada at 182, Cody Hambleton

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 at 195 and Mitchell House at 220. LOUISBURG finished in 14th place at 4A State a year ago after taking seventh in the Frontier League. The Wildcats, under the direction of head coach Bobby Bovaird, return some key wrestlers from that squad to this year’s lineup. Senior Brandon Doles will be at 170 but is coming off an injury-plagued season after qualifying for state in both 2019 and 2020. The Wildcats had three sub-state qualifiers last season in senior Aiden Barker (27-10) at 195, junior Kaven Bartlett (21-15) at 138 and junior Elijah Eslinger (18-16) at 285. Also returning this season are junior Trace Eslinger (182), along with sophomores Noah Cotter (106) and Traden Noll (145). “Experience has been the element missing from our program,” Bovaird said. “Last year, over half of the team was either a first-year or a second-year wrestler. Our numbers are growing, and there has been no lack of heart, intensity, work ethic, competitiveness, etc., but many of our wrestlers are so new to the sport that where they lack experience, other more-experienced opponents have been able to catch us. Once these wrestlers get some matches and maturing under their belts, we should be able to press for our goals.” Doug Kretzer returns for his 11th season as head coach at MCPHERSON. The Bullpups of Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division III are coming off a 4-5 duals record a year ago. Kretzer has a solid core of wrestlers that include seniors Lorenzo Cruzen, Collin Pearson and Curtis Landrum; juniors Brock Burgess, Treyton Pelnar, Tucker Pelnar, Gavin Richardson, Caden Burris and Conner McVicker; and sophomores Hayden Farley, Eli Clarke, Landon Thompson and Carter Spotted Elk. “We need to have a few kids make a level jump,” Kretzer said. “I anticipate this happening. We will be a very competitive dual team. We also have good numbers. We need to improve on a daily basis. We’ve got good wrestlers, and they are spread out. Staying healthy and focusing on peaking at the end of the season will be very important for our success.” NICKERSON of the Central Kansas League will be looking for more success this season under seventh-year coach Nick Flowers. Returning for the Panthers are seniors Austin Kreutzer (106), Brogan Isley (138), Corben Giles (145) and Sam Logan (285); juniors Nate Ochs (120) and Matthew Monroe (220); and sophomores Koltyn Giles (126), Cage Kelly (170), Daniel Pride (182) and Michael Nolde (195). Kreutzer (24-10), Logan (22-14) and Nolde (20-15) all posted winning seasons a year ago. “We will need to have leaders step forward and set the bar,” Flowers said. “We know what our program is capable of, but we must earn everything we get. Following our mantra of TYG (Take Your Glory) has to continue to be our thoughts.” Tom Flores begins his fifth season as head coach of OSAWATOMIE. No returning wrestlers were listed for this season. “We want to make it through the year,” Flores said. OTTAWA has two returning state placers for first-year coach Aryus Jones. The Cyclones welcome back Collin Creach, who took third place at 138; as well as Jared Ferguson, who finished fourth at 195. “Our goal is becoming better people in the process of becoming better wrestlers,” Jones said.

Led by the return of six wrestlers with state tournament experience, PAOLA hopes to make a big leap this season under third-year coach Darvin Willard. Returning state qualifiers from last season include junior Ryan Pankov, who will compete at 120 or 126 after previously placing fourth at state in 2020 at 106; junior Macoy Johnson at 126 or 132; and sophomore Clayton Younger at 145. Three other individuals had qualified for state in 2020, including senior Steven Yeager (132), senior Brady Johnson (220) and Charlie Zeller (152). Also contending for spots in the lineup this season are seniors Logan Latto (182) and Drake Bartlett (285); juniors Sheldon Martin (145) and Sam Shore (170); sophomores Tyce Allen (132/138) and Luke Faunce (160); and freshmen Kaiden Powell (106), Xander Meinig (113) and Jace Hensley (132). “We are trying to get everybody at the right weight class so we can compete in the postseason,” Willard said. PARSONS is hoping to make a move up the ladder in the Southeast Kansas League after taking seventh place a year ago. The Vikings are under the direction of head coach Kevin Wiles. Big 7 League runner-up PERRY-LECOMPTON took 18th place in 4A a year ago but will be looking to take a step forward this season under seventh-year coach David Roberts. The Kaws have seven individuals returning that will provide a key piece to the lineup. That includes two-time state qualifier Mason Bahnmaier. The senior went 23-12 a year ago and will be competing at 126. Also in the lineup will be senior Wesley Monaghan (285); juniors Hunter Clifton (113), Brett Paramore (138) and Christian Conklin (152); and sophomores Ashton Garber (160) and Keaton Schulz (170). “We are replacing seven seniors off of last year’s squad,” Roberts said. “We lose a ton of talent, but we fill in nicely with our younger guys who will need to step up in a big way.” SANTA FE TRAIL, runner-up in the Pioneer League, looks to be near the top of the league against during the 2021-22 season under head coach Regan Erickson. After going 11-5 in duals last season, the Chargers will be looking at a lineup that will likely include seniors Ian Meisbach (126), Isaac Hook (160), Aiden Slavin (170) and Thomas Baughman (182); juniors Cody Black (113) and Max Black (120); and sophomores Cody Slavin (138), Chayse Jeanneret (145) and Cole Flory (285). Max Black is the top returning wrestler after going 27-4 a year ago. “We are young, still, so we want to build on last year’s growth,” Erickson said. “With an anticipated normal season, our goal is to have a winning dual record and be competitive at all tournaments. Being a young team, the main key will be getting our kids on the mat and competing. Experience will help this crew out a great deal.” Great West Activities Conference champion SCOTT COMMUNITY looks for a repeat performance this season while making a push in Class 4A. The Beavers finished 13th place at the state tournament last season. Dakota Hayes enters his first season as head coach. He welcomes back a solid group of individuals with postseason experience, including junior Evan Fry (1412) at 113, sophomore Ayden Presson (18-17) at 120, sophomore Collin McDaniel (28-14) at 132, senior Zach Rohrbough (25-10) at 138, senior Lance Miller (24-12) at 152, senior Connor Armendariz (23-16) at 160, and senior Kale

Page 96 Wheeler (28-17) at 182. Two of those individuals placed at state last season, with McDaniel taking fourth place at 120 and Rohrbough sixth at 132. Rohrbough is a two-time state qualifier. Filling in some other spots of the Beavers lineup will be sophomore Houston Frank at 145 and senior Alonso Frances at 170. “We would like to pick up where we left off last year,” Hayes said. “We had a great showing at regionals and sub-state last year, and we would like to repeat it. The seniors on the team are really hungry and want to do well. Our main goal will be to just wrestle the best you can every time we step on the mat. I would like to see the guys work hard as a team and try to top what we had last year.” Ben Eliiott returns for his 17th season as head coach at SMOKY VALLEY. The Vikings had no state qualifiers a year ago but are looking for improvement this season. SVHS has just one starter back in senior Justice Gardner (17-6) at 132. Other individuals that could fill spots in the lineup include juniors Richard Zeller (160), Justin Holt (220) and Alex Grassland (220), as well as sophomore Connor Barnes (113). “Numbers are lower, so we are looking to fill as many weight classes as possible,” Elliott said. “Our main goal will be to compete hard and get better every week.” With the return of four state qualifiers, head coach Kevin Brown looks for his WAMEGO

squad to make big strides this season. He enters his sixth season with the Red Raider program. A year ago, WHS went 0-5 in duals and was sixth in the North Central Kansas League. Key returning wrestlers include three-time qualifier Drew Brown, a senior at 160 who had previously placed sixth at state as a sophomore at 126. Senior Nick Cruickshank (17-10) and junior Tayke Weber (17-9) will both compete at the 138 and 145 weight classes. Junior Hayden Oviatt, a two-time state qualifier, took third place at 182 last season and will move up to 195. He previously placed fourth at 160 as a freshman. Also filling in spots will be senior Ethan Holle (220), and sophomores Thomas McIntyre (145/152) and Jake Meyer (170/182). “Our goals are to continue to improve each day and finish at the top of the NCKL,” Brown said. “We have the potential to make huge strides this year and make the top 10 at state for only the second time in school history. As with all teams, we need to stay healthy and focus on our goal of improving each practice and every time we step on the mat.”

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 3-2-1A/from page 81 look to have some of four seniors and one junior to provide leadership. our key wrestlers step up and have some major Returning to the lineup for EHS will be seniors success this year,” Lickteig said. Quinten Heady, Drayton Kennedy, Nate Head coach Lance Walker has a solid group Thompson and Brayden Yarnell, as well as junior back at CIMARRON, including 12 individuals KC Welch. that could contribute significantly in the lineup. Larry Gawith takes over as head coach at Back this season for the Bluejays are seniors FLINTHILLS this season as the Mustangs return Eli Greene (160), Alex Sefried (160), JJ Bogner three wrestlers from last year’s squad. Leading (182), Mason Eskam (195) and Caden Wilkens the way will be senior Gavin Girty at 215 pounds. (195); juniors Zachery Harmon (145), Ivan Girty went 36-6 and took fifth place at state in Legg (152) and Layne Johnson (220); and 2021. Also back for FHS are senior Tayley Brown sophomores Erik Garcia (106/113), Payton at 195 and Lounden James at 126. Dye (138/145), Holden Kite (152) and Andrew “We need to stay focused on getting better in Bogner (170). the practice room every day,” Gawith said. “We want to work hard, improve and get as GARDEN PLAIN captured fourth place in the many qualified for state as possible,” Walker Central Plains League last season. The Owls said. “We need to stay healthy.” are under the direction of Joe Gassmann, who First-year wrestling program ELLINWOOD enters his sixth season as head coach. will have some early growing pains as it tries to A new wrestling program in 3-2-1A is at establish itself with numbers this season. That HAVEN, where head coach Wade Spencer job will be placed on the shoulders of Eagles hopes to quickly build a winning attitude. The head coach Kyle Roberts. Wildcats will be looking at several individuals “We want to establish a tradition of fundamental to fill spots in the lineup, including seniors Cody wrestling with opportunities to excel,” Roberts Weve (152), Tyler Rogers (220) and Keaton said. Loop (285); junior Gavin Moore (138); and ELLSWORTH will rely on younger athletes sophomores Dustin Loughrie (126) and Riley this season. Coach Steve Thorburn has no Loop (160). returning state qualifiers from last year, so the “Being a new program, team goals will change Bearcats need individuals to step up and provide throughout the season,” Spencer said. “We have leadership. wrestlers who have been in the youth wrestling “We want to improve as a team and get some programs. Our preseason goal is to break the of our younger kids to increase their ability and rust off and work hard to compete. As the season confidence,” Thorburn said. “Leadership and moves on, the goal of the team will be to have work ethic will be critical to our success.” success in dual and tournament competition. We ERIE is coming off a season in which it went need to work hard towards qualifying as many 4-1 in duals. The Red Devils will be looking at wrestlers to the state competition.”

Scott O’Hare returns for his 19th season as head coach at HILLSBORO. The Trojans went 3-2 in duals, while taking third at the Cheney District and sixth at the Hillsboro Regional a year ago Leading the way for Hillsboro is three-time state qualifier Tristan Rathbone. At 170 pounds, the senior went 31-7 and was the district and regional champion last season. Senior Garrett Helmer returns at 160 after a 26-9 season and is a two-time state qualifier. Junior Ryder

Page 97 Nordstrom, who is back as part of a cooperative agreement with Canton-Galva, was a 2020 state qualifier and finished 20-9 a year ago at 152. Also back are senior Filow Cruz (220); juniors Lane Rogers (195) and Deon Weeks (220); and sophomores Anthony Fiches (120) and Lane Mayfield (138). “Our primary goal will be constant and consistent improvement on wrestling fundamentals and continue to develop a winning CROP • AUTO • HOME • FARM • COMMERCIAL • LIFE • ANNUITIES

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 culture within our program,” O’Hare said. “We hope to fill a majority of the weight classes to enable us to be very competitive in duals.” Starting his 26th season at HOISINGTON, Daniel Schmidt continued the program’s recent success with a 10th-place finish in Class 3-2-1A a year ago. Over the past decade, the Cardinals have been one of the most successful programs in Kansas with nine top-10 finishes and four runner-up performances. Although the team has not wrestled in duals over the past three seasons, it does hold a streak of 69 consecutive dual victories. The Cardinals lost some key wrestlers due to graduation, including 3-2-1A State Wrestler of the Year and 182-pound champion Joshua Ball, who went a perfect 37-0 last season. Despite his loss, they do have several key figures back, including sophomore Josiah Ball, who took fifth place at state last season with a 27-6 record. Also back are senior Evan Foltz (25-10); juniors Eastin Redetzke (sixth at state in 2020), Cole Gilliland (state qualifier in 2020), Deryk Yott (21-11) and Logan Philbern (23-10); and sophomore Ian Smith (18-15). “We must stay healthy and get kids into the right weight classes,” Schmidt said. “Look for the Cardinals to be very competitive by the time the state tournament comes around.” JAYHAWK-LINN senior Corbin White won the 106 pound championship as a junior, a year after placing third in the same classification as a sophomore. He enters this season ranked number one at 106. Three-time state placer Colby Schreiner returns for KINGMAN. The junior, who competes at 145 pounds, is coming off a 24-1 season in which he took third place at state. Previously, he was second as a sophomore and third as a freshman. The Eagles, under the direction

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of second-year coach Robert Hall, went 6-2 in duals last season, while also taking third in the Central Plains League, seventh in the district and ninth at regionals. Also returning are seniors Chris Towne (126) and Cody Yust (285); juniors Adrian Ontiveros (152), Dalton Leis (160) and Bly Keimig (170); and sophomores Blake Pence (120) and Hunter Thieme (138). “Our kids put in a lot of work during the offseason this year looking to improve and get better,” Hall said. “I am blessed with kids that want to personally get better and do great. Ultimately, that is what the key to meeting those goals will be … how hard the kids are willing to work for it.” LAKIN graduated top wrestler Kade Lovelady who was 19-18 and district runner-up at 160 pounds a season ago. After competing at the 4A level a year ago, LARNED returns to Class 3-2-1A this season. The Indians had previously finished fifth in 3-2-A during the 2019-20 campaign. Head coach Matt Sleder welcomes back some key wrestlers from last year’s squad, including three returning qualifiers - seniors Dillan Hook and Gatlin Hoch, as well as junior Carter Atteberry. Hook went 28-4 and took fifth place at 126 pounds; while Hoch, a two-time state qualier, is back at 132 pounds after going 3013. Atteberry went 30-10 last season and will fill the 220-pound slot. Also returning to the lineup are seniors Austin Armstrong (113) and Jarett Seeman (160); junior Jacob Colglazier (145); and sophomores Jameson Smith (120) and Luke Fischer (152). “We were bumped up to 4A last year and took some good lumps,” Sleder said. “Our upperclassmen know what it takes to be successful and the hard work that it takes to be competitive. We will be back down in 3-2-1A and

look to make some noise this year.” The return of seven state qualifiers gives MINNEAPOLIS higher expectations heading into the new season. The Lions, who are coached by Chas Hauck, finished 21st overall in 3-2-1A a year ago. Two returnees have placed at state competition, including senior Gage Carlson and sophomore Chase Johnson. Carlson placed sixth at 106 pounds in 2020. The three-time state qualifier went 26-15 a year ago and will be competing at 132 pounds. Johnson placed sixth last season at 106 as a freshman with a 22-17 record. Other qualifiers back in the lineup are seniors Josiah Koll at 113 (18-16), Austin Wolff at 152 (28-11), Brody Murk at 182 (26-15), Chasyn Vogan at 195 (24-9) and Bryce Worlock at heavyweight (24-12). Vogan is a two-time state qualifier. MISSION VALLEY tied for 21st place at state a year ago and has just one returner from that squad. The Vikings, who are coached by Josh Parker, welcome back Jon Grame, who went 16-7 at the 220-pound weight class. Three qualifiers are back for NEMAHA CENTRAL, including John Langill at 120, Maurice Hilbert at 170 and Kaleb Reitz at 220. As a team, the Thunder finished fourth in the Big 7 League, fifth in districts and 10th in regional competition a year ago. Other individuals filling in the lineup will be Keaton Rottinghaus at 106, Alan Lambrecht at 126, Leo Holthaus at 132, Jack Holthaus at 138, Dalton Childress at 145, Aiden Feldkamp at 152, Seth Meyer at 160, Levi Kraisinger at 195 and Conner Deters at 285. “The team’s success will be determined by how quickly we can develop a skill set to be successful,” said coach Mark Mayberry. “We have hardworking athletic individuals, but it takes more than just being athletic to be successful in wrestling. We need to continue to develop our skill set.” Shane Bird begins his fifth season as head coach at OBERLIN-DECATUR COMMUNITY. Bird welcomes back a pair of state qualifiers in senior Reece Grafel (23-10) and sophomore Kingman, Lindsborg Lukas Zodrow (23-15). Gravel is a two-time Medicine Lodge, St. John whitesfoodliner.com Phillipsburg, Scott City state placer for the Red Devils. Also returning this season is junior Josh Juenemann (23-10). Brett LaMar takes over as head coach at ONAGA. The Buffaloes have three seniors in Hwy 36 the lineup, including Rilyn Mayginnes at 182 Smith Center (15-5), Kaid Schwant at 152 (18-10) and Nick 785-282-3571 Thompson at 195. Also back is sophomore Landon Koehllipg at 132, who went 13-3 a year ago. Other key individuals include junior Dine-in or Carryout

Wyatt Pennington (145); sophomores Hunter Lammond (138), Tatum Lara (285) and Jacob Stephens (220); and freshmen Dylan Magnett (195), Wyatt Boggs (132) and Zac Peters (120). “We want to act as a positive representative of our school and community, grow and improve as young men to achieve personal goals as well as team goals, and work as hard as possible to be successful student-athletes and a positive influence for future Buffaloes,” LaMar said. OSBORNE has two wrestlers returning to the squad this season in juniors Justin Widler and Chris Heise. Heise went 20-13 last season and returns at 170, while Widler is back at 145 and went 12-13. “Our goals this season is to improve every practice and tournament and outperform our opponents in all positions and to stay in control the best we can,” said Osborne head coach Jason Knoll. “We also want to get some kids back to the state tournament.” Head coach Andy Kenney is looking for leadership from his returning seniors and lettermen as he begins his seven season with the PHILLIPSBURG program. The Panthers went 4-4 in dual competition a year ago. Leading the way for Phillipsburg is Brock Buresh at 220 or 285 pounds. Buresh placed sixth at 220 in 2020. Also returning is senior Theo Keesee at 106. “We want improvement in the room and competitions by improving each day with practicing and working on the little things,” Kenney said. “We need leadership by our returning seniors and letter winners. We are also finding a weight class for our freshmen and spreading them out to find our toughest lineup and what weight class is good for them.” State qualifier Andrew Peters returns for his sophomore season at 106 pounds to lead the way for REMINGTON. The Broncos are led by head coach Casey Gobel. In addition to Peters, other wrestlers expected to contribute this season are junior Angel Lopez (285), and sophomores Carson Jarvis (120) and Gaspar Lopez (152). “Our goal is push the wall back everyday,” Gobel said. “We want to get better everyday.” After placing seventh at state a year ago, REPUBLIC COUNTY will be looking for another strong season with the return of several key wrestlers from last year’s squad. The Buffaloes are led by head coach Adam Polansky, whose squad posted a 19-5 record in duals and was the champion of the Hillsboro Regional. Three

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With no returning qualifiers, ST. FRANCIS will be looking to younger athletes to fill in its lineup this season. The lone senior back will be Shannon Rethke. “We are going to have a young group returning one senior,” said Indians coach Kyle Buffington. “Our goals are to simply get better every day and grow together as a group. To believe in each other, trust in the system, and stay patient for success.” STAFFORD has one wrestler back this season that has competed at state. Senior Tarrant Young finished 22-6 a year ago at 132 pounds. He had previously placed fifth at state as a sophomore in 2020. In addition to Young, coach Jimmy Brozek has three other individuals back in the Trojans lineup, including juniors Abe Llanas (138) and Caden McCandless (195), as well as sophomore Axel Ortiz (285). “We want to see a few more kids make it to the state tournament,” Brozek said. “That will take hard work and determination.” STOCKTON took a big hit when two-time state qualifer Rylan Basart, who posted a 26-17 overall record last season, suffered a season ending injury during football season. Head coach Clint Bedore will have senior Camden Iwanski (14-15) in the lineup at 152. “We will be a young team overall, so we are just looking to improve from day one,” Bedore said. “We are also looking for all those life lessons that become present through this challenging sport. Senior leadership will be the key. How they handle the practice with their younger teammates will determine how the team will progress through the season.” Five wrestlers return to lead the way for THOMAS MORE PREP this season. The Monarchs are under the direction of head coach Austin Tatro. Back for TMP will be senior Matthew Vahling (145); juniors Seamus Holmes (120) and Brayden Binder (126); and sophomores Lynkon Vahling (152) and Kendall Walker (220). “Consistency in the room and building a sense of competition among our guys will be for us this season,” Tatro said. TREGO COMMUNITY will be under new continued on page 104

Everett Royer, KSportsimages.com

SABETHA returns four state qualifiers from a year ago as it looks for another strong season on the mats. The Bluejays went 15-8 in duals and are led by eighth-year coach Ricky Creek. Sabetha has plenty of experience back, led by Josh Herrmann. The junior placed sixth in the state at 170 pounds last season. Also qualifying for state were sophomores Cullen Wikle (113), Colin Menold (126) and Cole Hinton (138). Other wrestlers returning include regional champion Kellen Menold, a senior, at 106; as well as substate qualifier Jonathan Renyer, a junior, at 145. “We just want to have fun and realize wrestling doesn’t have to be super serious,” Creek said. “We get to enjoy working hard and getting better.” SMITH CENTER will be under new leadership for the first time in many years this season as Landon Keiswetter begins his first season with the program, taking over for Brock Hutchinson. The Redmen return senior Jake Kirchoff (182); juniors Bentley Montgomery (132) and Alex Wilkinson (138); and sophomores Jason Desblen (160) and Eli Franklin (220). “Being a more experienced group this year will definitely be a plus,” Keiswetter said. “Also, the seniors we have will provide great leadership in the room, which i feel was lacking last year. This group of kids I think really enjoys the sport of wrestling which always helps.” Two-time state runner-up Matthew Rodriguez is a key piece for SOUTHEAST OF SALINE as he returns for his senior season on the mats. Rodriguez, a three-time state qualifier, is coming off a 34-2 record and will be competing at the 182-pound weight class. Head coach Chuck Schremmer welcomes back five other wrestlers to the lineup, including senior Eli Jackson (17-12) at 285. Mac Chambers posted a 20-13 mark last season at 160 and is back for his junior campaign. He will be joined by fellow junior Slade Johnson (152), as well as sophomores Alex Christensen (126) and Nathan Weller (195). “Our upperclassman helping our younger kids will be key, so by the end of the year they are prepared for league and regionals,” Schremmer said.

Everett Royer, KSportsimages.com

returners have placed at state competition, including seniors Andrew Hubert (160) and Jonathan Dyke (152), and junior AJ Polansky (120). Hubert, a three-time state qualifier, went 34-7 and placed fourth last season. Dyke, who has also qualified for state three times, went 3511 a year ago after placing fourth at 113 pounds as a sophomore. Polansky, a two-time qualifier, went 34-13 last season after placing sixth at 113 as a freshman in 2020. Also returning are senior Hunter Reynolds (138); juniors Garrett Siemsen (170/182), Ryan Beavers (170/182), Bryan Baxter (195) and Joshua Shelly (220); and sophomores Alex Dyke (132) and Jordan Williams (145). “We want to continue to be in the hunt to bring home league, regional and state hardware,” Polansky said. “The key will be the development of our underclassmen in our lower weights and getting our older guys in the right weight classes in the upper weights.” Samson Waggoner, a 2020 state qualifier, returns for RILEY COUNTY as the Falcons look for big things this season under second-year coach Brian Schuh. In addition to Waggoner at 160, other returning wrestlers for the Falcons include Luke Hebert at 145, Jackson Shanahan at 220, Eli Sias at 195 and Torrin Sheaves at heavyweight. “We want to win the Mid-East League and finish top three at regional and top 10 at state,” Schuh said. “We have to get better everyday with Max effort and attitude.” Coached by Dan Weigel, who begins his fourth season, RUSSELL welcomes back three-time state qualifier Jacob Windholz to its lineup. The senior will compete at 145 pounds after placing fifth at state as a sophomore. “The goal for this season is to use the sport of wrestling to teach Russell High student-athletes valuable character building traits that will help them become future leaders and role models in their communities,” Weigel said. “The key to our success will be the wrestling team as a whole holding one another accountable not only in the wrestling room but also in the classroom to perform to the best of each individual’s ability.” Big 7 League, district and regional champion

Everett Royer, KSportsimages.com

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

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1697 E 250 Ln Phillipsburg, KS 67661 785-543-2759 coomesinc.com coomes@ruraltel.net

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 6A/from page 78 “We want to work hard to get better every day, and senior leadership will be the key to our success,” Ross said. GARDNER-EDGERTON coach Tyler Cordts, entering his sixth season, has the bulk of his roster back from a year ago. That list includes Kasen Smith (113, So, 15-15), Caden Smith (120, So., 14-10), Josh Andrews (126, Jr., 22-7), Alonzo Borjas (132, Jr., 202), Collin Smith (138, Sr., 22-7), Therron Meade (145, Jr., 19-13), Zaine Mayfield (152, Jr., 18-8), Keeghan Troutman (160, Sr., 1616), Will Shuler (182, Sr., 16-8), Ethan Whittley (220, So., 8-14) and Jay Jensen (285, Sr., 20-10). Five of those qualified for state. HUTCHINSON’s Salthawks will be transitioning into a new era with first-year coach Dane Edwards. The top returners for Edwards include Seth Allen (152), Sammy Christians (152), Trey England (132) and Samara Jimenez (120). “Our goal is to have more wins than last year and to qualify five or six boys for state,” Edwards said. “We would like to begin building a new culture at Hutch High and finish the season with more than 20 kids.” JUNCTION CITY, again one of the perennial powers in 6A, had a solid regular season with a 21-9 dual record, only to finish in 16th at the state tournament. Coach Tyler Gonzales enters his third season at the helm. Perhaps his top returner is junior Kayden Blake (132), who placed fourth at 120 a year ago with a 24-20 record. Another state qualifier is Zach Petrusky (126, Jr., 31-7). Junior Patrick Foxworth, who was 32-8 a year ago, will be at 145 pounds after qualifying for state. In the heavier weights, he will have Cooper Bogenhagen at 195 pounds (16-6, third in Centennial League at 170) and Judah Peterson, a senior at 220 pounds (21-15), who was a state qualifier. Among the other experienced wrestlers are Collin McQueen (160, Jr., 18-5), and Leon Boykin (170, Jr., 16-14). “We want to grow week to week and peak at the right time,” said Gonzales. LAWRENCE HIGH coach Patrick Naughton welcomes back three state placers in Andrew Honas (106, So., 15-14), Kevin Honas (126, Sr., 22-4), who was state runner-up, and Jack Elsten (132, Jr., 20-6) who was fourth at 113 pounds in 2021. The Lions shared 10th place as a team with rival Lawrence-Free State. “The goals for this team are to be competitive as a dual team,” Naughton said. “Last year, our numbers were down and we are anticipating that our numbers will increase this year. Our state placers will carry us through the Sunflower League, regional and state.” LAWRENCE-FREE STATE went unbeaten at 20-0 in duals last year before tying for 10th at state with their rivals Lawrence High with 53 points. Coach Randy Streeter has some quality returners in Nolan Bradley (113, Jr., 25-4), who placed third at 106; Eric Streeter (138, Jr., 24-5, 3rd at 113 in 2020); Darius Shields (132, Sr., 21-4), who has been sixth and first at 106 (3-2-1A) in 2019 and 2020 and fifth at 120 a year ago. Three others were state qualifiers – Ezra Birdashaw (126, Sr., 16-9); Matthew Marcum (182, Jr., 17-8 at 170) and Tai Newhouse (285, Sr., 18-3). Ben Mellenbruch (152, Sr.) and Zach Shepley (170, Sr.) bring valuable experience to the roster, too. “In addition, we have a solid incoming freshman class,” Streeter said, among those his son Drew Streeter at 106 pounds. LIBERAL first-year coach Michael Fowler has his team in the tough Western Athletic Conference with 6A powers Garden City and Dodge City, but he has junior Trystan Juarez at 182 pounds who was sixth at 145 two years ago; three-time state qualifier Easton Zapien at 160 pounds, and state qualifiers Irvin Mendez (132, Sr.) and Tommy McClure (138, Jr.). “We want to be able to compete for our conference title first, and then build on that,” Fowler said. There will be a new look from the MANHATTAN bench this year after the retirement of veteran Robert Gonzales. New coach Shawn Bammes takes the reins of one of the top 6A programs in Kansas. A year ago, the Indians were 11-5 in duals, second in the Centennial League and eventually finished 11th in state. Bammes has six wrestlers with state experience and several of them having found the medal stand over the past two seasons. Easton Taylor (138, Sr., 28-4) is a three-time state qualifier, having won in 2020, third in 2019 and runner-up at 132 pounds in 2021.

Page 100 Also, Blaisen Bammes returns for his final season (152, 25-7) as a three-time state qualifier with a pair of sixth-place finishes. Jantzen Borge (120, Sr., 17-10) placed sixth at 113 pounds; while Jameal Agnew (126, So., 19-8), Tucker Brunner (145, Sr., 19-10) and Jaxon Vikander (195 Jr., 16-10) have been state qualifiers over the past two seasons. “We have high expectations with this program,” Bammes said. “We want to compete at a high level every time we step on the mat. We are looking forward to getting back to a normal schedule, and senior leadership will be a key for this year’s team to be successful.” Four upperclass wrestlers will be the anchor for OLATHE NORTHWEST coach Steve Mesa. Lucas Conover (220, Jr.) is a two-time state qualifier along with Noah Sharp (170, Sr.) and Noah Conover (138, Jr.). Daniel Thomas (120, Sr.) qualified in 2021. “We continue to develop our culture and wrestlers,” said Mesa, a member Garden City High School state championship teams of the early 1990s. “As most years, we must have leadership and skill development through the season.” The OLATHE WEST Owls, under Coach Tyler Robben, posted a 14-13 dual record, placed sixth at regionals, 12th at sub-state and 24th at state. Three wrestlers are back, including Aidan McLaughlin (195, Jr., 16-5, state qualifier), Reese Russman (132, Jr., 14-11) and Cooper Novacek (160, Jr., 21-16). “We need to be more aggressive on the mat continue learning and refining technique,” Robben said. “We need to find opportunities for quality competition during the regular season to maximize mat time.” If the SHAWNEE MISSION EAST Lancers want to see a higher state finish, they will need other state qualifiers to reach the medal stand in addition to a returning state champion in senior Jahir Contreras, who garnered the 126-pound title with a 39-3 record but moves up to 132 for his final season. Two-time state qualifier Ethan Jenkinson moves into that 126 slot for Coach Chip Ufford while he has another two-time state qualifier back in Brady Fankhauser (152) and one-time state qualifiers Ethan Woltkamp (106) and Max Franklin (220). “We want to improve from last year’s finish and develop more consistency,” Ufford said. SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH’s Bison will field a young team for Coach Thomas Peterman in 2021-22. Only one senior dots the preseason lineup and the rest of his projected starters include Josiah Long (126, Jr.), Lucas McGriff (132, Jr.), Rhett Lane (138, So.), Aiden Wiegers (145, So.), Willy Fontes (152, So.), Joey Piasecki (160, So.), Matthew Olendorf (170, So.), Diego Jaurez (182, Jr.), state qualifier Jack Taylor (195, So.), Chris Andrews (220, So.) and Christopher Lopez (285, Sr.). Peterman will be looking to fill slots at 106, 113, and 120. Coach Zach Davies hopes to build a new culture within his wrestling program at SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST. “We want to get kids to the state tournament and compete,” Davies said. “We want the kids to improve and buy in to the

program, and the key to success will be to get students who want to work hard. We want to be known for our physical style of wrestling.” The goal for SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH coach Derek Bayless is simple: “Send eight kids to state and get two kids on the medal stand. We want to get confidence in our abilities and commitment in the wrestling room.” TOPEKA HIGH’s Trojans had to sit out the 2020-21 season due to COVID, so this season will be all new for Coach Michael Canacari. “Being able to have a season is the [most] important thing for us,” he said. WICHITA HEIGHTS and Coach Todd Sacquitne (12th season) will be looking to grow and compete in every match. His top returners include juniors Zion Pete (195) and Victor Ndale (285). “We are looking to develop throughout the season and be competitive at the end of the season,” Sacquitne said. WICHITA NORTH posted a 12-5 dual record in the Greater Wichita Athletic League last season, placed fourth overall and were regional runners-up. Coach Quinton Burgess has a solid group of returners in 10 of the 14 weight classes. That group includes Richard Shields (113, Jr., 24-11), a regional runner-up; Martin Gutierrez (120, So., 20-12); Anthony Araiza (126, Sr.), Kevin Valasquez (132, Sr., 6-8); Evan Esparza (145, Jr., 10-8); Jaiden Trimble (152, Jr., 15-9); Cruz Alvarado, (160, Sr., 10-10); Angel Leos (170, Sr., 16-8); Tomas Bowring (195, Sr.); AJ Aranda (220, Sr.) and Angel Jeronimo (285, Jr.). “Our team goals are always based on continuous improvement and self-development,” Burgess said. “With that aid, we are looking to have a big season in year five of growing and building this program as we now have a roster of experienced upperclassmen.” After spending 12 years at Andover High School, coach Brett Fiene begins his first year at WICHITA NORTHWEST. His top returner is Caden Ross, a junior who was state runner-up at 195-pounds (27-4). “The goal is to improve each day, ending better than we started. I believe we have a shot at a GWAL title as well as a legitimate run at a trophy at the state tournament.” WICHITA SOUTHEAST will look to improve on what they did last year, coach Aaron Johnson said. The top returners for the Golden Buffaloes include 145-pounder Lyndon Le and 285-pound state qualifier Taveirage Maples. WICHITA WEST’s Pioneers went 3-9 in dual meets last year and placed third in the seasonending league tournament at the GWAL. Coach Jason Brown returns state qualifiers in Zeke Brown (126, So., 20-10) and Jamal Garrett (106, So., 18-14), but sees the departure of three-time state champion Quentin Saunders who transferred to Goddard. “Our goals are to win 95 percent of the team duals, win GWAL and qualify seven for state,” Brown stated. “We want to win the close matches at the end of the year.”

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KWCA Leading, Honoring, and Serving Kansas Wrestling!

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

Page 101

Rich Norrod

then I think that we can call this year a success.” VALLEY CENTER returns one state qualifier and two from substate competition. Cameron Bowyer, a junior, placed sixth at 152 pounds with a 27-18 record, while sophomore Jeff Schwartz (2113 at 106) and junior Easton Boone (21-18 at 160) were sub-state qualifiers. Also returning for the Hornets are senior Dallas Gould (220) and junior Cesar Morales (152). HIGHLAND PARK is looking to bounce from a COVID-related issues that canceled last season. The top returnee for the Scots is Morgan Dean, who was a state qualifier in 2020. “Just having a wrestling season and being able to compete is a positive,” coach Freddy Maisberger said. “Being able to compete and having a few league placers and few state qualifiers [are team goals].” The WASHINGTON Wildcats will look for leadership from senior Blake Mulikin, who was 7-7 at 182 pounds last year. “We will need to rebuild after a COVID season. We have to get our numbers back up to compete,” coach Aaron McGhee said. SPRING HILL returns sub-state qualifier Draven Pipkin (Jr.) at 195 pounds and regional participant Zach Knowlton (Sr.) at 145. Two additional underclassmen who medaled last year were SALINA CENTRAL senior Elix Hernandez (9-6, fifth at 126) and ST. JAMES ACADEMY senior Angel Miranda (20-11, sixth at 126). KANSAS CITY TURNER’s Gabe Cornett (26-7) was a state qualifier at 220 pounds.

Nick Treaster Newton, Junior

Rich Norrod

Xerarch Tungjaroenkul and Bobby Trujillo. Tungjaroenkul finished sixth at 145 pounds with a 24-6 record, while Trujillo was 23-13 at 182 pounds. Also returning for the Spartans is senior David Tucker, who was 13-14 at 126 pounds. EISENHOWER welcomes back eight lettermen, including senior Mason Levin, who placed fifth at 170 pounds last season with a 17-5 record. Also returning are qualifier Braedyn Blasi (126, So.), as well as senior Carter Dickman (195), juniors Gabe Rosenstiel (120), Trey Williams (132) and Ashton Smith (160) and sophomores Corbin Gillien (113) and Cade Cook (220). “Our goal is to continue to improve for the postseason,” coach Enrique Espinosa said. “Our key to success will be our team leadership.” The goals for HAYS are to send five individuals to state and finish in the Top 10 in the team race, according to head coach Heath Meder. The Indians are led by senior Gavin Meyers, who was one of the top wrestlers at 220 pounds last year. Meyers was injured at the state meet, had to injury default a couple matches and finished sixth overall with a 24-3 record. Meyers also finished fourth at 182 pounds as a freshman in 2019. Gavin Nutting, also a senior, placed sixth as a sophomore at 220 pounds in 2020 and qualified for state as a freshman at the same weight in 2019. Also returning for the Indians is sophomore Harley Zimmerman, who finished fourth at 126 pounds with a 20-7 mark. Seniors Dalton Dale (160) and Karson Russell (285), and junior Cyrus Vajnar (120) will also be looked to for leadership this season. LEAVENWORTH returns one state qualifier and four others who qualified for sub-state competition. Julian Long, a senior and three-time state qualifier, posted a 21-11 record last year and finished in the top eight at 106 pounds. The four sub-state qualifiers returning include sophomore Josh Kozminski (20-17, 113), senior David Drake (19-11, 126), junior Alexander Finn (1614, 120) and junior Shy’ron McMurray (12-17, 145). Also back are senior Willie George (138) and junior Xavior Davis (152). MAIZE SOUTH returns eight lettermen, including state qualifier Carter Nguyen (18-11 at 145 pounds) and sub-state qualifier Britton Forsythe (20-13 at 160). Also back for the Mavericks are seniors Corbin Baratti (113) and Eric Berlin (182), juniors Kaden Garvalena (138) and Jacob Gnagy (152) and sophomores Isaiah Lowe (126) and Joshua Berlin (132). “Our goals are to win four league duals, qualify 8-10 to state, improve and have fun,” head coach Matt Kerr said. “Being consistent and relentless in pursuit of our goals is key for us. We must work together to improve together.” The PIPER Pirates from Kansas City bring back one sub-state qualifier from last year, senior Ja’Diz Simmons, who was 13-11 at 106 pounds. Other returning lettermen are seniors Nate Moll (152) and Brody Lanter (170), juniors Sawyer Vas (152), Nick Hoover (126), Caton Lanter (160) and Quentin Enriquez (182) and sophomore Waylon Miller (132). SALINA SOUTH will be led by state medalist Kayson Dietz and sub-state qualifiers Brandon Fletcher and Trevor McMurray. Dietz, a senior, placed sixth at 285 with a 27-9 record, while Fletcher was a sub-state qualifier at 220 pounds and McMurray at 106. Also returning are lettermen Wyatt Vorarath (120), Isaac Martinez (126), Deacon McDonald (138), Seth Robben (145), Peyton Augustine (160) and Mason Jones (195). “We want to continue to develop our returners, improve on last year dual record and qualify half our weights for state,” coach Kanean Wendell said. “We wrestle a very competitive schedule against all the good teams across all classifications, so improving each week and peaking once we hit postseason is critical.” The COVID pandemic wrecked the 2020-21 season for the SUMNER ACADEMY Sabres. Senior and sophomore classes will lead the team this year. Seniors expected to make a contribution this season are Jorge Aragon (132), Byron Keith (138), Kaeden Robbins (145), Joel Sanchez (152) and Eric Jaques-Perez (195). The sophomore class is led by Deavon McWashington (160), Gerardo Fierro (170), Josue Copto (182) and Luis Espino (285). “For us to be successful this year, we will need our projected depth to hold steady through the season, especially with the inevitable injuries and unpredictable nature of COVID,” coach Adam Beatty said. “If we can keep enough kids healthy, keep enough kids in the room, and avoid any substantial stoppages,

Bubba Wright Kapaun, Senior

Whitney Parks

5A/from page 79 discipline and toughest practice room in the state and the rest takes care of itself.” BONNER SPRINGS returns four state qualifiers and will be looking to improve on last year’s 10th place state finish. Tony Caballero, a senior, was a state runner-up at 285 pounds and finished with a 25-5 record. Ethan Cook, a sophomore, placed sixth at 113 pounds with a 23-6 mark. Jace Tapia (20-10), a senior, is a two-time state qualifier, as is senior Shane Daniels (26-7). Tapia will wrestler at 138 pounds and Daniels at 152. Treyon Marquez (132), a sophomore, and senior Dakota Mortell (195) were sub-state qualifiers last season. Two more seniors - Austin Macias (113) and Brandin Andrew (145) - round out the lettermen. “We will have a senior-heavy team with lots of experience at the state tournament,” coach Brandon Jobe said. “We’re looking for hardware.” BISHOP CARROLL returns junior Broc Eastman (27-13, fourth at 195) and state qualifiers Caleb Means (132, Sr.), Antonio Huerta (145, Sr.) and Sam Duling (152, Jr.) from a team that placed 11th at state a season ago, along with GWAL champion Sam Gorges (126). Second year head coach Kyle Cline set goals of repeating as City League champs, a top two regional finish and top five at state. “We return a deep roster of experienced wrestlers at each weight class,” Cline said. “The athletes have put in the time in the weight room and by committing to wrestling in the offseason. We look forward to competing this season.” ANDOVER, the Regional 2 champion, returns a pair of state medalists in junior Landry Root and senior Gabe Maki. Root placed fifth at 113 pounds with a 26-7 record, while Maki was fifth at 138 with a 31-5 mark. The Trojans also return four substate qualifiers, including junior Adam Maki, who was 21-5 overall and will wrestle at 126 or 132. The other three are junior Aiden Alfers (106/113), senior Ty Gumeringer (132/138) and senior John Gariety (160/170), who was 17-9 overall. Also back are sophomores Lochlan Benjamin (145/152) and Baker North (285). ANDOVER CENTRAL welcomes back junior Bronx Wood, who placed fourth at 220 last season with a 21-7 record. Jaxson Newcomb was a state qualifier at 106 pounds with a 27-18 mark. Also back are lettermen Jamie Ownbey (Sr., 145), Jaycob Brown (Jr., 152) and Jayden Joy (So., 170). BASEHOR-LINWOOD returns a pair of state qualifiers in junior Connor McMillen and senior Tanner Parish. McMillen (13-6) qualified at 132 pounds, while Parish (14-10) reached the state tourney at 182. Six others qualified for sub-state, including twotime qualifiers, seniors Cohen Suchy (18-5, 138) and Aidan Baker (17-10, 152). Others include sophomore Evan Vielhauer (14-11, 113), sophomore Ethan Kelley (5-10, 120), junior Tyler Elven (197, 160) and senior Emmanuel Vazquez (11-9, 220). Sam Hicks (195), a senior, and sophomore Hudson Strahm (126) also return. “If we can focus on the process and get better each day our team will be in a position to accomplish its goals in the 21-22 wrestling season,” coach Jason Puderbaugh said. SEAMAN High School returns three wrestlers who have qualified for the state tournament - senior Justin Kruse, junior Jaxson Thomas and sophomore Hunter Reno. Kruse, who is expected to wrestle at 126, is a two-time qualifier, while Thomas (195) qualified in 2020 as a freshman. Reno (170) qualified last year as a freshman. Another top returnee is junior Zach Jowers. The Vikings will also be boosted by an influx of talent from last year’s Centennial League middle school title team. “The team is looking forward to improving on a rebuilding effort from a season ago,” coach Patrick Kelly said. PITTSBURG returns two wrestlers who were state qualifiers junior Cruz Lopez (18-8) at 113 pounds and senior Matt Smith (2210) at 160. Smith is a two-time state qualifier and regional champ. The Purple Dragons also had three other sub-state qualifiers senior Emiliano Cruze, junior Kristian Hutchinson and sophomore Caleb Hartman - plus three others who were qualifiers in 2020 - senior Gabe Beaman and juniors Corbin McIntier and J.J. White. Other returning lettermen include seniors Alex Alvarado, Jerrick Meadows and Seth Gann, juniors Jonathon Howard and Jaquan Augustin and sophomores Maverick Caswell, Wyatt Rink, Tyler Bailey and Austin Jasso. Two state qualifiers return for the EMPORIA Spartans - juniors

Hayden Mills

Blue Valley Southwest, Senior

Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 underclassmen. ICT Powers/from page 25 “The task is going to be tough, but I truly believe if I can get these talented kids to believe in each other, trust in the system I put in front of them, and put ‘team first’, then we have a great chance to be super successful this year,” Jefferson said. “Being so close last year I would hope that they take the challenge to take the Jaguars one step further!’ Falcons try to continue tradition Wichita Heights was defeated in the quarterfinals of the state tournament last season against a tough Topeka squad by a score of 71-36, finishing the season with a record of 16-7. The state appearance was the 22nd in the history of the Heights program, among the top six in the state in all-time championship tournament appearances and the Falcons will try to make it 23 next March. Despite losing second team all-state combo guard Laniah Randle to Southern Illinois, Heights brings back a couple elite talents in seniors Zyanna Walker and Cayanna Stanley. Thanks to a mix of experienced returners and a talented youth movement, head coach Ken Palmer feels the Falcons should have no issue continuing their tradition of success. “I feel good about what we got coming back, we got Zyanna back, she’ll replace Laniah Randle, who’s now gone,” head coach Ken Palmer said. “It was really nice to have them both on the floor at the same time, but Zyanna will do even more things than Laniah did. Not taking anything from Laniah, but Zyanna is, she’s a heck of a ballplayer, and I have some great youngsters who are gonna bring some good things to the table.” Walker suffered an ACL injury last February, causing her to miss the last portion of the season, and has since worked back to full strength. While Walker is expected replace much of Randle’s role, what Stanley does on the court has no shortage of importance. “Her leadership, and she scores the ball really good for me,” Palmer said. “She’s got a great shot, she’s got a great IQ for the game. So, just to be out there to help coordinate and run things, she knows me very well, she knows how I like to play so she’s like a coach out on the floor. It’s like autopilot when she’s out there.” Walker and Stanley have the ability to provide offense whenever necessary, but the other side of the ball has been their primary focus this offseason. “I’d say probably our defense,” Stanley said of her focus in the summer. “We focused a lot towards the end of the year with kind of moving our feet more, and then we actually read-

Austin Coash, Ark Valley News

AVCTL-IV/from page 39 tournament. Elizabeth is starting to hear from some major colleges and upped her game a lot this summer.” Carlson will count on his seniors to provide depth and leadership after a good offseason. “Senior Brooke Berlin had a really strong summer playing for Wheat State Elite and improved her game tremendously. She was second team all-league last season. Senior Laurel Streit is a defensive freak. She is extremely long and athletic and can guard any position on

Mackenzie Fairchild

Andale, Junior

justed some of our like presses and stuff, so I think that would be a big thing this year, getting it down to a T, and it’s more, like, communication between the guards up top and then the bigs in the post, just making sure we know like where we are when to rotate all that.” Stanley shared Walker’s optimism toward the team’s further development. “I’m really excited,” Stanley said. “I feel like we can do some really good things. We have some young players that have a lot of potential, and then me and Zyanna, you know, we’ve been here all four years, so I think we could do some good things and make it far this year.” Walker - a Louisville basketball signee - long ago established herself as one of the top rated players in Kansas. The 5-8 guard is a talented ball-handler, with the ability to score from any place on the court, and she’s confident in that reality, pointing it out as her biggest strength. “Scoring for sure, that’s just the type of player I am,” Walker said. “Scoring all three levels, and that’s what I do with my game, just all three looks.” The duo will have a tough road in 6A, with Topeka High - the team that knocked them out of the state quarterfinals 71-36 a season ago - and others putting talented lineups on the floor, but few teams can boast as much top end firepower as the Falcons in their two stars, nor their passion to reach the top of 6A. “Number one is win state and get a state title ring,” Stanley said. “We haven’t got a ring yet and I’m determined to get a ring. I don’t care. We have to go through blood, sweat, tears. All the broken bones.” Heights also has a few weapons outside of Walker and Randle. Sophomore Mya Mayberry has already earned an offer from Colorado State University-Pueblo, and incoming freshman Kennadi Jackson, a player who has shown the ability to dominate at her grade level, is also likely to see plenty of varsity minutes. While any team is happy to have young, talented players, actually fitting them into an already established scheme can be tricky, and may have a heavy bearing on their season. If it can be done, the Falcons are going to be among the most dangerous teams in the state. “Mixing the the younger girls in with, you know, of course my two seniors with Cayanna and Zy,” Palmer said of his team’s keys. “Getting those younger girls to fit in with them, the strength of the game, the speed of the game, the quality of game, those young girls, it’s gonna be a rough ride, but, you know, if they hang in there, they’ll be okay.”

the floor. She improved a ton this summer on the offensive side. As soon as the season was over, guard Taylee Hatton had surgery on a torn labrum that she played with the entire season. She has been cleared a month earlier than expected. She will be a matchup problem due to her ability to stretch the floor.” MULVANE could only notch a 3-18 record a season ago, with an 0-10 record in league. The Wildcats were a young group a season ago and return sophomore Teagan Garrison, senior Kamryn Nolan, junior Karlie Kanaga, and junior Lauren Young. ROSE HILL closed out last season at 10-8 with a first round sub-state loss to Wellington. The Rockets say goodbye to 4A all-state honorable mention tandem Haley Thrush and Lexie Rose, along with all-league Korryn Hackney, a trio that will be tough to replace. WELLINGTON was barely kept out of the state tournament last season, losing 34-32 in the substate championship to fellow league member, Clearwater. After posting a 12-7 record, the Crusaders get back senior Ali Zeka, junior Shiney Hughes, junior Ashlyn Gerten, and junior Kami Reichenberger. WICHITA COLLEGIATE returns after a 9-11,

Page 102 off the three line because Central Time/from page 27 that’s what really hurt this last year, so basically just focus on defense and get stops, make buckets.” Cunningham is another returning starter for the Mustangs. Her 10.9 points, 4.5 rebound, 3.9 assist, and 3.1 steals per game statline was enough to earn her first team all-league honors and KBCA honorable mention all-state as a sophomore. Samilton and Stewart also return to pivotal roles this season after averaging 8.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, .7 assists, and .9 steals and 6.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal per game respectively. “We are aware that we have more than one or two players who are capable of significantly impacting the basketball game,” Fear said. “We have developed a level of trust and knowing that when we embrace each other’s abilities, we will all be more successful. The priority of putting the team first allows us to stay away from the cancer of selfishness.” Central is a top contender this season given the amount of state tournament experience they have returning, but Fear’s focus is elsewhere at this time. “There are all sorts of obstacles, just like there are in any season and for every team,” Fear said. “You have to be playing well at that time of year, injuries or illness, one bad night, all of these things come into play. Our focus is on getting better each day and enjoying the journey. We won’t worry about the end of the season until it gets here.”

sub-state runner up season. Two top players are back, both 5-4 seniors, Ellie Munds (9.7 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.6 apg, .5 bpg, 1 spg) and Haley Allen (4.1 ppg, 3 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.2 spg), along with 5-7 junior Katherine Grace and 6-0 junior Erihana Vincent, both lettermen last season. “We are looking to build off of last year’s success,” head coach Brett Gunderson said.

“The team saw their highest win total since the 2014-2015 season and they also won their first postseason game since the 2015-2016 season. We have a team that has put in a lot of work, they have overcome adversity, and they started to see all of that payoff last season. This group is definitely determined to take this year’s team even further.”

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 SCBL/from page 68 hasn’t been their included a fourth-place finish in the final SCBL time. Now it is.” standings. Three starters are back for head SOUTH HAVEN came up just short of a coach Dave Miller, who enters his sixth season league championship last season, finishing as with the Lady Patriot program. Leading the way the runner-up a half game behind Sedan. The is 5-11 junior Molly McClendon, an all-league Cardinals closed out the season at 13-8 overall pick after averaging 9.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, on the season. Two players earned postseason 2.1 assists and 2.3 steals per game a year honors for SHHS a year ago, including Macey ago. Another league honoree is second team Pond as All-SCBL First Team and Alyssa Bridges selection Josie Ware, a 5-6 senior (6.2 ppg, on Second Team. 3.1 rpg). Also back in the lineup is 5-11 senior ARGONIA wrapped up a 14-5 campaign a year Hannah Whetstone (5.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg). Two other ago that included a 5-1 mark in the SCBL for returning players that should contribute big third place. The Raiders were loaded with talent minutes for WEHS this season are 5-3 senior last season as four players earned postseason Natalie Harshen and 5-5 junior Lakin Wiseman. recognition by the league - Aubreigh Haxton “We have a lot of holes to fill,” said Miller, on first team, Chelsea Coleman second team who has an 87-23 record with the WEHS girls’ and both Destiny Baker and Alexis Vineyard program. “We lost a lot of key players who were honorable mention. Only Coleman is back and highly skilled. We are going to have to have will be joined as a returning starter by fellow some girls who haven’t had a lot of varsity time senior Alyssa Martin after the pair combined be ready to step up and play like they belong.” for 16 points and seven rebounds a game a FLINTHILLS finished in the middle of the pack season ago. Junior Brenna Booker is the only of the SCBL standings a year ago in fifth place. other returning letterwinner after providing four The Mustangs had a strong postseason run, points and two rebounds a game a season ago. beating Udall to claim the Flinthills sub-state Veteran coach Dixie Brewster enters her 16th championship. That placed them in the Class year as head coach at the school with a 258-93 1A-Division I State Tournament, where they record, including 14 or more wins in each of the lost to Olpe in the opening round. FHS finished last four seasons. with a 12-10 overall record. Two players from “Chelsea and Alyssa are solid players with last year’s squad earned league recognition, good attitudes and work hard on both ends of including All-SCBL Second Team Riggin Carney the court,” Brewster said. “Their leadership will and Honorable Mention Madison Alvord. be key for our season. If we can be consistent One win away from a trip to state, UDALL and improve our offensive execution, we will closed out last season with an overall record of have success.” 10-14, which included a 3-5 mark in the SCBL for WEST ELK had its three-year reign as league sixth place in the standings. Under the direction champions come to a close last season. The of fourth-year coach Elise Gerlach, who has a Lady Patriots closed out a 12-6 campaign that 39-60 overall record in the program, the Eagles

Page 103 welcome back three starters from last year’s squad - 5-6 senior Abby Hoffman, 5-8 junior Ella Johnson and 5-5 sophomore Ciara Hopkins. “The key to our success is playing together as a team,” Gerlach said. “We need to control our effort and mindset. Our goals are to play in the sub-state championship game and have a winning season.” Seeking its first winning season in about a decade, OXFORD looks to overcome last year’s 4-9 COVID season that included a seventhplace finish in the final league standings. Josh Sipes begins his third season in charge of the Wildcats, compiling an overall record of 8-24 so far at OHS. He welcomes back four starters from last year’s squad, led by honorable mention all-league selection Lauren Payne. The 5-4 senior averaged 5.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game a year ago. Also returning are 5-6 junior Liberty Kies (6.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.5 spg, 1.2 apg), 5-5 senior Magdalena Gardea (2.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.7 spg) and 5-6 senior Lily Kopfer (7 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.4 spg). “Our goal is to be over .500 for the first time in 10 years as a program,” Sipes said. “We’d love to finish in the top half of our league. The key for us will be whether or not consistent scorers step up and can be counted on game in and game out.” Led by all-league honorable mention Rae McAdam, CEDAR VALE/DEXTER is seeking improvement this season under first-year head coach Eric Swanson. McAdam is one of three starters back for the Spartans this season following their 3-13 campaign a year ago that included an eighth-place finish in the league standings. The 5-8 senior is the top returning

scorer and rebounder on the team at 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Also back in the lineup are 5-7 senior Kaitlynn Anderson (5.1 ppg, 6 rpg) and 5-9 sophomore Riley Schalk (2.6 ppg). “Every time we come off the court, we want our opponents to think ‘These CVD girls played hard,’” Swanson said. “We want to hold teams to 30 points per game and win the rebounding battle. The keys for us will be defense and rebounding.” Ben Clark begins his first season at CENTRAL OF BURDEN, taking over a Lady Raider squad that finished 5-16 overall and in ninth place in the final SCBL standings a year ago. Despite struggling for wins last season, CHS did show some progress, which included a victory over Oswego in the quarterfinal round of the Rosalia Sub-State Tournament. That was the team’s first postseason victory since beating Chetopa in the opening round in 2015. Clark has four returning starters this season, led by honorable mention all-league selection Emily Long, a 5-6 junior. Also back are 5-7 senior Haven Wunderlich, 5-6 senior Morgan Cook and 5-3 junior Maddie Brogan. Coming off a winless season, CALDWELL is trying to take steps forward as it digs its way out of the SCBL cellar. The Bluejays closed out last season in 10th place in the SCBL and have two returning players back this season in Jacelyn Brown and Adely Mayo. “We need to compete every day,” said fifthyear Caldwell coach Jason McVeigh.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 Page 104 3-2-1A/from page 99 leadership this season as Michael Malay begins his first year as head coach. The Golden Eagles will be led by senior Tanner Sells, who is the team’s only returning state qualifier from a year ago. Also back are experienced seniors Hayden Opat and Matthew Hafliger, as well as juniors James Kriegh and Dustin Thompson. “We want to improve on the mat and continue to have success in the classroom,” Malay said. “The key for us will be strong leadership.” UNIONTOWN was the Three Rivers League runner-up last season and looks to remain near the top of the league this season with the return of state champion Bryce Eck. Head coach William Hathaway will be looking for leadership from Eck, who makes the move up from 152 pounds to 160 this season. Another state qualifier back for the Eagles is junior Kane Shepard at 138. “The key for us this season will be hard work and developing our young wrestlers,” Hathaway said. Another new program is at WEST FRANKLIN. Leading the way for the Falcons will be first-year head coach Brent Lane, who previously spent time at Salina South and Fredonia. “We need to gain mat time and experience,” Lane said. “The key will be getting kids to come out for the program and buy into the sport.” Wesley Cooper begins his first season as head coach at WICHITA COUNTY. The Indians return one state qualifier in sophomore Wyatt Gardner at 132 pounds. Also expected to make contributions this season are seniors Tristen Porter (160) and Chandler Seaton (182); juniors Joel Barrera (120), Quality Healthcare Close to Home Braxton Schouten (152) and Trevor Biermann (182); and sophomore Brandon Price (182). “This year, our team goal is to not hold back,” Cooper said. “We will rally around each other with the purpose of finding out what this team’s potential can be. The key will be establishing a good work ethic and maintaining it throughout the season.” State qualifier Jess Hancock returns for WICHITA TRINITY at 195 pounds following an 18-14 record last season. He will provide plenty of leadership for first-year coach Dan Bigelow and the Knights squad. Also back are Jude Palser and Mason Wingate. “As a team, we would like to build a winning wrestling program,” Bigelow said. “For years, Trinity has been known as a basketball school. We would like for it to be known as a school with great winter sports programs. A lot of things go into a program that make it successful. I think teaching our wrestlers to strive for perfection when they are practicing their techniques is one of the keys to success. If they continue to do this day in and day out, it becomes second nature.”

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 Page 105 NCKL/from page 59 season, but are still looking for their first winning season since 2017 and will have to replace all-league seniors Kendall Reynolds and Terin Rundus, both lost to graduation. After a first round sub-state exit at the hands of Royal Valley, MARYSVILLE finished the season just below .500 at 9-10. All-league honorable mention selection Linda Franco is a tough loss for the Bulldogs, but first team all-league seniors Madison Ronnebaum and Eva Peschel were two of Marysville’s top players last season as juniors. WAMEGO qualified for the state tournament last year for the first time since 2014, but soon ran into Bishop Miege and McDonald’s All-American Peyton Verhulst. Nonetheless, the Raiders finished the year 16-7 overall and 7-3 in league, good for second place. Fifth year Wamego head coach Brian McIntosh returns four starters from that team and plenty of depth around them. Seniors Paige Donnelly (9.5 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 spg, 2 apg) and Ryann Alderson (5 ppg, 3.5 rpg), juniors Ashten Pierson (9.2 ppg, 2 rpg, 3 spg), Trista Hoobler (6.7 ppg, 3 rpg, 1.5 spg, 1.5 apg), Cadence Kueker (4 ppg, 5 rpg, 2.3 bpg), and sophomore Addison Denney (4 ppg, 4 rpg) were all major rotation players last season. “We have the majority of our team returning from last season,” coach McIntosh said. “The girls have been working hard in the off-season and are hungry to improve on last season’s success. Our three seniors, Ryann Alderson (all-league), Paige Donnelly (all-league and all-state) and Cadence Kueker have been playing varsity minutes since they were freshmen. They are terrific leaders and understand what it takes to compete at the state level. These three have become tenacious defenders and have the ability to control a game defensively. Paige is one of the best on ball defenders I’ve seen, Ryann’s length gives her the ability to guard any position and Cadence has become an elite post defender that protects the basket for us. All three of them understand that our pressure defense leads to easy baskets on offense. All three of them have worked extremely hard on their offensive skills this off-season. I look for them to finish off their careers on a high note.” But McIntosh is not just excited for his three seniors. “We also have a dedicated junior class that will make more noise this year. Trista Hoobler (allleague and honorable mention all-state), Ashten Pierson (all-league and honorable mention allstate) and Addison Denney are returners that played big minutes for us last season and helped us make our run to state. We look for Maya Gallagher, Kirby McKee, Kyla McAdam and sophomore Sara Springer to fill the void from our two graduates. We are excited about the steps we took last season and look forward to building on them this season. We return the majority of our team from last season. Our returners played a huge role in our state run last season. They understand what it takes to compete against the best and have their focus set on some high goals. The girls are very hungry and eager to get the season going. They all did more this off-season than they ever have. We look forward to a memorable season.”

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 FHL/from page 47 from last year’s senior-ladened 13-8 team. “We have won the league or played for the league championship four of the last five seasons and our main goal is to continue that success and compete at the top of the league as we build throughout the season to try and make a postseason run,” said head coach Jordan Hysten. NORTHERN HEIGHTS finished last season 2-18 and were unable to notch a Flint Hills League win after finishing 18-4 with a 6-1 record in league the year prior. The Wildcats return three starters in seniors Braden Heins (14.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.8 spg) and Jerrod Campbell (8.2 ppg, 1.3 apg, 3.1 rpg, 1.4 spg) and junior Kolden Ryberg (5.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.4 spg). “We need to work on improving everyday,” head coach Jason Lang said. “Our goal is to be competitive in all ball games and improve our standing in the league from last year. We need to come together as a team, continue to build on what we started during the summer. Our experienced guys need to take the next step as leaders and a couple of younger guys are going to need to sort themselves to the top in preseason practices.” OSAGE CITY faced a painful elimination in the second round of last year’s sub-state tournament in Council Grove, losing 54-53 to St. Marys. The Indians ended the season 16-4 overall with a 5-2 league record and return three starters in first team all-league junior Landon Boss (16 ppg, 8 rpg), senior Tyler Sage (6 ppg), and senior Kason Moon (6 ppg). Junior Kadon Kilpatrick (6 ppg, 3 rpg) and senior Jace Brenner (4 ppg) also come back after putting in valuable minutes last season. First team all-league selection Gunnar Fort will be tough to replace after graduating and heading off to Highland Community College to play basketball. “We return a solid group of players that got valuable playing time last year on a 16-4 team,” coach Dennis Fort said. “We will need to develop a bench as the season progresses. Landon Boss was an honorable mention all-state player for us last season. We will struggle if other players do not step up and hit shots, as teams will collapse and do whatever they need to do to slow him down.” WEST FRANKLIN finished 2-13 a year ago after being knocked out 71-41 in the first round of their sub-state tournament. The Falcons lose second team all-league Cade Fischer to graduation,

Page 106 but return all-league honorable mention junior Trey Rogers. GIRLS The girls side of the Flint Hills League is wide open with the graduation of a majority of the players for defending league champs Osage City. Teams like Council Grove, Chase County, Northern Heights, and others have winning pieces on their team, the question will be whether they can be pieced together to solve the puzzle. CENTRAL HEIGHTS lost a tough four versus five match-up against Lyndon in the first round of sub-state, 32-28, giving them a 7-12 record at season’s end. The Vikings lose a couple key players to graduation, but get back seniors Lily Meyer, Cameron Peel, Taryn Compton and junior Eryka Haynes from last season’s varsity rotation. After earning the top seed and having the home court advantage at last year’s sub-state, CHASE COUNTY was eventually defeated in the championship game against Berean Academy, leaving them with a 14-6 record. One of the biggest keys going into this season for the Bulldogs will be replacing first team all-league selection Britney Schroer, now playing basketball at Barton County Community College. The Bulldogs do return her fellow first team all-league selection Kaylee Simpson, along with fellow seniors Abby Tubach, Ainsley Grant and sophomore Hadi Hatcher. COUNCIL GROVE was 4-13 a season ago, but returns six key varsity contributors led by senior second team all-league selection Liz Armstrong (14.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.5 spg, 1 apg), along with fellow seniors Paisli Butler (5.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.1 spg, 1.5 apg), Joslin Cannon (2.4 ppg, 1.5 rpg, .6 spg, .4 apg) and Mija Carlson (.8 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.2 spg, .6 apg) and juniors Lillian Tompkins (2.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg, .8 apg, 1.1 spg) and Jessica Filkin (1.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg, .3 apg, 1.2 spg). “[Our goal is] to get better every day and give ourselves a chance to win the Flint Hills League and tournament,” coach Eric Carter said. “Playing great defense and holding teams to under 40 points a game [will be key].” After their second round sub-state defeat at the hands of Chase County, LYNDON finished 11-10 last season, but returns all five starters, including seniors Addyson Easter, Maci Ramey and Mia Fischer, along with juniors Jolie Hielscher and Taylor Segrist. “We want to compete in each game and get better as individuals and as a team,” coach Toby Baker said. “We struggled to score last year, so I would say, we have to make shots.” MISSION VALLEY finished 12-8 overall and third place in their league at 3-2 last season. From that team three starters return including senior Jaycie Calvaruzo (6.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.3 apg, 4.1 spg) and juniors Paige Martin (11 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.1 bpg, 2.8 spg) and Morgan Tomlinson (6.3 ppg, 5 rpg, 1.2 apg, .6 spg). The trio will have to mesh with a young group of unproven players, but have the potential for a big year if they’re able to do so successfully.

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“We would like to be one of the best teams in our league and be competitive with the best teams in 2A,” coach Ben Packard said. “We lost a couple of key seniors last year, so having our young players gel with our returning upperclassmen will be key.” NORTHERN HEIGHTS was caught completely off guard by a determined Wabaunsee team in last year’s sub-state tournament. The Wildcats had advanced past the first round as the one seed after routing eight seed McLouth, 59-18, before losing in the second round 47-33 to the 6-13 sixth seeded Chargers, finishing with a 16-5 record. Heights loses two starters from last season in Caleigh Smart and Kaley Boyce, but return seniors Adrianna Brecheisen and Makenna French. The Panthers have won at least 15 games in each of the last four seasons. OSAGE CITY was another one seed that couldn’t quite make it out of their sub-state tournament, losing to Silver Lake in the semifinals game 46-39. The Indians finished the season with a 17-4 mark and won the league title in the process. A big senior group graduated this past May, with coach Chris Kilpatrick saying, “Our varsity will basically be our JV team from last year with senior Liz Devoll mixed in with them.They had a very successful JV season” Devoll, a 5-6 senior (5.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg), is joined by 5-7 senior Hannah Jones (1 ppg, 2.1 rpg), 5-4 junior Greta Crawford (1 ppg, 1 rpg), 5-8 junior Kaitlyn Gantenbein (1.3 ppg, 1 rpg), 5-11 sophomore Campbell Stark (2 ppg, 1.7 rpg) and 5-7 sophomore Jorjia Kitselman (1.1 ppg, 1 rpg). Kilpatrick cited experience as a concern for the Indians. “I’m really excited to see what this group will do at the varsity level,” Kilpatrick said. “They meshed well last season and had a lot of success at the JV level. This summer we had our best numbers in the weight room and they all have shown great improvement. I think we can be really solid on the defensive end and have some potential offensively to do well. We will have to continue to work hard and get better each day.” WEST FRANKLIN ended their season with a 2-16 mark after losing in the first round of sub-state to top seed and eventual state qualifier, Osawatomie. All-league honorable mention senior Allison Swank is the squad’s top returner. The Falcons have been unable to put a winning record together since 2016.

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FRL/from page 48 will definitely depend on this large group of seniors to lead the way this year.” After being knocked out of last year’s sub-state tournament in the first round against Miege, TONGANOXIE gets back three senior starters from last season’s 5-16 team; Raegan Seba (10.8 ppg), Emma Sunderland (4.6 ppg), and Chyanne Aaron (4.1 ppg). “[Our goal is ] to put ourselves in a position to play for a sub-state title and a shot at the state tournament,” coach Mitch Loomis said. “Limiting turnovers and getting production on the interior to allow shooters to get some space [is key to our success].”

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BE ELITE NPL/from page 64 Coming into the Osborne-hosted sub-state tournament as a one-seed, THUNDER RIDGE faced an upset loss after a first round bye, losing to four-seed Decatur Community 42-28, and finishing the season with a 14-4 record overall, to go with 9-1 mark in league play. Replacing the outgoing combination of first team all-league selection Madelyn Davis and second team all-league selection Raini Hrabe is going to be a tall order for the Longhorns, but veteran coach Darren Grauerholz is used to reloading the varsity roster. Sophomore Kamryn Rietzke, junior Toree Slavik and senior Saige Kirchoff all scored in double figures in multiple contests last season, but it was unclear if Kirchoff would return to the team at press time. After a young WILSON team posted a 4-11 record last year and the Dragons return four starters, none of which are seniors. Juniors Grace Bohnen (2 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1 apg) and Cara Criswell (8.6 ppg, 8.8 rpg) and sophomores Anna Thielen (7.8 ppg, 5 rpg, 1.6 apg) and Skylar Cullens (1.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg) will have another year in coach Ted Long’s offense, as they look for a bigger number

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Page 108 Long said. “We need to improve our team shooting, defense and stay healthy.”

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 NWKL/from page 65 QUINTER fought hard in their sub-state title matchup with Hodgeman County last season, but fell just short with a final score of 46-40. The Bulldogs finished the season 17-6 and had three first team all-league selections in Kayler Getz, Anna Briggs and Ava Gillespie. Getz is gone to graduation but Getz and Briggs are now a junior and senior respectively. After an 8-12 finish last season, RAWLINS COUNTY returns six players with starting experience, including seniors Sadie Sramek, Rylee Unruh and Emmie Higley, juniors Mariyah Nichols and Michaela Rippe and sophomore Abby Micek. “We have a lot of experience coming back along with some younger girls that will push for playing time,” head coach Deone Horinek said. “Obviously pushing to win each tournament we SEK/from page 67 (5-10 forward) and Jaye Smith (5-6 forward). “We want to get better every day and be the best versions of ourselves at season’s end,” said Fox, who has a 109-88 career record at Chanute. “Along the way we want to win as many games as possible. I think with so many young, inexperienced kids it wouldn’t be surprising if it took us a bit to figure things out. That said, these girls have talent, and they are competitive. I believe in them and their ability to figure things out and be competitive in the SEK.” Despite the loss of two first team all-league selections, PITTSBURG looks to be in the hunt for the top spot in the league this season. The Purple Dragons shared second place in the league a year ago with Chanute. They capped off the season with a 13-7 overall record. Gone from that squad due to graduation are all-league performers Ela Hendrickson and Madden Petty. Kris Crotts begins his fifth season with the PHS girls’ program. During that time, he has led the Purple Dragons to an overall record of 39-43. Leading scorer and rebounder Abby Veile is back for INDEPENDENCE, which is coming off a 9-11 season that included a fourth-place finish in the SEK. Veile averaged 17.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game a year ago for the Lady Bulldogs. In addition to being named first team all-league, the 5-8 junior was also all-class by multiple outlets. In addition to Veile, also returning will be 5-8 senior guard Mercy Smith and 5-3 sophomore guard Camdyn Eytcheson, while 5-7 senior guard Hailey Stover and 5-9 sophomore post are projected in the starting lineup. “We are a young team this year,” said Brycen Byrd, who enters his second season as Lady Bulldog head coach. “We had three starters graduate and now have new leadership roles open because of the seniors who graduated. I’m excited to see how this group can come together and the way that they will be able to continue developing a culture of integrity and hard work. This group is willing to work hard and is full of players that love stepping up to challenges. I’m optimistic that we can improve from where we left off last year.” With the departure of first team all-league and all-class honorable mention selection Ella Beth to graduation, FORT SCOTT will need to fill some shoes as it tries to improve off its 8-14 season a year ago. Pechone Stepps returns for his eighth season with the FSHS girls’ program. The Tigers, who finished fifth in the SEK, welcome back two starters from last year’s squad, including 5-9 senior guard/forward Abby Altic and 5-6 junior guard Jescie Comstock. Other returning players that should contribute will be seniors Harmony Shaw (5-9 guard/forward) and Teryn Farley (5-11 forward), junior McKenzie Murphy (5-11 forward), and sophomores Carsen Wunderly (5-8 guard), Keega Yarick (5-8 guard) and Bailey Couch (5-6 guard). “Although we will miss our graduating seniors, this will be a great opportunity for some of our other young ladies to step in to meet the challenges ahead,” Stepps said. “Overall, I believe we will have eight to 10 interchangeable girls who all could possibly contribute in some capacity on the varsity level during the season. So I am looking forward to competitive practices as girls battle for spots in the rotation.” One year after going winless, PARSONS was much more competitive in the SEK last season, finishing 5-13 overall and in sixth place in the final league standings at 2-9. Head coach Pat Schibi has reason to believe that upward trend will continue this season with the return of four starters from last year’s squad. Sydney Schibi and Inya Hinman, who both had standout freshman

Page 109 attend is huge. Also, making sure we don’t let winnable games slip away to keep our seed for sub-state will be critical. One major key to success this season will be gelling as a team. We are going to be ‘different’ than we have been in the past and getting everyone on the same page will be critical. The athletic potential is there, getting everyone where they need to be in terms of how they will be fit the team will be important. There is no limit for this group!” Like the boys, St. Francis and Cheylin will enter a cooperative for basketball, but the girls will play as the ST. FRANCIS/CHEYLIN Lady Indians and anticipate 12-16 girls out for the team. The Lady Indians return some important pieces, including seniors Jordyn Faulkender (14.5 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 2 spg, first team All-NWKL), McKenna Poling (11.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.7 spg, 2.5 apg, third team

All-NWKL) and Mia Morrow (5.7 ppg), and junior Ellee Krien (5 ppg, 3 rpg) and head coach ShayLinn Zweygardt’s biggest focus for her squad is simple, “teamwork and execution.” Seniors Grace Wright (first team All-WKLL) and Brooke Porubsky, and junior Rain Zimbal were also expected to push for varsity minutes for a team that will play Sainty’s original NWKL schedule and compete in class 2A. WALLACE COUNTY wrapped up last season at 7-15 and brings back three starters from that squad; 5-6 senior Brookley Dinkely (4.6 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, 2.7 spg), 5-5 junior Joss Benisch (12.4 ppg, 2 rpg, 1.5 apg, 4 spg, third team all-league) and 5-7 sophomore Ja’Asia Stafford (4.6 ppg, 5 rpg, 1.5 spg). “[Our goals are to] get better everyday, be competitive and fight through growing pains,” coach Torrey Elder said.

seasons, were named secodn team all-league and return from their sophomore years after averaging 15 and 11 points, respectively. Also back in the lineup are junior Briona Patterson and sophomore Aashka Patel. “We have higher expectations this year,” Schibi said. “I feel that the girls have matured. If we can start where we left off last season, it should be a fun year for them.” A squad that consists of no returning seniors and just four upperclassmen overall, COFFEYVILLE-FIELD KINDLEY will likely experience some growing pains throughout the 2021-22 campaign. The Lady ‘Nado, who went 4-17 and took seventh place in the SEK

a year ago, lost second team all-league and honorable mention allclass Adyson Peck to graduation. FKHS returns four letterwinners, including two starters. Back in the lineup will be 5-7 junior Makayla Strickland and 5-5 sophomore Teagan Titus. Also returning are 5-8 junior Chaunte Porter and 5-5 sophomore Sidney-Lynn Burnett. “We are more athletic and quicker than we have been the last two years,” said head coach Anita Walker, who begins her third season with the Lady ‘Nado program. “We had a really good summer league and gained some experience for the younger girls. We are further ahead this year than we have been the last two years. We are young, but we are excited and hungry.”

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4

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Kansas Pregame Winter Edition 2021, Volume 4 TRL/from page 71 Autumn Claffey (3.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.3 spg), and sophomore Shelby Underwood (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1 spg) are a young, but fairly experienced trio for the Vikings. “[Our goals are] to get to double digit wins this year, compete in the top half of our league and be competitive on a nightly basis,” coach Brandon Sigmon said. “Staying healthy, defending without fouling, pushing the basketball offensively and trusting each other [are keys to our success].” OSWEGO finished without a win last year, finishing 0-15. One bright spot for the Indians was second team all-league Mae Albertson, now a senior. PLEASANTON made it past the first round of sub-state play last season, only to face a determined Pitt-Colgan team in the second round, losing that one 36-21. All-league selections Emma Sabine and Kori Umphenour graduated. Nowsenior Bailey Myrick was second team all-league for the Blue Jays as a junior. After a 5-15 season, CHEROKEE-SOUTHEAST returns two starters in senior Kalle Bitner (4.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg) and junior Audrey Jacobs (1.5 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.5 spg). Beyond Jacobs and Bitner, only three other players from last year’s varsity roster return, which is why head coach Derek Sanders pointed out freshman impact as one of the team’s main keys to success. After winning a share of the league title in the regular season, ST. PAUL won both of their substate games by double-digits to earn a berth in the statet tournament. Once there, they got a taste of their own medicine against powerhouse Central Plains in the 1A-DII quarterfinals, losing 51-32 and ending the season with a record of 124. Senior Emerald Struthers, junior Josey Harris, and senior Elise Doherty received all-league honors last season for the Indians. After getting upset in the second round of substate, UNIONTOWN finished 16-4 and shared league title honors with St. Paul. The Eagles return three starters from last season’s lineup, including 5-9 second team all-state senior Danielle Howard (19.8 ppg, 5 rpg, 5.2 apg, 5.5 spg, .9 rpg, Peru State basketball commit), 5-10 senior Gwenyth Fry (2.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.1 apg) and 5-6 senior Laney Covey (1.8 ppg, 1.2 rpg), and also return a number of rotation players from last season in 5-7 senior Kaydra Woods (1.4 ppg, 1.2 rpg), 5-6 senior Camryn Davis (.5 ppg, .6 rpg), 5-8 junior Skyler Coulter (.8 ppg, .9 rpg), 5-8 sophomore Rylee Coulter (3.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.7 apg, 2 spg), 5-5 sophomore Brooklynn Dreisbach (1.1 ppg, 1.4 rpg) and 5-10 sophomore Addisyn Hall (2.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg).

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“Expectations will remain high as we enter the 2021-22 season,” coach Dustin Miller said. “We ended last year with a gut-wrenching loss to a very determined Humboldt team. We may have fell short, but that loss provided us a valuable opportunity for growth. We hope to apply what we have learned the next time we step on the court to compete. As always, we will have a difficult job of replacing our seniors. The contributions the seniors made for their team will be missed, but the impact they have had on our program has made a lasting mark. Aiden Holt was a role player that supported her teammates and inspired them to give 100 percent in everything they did. Sammie Hampton was our utility player. Some nights we needed her to score, but most nights we needed her to lock down our opponent’s

top scorer. Her defensive performances will be missed. Karleigh Schoenberger exemplified what it meant to learn your role on the team and be the best at it. Karleigh ended her career at Uniontown as one of only three girls in the history of the Lady Eagles Basketball program to score over 1,000 points. We will have some tough decisions to make in determining our starting five and substitutions. As returning starters we do expect Danielle Howard, Laney Covey, and Gwenyth Fry to anchor the starting rotation. Our freshmen and sophomore athletes will compete to solidify our line-up. This team has a ton of potential and could make the 2021-22 season a memorable one. Our current schedule provides ample opportunities for competitive games. In our league, St. Paul will be the team to beat, but we plan on being

in the race for the TRL Championship again this year. Our league is filled with good coaches and hardworking kids. A league game is always filled with tradition and competitive battles. In our non-league schedule, we will face a formidable opponent in Cherryvale to wrap up our regular season. Regardless of our opponent, we expect to prepare and play with great effort, approach practice and competition with the right attitude, and be a tough team to beat. The student/athletes here at Uniontown are a resilient group who will represent their community well. YATES CENTER got knocked out in the first round of sub-state last season and finished with a 6-13 record. Second team all-league senior and all-league honorable mention junior Molly Ropers were two of the Wildcats top players last season.

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