Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview 2020

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Volume 3 | 2020

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

The Only Constant...

Is Change!

Here it is, our annual look ahead at the upcoming basketball and wrestling seasons in Kansas. While it’s fun to preview the season and look at all the teams and athletes taking the court or the mat over the next few months, we’d need a crystal ball to tell you what’s really in store this winter sports season.

From the cancellation of the the state semifinals in basketball to the loss of the complete spring season JOHN BAETZ PUBLISHER and all the way to the recently completed fall championships, this year has been unlike any other.

Now, winter sports will take place without fans in the stands, at least to start the year, and COVID-19 related schedule changes and postponements are the norm rather than the exception.

As a lifelong lover of sports, and a former coach, I certainly believe in the importance of extracurricular activities for the physical and mental health of our youth, but also for our communities as a whole. However, I also believe it’s imperative that we not lose site of the need to limit the spread of the virus. Not just because of the risk to older adults and those with preexisting conditions, but also because of the impact to both our healthcare system and our economy.

Fans or no fans? Delay or start on time? While these debates rage on I hope we all never lose site of the fact that this is new and ever changing.

Our healthcare system is facing an unprecedented challenge. Our leaders are getting data about best practices in real-time.

Please be patient, thoughtful and collaborative.

And, regardless if you’re forced to watch high school sports from your phone or laptop, or you eventually get to attend winter sports in person, be a good fan.

Stay positive! Let the officials officiate and the coaches coach! And not just in the arena, but on social media and even at the dinner table.

The only constant this year will be change. Changes in schedules, changes in policies, and hopefully, eventually, a change in the way this devastating virus impacts our daily lives. Roll with it, be vigilant, stay safe and take it one day at a time.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Kansas Pregame

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW, Vol. 3

John Baetz & Bree McReynolds-Baetz, Publishers Co-owners of Sixteen 60 Publishing Co., publishers of Kansas Pregame Football Magazine, Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview and Kansas Pregame Spring Edition.

Layout and Design: John Baetz & Becky Rathbun Ad Design: Becky Rathbun & Kayla Kvacik, Kvacik Graphics Contributing writers: Harold Bechard; Zach DeLoach; Chance Liebau; Brett Marshall; Gallagher Martin, Hutchinson News; Brent Maycock, Topeka Capital-Journal; Jim Misunas, Great Bend Tribune; Conor Nicholl; Jason Peake, SoMo Sports; Brian Thomas, Montgomery County Chronicle/Prairie Star; Brian Turrel, Wyandotte Daily News Contributing photographer: Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com 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, school administrative assistants, athletic directors, coaches and parents who helped us provide complete coverage. And a special salute to the advertising sponsors who make this publication possible.

Mail inquiries to kansaspregame@gmail.com, or, Kansas Pregame, PO Box 186, Lincoln, KS 67455 Publication date: Volume 3, December 4, 2020 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.

5 Officials Needed

9

7 Supporting Cast

35 Directory 37 Basketball

Winter Spotlight

8 Hometown Proud

Page 3

78 Wrestling

Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Cover photos, clockwise from top left: Halstead Girls/Dianna Schutte; Hays High Boys/Christin Nunnery; Washburn Rural Girls/ Everett Royer; Sterling Chapman/Campus/Royer; Kyle Haas/Maize/ Courtesy Photo; Jordyn Knecht/Paola/Royer; Jayden Garrison/Little River/Erin Wohletz; Kennedy Taylor/Shawnee Mission Northwest/ Kent AufDerHeide; Payton Verhulst/Bishop Miege/Royer; Darius Shields/Norton/Royer; Hoxie Boys/Courtesy Photo

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

Page 4

MAYB Appreciation January 16, 2021 in Wichita, KS 1st-4th Grade Shootout/Middle School Mayhem February 27, 2021 in Wichita, KS Winter Finale March 27-28, 2021 in Wichita, KS Hall of Fame Girls Showcase April 17-18, 2021 in Wichita, KS 1A-2A Championships June 5-6, 2021 in Wichita, KS 3A-4A Championships June 5-6, 2021 in Salina, KS Summer Kickoff June 11-13, 2021 in Wichita Metro MAYB National Championships Boys July 29-August 1, 2021 in Wichita, KS MAYB National Championships Girl July 30-August 1, 2021 in Oklahoma City, OK Girls Northern Nationals July 30-August 1, 2021 in Omaha, NE

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

Page 5

GET IN THE GAME, BECOME AN OFFICIAL! nize there is much more to officiating than just good judgment.

• Be part of a team – the camaraderie experienced by game officials is very much like that you may remember as a player in the locker room or as a coach in chalk talks. You learn to count on others as your fellow officials count on you.

• Have FUN – while our games are always about the kids, our best officials enjoy the game and have fun on the competition field, working to ensure the players have a level field of play and the experience is memorable for all the right reasons.

• Fill a need – each year, more officials retire and leave the game than the number joining the officiating ranks; if this trend continues, we will reach critical levels in a few short years. We need more men and women willing work as officials in all of our activities.

If you already are an official, thank you! Please continue to serve and let us know how we better equip you for this service. You may also consider serving as a mentor.

The KSHSAA has established a mentorship program for new officials that currently has 10 officials enrolled with a previous high of 42. New officials are paired with an experienced official in that sport to help the officiating journey get started in the right An official runs down the court counting the time while a player brings the ball towards the time line direction. The brotherhood and sisterhood of officiating is unmatched and we believe in a game at Macksville High School. (Photo by Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com) this mentorship program is in place to enhance your experience. An example of the The Kansas Sports Officials Association is the largest sports officials association in success of that program is evident in the following testimony: the state and is seeking to grow membership and expand the pool of available officials for prep baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, volleyball and wrestling “I have had so many people assist me in becoming the official I am today. George competitions in Kansas.

Ebert really took me under his wing when I moved to Manhattan. He watched me Officiating is one of the most important jobs in sports. Athletic competitions are not officiate a few games and decided to take a chance on me. I wouldn’t be officiating possible without rules enforcement. today if it weren’t for him. Josh Tanking was another person who really looked after The KSOA offers member benefits and resources for officials, including: me and still does today. If I ever was uncertain about something, he could either • Access to a Network of Officials help me or find someone who could. Having these two men mentor me and believe • HUDL Access in me has given me confidence in my ability. I strive to make them proud every time • Discounted Clinics I step on the court.”

• In-Season Evaluations Keri Pfrang, new official and mentorship partner.

• Discounts Off Uniforms and Apparel For more information about the KSOA visit them online at www.ksoasports.org or KANSAS SPORTS OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

And for a few reasons why you should consider officiating, check out this recent column from the Kansas State High School Activities Association:

OFFICIALS NEEDED!

There are many reasons to become a middle or high school game official, an avocation that can be rewarding personally and that provides benefit for your community as well. If you find one of the following to be intriguing, we invite you to contact the Kansas State High School Activities Association so you can join our officiating team.

Why would you want to serve as a game official? You can …

• Give back to the game – if you have enjoyed playing or watching a game, working as an official allows you to stay in the game and make a significant contribution to our schools and to the game you enjoy. It seems like an obvious statement, but games cannot be played without our men and women who choose to officiate.

• Stay active in a sport you love – if you are no longer able to play the game you love, you can still be part of that game if you serve as an official. Former players and coaches draw upon their experiences and knowledge and often follow a playing/ coaching career by serving as an official for the game they love.

• Earn a little spending money – if you need to generate resources to pay the bills, or earn a little money for a special project or vacation, game officials are paid for all games they work. You can work as much as you want, and hours complement other work and family obligations.

• Keep in shape – if you want to stay active and healthy, running up and down the court or field will help your physical fitness and keeps your mind sharp.

• Work with kids – our kids need you! Without game officials, our students will not be able to play the games they love; they need coaches and officials for game opportunities to be realized. Running up and down the court/field with those kids will keep you young!

• Learn – You will learn more about the game and the way it is played and coached than you ever thought possible. For any game you attend, or as you watch college and professional contests, you will be looking not just at the player and coaches, but at the officials, their positioning, their application of rules, and recog-

www.ksoasports.org

KSOA is the largest sports officials association in Kansas. It is our mission to develop excellence in officiating across seven sports in the State of Kansas. We do that by supporting our members.

We hope you will consider joining us and “Stay in the Game”!

Why should you consider this endeavor? Officiating will challenge you, but also offers the opportunity for personal development. It will: • Develop communication skills, mental toughness and self-confidence • Give you new perspective on the game emphasizing fairness, decisiveness, integrity and sound judgement • Rewards you with a sense of accomplishment for supporting the youth and community • Membership on a team that is still involved in the game, “the third team”

If this is the kind of challenge that appeals to you, come join us.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

Page 7

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.

Dustin Armbruster

In a 15-year career with Eagle Radio in Hays, Dustin Armbruster has earned a reputation for excellence as the award winning play-by-play voice for the Hays High Indians and a color analyst for Fort Hays State University athletics. He is also the co-host of the “Bull Morning Show” on 101.9 The Bull.

But Armbruster has also earned an excellent reputation for his role as a volunteer coach for youth sports in Hays, where he coaches The Tribe, a youth basketball team.

Lisa McGrath, a parent of one of the girls in The Tribe program, calls Armbruster an enthusiastic and caring mentor for the young athletes on the team.

“Dustin is very passionate about sports in general, not to mention extremely knowledgeable,” McGrath said. “In addition to those qualities he demonstrates excitement and enthusiasm when he coaches which encourages the athletes to be enthusiastic and excited as well.

“He genuinely cares about each and every athlete and wants to see them all have success and meet their potential,” McGrath added. “He teaches other important aspects such as good sportsmanship and teamwork as well.”

And if that’s not enough, Armbruster is one of the many volunteers who helps with distribution of Kansas Pregame Magazines each year.

Kyle Beisner

Like most of the athletic directors in the state, Beloit’s Kyle Beisner had a unique set of challenges to face this year given the COVID-19 cris.

The only constant, was change.

But Beisner attacked each week with a vengeance and made sure the Trojans could participate in as many activities as possible.

“Kyle did a fantastic job leading the athletic department through the fall sports season,” Beloit football coach Brad Gober said. “He was vigilant that COVID protocols were being followed because he wanted to ensure that our kids had the opportunity to take part in athletics and activities.”

A mid-season COVID related football cancellation forced Beisner to spring to action. The game was cancelled at 11:30 a.m. on gameday, and Beisner secured the Centralia game an hour later. The team left at 2 p.m.

“When our game vs Norton was cancelled he immediately came to me about finding a game,” Gober said. “When we found out that Centralia was open, we jumped at the opportunity. He even drove the bus to all our games. He is a great leader and we are extremely lucky to have him here in Beloit!”

Beisner spent 11 years teaching and coaching at Lakeside High School in Downs, before joining the Beloit district as athletic director and assistant principal in 2015. He also serves as an assistant basketball coach.

Hillsboro Booster Club

Like so many smalltown booster clubs in Kansas the Hillsboro Trojan Booster Club is an essential part of providing the students of Unified School District 410 with a quality athletic and academic experience.

Hillsboro Athletic Director Robert

Rempel provided a list of just a few of the many important tasks the club completes each year, including: Organize workers and hospitality for the Trojan Classic mid-season basketball tournament, organize and prepare team meals with parents and raise funds for related expenses, purchase numerous items for teams as the need arises, collaborate with Hillsboro Ford to organize the Drive 4 UR School fundraiser, organize preseason events to recognize teams, and much, much more.

The booster club board is made up of eight to 10 people annually and currently includes Dawn Helmer, Kelly Linnens, Lena Kleiner, Jan Hanschu, Karrie Rathbone, Elizabeth Potucek, Charla Duerksen, Tracy Hefley and Caren Funk.

“I have enjoyed working with the booster club’s executive committee and seeing their passion for the kids, community and school turn into great things,” Rempel said. “They put in countless hours of work to help our programs and all with very little recognition. Thank you, Hillsboro Booster Club for all you do.”

Conor Nicholl

Few Kansas sportswriters have produced as much quality high school sports content in the past decade as Conor Nicholl. A native of St. Louis, Nicholl covered high school sports in western Kansas for The Hays Daily News for several years before embarking on a new career as an employment specialist with Kansas Works. Nicholl worked as a freelancer for several outlets while working for the Hays Daily News and with his job change he expanded those roles.

Nicholl’s byline can be found above stories on Catch It Kansas, Kpreps, Sports in Kansas and in the pages of Kansas Pregame.

Everett Royer of KSportsImages.com travels to games with Nicholl to “tag team” events and provide photos to complement Nicholl’s writing.

He calls Nicholl a “walking encyclopedia” of high school sports.

“Anyone that knows Conor knows that he is a passionate supporter of high school sports in Kansas, and his enthusiasm for covering sports is unmatched,” Royer said. ”For Conor, it’s not just about reporting the stats and the scores from the games, it’s about telling the personal stories of the athletes and the coaches that compete.”

Kpreps.com editor Matt Gilmore may have summed it up best by saying, “I’m not sure what Conor Nicholl means to Kansas high school sports can be put into words.”

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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.

JONAH HUEHL

EVELYN GARAY

SHEA McMILLAN

GABE JONSSON

BREE NEEL

Becky Rathbun

Sylvan-Lucas

Courtesy Photo

Southern Cloud

Becky Rathbun

Lincoln

Becky Rathbun

Lincoln

Becky Rathbun

Sylvan-Lucas

Younger guys look up to Sylvan-Lucas senior basketball standout Jonah Huehl and Mustang coach Jeff Starkey said Huehl is a good leader who leads by example.

On the basketball court, Huehl is entering his senior year as one of the top players in the Northern Plains League. Huehl, a 6-3 guard/ forward who has great versatility, averaged 18.4 points and 9.5 rebounds last year on a Mustangs team that went 18-7.

“He works hard to be good on both offense and defense as well as rebounding the basketball,” Starkey said. “A three-year starter, he guards the opponents best player regardless of their position. He can play multiple positions offensively as well.”

Huehl improved his scoring from 10.4 ppg as a sophomore to 18.4 last year.

“He’s one of those guys that at the end of games you look at the score book and don’t realize he scored as much as he does.”

Huehl also qualified for 1A State Cross County last fall, placing 22nd.

Huehl excels in the classroom, and is a member of Student Council, FCA, FFA, and NHS. “He takes his academics seriously and his involvement in our organizations set an example for our younger students,” Starkey said.

Lincoln girls basketball head coach Steve Crist believes senior Evelyn Garay does not get the recognition she deserves.

Whether it’s on the basketball court or serving her community, Garay does a lot of important things that sometimes go unnoticed.

On the basketball court, Garay won’t wow you with statistics, but she is the best 3-point shooter on the team and plays an efficient brand of basketball.

“Evelyn is one of those players that may not be noticed much because of great stats, but she is one that I feel I always need to have on the floor because she knows the game very well and does not make many mistakes,” Crist said.

Garay averaged 3.6 points per game last year as a junior, and she also contributed to the varsity team as a sophomore.

“Evelyn was a captain for our team last year as a junior and I expect her to show great leadership for us again this season,” Crist said.

In addition to basketball, Garay participates in Scholar’s Bowl and Kay Club and is consistently on the Lincoln High School Honor Roll for reeiving top grades.

“Evelyn is a student that volunteers for many jobs around the school to help out,” Crist said.

Lincoln senior Gabe Jonsson has many responsibilities and coach Joe Biggs describes Jonsson as a dependable young man.

Jonsson serves as Vice President of the National Honor Society, Vice President of St. John’s Youth Group, and has been class president four years of high school. He has also made the honor roll every semester in his high school career.

“It is always nice as a coach when you don’t have to worry about grades with your starters,” Biggs said. “He will always be available.”

Jonsson gets the job done outside the classroom as well, working for Citizens State Bank and Patterson Pharmacy, and as a key piece of the Leopard basketball team.

“What makes Gabe a vital part of our team is his work ethic and attitude,” Biggs said. “We can always count on Gabe to give everything he has on the court, along with keeping a positive attitude.”

Lincoln has struggled on the court the past few years, but with a core of seniors Jonsson, Landon O’Hare and Tyler Good, LHS could be in store for an improved season.

“This year, Gabe will not only be a huge part of leading our team, but we will also rely on him to be a consistent post that can rebound and get buckets around the rim,” Biggs said.

On a team full of seniors, Shea McMillan stood out as a junior on last year’s Southern Cloud girls basketball team.

The Warriors had six seniors on last year’s team, but that did not stop McMillan from averaging 10 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. Her contributions did not go unnoticed, as McMillan was named All-Northern Plains League Second Team.

McMillan, now a senior, will be the top returning player for the Warriors.

“She is the type of player that comes to work every single day and isn’t afraid to do the extra stuff to get better,” Southern Cloud head coach Ryan Perkins said. “We are looking for a big year from her to help us.”

McMillan is a rare four-sport athlete, as she competes in both cross country and volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter, and track in the spring.

McMillan also excels in the classroom where she has made the honor roll every semester at Glasco High School, and has a 3.7 cumulative GPA. McMillan also travels 20 minutes to Beloit and 50 minutes to Downs to work as a CNA. “She is great on and off the court within her teammates, friends, peers, and in her community,” Perkins said.

According to Sylvan-Lucas girls basketball head coach Craig Batchman, senior Bree Neel brings positivity to the basketball floor.

Even a season-ending injury to her season last year could not prevent Neel from remaining positive. Neel chipped in 4.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1 steal per game in 13 games last year. The Mustangs went 13-8 overall, 9-3 in the Northern Plains League, and have a good core of returners this year.

“Bree is a positive leader on the floor,” Batchman said. “She works hard in practice and in school.”

Neel was also the libero on the Sylvan-Lucas volleyball team, who went 34-3 this fall and fell in the substate finals to eventual 1A Division I State Champions Central Plains.

Neel’s older sister, Lexi, is a sophomore on the basketball team at Bethany College.

At Sylvan-Lucas High School, Neel is the KAY President, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the National Honor Society, and class secretary.

Additionally, Neel currently has a 4.0 GPA. “In school, Bree is also active,” Batchman said. “She is a great student and a great athlete to have in our school.”

BRADEN SCHULTE

Jacob Isaacson

Ellsworth

Ellsworth High School senior Braden Schulte has made the most out of high school constantly engaging in school activities, both athletic and academic.

In the fall, Schulte participates in cross county. In the winter, it’s on to basketball, then he plays baseball in the spring. Schulte adds to his busy athletic load with extra-curricular activities that aren’t sports.

Schulte is an active member of the National Honor Society, a four-year member of the high honor roll, and has done all of this while maintaining a 3.978 GPA. Schulte, who is interested in technology and math, is also active in his community and church.

Ellsworth basketball head coach Ryan Webber said Schulte has the ability to play any position on the court.

“At 6-5, Braden will play everything from point guard to the post position for our Bearcat basketball team this year,” Webber said.

The Bearcats went 7-14 last season, but with Schulte, Avery Haxton, and Trey Anderson leading the way, Webber has high expectations for his squad. “[Schulte] shoots the ball well, and will be a significant part of what should be an exciting and success-

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WINTER SPOTLIGHT

Wrestling with the Family Legacy

By Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Harold Bechard & Conor Nicholl High school wrestling is often a family affair. Fathers and sons - and now daughters - can carry a family legacy of success on the mat across generations. Here’s a few stories of some of the state’s prominent wrestling families and their recent success.

Hoisington’s Ball brothers excel together They have been competing with and against each other their entire lives. Their dad used to clear out the family living room for fierce wrestling matches during their younger days.

But Brandon, Jonathan and Christopher Ball didn’t have to wrestle with the decision about where to attend college.

Brandon followed in the footsteps of his high school coach, a Fort Hays State University graduate. And once older brother donned the black and gold of the Tigers, there was little question that Jonathan and Christopher would follow close behind.

Even as college roommates, everything is still a competition for the brothers, who grew up in a close knit family in the tiny Barton County town of Heizer. But they are quick to add that if anyone has a problem with one brother, they have to deal with all three. They treasure their companionship so much that they all live together and split nearly every bill – whether household or recreational toys – three ways.

The set-up is really no different for the brothers than when they grew up as best friends and shared bedrooms at home.

They attribute their solid work ethic and Christian faith to lessons learned while being homeschooled by their mother. The Balls packed those values in their suitcases when they came to college and now are making a name for themselves in both the athletic and academic arenas at Fort Hays State.

For the past two years, Brandon, Jonathan and Christopher all wrestled for the Tigers, and last year all three pole vaulted during the track and field season as well. All are model stu-

From left: Brothers Christopher, Brandon and Jonathan Ball enjoyed spectacular wrestling careers as Hoisington High School before moving on to Fort Hays State. Now, younger brother Joshua carries on the Ball legacy of wrestling success at Hoisington. (Photo by Kelsey Stremel)

dents academically, each maintaining a GPA of at least 3.8.

But make no mistake. The Balls, the epitome of student-athletes, are not clones. Brandon is on track to graduate in May with a degree in applied technology. Jonathan is a finance major, and Christopher is majoring in information networking and telecommunications.

“We are walking down the same path, but we each have our own direction,” said Jonathan, the middle brother and the most talkative of the trio. However, Brandon, normally a quiet sort, has come out of his shell in college and now feels ready to pursue his dream of becoming a high school teacher and coach.

The family tradition at Fort Hays State for the Balls began back in 2015 when Brandon was a senior at Hoisington and his high school coach, Dan Schmidt, offered to take Brandon to visit the campus of his alma mater. Schmidt coaches wrestling and track in Hoisington and steered Brandon into both of those sports his freshman year at HHS, and they began to form a strong bond.

After watching him excel as a multi-sport athlete in high school, Schmidt thought Brandon could add a lot to the athletic and applied technology programs at Fort Hays State. He knew FHSU would be a good fit for Brandon as well.

“I told Brandon he needed to know what he wanted to do with the rest of his life,” Schmidt said. “Wrestling and track are going to end, so I said he should go where he would get the best education.”

So the coach and his student-athlete scheduled a campus visit to FHSU. “I really like working with my hands, and I thought I could impact students as a teacher,” Brandon said as he jumped up to stir a pot of soup he was making the gang for dinner. He liked what he saw at FHSU, both with the wrestling and the applied technology studies programs. Because of

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their shared values, his younger brothers followed him to Hays in 2017 and ’18.

For the past two years, the Balls have been doing virtually everything together, much like they did while growing up as the oldest of five boys. This past summer, Brandon and Christopher even worked together on a roofing crew in Colorado.

Life skills gained in college are not lost on Bruce and Christina Ball, who are pleased their sons all chose Fort Hays State and are proud of their accomplishments. At the top of that list are earning college educations. All three brothers will graduate debt free after combining athletic and academic scholarships, along with money earned from summer jobs, to pay for college.

“From the time they were young, we told them that if you can’t pay for it, don’t buy it,” Christina Ball said.

The brothers are set on enjoying their last year living together in college and anticipate successful wrestling seasons for Brandon and Jonathan. Christopher decided to concentrate on his academics this year and forego wrestling and track and field because of nagging injuries.

His older brothers respect Christopher’s decision and are proud that he made what had to be a difficult choice. It all goes back to their upbringing, when they were taught to carefully weigh their options before making a final decision.

“Core values we were taught like respect for others are part of our moral ground,” Jonathan said. “They are a big part of our accountability. We took that same mentality into athletics.”

While they were all three-sport standouts in high school – the Balls all played football, too, and earned multiple all-state honors in wrestling – they say the most memorable moment for them together athletically probably came in the spring of 2015. They all finished in the top six in pole vault at the Class

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

3A state track and field meet and were honored on the awards stand together.

Just as he had from the time they were youngsters, Brandon set the bar high at the collegiate level, too. A two-time wrestling All-American in the 141-pound class, Brandon won his first 27 matches last season before finishing fourth at nationals.

FHSU Coach Chas Thompson said he will miss Brandon next year but will never forget the time he got to coach three brothers simultaneously.

“They are all great wrestlers, but better yet, they are well-rounded human beings,” he said. “They have a great work ethic and try hard in everything, whether it be in school or wrestling or working. They are a lot alike in those ways, but each of them is different, too. Each of their stories is still being written.” *This article, and the accompanying photo, originally appeared in the Fall/Winter 2019 issue of “Roar,” the Fort Hays State University Magazine, and are reproduced with permission from Diane Gasper O’Brien, Kelsey Stremel and FHSU. Now a senior at Hoisington, younger brother Joshua, will continue the Ball family legacy of wrestling success after, sixth, fifth and third place finishes at the 3-2-1A State Tournament the last three seasons. Joshua was also a key part of the Cardinals state runner-up season in football.

A younger brother, Josiah, is now a freshman.

Update Brandon Ball wrapped up his career at Fort Hays State with an 85.5 percent winning percentage, the best in school history.

Ball finished with a 130-22 record, 44-3 over the last two seasons. He was a four-time national qualifier and placed fourth in 2019 while earning two All-America honors.

Ball was a three-time MIAA champion at 141 pounds, winning the conference tournament as a sophomore before

Page 10 earning the dual meet title the last two years. He won two regional titles, placing first in the West Super Regional as a freshman before winning the Super Region 4 title last year.

He earned CoSIDA Academic All-America honors as a junior while being named a finalist for the MIAA’s Ken B. Jones Award, an award annually given to the conference’s student-athlete of the year. Ball earned the MIAA ScholarAthlete Award four times alongside three NWCA All-Academic Team recognitions.

When the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championship was cancelled in March amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, Ball’s bid to become a national champion ended.

He was also looking to become a three-time All-American.

Cousins could meet on the mat When the Goddard Lions and Eisenhower Tigers meet on the wrestling mat this season, the 182-pound match could be a special one to watch.

If all goes to plan, on one side will be Goddard senior Logan Davidson. On the other, Eisenhower junior Mason Levin. Both hope to wrestle at 182 pounds this season.

The two are first cousins.

“Logan and I are really tight and I know all the Goddard wrestlers, so it’s fun to compete with them,” Levin said.

“We have a pretty good bond,” Davidson added.

Both are part of wrestling family that stretches back to Davidson’s grandfather, who wrestled at Oberlin High School.

Logan is the son of Marc and Michelle Davidson. Marc placed third at the Class 3-2-1A state tournament in 1993 for Smith Center. Marc’s brother, Matt, was a four-time state qualifier from 1997-2000 and finished second twice.

Marc has been one of the coaches for Goddard’s highly-successful Kansas Young Guns kids program that has helped produce six consecutive 5A state championships for the Lions.

Davidson’s oldest son, Cale, was part of those teams. He is currently a redshirt junior at Nebraska after spending two years at Wyoming. Cale was a two-time state champion (2016, ‘17) and four-time state qualifier for Goddard.

Cousins Mason Levin (left) and Logan Davidson could meet on the mat this season. (Courtesy Photo)

“I’m not the one who started it. I came in after it was a year old,” Marc said of the Young Guns program. “Cale’s class was the first to become top 50 in the nation in youth programs and, of course, that followed into high school and they have been ranked nationally ever since.”

Mason is the son of Spencer and Amanda Levin. Amanda is Marc’s younger sister and Mason’s father, Spencer, graduated from Kensington High School in 1995 and is considered one of the greatest eight-man football players in Kansas history and is also one of the all-time greats in track and field, winning four state discus titles.

Both Logan and Mason have had to overcome injuries to be where they are today.

Logan shattered his elbow as a freshman and missed state.

He then placed fourth at the 2019 state tournament (132

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 pounds) as a sophomore, but had a late start to the 2019-20 season because of a broken wrist. He ended up placing fifth at state (145 pounds). He broke his thumb prior to this year’s football season, but overcame it to lead Class 5A in tackles from his inside linebacker position.

“Overcoming those adversities has been kind of hard, but you trust in the process and (Goddard wrestling) coach (Brett) Means has helped a lot,” Logan said.

Mason was a state qualifier for Eisenhower at 138 pounds as a freshman in 2019 despite a shoulder injury, but missed that opportunity last season because of surgery to repair a Labrum tear. Nearly nine months of rehab and physical therapy got him back on the football field this fall. He said the shoulder is around “95 percent” heading into wrestling season.

“I want to get to state and hopefully make it to the finals or the top three,” Mason said.

Despite being at rival schools, Mason and Logan still have a tight bond.

“We wrestled together up until high school. We were always in the room together,” Mason said. “Marc would bring us into the room an hour early for every practice, and Logan and I would go at it.”

“It was all about starting at a young age and building up with a group of guys that you were super close with, all the way to the next level,” Logan said. “That’s what I enjoyed the most about it - having a strong connection with each other.”

HB Treasters find common ground on the mat Matt Treaster has pretty much done it all.

Treaster was a four-time state champion at Beloit High School (1981-84) and an All-American wrestler at the U.S. Naval Academy. He later flew fighter jets, landing them on aircraft carriers, got his law degree at the University of Kansas and now lives in Newton where he serves as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. And, for the past two decades, he has also served the Newton community as a coach and director of the Newton Wrestling Club.

But, for all his accomplishments and accolades - he’s been inducted into several halls of fame - Matt Treaster says his heart never races faster than when one of his three sons is on the wrestling mat.

Matt and Lisa Treaster are the parents of Logan, Grant and Nick Treaster, who have combined for four state championships - and counting - themselves.

“I can tell you, the hardest is being a dad in the stands, that’s the most difficult,” Matt said. “In my previous life, I was in the Navy and actually flew jets on aircraft carriers. But, I can tell you, my heart gets going harder and faster watching these boys wrestle than it ever did trying to land an airplane on a carrier.

“It’s tough. It’s tough being a dad because you don’t have any say; you’re just there.”

The Treasters are one of the most successful wrestling families ever in Kansas. Logan, Grant and Nick have wrestled in nine state tournaments for Newton High School, never finishing lower than third.

Logan, now a senior at the Naval Academy and currently No.

Page 11 1 on the varsity at 125 pounds, won one state title, finished second once and third twice. His career mark was 140-9.

Grant, a freshman at Navy and currently ranked No. 2 at 125 pounds behind his older brother, was a two-title state champion at Newton and also finished second once and third once. His career mark was 140-17.

Nick, now a sophomore at Newton High, just might turn out to be the best of them all. He won the Class 5A 106-pound state title last year with a 37-1 record and is currently ranked No. 1 overall in the state at 106 pounds heading into his sophomore season.

“Nick has had that advantage of being able to watch his older brothers,” Matt said.

“He literally grew up in the wrestling room. It’s kind of Matt, Logan, Grant and Nick Treaster stop for a photo at the All Academy Wrestling Championships in January funny, but at 2 and 3 years of 2020 at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Spring. (Courtesy Photo) old, he was already wanting an assistant coach for his dad. Skylar won a title in ’16. to roll around on the mat.

“To have all three of your sons be state champions is another He’s done really well. He’s just had the advantage of not only dream come true,” coach Johnson said at that time. watching his brothers, but they’ll roll around with him a little.

Last winter, Johnson had another special moment. In April Logan brings home knowledge and technique.” ’19, Johnson and his wife, Joy, took in Darius Shields after his “I really wanted to be part of that,” Nick said. “I would go to tournaments and have my head gear on and my black singlet mother passed away. His father is in prison. Shields had lived with the Johnsons ever since. Joy wore a Shields pin at state, on with jeans over it. I just couldn’t wait to finally get on the generally reserved for parents of Norton wrestlers. mat.”

At the 2020 Class 3-2-1A state tournament, Shields delivered Nick said having two older brothers excel on the mat has a remarkable moment when he won the 106-pound state been a tremendous benefit. championship by fall against Goodland’s D.J. Knox. Shields “It’s helped to push me to be like them and hopefully be even better than them,” Nick said. “It helps a lot because I’ve had lost to Knox by fall in the regional finale the week prior. been able to ask questions and they’ve been able to help me Shields gave Johnson a big embrace after the championship.

“Love it here,” Shields said after state. “It’s the community. tremendously with some of the little things.

“To wrestle under the same name is pretty incredible and I think They are always behind you. They support you through everyCN it just helps push me to be just like them or even better.”

HB thing, a win or a loss.”

Porsch name synonymous with Hoxie wrestling Johnsons carry Norton tradition Hoxie coach Mike Porsch has coached his three oldest Norton coach Bill Johnson stood on the mat after the Class 3-2-1A state tournament ended in 2017. Johnson had just led children to successful careers. His oldest, Tristan, was first, first, second and third in four years in 3-2-1A. Tristan has Norton to its fifth consecutive state title. Johnson, who has been a part of multiple collegiate programs. Dayton, first at been at Norton since ’91-92, thought about his career.

Northern Iowa and now at Pratt Community College, had won “God has blessed me in more ways than I deserve, to be four straight crowns. In the summer of ’19, Tristan and Dayton quite honest with you,” coach Johnson said. “I get paid to do worked with Drew Bell. something that’s been my passion my entire life since I was Coach Porsch said Bell put in more time in the summer than five years old.” anyone else. Bell was 35-7 and took fourth as a freshman and Johnson has four biological children, three sons and a daughter. In 2017, his youngest son, Ryan, won his first state improved to 41-2 with a state title as a sophomore. Bell and Derek Johnson are returning state champions for Hoxie. title. All three of Johnson’s sons won an individual title. His oldest son, Eric, captured crowns in ’01-02. Eric has served as On the girls’ side, Porsch’s oldest daughter, Marissa, came

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out for wrestling as a sophomore last winter. Marissa finished 28-11 and took fourth place at 130 pounds. She is preseason ranked fourth at 132. Marissa had not wrestled before.

“They are tougher than boys I think sometimes,” Porsch said. “They don’t have any egos. They want to learn, and they didn’t have any preconceived ideas of what good wrestling was and not, so they believed everything I told them.

“So we didn’t have bad habits to break, and I think that’s the biggest reason why you are seeing the jump in the level over the season is there’s just a little bit more mat time and feeling different positions and stuff. It’s really exciting to me.”

Marissa had attended some freestyle practices in the summer and did some stance and motion.

“She did a lot of work in the dark when nobody was watching,” coach Porsch said. “Helped her out.”

Fishers key to Goddard success Goddard has captured six straight state titles, and the Fisher family has played a key role. Their dad, Max, created the Kansas Young Guns wrestling program out of Goddard many years ago. That has fueled the high school success for coach Brett Means. Max Fisher grew up on a grain and livestock farm in south central Kansas that his family still owns and operates. Fisher has served in various high-level government roles with the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).

He had a two-year stint as the chief economist for the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

“We’re reaping the benefits of all those kids and we still have six to seven of them on the roster,” Means told Kansas Pregame last winter. “Our parents haul their kids all over the country to compete. I can tell you if you don’t have good athletes and good kids, you’re not gonna be very good. You can’t make diamonds out of dust.”

Troy Fisher went 150-12 in four seasons at Goddard. He finished 45-0 one season and earned Kansas Wrestler of the Year. Fisher redshirted his freshman season at Northwestern last winter.

Page 12 This winter, senior 152-pounder Jace Fisher is ranked second. His brother, Jerrdon, is ranked first at 138 as a junior.

Goddard is ranked first in 5A. Last winter, Jace took third in 5A at 152. He was second at 138 in ’19. Jerrdon was third at 126 as a freshman and first at 132. *Certainly there are more prominent families that are successful across generations in Kansas high school wrestling, look for coverage of other families in future issues or online.

Kansas high school wrestlers were fortunate to complete their season before the COVID-19 pandemic led to school and prep sports shutdowns across the country, including the KSHSAA state basketball tournament.

While the high school wrestling ranks saw a number of talented competitors lost to graduation, many top competitors return for this season.

Check out Conor Nicholl’s capsules on several of them in the next few pages.

Samajay Alboyd, Larned, Senior Returning Larned senior Samajay Alboyd won the 145 pound championship at last season’s 3-2-1A tournament in Hays. Alboyd was one of six Larned wrestlers to earn medals last season helping the Indians to a fifth place team finish.

The state medals were the first for Larned in 36 years.

Alboyd qualified for state as a sophomore but couldn’t record a win. Last season he opened state with a 15-6 major decision over Wyatt Bird of Wellsville then pinned Abram Huaracha of St. Marys. He then pinned Aidan Stephenson of Oakley to earn his spot in the finals where he faced Kingman’s Colby Schreiner, who he lost to at the Circle Invitational in early February.

The match was scoreless after one period before Schreiner took the lead on an escape in the second. A pair of stalling calls on Schreiner and an Alboyd reversal in the final period sent the match into overtime tied at three apiece.

In the overtime Alboyd scored a takedown winning the title and improving his season record to 27-4.

This season, Alboyd enters the season ranked first at 145, just ahead of Schreiner, now a junior.

Johnny Akin, St. Thomas Aquinas, Senior St. Thomas Aquinas senior Johnny Akin is the No. 1-ranked wrestler in 5A at 145 pounds. Last season, Akin helped the Saints to a sixth-place showing with 86.5 points. As a junior, Akin finished 42-6 with four decisions at state: 8-2, 5-3, 7-2, and 6-3 and a 5A state crown.

Akin has 120 career wins and three state medals, including last season’s championship. He is the son of Aquinas head coach Eric Akin, a four-time NCAA All-American at Iowa State and eight-time USA Wrestling National Champion. Eric’s father, Johnny’s grandfather, is Kansas wrestling icon, John Akin, the founder of the East Kansas Wrestling Club which has yielded several DI finalists, multiple All-Americans and three Olympic alternates.

Kai Allen, Silver Lake, Senior After winning the 126 pound 3-2-1A title as a sophomore Allen moved up a weight class last season and dropped a heartbreaker in the 132 pound title match to Derek Johnson of Hoxie. Allen was third at 113 pounds as a freshman.

Allen entered February’s state tournament 19-1 after missing a chunk of the season to injury. After pinning Bluestem’s Eyan Knipp and Phillipsburg’s Aaron Lenker in his first two matches it was all he could do to get past Norton’s Camdyn Unterseher for a trip to the final.

After exhausting the one minute Sudden Victory period still tied at one, Allen score in the first Tie-Breaker period to earn the 2-1 victory of the Norton senior, and trip to the finals.

In the finals, the freshman from Hoxie would emerge with the title, 1-0.

Allen enters the season ranked second at 132 behind Johnson and will try to earn his fourth top three finish of his high school career.

Silver Lake had five state qualifers last season with just one senior. The Eagles finished 22nd as a team.

Aidan Baalman, Hoxie, Senior Hoxie junior 152-pounder Aidan Baalman finished third at the Class 3-2-1A championship at Fort Hays’ Gross Memorial Coliseum last season. Baalman completed his year with backto-back falls versus Sabetha’s Kaden Dillon and Hoisington’s

Page 13

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Cole Steinert. The falls helped Baalman finish 44-4 and gave Hoxie bonus points in the team race versus Norton.

Hoxie trailed Norton by eight points entering the finals. Both teams had three in the championships. Hoxie had senior Dylan Weimer at 138, sophomore Drew Bell at 126 and freshman Derek Johnson at 132. Weimer and Bell were ranked first and the favorites.

Baalman believed Hoxie was in position to catch Norton.

“Dylan should get it,” Baalman said. “Drew should get it, and Derek will – tough match against that Allen, but I think he will get it at the end. He will gas him.”

Baalman’s prediction proved true. Hoxie won all three finals matches. However, Norton won its three finals matches, too, and won the crown with 120 points. Hoxie was second at 113.

This season, Hoxie is preseason No. 1 and returns Baalman, Johnson and Bell. Baalman is the preseason No. 1 at 152 and is looking for his fourth consecutive trip to state and his third straight top four finish.

Tra Barrientes, Sylvan-Lucas, Senior Sylvan-Lucas 285-pounder Tra Barrientes finished 39-1 as a junior and won the 3-2-1A title at 285. In the finals, he defeated Republic County’s Eyann Zimmerman, 11-4. In the semifinals, Barrientes beat Beloit’s Creighton Johnson, 10-5.

The year prior, Barrientes finished 1-2 at state, including a 45-second loss by fall to Johnson.

Barrientes and former 285-pounder Fritz Berger (’14) are the lone Sylvan-Lucas state wrestling champions. S-L co-ops in wrestling with Lincoln.

Barrientes started one game as a freshman and then the last three seasons for Sylvan-Lucas football on the line and was one of the top interior linemen in the eight-man game.

The 5-foot-8, 240-pound Barrientes defeated Zimmerman at regionals and Johnson at the Phillipsburg tournament, too, avenging his only loss last season.

Barrientes is ranked first in 3-2-1A and eighth in Kansas for all classes in the preseason rankings.

Shadryon Blanka, St. Francis, Senior St. Francis’ senior Shadyron Blanka hit a rare number this fall when he cleared 2,000 rushing yards for the Indian football team. He is the first back in Indian eight-man history to reach the milestone. Blanka paced SF to its third state runner-up finish in the last five years.

This winter, Blanka looks to hit another number: 100. St. Francis has 99 all-time state champions, dating back to 1934.

Amazingly, SF recorded at least one state placer every year from 1937-2011. The Indians have not won a championship since Jordan Gienger captured the 152-pound title in 2007.

Before then, it was Gabe Jenkins and Kelly Gabel, who repeated in ’99 and ’00.

Blanka is preseason first in 3-2-1A and sixth for all classes at 195 after placing third at 195 last season. He is seeking his third trip to state and second top three finish.

Hagan Booi, Colby, Senior Booi, a state runner-up as a sophomore in 3-2-1A, is ranked third in 4A at 195 and eighth in Kansas. Colby was the team 3-2-1A runner-up two years ago, and then bumped back up to 4A. Booi went 27-17 as a freshman, and 39-7 as a sophomore. Last season, he took fifth at 195 in 4A with a 33-5 record. Overall, Colby finished in 18th place with 35.5 points.

Booi was a key player on the last three Colby football teams as well. The Eagles went 8-2, 9-1 and 6-3 for the best three season stretch in recent memory.

Logan Brown, Iola, Senior Last winter, Brown was the first-ever state titlist in Iola wrestling history. In the semifinals, Brown defeated Santa Fe Trail’s Evan Dean, who entered state undefeated. In the finals, Brown beat Ulysses’ Aysten Perez. In the

Page 14 semifinals, Brown was nearly pinned by Dean, though flipped Dean near the end of the period to score key points. In the final, Perez led 9-2 before Brown won by fall in 3:52.

This season, Brown is ranked No. 1 in 4A and third for all classes at 285. Iola junior Trent Jones returns after he took fourth at 145. Junior T.J. Taylor also reached state for the first time. Iola took tenth as a team.

Brown, who is also one of the 4A’s top interior linemen and currently holds five offers to play college football, finished 26-1 and won all four of his matches by fall.

Eric Cain, Oakley, Senior Oakley senior Eric Cain is a three-year starter at quarterback. This fall, he helped the Plainsmen to a seven-win improvement, 10-3 mark and Class 1A state runner-up to Olpe. It marked the first state title game in school annals.

Cain is also one of 3-2-1A’s top returning wrestlers after placing second at the Norton regional and second at state last season. He also finished runner-up at the Western Kansas Tournament of Champions, which combines the MidContinent League and Northwest Kansas League.

Cain greatly improved from his sophomore year where he did not place at state. Cain finished 33-11 at 138 with a win by fall, victories by 7-4 and 7-6. In the finals, he fell to Hoxie’s Dylan Weimer, now graduated, and Cain enters this season as the top-ranked wrestler at 138.

Trent Clements, Chanute, Senior From 2012-19, Chanute only had one season where it finished outside the top-12. The Blue Comets had runner-up appearances in ’14-15. In ’19, Chanute was ranked first after

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WINTER SPOTLIGHT

regionals on a depth-laden squad that had zero No. 1-ranked wrestlers entering state. The Blue Comets took sixth.

Last year, the Blue Comets had 12 qualifiers and more elite competitors. Chanute’s Trent Clements helped Chanute capture its first wrestling team title. Clements finished 43-1 and won the title at 106. Chanute scored 151 points, well ahead of runner-up Marysville’s 94. Marysville captured the title two years ago. Overall, Clements helped Chanute finish with nine state medals for veteran coach Andy Albright.

A senior, Clements is ranked second in 4A at 120 and will be seeking his fourth appearance at state and third top two finish after finishing as state runner-up in 2019.

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Chanute’s Brayden Dillow captured a 3-1 Sudden Victory win over K.C. Piper’s Branden Martin to earn a trip to the 4A finals at 182 and then earned a 7-3 decision over Concordia’s Hunter Schroeder to earn the title. Martin has since transferred to Tonganoxie and is expected to move up to 195, though Schroeder is currently ranked second at 182.

Dillow and Trent Clements were the lone champions for the 4A State Champion Blue Comets.

Junior Kolton Misener was the state runner-up at 113. Chanute had 19 all-time titles entering last season, though none since Brady Vogel in ’16.

Dillow stands first in 4A and third for all classes at 182 and is seeking his third trip to state and second consecutive title.

Sam Elliott, Buhler, Junior Buhler junior Sam Elliott enters the season ranked first in 4A and third for all Kansas classes

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at 160. He won the 152-pound championship last season with a 38-2 record. He captured wins by 6-4, 8-3 and 11-3 margins. In the final, Elliott beat Frontenac senior Wil Jameson. Elliott was Buhler’s third all-time wrestling champion, joining Jon Becker (1994) and Mark Williams (1999).

Elliott is also the next in a long line of standout tailbacks for the Buhler football team. This season he posted 266 carries for 1,962 yards and 29 TDS. Anthony Ferguson, KC Piper, Senior Ferguson, a senior, is ranked second at 160 in both 5A and Kansas behind Goddard senior Cayleb Atkins after winning the 4A title at 160 last season.

Ferguson finished 40-1 as a junior. He won by fall in 1:04, then earned 2-1, 11-3 and 4-3 decisions at the state tournament.

In the championship, he beat Chanute’s Parker

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

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Winder in ultimate tiebreaker. He, and Sara Lake on the girls’ side, became Piper’s first ever state wrestling champions.

Ferguson was also one of Piper’s top football players recording 105 tackles from his linebacker spot and earning All-Frontier League honors.

Kyle Haas, Maize, Senior Maize senior Kyle Haas has been ranked as the No. 1 heavyweight and sixth overall prospect in the Class of 2021

by FloWrestling. Haas has won multiple national championships in the summer and will compete at longtime power Oklahoma State after high school. Haas’ older brother, Tyler Caldwell, is OSU’s recruiting coordinator and a Goddard graduate.

Last season, Haas went 27-1 and lost to St. James Academy’s Cade Lautt, 3-1, in the 220-pound final. Lautt delivered a 43-1 record and signed with North Carolina. Both were nationally ranked wrestlers. Maize finished third with 162.5 points.

Haas won the 182-pound title as a sophomore when he posted a 44-1 mark. He was third as a freshman at 182. Haas can tie Zach Hentzen (’05, ’07), Devin Gomez (’19-20) and Duwayne Villalpando (’18, ’20) as the only Maize wrestlers to win two state titles. Villalpando signed with Missouri, and Gomez with Wyoming. They went a combined 59-1 last winter.

Haas is a multi-year standout on defense for the Maize football team that posted a 38-8 record, the best four-year run in school annals.

Haas is the No. 1 in the state for all classes in the preseason at 220 pounds.

DJ Knox, Goodland, Junior Goodland sophomore D.J. Knox defeated Norton’s Darius Shields by fall in 1 minute, 52 seconds in the regional final. In the next week, Knox fell, 5-0, to Shields in the Class 3-2-1A 106-pound final.

Knox won his first three state matches by fall, and then lost to Shields, his second season as runner-up at 106 pounds.

Goodland took tenth as a team with 51 points. Knox and sophomore Mason Hernandez are back as Goodland’s returning state placers.

Knox is ranked first at 106 in 3-2-1A and fourth in all classes in the preseason. Knox is looking for his third straight trip to the finals and has 80 total wins in his first two seasons of high school wrestling.

Ethan Kremer, Mill Valley, Senior Mill Valley senior Ethan Kremer accomplished two firsts for Jaguar coach Travis Keal last winter. Kremer became the first two-time individual champion in school history. He also led MV to its first-ever team crown. As a junior, Kremer went 28-2 and battled through a knee injury. At the state tourney, Kremer posted four falls in 31 seconds, 2:34, 58 seconds and 5:14.

Keal has coached Mill Valley since Day 1 and had previously won regional crowns in ’14-’16 with third-place showings in ‘15-16. Kremer, a rare large class standout two-way lineman for Mill Valley, helped MV to back-to-back 5A state football titles. Kremer is an exceptional football player who holds Jaguar records for single season sacks and career tackle for loss. The wrestling success has carried over for football.

MV 11th-year football coach Joel Applebee said Kremer has the best body control of anyone he’s ever seen.

“He shows up everyday, and his highs aren’t too high, lows aren’t too low, and he’s just business as usual,” coach Keal said. “And he might be hurt, he might be sick, he might be whatever, you would never know it.”

Braden Ledford, Winfield, Senior Braden Ledford captured the 2019 4A state championship at 113 pounds after missing the tournament his freshman year by one match at regionals.

Last season, Ledford (35-7) was second at 126. He won by fall in 3:34, along with 3-0 and 7-4 decisions. In the finals, he lost to Andale’s Hector Serratos, 5-2.

Ledford is ranked third in 4A and sixth for all classes at 126.

On November 16, Ledford committed to wrestle at Ottawa University after high school.

He is also a past Wrestler 4 Christ Wrestler of the Year.

He’ll try to make his third straight trip to the finals this season. As a freshman, he competed at 106 and was ranked.

However, Ledford was sick the week of regionals and could not qualify for state. The motivation helped him the following year to win a state title.

Brennan Lowe, Eureka, Senior Brennan Lowe is a three-time state qualifier with first and second place showings the last two winters. Two seasons ago, Lowe helped Eureka to the 3-2-1A state championship, the first athletic team championship in school history.

Last season, Lowe delivered a 43-3 record but fell, 6-3, to Beloit’s Hunter Prochaska in the 152 pound finals.

Lowe, a key running back for Eureka, is known for his excellent strength. Two seasons ago, he helped Eureka football capture its first district title in 15-plus years.

As a sophomore, Lowe went 38-4 at 138 pounds. He won by fall in a minute, had a 4-3 decision, a 19-second fall and then another 4-3 decision versus Minneapolis’ Tristin Hauck in the final.

He enters this season ranked second at 160 pounds to Prochaska.

Hayden Mills, Blue Valley Southwest, Junior Hayden Mills helped Blue Valley Southwest to the best season in school history last winter, a Class 5A runner-up finish behind Goddard. The Lions finished at 205 points, and Blue Valley Southwest delivered 171.5.

Two years ago, BVSW took third, which then was the top showing in school annals.

At state last season, Mills finished 41-6. After a first-round injury default, Mills won by fall in 3:39, 3:51 and 1:31. Mills also won the state title as a freshman at 106.

Bishop Murray, Washburn Rural, Senior Washburn Rural senior Bishop Murray is No. 1 for all classes in the preseason at 120. He finished 34-3 and won the state title at 113 pounds last season.

At state, he won his first three matches by fall in a combined 5 minutes and 7 seconds. In the finals, he defeated Dodge City’s Damian Mendez, 5-2.

Murray helped Washburn Rural qualify all 14 wrestlers to Day 2 of the 6A state meet. Mill Valley won the crown with 161.5 points, and Rural took second with 148 under coach Damon Parker.

Known for high energy and charisma, Parker led the boys to second place and the girls to a team championship.

Murray won in ’18. He joined his uncle, Scott Murray (’90, ’92, Northern Iowa wrestler), as the only two WR two-time champions. Rural has 12 all-time titlists, including seven in the last three years.

Hunter Prochaska, Beloit, Senior Beloit junior Hunter Prochaska had lost to Hoxie’s Aidan Baalman three times in the regular season. In the state semifinals, Eureka’s Brennan Lowe bested Baalman. Prochaska defeated Perry-Lecompton senior Grant Roush. In the championship, Prochaska, ranked third entering state behind Lowe and Baalman, picked up a 6-3 victory.

“He picked a great time to put together an outstanding match,” Beloit coach Andy Niemczyk said.

Prochaska finished 29-7 and helped Beloit take fourth. On Wednesday, two days before state, the coaching staff and an instructor required CPR and an AED to revive JV wrestler Cooper Adams. Prochaska called the day “honestly pretty difficult.”

In the final, Prochaska stayed low against Lowe’s shots.

“He wore him down a little bit, and I think that was the difference in the match,” Niemczyk said.

Beloit returns Prochaska, now a senior, along with juniors Tate Kadel and Brennan Walker, all state placers.

Matthew Rodriguez, Southeast of Saline, Junior A prototypical middle linebacker, Southeast of Saline’s Matthew Rodriguez paced the Trojan defense with 95 tackles, with 20 for loss, as SES had its most wins in more than 10 years, finished 9-1 and led 3A in scoring defense this fall.

Page 16 Rodriguez is part of a highly athletic family. His sister, Haylie, was a standout setter for Sacred Heart and graduated as SH’s all-time assists leader. His older brother, Rudy, was third at the ’19 3-2-1A state meet.

Rodriguez and Sterling Harp each finished as 3-2-1A state runner-up last season. Both are back for a strong SES squad.

SES has not won a state title since Matt Johnson in 1988.

Rodriguez enters the season ranked second at 170 behind Cimarron’s Tate Seabolt, who may get a late start to the season because of a football injury.

Rodriguez lost a 2-1 decision to Riverside’s Luke Horn in last year’s 160 pound final and finished the year 38-2. Horn was 40-1.

Quentin Saunders, Wichita West, Junior Wichita West junior Quentin Saunders is ranked first for all classes at 182. As a sophomore, Saunders delivered a 32-0 season and won the Class 6A 182-pound class. He earned two wins by fall early in the second period, and then collected 8-0 and 5-0 victories. Saunders also won in ’19 and is onpace to finish as a four-time state champion.

West has won one all-time four-timer, Tristian Deshazer, which collected titles from ’03-06 and wrestled collegiately at Northern Illinois University.

Saunders has also competed in Mexico and Chile and competed in the Pan American championships when he was younger. He won both freestyle and Greco-Roman at the Pan Am Games and was awarded a key to the city.

Coach Charles Knox has coached Saunders since his time as a youth wrestler. The Team of Hard Knox is a highly regarded wrestling club in Wichita that was started in 1985.

Colby Schreiner, Kingman, Junior A junior, Kingman’s Colby Schreiner stands first in 3-2-1A and tenth in all classes at 145 in the preseason. Last year, he took first at Hesston, Emporia, Ellsworth, Halstead, Circle and league tournaments. He was second at the Russell regional and second at state.

At Feb. 8 Circle Invite, he defeated Larned’s Samajay Alboyd. However, Schreiner lost to Alboyd, 9-7, in the regional final. The two met again in the state championship where Alboyd won 5-3 in sudden victory. Alboyd is top-ranked at 145 entering this season.

Kigman, which restarted its wrestling program, has never had an individual state champion.

Hunter Schroeder, Concordia, Senior Schroeder wrestled to a second place finish at last year’s 4A State Tournament losing in the finals to Chanute’s Brayden Dillow, 7-3. Both wrestlers are back this season as seniors and are currently ranked at 182 pounds according to their finals finish of a year ago, Dillow first and Schroeder second.

Schroeder placed fourth at 160 pounds as sophomore and is a three-time state qualifier. He was the first Concordia wrestler to reach a state final since assistant coach Skyler Hittle in 2014.

He is also one of the top football players in the North Central Kansas League and earned first team all-league and all-district honors. He is third all-time in career rushing yards and seventh in tackles in Concordia High history and plans to play college football.

Tate Seabolt, Cimarron, Senior Cimarron senior Tate Seabolt will look to join his older brother, Josh, as the lone wrestling champions in Bluejay history.

Josh, currently an NAIA All-American linebacker at Bethel College, won at 182 pounds in 2017.

Tate has finished state runner-up the last two falls. In ’19, he lost to Dayton Porsch, a four-time state champion. Last winter, Seabolt finished 26-4 and lost, 4-2, to Norton’s Cole Amlong. Tate cleared 2,900 rushing yards in his Cimarron football career, though was out after Week 4 with a leg injury.

He is expected to return during wrestling season.

Seabolt lost to Porsch in the regionals and state, and then fell to Amlong in regionals and state.

Hector Serratos, Andale, Senior Andale senior Hector Serratos is ranked first in 4A and fourth in Kansas at 132. He is a two-time state champion.

Andale has nine individual championships since ’10. Mike

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

Dawes is the only three-time winner with titles in ’94-96.

Last season, Andale finished third in 4A with 88.5 points.

As a junior, Serratos finished 33-5. At state, he won by fall in 3:18, had a 16-2 major decision, a 12-2 major decision and a 5-2 victory versus Winfield’s Braden Ledford.

Jared Simma, St. Thomas Aquinas, Senior In 2019, St. Thomas Aquinas’ Jared Simma, a Northern Iowa commit, tied the state record for single season victories with a 52-2 record and took second place at state. He tied Olathe North’s Jevon Parrish, who finished with the same mark in ’18.

Following the ’19 season, Simma was one of six wrestlers in state history with at least 50 wins in one year.

Last winter, Simma went 50-1 and won the Class 5A 160-pound title. Simma collected two technical fall victories and a win by fall before a 4-2 victory in the championship versus Goddard junior Cayleb Atkins.

This season, Simma is ranked first in 5A and second in Kansas for all classes at 182.

Grayson Sonntag, Tonganoxie, Junior Sonntag dominated the 120 pound class at the 4A State Tournament last year posting two tech falls and a 9-0 major decision before upending Chadwick Stahl of Mulvane, 10-6, in the final. As a freshman Sonntag placed third at 106 with a win over Quentin Pauda of Ulysses after losing to eventual champion Devon Weber of Pratt, 8-0, in the semifinals.

The Chieftains were fourth in 4A last year behind Andale and graduated state champion Connor Searcy but return four total state qualifiers and welcome in Piper transfer Branden Martin who was third at 182 where he narrowly lost to eventual champion Brayden Dillow in overtime in the semifinals.

Sonntag enters the season ranked second at 126 behind Winfield’s Braden Ledford while Martin enters the season ranked second at 195.

Kaleb Talkington, Republic County, Senior Republic County’s Kaleb Talkington took third at 126 pounds and is part of a very deep squad that qualified eight wrestlers and placed third behind Hoxie in 3-2-1A. Talkington went 42-6 last season. At state, Talkington finished 5-1 with just a 3-1 sudden victory loss to Phillipsburg’s Jacob Sisson in the championship quarterfinals. Since 1998, Mikel Cottenmyre is Republic County’s only titlist. He won at 285 in ’16. State runner-up 285-pounder Eyann Zimmerman is the only one of the eight qulaifiers to graduate.

Jacob Tangpricha, Washburn Rural, Junior Washburn Rural junior Jacob Tangpricha is ranked fifth for all classes and first in 6A at 113. He captured the Class 6A 106-pound title with a 31-10 mark. Tangpricha picked up his first win by forfeit, then had decisions of 7-0, 4-2, 4-2. He, Bishop Murray and Dajia Anderson on the girls’ side all won individual crowns for Rural.

Konnor Tannahill, Holton, Senior Holton’s Konnor Tannahill tied with Marysville’s Jonny Crome and Iola’s Logan Brown for the most Class 4A state

SMOKE in the

Spring

tournament points last season with 30. Tannahill won the 195 title with four falls, all in 5:25 or less.

Tannahill is a three-time state qualifier and two-time placer coming in third at 182 as a sophomore. He finished last season 27-6 and handed Prairie View’s Chanz Gerleman just his second loss of the season in the championship match.

Tannahill was also one of the top players for the Holton football team that finished substate runner-up. He rushed for 612 yards and 10 TDs and tallied 46 tackles, four for loss.

Easton Taylor, Manhattan, Junior Manhattan junior Easton Taylor is ranked first at 132 for all classes. Taylor won the 120-pound 6A title with a 43-2 record.

Taylor won by fall in 1:40, 3:57 and 3:08. In the final, he defeated Olathe North’s Joseph Triscornia with a 12-0 victory.

As a freshman Taylor placed third at 113 pounds by pinning Tyler Johnson of Olathe South, after narrowly losing to eventual champion Silas Pineda in overtime in the semifinals.

Trig Tennant, Ark City, Senior Tennant is the No. 1-ranked wrestler for all classes at 152 pounds in the preseason and plans to wrestle collegiately at Augustana in South Dakota. Last winter, Tennant finished 47-6 and captured the 5A 145-pound title. He won his first match in 52 seconds, then delivered 13-5, 3-2 and 4-3 decisions.

In the state championship match, Tennant beat Blue Valley Southwest’s Brandon Madden, 4-3. Tennant scored with 50 seconds left to break a 2-2 tie.

Tennant was third at 138 as a sophomore and was state runner-up in the 4A 120 pound class as a freshman. He helped Ark City win a state title as a freshman.

Ark City, one of the state’s great wrestling powers, took fourth in 5A last season with 139 points. The Bulldogs have 21 team state championships and more than 40 top four finishes at state.

They enter the season ranked sixth and have the topranked 120 pounder in Kael Pappen and the second ranked 285-pounder in Maximus Shannon, in addition to Tennant.

Brett Umentum, Blue Valley Southwest, Senior At 126, Brett Umentum finished 43-4 and captured the 5A state title. He had wins by fall in 1:13 and 3:05, along with 2-0 and 3-0 decisions. He was runner-up as a freshman at 113.

Umentum enters the 20202021 season ranked second at 145 pounds behind Aquinas standout Johnny Akin.

Dane Whalen, Osage City, Senior Dane Whalen became the first Osage City wrestling champion when he earned the Class 3-2-1A 220-pound state title last season. Whalen finished 35-4.

He opened with a pair of falls, and then defeated Norton’s

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Page 17 Judson Wiltfong, 5-1. In the championship, Whalen beat Rossville’s Kody Davoren, 6-5.

At regionals, Whalen was ahead of Davoren, before a poor third period changed the match. Whalen had confidence he could beat Davoren in a wide-open bracket.

Whalen is 5-foot-11, compact and powerful. He has school records for squat and bench.

Whalen is a four-year starter along the Osage City line and helped OC to a 9-2 record last year. One of the most successful football seasons in program history.

OC allowed just 9.9 points per game. OC posted a 31-10 record in his four years. Before Whalen entered high school, Osage City went a collective 21-26 from ’12-16.

As a sophomore, Whalen finished fifth, the first Osage City state wrestling placer in more than 30 years.

This season, Whalen is ranked first in 3-2-1A and second in all classes at 220.

Girls get their own KSHSAA Championship The girls got into the act last year with the first ever KSHSAA Girls State Championships. While standouts Nichole Moore, Morgan Mayginnes and Elisa Robinson graduated after state championship seasons, several of the state’s top female wrestlers return for another run at state.

Alexis Allen, Independence, Senior Independence’s Alexis Allen finished 30-0 and won the championship at 109 pounds. Allen won by 6-2 and 7-4 decisions, and then beat Wellington’s Anna Cullens by fall in 4:42 in the finals. Allen, a senior, is ranked first at 109.

Dajia Anderson, Washburn Rural, Senior Dajia Anderson transferred into Washburn Rural, and WR coach Damon Parker noticed her power in softball. Parker realized Anderson could help in wrestling.

As a junior last year, Anderson helped Washburn Rural to the inaugural girls’ state championship with 84 team points, four ahead of Great Bend. She was WR’s lone titlist. Anderson tallied 27 team points to pace the Junior Blues, just one off the meet high. She finished 29-1.

Holton, Kansas

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

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After a first-round bye, she won by fall in 2:34, had a 13-5 major decision and a win by fall in 3:07 in the final versus Olathe West freshman Makayla Rivera. Washburn Rural dominated the upper weights with a fifth-place showing by Halley Robinett (155), third place from Rebekah Smith (170) and third with Jaliah Johnson (191).

Anderson is ranked first at 191 to enter the season for the top-ranked Junior Blues.

Sydney Boyle, Trego, Senior One of the top northwest Kansas wrestlers, Boyle accomplished school history with a 35-6 record and fifth place showing at 143 pounds. Boyle is the first girl state placer in Golden Eagle history. Boyle went 4-2 at state. She has committed to wrestle at York College.

“Just being Sydney,” WaKeeney-Trego coach Jeremy Samson said after state last season. “That was a great thing about it. We got into that arena, and she stayed true to Sydney. She wasn’t all locked up because it was the state tournament, the first time ever. It was Sydney was still Sydney, and she was out there laughing and being herself, and that was very cool.”

Boyle is ranked third at 143 in the preseason.

Madyson Gray, Lawrence Free State, Junior Lawrence Free State’s Madyson Gray was the Firebirds’ lone state qualifier. She finished 34-0 at 130. Gray had a first-round bye, along with a 17-4 major decision. Gray won by fall in 3:31 and 3:57. Great Bend coach Nathan Broeckelman, who serves on the ranking team, called Gray a “pretty tough girl” last winter. Gray competed on the Kansas national dual team that included Rose and Knecht. She is ranked preseason first at 132.

Jordyn Knecht, Paola, Senior Paola had just two wrestlers qualify for state with Knecht and Kailyn Younger, yet took third with 44 points. Knecht is ranked seventh nationally at 122 pounds in the preseason. Knecht

missed all of her sophomore year with injury after she was nationally ranked earlier in her career. Knecht came back to earn regional wrestler of the meet honors last winter.

At state, she finished 30-0. That included an 8-4 win versus Marysville’s Elise Rose in the final. Rose was nationally ranked and 17-0 entering the match. It marked the most anticipated final. Knecht, known for her outgoing personality, has served as a role model for many young girls.

“She loves to help people,” Paola coach Darvin Willard said.

“She advocates for women’s wrestling, because she has been around it forever.”

Paola’s Preston Martin and Knecht became the third Panthers to win a state title since ’07. Knecht and Kailyn Younger helped Paola take third place.

“Just us two together, being able to accomplish something like that, that not a lot of people in our town has accomplished was really big for me,” Knecht said.

Knecht is preseason ranked first at 126.

Sara Lake, K.C. Piper, Senior Lake was the first-ever KSHSAA girls’ wrestling champion in state history. Lake, Piper’s only girl wrestler, finished 27-0 and won at 136 pounds – the weight that started the finals.

Lake won by fall in 2:34, 5:41 and 3:37. She beat Andover Central’s Xara Bacci in the final. She was ranked No. 1 all season in a strong weight class that had four other wrestlers enter state with three or fewer losses.

Lake is preseason ranked 25th nationally at 138, and first in the weight class in Kansas. Bacci, a junior, is ranked second.

Burlingame senior Gianna Culbert is third Makayla Rivera, Olathe West, Sophomore Rivera finished 19-2 and was state runner-up in the 235 class to Anderson. She had a first-round bye, and then won by fall in 1:59 and 1:44. She lost by fall to Anderson in 3:07 in the title match.

She and Ingrid-Beltran Gonzaga (22-8) were the two state qualifiers for Olathe West. Rivera is ranked first at 235.

Elise Rose, Marysville, Senior Elise Rose and Paola’s Jordyn Knecht were the top-two wrestlers at 123 throughout the winter. Rose is one of the several wrestlers who has competed well against boys.

Versus the girls, Rose dominated at state with a technical fall victory and a win in 2:46 by fall. She fell to Knecht, 8-4, in a high quality finals match and is preseason second at 132.

Anjelina Serrano, Garden City, Senior Though not a top-ranked wrestler, Serrano is a trailblazer in southwest Kansas

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Page 18 wrestling, helping Garden City enjoy a surprising first season of KSHSAA sanctioned wrestling.

“If my boys worked as hard as the girls did in practice, we would be unbeatable, and that’s just a mentality that the girls bring in,” Garden City coach Carlos Prieto said. “They are like sponges. They want to learn, and they want to work hard. It’s like they don’t want to disappoint us, and so that’s been one of the most positive things as a coach for me this year.”

Serrano finished 34-8 and took fifth at 130 pounds. She went 2-2 and had a bye at state. GC was unranked throughout the winter but took second to Great Bend at the KSHSAA Girls West Regional at McPherson. GC fell one point short of GB for the team title. Garden City qualified six for state, tied for the most.

Serrano is one of just two ranked girls entering this season for Garden City. Serrano is ranked fifth at 132 and sophomore Esmeralda Corado is ranked sixth at 120.

“Those girls work just as hard as the boys, and I just couldn’t be more excited and proud, and excited for girls’ wrestling out here in the state of Kansas,” Prieto said. “It was an awesome experience.”

Serrano earned team wrestler of the week for her regional performance. Serrano finished fourth the year prior at unofficial girls’ state.

Kammie Schanz, Mulvane, Sophomore Class 143 was considered the state’s most wide-open class at the first state girls’ wrestling tournament. The weight, unlike many others, had zero nationally ranked wrestlers.

Mulvane’s Kammie Schanz and Pratt’s Livia Swift had the best championship match. At 143, Swift narrowly beat Schanz, 3-2. Schanz finished 30-3. She is ranked second at 143 in the preseason.

Livia Swift, Pratt, Junior Pratt’s Livia Swift believed her wrestling career would be over after eighth grade when she captured the league championship. After KSHSAA sanctioned wrestling, Swift and hundreds of other girls in Kansas had a chance to continue to compete.

As a freshman, Swift went 11-3 and took third at the unofficial girls’ state tournament. Last winter, Swift won the best match of the inaugural sanctioned state tournament with a 3-2 victory versus Mulvane’s Kammie Schanz at 143 pounds.

At regionals, Swift beat Schanz by fall in 4:53. At state, she made a move with 15 seconds left to win the title. She is ranked first at 143.

“I didn’t know if I was going to get it,” Swift said. “I really wanted to. I wasn’t sure, but I have been in situations like that before, and it’s kind of one of my things that I do, and kind of come back just sometimes at the last moment, kind of clutch move a little bit. But it was crazy. It was nice.”

Pratt’s Jadyn Thompson finished 30-8 and placed fifth at 109 in her freshman year. The two wrestlers helped Pratt tie for fourth with 41 points.

Swift is ranked 20th nationally at 144 pounds.

Darby Weidl, Ottawa, Senior Ottawa’s Darby Weidl took second at 155

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ALEXIS ALLEN, Independence

SARA LAKE, K.C. Piper

DAJIA ANDERSON, Washburn Rural

MAKAYLA RIVERA, Olathe West

Page 19

SYDNEY BOYLE, Trego

MADYSON GRAY, Lawrence Free St.

JORDYN KNECHT, Paola

ELISE ROSE, Marysville

ANJELINA SERRANO, Garden City

KAMMIE SCHANZ, Mulvane

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

pounds with a 32-2 record. Weidl accomplished the rare double with being statistically one of the state’s top volleyball players and wrestlers. On the mat, she was Ottawa’s only state qualifier.

Weidl had a first-round bye. Then, she won 9-4, an 11-8 victory and lost to Onaga’s Morgan Mayginnes in the final. Mayginnes was a nationally ranked wrestler.

Ottawa finished fourth in 4A volleyball. Weidl led the state with 535 kills, according to MaxPreps.

Kaylin Younger, Paola, Junior Paola opened the season with six girls, brought four to regionals and two to state: well-known Jordyn Knecht and Kailyn Younger. The two were practice partners.

Younger had wrestled years ago, and then returned to the room last winter. Paola was outside the top-10 in

the team rankings before regionals, and then bumped to fourth. Younger was ranked third entering state.

Younger finished 27-13 and took second at 116. She earned a slight upset versus Washburn Rural’s Addison Broxterman by fall in 1:22 in the quarterfinals. In the finals, Younger lost to Nickerson’s Nichole Moore by fall. Moore was nationally ranked and one of the best wrestlers in state history.

This season, Younger is ranked first at 120.

Jolie Ziegler, Council Grove, Sophomore Ziegler tied K.C. Piper’s Sara Lake and Nickerson’s Nichole Moore with the most points at the state meet with 28. Ziegler and Lake are back again this season.

As a freshman, Ziegler finished 27-0 at 170. After a bye, Ziegler dominated the competition with falls in 1:33, 20 seconds and 31 seconds. Ziegler is ranked 21st nationally at 164 pounds in the preseason.

Entering this season, she is ranked first at 170.

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DARBY WEIDL, Ottawa

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

By John Baetz, Gallagher Martin & Conor Nicholl Coronavirus related cancellations ended the state basketball tournaments after the quarterfinals, and then took spring sports as well, leaving many of the state’s athletes hungry for a return to sport. Now, with a fall sports season that saw the occasional cancellation in the books, the state’s basketball players are anxious to compete with the knowledge that any given week could see the postponement or cancellation of games, or even another early end to the season.

In the next few pages Kansas Pregame takes a look at a few of the top players returning with eyes on completing a season while living squarely in the moment, knowing, the only constant this season...is change!

Trey Abasolo, Mulvane, Senior A double-digit scorer in each of the last three seasons, Mulvane senior Trey Abasolo enters his senior year with over 1,000 career points and a 16.3 ppg career average.

He has steadily improved those marks since his freshman year, when he averaged 11.3 ppg, taking a step forward to 14.2 ppg as a sophomore, and leaping forward to 22.9 ppg in his junior season. The increase in scoring also came with a significant increase in shooting percentage. Abasolo improved his 2-point field goal percentage from 37.8 percent as a sophomore to 47.1 last season and his 3-point percentage from 23.6 to 34 percent.

Abasolo is consistent from the free-throw line where he shoots 72.9 percent for his career highlighted by last year’s clip of 77.9 percent from the charity stripe. He also grabbed 7.1 rebounds a game and dished out 2.7 assists a contest last year for a Mulvane team that went 10-12 last season. JB Max Alexander, Buhler, Senior Buhler guard Max Alexander returns for his senior year as one of the top players in Class 4A and the state. Last year, as a junior, Alexander averaged 16.5 points and 3.5 assists per game. With the loss of Buhler’s top players in Isaac LeShore to graduation and Myles Thompson to transfer, Alexander will be called upon to carry an even greater load this season and he has been busy this summer putting work into his game.

The 6-foot lefty is an explosive offensive player with a high motor. His ability to elevate and create his own shot is second to none. With his aggressive crossover, Alexander is one of the top scorers in the state.

Defensively, Alexander averaged just under 2 steals a game and is often asked to shut down the opponent’s best guard.

Alexander led the Crusaders to a 15-8 record and a trip to the 4A State Tournament last year. Despite 24 points from Alexander, Buhler fell 71-52 in the first round to KC-Piper. GM Nate Barnhart, De Soto, Senior De Soto’s 7-foot center Nate Barnhart helped De Soto turn around the program in the last two seasons. In ’18-19, the Wildcats opened 0-8, and then went 7-6 the rest of the year.

Last season, Barnhart collected second team all-state and helped De Soto post a 16-8 record. De Soto made its sixth

all-time state trip, first since 1994. The Wildcats went 7-4 in games decided by seven points or fewer, including a 49-42 state quarterfinal loss to Kapaun Mt. Carmel.

Barnhart, well-known for a game where he blocked seven shots, will play collegiately at Wyoming. Former Emporia State head coach Shaun Vandiver is a Wyoming assistant.

Barnhart also had offers from Central Arkansas, Jacksonville, Northern Kentucky and Wisconsin-Milwaukee, according to his 24/7 recruiting page.

Barnhart would like to study exercise science or physical therapy in college. This season, Barnhart would like to be “a good leader” and return to the state tournament. He most enjoys building relationships that are formed through basketball.

“We have a bunch of hard workers and good character CN throughout the team,” Barnhart said.

Jack Chapman, Blue Valley Northwest, Senior Blue Valley Northwest’s 6-foot-7 senior forward Jack Chapman has served as an integral part of the Huskies’ three consecutive state titles and final four run last winter that was halted by COVID-19.

Chapman averaged 20 points, six rebounds and two assists a contest. He shot 52 percent from the field and 42 percent from 3-point range. That included 37 against rival Blue Valley North. He earned first team all-classes and first team AllEastern Kansas League. Chapman tallied 29 points and 14 rebounds against Bishop Miege and Mark Mitchell, a Top-20 prospect in the Class of 2022.

Chapman is one of the few Kansas high school athletes that has his own website, jackchapman2021.com. Chapman averaged four points a game as the sixth man as a freshman and 10 points per contest as a sophomore.

He looks to continue in the footsteps of many great Blue Valley Northwest players, such as Christian Braun, currently a University of Kansas starter, and Clayton Custer, who helped Loyola Chicago reach the Final Four.

“Jack Chapman has a unique ability to play outside and get in the lane and shoot over smaller players,” coach Ed Fritz said. “He is a dog on the glass and can pass and defend.”

Chapman currently holds an offer from Division I University of Missouri Kansas City. He plans to study business and has interest in coaching and sales. This winter, Chapman would like to win another state championship.

“I like the competitive aspect and the feeling of shooting a shot and know it’s going in,” Chapman said. “Last year our team put ourselves in the position to win our fourth straight championship before it was canceled due to COV ID.” CN

LITTLE RIVER SCHOOLS

Page 20 Sterling Chapman, Campus, Senior Campus’ senior Sterling Chapman earned AVCTL Division I MVP for the 23-0 Colts. Perhaps no boys’ team was hurt more from the season ending in the final four than Campus.

The Colts enjoyed the best season in school history and won the prestigious Dodge City Tournament of Champions in an overtime win versus Bishop Miege. The Colts set multiple AVCTL records, including scoring offense at 72.4 points per game. Campus had a six-win improvement from 17-5.

Chapman posted 17.2 points, 6.8 boards, 3.2 assists and 2.5 steals a game.

The Colts had multiple players sign with collegiate programs, including Sterling’s brother, Steele. The top-five players all had at least 8.5 points per contest. In the state quarterfinals versus Manhattan, Sterling tallied 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. In a well-publicized recruiting process, the 6-foot-5 Chapman first committed to Wichita State. Then after WSU went through its coaching change, Chapman switched to Tulsa in late November.

Chapman has 968 career points and should became Campus’ all-time leading scorer this winter.

“He has an off the charts work ethic,” coach Chris Davis said. “Team comes first guy. Cares about others and makes those around him better. Very coachable and make our job as coaches easy.”

This season, Chapman would like to improve “in all areas” and win a state championship. It marked Campus’ first state appearance in 24 years and first final four showing since ’89.

“One thing about our team, is we all are fun-loving guys that love to have fun and play the game of basketball and we’re going to be competing in everything we do whether it’s basketball or bowling or anything,” Chapman said.

Hunter Davis, Lakin, Senior Seventh-year Lakin coach Nate Schmitt has revolved his program around highly successful Wichita Collegiate coach Mitch Fiegel’s principles. Fiegel plays full court press and high tempo. Schmitt has studied the Spartans and has used the

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Page 21

Courtesy De Soto Athletics

MASON HAXTON, Hoisington

TANNER HECHT, Wamego

JACK CHAPMAN, Blue Valley NW

JAYDEN GARRISON, Little River

JAVON GRANT, Pittsburg

Evertt Royer, KSportsImages.com

Matt Neibling, Butler County Times-Gazette

HUNTER DAVIS, Lakin

Beth Day, Wamego Smoke Signal

Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com

STERLING CHAPMAN, Campus

NATE BARNHART, De Soto

Erin Wohletz

Adam Shrimplin, shrimplinphotography.com

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MAX ALEXANDER, Buhler

Sean Frye, Parsons Sun

Bob Hunter

Mulvane Athletics

TREY ABASOLO, Mulvane

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DAYLAN JONES, Wichita East

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slogan “Run With Us” often on social media. “(Fiegel) has been very, very helpful as well and giving us advice, and the style that we want to play,” Schmitt said last winter. “But mainly, it’s the kids just buying into it and understanding it and being willing to work even harder than we’ve worked last year.”

Hunter Davis was in Lakin in middle school, then moved to Meade and delivered 10 points and five rebounds as a sophomore. He came back to Lakin last year to live with his father. As a junior, Davis helped the Broncs post a four-win improvement to 18-5.

“We want to be known for something,” Schmitt said. “A brand. Always just admired the way that (Fiegel’s) teams played.”

It marked the Broncs’ most victories in more than a decade.

Lakin lost in the sub-state title game to Colby on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer.

“We are dangerous,” Davis said. “We love shooting and getting into people on defense in our full court press. We don’t hide that from anyone.”

The 5-foot-9 Davis delivered 20 points, five assists, four rebounds and four steals per game. He scored 30 points twice and tallied in double figures in all but two contests. A point guard, Davis earned Hi-Plains League Player of the Year. Davis has received prominent interest from NAIA Bethel College and other junior colleges. He would like to go into education and coaching.

“He shows up everyday and wants to be good,” Schmitt said. “He is coachable and works hard everyday. When he is on the court, he is always competing and trying to win.”

Jayden Garrison, Little River, Senior One of the state’s best multi-sport athletes, Garrison has 1,497 career points. The reigning Class 1A Player of the Year, Garrison helped the Redskins reach state for the first time in 20 seasons. Little River was set to play St. John in the semi-

finals; LR and SJ were considered the top-two 1A squads.

Garrison had multiple highlight reel moments.

The 6-foot-1 point guard delivered 44 points versus Centre.

Before Christmas, he hit a shot at the end of double overtime to beat Moundridge.

“That gave us some team confidence as Moundridge has had our number in past years,” coach Wayne Morrow said.

Overall, Garrison finished with 23.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.3 steals a contest. Morrow, a longtime coach most known for a stop at Larned, called Garrison very fundamentally sound and very athletic. Garrison has several collegiate offers and plans to study radiology.

“I’ve coached for 30 plus years from 1A-6A in Kansas, and I’m convinced that Jayden has the skills, athleticism, and drive that it takes to play collegiately at a very high level,” Morrow said. “He’s a very special player and person.”

Garrison also played through sickness and missed two full games when he was sick. Garrison played on the Kansas Kings summer team with LR teammate Trey Rolfs and Hoisington standouts Drew Nicholson and Mason Haxton, among others.

“There are games where he could have scored 50 or more easily, but I was more about him learning how to make those around him better,” Morrow said. “That shows what kind of a person he is and how much he cares about winning as a team. Jayden was always ready to step up when needed and he knew the signal for that, and his consistency of great play day in and day out is what separates him from others.”

Fresh off an 8-Man I football state title, Little River is likely the preseason state favorite in basketball as well. The Redskins return all of their players and bring back Graham Stephens, who missed last season to injury. Together with Rolfs, who averaged 13.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game, and sophomore Braxton Lafferty (9.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.3 spg) the Redskins could feature one of the elite “small ball” teams in Kansas.

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Page 22 starters over 6-1, but that doesn’t discourage Garrison, whose goal is a state title.

“We always play hard and put up a lot of points,” Garrison CN said.

Javon Grant, Pittsburg, Senior While the Purple Dragons will miss the loss of graduated standout Gavyn Elkamil and his 25 points per game, now at Link Year Prep before heading off to play his college ball at Tulsa, new Pittsburg head coach Jordan Woods returns the Southeast Kansas League’s premier player in 5-foot-11 senior guard Javon Grant.

As a junior, Grant poured in 24 points per game to go along with four assists, four rebounds and 2.5 steals. He is nearing 1,000 career points and recorded a season high of 37 points in two different games last year - against Basehor-Linwood and Coffeyville. He added 31 points and six assists against Parsons and 29 points and seven asissts against Schlagle.

He showed off his skills in crunch time with a game-winning shot against Chanute.

Grant earned first team All-SEK honors for the second year and multiple all-area and all-state selections.

Woods, a long-time assistant to former Purple Dragon coach Kiley Roelfs, said what makes Grant a special player is “his will to win and never back down mentaility!”

JB Mason Haxton, Hoisington, Senior Hoisington coach Kyle Haxton calls his son, senior point guard Mason Haxton a “well-rounded player.” Mason, also a four-year player at QB for Hoisington, has led the Cardinal basketball team at point guard. A four-year starter on the hardwood, Haxton averaged 13.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game as a junior. In last year’s substate semifinals, Haxton tallied 27 points on 10 of 14 shooting, and six of six from the foul line.

“He put his team on his back on this night, just as he has on numerous occasions,” coach Haxton said.

Entering the winter, Mason has 824 points, 325 rebounds

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Page 23

HARLAN OBIOHA, Hoxie

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com

DREW NICHOLSON, Hoisington

TY SIDES, Phillipsburg

and 209 assists. He could finish his career with 1,200-plus points, more than 500 rebounds and 300 assists. He is a three-time honorable mention all-state pick by various outlets.

“What makes Mason special and one of the best players in his class is his unselfishness, competitiveness, and leadership,” coach Haxton said. “Mason will do whatever his team needs him to do in order to win. He has a toughness about him that every coach desires out of his players. He can score it, dish it, rebound, and he’ll compete to take more charges than any other player in the state. Not only does he have an incredible basketball IQ, he is the ultimate competitor.”

This season, Mason would like to average 15 points, seven boards and six assists per contest. He has an offer from Bethel for football, but has yet to choose a school or sport.

“Every player on the team is a competitor in everything they do,” Mason said. “We will do whatever it takes to win. Our team will consist of 10 players that will make an impact every game we play. Our depth is incredible.” CN Tanner Hecht, Wamego, Senior Veteran Wamego coach Troy Hemphill welcomes back just one starter from last

Annabelle Payton

DEVAN McEWEN, Lebo

Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com

ZEKE MAYO, Lawrence

Rex Wolf, Topeka Capital-Journal

ALSTON MASON, Blue Valley NW

Jen Dowell

LONELL LANE, KC Harmon

Lawrence Journal-World

Keith Kreeger, BVNWSports.com

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

CJ POWELL, Highland Park

year’s 8-13 team that finished in third place in the North Central Kansas League, but fortunately for Hemphill and the Red Raiders that returner is 6-5 senior Tanner Hecht.

Hecht, who averaged 15.2 points and 7.1 rebounds a season ago, can drive the ball to the basket, excels at shooting the three and can score from anywhere on the floor.

His efforts last year earned him All-NCKL recognition and multiple all-area and all-state honors and leaves him as one of the top returning players in the North Central Kansas League this season.

This summer, Hecht played for the MoTeamCarroll 17 and under squad that won the PrepHoops MoKan 17U Elite Championship going 5-0 on the weekend. He recorded 11 points, with three 3-pointers and four rebounds in the championship game.

Hecht currently holds scholarship offers from East Central University, a DII school in Ada, Okla., three NAIA schools, and is also receiving interest from Army, Air Force, UC Irvine, Emporia State, Washburn, William Jewell, Rockhurst and others. He is currently undecided on his college choice.

Whoever gets Hecht will ultimately get a boost to their team grade point average as he carries a 4.3 GPA and has scored a 30 on the

JB ACT.

AARON SKIDMORE, South Gray

Jack Johnson, Andover, Senior Helped by a highly efficient offense, Andover enjoyed a huge turnaround and the best season in school history last winter.

Andover was a combined 22-20 the previous two years before the 12-win improvement and 23-0 season in ’19-20. The Trojans had never made a state finale and was the 5A favorite before the tournament was cancelled because of coronavirus. Andover had its fourth final four, most recently in ’08. Andover was 7-0 in games decided by five points or fewer, including a regular season win versus Kapaun Mt. Carmel. Andover was set to play KMC in the final four.

In ’18-19, Andover was 4-3 in games within seven points and tallied 1.01 points per possession. The Trojans had 1.10 points a possession and .867 points allowed per possession last season. Andover improved its assist/turnover ratio from 1.22 to 1.50.

Jack Johnson led the turnaround when he tallied 19.1 points per contest, five rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.6 steals per game. The 6-foot-2 senior guard has committed to Division I Dallas Baptist and plans to major in sport management, but first he wants to help the Trojans to a return to the state tournament.

“Jack is a winner,” coach Martin Shetlar

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Page 24

LEBO WOLVES BASKETBALL

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Back-to-Back State Qualifiers Back-to-Back Sub-State Champions Back-to-Back Regional Champions 40-10 Record The Last Two Seasons

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said. “He makes everyone on his team better every day in every drill, practice, and game. He competes at the highest level in everything he does and always wants to prove that he is the best player on the court offensively and defensively.”

Johnson hit the game-winning shot versus Derby, tallied 30 points against Newton and sunk seven treys against Goddard. He has 1,009 career points and was first team all-state and all-league.

“My goals for this season is obviously to finish what we should have gotten last year (a state title),” Johnson said. “I feel like we were robbed from that and I know that this year we will be competing for the championship again.”

CN Daylan Jones, Wichita East, Senior Jones is fresh off helping the Wichita East football team to their best season since 1983 as one of the state’s top receivers, and also filling in at quarterback, including in a playoff win over Manhattan and a narrow quarterfinal loss to Junction City, because of late season injuries. Jones will now try to help the East basketball team return to dominance under new coach Clint Kinnamon.

If Kinnamon is to repeat the success he enjoyed at St. John he’ll rely on the talent of the 6-4 Jones, who has averaged about 10 points per game in each of the three prior high school seasons. He also averaged about 5 rebounds and 2 assists per game consistently in that span.

Sure to receive numerous honors for his work on the football field this fall, Jones was also an All-City pick for his work on the basketball court last season.

While Jones is a standout on the basketball court his college future will likely involve football. He currently holds football offers from Northern Colorado, Northern Iowa, Missouri State, South Dakota and others to play football.

JB Lonell Lane, JC Harmon, Senior Although they lost league player of the year Walzel Evans to graduation, the Hawks bring back a talented and experienced starting roster led by 6-1 senior guard Lonell Lane, who averaged 16.5 points and 5.9 assists per game last season in helping the Hawks to 20 wins.

Lane is one of the state’s most electric players, or as Dick Vitale would say, “He’s a high riser, baby!”

Videos of Lane on the internet show highlight reel dunks, precision passes and deft ball-handling.

Together with 6-4 seniors Mike Carson (8.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg) and Chauncey Keys (8.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.5 apg) the Hawks will have talent and experience.

Veteran coach David Gonzales just hopes the Hawks can shake off the rust of the late return as the KCK public school system will not return for activities until January after taking JB them off all fall.

Alston Mason, Blue Valley Northwest, Senior Blue Valley Northwest finished 21-2 and was one of the final four teams left in 6A when the tournament was cancelled

Morgan Anderson

Page 25

Bob Hunter

Chris Corum

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

CHASE WIEBE, Berean Academy

from the coronavirus. Senior point guard Alston Mason has continued the long list of outstanding BVNW players under coach Ed Fritz.

He averaged 17.3 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals a contest. That also included 30 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in a game versus St. Thomas Aquinas. He earned first team All-EKL and first team all-state all classes.

Mason has several Division I offers, including Nebraska, Southern Utah, Southern Illinois and Florida International and was considered one of the Midwest’s top-20 non-committed players in late October by recruiting services. Kansas State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Tulsa are among others that have reached out.

“Alston Mason is a very dynamic player,” Fritz said. “He can change speed and direction with the ball. Has great court vision and can knock down the outside 3 or get to the rim and finish or make the correct pass at the right time.”

Fritz has five state titles, all since ’13. Blue Valley Northwest did not lose to a Kansas school last year. The Huskies permitted 51 points per game and defeated Lawrence Free State, 55-48, in the first round of state. Northwest’s only losses came on Dec. 6 and Dec. 13 against Blue Springs (Mo.) and Duncanville (Tex.). The only Kansas loss in the last two years was a 54-52 defeat to Bishop Miege on Feb. 5, 2019.

CN Zeke Mayo, Lawrence, Senior Lawrence clinched a share of the 2020 Sunflower League title and won its substate to make it to the state tournament falling to Blue Valley North 72-66 in the first round.

Senior Zeke Mayo earned first team all-league and second team all-state honors last season and should be a force for the Lions as they seek to return to state this year.

A South Dakota State signee, Mayo, a 6-3 combo guard, averaged 16.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4 assists a game last year. He was the Lawrence Journal-World Player of the Year, is a member of the National Honor Socity and plans to major in sports and recreational management at SDSU. Mayo, whose father played at Dodge City Community College and Tennessee Tech, also held offers from Tulsa, Northern Kentucky, Central Arkansas, Jacksonville and JB Northern Colorado.

Devan McEwen, Lebo, Senior Devan McEwen has delivered an outstanding two-sport career in football and basketball.

On the hardwood, McEwen has tallied more than 1,000 points. Last season, he helped Lebo to a 22-4 season and a second consecutive state tournament appearance. McEwen averaged 20 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists. In the substate title game versus Central Christian, McEwen collected 23 points, eight rebounds and two steals.

In the recently completed 2020 football season, the Wolves finished 11-1, its most victories since 2005. McEwen was the team leader as the QB completing 72 percent of his passes for 1,156 yards with a 27/5 TD/INT ratio. He also carried the ball 91 times for 833 yards and 15 touchdowns.

TYUS WILSON, Sterling

A highly efficient shooter, McEwen, a returning first team allstate player, shot 52 percent from the field, 48 percent from 3-point range and 84 percent from the free throw line. He has already broken 1,100 career points and should soon set the school scoring record.

McEwen has received interest from colleges such as Newman, Nebraska Wesleyan, Missouri Baptist and Berry College. He would like to become a financial advisor.

McEwen would like to clear 1,600 career points, win a league title and bring home a state championship.

He most enjoys the life lessons and the community togetherness that comes from basketball.

“If you get more than one Devan in your life you are very blessed,” Lebo coach Dwayne Paul said. “He is a special talent that breathes basketball. But what sets him apart from the others is his desire to work harder and push for more.

He is never satisfied with his accomplishments. He will have many chances this season to set single season/game scoring CN records as we will lean on him a lot.”

Drew Nicholson, Hoisington, Senior Hoisington finished 17-5 in 2012 and then posted six straight sub-.500 seasons that oscillated between seven and 10 victories. Last winter, the Cardinals enjoyed a seven-win improvement to 17-5. The Cardinals lost in the substate semifinals to TMP on a buzzer-beater. Hoisington had just two seniors and the top-three scorers all return. Seniors Drew Nicholson and Mason Haxton form one of Kansas’ top 1-2 combinations. The 6-foot-7 Nicholson is expected to clear 1,000 career points early this season.

“Our team returns a lot of experience and we are extremely deep,” Nicholson said. “We like to get up and down the court and push the ball in transition as much as possible.”

A 4.0 student and considered a top-25 all-classes player, the guard/forward averaged 17.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. His highlighted performance came against Larned and its senior-laden squad. Nicholson delivered 26 points, including 10 of 15 shooting from the field and 5 of 5 from the foul line in a 73-62 victory.

Nicholson missed the first four games as a junior because of knee surgery. He has 945 points, 356 rebounds and 99 assists in his career. Nicholson has improved defensively and recorded 31 blocks last winter. He has led Hoisington in rebounding the past two seasons. Nicholson remains uncommitted, though has an offer from Bethel College.

“What makes Drew one of the best players in the state is his versatility,” coach Kyle Haxton said. “He shoots the 3 with great accuracy and has incredible range. He also has the ability to get to the rim off the dribble or lead our fast break down the floor. Last season Drew made big strides defensively.”

Nicholson would like to be an optometrist after college.

In the summer, he played for Trevor Rolfs and the Kansas Kings. Rolfs is veteran Barton County Community College athletic director. His son, Trey, is a key senior for Little River.

The team finished runner-up at MAYB Nationals this summer.

Nicholson said he has loved playing with his teammates both

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

in the summer and school year. This season, Nicholson would like to win state. He looks to be a strong leader.

“I am pretty reserved but being a positive role model on the court and in the classroom is important to me,” he said. CN Harlan Obioha, Hoxie, Senior Perhaps no Kansas athlete has elicited more interest than Hoxie senior Harlan Obioha. He has received national attention, including from The Athletic. The 6-foot-11, 305-pound Obioha is ranked as the country’s No. 139 offensive line prospect by 24/7, a well-known recruiting service. Of the 250-plus Kansas football players who signed to play collegiately by Feb. 2020, none were above 6-foot-7. Obioha is also the tallest of the country’s top-190 offensive line prospects. Obioha has football offers from Arizona, Indiana, Iowa State, Ole Miss and Texas State. He has basketball offers from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Grambling State and others.

In football, Obioha was the team’s vocal leader and paced in tackles for loss for a 9-2 squad that reached the state semifinals. In basketball, he helped Hoxie finish 21-3 last season and reach the Class 2A state tournament.

“I think his love for the game is what makes him special,” Hoxie basketball coach Jake Moss said. “He has put a lot of time into improving his game and that is why he has a unique skill set for a big man.”

As the team’s center, Obioha had 21 points, 11 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Obioha finished with 14 double-doubles and was a consensus first team all-state player. That included 29 points and 14 rebounds versus Plainville in the substate semifinals and 21 points and 15 rebounds against Garden Plain in the state loss. Obioha moved from Quinter to Hoxie and did not play varsity as a freshman. He has tallied 770 points and 451 career rebounds.

Obioha called his favorite part of basketball “taking over games completely.”

“He truly cares about his teammates and makes a lot of unselfish plays to help us win. He has a winning first attitude and doesn’t care about individual statistics,” Moss said.

CN CJ Powell, Highland Park, Senior Senior CJ Powell was a first-team All-City selection by the Topeka Capital-Journal a year ago, averaging 16.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, and helping Highland Park to a massive 12-win improvement and a state tournament berth.

The 6-7 Powell brings size and versatility to the floor and coach Michael Williams noted his improvement last year.

“I think definitely he improved, being a junior and having a lot of past experience over his freshman and sophomore years,″ Williams told The Topeka Capital-Journal for their AllCity coverage. “He also just has a really, really wide skill set.

He can handle the ball some, he’s able to step out and stretch some people out and he had a size advantage over most of the guys he played against so he could score inside, too. He’s just been blessed with a wide array of talents.″ With Powell and junior Juan’Tario Roberts (15.5 ppg) back the Scots will try to improve on last year’s 15-8 record.

JB Ty Sides, Phillipsburg, Senior Last season, Phillipsburg junior point guard Ty Sides accomplished a rare feat when he led the Panthers in four of the five main statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists and steals. He delivered 14.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 3.1 steals for the 12-10 Panthers. The winter marked the first time in Ty’s high school career he played without his brother, Trey, a former 3A Player of the Year. Trey now plays at Division I Jacksonville University in Florida.

Ty helped the Panthers, seeded No. 8, advance to the Mid-Continent League midseason tournament championship game. Phillipsburg lost to Ellis in the season opener, and then beat Ellis, 45-41, in tournament semifinals when he recorded 10 points and four rebounds.

Their sister, Taryn, is a sophomore and led the Panthers to their first ever girls’ state basketball tournament last winter.

Taryn is ranked as Kansas’ No. 5 player in the Class of 2023

by Kansas Prep Girls Hoops.

Sides has college interest for football and basketball. In football, Sides has played significantly since his freshman year.

This fall, he threw for 847 yards with a 12/4 TD/INT ratio. He delivered 112 carries for 1,104 yards and 12 scores. Ty’s dad, Keith, is the longtime Phillipsburg boys’ basketball coach.

Ty played for the Kansas Kings in the summer, which finished as MAYB national runner-up.

Aaron Skidmore, South Gray, Senior Last winter, South Gray had just one senior, reserve Juan Ortiz. The Rebels, paced by Aaron Skidmore, enjoyed another fine season with longtime coach Mark Applegate.

South Gray finished 21-4 and the 6-foot-3 Skidmore averaged 22 points and six rebounds a contest. Skidmore collected first team all-league and first team all-state from the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. Two of the losses came in overtime and another by three points to St. John in sub-state.

This year, Skidmore, senior Carter Riley, and juniors Brady Deges and Brent Penner are key returning players for a stacked squad.

“Aaron is a very good leader on the court and off,” Applegate said. “He is very unselfish. He is one that wants to help the young players get better. When he is on the floor good things usually happen for South Gray.”

This fall, Skidmore helped the Rebel football team to a breakout 8-2 season and district runner-up finish. SG had its most victories in nine years. Skidmore has earned football interest from Garden City Community College, among others.

In offensive coordinator Jeff Blattner’s scheme, Skidmore passed for 537 yards with 10 scores against three interceptions. He rushed for 1,324 yards and 30 TDs. South Gray is historically one of the state’s basketball powers with 698 wins for Applegate. Skidmore, who averaged 12 points per game as a sophomore, has helped the Rebels to a combined 44-6 record in the previous two years.

SG missed the state tournament both winters, a rarity for a program that has four state titles with Applegate. However, the Rebels will likely benefit that Class 1A will split back into two classes. Skidmore has not committed to a college. He plans to go into finance and become an agricultural loan officer. His goal this season is to win a state championship.

He most enjoys the competitive nature of basketball.

“I grew up in a basketball family, and I just love how much CN heart everyone puts into it,” Skidmore said.

Charles Snyder, Emporia, Senior Emporia coach Beau Welch believes 6-foot-5 forward Charles Snyder is one of the state’s best around the basket.

Snyder averaged 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a block per game last season. That included 30 points and 16 rebounds against Manhattan, a Class 6A state qualifier. In that contest, Snyder finished 13 of 17 from the field. He also delivered 28 points and 16 rebounds versus Topeka High, and 28 in a substate win versus McPherson. He has scored 700 career points and was first team all-league the last two years.

“Charles’ motor gives him a knack for always being around the ball and finding a way to make baskets,” Welch said.

Snyder has some interest from junior colleges and a Division I school in Nebraska. His goals are to lead Emporia to Centennial League and state championships. Individually, he wants to be conference and 5A Player of the Year.

“I enjoy going out there and competing and winning games,” Snyder said. “The competition is what makes it fun.”

Emporia had a four-win improvement last year and has posted three straight winning seasons with Welch.

“We are returning two starters and four players total who played key roles on last year’s team but we are going to shock some people this year because this senior class has been playing together since second grade and we still have a CN lot to prove,” Snyder said.

Myles Thompson, Hutchinson, Senior Hutchinson’s 6-foot-7 Myles Thompson transferred from Buhler after his junior season of basketball ended. This fall, he played quarterback for the Salthawks and helped Hutchinson to an 8-2 record. The Salthawks were 4-17 in their previous 21 games. This winter, Thompson looks to engineer a similar turnaround for the Salthawks.

Page 26 “My goals for the season are to catch a lot of people off guard early on,” Thompson said. “Hutchinson being 1-19 last year leaves a lot of people not expecting much out of our group. I hope to win the league and also make the state tournament. Also personally my goal is to be named AVCTL I Player of the Year.”

In the summer, Thompson played on the AAU Kansas Kings with other central Kansas standouts. The summer team took second place in the MAYB national tournament.

“The thing I love most about basketball is the team aspect,” Thompson said. “The game is so beautiful when it’s played unselfishly and players make plays for the teammates around them. I just love everything about playing and all the great moments that come with whatever group you’re playing with.”

Hutchinson has won a combined 20 games in the last six years and has not had a season at least at .500 since ’13-14.

“Although I haven’t spent a ton of time playing with my new teammates at Hutch this year, I have figured out one thing people should know about this team is it’s filled with guys who are going to play extremely hard,” Thompson said.

CN Chase Wiebe, Berean Academy, Senior Berean Academy has significant unfinished business this season. After completing an undefeated run to the 1A state tournament last season the Warriors were shocked in the quarterfinals by Stockton and finished the year 25-1.

While Warrior coach Lewis Wiebe - who sports a 488-132 record in 26 seasons at BA - plans to focus more on the paint this season, he has Chase to handle things from the outside.

“We will have to transition into a little more of an inside focus than last year with the size we have this year,” coach Wiebe said. He celebrated his 600th career coaching victory in 2018.

Chase, a senior, averaged 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists last season. The 6-1 guard is a good shooter from outside, but he can also put it on the floor and attack the basket.

While any relation to his coach is distant, Chase still comes from a basketball family. His mom, Kristin, is the veteran coach of the girls’ program at Berean, older sister Ashtyn is an All-KCAC player at Tabor College, and older brother Braden was an all-league player at BA just a few years back.

JB Tyus Wilson, Sterling, Senior Sterling’s 6-foot-7 Tyus Wilson earned 2A all-state honors and helped the Black Bears to a 20-4 mark last season. Two years prior, Sterling won just three games. Sterling advanced to the 2A final four last season before the COVID cancellation.

“We didn’t exactly look like a state contending team, but we work very hard and I think we deserved everything we earned last season,” Wilson said.

Wilson, a seven-foot high jumper, delivered 18.5 points, 12.6 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game and had multiple standout performances en route to a final four showing.

On Dec. 20, he finished with 26 points and 13 rebounds versus a solid Belle Plaine team. In the Sterling Invitational championship versus Hutch-Trinity, Wilson delivered 27 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks. In the substate semifinals, Wilson had 17 points, 19 rebounds and five blocks. In the state opener against Erie, Wilson delivered 27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 blocks. He has 700 career points, 100 career blocks and is nearing 100 career 3-point field goals.

“My goals this season are just to have fun and hopefully get another run at state,” Wilson said. “It’s my last year of basketball and as we’ve seen, nothing is guaranteed, so I just want to enjoy every moment of it.”

Wilson’s mother, Rene, is one of Kansas’ all-time great track athletes. She is in the Sterling College Hall of Fame for basketball and track.

Wilson plans on high jumping at University of Nebraska or Kansas State. He also played with the Kansas Kings, MAYB Nationals runner-up, in the summer.

CN Eli Wiseman, Belle Plaine, Senior Belle Plaine coach Lonnie Lollar spent successful stints at Derby, Bishop Carroll and Halstead. Lollar captured a state title at Halstead before he took over at Belle Plaine for the ’19-20 season. Lollar has offered superlatives regarding BP senior point guard Eli Wiseman.

“Eli is one of the hardest working players, if not the hardest

Page 27

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

ELI WISEMAN, Belle Plaine

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

working player, I have ever coached in my 23 years as a head coach,” Lollar said.

“One of the most coachable kids I have ever coached. Very talented offensively, outside and in transition. Outstanding free throw shooter. Has a great motor and is a good leader. Very humble as well – important in his day and age.”

Wiseman was the leading vote getter in the Central Plains League last winter. He collected first team all-state Class 2A after he delivered 18.7 points, six assists and 3.5 rebounds a game. He shot 39 percent on 3-point shots and 88 percent from the foul line and had numerous outstanding individual

DAWSON ZENGER, Rock Creek

substate loss to St. Marys. Dawson Zenger, a 6-foot-2 senior guard, led the team with 26 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists a contest. Zenger has cleared 1,000 career points. Last winter, he broke RC’s record for most points in a season with 572. The previous record came from Martin Vogts, now at Pittsburg State after two seasons at Barton.

Zenger had eight games of 30-plus points with a high of 39. He shot 52.6 percent from the field against defenses that included a box-and-1. Zenger has NAIA interest.

In summer, he plays for SSA Elite, coached

by Will Spradling, a former Kansas State starter and current St. Marys’ coach.

“Dawson goes above and beyond expectations in all of his endeavors, but especially in basketball,” coach Jim Johnston said. “He is a very good decision maker with the ball in

his hands, anticipates very well defensively, has a great understanding of the game, and can play inside as well if needed. Defends the other team’s best guard/scorer on most nights. He not only works hard in athletics but also in the classroom with a 3.96 GPA.” This season, Zenger wants to earn 3A Player of the Year and become RC’s and the Mid-East League’s all-time leading scorer. He would like to lead RC to the state tournament.

Zenger and Mustang senior guard Brooks Whaley are a top combination for Johnston, who has exceeded 300 career victories.

“Basketball is my favorite sport because Friday night shows you who worked in the offseason and who didn’t,” Zenger said.

“Basketball is like a girlfriend, if you do not give it attention it will not work out well for you.”

performances on the season.

Wiseman delivered 35 points against Hillsboro and had nine 20-plus point games.

He also went 17 of 17 from the foul line versus Ark City. Wiseman has offers from Barton County CC, Southwestern and Sterling and is part of a close-knit team that was 16-5 and lost to Garden Plain in substate.

“My goals for this season are to lead my team to a state championship and play to the very best of my ability all year,” Wiseman said. “What I enjoy most about basketball is how fast paced it is. Being able to control the pace of the game is something I enjoy and something that I believe I am good at.” CN Dawson Zenger, Rock Creek, Senior Rock Creek went 20-2 and took a surprising

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

WINTER SPOTLIGHT

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Coronavirus related cancellations ended the state basketball tournaments after the quarterfinals, and then took spring sports as well, leaving many of the state’s athletes hungry for a return to sport. Now, with a fall sports season that saw the occasional cancellation in the books, the state’s basketball players are anxious to compete with the knowledge that any given week could see the postponement or cancellation of games, or even another early end to the season.

In the next few pages Kansas Pregame takes a look at a few of the top players returning with eyes on completing a season while living squarely in the moment, knowing, the only constant this season...is change!

Ella Anciaux, Kapaun Mt. Carmel, Senior Kapaun Mt. Carmel senior Ella Anciaux became the first Wichita-area girls’ basketball player to commit to Wichita State University out of high school in 16 years. The last time this occurred came in ’04 when three girls, notably Bishop Carroll’s Taylor Dugan, all signed, according to Wichita Eagle Shockers reporter Taylor Eldridge. She plays to study Health Sciences in college and would like to become a dietician.

Anciaux is well-known for her polite personality and is wellliked by the high school basketball community. Her brother, Will, is a sophomore standout wide receiver and basketball player for KMC, too.

“Ella is one of the most level-headed athletes I’ve encountered in my 20+ years of coaching,” coach Billy Graf said.

“She is an incredible leader who her teammates look to for guidance both on and off the court. She works so hard all year long, and she pushes her teammates to approach her level of hard work.”

Last winter, Anciaux had 15.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and 1.4 assists per game. She cleared 20 points or more 10 times, including rival Bishop Carroll, Andover Central and McPherson.

“A lot of times when you have a high school athlete who is as tall as Ella is, they struggle with clumsiness or strength,” Graf said. “But Ella has always had great hand-eye coordination, has always moved well, has an unmatched work ethic, and has become a well-rounded player who can shoot the ball with range past the 3-point line.”

Anciaux has 800 career points, just over 500 career rebounds and 116 blocks. She has earned first team all-state by various publications. As a sophomore, Anciaux delivered 18.2 points and 10.2 rebounds a game.

“Not only is she a force offensively, Ella does a fantastic job both individually and as a teammate defensively,” Graf said.

“Ella is a true “student of the game” who is always looking for ways to improve her skills, her strength and her athleticism.”

KMC went 10-11 two years ago and 13-9 last winter.

Anciaux would like to win a state title, a goal she has had for years. She most enjoys the lifelong relationships that basketball creates.

“We are a family,” Anciaux said. “Everything we do, we do together. That includes wins, loses, workouts, conditioning, team bonding and everything in between. My team is a group of hard working girls who love spending time together and growing together on and off the court.”

Kassidy Beam, McPherson, Senior McPherson returned four seniors and junior Grace Pyle for last winter. Three of those seniors, Lakyn Schieferecke, Andrea Sweat and Emma Ruddle, signed to play collegiately for MIAA schools. However, all three players missed time during the season from injury. Sweat was out for the year in December. Pyle again produced at a high level and earned 5A Player of the Year. Kassidy Beam became the Bullpups’ breakout player. She averaged 14.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, two assists and 1.5 steals a contest. Beam’s season high was 27.

“Kassidy is one of the very best 3-point shooters in the state as she can really get going from deep,” coach Chris Strathman. “She has gotten to where she is also very dangerous off the dribble as well as the straight catch and shoot opportunities. Kassidy is an outstanding leader as she sets the tone in practice and games with her energy and enthusiasm. She has a real passion for the game of basketball, and I can’t wait to coach her for her senior season.”

Notably, she scored 22 points in a 45-34 victory versus league rival Circle on Jan. 24. The win captured the outright league title. Circle eventually finished 18-4.

“Big win for us when everyone else was really struggling to score,” Strathman said.

Defensively, Beam limited Dodge City standout Kisa Unruh to one point in a 51-30 win on Jan. 3. Unruh entered the game averaging 18 points per contest. DC was an eventual 17-5 team. Beam collected honorable mention Class 5A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association.

“Kassidy is a great defender and follows scouting reports to near perfection on the defensive end,” Strathman said.

Beam has interest from three Division II schools and offers from five KCAC programs. She, like teammate Grace Pyle, earned her Certified Nurse Aide on Dec. 18, 2019. Beam would like to do nursing, either in labor and delivery or as a nurse anesthetist. McPherson went 22-1 and will move from 5A to 4A. Beam said the Bullpups were “very disappointed” to have last season end in the final four because of COVID-19.

“My personal goals include being a strong leader and positive role model for the underclassmen in our Lady Pups program and I want to be a defensive stopper,” Beam said.

“I have also worked hard in the off season to become a multi-dimensional scorer, and I hope this area of focus will show in my game.”

Austin Broadie, Wichita Trinity Academy, Senior Austin Broadie has committed to play volleyball and basketball for Washburn. She collected 3A second team all-state in basketball from the Kansas coaches. The 6-foot-1 Broadie has continually been one of the state’s elite volleyball players.

The last two falls, Broadie was first team Class 3A by the Kansas Volleyball Association. In 2020, she helped Trinity Academy to a 24-7 record. Broadie delivered 410 kills with a

Page 28 .314 hitting percentage. In her career, Broadie collected 1,477 kills and delivered an even .300 hitting percentage.

In basketball, she has helped the Knights post solid records of 12-9, 13-7 and 15-7 the last three winters. Her mother, Lori, is the Trinity head basketball coach.

“The girls on our team are really easy to get along with and love to work hard,” Austin said. “We all have the same mindset on defense and transition so it is a lot of fun to play with a team this fast.”

This winter, Broadie, and senior teammate Ashlyn Bigelow, who have played together since freshman year and “really know each other on and off the court,” return for the Knights.

“I love the fast pace of basketball,” Broadie said. “It is so much fun to press and transition. What I really love about basketball is if you are having an off game you can change your focus to forcing turnovers and rebounding.”

In basketball last summer, Broadie played for Wheat State Elite. She has career interests in being a veterinarian or possibly a pilot. Broadie has significant interests outside of sports, including pottery, chemistry and reading books. She is a music aficionado. Broadie is from Burns, Kan., population 208. Burns is located in Marion County and is an 80-mile round trip daily commute.

“I am hoping our team can make it to state this year,” Broadie said. “We have a good core group back. I also want to continue to improve my outside shot and attacking the basket.”

Shannon Clarke, Lawrence Free State, Senior Lawrence Free State 6-foot-1 senior Shannon Clarke has averaged in double figures all three seasons for the Firebirds.

As a freshman, she delivered 10.5 points and 7.4 rebounds en route to honorable mention all-league. Her sophomore season, she finished with 12.7 points and seven rebounds a game. Last winter, she earned second team all-league after 15.5 points and seven rebounds in the regular season.

Sunflower Smack, a media outlet that regularly covers Sunflower League girls’ basketball, had Clarke as the conference’s second-leading scorer. Clarke most enjoys economics and wants to pursue a major in political science to eventually become an attorney. Clarke has committed to the United States Naval Academy.

She will become the first Kansan to play women’s basketball at Navy since Shawnee Heights’ Danielle Poblarp was on the ’15-16 roster. Poblarp, a 5-foot-3 guard from Topeka, was a reserve and currently a Surface Warfare Officer on the USS Philippine Sea, a guided missile cruiser.

Navy recruits across the country, but normally its women’s basketball roster consists of eastern states. In the last two years, 14 different states are represented with Minnesota the furthest west; Ohio was the second furthest. From ’16-18, Navy also had players from New Mexico, Nevada, Tennessee and Iowa, according to the team’s official roster.

This winter, Clarke would like to improve on her leadership skills and have her team reach state. Free State has four all-time state appearances, the last in ’10. The only final four team came in ’07, according to Kansas historian Carol

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Swenson. After a 17-5 season in ’14-15, Free State has generally oscillated around the .500 mark, including 8-14 last season.

However, teams have made one-season jumps in the Sunflower. Olathe West won the crown with a 10-2 league mark last winter after a 2-10 mark the year prior.

“My goals this year are to improve on my leadership skills as well as be the best player I can be,” Clarke said. “… I love the physicality, competitiveness, and camaraderie needed for teams to be successful and how the game has led me to meet my best friends.”

Kimalee Cook, Circle, Senior Circle has enjoyed consistent success with veteran coach Brian Henry. The T-Birds have been over .500 every season since 2013 and have a 74-18 mark in the last four years.

Entering last winter, Circle had to replace its top-three and five of its top-six scorers.

Senior 5-foot-5 guard Kimalee Cook went to Whitewater-Remington as a freshman and then transferred to Circle.

She played JV basketball as a sophomore with 8.4 points per contest. In the spring of her sophomore year, Cook won the 4A state titles in the 100- and 200-meter dashes. In the 100, she ran 12.25, a school record time.

Last winter, Cook delivered 15.4 points,

3.1 steals, 2.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. Cook was highly efficient with 33 percent shooting from 3-point range, 54 percent on 2-pointers and 83 percent from the foul line. Cook helped Circle maintain nearly the same offensive numbers from the year prior.

Circle averaged 55.3 possessions a game and .90 points per possession in ’18-19. The T-Birds had 55.2 possessions a game and .91 points a possession last season.

“She uses that speed and quickness to beat opponents up the floor off the dribble and in transition,” Henry said. “She is also able to utilize that speed defensively to harass most ball-handlers and to be able to jump the passing lane to create turnovers. She also has the ability to pull defenders away from the basket by extending her 3-point shooting range.”

She was honorable mention Class 4A by the KBCA and has committed to play at Southern Nazarene University. She would like to work in sports media.

“My goal for this season is to show significant improvement from last season in myself and in my team,” Cook said. “I’ve been training a lot in the off-season and some of my teammates have been too and I want to show that I’m an even better player than I was last year, and the team as a whole is better. I’m hopeful the outcome of the season

will show that. Also, my main goal is to win with my team.”

Lauryn Dubbert, St. John’s-Beloit/Tipton, Senior: Beloit St. John’s/Tipton senior guard Lauryn Dubbert is one of the state’s most well-known players. Most recognized for her scoring and steals, Dubbert showed improvement in defense and rebounding with a retooled Blujay roster last winter.

Overall, she averaged 20.6 points, 4.9 steals, 3.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game as a junior. In her career, Dubbert

has delivered 16.7 points, 3.7 steals, 3.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists a contest. She cleared three games with 30-plus points: 36 versus Osborne, 33 against Bennington and 30 versus Osborne.

Dubbert was first team 1A all-state via the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association.

Dubbert has 1,105 career points. She earned Top-15 all classes by MaxPreps and has signed for Newman. She would like to get involved in business marketing.

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WINTER SPOTLIGHT all-around good athlete,” coach Leah Bergmann said. “She knows the game of basketball and knows how and when to get her teammates involved. She brings great intensity to the game.”

Two years ago, BSJT finished 19-3 with Dubbert and its two senior posts: 6-footer Kara Eilert and 5-11 Elle Eilert.

The Eilerts helped BSJT allow .57 points per possession.

The Blujays collected an incredible 54 percent of available offensive rebounds in a methodical attack that delivered 50 possessions a game.

Last winter, the Eilerts graduated and Dubbert became

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BSJT’s tallest key player at 5-7. BSJT went 16-6 with in the first season with Bergmann after a long run with Keith Kresin.

The Blujays, which love to press, averaged 59 possessions a contest. Dubbert upped her rebounding from 3.2 to 3.9. BSJT still allowed .58 points per possession.

“She did a great job last year handling the added pressure from defenses whose main focus was trying to contain her,” Bergmann said. “She also grew as a defensive player. We played man to man defense the majority of the time and her on ball defense was tough for offensive players to handle.

She was/is one of our best rebounders with her ability to find and get to the ball. I’m excited to watch her play this year and to continue to develop as a player.”

This season, Dubbert believes her team “should be high

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LILI SHUBERT, Trego

contenders” with goals of winning league and making a state run. She is the only one of the top-four scorers back. She and Lauren Schmitt are the lone seniors who played a key role last winter.

“My favorite thing about basketball is the challenge and the style behind it,” Dubbert said. “I like how there is always something to work on and all the time it takes to perfect a move or to have a good shot. I also just love the style of the game through the creativity and beauty of it. I love watching highlight reels of people making really cool plays then trying to recreate them.”

Grace Eck, Ellis, Senior The Ecks have been synonymous with Ellis sports for many years – and that is expected to continue in the future with a

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

WINTER SPOTLIGHT number of younger children. Brothers Mark and Geoff Eck played on the Fort Hays State University men’s basketball team that went undefeated and won the national title in 1996.

The Ecks, who run a successful construction business, are well-known members of the Ellis community. Mark is currently the Railroader boys basketball coach.

While several Ecks, including her older brothers Joseph and Zachary enjoyed fine careers, senior Grace Eck has delivered the most impressive resume thus far. Grace is the oldest of eight and the eldest girl. She has signed to play basketball at Fort Hays and would like to go into nursing.

A 5-foot-5 senior guard, Grace has exceeded 1,000 career points. As a junior, she delivered 14.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.6 assists per contest. Eck has helped Ellis take incremental progress in her three seasons and delivered two signature wins last winter. Ellis is 8-13, 10-12 and 10-11 in her career. Last year, Ellis won 63-59 at in-county rival Thomas More Prep-Marian. The Railroaders had dropped five in a row to TMP. “She is one of the best players in the state because she is one of the hardest workers and most dedicated players,” Ellis coach Elle Stein said. “…We trust her to guard the opposing team’s best player. She has a high basketball IQ and a tremendous ability to score.”

In substate, Ellis beat Hoxie, 59-45. That ended a ninegame losing streak in the series that dated back 13 years.

Grace called the Hoxie win her best game. She tallied 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.

“It was an upset win for us that meant a lot to the girls,” Stein said.

Eck was the eighth all-time Ellis girl to exceed 1,000 career points. She could very easily finish as the second all-time scorer in Railer history. Eck earned 2A state runner-up in the 800-meter run at the 2019 state track meet.

“I love basketball because you can constantly be improving your game,” Eck said. “There’s always something you can be working on to get better at. You don’t have to be the tallest, or most athletic, you just have to be the hardest worker. I also love the team aspect in basketball. There’s no better feeling than when you and your teammates are in sync and girls are making the extra pass to finish with an easy bucket.”

Clara Edwards, Clay Center, Senior Clay Center senior Clara Edwards has committed to play softball at University of South Dakota. She is also one of Kansas’ best basketball players and carries a 4.0 GPA. Edwards won more than 30 games for Clay Center softball in ’18-19 and led the Tigers to the Class 4A state tournament both seasons.

A 6-footer, Edwards averaged 16.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.1 blocks, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. She has delivered 969 points and 551 rebounds in her career. Her standout career performance came in last season’s state tournament quarterfinal versus Eudora when she delivered

25 points, 10 rebounds, six blocks and three steals. She is a three-time all-state pick, including first team Class 4A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. Clay Center finished 17-6 and defeated Eudora, 47-42, at state.

She plays for her father, Jeff Edwards. Clay Center has reached the state tournament five of the last six years. Before last winter, CC had lost in the state quarterfinals two straight seasons. CC is long known for defense and low-scoring games, and held Eudora to 35 percent at state.

“Clara is a tremendous worker and competitor,” coach Edwards said. “She understands the game and leads the team well. She is also a threat everywhere on the floor.”

She does not play summer basketball and instead focuses on softball. She played for Select Fastpitch, coached by Eric Jones. Edwards would like to study the medical field in college and labeled math/science her favorite school subjects.

“I am hoping to return to state and finish what we started last year,” Edwards said. “I enjoy competing with all of my teammates. Just the overall atmosphere with all the team makes everything more enjoyable.

Karenna Gerber, Halstead, Senior The Halstead girls made school history with their first trip to the state tournament last year and finished the season 21-3.

That success was due in large part to the play of then junior Karenna Gerber.

She scored 24 points in the Dragons 40-35 win over Haven in last season’s substate championship. Then, she teamed up with freshman Kaleigh O’Brien to lead the Dragons to a double overtime win against Scott City in the opening round of state. O’Brien tallied 13 points, 11 rebounds and four steals and Gerber added 12 points, 12 rebounds, eight blocked shots and four assists in the 45-42 win. Eleven of Gerber’s 12 points came in the second half.

But, the season ended early with the COVID cancellations, leaving the Dragons breathing fire.

Now, Gerber will lead a squad that returns the majority of its production from a year ago and is hungry to make another deep postseason run before she heads off to Pittsburg State to play her college ball.

A 6-foot guard/forward and career 1,000 point scorer, Gerber averaged 19.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.6 blocked shots per game last season. She was first team all-state by the KBCA and is a three-time first team All-Central Kansas League selection.

In addition to Gerber and O’Brien, who earned second team all-league honors, coach Derek Schutte welcomes back seniors Josie Engel and Parker Schroeder, both honorable mention picks, giving him a well-rounded quartet built to challenge Cheney and the other top teams in 3A. Morgan Meyers, Cunningham, Senior Cunningham senior Morgan Meyers has long loved basketball. Her dad, Eric, served as a basketball official for 17 seasons and enters his 12th winter as the Wildcat girls’ basketball coach. Longtime Wichita Collegiate coach Mitch Fiegel is her uncle. The youngest in her family, Morgan has two older sisters, Bayleigh and Mikaela.

Page 32 Notably, Mikaela played basketball at Cloud CC. Morgan has averaged at least 14 points every season and cleared 1,000 career points. She is one of many girls in south central Kansas to improve their games with coach Craig Nicholson, a former Fort Hays All-American point guard. Meyers is an excellent ball-handler and floor general.

Meyers has a basketball next to her name on Twitter. She has been one of the more vocal athletes on Twitter about continuing to play high school/club sports in the pandemic.

“I study the game and appreciate the complexities of it and enjoy the competition,” Meyers said. “It is such a team sport and requires everyone to fulfill their role for the team to excel.

I’ve played this game since I was in the third grade and it is just a part of who I am. The game of basketball allows me to be more creative than I can be in other sports.”

The 5-foot-6 Meyers collected second team 1A all-state by the KBCA. She is expected to either play at Barton CC or Washburn. She plans on majoring in elementary education and teaching first or second grade.

She played for Wheat State Elite in the summer. Meyers would like to again reach state and have a squad that is “just as good” as in the past. Cunningham graduated key players, including Meyers’ longtime friend Holly DeWeese, and had another one suffer injury. Cunningham is 67-7 in the last three seasons, including 25-1 last season with the fifth state berth in school annals. Meyers labeled her team “very gritty.”

“However, I believe that we still have very high potential to do great things,” Meyers said. “I have to step my game up even more than in the past to help lead my team.”

Grace Pyle, McPherson, Senior Coach Chris Strathman is McPherson’s all-time winningest girls’ coach with a 302-56 mark in 15 seasons. Strathman has coached a bevy of Division I/II players. Last year, Grace Pyle delivered 15.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, three steals and 1.2 blocks per game. Pyle, a 5-foot-10 senior and Pittsburg State signee, joined Katelyn Loecker as the only Bullpups to pace a team in all five categories. Loecker was a two-time Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year in ’12 and ’13, played at Oklahoma State, served as head coach at NAIA University of St. Mary, and is currently McPherson’s JV coach and head varsity assistant.

Pyle was the consensus 5A Player of the Year as a junior and helped McPherson to a 22-1 mark and final four appearance before the tournament was cancelled from coronavirus.

McPherson went through multiple injuries, including to three players that signed at the MIAA level. McPherson beat Andover Central, Derby, K.C. Piper and defeated Circle twice.

Those five teams went 0-5 against the Bullpups – and 82-4 against everyone else. AC, Derby and Piper all advanced to the final four.

Pyle has a career high of 27 points, achieved twice. She finished with eight double-doubles. A full season should bump Pyle over 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in her career. Only Loecker and Ashley Sweat, an ’06 graduate and Gatorade POY who played at Kansas State, have achieved that in McPherson history.

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Strathman called Pyle “one of the most versatile players” he’s ever had. Pyle, comes from a family with two older brothers who earned Kansas Mr. Basketball. She is well-known for her competitive desire and will to win, traits that Strathman believes sets her apart. Pyle plans to major in nursing and earned her Certified Nurse Aide on Dec. 18, 2019. She most enjoys going “against high level competition” and the lessons gained from summer and school ball.

“Grace hates to lose more than she loves to win, and she expects only the best from her teammates,” Strathman said.

“Her presence in practice and games really raises the level of play from everyone on our team.”

Laniah Randle, Wichita Heights, Senior Wichita Heights was in strong position to contend for the Class 6A state title last season and had enjoyed an undefeated record. Then, in the last week of February, guard Zyanna Walker suffered a season-ending knee injury. Walker has 20 DI offers. Heights also featured Taylor Jameson, who signed with Division I George Mason and is starting there this fall.

Laniah Randle and Cayanna Stanley join Walker as returning Division I prospects. Randle is ranked No. 3 in the Kansas Class of 2021 by Prep Girls Hoops and has a Wichita State offer. Stanley has an Eastern Michigan offer.

Heights is 41-5 in the last two years. Heights lost to City League foe Bishop Carroll, 60-49, on Feb. 25, and lost, 49-48, to Olathe East in the first round of the 6A state tournament.

Randle was honorable mention 6A All-State by the KBCA in each of the last two seasons.

In 2019 she hit a clutch free-throw against Maize with a half-second on the clock to send the Falcons to state.

Jordyn Rowe, Sumner Academy, Senior The Kansas City Kansas school district was the only one to fully cancel fall sports because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

KCK schools are expected to start playing in January, and Sumner Academy senior point guard Jordyn Rowe is the conference’s headliner both on and off the court.

She carries a 3.75 GPA and earned 2019 Kansas CityAtchison League Defensive Player of the Year. She is a three-time first team all-conference performer. Last winter, she delivered 38 points, six steals and three assists in a win versus K.C. Wyandotte. Rowe cleared 1,000 career points in a 53-29 victory versus Atchison on Feb. 7, 2020 and averaged 27.4 points per game last season.

Rowe excelled in the summer for Missouri Phenom, led by Olathe North head girls’ coach Alonzo Williams. Rowe earned all-star honors in the summer Battle at the Border tournament.

The 5-foot-4 Rowe has not committed but has significant

USA Basketball

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Kent Auf Der Heide

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

EVELYN VAZQUEZ, KC Piper

PAYTON VERHULST, Bishop Miege

interest with a number of colleges, along with offers from all-time leader in 3-pointers made with 162.

North Iowa Area Community College and Johnson County Her dad said Kylee’s competitive drive and work ethic sets Community College. Rowe plans to study nursing and looks her apart. Scheer, the youngest, comes from a big sports to major in neonatology. This winter, Rowe would like to earn family. Rod played at Seward County CC and North Dakota. player of the year in her league and win a state title.

Their mother, Deb, played at Colby CC. They met while The Sabres have consistently been a .500-plus program, coaching at Colby CC. and coach Michael Platt earned league co-coach of the year Her sister, Payton, helped Cheney to the 2010 Class 4A honors. Sumner has four all-time state appearances, the state title with a 26-0 record when she was a sophomore. last coming in 2006, according to Kansas historian Carol Payton is a current Hays High assistant volleyball coach Swenson. Rowe’s dad, Terry, has coached Jordyn all her life. and has coached middle school basketball in the past. Her The pair will often work out at the YMCA together at 5 a.m. brother, Trent, has played basketball at Baker University. Rod Rowe also has a job at the YMCA. has coached Kylee her entire life.

“What I enjoy most (about basketball) is that it allows me to Rod Scheer served as the Cheney girls’ assistant in 2010. push myself everyday to become better than I was the day He was the head coach when the Cardinals took second in before but on the team side of things it allows me to build a ’11, ’17 and ’19, according to KSHSAA archives. In ’19, Kylee connection with my teammates, and, in a sense, it’s like their scored 38 points versus Columbus and set a new Class 3A my second family,” Rowe said. state single-game scoring record that had previously stood Kylee Scheer, Cheney, Senior for 31 years.

Cheney girls have excelled in volleyball, basketball, softball Last year, Cheney went 21-3 and advanced to the Class 3A and track during senior Kylee Scheer’s four seasons. The Final Four before the tournament was cancelled because of Cardinals’ girls’ group includes seniors Scheer, Lexi Cline and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Camdyn Pipkin. They are close with juniors Brooklyn Wewe, “I am very excited to compete with all these girls one more Olivia Albers and Korri Lies. time and make memories that will last a lifetime,” Kylee said.

The senior group went a combined 125-32 in volleyball with “…We have girls that can play any position we need them longtime coach Sara Walkup, including a state quarterfinal to, guard people who oversize them, and we are some of the showing this fall. In basketball, the seniors are 59-13. Wewe most competitive girls.” and Luehrs have been a part of a state champion relay in Jaidyn Schomp, Derby, Senior track. Softball qualified for state every year from ’17-19 with a In 2019, Derby graduated its two exceptional standouts in cumulative 62-8 mark before ’20 was cancelled last spring. point guard Tor’e Alford and Kennedy Brown (6-6), an evenThis winter, Cheney added Scott City junior standout Brynn tual McDonald’s All-American who signed with Oregon State.

McCormick to a group that returns 99 percent of its points.

However, The Panthers were continued on page 103 Cheney is expected to be the No. 1 team in 3A. Scheer’s father, Rod, is the Cardinals’ head coach.

“I enjoy the memories that are made, playing with the girls I’ve grown up with, and being able to play for my dad and making that special bond over a sport we love,” Kylee said.

As a junior, the left-handed Kylee delivered 23.9 points, five rebounds and 3.7 steals per game. She made 73 treys and had six 30-point games. www.eclipsebasketball.com An Emporia State signee, Email: operations@eclipsebasketball.com Scheer has 1,222 career Twitter: MVEclipseBball points and is the school’s

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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 Girls Wrestling...................................................... 82

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Page 37

ARK VALLEY CHISHOLM TRAIL LEAGUE, DIVISION I

By Harold Bechard, For Kansas Pregame It’s a basketball season people will be talking about for years to come, maybe decades. No one will ever know what would’ve happened if the final two days of the 2020 state tournaments had been played.

The Campus Colts would have loved to find out. The Colts were in the midst of the greatest season in school history when the state tournaments were shut down, leaving them as one of a handful of teams in Kansas to finish the basketball season unbeaten but not have a state championship trophy to show for it.

Derby’s 20th trip to the girls’ state tournament ended in frustration as well. The Lady Panthers won their first-round game and were waiting for a semifinal matchup against unbeaten Liberal when the final two days of the tournament were cancelled because of COVID-19.

Now, the 2020-21 season may fall victim to the virus as well.

If the season is played to completion the Campus boys, the Derby girls, and several other AVCTL teams will be among the state’s best.

BOYS The CAMPUS Colts finished last season 23-0 overall, 12-0 in the AVCTL-I and champions of the Dodge City Tournament of Champions. One starter returns from that team and he’s a good one. Sterling Chapman, a 6-5 senior, who averaged 17.5 points a game and was named the league MVP. “We’re looking to keep improving every day,” head coach Chris Davis said. “Our guard play is going to be huge for us. Obviously, we lost some great players to graduation. We feel we have some kids who have paid their dues and now it’s their turn.”

The DERBY Panthers finished second in league play last year and were 14-8 overall for veteran coach Brett Flory. The Panthers have two starters returning - 6-5 senior Isaac Ray (9.0 ppg) and 6-5 junior Amari Thomas (7.0 ppg) - and received a huge boost during the offseason when 6-2 junior Fontaine Williams transferred from Wichita East. Williams scored 17 points a game for the Blue Aces last season and was first-team All-GWAL. “We do believe we have the talent to be a very good basketball team, but that will depend on how hard we work and how unselfish we are as we go through that growth process,” Flory said. “We do have a lot of depth and athletic kids. To make that be a positive factor, we will need to press and defend at a high level, and be unbelievably unselfish in terms of sharing the ball and minutes.”

The MAIZE Eagles will look to improve on last year’s 12-9 record and third-place league finish. Head coach Chris Grill will welcome back four starters, including 6-3 senior Jacob Hanna, who averaged 15.4 points and 5.6 rebounds a game and was named first-team all-league.

Also returning for MHS are Grill’s son, Kyle, a 6-5 junior (9.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg), along with 6-0 senior Winston Bing (9.7 ppg) and 6-2 junior Jaden Gustafson (6.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg).

“We are going to build on a strong finish and great group of kids who are returning,” Grill said. “We will be competitive in every game we play. Our success will be based on our ability to share the basketball and make things difficult for our opponents when we are on defense.”

SALINA SOUTH is looking for a big year under head coach Jason Hooper. The Cougars were 11-10 last season and return their four leading scorers - 6-2 senior Josh Jordan (13.6 ppg), 5-10 senior Devin Junghans (12.7), 6-3 senior A.J. Johnson (11.0) and 6-5 senior Colin Schreiber (9.1). Jordan was a first-team all-league pick and Junghans a second-team selection.

“This team will be very athletic and look to push the tempo at both ends of the court,” Hooper said. “We also have a very nice bunch of young players who might find their way into playing time as they grow within the program. I am excited about this team and look forward to getting started.”

The NEWTON Railroaders were 8-12 overall last year and placed fifth in the league race. Head coach Andy Preston welcomes back two starters and nine additional lettermen. Starters returning are 6-2 senior guard Jaxon Brackeen, who averaged 12.5 points and 3.1 assists per game while earning all-league honors. Also back is 6-6 junior Owen Mills (6.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg). Dylan Petz (5.0 ppg), a 6-0 junior, was one of the first players off the bench.

“Question marks still surround our bench and depth this season,” Preston said. “We do return a lot of scoring options and many outside shooting threats as we’ll continue to play an up-tempo style.”

There’s only one way to go, and that’s up for the HUTCHINSON Salthawks, who struggled through a 1-19 season last year. The Salthawks return five lettermen - seniors Jake Huhs (6-1), Treyton Peterson (6-1), Micah Montandon (6-0), Myles Thompson (6-7) and sophomore Garrett Robertson (5-9).

First-year head coach Bryan Miller, who takes over at Hutch after years coaching in the junior college ranks, is especially excited about Thompson. After transferring in from Buhler this year, Thompson helped lead the Salthawk football program to a massive turnaround as QB and will try to do the same for the Salthawk basketball team.

“We’re looking to compete, play hard, play together and grow every game,” Miller said. “Success will depend on defensive effort and how well we share the ball and play together.”

MAIZE SOUTH is the new member of the division, moving up from AVCTL-II to replace Salina Central, which dropped from AVCTL-I. The Mavericks are coached by Joe Jackson, who takes over after eight seasons at Wichita East where he won a state title in 2015 as part of four straight state tournament appearances.

One starter returns from last year’s 8-13 team - 6-2 senior Parker Scott, who averaged 13.4 points and 5.0 rebounds as a junior.

“The goal is to be competitive in AVCTL-DI, to play extremely hard, play together, and have fun,” Jackson said. “We must

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GIRLS Three starters and two top reserves from last year’s 21-2 team return for head coach Jodie Karsak and the DERBY Panthers. Two of the players - 5-9 sophomore Maryn Archer (12.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and 6-2 sophomore Addy Brown (10.5, 6.0) - averaged in double figures and were named first-team all-league. Also returning for DHS are 6-2 senior Jaidyn Schomp (5.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg), 6-3 junior Tatum Boettjer (5.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg) and 5-7 senior Derryana Cobbins (7.0 ppg).

“Our goals are to enjoy each and every day,” Karsak said. “Get better each and every day with the hope of this process taking us deep into the post season.”

MAIZE dropped a first-round game in the Class 5A state tournament last year and ended with a 16-7 record after finishing second in the league race. Head coach Jerrod Handy welcomes back four players who started at one time or another, including 5-8 senior guard Sydney Holmes, who scored 12.1 points per game, grabbed 5.9 rebounds and was named first-team all-league.

Also returning for the Eagles are 5-11 senior Baylee Miller (8.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg, second-team all-league), 6-1 senior Olivia Wedman (5.3 ppg) and 5-5 junior Kyla Frenhers (7.5 ppg).

“I look forward to this season as we have four players returning who had significant roles last year,” Handy said. “We will be very experienced and eager to get back on the court after making it to state last year.”

HUTCHINSON finished fourth in the league race last season and was 12-10 overall in head coach Conor Reilly’s first year. The Salthawks lost much of their scoring from a year ago, but return three players who logged significant minutes - senior Ziya Simms (4.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and juniors Harlie Wilson (3.7 ppg) and Jaycilyn Moriasi (2.1 ppg).

“Our goal is to make every possession hard for the other team,” continued on page 88

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

ARK VALLEY CHISHOLM TRAIL LEAGUE, DIVISION II

Photo by Huey Counts

By Harold Bechard, For Kansas Pregame What a postseason of highs and lows it was for the Andover schools in 2019-2020.

The Andover Trojans finished the 2019-20 season unbeaten in 23 games. The Trojans were one of just two boys’ teams in Kansas - Campus the other - to have a perfect season intact prior to the final two days of the state tournaments being cancelled because of COVID-19.

On the girls’ side, Andover Central’s great season was cut short by COVID-19 as well. The Jaguars finished the season with a 20-game win streak and reached the Final Four of the 5A state tournament before the cancellation.

Aubrie KIERSCHT

Hampton WILLIAMS Salina Central, Junior

Photo by Chase Huges/Augustan Yearbook

Photo by Huey Counts

Salina Central, Junior

Eli ISAACS

Valley Center, Senior

And then there was the Andover Central boys.

The Jaguars did lose in the first round of the 5A tournament, but how they got there was the big story. The Jags stunned unbeaten Bishop Carroll in the sub-state finals to advance to state.

BOYS The ANDOVER Trojans return three starters from a 23-0 team, including a pair of all-leaguers 6-2 seniors Jack Johnson and Isaiah Maikori.

Johnson, who recently signed with Dallas Baptist and has started since his freshman year, averaged 19.1 points and 5.0 rebounds a game.

He was named first-team all-league. Maikori scored 11.7 points a game and was named second-team all-league. Also returning is 6-0 senior Kaleb Gaddis, who averaged 7.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game.

“We want to continue to improve our program, and team culture,” coach Martin Shetlar said. “We want to continue our style of team-first basketball, get our young inexperienced guys to a higher level and be better on the defensive end of the court.”

There won’t be a Vincent on the court for the EISENHOWER Tigers for the first time in six years. Eisenhower finished 17-4 last year and second in the AVCTL-II race as Jordan Vincent was named the league’s MVP. Two starters return for head coach Steve Blue - 6-5 senior Nick Hogan (13.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and 6-2 senior Cody Houser (8.0 ppg). Hogan was named second-team all-league and Houser was honorable mention.

“This is the first year we are not sure who our starting point guard will be, so guard play will be extremely important,” Blue said. “We lost five seniors who played a lot of minutes so we will need guys to step up and be ready for varsity basketball early in the season.”

ANDOVER CENTRAL will have a different coach on the sidelines this season. Tyler Richardson, an assistant at Wichita Heights for 15 years, replaced the highly-successful Jesse Herrmann, who resigned earlier this year after 19 seasons at the ACHS helm.

Richardson has his work cut out for him. No starters return from last year’s 14-9 team that lost in the first round of the Class 5A state tournament.

“The goal is to build a solid team foundation, get better every day, and win,” Richardson said.

ARKANSAS CITY return four players with starting experience from last year’s 10-11 team that was 6-6 in league play.

Coach C.J. Jennings will count on production from 6-0 senior Doug Stewart (8.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg), 6-2 senior Brock Merz (7.5 ppg), 6-2 senior Haden O’Toole (6.5 ppg) and 5-10 sophomore Cadon Clark (5.3 ppg).

“Our number one goal is to become a much stronger defensive unit,” Jennings said. “We have a lot of depth which can be a huge strength for us this season. Our senior class has a lot of talent and will be the backbone of our team.”

VALLEY CENTER posted 10 wins last season and will be looking for more with a pair of all-

Page 38 league players returning for coach Ty Unrau - 6-1 senior Eli Isaacs and 6-3 senior Gabe Phillips.

Isaacs earned first-team all-league honors by averaging 15.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.4 assists and a school-record 3.0 steals per game. Phillips, a second-team selection, scored 11.3 points per game and pulled down 5.0 rebounds.

The Hornets also expect contributions from 6-3 senior Braden Dalrympie, 6-1 senior Kaleb Harden, 5-8 senior transfer Kanoa Ashley and 6-7 junior Noah Simmons.

The GODDARD Lions struggled through a difficult season in 2019-20, winning just once in 21 games. Head coach Matthew Larson has three starters returning in 6-3 senior Cameron Moses (8.3 ppg), 6-1 senior Jackson Lefevre (6.2 ppg) and 6-3 senior Soren Carr (4.0 ppg).

“We’re looking to have the first winning season since the schools split between Goddard and Eisenhower,” Larson said. “We must be able to guard. Being able to get stops and limiting turnovers on the offensive end will be key.”

SALINA CENTRAL begins its first year as a member of the Division II league after dropping from Division I. The Mustangs were 9-12 overall last season and finished 5-7 in league play. continued on page 83

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ARK VALLEY CHISHOLM TRAIL LEAGUE, DIVISION III

By Gallagher Martin, Hutchinson News BOYS Legendary head coach Kurt Kinnamon begins his 26th year leading the McPHERSON Bullpups on the basketball court.

The Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division III runs through McPherson, and the 2020-2021 year should be no different. Last year, the Bullpups went 9-1 in league - the lone loss coming to a talented Augusta squad - en route to winning the league outright.

Overall, McPherson went 13-8 in what was a down year for the prestigious program.

McPherson lost to Emporia in the first round of sub-state last season.

After rattling off five straight state championship game appearances from 2013-2018, McPherson has not been to the state tournament since. The Bullpups do drop down from 5A to 4A this year.

If the Bullpups are to break that mini drought, two returning starters will lead the way.

Junior Seth Madron has extreme athleticism and will look to improve off his 12 points a game average from last year. Madron also averaged just over four rebounds and just under three assists per game last year in his sophomore season.

Jayton Alexander, a standout football player, plays with high intensity and hustle. The 5-9 senior will look to improve off his 6.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.1 steals per game.

The Bullpups return five lettermen, who are all upperclassmen: Adam Elliott (6-0), Eli Pyle (5-10), Trey Buckbee (6-3), Jayden Dukes (6-0), and

Darriene Gibbs (6-3).

Kinnamon lists perimeter shooting and versatility as team strengths this season.

McPherson’s biggest competition within the league may come from AUGUSTA. The Orioles are coming off back-to-back appearances in the Class 4A Semifinals reaching the championship game in 2019 and was one of the final four teams remaining last year before the virus cancellation.

The Orioles will be under the direction of firstyear head coach Ryan Petty, who spent the last four years as head coach at Liberal, where he amassed a 26-37 record.

Petty is replacing Jake Simms, who went 37-11 the last two years. The Orioles are also replacing the dynamic duo of Jaren Jackson and Zach Davidson, but do return three starters.

Augusta will lean on 6-5 senior Ely Wilcox (8.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.0 apg) to lead the way in the paint, while senior guards Brendan Parker (9.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.1 apg) and Ryan Andrews (6.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.1 apg) will handle the backcourt.

“Our keys to success will come down to guarding and rebounding,” Petty said. “We will look to our experience coming back to quickly lead this group into new roles this season.”

BUHLER is never an easy out in AVCTL D-III, and the Crusaders are coming off a statetournament appearance last year.

Buhler won a thrilling sub-state championship over Abilene last year, then ended its season with a loss to KC-Piper in the opening round of state.

Although the Crusaders lost 6-7 standout Myles

Thompson to transfer (Hutchinson), Buhler will not be short on talent with senior guard Max Alexander leading the way.

Alexander is one of the quickest and most explosive players in the state, and the 6-1 guard averaged 17 points, four assists, and 1.5 steals per game last year.

Buhler will lean on Alexander for the majority of their points, but Isaiah Hernandez (7 ppg, 2 apg), Taiden Hawkinson (4 ppg, 3 apg), and Reed Scott (3 ppg, 4 rpg) are players who will be asked to step up on offense.

Buhler tied with Augusta for second place in the league with an 8-2 record last year.

“Our goals are to compete for a league and sub-state championship,” Buhler head coach Ryan Swanson said. “Rebounding will be our key.

We are not very deep or experienced, so staying healthy will also be key.”

CIRCLE graduates five seniors from last year’s 6-15 team. Fortunately for the Thunderbirds, senior Drew Middleton is back after averaging 12 points a game. Jake Shaults, a 6-3 senior, also returns after averaging six points and five rebounds a game.

Seventh-year head coach Bo Horyna said the goal is to improve off last year’s record.

EL DORADO welcomes a new head coach in Drew Culbertson. The Wildcats were 5-17 overall last year, and three returning starters are hoping to improve this year.

Zach Wittenberg is one of the top players in the continued on page 86

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

ARK VALLEY CHISHOLM TRAIL LEAGUE, DIVISION IV

By Harold Bechard, For Kansas Pregame Mitch Fiegel believes his Collegiate Spartans have some unfinished business to attend to.

The Spartans posted a 21-3 record and reached the Final Four of the Class 3A state tournament with Beloit, Galena and St. Marys last March before the COVID-19 threat cancelled the tournament.

“They all have a chip on their shoulder from that and are determined to get back to the Sports Arena (Hutchinson) and finish what we couldnt last year,” said Fiegel, who is starting his 32nd season at the Wichita school.

On the girls’ side, Andale is once again a strong favorite to win the league title.

BOYS The COLLEGIATE Spartans have seven returning lettermen from last year’s team, but will have to fill the void left by junior wingman Gradey Dick, who was one of the top players in Kansas last year as a sophomore. Dick, who averaged 20.4 points and 5.0 rebounds a game and was named first-team all-state in all classes, transferred to Wichita’s Sunrise Academy for his junior and senior seasons.

Collegiate, which has won 20 or more games in seven of the last 11 years, will still have plenty of talent to work with, including seniors Michael Fair (6-0), Charlie Goree (6-3), Grant Ramsey (66) and Jacon Chugg (5-10), juniors Jack Duarte (6-2) and Mekhi Beaubrun (5-9) and sophomore Wesley Fair (6-1).

“I think we will be well balanced as a team with a number of guys who can score in a variety of ways,” Fiegel said. “We won’t be as big as last year, but we will be hard to guard as a group.”

The ANDALE Indians finished second to Collegiate in last year’s league race and 16-7 overall after a heart-breaking loss to Bishop Miege in the first round of the Class 4A state tournament.

Head coach Jeff Buchanan has led the Indians to seven state appearances in the last 10 years.

Andale returns just one starter and two additional lettermen from last year’s team. Eli Rowland, a 5-11 senior, averaged 5.0 points a game last year.

“We enjoyed a great offseason where we saw tremendous improvement by many individuals on our team,” Buchanan said. “I also believe their hard work and commitment to our team philosophy will produce even more improvement as we compete throughout the year.”

CLEARWATER put together an outstanding 15-7 record last year and more of the same is expected this season with three starters returning for head coach Dustin Clevenger. The Indians just missed their first state tournament appearance since 1981 with an overtime loss to Rose Hill in the sub-state finals.

Returning for the Indians are 6-1 senior Jake Wellington, 6-0 senior Tanner Cash and 6-5 junior Brett Gibbs. Wellington average 13.1 points and 4.8 rebounds a game and was joined on the second-team all-league unit by Gibbs (7.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg). Cash, who like Gibbs has started since his freshman year, added 7.9 points per game.

ROSE HILL struggled through league play last season before reaching the 4A state tournament and stunning top-seeded Parsons in a first-round game. The Rockets’ season ended there with a 13-10 record because of COVID-19.

Two starters return for Josh Shirley’s team - 5-11 senior Spencer Nolan, who averaged 6.8 points and 3.6 assists per game, and 5-11 sophomore Kellan Simoneau, who scored 5.8 points per game. The Rockets will have to replace prolific scorer and four-year starter Koby Campbell, who averaged 26.8 points per game last year.

“Coming off a state playoff win and a Final Four appearance, our goal is to continue the hard work that got us to that point the previous season,” Shirley said. “We will continue to pride ourselves in being the best defensive team we can be. We want our defense to help put us in an opportunity to win late in games.”

The MULVANE Wildcats won just two of 10 league games last year, but were 11-11 overall and will be a dangerous team to face this season.

The Wildcats return three starters, including one of the state’s top scorers in 6-1 senior Trey Abasolo.

Abasolo, the son of head coach Mike Abasolo, averaged 23 points, eight rebounds and three assists per game last year and is on pace to become the school’s all-time leading scorer. In addition, the Wildcats return 6-1 junior Ian Comer (9.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and 6-3 junior Mason Ellis (8.0 ppg). Kaiden Abasolo, a 6-1 freshman, is also expected to make a major contribuition.

“Trey will determine our success,” Mike Abasolo said. “But, getting those around him to be more assertive so teams can’t key on one guy is a big key. We need to have multiple threats.”

Last season, the WELLINGTON Crusaders

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improved their victory total by two over the previous year, going from four wins to six.

“Our goal is to continue the upward trend and to finish this year above .500,” said head coach Joe Newman.

Three starters return from that 6-15 team, led by 6-5 senior Tanner Meyer, who averaged 17.5 points and 4.0 rebounds a game as a junior and was named first-team all-league. Also returning are 6-2 senior Berkeley Wright (2.6 ppg., 2.3 rpg.) and 6-3 sophomore Jack Wright (4.7 ppg.).

“Last season we suited up five freshman on varsity, which is nearly unheard of at the 4A level,” Newman said. “We had some growing pains, but now we are looking for those young guys to be solid contributors at the varsity level.”

GIRLS The ANDALE girls cruised through the AVCTLIV schedule unbeaten last season, but fell to Chapman in the sub-state finals. Two starters return for coach Ted Anderson as the Indians look to make another trip to the 4A state tournament.

Returning for Andale from that 16-6 team are the Fairchild sisters - 5-9 senior Katelyn and 5-11 sophomore McKenzie.

Katelyn missed the second half of last season with leg injuries after averaging 7.8 points and 3.0 rebounds a game. A nationally-ranked javelin thrower who recently signed with Texas A&M, Katelyn will also be called upon to be the team’s defensive stopper.

McKenzie Fairchild averaged 10.9 points and

Page 39 7.5 rebounds a game last year as a freshman and was named first-team all-league.

“We worked hard this summert on shooting the 3,” Anderson said. “We were 1 of 16 from 3 in the sub-state finals. I think defense and rebounding are going to be even more important coming out of the pandemic.”

CLEARWATER is coming off its first winning season in six years - 15-7 overall, 6-4 in league - and more is expected this season with five lettermen returning, including leading scorer Carli Carlson.

Carlson, a 5-8 sophomore, averaged 15.3 points and 6.9 rebounds a game last year for her dad and coach Casey Carlson and was named firstteam all-league. Also returning are 5-9 senior Kyndall Clevenger (6.0 ppg., 4.2 rpg.), 6-1 junior Brooke Berlin (5.0, 4.1), 5-11 junior Laurel Streit (2.2, 3.8) and 5-7 senior Parker Stevens (2.2 ppg.). Freshman guard Elizabeth Tjaden is also expected to make an impact.

“We continue to improve our overall basketball playing knowledge and are trending in the right direction,” coach Carlson said WELLINGTON could be a team that improves dramatically on its win total from a year ago. The Crusaders were 11-10 overall for head coach Eric Adam and return all five starters - 5-10 junior Ali Zeka (13.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg), 5-10 sophomore Shiney Hughes (9.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg), 5-5 sophomore Ashlyn Gerten (6.0 ppg, 3.0 apg), 5-7 senior Miryland French (6.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and 5-5 sophomore Kami Reichenberger (4.0 ppg, 2.0 apg). Zeka was a first-team all-league choice, while Gerten earned second-team honors. continued on page 100

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Page 40 starters and seven seniors overall off last year’s team, but return leading scorer and rebounder Saydee Tanking, who averaged 15.8 points and 7.9 rebounds. Macey Patch added 7.5 points and 5.4 rebounds off the bench, but only one other player returns that saw much varsity time.

A strong defense carried JEFFERSON WEST back to the state tournament after a somewhat up and down regular season. The Tigers held three sub-state foes to an average of 28.3 points per game and allowed just 33.6 points per game all season. Two starters return led by junior point guard Kristin Biltoft, who was a unanimous allleague pick after averaging 13.5 points per game as a sophomore. Mellany Roenne added 6.9 points a contest, but no other returner averaged more than 2 points a game.

Led by All-Stater Alleigh Kramer, NEMAHA CENTRAL ran the table until its season was ended by COVID-19. The Thunder were dominant with just two games all season decided by less than 10 points, both coming against league rival Sabetha. Replacing Kramer will be a load as she had huge senior season, averaging 18.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals per game.

Also gone is second-leading scorer Emma Elder, but three players who averaged between 7 and 8 points a game are back in Hannah Macke, Riley Rottinghaus and Cassidy Corby. The Thunder have qualified for state four straight years, taking fourth in both 2018 and 2019 before last year’s premature ending.

No team in the league will have more size than PERRY-LECOMPTON, which returns twin towers Katy Hurd and Chloe Daniels, each of whom are 6-foot-2, as well as three others 5-9 or taller. Hurd averaged 7.7 points per game, ranking third on the team, hitting 58 percent of her shots. The key for the Kaws will be guard play where Perry lost leading scorer Blaise Ball (11.7 ppg) and secondleading scorer Jenna Keller (9.8 ppg). Returning junior Campbell Keller was right behind Hurd with 7.6 points per game and was second in 3-pointers made. The Kaws finished 10-11 overall a year ago and finished fifth in the league.

Scoring was a struggle a year ago for RIVERSIDE and led to a 3-18 overall record and just a 1-13 mark in league play. The Cyclones averaged just 32 points per game with Endiah Byrd accounting for nearly one-fourth of that total with 8.3 points per game. She’s graduated as has third-leading scorer, leaving senior Jaismon Murphy as the lone proven threat, averaging 7.1 points per game a year ago.

Photo courtesy Sabetha Herald

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 Athon emerged nicely last year and averaged 9.1 points and 5 rebounds, but second-year coach Matt Simmons has holes to fill around that duo.

Runner-up in the league a year ago, NEMAHA

By Brent Maycock, Topeka Capital-Journal There was no guarantee that Nemaha Central’s CENTRAL was the lone league boys team to girls would finish off the undefeated season it was make the state tournament last year, topping enjoying with a Class 3A state championship, but Marysville in the sub-state finals for a 3A state boy would the Thunder, led by All-State guard berth. The trip ended with a first-round loss to Alleigh Kramer, have loved to have given it a shot. Beloit and the Thunder finished 17-7 overall.

After gutting out a tough 45-35 win over Graduation claimed the likes of leading scorer and Osage City in the Class 3A state quarterfinals, all-leaguer Andrew Leonard and four other varsity the Thunder saw their quest for a state title end players, but the Thunder return enough to make when the tournament was canceled for COVID-19 another run. Junior twins Kurtis and Marcus Beck reasons. It left a rather hollow feeling to an were second and third on the team in scoring last otherwise stellar 24-0 season for Nemaha Central. year as sophomores with Kurtis averaging 9.7 “Tremendously disappointed,” Thunder points and 6.8 rebounds per game and Marcus coach Hadden Hiltgen said after the tourney’s adding 8 points and 5.9 rebounds.

Coming off two straight state berths, PERRYcancellation. “It’s tough for girls this age to address right now. Totally had an opportunity taken from LECOMPTON fell short of going back to the 3A them. We had an amazing year, with great girls, state tournament for the third straight year, falling and it’s heartbreaking to see this happen to them.” to league champion Royal Valley in the subHeartbreaking also describes the end of the state semifinals. The Kaws finished 15-7 overall 2019-20 season for the Royal Valley boys. The with three of the losses coming to Royal Valley.

Panthers enjoyed the best regular-season in Graduation claimed big man Blake Farmer, but program history, going 19-1 with the lone loss a the Kaws return leading scorer Parker Stone, who two-point last-second loss to Riverside that denied averaged 15.1 points per game and also led the team in steals and assists. The Kaws are seniorthe Panthers an undefeated league title.

Finding themselves in the toughest 3A sub- dominated, but a football injury claimed starter state in Kansas, the Panthers were able to beat William Welch, who was second on the team in league rival Perry-Lecompton for the third time in rebounds to returning senior Dawson Williams.

RIVERSIDE won just two games in the league the semifinals and needed only to get past sixthseeded St. Marys to get to state. But a foul call in last year and six overall, but showed signs of its the final seconds gave St. Marys two free throws capabilities, handing league champion Royal and the Bears made both to knock off Royal Valley Valley its only regular-season loss. The Cyclones could improve on those win totals this year. Bray 44-43.

The lone boys team from the league to make Davies returns after leading the Cyclones in it to state was Nemaha Central, which knocked scoring last year with 11.3 points per game Three points. ROYAL VALLEY lost just two off Maur Hill and Marysville in sub-state play to qualify for the 3A state tournament. The Thunder games last year, by a grand total of three points — a two-point loss to Riverside in the regular fell in the opening round to Beloit.

Jefferson West’s girls also qualified for the Class season that denied the Panthers an undefeated 3A state tournament, upsetting undefeated Riley league title and a one-point defeat to St. Marys County in the sub-state finals. The Tigers fell in in the sub-state finals. Though the Panthers have a new leader in former Jackson Heights coach overtime in the first round at state to Frontenac.

Chris Brown, they remain the favorite to defend BOYS With a senior-laden team a year ago, a final thier league title of a year ago. Royal Valley has 12-10 record might have been a bit disappointing arguably the top player in the league in junior overall for HIAWATHA. A similar mark this season Nahcs Wahwassuck, who averaged 16.6 points, may be viewed quite differently as the Red 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals per game. He’s Hawks will trot out almost an entirely new team. got a strong cast around him led by junior Brady Graduation claimed virtually every key player from Klotz (10 ppg, 7 rpg), Brevin Canady (8.3 ppg, 3.8 a year ago, including leading scorer and first-team apg) and Mason Thomas (6.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg).

After a slow start that saw the Bluejays go 4-7 all-leaguer Tyler Brockhoff as well as secondearly, SABETHA came on strong at the end of the teamers Andrew Lierz and Sage Meyer.

HOLTON was 5-16 a year ago but returns first- season to finish 10-11. It was a rare losing season for the Bluejays, who will need some new faces team all-league selection Kale Purcell.

Having a healthy Josh Broxterman for a to step up. Graduation claimed 80 percent of last full season should help JEFFERSON WEST year’s scoring, including all-leaguer and leading overcome key graduation losses from a year scorer Gabe Garber (20.1 ppg). The strength will ago, namely Bryce Clements and Quinn be up front where Kaleb Evans (5 ppg, 5 rpg) and Neuenswander, who were both first-team all- Drew Schmelzle (4 ppg, 6 rpg) return.

GIRLS league. Broxterman was an all-league pick as HIAWATHA went 4-3 in non-league games last a sophomore, but missed a large chunk of last year with a knee injury, averaging 6.2 points and year, but just 4-10 in league play to finish 8-13 3.7 rebounds per game in limited action. Garrett overall. The Red Hawks return junior starters Clara Lindstrom and Sarah Madsen and have a talented group of young players who finished 1312 S. Old 75 Hwy runner-up in the league in JV play.

Sabetha The transition from longtime coach Jon Holliday 785-284-2117 to Kurt Hassler went fairly smooth last year for HOLTON, which finished 12-10 overall and 8-6 in Dine-in, Carryout, & Delivery league play. The Wildcats will have to replace four

Melinna SCHUMANN Sabetha, Senior

Coming off a state championship in 2019, ROYAL VALLEY had to make wholesale replacements with graduation and transfers claiming the bulk of the roster off the title team.

The Panthers predictably started slow last year before improving as the season went along. The end result was a 3-18 record, including 3-11 mark in league play. Four of five starters return this time around for second-year coach David Boucher. Sophomore Kennedy Bryan led the team in scoring last year wth 9 points per game and Halina Williamson added 8.5 points and 5 rebounds per contest.

If not for Nemaha Central, SABETHA very well could have been in the mix for the Class 3A state title a year ago. Three of the Bluejays’ losses in a 19-4 season came to the Thunder, including a 42-34 loss in the sub-state championship game. Though graduation claimed a large senior class, Sabetha returns plenty of experience to challenge for a league crown and more. Two of the Bluejays’ top-three scorers are back, led by top scorer Melinna Schumann, who averaged 13.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Leah Renyer added 9 points per game, including 13.8 over the final six games of the season. Several Bluejays got a taste of championships in the fall, leading Sabetha to the program’s first state championship in volleyball and a 41-1 season.

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CENTENNIAL LEAGUE

By Brent Maycock, Topeka Capital-Journal Seasons at the Class 6A level just don’t get much more dominating than the one the Topeka High girls fashioned in 2019-20.

The Trojans had only two games that were decided by less than 10 points — a 73-67 shootout win over Seaman and a 48-41 defensive battle against Washburn Rural — with neither game really in question in the game’s final minute.

Only two other Trojan contests were decided by less than 20 points, an early 61-44 win over KC Schlagle and mid-season tournament 64-48 win over Blue Valley Southwest.

And after dismantling Olathe North 79-55 in the quarterfinals of the Class 6A state tournament, nothing it seemed stood in the way of the Trojans, an undefeated season and their first state championship since 1982.

But something did. The state tournaments were canceled for COVID concerns before the semifinals and just like that, Topeka High’s quest for perfection met its match.

“Nobody can take away what these girls accomplished this season,” Topeka High coach Hannah Alexander said after the shocking, heart-breaking end to an otherwise unforgettable season. “It was surreal. I think we did some amazing things this year and they showed up every night. There may have been nights where we didn’t play our best, but we still got the job done the entire season.”

Topeka High wasn’t the only Centennial League team to feel that pain.

Seaman’s girls were still on the court of their Class 5A state quarterfinal game against Maize when the decision to cancel the state tournaments was made. After beating the Eagles 54-44,

the Vikings also learned their pursuit of a state title had come to a premature end.

“This was the hardest thing I had to say to a team,” Seaman coach Matt Tinsley said after the game. “It goes back to that saying, ‘Play every game like it’s your last.’ We did that. ... It hurts. We had the team to do it this year.”

Manhattan and Highland Park were the lone league boys teams to reach the state tournament last year, Manhattan qualifying in Class 6A and Highland Park in 5A. Both finished tied for fourth in the final league standings, but made strong substate runs with the Indians knocking off Wichita East and Wichita West to return to state, and the Scots edging Aquinas 51-50 in the sub-state finals to get back to the 5A state tournament.

Both had short-lived state trips. Manhattan fell to undefeated and No. 1 Campus in the opening round of the 6A tourney, while Highland Park dropped a narrow 46-43 decision to Hays in the 5A quarterfinals.

Washburn Rural and Topeka High shared the boys’ league title a year ago, each finishing 11-3 in league play. But Rural was upset by Wichita West in the sub-state semifinals and Topeka High fell to Free State in the sub-state finals.

BOYS EMPORIA had a Jekyll and Hyde kind of season last year — some nights looking like it could beat just about anyone it played and other nights looking like, well, something different altogether. The result was a somewhat predictable 12-10 record overall (7-7 in league play) that ended with the Spartans falling just five points shy of earning a state-tournament berth after a 49-45 loss to undefeated Andover in the sub-state finals. Emporia

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Page 41 returns one of the best players in the league in senior Charles Snyder, who averaged 22 points and 8 rebounds per game. Finding guard play to replace three starters in the backcourt will be a key.

Just two years removed from capturing a state championship in 2018, HAYDEN struggled throughout the entirety of the 2019-20 season, finishing just 4-17 while playing with mostly underclassmen. The Wildcats should see a bit of a rebound this season with the bulk of last year’s roster returning. Leading scorer John Roeder (11.7 points per game) has graduated, but Vacario Triplett returns after averaging 10.8 points per game. Roeder’s presence on the perimeter could be filled by sophomore Jake Muller, who had flashes of potential last year as a freshman.

The turnaround was a quick one for HIGHLAND PARK under Michael Williams. After going just 3-18 in 2018-19, the Scots rocketed back to prominence with a 15-8 mark last year, upsetting Aquinas in the sub-state finals before losing a nail-biter to Hays at state in a game that was tied with 1:30 left. Expectation of returning to state and going deep abound this year as Hi Park returns almost everyone from a year ago. Senior CJ Powell was a first-team all-leaguer a year ago, averaging 16.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Junior Juan’Tario Roberts wasn’t far behind with 15.5 points per game.

JUNCTION CITY went 8-13 and lost leading scorer Qua’Vez Humphreys and four other players to graduation. But the Blue Jays do return three of their top-five scorers overall with Chris Dixon averaging 11.2 points per game (just .1 behind Humphreys’ team lead) and Howard Johnson averaged 11.0 per contest. Dixon also led the team in rebounding at 5.1 per game.

It could be a bit of a rebuilding season for MANHATTAN after the Indians graduated eight seniors off last year’s Class 6A state tournament qualifying team. The Indians do have a very solid piece to build around as leading scorer Owen Braxmeyer returns after averaging 11.2 points per game. He also led the Indians in rebounds (126), assists (82) and steals (41), earning first-team all-league honors. No other returner scored more than 10 points, so there are plenty of unknowns for Manhattan going into the season.

After coming within one win of reaching the state tournament in 2019, last season was a complete struggle for SEAMAN. The Vikings were just 2-19 overall and 1-13 in league play, finishing dead last.

Veteran coach Craig Cox should get the Vikings headed in the right direction this year, returning almost the entire roster from a year ago. Junior Daigen Brewer led the Vikings in scoring last year as a sophomore, but with just 9.3 points per game.

Kaeden Bonner (8.6 ppg) and Ty Henry (8.3 ppg) were right behind with Bonner earning newcomer of the year honors in the league. The return of 6-foot-3 junior Casen Stallbaumer, who missed all of last season with an injury, will give the Vikings an improved presence inside.

Graduation hit pretty hard at TOPEKA HIGH, which was a 58-48 loss to Free State away from

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

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returning to the Class 6A state tournament and shared the league title with Washburn Rural.

Co-league player of the year King Sutton leaves a huge hole after averaging 15.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocked shots last season. Also gone is Da’Vonshai Harden, a three-year starter who averaged 13 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Senior guard Jalen Smith leads a new-look Trojan squad this year after averaging 10.9 points per game a year ago.

Perhaps the best 1-2 punch in the league belongs to TOPEKA WEST, which fell to Blue Valley Southwest in its Class 5A sub-state championship game last year. Junior guard Elijah Brooks led the league in scoring last year at 17.2 points per game, while senior Trevion Alexander came in at 12.9 points per game. Brooks was also the league leader in rebounds with 6.4 per contest. Senior guard Khalen Harrison is the only other returning starter for the Chargers, so finding complements to go with the dynamic duo will be a big key to how far West can go this year.

Behind league co-player of the year Joe Berry, WASHBURN RURAL shared the league title and fashioned a 16-4 regular-season mark. But the season came to a disappointing end when the Junior Blues were upset by Wichita West in their Class 6A sub-state opener. Rural should be plenty motivated and talented to make a deeper run this season. Berry returns after averaging 16.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game a year ago and is flanked by senior guard Jack Hutchinson, who averaged 9 points per game and hit 43 percent of his 3-pointers. Brady Patterson (4 rpg) and Josh Williams (6 ppg, 3 apg) also are back.

GIRLS EMPORIA finished tied for fifth in the league last year, but could challenge for a top-three finish this year, returning all but one starter. The Spartans will miss the inside presence of Mya Tovar and will still be young overall with just two seniors in the rotation. But junior guard Gracie Gilpin led the team in scoring last year at 9.9 points per game, while three other returning starters all averaged between 3.4 and 5.4 points per game. Sophomore six-footer Rebecca Snyder could hold a key to the team’s success if she can emerge as a force inside to go with the Spartans’ strong guard play.

HAYDEN came within one win of returning to the state tournament a year ago, falling to perennial power Miege in its Class 4A sub-state championship game. The Wildcats lost leading scorer and second-team all-leaguer Sophia Purcell, who averaged 12.5 points per game and sot 39 percent from 3-point range. Hayden does have some continued on page 45

Photo by Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

Darby ROPER Haven, Senior

By Gallagher Martin, Hutchinson News BOYS The Central Kansas League was a battle every night, and in 2019-2020, the HESSTON boys stood victorious at the end of the regular season.

Hesston won a deep CKL with an 8-1 league record and finished 21-2 overall. Of Hesston’s two losses, one of them came in the sub-state championship game.

Hesston is hungry for more this season, and with Cason Richardson leading the way, the Swathers will be strong contenders not just in the CKL, but also in 3A. Richardson, a 6-2 junior, averaged nearly 18 points a game to go along with 4.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists.

Richardson is one of six returning lettermen who stands at 6-2 or taller. Braydon Schilling (7.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg) is 6-5, Ben Bollinger (5.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg) is 6-3, Jackson Humphries (6.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg) is 6-3, Nick Arnold (6.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg) is 6-2, and Braden Esau (2.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg) is 6-2.

Entering his 10th year as head coach of the Hesston Swathers, Greg Raleigh has a goodlooking squad entering the 2020-2021 season.

“We have a tough schedule and our league will be very competitive top to bottom so we will need to make sure we bring energy and intensity each night out,” Raleigh said.

Hesston’s sub-state championship loss came to league-rival HAVEN. The Wildcats enjoyed a tremendous season last year, going 21-3 overall and finishing 7-2 within the CKL. Haven’s only non-league loss came in the opening round of the Class 3A State Tournament when the Wildcats - the No. 1 overall seed - fell to

eighth-seed St. Marys, 49-44.

Haven graduates a strong senior class led by 6-4 big man Wyatt Carmichael, but the Wildcats do return three starters. Senior Darby Roper, fresh off a sensational football season, averaged 12.5 points, 5.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.8 steals.

Zane Jacques, a 6-2 senior, averaged 11 points and 3.7 rebounds per game last year, while senior Benaiah Yoder (5.1 ppg, 2.6 apg, 2.4 rpg, 2.4 spg) rounds out a strong backcourt.

Haven will turn to 6-2 senior Hunter Barlow and 6-5 junior Dalton Schrag - a Pretty Prairie transfer - to lead the front court.

“We should have good depth and have competitive practices,” Haven head coach Lonnie Paramore said. “This group has set some lofty goals that can be obtained if they continue to push each other.”

HOISINGTON had a successful regular season, but the Cardinals were eliminated in the sub-state semifinals by TMP-Hays, 69-67, on a last-second 3-pointer. After going 17-5 overall and 7-2 within the CKL last year, Hoisington is still seeking its first state-tournament appearance since 1998-1999.

The Cardinals have another great chance of breaking that drought this season with four returning starters, headlined by First Team AllCKL standout Mason Haxton. The 6-foot senior point guard averaged 13.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game last year. At 6-7, senior Drew Nicholson also receives plenty of attention.

Nicholson averaged a team-high 17.4 points and 7.5 rebounds last year.

Junior Bralen Thompson earned honorable mention all-league honors last season after averaging 10.8 points and 3 rebounds a game.

In addition to Hoisington’s top three players, the Cardinals return seven lettermen.

“This team will have two challenging, but realistic, goals going into the season,” Hoisington coach Kyle Haxton said. “These will be to win a CKL Championship and a Class 3A State Title.”

LYONS is another CKL team that returns firepower from a competitive team last year.

Senior guard Trey McClure - a First Team AllCKL selection - leads the way after averaging 13 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists last year.

Senior Rey Alamos (11.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg) and junior Dawson Stover (4.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg) are also returning starters from last year’s 16-6 team.

Lyons won just five games the season before.

Outside of three returning starters, the Lions return seven lettermen.

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“Expectations seem to be a little high this year,” Lyons head coach Brian Friess said. “We have quite a bit of varsity experience back and it should be an exciting year for these young men.”

Despite finishing sixth in the CKL, HILLSBORO made the deepest push, out of any league team, in the postseason. Hillsboro, the No. 8 seed, was the story of the Class 2A Boys State Tournament after defeating top-seed Pratt-Skyline, 57-51, in the opening round.

The Trojans finished the season 15-9 overall and as a semifinalist in 2A before the season was canceled due to COVID-19.

The Trojans will be led by junior Matthew Potucek (14.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, CKL HM) and sophomore Brekyn Ratzlaff (12.1 ppg, 4.0 apg, CKL 2nd Team). Also returning for Hillsboro this season are seniors Dillon Boldt (6.0 ppg, 1.5 rpg) and Tristan Reed (3.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg).

Of Hillsboro’s seven additional returning lettermen, three stand 6-3 or taller. Hillsboro head coach Darrel Knoll is entering his 33rd year with a record of 539-207.

“We are looking for good court leadership from (Potucek and Ratzlaff) as well as excellent all around play that will raise the level of play for our team,” Knoll said.

LARNED went 16-6 overall last season, but graduated key seniors Mason Perez, Chance Sanger, and Brock Skelton. Larned returns four lettermen, but new faces will have to step up to continue last year’s success.

Four seniors - Dillan Smith (4.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg), Layton Crosby (7.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg), Jack Stelter (2 ppg, 1.6 rpg), and Andreus Tucker (3.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg) - will be counted on to have big seasons.

“I have no doubt the returning seniors will step up and fill those responsibilities,” Larned head coach Jerrod Smith said.

New faces will have to step up for a SMOKY VALLEY team that graduated all five starters and 80 percent of its scoring. Cade Schneider earned second team all-league honors, and his 13.2 points per game will be the biggest to replace.

In total, seniors Ryan Heline, Brandt Heble, and Ty Miller combined for 7.5 points a game last season, while 6-3 junior Haven Lyell-Stewart averaged 3.4 points per game.

Smoky Valley went 6-15 overall and 2-7 within the CKL last season.

“The 2020-21 Vikings will be looking for their new seniors to jump into a leadership role and take over the reins of this year’s team,” Smoky Valley head coach Doug Schneider said.

HALSTEAD has the returning talent to improve off their 3-18 record from a year ago. This season, Halstead returns a dynamic senior duo of Lakin Farmer (15 ppg, 3 apg) and Cameron Kohr (15 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg). The Dragons are also expecting a big season from junior Jackson Swift after he scored nine points and brought down two

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rebounds per game.

“We are looking to establish our identity this year. We are going to be pretty young and inexperienced so this year we just want to get guys experience at the varsity level,” head coach Justin Schneider said. “By end of season I want to see players start to separate themselves as leaders of the team.”

Despite a 10-12 season, NICKERSON was one win away from reaching the state tournament, falling to Andale in the sub-state championship.

The Panthers must replace 6-9 center Connor MacDonald, who averaged a double-double last season. Returning for Nickerson this season are seniors Christian Peterson (9.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg), Matt Crossman (7.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg), and Raef Tatro (4.9 ppg, 1.7 apg). Curt Field is entering his fourth season as head coach at Nickerson.

“We will have extremely competitive practices as a lot of those guys are not very far apart talent wise and will be competing hard to earn playing time,” Field said. “Even the guys with starting/ varsity experience from last year will be pushed for everything. If we can do it together we can be dangerous.”

PRATT is hoping to improve off last year’s 2-18 record. The Greenbacks did not have any players on the all-league team last season.

GIRLS The NICKERSON girls rode a towering front court of Morgan Stout and Ava Jones to a 21-2 record and a place in the 4A semifinals.

Stout, who was a 6-1 senior, is now a member of the Wichita State volleyball team. However, the Panthers have three more years of Jones, is one of the state’s top players. After a freshman season which saw the 6-2 forward average 13 points and 8 rebounds a game, Jones turned in a stellar summer and picked up multiple Division I offers including Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Arizona State, Iowa State, Nebraska, Texas Tech, Washington State, West Virginia and more.

If the Panthers are to make a repeat trip to the state tournament this year, it will not all be on the back of Jones. Sophomore Josie McLean started last year as a freshman and averaged 9.4 points and 2.7 assists from her point guard position.

Junior guard Kieryn Ontjes averaged 5.2 points and 3.1 assists last year as well.

“We have a chance to be a solid basketball team,” Nickerson head coach Jon McLean said.

“We should be contenders for a league title, and have a chance to make the state tournament.”

HAVEN graduated one of the best players in the state in Faith Paramore, who is now at Oral Roberts. Still, the expectations remain high at Haven after a 19-4 season saw the Wildcats fall in the sub-state championship game.

Since 2014, Haven has averaged just under 18 wins a season. Despite the loss off a strong senior continued on page 87

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By Jim Misunas, Great Bend Tribune GIRLS It’ll be a familiar Central Plains League girls basketball race with defending champion Cheney and runner-up Garden Plain again challenging for the title. Wichita Trinity and Independent could also have something to say about the league race.

Central Plains favorite CHENEY (21-3) will utilize a fast-pace and pressure defense under coach Rod Scheer with everyone returning from a 3A state semifinalist.

Emporia State signee senior Kylee Scheer (23.9 ppg, 5 rpg, 3.7 spg), a Class 3A all-stater, is one of Kansas’ most versatile players. She tallied 73 3-pointers, shooting 35 percent from beyond the arc and 67 percent on 2-pointers last season. She is joined by senior Lexi Cline (6 ppg, 4.1 apg), senior Halley Jones (3.6 ppg), 5-11 junior Olivia Albers (6 ppg, 4 rpg), junior Brooklyn Wewe (7 ppg) and junior Korrie Lies (3.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg) as six total players with starting experience return.

As if that wasn’t enough, the Cardinals added junior Brynn McCormick, an honorable mention all-state selection at Scott City last season, who moved to Cheney in the summer.

McCormick’s mother, Sarah, a Cheney native, was the head coach at Scott City where she took the previously downtrodden Beavers to four state tournaments in five seasons. Prior to that she led Garden Plain to three state tournaments. She joins Rod Scheer’s staff this season.

Last season, the Cardinals beat Eureka 46-33 for the 3A substate championship and downed Phillipsburg 66-53 to qualify for the 3A Final Four.

Scheer (19), Cline (15) and sophomore Anna Martin (10) scored in double figures at state.

“We try to utilize our depth and quickness at both ends of the court,” coach Scheer said. “We’ll play full court pressure on defense and push the ball as much as possible.”

Coach Scheer said experience is valuable. The Cardinals own strengths in every facet with strong defense, quality shooters and competitive players.

“We’ve got a great deal of experience with our starters and bench,” he said. “It helps with our kids coming off the bench a great deal. Our players play different positions and are well suited for our style of play. Our goal is to win the league title and advance to the 3A state tournament again.”

GARDEN PLAIN (19-5) qualified for 2A state with a 51-36 substate victory over West Elk and the Owls downed Sterling 54-48 to qualify for the Final Four. Anytime the Owls play rival Cheney, it’s typically a battle for the league championship.

Coach Kody Kasselman returns a balanced starting foursome of All-CPL senior Alli Puetz (10 ppg, 7 rpg), senior Madysen Zoglman (10 ppg, 4 rpg), senior Christia Rose Gorges (5.5 ppg) and junior Brooke Hammond (7 ppg, 4.5 rpg).

“Alli Puetz is athletic and quick. Alli has developed into a wonderful player and we’ll see her

CHENEY

progress,” Kasselman said. “Madysen Zoglman is our purest scorer. We’re looking forward to seeing her continue to develop. Brooke Hammond is fast and athletic and serves as the Owls’ primary ballhandler. Christia Rose Gorges is a lockdown defender who draws the toughest matchup nightin and night-out.”

Kasselman prefers to dictate the game’s tempo.

“We want to control tempo whether that is speeding the game up or slowing it down and that depends on the team we are playing,” he said.

“We return four starters and a number of players with varsity experience. We’re a league contender. We’ll have post-season success” Strong defense will lead the way. The Owls can play a variety of defensive schemes.

“We want our girls to compete every day and we coach consistent defense and effort,” said Kasselman. “Our experience helps whether we’re up or down. We have ability to handle those moments. We’ve got to fill new roles and positions effectively.”

The third CPL contender is predicted to be WICHITA TRINITY (15-7), which features firstteam CPL senior Austin Broadie (21 ppg, 10.4 rpg) and second team senior Ashlyn Bigelow (9.7 ppg, 4 rpg) and honorable mention senior Megan Hedstrom (9.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg) to headline a solid trio. Junior Aubrey Winter gives the Knights four returning starters after averaging 9 points per game and 4.4 rebounds.

The Knights narrowly fell to eventual 3A state semifinalist Cheney in a 66-64 substate semifinal loss.

“We face a tough schedule but are looking for success as several athletes prepared for the season all summer,” coach Lori Broadie said. “A strong freshmen class will add some good competition for our team practices.”

WICHITA INDEPENDENT (14-8) is a team on the rise. Honorable mention All-CPL senior Malgosia Byczkowska (13 ppg) will rejoin 5-7 senior Nicole Szadkowska (9 ppg), senior Claire Sturm (3.5 ppg) and senior Michelle RecaldePhilips (3 ppg). The Panthers beat Belle Plaine 43-36 and lost 49-31 to state qualifier Garden Plain in substate play.

BELLE PLAINE (11-10) returns honorable mention senior Cheyenne Cooper (9 ppg) who joins junior Alayna Mowdy (3 ppg) and senior Alyssa Hunter (4.5 ppg). Wichita Independent downed the Drahoms 43-36 in substate play.

MEDICINE LODGE (8-13) features first-team CPL senior Rachel Fischer (15 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 2 apg, 2 spg) who provides the Indians with an allleague starter. The Indians lost 38-34 to Syracuse in 2A substate play.

CHAPARRAL (9-13) will challenge for an upper-division finish behind second-team CPL senior Sophie Harris (10 ppg, 3 apg) and honorable mention CPL 6-0 senior center Mattelyn Swartz

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Page 43 (8 ppg, 8 rpg). The Roadrunners lost 31-23 to Eureka in substate play. Senior Chloe Eslinger (3 ppg) and 6-0 senior Faith Gates (7 ppg, 6 rpg) also return.

“Our key to success will be continuing to improve our inside-out scoring,” said Chaparral coach Kyle Regier. “We have great athletic bigs who will continue to improve in all areas, including scoring the ball. This will allow our guards to get more open looks on the perimeter and more driving lanes on kickouts.”

DOUGLASS (1-20) features honorable mention 5-10 sophomore Rebecca Hajdukovich (11 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.4 spg) and 5-10 senior Myra Megli (6 ppg, 6 rpg) provide the Bulldogs with two solid starters. Eureka beat Douglass 53-20 in substate play.

“Our goals are to continue growing in our experience and learning how to execute and finish games,” said coach Daniel Jantz. “We were very young and inexperienced last year along with it being my first year as the head coach. We created a foundation, but are still working on having an identity as a team, so that is another goal to find out who we are.”

BOYS The defending Central Plains champion Cheney Cardinals and perennial challenger Garden Plain will be joined by a rising Belle Plaine boys basketball program coached by veteran Lonnie Lollar.

Lollar owns 300 coaching wins, a 3A state championship at Halstead, when the Dragons edged Phillipsburg 44-42 for the 2018 state championship. Bishop Carroll earned a 5A runner-up trophy and 5A third-place finish in six state trips under Lollar.

BELLE PLAINE (17-5) features first team Central Prairie League seniors Austin Hilton (20 ppg) and Eli Wiseman (19 ppg) and second team Tim Bible (13 ppg) along with returning sophomore Isaac Bible (8.5 ppg) and Brayden Stephenson.

Lollar said the experience is beneficial.

“All our offensive firepower helps,” Lollar said.

“Game experience from a team that won 17 games definitely helps. We have good knowledge of our system and philosophy. Cheney and Garden Plain own tradition because they have results and that helps with buy-in. We’re trying to establish that at Belle Plaine. We want to be special. We’re developing trust and confidence in our philosophy.”

Belle Plaine lost to substate champion Garden Plain 76-61 in the 2A substate semifinals.

“Our goal is to be more consistent defensively

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as a team,” Lollar said. “We want to improve our pressure defense, our defensive rebounding and play a 94-foot brand of basketball. We want to improve our competitive spirit, understand and play like a team that has a burning desire to succeed, and play as a group that is humble and grateful. If we do this, we will participate in the state basketball tournament.”

CHENEY (20-3) features first-team CPL 6-1 junior Harrison Voth (15 ppg) joins second team 6-3 senior Luke Grace (10 ppg) for a solid one, two scoring punch for Cheney coach Linndy Frieden, starting his 29th season. Senior Harrison Middleton also returns. The Cardinals will play a fast pace with pressure defense.

Cheney defeated Eureka 46-44 in the 3A substate championship and downed Phillipsburg 6653 to reach the Final Four.

“We have to be able to rebound and score points off our defense,” Frieden said.

Perennial CPL contender GARDEN PLAIN (19-5) is led by first-team 6-4 All-CPL senior Tyler Dreiling (10.5 ppg, 5 rpg) and senior Gabriel Mannebach (8 ppg) and Arden Rex (7 ppg). The Owls defeated Wichita Independent 76-49 in the substate championship and edged Hoxie 50-47 to advance to the Final Four.

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Ness City, Junior

Kassidy NIXON

Central Plains, Junior

By Jim Misunas, Great Bend Tribune GIRLS State history has developed into national history for CENTRAL PLAINS (25-0, 8-0), riding a 136game winning streak, eight CPL championships and six consecutive state championships from 2014-2019. The Oilers’ winning streak is third alltime in girls basketball behind Baskin. La. (218) and Monetta, S.C. (154).

The Oilers beat Osborne 89-22 to capture a state berth and rolled past Ingalls 94-37 at the 1A state tournament. Only the coronavirus could stop the Oilers from extending their streak to seven state titles and 138 wins in a row.

Legendary coach Pat Stiles owns a 201-4 re-

cord in eight seasons. The Oilers own all-time girls state records for scoring defense (21.2 ppg), average margin of victory (57.1 ppg), most undefeated seasons (6), most consecutive undefeated seasons (5), single game field goal percentage (74.6), season field goal percentage (58.7) and fewest fouls (276).

Iowa State signee Emily Ryan, one of the state’s all-time great players, graduated, along with firstteam all-league selection Addison Crites.

The Oilers do welcome back the CPL’s top returning player in first-team All-CPL junior Kassidy Nixon (11.6 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 assists and 3.6 steals).

Key reserves include senior Lexi Oeser (6 ppg) and senior 3-point shooter Jennah Jeffrey (2.4 ppg). Other players from the state tournament roster include super sophomore Brynna Hammeke – predicted to be the next Oiler standout – seniors Monica Short and Callie Zink and sophomore Kyla Metro.

The Oilers are led by one of the state’s most successful coaches in Pat Stiles (201-4 in eight years as girls head coach; 309-72 in 16 seasons as a head coach overall) who will emphasize the Oilers’ philosophy of getting better every day.

“We return one starter and two others with significant varsity experience,” Stiles said. “We will take one practice and one game at a time and continue to keep working to get better. Our tough schedule will prepare us for postseason when we want to be playing our best basketball.”

To Stiles, there is one primary goal.

“Success depends 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,” he said. “We call it the Oiler Way.” CPL runner-up OTIS-BISON (23-3, 7-1) lost twice to Central Plains – once in the regular season, once in the regional championship – and 4136 to Hanover in the first round of the 1A state tournament. In substate play the Cougars upended unbeaten Thunder Ridge (33-28) and unbeaten Golden Plains (51-37) to qualify for state.

The Cougars graduated University of NebraskaKearney signee Maddie Wiltse – a three time 1A All-State selection that scored more than 1,300 points in her career – along with Cora Anderson and Cristen Trapp. The Cougars return seniors Lauren Maier and Danica Bartonek and sophomores Kyra Ball, Johannah Baalmann, Macie Wiltse, Hailee Morrison and Taylor Croissant.

Seventh year head coach Robert Trapp prefers

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shifting zone defense and patient offense.

VICTORIA (12-10, 5-3) should be a factor in the league race with everyone returning including Melany Huser (10 ppg), Lydia Sander (7 ppg), Brooklyn Kuhn (7 ppg), Kaitlyn Windholz (4 ppg), Kassi Weber (4 ppg) and Macy Hammerschmidt (4 ppg).

KINSLEY (14-10, 5-3) graduated first-team AllCPL selection Josena Frame and returns Rylie Miller and Cadence Alvarez from a team that lost 35-33 to Cunningham in the substate final.

ST. JOHN (15-10, 4-4) was a postseason sensation with wins over Macksville 43-18, Pretty Prairie 44-37 and South Gray 38-32 and losing to Cunningham 29-11 at regionals and Ingalls 42-39 in the 1A substate championship game. Longtime coach Danny Smith crafted a well-designed defensive plan and patient offensive game plan in postseason.

The Tigers return second team All-CPL junior guard Darby Smith along with 5-10 junior Kaylynn Claussen and junior PG Payton Meyer.

Sophomore Jade Portillo, who scored a career high 10 points in the substate championship, is also back.

ELLINWOOD (11-11, 4-4) will contend for an upper division finish with second team All-CPL Mya Maxwell (15 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 steals) along with balanced scoring by seniors Daphne Doll (6 ppg) and Ashtin Klepper (5 ppg), junior Mary Dimitt (6 ppg) and sophomore Brittney Simpson (6 ppg). The Eagles, who saw a stellar volleyball season end at the hands of the coronavirus, lost to Sterling 80-41 in 2A substate play.

NESS CITY (3-18, 1-7) ended with a 35-29 regional loss to Kinsley. The Eagles return 5-10 junior honorable mention all-league selection Alexa Reinhardt (6.4 ppg, 1.5 steals) along with juniors Zoe Seib (7 ppg, 1 steals), Taylor Starr, (5 ppg) and Kennedy Liggett (2 ppg) and sophomore Heather Delaney (3 ppg).

“We’re looking forward to continuing to keep getting better every day and competing each day,”

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said Ness City coach Shelby Flax. “The biggest goal that we’ll try to hit each day is compete each play, every ball and every possession. We have a core group of girls that needs to click with each other. The key to our success is executing our game plan each game.”

La CROSSE (5-16, 1-7) features honorable mention All-CPL Brooke Herrman (6 ppg, 8 rpg, 2 steals).

“Our goal is to win more league games, compete every game and at least be .500,” said LaCrosse coach Nicholl Weigel. “Efficiency, and how quickly our underclassman develop will dictate that.”

MACKSVILLE (4-17, 1-7) lost to St. John 43-18 in regionals, but will be improved behind Joselin Garcia (6 ppg), Abi Ibarra (4 ppg), Lupita Galan (3 ppg), Machia Huggins (3 ppg) and Elena Kuckelman (3 ppg).

BOYS The CPL boys basketball race is up for grabs after defending champion St. John and runner-up La Crosse graduated talented senior classes.

ST. JOHN (22-3, 8-0) beat Kiowa County in the 1A substate championship and downed South Gray 65-52 to advance to the 1A Final Four. The Tigers would’ve played Little River in the 1A state semifinals if not for the COVID cancellation.

All-CPL first team center Tanner Halling graduated, but reserve players gained a ton of playing time last year.

The biggest loss, however, is longtime St. John coach Clint Kinnamon (364-100), who guided the Tigers to state championships in 2007, 2013, 2014 and 2015 with current Cleveland Cavalier Dean Wade leading the way for three state championships. Kinnamon enjoyed a trio of runner-up state finishes and two third-place finishes in 11 trips.

Key players returning are 6-7 junior Elijah Delp (6 ppg, 4 rpg), seniors Toby Woolf (3 ppg), Uriel Calleros (3 ppg) and Edwin Fernandez (2 ppg) and junior Hunter Smith. continued atop page 45

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First-year St. John basketball coach Danton Hilton is optimistic. He appreciates the coaching guidance that Kinnamon ingrained in St. John’s players from an early age.

“We expect to compete for a league title and 1A state tournament berth,” Hilton said. “Our key to success will be how quickly we can learn and adapt to new roles and new coaching in 2020. We graduated five very good seniors that we relied on

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firepower returning in Macy Smith, who averaged 10.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Rhen Calhoon added 6.5 points and a team-high 6.5 rebounds per game and Carly Stuke added 5.7 points per game.

Numbers were a major issue for HIGHLAND PARK a year ago with the Scots playing most of the season with just six players. That likely will be the case again this year with Highland Park having to replace leading scorer Dariauna Carter, who averaged 16.1 points per game, and two others.

Winless in 2018-19, JUNCTION CITY picked up three wins a year ago, all in league play. The Blue Jays could add a few more to the ledger this year, returning a large bulk of last year’s team led by honorable mention all-leaguer Mellana Davis.

MANHATTAN finished fourth in the league a year ago, but could face a bit of a rebuilding season this year. The Indians graduated first-team all-league post Zanaa Cordis, who was a double-double machine a year ago, as well as honorable mention pick Aloera Ostermann. Veteran coach Scott Mall always seems to put together a winner so it won’t be shocking to see the Indians notch another winning season.

The premature end to the state tournament was devastating for SEAMAN, which finished third in the league and gave undefeated Topeka High its closest game of the season in a 73-67 loss.

The Vikings will have almost a completely new look this year as graduation claimed first-team allleaguer Chloe Carter, the program’s record holder for every 3-point record. Three other seniors also are gone, as is returning first-team all-leaguer and All-5A pick Camryn Turner, who opted not to come out as a senior in an effort to prepare for her future as a University of Kansas volleyball player. Seniors Raigan Kramer (7 ppg, 3 apg) and Riley Cowan (5 ppg, 5 rpg) are the only returning starters and senior JahnAsia Anderson is the only other returner with varsity experience, leaving Viking coach Matt Tinsley having to rely on young players who did help the JV to a 14-3 mark and freshman team to a 15-3 record

a lot defensively. That will also be another thing we address very early in the year.

La CROSSE (17-5, 7-1) was the CPL runner-up after losing 49-42 to St. John for the league title.

The Leopards were stunned 41-34 by Central Plains at the 1A regional. Honorable mention AllCPL Blake Pierce (10 ppg, 4 rpg) is a versatile standout who will knock down a jumper and dish off an assist. Seniors Chase Schmidt (3 ppg) and C.J. Patterson and junior Colby Stull will fill the void after a solid football season.

La Crosse graduated All-CPL Hunter Morgan.

ELLINWOOD (18-5, 6-2) enjoyed its best basketball season in 36 years with a 2A substate championship appearance in a 43-37 loss to Sterling.

First-team All-CPL sophomore Britton Dutton (18 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 assists, 2 steals) and honorable mention 6-2 sophomore guard Tyler Stuhlsatz (10 ppg, 4 rpg) will anchor the Eagles with a reliable one, two scoring punch. The Eagles play an attacking offensive style with the freedom to launch 3-pointers.

“Dutton could be one of the best players in 2A this year,” said Ellinwood coach Derek Joiner.

As tough of an ending as it was for TOPEKA HIGH, which finished 23-0, the Trojans can take solace in the fact that they are more than equipped to take care of their unfinished business in 2020-21. Graduation only claimed one starter and three players total and the bulk of last year’s firepower is back. It starts with returning All-State Top 5 selection NiJaree Canady, a six-foot junior who was a double-double machine in the post for the Trojans. Canady averaged 18.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, hitting 56 percent of her shots, and was the Centennial League player of the year. Her presence alone would make Topeka High a challenger. But her surrounding cast is equally talented. Sophomore guard Kiki Smith led the Trojans in scoring last year at 20 points per game, earning her newcomer of the year honors.

Older sister Lilly Smith led the team in 3-point shooting with 48 makes beyond the arc on her way to 10.3 points per game. Throw in returners Jae’Mya Lyons, Talayah Thomas and Ja’neysha Hendricks as well as a deep bench and Topeka High could be the best team in the state.

TOPEKA WEST has a new coach as Jeff Skar takes over for David Meseke. Skar most recently coached at Wichita Collegiate. The Chargers struggled to a 1-19 mark a year ago and lost leading scorer Miyah Larson. Adina Davis is the top returner.

After capturing the Class 6A state championship in 2019, WASHBURN RURAL missed out on returning to the state tournament last year, falling in the sub-state finals to Wichita Heights.

The Junior Blues finished 16-6 overall, two of the losses coming to Topeka High, including a seven-pointer late in the season. The Junior Blues will miss standout guard Kasey Hamilton and have no seniors on this year’s roster, but return enough talent to remain one of the top teams in Class 6A. Sophomore Brooklyn DeLeye averaged 12 points and 6.2 rebounds last year as a freshman and junior guard Emma Krueger wasn’t far behind with 10.7 points and 7.2 rebounds a contest. Sophomores MaRyah Lutz is a deadly shooter and incoming freshmen Zoe Canfield and Jada Ingram are expected to make a big impact.

Page 45 “Our key will be how quickly our young talent can make the jump from junior varsity success to varsity success this season. We have two sophomores who were big contributors as freshmen on the varsity who can help bring them along. But ultimately it will need to be a collective effort to reach our goals. Our team goal is to win our league. The next goal is to take the next step and win a substate championship and give ourselves a chance to compete in Manhattan.”

MACKSVILLE (8-13, 4-4) will continue to be a young team on the rise. Stafford downed Macksville 57-45 in the 1A regional. Macksville coach Jeff Kuckelman (321-116) has led the Mustangs to state basketball championships in 2006 and 2011 along with a runner-up finish in 2003. The Mustangs’ last appearance at state occurred in 2019.

Macksville 6-4 senior forward Cleven Huggins (7.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg) will join four sophomores in the Mustangs’ starting lineup — PG Alvaro Ibarra (4 ppg, 1 apg), G Alexis Barron (8 ppg, 2 apg), G Rogelio Ibarra (11 ppg, 1.6 spg) and second team All-CPL 6-6 F Ryan Kuckelman (9 ppg, 10 rpg, 1.5 blocks). Ibarra converted 48 3-pointers and Barron made 30 3-pointers. Key reserves include seniors G Michael Seward and F Kirby Sebes, junior F Alex Mendez and sophomore G Lance Lickiss.

“We have some good length in Huggins and Kuckelman inside and good shooters outside,” coach Kuckelman said. “We lack good length on the perimeter and that can make it tough to get shots off, but also get the ball to our height inside.

We look to run the floor and get easy baskets continued on page 87

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CROSSROADS CONFERENCE

By Brian Thomas, Montgomery County Chronicle

Four Kansas schools from the Crossroads Conference will be wrapping up play in the league this season in preparation for a new league next school year. Participating in its final year of the Crossroads will be Bishop Ward, Heritage Christian, Maranatha and Kansas City Christian.

Starting in the fall of 2021, they will be part of the Kaw Valley Conference, which will field a six-team league that also includes Cair Paravel of Topeka and Seabury Academy out of Lawrence.

The current Crossroads Conference also includes four schools from the Missouri side: Sherwood Cass, Summit Christian, University Academy and Van Horn.

BOYS Leading scorer Lorenzo Hernandez returns to lead the way for BISHOP WARD, which is coming off a 4-17 campaign a year ago.

Hernandez was the top performer for the Cyclones a year ago, averaging 19.1 points per game. Bishop Ward, under the direction of head coach Steve Stitzer, lost to Marysville in the opening round of their 3A substate tournament.

“We need to play hard and together,” Stitzer said. “For us to be successful, we have to keep everyone healthy and play as a team.”

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN will be seeking improvements this winter following a six-win campaign a year ago.

The Chargers went 6-16 overall last season, which included a loss to Bishop Seabury in the quarterfinal round of their 2A substate.

After taking seventh place in the league, KANSAS CITY CHRISTIAN hopes to make a move up the conference ladder this season.

Josh Poteet begins his second season in charge of the Panthers, who went 6-15 overall last year.

Poteet returns three key players from last year’s squad, including junior Alex Knernschield, who averaged 10 points and seven rebounds per game. Also back are junior Ethan Ko and senior Josh Wichman.

“We need consistent defensive effort at all

times,” Poteet said. “We have to be very good defensively and make it tough for people to score.”

MARANATHA CHRISTIAN had its fair share of ups and downs during a .500 season a year ago. The Eagles finished at 10-10 overall, which included a 3-4 mark in league play for fifth. They closed out the season with a loss to Mission Valley in the opening round of their 2A substate.

GIRLS BISHOP WARD advanced to the semifinal round of substate a year ago but came up just short of a trip to the 3A State Tournament. The Cyclones lost to Sabetha in that semifinal round of the substate, wrapping up a 17-5 season.

Liz Cole is hoping for better things from her squad this season as she leads HERITAGE CHRISTIAN in the 2020-21 campaign. The Chargers finished with a 4-17 record a year ago, which included an opening-round loss to Maranatha Christian in substate.

There’s no place to go but up for KANSAS CITY CHRISTIAN after finishing in last place in the conference a year ago. Norton Hook begins his third season in charge of the Panthers, posting a 6-36 overall mark in his first two years. Last season, KCC closed things out at 3-18 overall, which included a loss to Wabaunsee substate.

Three players return for Kansas City Christian, including seniors Avery Spencer, Mary Harrison and Abigail Yockey. Spencer is the team’s top returning scorer and rebounder at 10.8 points and 8.3 boards an outing.

“We want to be closer to a .500 season,” Hook said. “We need to have a better shooting percentage.”

MARANATHA CHRISTIAN, which is scheduled to open the season on Dec. 11 at home against Waverly, posted a winning season a year ago.

The Eagles went 14-7 overall, which included a third-place finish in the Crossroads Conference.

They capped off the season with a loss to Northern Heights in the semifinal round of the Class 2A Lyndon Sub-State Tournament

per game last winter. But the Lions lost three allleague performers to graduation—Brant Morris, Andre Appleton and Drew Williams.

Lions coach Alan Hibler noted replacing last year’s senior class is just one key to success.

“We have to try to develop a point guard and depth as the season goes because you never know when you may lose one to the virus,” Hibler said.

COLUMBUS returns two key performers from last year’s squad that went 13-9 overall and 6-6 in the league.

Sophomore Landin Midgett earned second-team all-league recognition a year ago after averaging seven points and three rebounds a game. Also back for the Titans is 6-4 sophomore Seth Stover.

The Titans must overcome the loss of first-team all-league pick Patrick Cassidy and honorable mention selection Clay Saporito.

“We want to give ourselves a chance to win every game,” Titans coach Jerry Smiley said. “We have to work harder in practice and play tougher than all the other teams.”

ST. MARY’S COLGAN had an uncharacteristically down year in 2019-20, as the Panthers went 4-17 and won just one league game.

Longtime coach Wayne Cichon is confident last year’s growing pains will pay off this year, as the Panthers return the majority of last year’s roster.

“Utilizing the experience that our young guys obtained last season due to having only three seniors will be key,” said Cichon, who is now in his 38th year and has won 632 games.

Colgan will be led by 5-11 junior Jalen VanBecelaere and 6-3 senior Blaise Dawson.

VanBecelaere averaged eight points and three rebounds last year, while Dawson had averages of five points and four rebounds. Colgan must replace the graduated Andrew Lomshek.

GIRARD went through a rebuilding season after winning a state championship the year before. The Trojans finished 9-12 overall and 4-8 in league play. But seven players who started at least one game return—seniors Rigby Born, Logan Thomas and Gabe Muia, juniors Brecken Troike, Brahm Born and Quinn O’Rand and sophomore Alex Coester.

“We have a lot of guys with experience coming back and we should have some depth,” Trojans coach Rod Wescott said.

Rigby Born averaged 13 points per game last season, while Muia scored 12 a night. Brahm Born added seven points a game, while Thomas, Troike, O’Rand and Coester contributed six points a game.

GIRLS In a season to remember, FRONTENAC finished 22-2 overall, went undefeated in CNC League play and won 14 straight games to end the season. While the Raiders graduated unanimous first-team all-league performer Karma Fields, they do return three players who garnered all-CNC honors last year in junior Heather Arnett, senior Reagen Hipfl and sophomore Hattie Pyle.

Arnett averaged eight points, six rebounds and three steals a game, while Pyle averaged nine points and five boards. Hipfl contributed six points and six rebounds a night. Senior Abby Butcher also returns. With those players back, it’s safe to

say the Raiders will once again have high expectations.

“We need to improve each day and try to become the best team we can be, both on and off the court,” Raiders coach Scott Fields said. “Staying together, supporting each other and stepping up when needed are our keys.”

ST. MARY’S COLGAN advanced to the 2A state tournament, falling to Spearville in the quarterfinals. The Panthers, who finished last season at 14-10, will look to go one step further this winter.

“We are going to be faced with a lot of new and different challenges this year,” Panthers coach Abby Farabi said, noting the pandemic could alter the season. “We just have to control the things that we can control and go from there. I’m hoping the experience we gained from last year will help.”

Farabi said a league title and another state berth are two main goals. Colgan returns a solid core.

Senior Kaitlin Crossland averaged 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals per game a year ago, while junior Lauren Yaghmour contributed 7.5 points and four rebounds. Yaghmour earned second-team all-CNC honors last season, while Crossland was a third-team pick. Senior Riley Root and junior Gabi Radell are other players to watch.

GALENA went 16-6 and finished second in the league last season. With a solid core returning, Bulldogs coach Preston Scarrow has the goals set high, as Galena has its sights set on a state berth.

“This team gained a lot of experience and confidence last year,” Scarrow said. “We were picked last in the conference and ended up second. This year we will need to continue to work hard to get better.”

Galena returns three players who garnered allCNC honors last year in senior Addysin Scarrow, senior Riley McNemar and sophomore Mia Sarwinski. Scarrow averaged 11 points and seven rebounds last year, while McNemar averaged seven points and eight rebounds a game. A 5-5 point guard, Sarwinski scored 15 points per game to go along with seven boards, five steals and three assists per game. Her efforts earned her first-team all-CNC recognition.

Also back for the Bulldogs are juniors Raylynn Downey and Michaela Newman.

GIRARD returns five key performers from last year’s team that went 13-9 and 6-6 in the league.

Junior Faith Poland earned second-team allleague honors after averaging 11 points and four rebounds a game. Senior Brooklyn Tallie averaged six points and five rebounds a game, while classmate Makaila Ausemus added six points per night and earned third-team all-CNC recognition.

Liv Sullen and Kinley Smith are other players to watch for the Trojans.

“We want to build on last year’s strong finish,” Girard coach Brad Herlocker said. “We look to take a big stride forward this year. Our league is up this year, so it will be a dogfight each night.”

Anthony Roberts is the new coach at BAXTER SPRINGS. He inherits a solid core from last year’s team that went 11-10.

Seniors Allie Fry, Brylee Rice and Kennedy Krokroskia and junior Emmalee Williams all return with prior varsity experience. An all-league pick, Fry scored seven points a game last season,

Courtesy Photo

By Jason Peake, SoMo Sports Galena’s boys and Frontenac’s girls gave the always-tough CNC League two teams in the semifinals of the 3A state tournament last March.

Unfortunately, neither team got the opportunity to play for a spot in the title game, as the event was shut down due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, leaving the Bulldogs and Raiders left to wonder what might have been.

The league had three state-qualifiers in 2020, as the St. Mary’s Colgan girls advanced in Class 2A. BOYS GALENA advanced to the state tournament’s Final Four for the first time in school history. In a season that saw the Bulldogs claim a league championship, Galena finished with a record of 19-5, including a 10-2 mark in league play.

This year’s goal is a simple one for Bulldogs coach Matt Meyr.

“We want to continue last year’s success,” Meyr said. “We’ll try to win another league title and make a trip back to the state tournament.”

The Bulldogs appear to have the pieces in place to do just that. Galena returns four players with starting experience in 5-foot-11 senior Deacon Henson, 5-10 junior Brett Sarwinski, 6-1 junior Kobe McGlothlin and 6-5 sophomore Tyler Little.

Henson, Sarwinski and Little earned all-league honors last year, while Sarwinski also garnered all-state recognition after averaging 14 points per game. Little scored 12 per night, while Henson added nine points per game and McGlothlin scored six points per game.

FRONTENAC fell one win short of advancing to state after falling to Galena in the sub-state final.

Juniors Jordan Fudge and Colin McCartney are the Raiders’ top returners from last year’s team that went 17-5. Fudge is a 6-8 post player, while McCartney is a 6-3 guard.

Raiders coach Ryan Varsolona said defense, rebounding and free throw shooting are his team’s keys to success, but with COVID-related issues in mind, Varsolona added one main goal.

“Stay positive and test negative,” he said.

RIVERTON must replace the graduated Carter Brown, who was a unanimous first-team all-CNC pick last year. Senior guard Isaac Welch (6-2) earned second-team all-league honors a year ago and should lead the way.

“We’re looking for Isaac to make a big jump this year,” coach Bronson Schaake said.

Riverton also returns 5-8 senior point guard Joel Sigua.

“He’s extremely quick, creative and our best defender,” Schaake said. “He will have a great season.”

Versatile 6-4 sophomore Jamye Richardson, 5-9 junior guard Kyler Harper and 6-1 junior Derek Larison are also expected to contribute nicely.

The Rams want to improve on last year’s 12-8 record and third place league finish.

“We are looking to build off last year’s success,” Schaake said. “We have a lot of young talent in the program.”

BAXTER SPRINGS will have new faces in big roles, as the Lions have just one returning starter from last year’s squad that went 12-10 overall and 6-6 in league play. Kain McCully, a 6-3 senior, is back after averaging 7.5 points and 5.2 rebounds

Brett SARWINSKI Galena, Junior

Photo by Suan Hogard

CRAWFORD-NEOSHO-CHEROKEE LEAGUE

Page 46 while Rice averaged six points and four rebounds.

The Lions graduated standout Delaney Barnes, a unanimous first-team all-CNC pick who was regarded as one of the school’s all-time greats.

“We need to get better every day in practice, play hard at all times and overcome adversity,” Roberts said.

COLUMBUS also has a new coach this season in Matthew Leet. The Titans feature six returning performers from last year’s team that went 11-10 and 3-8 in the CNC. Seniors Lindsay Davis, Kerri Jones and Bailey Monroe all return, along with juniors Lily Mooney, Lexy Stone and Jade Fouts. The Titans must find a way to replace the production of last year’s standout Karsyn Youngblood, a unanimous firstteam all-league pick.

Leet said getting his players to buy into a new system will be a main key to success.

Sophomore Jacy Thomasson will be a player to watch for RIVERTON after she earned all-CNC honors as a freshman for father Adam Thomasson’s Rams. Jacy, a 5-11 forward, averaged 11 points and 7.5 rebounds a game last winter. Also back for the Rams is senior Emma Berry and sophomore Laibrey Higinbotham. Both players scored four points per game last year.

The Rams went just 1-19 last season.

“We need to be more consistent on both ends of the floor,” Coach Thomasson said. “We lost 11 games by single digits. We understand the steps we need to take to be efficient, offensively and defensively.”

Heather ARNETT & Hattie PYLE

Frontenac, Junior & Soph.

Courtesy Photo

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

Addysin SCARROW Galena, Senior

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

EASTERN KANSAS LEAGUE

By Brian Turrel, Wyandotte Daily News BOYS Perennial 6A state contenders BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST are in the driver’s seat to defend their league and title. The Huskies’ 2019-20 campaign ended with the cancellation of the state semifinals, just as they looked on track for their fourth consecutive 6A state championship.

Northwest compiled a 21-2 season record and went undefeated in the league. They breezed past Mill Valley and Shawnee Mission South at substate and then posted a 55-48 first round victory over Lawrence-Free State at the state tourney.

Losing graduating seniors Luke Blau, Markell Hood and Sam Stewart isn’t likely to slow down Northwest’s path to the top in 2020-21. Returning senior forward Jack Chapman, a recent UMKC signee, scored 20 points and pulled down 6 boards per game last year, picking up spots on the all-conference and all-state teams. Fellow all-conference first-teamer, senior guard Alston Mason, who currently holds offers from Nebraska, Abilene Christian, Southern Illinois and others, averaged 17 points and 5 assists per game. Also expected to make big contributions this year are all-conference honorable mentions senior Ben Fritz (8 PPG, 7 RPG) and junior Joey Robinson (7 PPG, 2 APG).

Head coach Ed Fritz, now in his 19th year at Northwest, once again has a team with state championship potential and expectations, and he didn’t get 656 career wins by forgetting the fundamentals. The keys this year for Coach Fritz: “teamwork, sharing the ball, rebounding, everyone doing their job.”

BLUE VALLEY NORTH also has state title goals after last year’s 6A final four showing.

Finishing second in the EKL behind Blue Valley

Northwest, with a record of 7-1 in the league and 20-3 overall, the Mustangs survived a 5149 squeaker over Blue Valley West to win their substate bracket. They won their first round state tourney game 72-66 over the Lawrence Lions to reach the semi-finals.

Blue Valley North lost six seniors to graduation, but still return four all-conference seniors to this year’s squad: 6-8 forward Andrew Orr, 6-6 forward Nikko Taylor, 6-5 guard Isaac Paterson and 6-0 guard Luke Adams. Look for 6-1 sophomore guard Jaxon Goldberg to earn significant minutes on the floor, along with junior guards Kernan Bundy and J.D. Roane.

Fifteenth year head coach Ryan Phifer expects big things from his experienced, unselfish squad.

BISHOP MIEGE returns an experienced lineup from last year’s 4A final four team that compiled a 19-4 record and placed third in the EKL standings.

The Stags powered past Altamont-Labette County and Tonganoxie to reach the state tournament and then narrowly defeated Andale 65-61 to set up a semi-final match versus 2018 champ Kansas City-Piper.

Conference MVP and all-state first-teamer Mark Mitchell averaged 21.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game in his sophomore year and returns to lead the Stags. Mitchell and fellow senior Harrison Braudis both hit over 40 percent from three point range last year, but Mitchell’s ability to slash to the inside keeps teams from just locking down on the perimeter. Junior guards Christian Bowen-Webb (12.7 PPG) and Xavier Hall (5.4 PPG, 2.7 APG) will keep this a well-balanced offense that’s difficult to shut down.

Head coach Rick Zych has another state championship firmly in his sights.

“We want to get back to Salina and finish what

FLINT HILLS LEAGUE

By Zach DeLoach, For Kansas Pregame The 2019-20 basketball season was a towering success for the Northern Heights Wildcats, as both the boys and girls basketball teams earned the title of Flint Hills League regular season champions.

However, neither squad managed to earn the league’s tournament crown and with both teams needing to replace a significant percentage of last year’s scoring, the rest of the league has a favorable opportunity to unseat last year’s kings and queens of the court.

BOYS CENTRAL HEIGHTS went 8-13 last season and struggled mightily against league competition, winning just two out of eight games. The Vikings then lost to Flint Hills League foe Lyndon 62-46 in the first round of the substate playoff.

With three of the Vikings’ top four scorers from last year graduating, head coach Tyler Oestreicher will look to seniors Jarod Crawford (12 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 5.1 apg), Brady Burson (6.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg), and Hunter Bones (4.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg) to lead the way in 2020-21.

The CHASE COUNTY Bulldogs turned in an 1112 mark in 2019-20 and ended their season with a 64-30 loss to Hillsboro in the substate semifinal.

Five seniors return from last year’s team and will look to finish their careers on a high note in 2020-21.

While posting a sub-par 9-11 overall record in 2019-20, COUNCIL GROVE tied for second place with a 5-1 record in Flint Hills League play.

Bruce Hula, who enters his 16th year at the helm for the Braves, wants to see an improvement in his team’s ability to win games outside of the league.

“We always want to compete at the highest level,” he said. “Our goals are to be competitive every time we take the court and compete at the 3A state level.”

Two of the three top scorers returning from last season are juniors, Koen Hula (13.1 ppg) and Kellen Marshall (8.2 ppg). They will join senior Haydn Bieling (10.1 ppg) as essential leaders if the Braves are to build upon 2019-20’s effort. All three earned some type of All-Flint Hills league honors last season, with Hula on the first team and Bieling and Marshall on the second team.

Additionally, coach Hula says he needs other players further down the roster to make an impact as well.

“We will have to develop some depth this season and stay healthy,” he said.

LYNDON turned in an impressive 19-4 overall

we didn’t get a chance to finish last year. We like our returning players. If we can develop enough depth, this could be a special season.”

BLUE VALLEY finished 11-11 last year, fifth in the EKL. The Tigers defeated Shawnee Mission East at substate before falling to Kansas CityHarmon 59-48 in the substate finals to end their season.

Like Miege’s Mitchell, 6-8 forward Aidan Shaw earned all-conference first team honors last year as a sophomore. He returns at the head of a fastpaced offensive unit and his developing game has Blue Valley looking at a winning conference record and an improvement on last year’s substate exit.

Also, 6-4 senior guard Miles Blandi will provide strong backcourt defense and a perimeter shooting threat.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS finished 9-13, sixth place in the EKL, and they were the runners-up in their 5A substate bracket, defeating Lansing in overtime before losing 51-50 to Topeka-Highland Park.

The Saints will look to climb into EKL contention with a defensive-minded team grinding out close games against the conference leaders. Senior guard Tank Young averaged 11.4 points per game last year and will lead the team’s ball control approach. He’ll get help from 6-3 junior guard Will Gavin who averaged 7.3 points and 1.6 assists per game.

Head coach Jake Kupersmith, in his third year, says, “In order to achieve our goals we have to excel as a team defensively, we need to be an excellent passing team and value the ball. If we limit turnovers, take good shots and compete every possession we’ll have a chance to win games in the fourth quarter.”

ST. JAMES ACADEMY returns four starters and is in a good position to improve on last year’s 8-13 record and sixth place tie in the EKL. The Thunder’s triple overtime loss to Washington in the first round of substate will likely be on their minds as they prepare for the coming year.

Junior guard Sam Somerhalder (6-7) led the

Page 47 team last year in points (12.0), rebounds (7.1) and assists (2.9) per game, earning a third team all-conference spot. Senior guard Michael Cahill averaged 9.3 points and 2.8 assists per game, and junior guard Tyler Claiborne averaged 11.7 points and 3.0 assists. Both Cahill and Claiborne earned Honorable Mention on the all-conference squad. Sophomore guard Brian Hawethorne averaged 5.7 points and 1.1 steals per games and expected to be a factor in the backcourt.

The excellent roster depth will favor the team’s up tempo approach on both ends of the court.

“With four returning starters and two seniors who tore their ACL their junior year returning to action, [we will be] able to utilize much more depth to hopefully play a faster pace and be able to compete harder for longer stretches of time, especially defensively and on the glass,” 19th year head coach Stan Dohm said.

BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST finished with a 9-14 record and at the bottom of the EKL standings, but then earned a state tourney berth with an upset run through their 5A substate bracket past Pittsburg and Topeka West. Their run ended with a heart-breaking 60-59 loss to Andover in the first round of the state tourney.

Southwest loses all-conference seniors Austin Morrow, Christian Ryckman and Tommy Zimmerman to graduation, but 5-9 senior guard Tanner Curry hit 33 percent from outside last year, averaging 5 points per game and 6-2 junior guard Jinwoo Kim averaged 9 points and 3 assists per game. Both will be looking to step up their contributions and provide leadership to an inexperienced Timberwolves squad.

Third year coach Dustin Leocher will have a battle in another tough EKL campaign, but the challenge may set them up for another postseason run.

BLUE VALLEY WEST loses most of their scoring power from last year’s senior-heavy roster that finished fourth in conference and compiled a 14-8 record. The Jaguars defeated Olathe North in the first substate round, continued on page 86

record last season, but its 5-2 record in league competition placed them a disappointing fourth.

Undaunted, the Tigers ran the tables in the league tournament and took home the first place prize. Their season ended in the substate championship game where they fell to an ubertalented Bishop-Seabury squad.

In 2020-21, Lyndon head coach Michael Massey looks to take his team even further than a season ago.

“Our team goal is to compete for championships: League, Substate and State,” he said.

Indeed, the Tigers appear to be primed for such a goal as they return several vital contributors to last year’s success, including seniors Miles Kitselman (17.1 ppg, 10.1 rpg) and Luke Detwiler (12.1 ppg, 4 rpg, 3.8 apg).

Also returning are juniors Toby Miller (10.3 ppg, 6 rpg) and Darian Massey (6.2 ppg, 6.1 apg, 3 spg), as well as sophomore Jackson Biggs (7.2 ppg).

Massey believes that the Tigers’ goal is attainable if his players can approach the season with humility and a commitment to one another.

“Our key to success is continuing to play unselfishly and improving on the defensive end, which includes rebounding,” he said. “If we can

continue to play together and not care who gets the credit, it can be a special season for us.”

MISSION VALLEY tied for second place in the Flint Hills League last season, going 7-1 in league play and 15-6 overall.

However, the 2020-21 season might be a rebuild for the Vikings as they will need to replace two allleague starters from a year ago.

Mission Valley will rely on seniors Dayton Logan and Dawson Logan to fill in some of the gaps left by last year’s graduates. Dayton earned allstate honorable mention and first team all-league accolades last year, nearly averaging a doubledouble with 16 points and nine rebounds per game. Dawson added an additional eight points per game.

Others bringing varsity experience to the floor will be Ben Rudeen, Ashton McGinley, and Keaton Marcotte.

The team was unable to play a summer league in 2020, which will require younger players to make up lost ground quickly if the Vikings are to get off to a fast start.

Seventh year head coach Jordan Hysten recognizes the uphill climb his team faces, but is also optimistic about its ability to develop throughout the year. continued on page 104

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 In their second year under coach Phil Jones, the Chieftains return three all-conference starters, Dallas Bond, Heston Robbins, and Rylee Beach.

EUDORA turns over most of their starting

By Brian Turrel, Wyandotte Daily News lineup that held a 10-12 record and placed fifth in BOYS the Frontier League. The Cardinals reached the SPRING HILL played a difficult non-conference finals of their substate bracket, but lost 43-34 to schedule, but ended up at 6-2 and in second place Parsons. Coach Kyle Deterding will need to bring in the conference last year. A substate semifinal along his inexperienced squad quickly to get loss to Shawnee Heights ended their post-season some traction in the conference. hopes.

“We only have two returning players with In his seventh year, coach Wes Book brings any varsity experience,” Deterding said. “With back an offensive-minded core squad that should COVID 19, we were unable to play any games have the Broncos back near the top of the Frontier. this offseason, so we have a lot of inexperienced The team is led by 6-1 senior guard Cooper players that will need to contribute.”

Jones who averaged 14.1 points and 2.5 assists Returning all-conference seniors Justin Fawcett per game last year. He’ll be joined by 6-2 senior (6-6, 7 points, 5 rebounds per game) and Ty Abts guard Ryan Weber who averaged 9.6 points and (6-4, 11 points, 4 rebounds per game) will provide 3.3 assists. Both earned all-conference honors height and floor leadership to the young team. in 2019-20. Add in 6-2 sophomore guard Luke PAOLA posted a 7-14 record last year and fell to Metcalf, who averaged 4.8 points per game last Tonganoxie in their substate opener. year, and the Broncos have three solid pieces to All-conference guard Ryan Wokutch is playing build on entering the season.. at Concordia University this year, but 6-6 junior The 4A state champs in 2018 and back at the forward Trey Moala returns and is expected to final four in 2019, KANSAS CITY-PIPER will be make a big impact this year, playing above the rim entering an interesting new phase this season. at both ends of the court. Moala was a unanimous Piper compiled a flashy 23-1 record and were first team all-league selection last year after undefeated in the conference. They looked to be averaging 16 points and seven rebounds a game. headed for a showdown with EKL champs Bishop BONNER SPRINGS had a rebuilding year last Miege when the tournament was cancelled. That year after reaching the 5A state tourney in 2018missed opportunity may mark the end of an era.

19. They ended with a 7-14 overall record and First-year head coach Brian Shelley will take finished near the bottom of the conference. over from David Birch, becoming the team’s third High-flying guard Trent Stimac, all-conference new head coach in four years. In addition, growth last year as sophomore, will be key to the fortunes in the Kansas City suburbs is pushing Piper up to of the Braves, as will returners Jayden Young (5class 5A in the new year, as the smallest school 10, 4 ppg) and Jayce Smith (6-1, 3 ppg). in the class.

Head coach Dan Streit has been a consistent If that wasn’t enough, the talented core that winner at Bonner Springs, posting a 99-53 record defined the championship run has moved on. as head coach, but he’ll need to develop a new All-conference seniors Christian Arndt (Rock generation of talent to see Bonner Springs back to Valley), Ty Shelley (Allen CC), and Gabe Eskina the top of the league. graduated, and all-state 2021 guard Tamar Bates Streit’s goals for the upcoming year are to is prepping at IMG Academy in Florida before “improve each day; outwork our opponent; be heading off to play college ball at the University highly competitive.” of Texas.

LOUISBURG posted an 8-12 record last season.

Flashy senior guard Dilyn Taylor-Cantu will be They took Iola to overtime in their substate bracket back to lead the team into the new era, as will before falling 77-68.

6-3 junior shooting guard Jaron Briggs. Expect They will bring back a talented core of starters sophomore Lance Bassett to be a formidable that should take them farther up the Frontier presence on the interior.

League standings and postseason brackets.

OTTAWA tied for second with a 16-7 overall Junior Julian Margrave, and seniors Weston record last year. They earned a state tourney Guetterman and Ben Guetterman earned allberth with substate wins over Chanute and conference honors last year and are expected to Independence, but lost their first round game at contribute to the Wildcats success. state to Augusta.

Head coach Don Blanchat will take the reins of Long-time coach Cliff McCullough (333-139 BALDWIN basketball for the upcoming year. He’ll entering his 24th year) loses four of five starters want to move quickly to fortify a team that placed to graduation, including all-conference picks Kobe last in the Frontier League with a 3-17 record in Johnson and Cade Gollier. He will have a familiar 2019-20. name to call on with his remaining starter, Noah “Learning under a new head coach, this year’s McCullough, a 6-1 junior guard who averaged Bulldogs will have to pick things up quickly to 10.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.1 compete in the Frontier League,” said Blanchat, steals per game. who comes to the position with 13 years’ previous Coach McCullough was preparing his team for experience. this situation last year, but they will face higher Returning staters are senior point guard Colby expecations.

Zimmerman, who averaged 5.7 points per “We do have five guys that gained some game, and Cole Mahaffie (5.1 points per game). valuable varsity minutes and experience,” said Sophomore point guard Caleb Carr will be in McCullough. “The key will be how long it takes the mix for playing time, along with senior Drake them to become comfortable in their new roles.

Martin and juniors Jake Berg and Kivryn Heck.

My biggest concern is who is going to step up and GIRLS help shoulder the scoring load.”

EUDORA earned second place in the Frontier TONGANOXIE posted a 12-9 record last year, League last year, taking KC-Piper down to the beating Paola at substate, but losing in the finals end of the season for the league title. The Lady to Bishop Miege.

Cardinals earned a 20-3 record and punched

FRONTIER LEAGUE

their ticket to the state tournament with wins over Coffeyville-Field Kindley and Paola in substate before losing to Clay Center 47-42 in the first round.

Coach Brandon Parker can call that a very successful first year, and he’ll hope to have another with 5-8 guard Harper Schreiner returning to lead the squad. Schreiner earned all-conference first-team honors last year as a sophomore, filling up the stat sheet with 15.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3.9 steals per game.

Eudora also returns 6-0 senior forward Jayla Pierce, a strong inside presence with 5.0 rebounds per game, and 5-8 junior guard Emma Durr who averaged 5.0 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

Losing all-conference seniors Riley Hiebert and Reagan Hiebert, Coach Parker will need to have some of last year’s junior varsity players step up to the next level to keep his program’s momentum.

State runners-up in 2019, KC-PIPER piled up a 20-2 record and went undefeated in conference to take the Frontier League title. They beat conference foes Ottawa and Baldwin again on their way to the cancelled 4A KSHSAA semifinals.

They never got the much-anticipated rematch against Bishop Miege, and with Piper moving up to 5A this year, that rivalry game won’t happen, at least not with a title on the line.

This year’s squad will look a lot different. A deep senior class of Ali Vigil, Ayreona Carter, Grace Banes and Riley Porter graduated. Upcoming senior guard Evelyn Vazquez, a recent Northwest Missouri State commit, earned first-team allconference honors and will look to instill her tough-minded approach to the game in her new courtmates.

Coach Shane Stout has had the luxury of big leads in the past two years to build playing time for his reserves. He’ll draw on that experience this year as those reserves move into starting roles.

Defense won’t be a problem with Vazquez locking down opposing guards, but Stout’s teams have struggled in the past to find scoring when Vigil, Banes, and Carter were off the court.

Returning seniors Dawnyale Bruce and Jennifer Guilbeaux will need to find that higher level for the Pirates to continue their recent successes.

BALDWIN placed third in the league last year with a 17-6 overall record. They earned a state tourney spot with substate victories over Louisburg and Altamont-Labette County, but then lost to conference rival Piper in the first round at state.

With a 223-95 record going into his 16th year, coach Bob Martin is no stranger to turn-over from a successful squad, and he looks to deal with it head on.

“Our keys will be for our returning starters and players to adapt to their new roles as leaders as they replace a strong senior class, and for our younger players to adapt to the roles of varsity players.”

Returning senior forward Jenna Harvey averaged 8.5 points, 9.4 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game last year and earned an all-conference honorable mention. She’ll be joined by 5-6 senior guard Lauren Russell, who averaged 2.8 points and 4.1 rebounds and 5-7 junior guard Riley Smith who added 9.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game last year.

LOUISBURG placed seventh in the league last year, with an 8-13 overall record, losing to Baldwin in their first-round substate matchup. Coach Adrianne Lane, in her first year with the Wildcats after a successful 90-36 run with Drexel (Mo.),

Page 48 has the opportunity to significantly improve that showing this year.

Coach Lane will have four returning seniors in her rotation, three who earned all-conference spots last year: 5-10 forward Madilyn Melton (committed to Benedictine College next year) averaged 13.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game, 5-9 guard Alyse Moore average 8.9 points, and 2.8 steals per game and 5-4 guard Brooklyn Diederich (Neosho County commit) averaged 6 points and 1.7 steals per game.

The Wildcats also bring back senior Megan Foote (5.2 points, 4 rebounds, 2.5 steals per game) and junior Delaney Wright (3.7 points, 1.1 assists per game).

Coach Lane has expectations of a winning record for the 2020-21 season, and a finish in the top half of the league.

Coach Matt Schurman, in his second year as OTTAWA’s head coach after going 5-16 last year, wants to take his team to the next level, getting to the top half of the conference and positioning his team for postseason success. With three senior starters, and two juniors who earned allconference spots last year, he may have the opportunity to do it.

Returning seniors Lauren Curtis (3.9 points, 3.6 rebounds per game), Summer Spigle (4.7 points, 1.4 steals per game) and Riley Titus (6.7 points, 3.2 rebounds per game) will anchor the rotation this year. Juniors Sofia Ficken (6 points, 3.4 rebounds per game) and Kirsten Evans (5.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.7 steals per game) will provide talented depth for this year and beyond as Schurman builds his program.

One key for the Cyclones continued improvement is to find more road success, after taking just one victory home from an opponent’s floor last year. Strong leadership from the senior core, with consistency and ball control will give the team a better chance, with the goal of getting at least three road wins.

Former KC-Schlagle coach Peyton Leslie returns to the bench for the BONNER SPRINGS girls program that went 9-12 and placed fifth in the conference last year.

The Lady Braves will miss all-conference player and dominating inside presence Kim Whetstone, now playing volleyball at KU. Sophomore forward Mariyah Noel averaged 7.5 points per game last year and will be key to re-establishing the team in the paint. Junior guard Corrie Hassett averaged 4.4 points per game last year. An aggressive outside shooter, Hassett will look for a lot more opportunities this year. 5-6 senior guard Maggie Myers averaged 4.1 points per game and brings a lot of experience at the point.

Coach Leslie’s keys for his new team: “Guarding the ball, rebounding and getting stops!”

SPRING HILL will try to get back to their winning ways of two years ago after a 7-14 campaign last year and failing to make it out of the opening round at substate.

The Lady Broncos return 6-0 senior forward Alli Frank, who earned an all-conference spot last year, along with junior guards Cate Milroy and Brooke Powell.

Seventeenth-year coach Clay Frigon is focused on playing and improving as a team as the key to returning to league and postseason success.

Coach Jamie Butler won a national championship as a member of the 2010 Emporia State team, and she will bring her passion for basketball to a PAOLA team that ended last year continued on page 104

GREAT WEST ACTIVITIES CONFERENCE

By Brett Marshall, For Kansas Pregame BOYS The CIMARRON Bluejays had been a longstanding member of the Hi-Plains League, a predominantly Class 2A and 3A league in southwest Kansas. Having established themselves as a solid Class 3A school, the Bluejays voted to move to the Great West Activities Conference for the start of the 2020-21 calendar year. That means they will battle some of top 3A schools not only in western Kansas, but in the entire state.

Boys coach Ira Mawhirter enters his fifth year with a 33-52 record, but will return an experienced team to do battle in the GWAC this season. Four returning starters off last season’s 6-15 squad are back, including Andrew Ridenour, a 6-2 senior, who averaged 11.5 points and 7 rebounds per game. Also returning are a trio of starters – 6-0 junior Braxton Harrison (7.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.0 spg), Seth Ridenour (6-2, Sr., 5.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and 6-1 junior Luke Janzen (3.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg).

“One goal for our first season in the GWAC is to prove we can compete with some of the elite basketball programs in southwest Kansas by achieving a winning record overall and in league play,” Mawhirter said. “We have a terrific group of senior leaders. Keys to our success will center on offensive execution, playing as a unit, and competing at a high level all game long. If we can do those things we will be successful.”

The 2019-20 season provided Parker McKee with his inaugural campaign at the helm of the COLBY Eagles boys program and it proved to be highly successful. The Eagles went 16-7 overall, posted a 7-3 record to finish second in the GWAC to Hugoton, and provided one of their best records in recent memory.

McKee welcomes back four starters from that squad, including 6-4 senior Peyton Wahlmeier, who averaged 12 points and 8 rebounds per game. Also back are 6-2 senior Ryan Meyers (13.0 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg), 6-0 sophomore Hunter

Vaughn (5 ppg, 3 apg) and 6-1 senior Jaren Rush (3 ppg, 3 spg, 3 rpg).

Mike Doll and the GOODLAND Cowboys struggled through a tough 2019-20 season, finishing just 3-18. For the tide to turn positively for the Cowboys, Doll will be looking for big production from returners Brennan Brumbaugh, a 6-4 senior, who averaged 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2 assists while hitting at a 39 percent clip from behind the 3-point line. He will be joined by returning starters Leyton Cure, a 6-4 senior (5.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg), Trevor Daise, a 6-3 senior (5.7 ppg/4.7rpg) and 6-0 junior Matt Nemecheck (3.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.4 apg).

“Our team goal is to be competitive night in and night out,” Doll said. “We want to win more of our close games. We want to be in the mix with our league. We want to defend with energy, winning rebounding battles and getting open looks while playing with confidence.”

For most of the past decade since the inception of the Great West Activities Conference, the HOLCOMB Longhorns have usually been in the league championship hunt. While the Longhorns didn’t win the league last year, going 13-9 overall and 4-6 in league play, they were still competitive.

Coach Chad Novack, who has a pair of Class 4A-II state titles to his credit, enters his 10th season with a sparkling 164-46 record at Holomb and 244-110 overall.

Novack will be counting on the performance of 6-0 senior Zephyn Mason, who averaged 13 points and 4.8 assists a game while delivering 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals each night. He will be joined by returner Cooper Autry, a 6-2 junior, who averaged 6.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game.

“Our goal is to get one percent better each day on and off the court,” Novack said. “We hope to make a deep run in the postseason. We want to emphasize doing the little things because the little things end up being big things in the end.”

With a mostly underclassmen lineup in 2019-

Page 49 20, the HUGOTON Eagles nearly ran the table in perfect fashion en route to the GWAC regularseason title, going 9-1 and 17-5 overall. Now, with a veteran cast, coach C.J. Korf has his team’s sights set on repeating as league champs as well as making a deep run into the March postseason. His son, 6-3 senior Jayce, leads the list of returners after averaging 12.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal as a junior. He’s joined by 6-2 classmate Haden Daharsh, who averaged 11.5 points, a team-high 8.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Joining that duo is 6-2 senior Goodland, Senior Wyatt Angell, another double-digit scorer at 10.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1 steal.

“We need to see improvement on the defensive points. “We are returning a core group from last end,” said Korf. “And we need to have some of our year’s team and I really want us to carry forward young players step up and contribute.” the successes and lessons that we learned from Once the dominant team of the GWAC in the continued on page 84 early to mid-2010s, the SCOTT CITY Beavers finished in the middle of the pack during the 2019-20 campaign as coach Brian Gentry saw his team finish 10-11 overall and 5-5 in the league, but remain competitive in many closely-played contests. The Beavers graduated much of their starting lineup from a year ago, and had one of its top players injured in football and will miss the entire season. That leaves Blaine Culp, a 6-1 Full Service Financial Institution senior, as the lone returning starter. He averaged 4 points and 2.1 rebounds his junior campaign.

The only other varsity returner is 6-1 senior Harrison King.

“We need to have the kids buy into one common Ulysses • 112 E. Grant • 620.356.4343 • gpcu.org goal, and that is sacrificing personal goals for Member NCUA team goals,” Gentry said.

The rebuilding season of a year ago saw the ULYSSES Tigers competitive in many games, but came up short in many of the closely-contested Kingman, St. John battles. As a result, coach Chris Wagner’s team Medicine Lodge whitesfoodliner.com Phillipsburg, Scott City managed to finish at 7-14 overall and went 3-7 in the tough GWAC race. Gaining valuable “Know the experience was one of the league’s top players in “Know the difference between having a difference 6-5 senior Lance Walker, who averaged 17 points, Bank and being “Know the having a between part of one.” difference 6.9 rebounds and 2 assists per game. He is joined Bank and being between having a part of one.” by returner starters Aaron Galindo, a 6-0 senior, Bank and being MEMBER FDIC part of one.” who averaged 10.1 points and 2.9 rebounds, and MEMBER 501Ph: Main Street • Scott City, KS 620-872-2143 • www.fnbscott.com MEMBERFDIC Ryan Nightengale, a 6-0 junior, who averaged 8.0 FDIC Ph: 620-872-2143 • www.fnbscott.com Ph: 620-872-2143 • www.fnbscott.com Ph: 620-872-2143 • www.fnbscott.com Photo by Jackie Elliott

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 Johnson was a second-team choice. Will Anciaux, a 6-6 sophomore, and 6-0 senior Tiger Jones were named HM all-league.

“We are hoping to continue the success from from last year’s 21-2 team (15-1, league) that last season and complete a full schedule due to won the City League title by two games over the COVID-19 complications,” head coach John Bishop Carroll. Laniah Randle, a senior, and juCherne said. “Offensively, we should be able to nior Zyanna Walker, were first-team all-league score well and defend utilizing a pressure man to selections, while junior Cayanna Stanley was a man defense. Last season due to the cancellation second-team pick.

“Taylor Jameson and Ashton Conley were the of the state tournament at the last minute, our two senior starters we lost, but we have some team feels they have unfinished business.”

Bishop Carroll, Senior Highly-successful coach Clint Kinnamon, who talent that will help in their absence,” head coach won 342 games and four state titles in 20 seasons Kenneth Palmer said. “Our goals are to make at St. John, is the new coach at WICHITA EAST. another run at state and outwork our opponents.”

By Harold Bechard, For Kansas Pregame BISHOP CARROLL was 17-5 overall a year ago City League schools suffered their share of The Blue Aces lost all-league player Fontaine postseason heartbreak last March. None more Williams (transferred to Derby) and have one and 13-3 in the City League. The Golden Eagles the Bishop Carroll boys, who were the unbeaten starter returning from last year’s 10-11 team - 6-4 lost to Maize in the 5A sub-state finals and return league champions and cruised into the 5A sub- senior Daylan Jones, who was a second-team all- three starters from that squad - 5-6 senior Jadyn Allen (4.0 ppg), 5-7 junior Kendall Forbes (10.0 state finals before losing a stunning 61-59 deci- league selection.

East is looking to get productive seasons from ppg) and 5-7 senior Khloe Schuckman (11.0). sion to Andover Central on a 3-pointer at the buzzShuckman was named first-team all-league, 5-10 senior A.J. King, a transfer from Southeast, er. The Golden Eagles finished the season 21-1 while Forbes was on the second team and Allen The Wichita Heights girls saw their banner sea- and 6-3 senior Braxton White.

“We have athleticism, but very few players with an honorable mention selection. son end in the opening round of the Class 6A state “We should have speed this season, so we will tournament with a 49-48 loss to Olathe East. The varsity experience due to graduation and transFalcons finished 21-2. And, then there were the fer,” Kinnamon said. “Size will be an issue and we be looking to play an up-tempo offense while putting on the pressure defensively,” head coach Kapaun Mt. Carmel boys, who qualified for the 5A must do a good job with team rebounding.”

WICHITA HEIGHTS has three starters returning Taylor Dugan said. “We return several players state tournament, won their first-round game over De Soto and then, saw the rest of the tournament as head coach Joe Auer’s Falcons will look to get who have experience at the varsity level, but we back on the winning track after last season’s 8-13 will be looking for some underclassmen to step up cancelled because of COVID-19. and take on new roles.” record and 7-9 mark in the league.

BOYS KAPAUN MT. CARMEL could be the team to Returning for Heights are 6-1 senior Bronxon BISHOP CARROLL is looking to stay atop the City League standings with three talented starters Frierson (10.0 ppg), 6-0 sophomore Marcus beat in the City League this season with three returning from last year’s 21-1 team that was 16-0 Ziegler and 6-3 senior Amarion Wilkens. All three starters returning from a 13-9 team that lost to were HM all-league. The Falcons also have two McPherson in the sub-state finals. One of those in league play.

Enrique Langford, a 6-3 senior, was all-league additional returning lettermen - 5-11 senior A.J. returnees is 6-4 senior Ella Anciaux, who recently signed a national letter-of-intent with Wichita and all-state last year, averaging 14.3 points per Neal and 5-10 senior Tyren Miller.

“Our goal is to continue to be one of the best State. Anciaux averaged 15.4 points and 10.4 game while hitting 47 percent of his 3-point shots. rebounds a game last season, earning all-league Alex Littlejohn, a 6-5 senior and two-time all- defensive teams in the state,” Auer said.

WICHITA NORTHWEST has three starters and all-state honors. league selection, averaged 12.6 points and 10.7 Also returning for the Crusaders are 6-2 senior rebounds a game and was also named to some returning from a team that was 8-13 overall and all-state teams. The third returning starter is 6-0 7-9 in the league. David Duncan, a 6-3 senior (6.8 Jennifer Jacobs (7.7 ppg, 4.1 senior guard Carter Reid, who scored 8.0 points ppg), and 5-11 senior Braydon Verbeck (9.3 ppg), rpg) and 5-5 sophomore Sophia were named HM all-league. Also back is junior Gimino (10.1 ppg, 2.9 apg.). a game and was hononable mention all-league.

Both were honorable mention “On paper we return a very good team,” head Demarcus Hoover (6.9 ppg).

“Our goals are a top four finish in the City all-league. coach Mike Domnick said. “We will have a cou“We hope to challenge for the ple new starters and reserves from last year’s League, a better than .500 record overall and a undefeated JV team to go with three starters off state tournament appearance,” head coach Andy City League title and make the an undefeated regular season varsity team. A Hill said. “The keys for us are defense and re- state tournament,” head coach Billy Graf said. lot of experience and talent returns. We hope to bounding.”

WICHITA SOUTHEAST lost to WICHITA SOUTH welcomes back three startbuild on last year’s momentum and have another successful regular season and finish strong in ers from a 7-13 team that lost to Lawrence in the Manhattan in the first round of substate semifinals - 6-5 senior Darryon Frierson the 6A sub-state last year, but the postseason.”

WICHITA SOUTHEAST finished second in the (7.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg), 6-2 junior Jamari Robinson (6.8 Golden Buffaloes still finished league race and was 15-7 overall. The Golden ppg, 4.8 rpg) and 6-2 junior Abel Jones (6.6 ppg, the season with a winning record Buffaloes lost leading scorer Jackie Johnson 3.9 rpg). Frierson and Jones were HM all-league.

“Our goal is to get this team back on the winning (transfer, Hargrave Military Academy), but still return three other players back with starting ex- track and make another run at state,” head coach perience - 6-5 senior Caleb Wilson (2.7 ppg), 6-0 Chuck Gunter said. “The keys are good team desenior Rone Smith (6.1 ppg) and 6-1 sophomore fense and good team chemistry on the offensive Kobe Smith (3.7 ppg). Rone Smith was named end.”

WICHITA WEST was 6-16 last year, but ended HM all-league.

“Our goals are the same - win the City League, the season on a high note, upsetting top-seeded win our midseason tournament and advance to Washburn Rural in the first round of sub-state play state,” head coach Joe Mitchell said. “Team de- before losing to Manhattan. Geremiah Moore was HM all-league as a sophomore - but has transfense and rebounding are big keys for us.”

KAPAUN MT. CARMEL’s season ended in the ferred to Northwest - and Hezekiah Washington semifinals of the 5A state tournament because of the earned honorable mention as a junior.

WICHITA NORTH ended its season at 2-18 last COVID-19. The Crusaders, 17-6 overall last year and 13-3 in the league, are looking for a big year year. Emmanuel Gonzalez was named honorable mention all-league as a junior. with all but two players returning.

GIRLS Blake Danitschek, a 6-5 senior, earned firstWICHITA HEIGHTS returns three starters team all-league honors, while 6-1 senior Grant

Page 50

GREATER WICHITA ATHLETIC LEAGUE

Khloe SCHUCKMAN

(11-10). Jayla Harding was named second-team all-league as a junior.

WICHITA NORTHWEST finished 10-11 after losing an overtime decision to Kapaun Mt. Carmel in the first round of 5A sub-state play. Isis Sanders was a first-team all-league pick as a sophomore, while Taria Franklin (junior), Taylee Hatton (sophomore) and Daysha Ongunbiyi (junior) were honorable mention.

WICHITA EAST was 7-14 last year and lost in the first round of sub-state to Dodge City. Asia Dawson, Aubree Dawson, Akeir Scales and Tiana Winn were named honorable mention all-league as sophomores.

WICHITA WEST has a new coach in Kevin Jolley. The Pioneers were 6-15 last year and have no starters returning.

“I want the girls to be competitive each game, as we have no returning players,” Jolley said.

“Playing together and buying into our new system will be important.”

WICHITA NORTH was 3-18 overall last year, but returns five players who have starting experience - 6-0 senior Noel Brown (5.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg), 5-6 junior AmUnique Cavitt (6.0 ppg, 3.0 apg.), 6-0 junior Guadulupe Urbina (4.0 ppg), 5-10 sophomore Paryn St. Clair (2.0 ppg) and 5-5 sophomore Katie Blessman (3.0 ppg). Brown, Cavitt and Urbina were named honorable mention all-league.

“We need to continue to improve from the previous season, and get better on defense and rebounding,” head coach Michael Bailey said.

WICHITA SOUTH finished with a 2-18 record last year. The Titans had three players named honorable mention all-league - Raisha Banks and Kianna Davis as juniors and Allana Nobles as a freshman.

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

HEART OF AMERICA LEAGUE

By Gallagher Martin, Hutchinson News BOYS Chase Wiebe and the BEREAN ACADEMY Warriors have unfinished business to attend to.

Berean enjoyed an exceptional season last year up until the first round of the 1A state tournament.

Berean took a 24-0 record into state before falling 38-33 to Stockton in one of the biggest upsets of the season.

Wiebe, a senior, averaged 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists last year. The 6-1 guard is a good shooter from downtown, but he can also put it on the floor and attack the basket. Senior Sam Snook (7 ppg, 5 rpg) will also play a big role for the Warriors this season.

Head coach Lewis Wiebe is entering his 27th year at Berean Academy and has a 483-132 record at the school.

“We will have to transition into a little more of an inside focus than last year with the size we have this year,” Coach Wiebe said.

Led by double-double machine Tyus Wilson, STERLING is looking to make a repeat trip to the state tournament this season.

Wilson, a 6-5 senior, averaged 18.5 points and 12.6 rebounds a game for the Black Bears last season. Wilson is a state-champion high jumper in track, and his height and athleticism translates well to the basketball court.

Last season, Wilson led the Black Bears to a 20-4 overall record and a trip to the 2A state tournament. Sterling won its first-round game, 6454, over Erie, and was scheduled to face eighthseed Hillsboro in the semifinals of state before the season was canceled due to COVID-19.

Wilson is one of three returning seniors forward Caden Webb and guard Cody Royer are the others. Four juniors - Kaz Comley, Cody Oden, Zach Surface, and Trevor Ochs - are also returning letterwinners for Sterling.

TRINITY CATHOLIC believes they return one of the top players in the league in Lucas Hammeke, and the Celtics also return a couple key players in addition to their senior point guard.

Hammeke averaged 20.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 3.1 steals per game last year to lead the Celtics to a 14-8 overall record and an 8-1 record within the HOA. Landon Gray, a 6-3 senior, averaged 9.6 points and 4.1 rebounds a game, while his younger brother, Walt, had a strong freshman season last year averaging 5.9 points and 5 rebounds a game.

With those three leading the way, Trinity’s success will be determined by its defense.

“We need to be better defensively on and off the ball,” Trinity head coach Mark Powell said. “We’ve got to have guys that have grit and want to guard.”

SEDGWICK returns two starters and five total lettermen from last year’s 11-10 team.

Senior Nolan Crumrine (4.5 ppg, 3.5 apg) and junior Lance Hoffsommer (6.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg) are the returning starters, while the junior trio of Ryan Stucky, Connor Tillman, and Sam Culp will challenge for starting positions.

Senior Henry Burns, one of 1A’s top players for the Cardinal football team, will add athleticism coming out for the team after not playing last year.

Entering his 27th year as head coach, Darren Crumrine said the goal is to compete for a league

championship.

“With the potential for COVID issues, we will need to develop depth to hopefully withstand any potential absences we may have,” Crumrine said.

“Our rebounding must improve from last season.”

Donald Raymer is entering his first year as head coach at MARION, where he will look to build excitement for the program after the Warriors went 2-19 last year.

In his first season as head coach, Raymer has two returning starters to lead the team: seniors Braedon Mercer and Seth Lanning.

Raymer said the team goals are to play in a tournament championship and give back to the community. Developing depth and staying healthy will be keys to success, according to Raymer.

REMINGTON returns one starter from last year’s 5-16 team - junior Braden Scribner averaged 7.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg, and 1.8 apg. For the Broncos to have success this season, head coach Matt Regier said his team will need to have balanced scoring and team defense.

“We will need some young, inexperienced players to step up and play meaningful roles for us to be successful,” Regier said.

Marty Wendel is taking over an ELL-SALINE team that went 0-21 last year. Wendel said with a heavy dose of discipline and structure, he can get the program headed in the right direction.

“A huge key to our success will depend on how long it takes our players to adjust to the new culture and philosophies,” Wendel said. “Another big key for us is getting production from our underclassmen. We will have a heavy dose of youth on the court at times so how they handle those moments will have a huge impact on our success.”

With a career record of 511-266, Vance Unrau is entering his 34th season as head coach at MOUNDRIDGE. In year No. 34, Unrau has a good nucleus of players with three returning starters and five total lettermen.

Senior guard Corbin Unruh averaged 11.1 points and 3.0 assists last season, while senior forward Jon Schlosser (7.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg) and sophomore Landon Kaufman (8.3 ppg, 4.2 apg) are returning starters. Senior Korbin Wedel (1.2 ppg, 1.2 rpg) and sophomore Logan Churchill (3.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg) will be in the mix for starting positions.

Unrau notes that depth will be a weakness, meaning staying healthy will be key.

“We have a core group of guys that are going to give us some options to play fast. I hope that means ‘in control; because I also like some of our options if we settle in the half court,” Unrau said.

“I would really like for this team to run multiple defensive looks and use our combination of quickness and length to get stops and steals.”

BENNINGTON has the returning talent to improve off last year’s 6-15 record - 1-8 in the HOA League.

Cayden Bauer, a 6-4 junior, is the top returner for Bennington after averaging 8 points and 8 rebounds a game. Junior guards Jawuan Allen and Ben Stanley are also key returners.

Although the Bulldogs must replace second team all-league selection Tyler Stanley, Bennington head coach Curtis Pickering believes depth will be a team strength.

“We will be deep with plenty of returning players to go along with our incoming freshmen,” Pickering said. “Speed and size will be a couple strengths, while minimal senior numbers will be a weakness.”

INMAN went 13-8 last season and returns the majority of its roster. The Teutons fell in the substate semifinals to a young and talented Ellinwood team.

The Teutons only graduated starter Kolby Blank and reserve Nicholas Martisko. Jace Doerksen, Kyler Konrade, Derick Johnson, and Kendyn Blank are key returns. The core of this team helped lead the football team to its best finish ever as a program in 11-man football losing in the state semifinal to Oakley.

“Next year we’re going to be older, we’re going to be stronger. I’m excited for the next couple years. I think this group can do some special things,” Inman head coach Brett Froese told The Hutchinson News at the conclusion of last season.

GIRLS The STERLING Black Bears are the defending league champions after an impressive 21-3 season that ended at the state tournament.

Before falling in the first round to Garden Plain, Sterling went undefeated in the HOA, won the Kingman Eagle Classic, and won a sub-state championship. Two key returners lead the Black Bears this season, but Sterling does have the unfortunate challenge of replacing senior Kayla Morris, who tore her ACL in the fall. Morris, a second-team all league selection, is a standout in the high jump and a talented athlete.

Returning for the Black Bears are juniors Kali Briar (10.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.5 apg) and Makenna Linden (10.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.5 apg). Both Sterling standouts earned first team all league last season as sophomores.

“Our goals are HOA League Champs, defend

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Page 51 Kingman Eagle title, and return a state run,” Sterling head coach Jill Rowland said. “Running the floor and improving on defense are keys to success.”

BEREAN ACADEMY returns three starters from last year’s 16-8 team that nearly reached the state tournament. The Warriors fell to undefeated Olpe, 56-51, in the sub-state championship.

Returning for the Warriors is the senior trio of Miranda Wiebe (7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.0 apg), Brittney Wiebe (3 ppg, 2 rpg), and Erin Mullins (6 ppg, 5 rpg).

The Warriors do return experience, but finding new players to step into roles will be a key.

“We return some experienced players and some players who are ready to have their chance at stepping into varsity roles so we look to have a competitive season,” head coach Kristin Wiebe said.

After finishing fourth in the league last year, BENNINGTON will look to compete for a league championship this season.

The Bulldogs reached the Class 2A State Tournament last season and finished with a 16-8 record. Bennington lost in the first round of state to Trego Community, and graduated first team all-league standout Chloe Stanley in addition to honorable mentionable all-league selection Jordan Murphy.

However, Bennington returns Kayla Kind, who earned first team all-league honors last season.

In addition to Kind, Bennington returns three starters: Peyton Piepho, Jasey Downing, and Olivia Lawson.

Bennington returns seven players who received significant varsity time throughout the season, according to head coach T.J. Trout.

“Every player has the perfect personality, mix of talents and abilities to fulfill the team mission,” Trout said. “They simply need to get out there, do good work, and fear less.”

In Jason Hett’s second year with the program, he will have six returning contributors back from a MARION team that will look to improve off last year’s 3-18 record.

Marion will have upperclassmen leading the way this year. Seniors Chisholm Waner, Megan Neufeld, Jaden Slifer, and Abigail Stuchlik are returning contributors. Junior Jayden May is the team’s top returning scorer at 8.7 points per game.

Sophomore Calli Burkholder is also a returning letterman.

“We will look to our senior leadership to help continued on page 58

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

HEART OF THE PLAINS LEAGUE

By Gallagher Martin, Hutchinson News BOYS After going 21-2 overall and 9-0 within the HOPL, the PRATT-SKYLINE boys lose a lot of their firepower.

Gone are twins Sam and Steve Fisher to Pratt Community College. Gone is former head coach Kenny Eddy, who accepted an assistant coaching job at Neosho County Community College.

With first-year head coach Hagen Turner now at the helm, Turner said the goal is a state championship, and the keys to success will be buying into a new system.

Seniors Eleazar Carrasco, Aden Temanson, and Braden Tyler will be key leaders for the Thunderbirds this season.

HUTCH-CENTRAL CHRISTIAN returns perhaps the top player in the league in senior Adre Ibarra. Although the Cougars are replacing a key senior in Adam Hall, Central Christian head coach Adam Clark believes his team should be able to battle for a league championship this season.

Last year, the Cougars were 16-9 overall and 7-2 within the HOPL for second place.

Ibarra, a 6-2 forward, has impressive athleticism to match his impressive frame, and he’s getting better every year. Ibarra broke out his junior year, averaging 14.5 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game.

Senior Caleb Yoder (4.8 ppg, 2 apg) will fill in for Hall at the point guard position, while juniors David Weis, Jack Losew and TJ Bessmer will also play key roles for the Cougars. Senior Dawson Urwiller, the school’s quarterback in football, will also be going out for basketball for the first time.

Clark said the team is working toward a trip back to the state tournament after falling in the substate championship last year.

“We will need to be able to rebound since we are going to be an undersized team,” Clark said. “We will be quick and athletic with some good shooters. This is an enjoyable team to coach. They have great attitudes and are very coachable.”

ATTICA is normally a tough out in the HOPL. After going 16-5 in Terrell Eskridge’s first year as head coach, the Bulldogs will look to maintain that level of success in his second year.

Although the Bulldogs graduate all state honorable mention athlete Mason Miller, Attica does return Xander Newberry, who averaged 12 points,

5 assists, and 5 rebounds per game.

Eskridge said the goal is to win a championship, and the key to success is teamwork.

Three seniors will lead PRETTY PRAIRIE on the court this season. Lucas Detter has good size (63) at his guard position and will look to improve off his 11 points and 4 rebounds per game average.

Seniors Trenton Rogers (4 points, 5 rebounds) and Kaleb Kruse (4 points, 2 rebounds) will also provide leadership, while sophomore Brian Steadman (4 points, 4 rebounds) will continue to see significant minutes after doing so last year as a freshman.

The Bulldogs have to replace their big man, 6-5 forward Dalton Schrag, who transferred to Haven.

“We look to be strong contenders in HOPL and make a deep run into the playoffs,” head coach Dennis Detter said.

CUNNINGHAM has a young squad this year, just like they did last year en route to a 3-17 record. Lane Halderson led the team last year as a freshman at 10.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Fellow sophomore Trey DeWeese will also be a key contributor for the Wildcats after averaging 7.9 points and 2 assists per game.

Senior Nathan Lohrke (8.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg) and junior Isaiah Reed (2.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg) will provide leadership as upperclassmen.

Cunningham head coach Bob Stackhouse said the goal is to compete for a league championship, and keys to success are getting freshmen and sophomores to play at the varsity level.

After a one-win season in 2018-2019, FAIRFIELD improved by four wins last year en route to a 5-16 record. Seven underclassmen played in at least 15 games for the Falcons last year, led by Ethan Waters.

Last year as a freshman, Waters averaged 14.4 points and 6.6 rebounds which were both team highs. Now a sophomore, Waters will look to help Fairfield improve off its win total from last year.

NORWICH went 13-11 last year. The Eagles fell to Berean Academy, who was undefeated entering the state tournament, in the opening round of substate.

STAFFORD finished the season with a 12-12 record after falling to top-seed Meade in the opening round of sub-state.

BURRTON struggled last year and finished the year with a 1-19 record. The Chargers fell to

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Page 52 Wichita Classical School in the regional opener.

SOUTH BARBER went 8-12 last year and lost in the first round of regionals 55-34 against eventual 1A state semifinalist South Central.

GIRLS CUNNINGHAM is the team to beat in the HOPL after going 24-1 overall, 9-0 in the league, and reaching the 1A State Tournament.

Cunningham entered the state tournament with an undefeated record, but the Wildcats were bounced by Centralia in the first round.

With senior guard Morgan Meyers leading the way, Cunningham has aspirations of defending its league title and making a retun trip to state.

Meyers averaged 17.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.6 steals per game last year.

Fellow seniors Maddie Panek (3.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and Alayna McGuire (4.2 ppg, 2.0 apg) and junior Madie McGuire (6.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.0 spg) will also be key contributors for the Wildcats.

“Our team will want to defend their league title, which is never easy to do,” head coach Eric Meyers said. “We feel like if we can do this, then we will have the type of record that will put us in a good position once postseason rolls around.”

Expectations are high for NORWICH after a 22-4 season that saw the Eagles reach the 1A State Tournament. Norwich fell to Olpe, 59-43, in the opening round.

The Eagles return senior Brittany Gosch, who nearly averaged a double double at 12.7 points and 9.1 rebounds a game last season.

Senior Avery Rosenhagen (8.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg) is also a key returner, as are juniors Anna Kyle (5.4 ppg, 2.0 rpg) and Kira Kelly (4.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg).

“Expectations are high overall,” coach Mike Klaver said. “We want to win our first game, win our first tournament, and position ourselves to be seeded high in postseason tournaments.”

The CENTRAL CHRISTIAN girls return three starters from last year’s 20-5 squad. Kaylee Kauffman had an impressive freshman season from the point guard position last year, averaging 10.5 points and 2 assists per game.

Junior Aly Lambert, a 6-1 forward, averaged 8.3 points and 5.8 rebounds, while junior Leia Shank averaged 3.6 points and 3.8 rebounds.

“Returning players need to improve scoring,” second-year head coach DJ Kauffman said.

“Interior defense needs to improve to make it to the state tournament.”

STAFFORD may be coming off a 5-16 season, but the Trojans return one of the top scorers in the state in Emily Green.

Green was 14th in all of Kansas, third in 1A, last year in scoring at 18.9 points per game. The senior also averaged 8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.6 steals per game last year.

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Also returning for Stafford are seniors Mariah Burgey (4.4 points, 2.9 rebounds) and Jayce Hildebrand (1.7 points, 3.8 rebounds).

Isaac Burnett is entering his second year as head coach and said keys to success are defense, free throws, and improved field-goal percentage.

BURRTON returns a pair of juniors who will try and help lead the Chargers improve off their 8-14 record from last year.

Juniors McKinsie Hoopes and Maci Dunlavy will lead Burrton this season. Ninth-year head coach Kelli Zehr said the goals are to improve off last year’s record and become more of an offensive threat as a team.

“Our keys to success will be to get more consistent scoring from all of the players on the court, tighten up our defense and to stay healthy and out of foul trouble since I foresee us being small in number this year,” Zehr said.

With eight key returners, SKYLINE looks to improve off last year’s 4-17 record.

Entering her fifth year as head coach of the Thunderbirds, Morgan Ballard has an experienced team for the 2020-2021 year. The Thunderbirds have four returning seniors: Kenleigh Nation, Kyrian Keeling, Molly Meiklejohn, and T’Lane Tobin; two returning juniors: Baylee Lauffer and Sophie Bricker; and two returning sophomores: Kady Anschutz and Presli Harts.

“We have a great core of returners back this year,” Ballard said. “If we will play for each other with enthusiasm, respect, and compete with heart, we should be a very tough team to beat.”

FAIRFIELD will heavily rely on senior Kaylie Combs to lead the way. Combs averaged 15 points and 7 rebounds a game last season for the Falcons. Paisley Smith averaged 7 points, 3 assist, and 4 steals per game last year as a freshman point guard and should improve on those numbers this season. Fairfield ended last season with an 8-14 record.

The junior duo of McKenna Vogl and Jorah Harbaugh will lead the PRETTY PRAIRIE Bulldogs this season. Vogl averaged 7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, while Harbaugh pitched in 8.9 points, 2.8 assists, and 3.0 steals per game.

ATTICA finished its season with an 11-11 record. The Bulldogs reached the regional final, but fell to South Central in the championship game and then lost to Kinsley 46-43 in the substate opener. Coming off a runner-up finish in the 1A-II state volleyball tourney, Attica could be poised for an improved hoops season as well.

SOUTH BARBER went 7-13 last season and fell in the regional semifinals to South Central.

The 13-point loss to South Central was the closest game South Central played at regionals in Ashland.

USD 332

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

HI-PLAINS LEAGUE

By Brett Marshall, For Kansas Pregame BOYS The goal for ELKHART Wildcats first-year coach Jason Wilson is quite simple – “We want to improve on our record from a year ago (7-14),” Wilson said. To do that, Wilson will be counting on mostly underclassmen. That group includes a pair of sophomore guards in 5-6 Clayton Cole and 5-8 Kage Ralstin while also putting hopes on returning 5-10 juniors Justin McKinley and Joey Dougherty.

“We want to finish in the top three of the league and host a first-round sub-state game,” Wilson added. “We need to compete for 32 minutes each and every night. How we transition to learning a new offensive and defensive system early will be critical.”

In the six previous seasons since taking over the reins of the LAKIN Broncs basketball program, Nate Schmitt has seen his team have winning season after winning season. The 2019-20 season was no different and the prospects remain the same for 2020-21.

Schmitt, 84-48, with the Broncs, will return one of the top players in southwest Kansas in senior Hunter Davis, who averaged 19.9 ppg, 5 rpg, 5 apg and 3 spg. But he’s not the lone force to be reckoned with as senior Dominick Daniels is back after putting numbers up that included 10 ppg, 7 rpg, 2.5 apg and 2 spg. Those two helped the Broncs go through the Hi-Plains League regular season with a perfect 7-0 record.

Jace Bachman is another experienced returner as the rising senior averaged 10.5 ppg, 3 rpg and 1.5 spg. Junior Servando Gonzalez also had a solid season by averaging 7.0 ppg, 4 rpg and 2 spg. Schmitt will look to senior Matt Morgan, and juniors Allen Martinez and Connor Hudson for key minutes off the bench.

“Staying healthy, and away from the virus will be important,” Schmitt said. “We want to be playing our best basketball in March. Our press, halfcourt defense, rebounding, and sacrificing on the offensive end are critical to our success.”

The WICHITA CO. Indians have bounced back and forth in and out of the Hi-Plains League in recent years, and they return to the HPL for all sports except 8-Man football this season. Haydon Parks, entering his 8th season, has compiled a 60-88 record, but last season made strides with a youthful team that posted a 14-7 record. The top returner is senior point guard Kayde Reitzke, who averaged 15.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.3 apg and 2.9 spg. Senior forward Manuel Chavez put up

12.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.1 spg while another senior guard, Sheldon Whalen, contributed 7.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2 spg and 1 bpg. Two more seniors also are back and contributed a year ago. They are guard Teagan Bishop (4.8ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1 spg) and Kendrix Loy, a forward, who averaged 7.6 ppg and 4.5 rpg.

“We’re striving for a balanced attack and playing together as a team,” Parks said. “We want to play tough defense, half and full court. Ultimately, we want to be in the substate final with a chance to go to state.”

WC will get a late start to the year as the Indians made the school’s first ever state football championship game.

The 2019-20 season was an aberration according to SOUTHWESTERN HEIGHTS coach Nefro Saucedo, who saw his Mustangs post an 8-13 record to drop his nine-year mark to an even 94-94. The Mustangs went 4-3 and placed third in the HPL regular-season and also took fifth in the mid-season league tournament. Saucedo does return a solid group of experienced players and hopes that propels them to an improved record.

Bryant Olvera, a 6-1 senior, leads the group after averaging 10.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg and 1.1 spg his junior year. Hever Mercado, 5-11 senior, averaged 6.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 2.5 spg. Those two were starters.

Among the other returners are 6-1 senior Sergio Puents (4.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg), Colby Louderback (6-0, Sr., 4.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg), Sergio Chavez (5-10, Jr., 7.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg) along with newcomers 5-10 senior Walter Ramirez and 6-0 junior Coleby Reiss.

“We want to get back to the success in league we’ve had in the past,” Saucedo said. “We not only want to be one of the top teams in the league but we want to win league and the league tournament.

Young players will need to step up early in the season as they take on larger roles than they had last year.”

The STANTON CO. Trojans will have a new head coach on the bench this season in Matt Cox, who takes over for Shane Traughber, now at Dodge City. In Traughber’s last season, the Trojans went 7-14 overall, 1-4 in league play and were eighth in the league tournament. Cox does have one of the top returning players in the HPL in 6-5 senior Cole Scott, who averaged a doubledouble of 17.5 ppg and 12.0 rpg along with 5 apg, 2.5 bpg and 2 spg.

One of the promising young players in the league after his freshman season is 6-3 sophomore Devin Dawson, who averaged 10.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2 spg

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Page 53 and 2.5 apg in his debut prep season. Chris Garcia, a 5-9 junior, also is back after averaging 9.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5 apg and 3.5 spg.

The remaining cast of veterans include 5-11 senior Rowdy Martin (5.0 ppg, 4 rpg, 5 apg, 3 spg), Aidan Waldron (6-1, Sr., 7 ppg, 8 rpg, 2 bpg, 1.5 spg), junior Sam Davidson (5-10, 5.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 spg, 3.5 apg) and 6-2 senior Roger Martinez (6.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1 bpg, 2.5 apg).

“Our success will be defined by our boys doing the right thing at the right time on and off the court,” Cox said. “It’s not what we do that determines if we are successful; it is how we do what we do that determines our success.”

Lance Carter feels like he and the SUBLETTE Larks have paid their dues in recent seasons, going 20-84 in his previous five years. After a 3-18 season, including 1-6 in the HPL, Carter sees his 2020-21 team as still young, but much improved.

He expects them to be more competitive.

Sophomore Ace Martinez leads the youth group after the 5-9 guard averaged 8.0 ppg and 2.6 apg a year ago. Tristan Friesen, 6-1, Jr., averaged 5.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg while Bryan Hernandez (5-9, Sr.) averaged 4.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg. He also returns 5-9 junior Derek Dyck.

“We would like to use our speed and skill to defend at a high level,” Carter said. “This team has a chance to be one of the most competitive teams Sublette has had in a few years. Our main goal is to improve on last season and build for a competitive run at the end of the season.”

For the past two decades, the SYRACUSE Bulldogs have been one of the strongest Class 2A teams in southwest Kansas and in the Hi-Plains League. This year’s edition will be under the guidance of first-year coach Jordan Wahlmeier after the Bulldogs posted a 16-7 record, going 2-3 in the league and placing third in the HPL midseason tournament. Senior Austin Plunkett will be looked upon to produce numbers above his junior season of 10.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.1 bpg and 2.1 spg. Sophomore Kyler Keller (6-0) saw plenty of duty his freshman campaign and averaged 6.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.2 apg, and 1.4 spg.

“We want to win league, sub-state and build a brotherhood to keep building on an already successful program,” Wahlmeier said. “Our goal will be to control the boards, run the floor and outwork the other teams defensively.”

GIRLS There is optimism in the air for the ELKHART Lady Wildcats as they prepare to tipoff the 202021 season, and for good reason. After going 18-5 a year ago, which ended with a Class 2A substate final loss to unbeaten Spearville, veteran

coach Rex Richardson is blessed with a wealth of returning talent and experience.

Two players who averaged double-figure scoring are the ringleaders for Richardson. That duo includes 5-7 senior Chevelle Ralstin, who averaged a double-double of 12.4 ppg and 10.4 rpg. She also tacked on 2.2 apg, 1.6 bpg and 3.3 spg. She is joined by 5-11 junior Jenni Forbes, who contributed 10.2 ppg and 7.3 rpg, while adding 2.1 apg, 1.6 bpg and 2.1 spg. The all-important frontline players include 5-10 senior Carrie Runkle (9.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.1 spg) and 5-10 junior Kamry Richardson (5.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.3 spg). Backcourt depth will be provided by 5-8 junior Maycee Eagan (4.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 spg) and 5-4 junior Sydney Brillhart (4.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.4 spg).

“We should be a team that continues to improve throughout the season,” Richardson said.

A record of just one game above .500 would not normally be looked at as making big strides in a program, but the LAKIN Broncs girls’ team of 2019-20, in winning 10 games against 11 losses, won one fewer game than they had in the previous two seasons combined. Now entering her fourth year guiding the Lady Broncs, Vanessa Esquibel sees her program turning the corner with higher expectations for the 2020-21 campaign.

Three veteran senior returners are the principal cause for optimism, with last year’s Hi-Plains League Player of the Year, 5-2 guard Jaya Esquibel, back after averaging 17.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3 apg and 2.5 spg. She will be joined by two other senior classmates, who very nearly scored in double figures. Tiana Gonzalez, a 5-4 guard, who averaged 8.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.1 apg and 3.0 spg and Talyn Beltran, a 5-7 guard/forward, who averaged 9.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.1 apg and 1.6 spg. Sophomore Taegan Bachman, who saw considerable minutes as a freshman, averaged 4.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.2 apg and 1.2 spg.

“We want to stay healthy and compete in as many games as possible,” Esquibel said.

“Additionally, we want to compete for an HPL regular season championship, HPL tournament championship, and state tournament appearance.

We also need to get better at rebounding the ball and being tougher on the defensive end of the court.”

New WICHITA CO. Indians girls coach Bryce Nickelson hopes a new outlook will give the program a rebirth after struggling through a 1-20 season. He will be counting on a pair of 5-8 juniors – Ally Wiggs and Amelia Koehn – for leadership on and off the court along with returning starting

continued on page 60

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

Tylieea WALLACE Schlagle, Senior

Photo by Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com

By Brian Turrel, Wyandotte Daily News After remaining in a remote learning model the entire first semester and allowing no fall activities, Kansas City Kansas Public Schools will return to action in mid-January, just in time to show off some of the top basketball talent in the state.

GIRLS F.L. SCHLAGLE went undefeated in conference play on their way to a 15-7 overall record, but the Lady Stallions missed out on a third consecutive state tourney trip, losing to Basehor-Linwood 6755 in the substate finals.

Schlagle graduated power duo Ishante Suttington (KCAL Player of the Year, Hutch CC) and Camille Evans (KCAL Defensive Player of the Year, Missouri Western). This year, the team will look for a spark from sophomore guard De’Janae Brown to complement the dominating inside presence of senior power forward Tyleeia Wallace.

SUMNER ACADEMY beat everyone in the league except Schlagle to take second place with a 13-7 overall record. Coach Michael Platt earned conference co-coach of the year for his team’s terrific season.

The Sabres are led by 5-1 guard Jordyn Rowe

Trever QUANEY Burlingame, Junior

By Jason Peake, SoMo Sports GIRLS The OLPE girls basketball team was left wondering what could have been at the conclusion of the 2019-20 season. The Eagles improved to 26-0 after the opening round of the Class 1A state tournament when the event was shut down due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus.

With that, it’s safe to say the Eagles have unfinished business in 2020-21. Olpe returns four seniors who garnered all-league recognition from last year’s squad that repeated as league regularseason and tournament champions.

Marley Heins and Macy Smith were first-team honorees, Maya Bishop was a second-team pick and Hattie Fisher earned honorable mention.

Heins, a 5-7 senior forward, compiled 14 points,

who glides into her senior year with an insideoutside game that’s difficult for conference opponents to stop. Rowe topped 1,000 career points in February and is one of the most consistently prolific scorers in Kansas. She’ll get help on the perimeter from 5-4 senior guard Allaina Spencer. The Lady Sabres will need a new inside presence to replace the rebounding of graduated senior Vanessa Rodriguez.

ATCHISON, which participated in fall activities as they are not part of the KCKPS, sees the league title within their sight after taking third place last year with a 6-4 conference record (714 overall).

In his second year, coach Blaine Cardy has the team on an upswing. He’ll expect big contributions from 5-11 junior forward Katy Harris, who averaged 13.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game as a sophomore. 5-4 senior guard Zamauria Herring averaged 5.8 points and 1.7 steals per game last year.

Coach Clardy sees the Lady Red’s attitude as the biggest factor in improving their performance.

His keys for next year are, “To improve our mentality to a winning mindset. Continue to build and cultivate toughness. Play hard each play and play for each other.”

J.C. HARMON head coach Bryant Tucker enters his second year in the program already the winner of the league’s coach of the year award (shared with Sumner’s Michael Platt). The team posted an 8-13 record and earned fourth place in the league, a big improvement over their recent level of success.

Returning 5-6 sophomore guard Marayah Taylor earned all-conference first team honors last year as a freshman, and will be a big factor in the Lady Hawks rise. Senior forward Jadah Clark will continue to be a factor on the boards on both ends. six rebounds and four steals a game, while Smith, a 5-4 senior guard, averaged 12 points, five rebounds and three steals. Bishop, a 5-7 senior, contributed 12 points and seven rebounds a game, while Fisher, a 5-5 senior, had averages of 12 points, three boards and two steals last year.

Longtime Eagles coach Jesse Nelson (926-111, 42nd season) said his team’s goals are simple.

“Play consistent, get better, stay healthy, have fun and win,” he said. “Our keys are establishing solid play in our starting five and getting some young kids to quickly improve to where they can give us quality minutes.”

This year’s squad will be in pursuit of the program’s fourth state title. The Eagles must replace 1,000 point scorer Neleh Davis.

Like Olpe, LEBO has a solid core back with four returning starters from a squad that went 15-7.

Junior Abby Peek was second-team all-league after averaging 13 points, three assists and two steals per game. Junior Allie Moore scored 11 points per game last year, while sophomore Brooklyn Jones averaged 10 points and six rebounds. Seniors Demi Schrader and Sydney Tollefson also return with starting experience.

“They have a lot of varsity experience and an understanding on how we want to play basketball,” coach Patrick Gardner said of his team.

BURLINGAME returns its top five scorers from last year’s team that went 15-8 overall

Page 54

KANSAS CITY-ATCHISON LEAGUE

WYANDOTTE ended the year tied with Washington for fifth in the league. The Lady Bulldogs graduated all-conference honorable mentions Latresa Saunders and Elizabeth Garner.

They’ll need to rebuild with conference Newcomer of the Year DyShay Morgan.

WASHINGTON faced another tough year, with a 3-18 record and a blowout substate loss to Topeka-Seaman. Sophomore point guard Mia Gomez, who earned a second team allconference spot in her freshman year, will be a key to a potential Lady Wildcats turnaround.

BOYS HARMON won their second consecutive KCAL league title last year, and are looking to add another in the upcoming season. The Hawks found postseason success as well, defeating Gardner-Edgerton and Blue Valley in their 6A substate bracket. They lost to Olathe South in the first round of the state tournament when their shooting turned ice cold at the wrong time.

Although they lost league Player of the Year Walzel Evans, the Hawks bring back a talented and experienced starting roster highlighted by 6-1 senior guard Lonell Lane who averaged 16.5 points and 5.9 assists per game. He’ll be joined by 6-4 senior Mike Carson who pulled down 8.5 rebounds per game and scored 8.5 points per contest. Carson and Lane both made the all-league first team. Add in 6-4 senior guard Chauncey Keys (8.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists per game) and 6-0 sophomore point guard Jason Rodriquez who started as a freshman last year and averaged 5.6 points and 2.4 steals per game and the Hawks should again be among the best in the league and class.

Coach David Gonzales, in his 11th year with the

team, believes that the Hawks have the talent and drive to get even better.

“We want to build on our 20 win season which was a school record,” said Gonzales. “We really feel like we can realistically get to 21 or more wins.”

His keys for that success are simple.

“We must be good defensively and try to get as many easy baskets as possible.”

WASHINGTON took second in the league last year, with a 12-9 overall record. They defeated St. James Academy in a triple-overtime thriller at substate, but lost to De Soto in the substate final.

Washington returns a very strong group from last year’s team, including league Defensive Player of the Year Kyren Angelo, league Newcomer of the Year Trayon Grant, and league first-teamer Nathan Johnson Jr. Look for Grant to put up big offensive numbers this year.

WYANDOTTE took third in the KCAL last year with an 8-11 record, and then bowed out in the first substate round against Olathe South.

Coach Martez Wesley graduated a big senior class last year and has some rebuilding to do on his roster. Junior guard Lazel Evans and senior guard Norman Robinson are both expected to return and play a role for the Bulldogs.

SCHLAGLE was in unfamiliar territory in the bottom half of the league last year, winding up in fourth with a 5-16 overall record.

The quartet of 6-3 junior guard Tyrese Cannon, 6-0 junior guard Emonta Hicks, 6-2 senior guard Cameron Milton, and 6-3 senior guard London Taylor are expected to return and form the core of the starting rotation.

Coach Patrick Battle will take over an ATCHISON program in need of a reboot after their sixth place continued on page 71

LYON COUNTY LEAGUE

and finished fourth in the league. Junior Daelyn Winters, a 5-5 guard, averaged 14 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals per game last season. Senior Emmy Punches averaged 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals a game last winter, while classmate Megan Giffin averaged 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals per game. Winters and Punches earned all-league recognition. Other key returning players are 5-7 junior Brooke Lewis and

5-8 sophomore Gracie Simmons.

“This group returns everyone and we are a very athletic team with solid depth,” said Bearcats coach Jeff Slater, who is in his first year as head girls coach, and just finished his sixth as head football coach. “This group of girls is ready to win and take the next step.”

HARTFORD went 13-6 and lost to Waverly in the semifinals of regional play and must overcome the loss of senior continued on page 88

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MID-CONTINENT LEAGUE

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame The Mid-Continent League enjoyed another banner season – and set plenty of history, especially on the girls’ side with Trego and Phillipsburg.

Trego beat Phillipsburg for the midseason tournament title. Then, Phillipsburg defeated Trego on the road for the regular season crown when it installed a box-and-one defense the week of the game. Trego won the league tournament title for the first time ever, and Phillipsburg captured its first regular season title in more than 45 seasons.

Both teams went to the state tournament.

Phillipsburg girls, led by standout freshman Taryn Sides, advanced to the Class 3A state tournament, the first state showing in school annals.

Trego, led by its trademark pack line defense, went to the 2A final four for the second straight year. Before 2019, the Golden Eagles had not reached a final four in 45 years. Trego finished 23-1 and surprisingly did not retain coach Donnie Shubert, though assistant Shelby Crawford has taken over as coach.

“Our team goals are to win the MCL regular season and tournament titles as well as win state,” Crawford said. “We feel like we had a good shot at all three last season but fell short with a regular season loss to Phillipsburg and the cancellation of the 2A State basketball tournament.”

As well, Trego’s Lili Shubert and Ellis’ Grace Eck both cleared 1,000 career points in its junior season. Eck signed to play for Fort Hays after high school. Both her dad and uncle were on the Fort Hays undefeated national title team in ’95-96.

Shubert earned first team all-state 2A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. Sides picked up second team Class 2A. Oakley girls also finished 17-6 with three losses to Trego, including one in the substate championship game. Norton returns 6-foot-2 senior Tessa Hauser. She has 776 career points and has committed to Colorado Christian. Sides, Shubert and Eck were all first team all-league picks, while Hauser, Smith Center’s Tallon Rentschler and TMP’s Emilee Lane were second team. Norton senior Hannah Bailey was honorable mention.

On the boys’ side, TMP ended Phillipsburg’s three-year reign as MCL midseason tournament champions. The Monarchs beat the Panthers in the final. TMP went 18-5 and also won the league regular season title at 8-1. Phillipsburg had captured the previous two titles. The best state advancements, though, came from Stockton, the league’s seventh-place finisher, and Hoxie.

Stockton, the league’s smallest school by enrollment, went 15-11, 3-6 and reached Class 1A state as the No. 8 seed where it knocked off unbeaten top-seed Berean Academy. Hoxie, transitioning to the Mid-Continent League last season, went 21-3 and went to the Class 2A state tournament. Hoxie will be a full MCL member this winter.

Hoxie returns first team all-state center Harlan Obioha, a 6-foot-11 senior who has Division I offers in football and basketball. Obioha averaged more than 20 points and 10 rebounds a contest.

Trego 6-foot-4 junior Charlie Russell was honorable mention all-state. Russell helped Trego to a 12-10 record under coach Sean Dreiling, a five-win improvement and the team’s first winning record since ’08-09.

“Be the most enthusiastic, most aggressive, toughest team we can be,” Dreiling said of the team’s keys. “Do it Together. With one another and for one another.”

BOYS TMP has continued to enjoy success under coach Bill Meagher. The Monarchs went to the 3A Final Four two years ago as the No. 8 seed and lost in the substate title game last winter. Senior Jackson Schulte, a second team all-conference selection, is one of the state’s top guards and delivered 15.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and two assists a game. Lucas Lang, who hit the game-winning buzzer-beater shot to beat Hoisington in the substate semifinals, delivered 10 points, four assists and 2.1 rebounds.

HOXIE finished 21-3 and won the Northwest Kansas League as it transitioned to the MCL with seventh-year coach Jake Moss. Obioha delivered 21 points, 11 rebounds, 2.9 blocks and 2.3 assists.

“Our goal will be to build off our success from last season and transition into our new league (MCL),” Moss said. “We want to play at our maximum potential every single night and have a hunger to compete.”

Senior Gavin Tremblay posted 4.5 points, four assists and 1.5 rebounds a game last season.

Junior Ashton Dowell delivered 8.5 points, 4.3 assists and 2.9 rebounds a game. Sophomore Brady Jones contributed 6.8 points, 1.9 assists and 1.5 rebounds a contest.

Hoxie is expected to have a deep bench with seniors Caden White and Kyler Niblock, junior Cade Gourley and sophomore Miles Baalman.

ELLIS went 15-6 in the second season under Mark Eck. Senior Brady Frickey, a first team all-conference selection, averaged 17.2 points, NO ONE

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3.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.7 steals a game.

Daniel Eck had 10 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals. Tegan Cain delivered 4.3 points and Tyson Jimenez delivered 4.8 points a contest. Eck and Jimenez both suffered football injuries. Coach Eck said the team goals are to compete for conference and substate titles.

“We will be undersized inside, but we have a very good core of guards and shooters,” coach Eck said. “How well we are able to defend and rebound will be key to our success.”

NORTON posted another solid season with a 13-9 mark and 6-3 league record with coach Doug Reusink, in his 30th season with the Bluejays and 36th overall. Reusink’s goal is to make the state tournament. Senior Jonah Ruder averaged 10.8 points and 4.5 rebounds a game. Senior Ryan Schrum delivered 10.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and three assists a contest. Reusink said the season will depend on how the young kids’ progress.

HILL CITY coach Keith Riley continues his remarkable career. He is starting his 52nd season as head coach and stands at 715-420. Senior Brody McDowell is back after he averaged 6.5 points and five rebounds. Senior Kyle Richmeier delivered 8.2 points and seven rebounds. Junior Derek Keith posted 8.6 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore Trent Long returns after two points and two rebounds as a freshman.

McDowell had suffered a season-ending injury in the ’19 football season that affected him for part of basketball.

“We should be much better on the offensive side of the ball,” Riley said. “Our strength last year was our defense. Hope we can get to that stage this year. We will be starting three new starters. I feel by second half of the season, we should be a solid team.”

PHILLIPSBURG had taken big graduation losses, though still delivered a 12-10 mark with 25th-year coach Keith Sides. He is 233-157.

Senior point guard Ty Sides, a returning first team all-league player, delivered 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals a game.

Senior Kagan Keeten averaged five points, three rebounds and two assists a contest. Juniors Joel and Jeremy Ford both collected four points, three rebounds and a steal.

Photo by Everett Royer, KSportsimages.com

Page 55

Brady FRICKEY Ellis, Senior

Photo by Everett Royer, KSportsimages.com

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

Taryn SIDES

Phillipsburg, Sophomore

Coach Sides has set goals to win the league tournament, host a first round substate game, run the court, get more layups and shoot a better threepoint percentage. Sides said the keys are developing post players on offense and defense.

WaKEENEY-TREGO has enjoyed a sizable turnaround with coach Sean Dreiling. Charlie Russell averaged 12 points, eight rebounds and two assists per game. Junior Cole Feldt had seven points, four assists and two steals a game. Senior Kobi Shubert had seven points, four assists and four rebounds a game.

The Golden Eagles graduated four-year starters Carter Minson and Hunter Price and Shubert and Trevyne Brown are the only seniors. Brown is back from season-ending ACL surgery. continued on page 89

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 The ROSSVILLE Bulldogs will look to improve on last year’s 4-17 record. Three starters return for head coach Eammon Bradley - 6-5 senior Bo Reeves (10.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg), 5-9 junior Aiden

By Harold Bechard, For Kansas Pregame The Rock Creek boys and Riley County girls Garcia (5.0 ppg) and 5-6 sophomore Kade Perine nearly had dream seasons in 2019-20, combin- (4.0 ppg).

“We are looking to improve offensively. We ing for a sparkling 42-3 record. But, neither team reached the state tournament. Rock Creek (20-2) struggled to make outside shots and take care of was upset in the substate semifinals by Mid-East the ball last year,” Bradley said. “We have a solid League foe St. Marys, while Riley County (22-1) nucleus returning with three starters and others saw its unbeaten season come to an end in the who saw significant playing time last year. We will substate finals against Jefferson West. Both have need to have a few players adjust to new roles in some unfinished business to attend to this sea- a positive way.”

SILVER LAKE is looking to rebound from a son. very un-Silver Lake-like season. The Eagles were BOYS ROCK CREEK returns all five starters from just 2-19 a year ago, but return five players who last year’s 20-2 team that tied Riley County for were on the court for a lot of minutes - 6-4 senior the Mid-East League title, including 6-2 senior Dawson Wyre (5.1 ppg), 6-4 sophomore Kamryn guard Dawson Zenger, one of the state’s leading Kaniper (7.2 ppg), 5-10 senior Andrew Osterhaus scorers. Zenger averaged 26.0 points and 4.6 re- (3.2 ppg), 6-1 junior Gannon Remer (4.2 ppg) and bounds a game, and had eight games of 30 points 6-0 junior Luke Womack (7.5 ppg).

“We are going to need to play hard, play smart or more. He earned 3A first-team all-state honors.

“He is a very good decision maker with the ball and play together,” first-year coach Johnny in his hands,” head coach Jim Johnston said. “He Roberts said. “We will have to play defense and anticipates very well defensively, has a great un- rebound. We will need to compete, play as one. derstanding of the game, and can play inside as We got a team with a lot of talent and looking to rebound from last year’s lack of success.” well if needed.”

GIRLS Also returning for the Mustangs are 5-9 senior Riley County saw its perfect season come Brooks Whaley (5.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 4.2 apg), 5-10 senior Charlie Killingsworth, 6-4 senior Caden crashing to a halt last year with a 49-38 loss to Vinduska and 5-9 guard Mason Sturdy. Whaley Jefferson West in the sub-state championship game. Head coach Harold Oliver, who is startalso earned first-team all-league honors.

“We lost two seniors to graduation but returnees ing his 32nd season (564 wins), will have three are going to have to step up to fill those roles,” starters returning from that 22-1 team that won the Johnston said. “Our program’s expectation is to Mid-East League title.

Returning for the Falcons are 5-11 senior Jessi compete at a state level every year. We have five returning starters and our bench should provide Brummett (12.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg), 5-9 senior Ames more depth this year so expectations are extreme- Burton (8.6 ppg, 7.0 rpg) and 5-5 sophomore C.J. Rignell (10.2 ppg, 3.0 apg.). ly high.”

“We have a solid nucleus returning with three RILEY COUNTY returns three starters from a 17-4 team that tied Rock Creek for the league title starters and others who saw significant playing with a 9-1 record - 6-1 junior Trey Harmison (8.0 time last year,” Oliver said. “We will need to have ppg), 6-1 senior Avery Holle (9.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and a few players adjust to new roles in a positive way.

Our length should be advantageous across all po6-1 senior Connor Holle.

“Our goals are to compete for a league champi- sitions, but shooting from perimeter will need to be onship and for a substate title,” head coach Dustin more consistent.”

WABAUNSEE returns one starter and two other Webber said. “Staying healthy and finding an inlettermen from a 20-4 2A state tournament qualside presence are key.”

The ST. MARYS Bears had a postseason to re- ifier that finished second in the league with an member last season, entering with a 10-10 record 8-2 record - 5-9 senior Madison Wertzberger (3.6 before pulling off four consecutive upset victories ppg), 5-6 junior Kara Hafenstine (2.5 ppg) and 6-1 to reach the Final Four of the 3A state tournament junior Lauren Schutter (7.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg).

“Our goal every year is to be playing our best before COVID-19 cancelled the semifinals.

The Bears of head coach Will Spradling return basketball at the end of February,” head coach four starters from a 14-10 team that knocked off Trevor Keller said. “In order to accomplish that, it Riley County (17-4), Rock Creek (20-2), Royal will be important for us to embrace the opportunity Valley (21-2) and Haven (21-3) to reach the semis. to improve every day. After leaning heavily on a Starters returning are 6-0 senior Danny Moylan great senior class last year we are looking forward (7.0 ppg), 6-1 senior Isaac Holz (8.1 ppg), 5-7 to seeing how this group will put their own stamp junior Jaxon Hurla (6.0 ppg) and 6-7 junior Fred on the program.”

ROCK CREEK will be looking to make big imCriqui (5.0 ppg).

“They have experienced success and know how provement this season. The Mustangs were 11-10 to win,” Spradling said. “We will need a couple overall (5-5, league) without a senior on the roster.

The five returning starters for head coach Adam young players to step up and make an impact.”

WABAUNSEE will be a team to be reckoned Plummer are 5-9 senior Evie Gill (5.3 ppg), 5-9 with in the MEL with three starters returning senior Lauren Gill (5.2 ppg), 5-7 junior Brooklyn from a team that finished 9-12 overall - 6-0 ju- Goehring (7.1 ppg), 5-10 junior Grace Gehl (8.2

MID-EAST LEAGUE

nior Brayden Meseke (11.7 ppg), 6-1 junior Cade Oliver (10.0 ppg) and 6-3 senior Tyler Lohmeyer (9.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg).

“We want to compete in each and every game,” head coach Christian Ulsaker said. “I have high expectations for my returning starters, but Dawson Schultz and Eli Oliver will have to fill some valuable minutes we lost from last year.”

ppg, 5.5 rpg) and 5-9 junior Lexi DeWeese (7.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg).

“This is a group that has had a ton of practice and game experience,” Plummer said. “We need to develop our bench to create natural competition in practice for players to earn increased varsity minutes.”

ST. MARYS is another program looking to make a leap forward. Four starters are back from a 9-12 team that was 5-5 in league play and played a lot of young players - 5-10 senior Jacie Schindler (3.0 ppg), 5-5 junior Katelyn Hurla (10.5 ppg), 5-5 junior Morgan Hurla (8.0 ppg) and 5-7 junior Vivian Martin (3.0 ppg).

“We want to compete in every game, finish in the upper half of the league and put ourselves in position to qualify for the state tournament,” head coach Paul Musselman said. “Our goals are team chemistry, building an identity, building around a solid core of returnees and incorporate young players at varsity level.”

Kyle Porter is the new head coach at SILVER LAKE after one season at Hays High and a state championship in 2018 at Royal Valley. One starter returning from

Page 56 last year’s 11-11 team is 5-5 sophomore Mariah Farmer. Other top returnees are 5-5 senior Kyla Hay, 5-9 sophomore Taylor Ross and 5-4 senior Grace Fitzgerald.

“This team will have a steep learning curve,” Porter said. “We have the potential to be a dangerous team late in the season.”

ROSSVILLE will look to improve on last year’s 4-16 record. The Bulldogs lost to Jefferson County North in the first-round of the Valley Heights substate.

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By Harold Bechard, For Kansas Pregame The COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on Kansas high school basketball during the 2019-20 season, cutting short the final two days of state tournaments in March.

The Beloit Trojans were one of 24 boys’ teams to have their season end in the state semifinals.

The Trojans won a first-round game over Nemaha Central in the Class 3A tournament and were set to play Wichita Collegiate in the semifinals when the tourney was cancelled.

The North Central Activities Association - now a six-team league after Russell joined the MidContinent League - has several boys and girls teams with the potential to reach the state tournament again this season.

BOYS BELOIT had seven seniors (five starters) on last year’s 21-3 state tournament team that tied for the league championship. Three of those seniors were first-team all-league and a fourth was honorable mention.

“The key for us are the young guys gaining confidence early,” said head coach Ryan Eilert.

SACRED HEART lost two all-league first-team players of its own to graduation, but still return three starters from a 19-4 team that tied Beloit for the NCAA league title. The Knights have won 40 games over the last two seasons, but have lost in the substate finals both years.

Returning for the Knights are 6-1 senior Caleb Gilliland (11.9 ppg, first-team all-league), 6-4 senior Jacob Gormley (6.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, HM allleague), 6-2 senior Mason Richards (5.7 ppg) and 6-3 junior Alex Disberger (4.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg).

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league and make it to state,” SHHS head coach Brian Gormley said. “Also, to average 50 percent or better in field goal percentage, create more than 12 percent ball loss for our opponents and improve our perimeter shooting and defensive rebounding.”

The MINNEAPOLIS Lions are looking for a big year with three full-time starters and two part-time starters returning from a 14-7 team that finished third in the league race.

Two of those returnees - 6-2 senior Spencer Davidson (12.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg) and 6-2 senior Nolan White (13.3 ppg, 4.1 apg.) - were named firstteam all-league, while 5-10 senior Trent Moeckel (7.9 ppg) was on the honorable mention list.

Part-time starters returning are 5-11 senior John Nelson (4.1 ppg) and 6-0 senior Daniel Watson (4.8 ppg, 4.2 apg.).

“We want to play better defensively and be in the championship game in every tournament we play in,” head coach John Darrow said. “Our goal is to shoot free throws above 65 percent as a team and have our players accepting their roles on the team and taking personal responsibility for their play on the floor.”

SOUTHEAST OF SALINE went from five to 14 victories in head coach Bryson Flax’s second season. The Trojans will be looking for more this year with four starters returning from a 14-7 team that finished fourth in the league.

Returning for the Trojans are 6-1 senior Jaxson Gebhardt (9.0 ppg), 6-1 senior Bryant Banks (13.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg), 6-1 senior Eli Harris (7.0 ppg) and 6-5 sophomore Eli Sawyers (11.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg).

Banks and Sawyers were first-team all-league selections, while Gebhardt was an honorable

Page 57

mention choice.

“We would like to improve on our 14 wins from last season,” Flax said. “We will need to get out and run the floor a little more. I’ve got a very unselfish group that likes to push it up the floor. I think that will be key.”

REPUBLIC COUNTY features one of the league’s top players in 6-4 junior Blake Aurand, who averaged 11.1 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game last year. But Aurand, who was honorable mention all-league, is the Buffaloes only returning starter from last year’s 7-15 team.

“Our goals will be to continually improve our group of young guys who will be taking on considerably more responsibility in new roles,” head coach Nic Junker said. “We intend on challenging the toughest teams in our league, and look to compete against strong competition in our nonleague competition as well.”

ELLSWORTH is expected to make a push for more wins this season as well. The Bearcats were 7-14 a year ago, but return five senior starters 6-4 forward Avery Haxton (16.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg), 6-5 forward Braden Schulte (12.0 ppg), 6-1 guard Jaxson Stefek (1.0 ppg), 6-2 swingman Trey Anderson (7.0 ppg) and 6-0 guard John Kyler (4.0 ppg). Haxton earned honorable mention allleague honors last season.

“Our goals are to make noticeable improvements over last year,” head coach Ryan Webber said. “We also want to finish in the top three in our league and play in the substate finals.”

GIRLS BELOIT looks to reload this year after winning the league championship and posting a 15-7 overall record. One starter returns for head coach

Photo by Stephanie Meier

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

Porsche COOPER Beloit, Senior

Shauna Remus - 6-0 senior center Porsche Cooper, who averaged 8.2 point, 7.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game while earning honorable mention all-league honors. Also returning is 5-4 senior guard Reagan Eilert (2.0 ppg).

“Seniors’ Sierra Shamburg and Madison File are expected to contribute more this year as well and will play important roles,” Remus said. “We also have a strong set of underclassmen, but losing five seniors will leave a void in experience.”

SOUTHEAST OF SALINE came on strong last season, winning nine of its last 10 games to finish with a 16-6 record and second-place finish in the league race. The Trojans feature one of the top players in the league in first-team All-NCAA junior guard Karsyn Schlesener, who led the league in scoring (18.8 ppg) and also averaged 6.0 rebounds a game. Other starters returning are junior Alaina Yianakopulos (5.0 ppg) and junior Mallorie Pearson (2.5 ppg).

“We lost a great group of six seniors to graduation. and their leadership will be tough to replace, but we have confidence we’re ready to reload with the talent and experience we have coming back,” head coach Shauna Smith said. “Our biggest question mark is whether we can rebound and defend other teams size up front as we are very continued on page 58

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 5-11 senior Courtney Forte (7.0 ppg, 12 rpg,), who led the league in rebounding and was named honorable mention all-league, and 5-6 junior Cameron small in that position.”

Cleveland (7.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg).

SACRED HEART returns three starters from last “Finding a third consistent scorer is a key for us,” year’s 14-8 team that finished third in the league head coach Bryan Weatherman said. “We feel rerace - 5-10 senior Emilee Everett (7.3 ppg, 4.5 ally good about Courtney and Camron and what rpg), 5-10 senior Kelsie Gack (3.4 ppg) and 5-7 they can do, but in order for us to be successful, senior Ella Gotti (7.4 ppg). Everett was named someone else is going to have to step up.” honorable mention all-league.

The ELLSWORTH Bearcats will have the young“Our goals are to make it to the state tournament est team in the league. All five starters from last and have a lower points allowed than last year year’s 5-16 team were seniors. Varsity returnees (44.1),” Knights head coach Keenan Thompson include 5-2 junior Natalie Rolfs and 5-9 sophomore said. “We need to continue to grow closer as a Greta Klein. A large freshman class will supply team and build our culture, which revolves around both depth and varsity minutes. hard work, being tough, loving your teammates “We’re excited to have a lot of new players this and trusting the process.” year,” head coach Ken Cravens said. “The girls will REPUBLIC COUNTY has one starter return- have to step up their games collectively to coming from an 11-11 team that finished fourth in the pete in the league, and also against a tough nonleague race with a 7-5 record - senior Emily Jensik, league schedule.” who averaged 7.0 points per game.

“Perimeter shooting and defensive rebounding are two things that are important to us and things we are looking to improve on,” said RCHS head coach Colton Grove.

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push us this season on and off the floor,” Hett said. “A big key to our success will be our ability to handle the ball. We struggled with that last season, and the girls put in some good work this summer to get better at our ball handling.”

HUTCHINSON-TRINITY returns one of the top players in the league in senior Hayley Hughes.

The Celtics, 13-10 overall, finished second in the HOA last season.

Hughes averaged 14.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game last year. She is one of two returning starters - senior Becca Hammersmith (6.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg) is the other.

“Keys to success will be developing younger players who do not have much varsity experience,” Trinity head coach Ricky Snyder said.

SEDGWICK returns all-league HM senior Taylinn Lacey from last year’s 6-15 team. Senior Camryn McGinn, sophomores Addie Fitch and Anissa Croxton, and freshman Logan Stucky are the team’s top players this season.

“Looking forward to this group of hardworking girls,” coach Aaron Stucky said. “My expectations for this team are to show up everyday and work hard for each other and

Page 58 have fun.”

INMAN graduated a strong senior class last year consisting of Emma Froese, Aisjha Miles, Ashtyn Shroeder, Lauren Maurer, Rachel Harman, and Hope Schriner. As sophomores, they helped the Teutons reach the state tournament, and as juniors the team won 18 games. Last year, the Teutons went 14-7 and lost to Hutchinson-Trinity Catholic in the sub-state semifinals.

Dantlie Raney is an all-league point guard who will provide senior leadership for Inman this season. Raegen Neufeld is also a key senior for the Teutons this season.

MOUNDRIDGE ended last year with a 10-11 record after falling to Ellinwood in the opening round of sub-state. The Wildcats return key starters in junior Kate Eichelberg, and seniors Erin Durst and Kourtney Kaufman.

WHITEWATER-REMINGTON went 3-18 last season and fell in the opening round of substate to eventual substate champions Sterling.

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NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS LEAGUE

By Chance Liebau, For Kansas Pregame The North Central Kansas League was once again one of the deepest in Kansas.

For the girls, it was a three-way tie at the top for the NCKL title with Chapman, Clay Center, and Wamego all finishing with 8-2 records in league play. Both Chapman and Clay Center moved on to the 4A state tournament.

For the boys, it was Abilene once again on top for the sixth straight season with a 9-1 record in league play. With a lot of returning talent around the league, it should be a very competitive season all-around once again.

BOYS Despite winning a sixth straight NCKL title, ABILENE will roll with a new head coach after Terry Taylor’s contract was not renewed. Six-year assistant Erik Graefe takes over. The Cowboys lose all-state guard Travis Beetch, but return nearly every other player from a 14-8 squad.

Junior forward Kaleb Becker (6-4, 11 ppg, 8 rpg) earned honorable mention all-state from the Capital-Journal the past two seasons, and he will be looking to break out this season. Senior guards Avery Bryson (6-3, 9 ppg, 5 rpg) and Josh Stuber (6-3, 8 ppg, 5 rpg) also return along with 6-9 senior center Grant Heintz who averaged six points and six boards a year ago. Senior guard Blaise McVan (5-10, 5 ppg) gives Graefe five returning starters and 6-5 senior center Kieryan Anderson provides even more height off the bench.

“We will experience growing pains early, but senior leadership will help as the season progresses,” Graefe said.

MARYSVILLE had plenty of success last year, going 18-5 and 8-2 in NCKL play. The key for the Bulldogs is replacing eight lettermen, including three starters. Two starters return for Marysville in senior guards Jackson Rader and Gavin Pieschl.

Scott Brown, who carries an 85-49 record into his seventh season at Marysville, believes that the Bulldogs can be great if they “work hard each and every day” and follow the senior leadership.

“We return a good group of seniors and have some young guys that could blossom into great players if they follow those that have come before them,” Brown said.

With just one returning starter, WAMEGO head coach Troy Hemphill may find it difficult to improve on last year’s 8-13 record. Even with the sub-.500 record the Red Raiders were 5-5 in league play, good for a third place finish.

Fortunately for Hemphill, who enters his 23rd season at Wamego, that lone returner is All-NCKL forward Tanner Hecht who averaged 15.2 points and 7.1 rebounds last year. Building around Hecht will be key to the Red Raiders’ success.

CLAY CENTER was extremely competitive in the second half of their season, with close calls against top teams in the league like Abilene and Marysville. The Tigers return six players with starting experience from a 5-16 team last year.

With plenty of returning experience, second-year head coach Travis Smith says that this year’s goal is winning the league title and a shot at the state tournament. Seniors Tanner Demars (7 ppg, 2 rpg) and Witt Williams (7 ppg, 4 rpg) will look to lead a veteran Tiger squad.

Following a 19-6 record in 2018-19 that culimnated in their first appearance in the state tournament since 2006-07, CHAPMAN struggled to replace the senior experience and finished last season just 7-14 and 2-8 in league play. Losing just three seniors, head coach James Bell says that team chemistry and experience are key strengths to this year’s Irish squad. The Irish return five players with starting experience. Junior guard Trey Adams (8.7 ppg, All-NCKL HM), senior forward Jon Jenkins (6.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg), and junior guard Cam Liebau (5.7 ppg, 36% 3P) will be key players for the Irish.

CONCORDIA returns plenty of experience from a young squad last season that finished 4-17 and 3-8 in league play. The Panthers return two allNCKL players in senior guard Wyatt Trost (8.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.8 apg), who missed time with a broken foot last season, and senior forward Chas Carlgren (9.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg), but he will miss most of the season with a torn ACL. The younger Carlgren, junior guard Cav, should be a solid contributor after averaging 7.4 points and 5.3 rebounds as a sophomore.

After spending six years as an assistant, Derek Holmes is entering his first year as the head coach for the Panthers after a highly successful stint as girls head coach from 2008 to 2010.

GIRLS After a final four finish in the state tournament last winter, 17-6 CLAY CENTER returns a bulk of experience.

Clara Edwards was an all-state selection as a junior last year after putting up 16.4 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game.

Seventh-year head coach Jeff Edwards returns

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three more starters with seniors Reaghan Henry (5-9) and Marcy Hammel (5-6, 3 ppg, 3 rpg), and junior Shelby Siebold (5-6, 8 ppg, 4 rpg).

The top competition for the Tigers will be WAMEGO, who finished in a three-way tie for first in NCKL but were upset in the first round of substate by Abilene. The Lady Raiders return a pair of starters in senior Paige Donnelly (9.5 ppg, 3 apg, 3 rpg) and sophomore Ashten Piersen (6.2 ppg).

Head coach Brian McIntosh believes that the progress the team made last season will trickle into this year, with most of the team returning.

CHAPMAN went to state for the first time since 2005-06 and were co-NCKL champions with Clay Center and Wamego, but unfortunately ran into the Bishop Miege powerhouse at state and were ousted in the first round.

The Lady Irish return a pair of starters from last year’s squad with junior Shannon Anderson (3 ppg, 3.3 rpg) and sophomore Maya Kirkpatrick (4.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg) and may find it difficult to repeat last year’s success.

According to head coach Drew Gruver, defense will be key for the Lady Irish’s continued success this winter.

After a strong finish last year, ABILENE coach Mike Liby believes the Cowgirls have a great chance to build off of their late success from last season.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

Kaleb BECKER Abilene, Junior

“Our key this year will be coming together on the floor as a team,” Liby said. “We ended our season very well last year in this regard and have the building blocks to continue.”

With three returning starters (seniors Allison Liby, Abi Lillard, and junior Jenna Hayes), Abilene will be looking to improve off of last season.

Following an 8-12 season in 2019-20, MARYSVILLE will be looking to improve with a solid group of returners.

CONCORDIA had a lot of inexperience and youth last season but return several key contributors from a 2-19 team. The key returner is senior Kendall Reynolds (All-NCKL, 8.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg), along with seniors Zoe Bechard (6.7 ppg, 2 rpg) and Terrin Rundus (4.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg).

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sophomore 5-6 Jasiva Hernandez.

“We need to learn to compete and outwork our opponents every day in all that we do,” Nickelson said. “We want to play with great enthusiasm and intensity.”

Seven players who either started or saw considerable court time in 2019-20 will be the foundation on which SOUTHWESTERN HEIGHTS Mustangs Coach Bob Murphy will look to for improving on a 2-18 record. The Lady Mustangs were just 1-8 in the HPL. Shelby Sutherland, a 5-8 senior, is back after averaging 5.6 ppg and 4 rpg while 5-10 senior forward Susana Carrillo provides inside play at 6.5 ppg and 3 rpg along with 1 bpg. Three other seniors will add experience and depth, with that group including 5-8 Anaxee Gutierrez (3.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg), Sarah Headrick (5-5, 3.0 ppg, 2.3 apg), and Vianey Jimenez (5-7, 5.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg). Junior Dianna Olvera (5-6) and sophomore Lucy Vajnar (5-10) averaged 2.9ppg each to provide depth.

“Our goal is to compete hard and give ourselves a chance in every game,” Murphy said.

Long-time assistant coach Robyn Kendrick takes over the top spot for the STANTON CO. Trojans as the 2020-21 season prepares to start and inherits a solid core of players who helped compile a 14-8 record last season, including 2-2 in the Hi-Plains League regular season and a fourth-place finish at the league tournament. Three seniors and a sophomore will be the integral players for Kendrick to build upon.

That group includes Jordyn Tucker (5.9 ppg), Jorge Snook (6.3 ppg) and Peyton Peterson (5.3 ppg). Sophomore Adyson Scott contributed 7.1 ppg in her debut season.

In his first year of coaching the SUBLETTE

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Larks, Wayne Lee watched his team post a 14-9 record only to slip to 9-12 in year No. 2. For the Larks to get back on the winning side of the fence, Lee says his team will need to play better defense, improve its rebounding and shoot the ball at a higher percentage. Lee will be counting on two returning starters on which to build around, with that duo comprised of 5-6 senior Isabella Desaire, who averaged 10.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.1 apg and 1.9 spg, and 5-8 sophomore Clarysa Webber, who averaged 4.0 ppg and 4.7 rpg as a freshman.

“Team defense will be our No. 1 priority,” Lee said. “We need to hold our opponents to less than 30 percent shooting and we need to have a higher rebound percentage.”

Two consecutive solid seasons have been reflected by the SYRACUSE Bulldogs coach, Kendra Fyler, who has now guided the program to records of 14-7 and 16-6 for a 30-13 mark. The Lady Bulldogs were 3-3 in the Hi-Plains and took second in the HPL mid-season tournament. For Fyler’s team to see another strong performance, she will need a pair of seniors to step up even more as Kate Riley (5-7) and Jayden Mitchell (5-6) return. Riley averaged 8.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.0 apg and 1.6 spg while Mitchell averaged 5.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.1 apg and 1.9 spg.

“We want to place in the top level of the HPL and be on the winning side of the bracket in the HPL tournament,” Fyler said. “We want to win our first round game of sub-state..”

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

NORTHEAST KANSAS LEAGUE

By Brent Maycock, Topeka Capital-Journal Familiar faces ruled the Northeast Kansas League last year with Maur Hill’s boys capturing their fourth straight league title, winning by three games over McLouth, which was coming off a state-tournament appearance in 2019.

On the girls side, Jackson Heights and Jefferson County North again battled it out for the league crown with Heights winning by one game over North and three over surprise contender Horton.

But for all the success the league experienced — four girls teams finished 14-8 or better and four boys teams were 14-7 or better — there was a somewhat empty feeling at the end of the year.

Not a single team from the league qualified for a state tournament. What’s more, only two even reached a substate championship game — McLouth’s boys and Jackson Heights’ girls.

McLouth nearly made it a second straight trip to the 2A state tournament, but were edged 40-37

by Valley Heights in the substate finals. Jackson Heights, meanwhile, also fell short of a second straight 2A state tourney berth, getting rolled 4011 by Valley Heights in its substate title game.

Maur Hill’s boys were knocked off in the Class 3A substate semifinals by Nemaha Central and Jefferson North’s girls and Horton’s girls each also fell in substate semifinals.

It marked the first time in several years the league was without representation at state, something league teams hope to rectify this season.

BOYS Talk about making strides. ATCHISON COUNTY not only ended a a 26-game losing streak but went on to post a 7-14 mark after going 0-21 in 2018-19. It marked a promising start to Troy Hoffman’s tenure as coach of the Tigers, one he hopes to back up with another step toward league contention. Atchison County only returns one starter, junior guard Kieran Courter who averaged 6 points per game and had 44 steals, but several underclassmen got experience a year ago and will look to fill the holes left by graduation.

Hoffman wants his team to be more disciplined on offense and “pressure the ball without fouling” on defense.

“Last season, foul problems contributed to poor mismatches on defense and hindered offensive efficiency,” Hoffman said.

For the second straight year, HORTON struggled through a two-win season, posting a 2-18 mark overall. The Chargers’ lone wins came against Atchison County and Oskaloosa in backto-back games and by a combined 10 points.

Junior Trey Lockwood was an honorable mention all-league pick and is one of a handful of returners for the Chargers.

It’s a new era at JACKSON HEIGHTS where Brett Plattner takes over as head coach for Chris Brown, who left to take the head job at Royal Valley. Platter inherits a team that went just 5-16 a year ago, all five wins coming in league play.

Three starters are back for the Cobras, led by 6-foot-4 senior Dylan Thompson, who averaged 9.3 points and 5 rebounds per game last year.

Junior Jason Bosley added 8.7 points per game and junior Silas Holliday chipped in 4.2 points a contest.

Plattner said keys include the team’s “ability to

execute on offense and defense and willingness to get better and learn each day.”

After tying for third in the league a year ago, JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH could be one of the league favorites this season. The Chargers were 11-5 in league play a year ago, 15-7 overall, and return three starters who averaged double-figure scoring. Junior Ryan Feldkamp (6-4) led the way with 11.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, earning second-team all-league honors. Emmett Jobbins added 11 points per game and James Kramer averaged 10.2 points and 6 rebounds per game and was honorable mention all-league. The Chargers made an eight-win improvement over 2018-19 and could very well make another big step this season if the newcomers can adequately fill the few holes left by graduation.

Third year head coach Tonya Kramer called her squad “a talented, athletic, offensive group” but said the Chargers “will look to set the tone on the defensive end.”

MAUR HILL has ruled the league with seemingly an iron fist for the last half of the decade, not even missing a beat with a head coaching change a year ago when Brad Kunecke moved over from the girls’ job to replace longtime coach TIm VanDyke. The Ravens’ lone league loss came to Jefferson County North and another of the losses in a 17-5 season came to 2A state qualifier Seabury. After reaching the 3A state tournament for three straight years, the Ravens missed out last year when they were knocked off

by Nemaha Central in the sub-state semifinals.

Maur Hill will have to replace the bulk of last year’s starters, including a trio of all-leaguers led

by Abe Siebenmorgen. Senior Andrew Schwinn and junior Drew Caudle played big roles last year and will be counted on to carry the team this season.

McLOUTH had hoped to follow up its state berth in 2019 with another a year ago, but lost a 40-37 nailbiter to Valley Heights in the substate finals to conclude a 17-6 season. It will be a newlook Bulldog team this season as first-team allleaguers Jaxson Pope and Tayshawn Barfield are gone as is head coach Stevec Lilly. Eric Gorenc takes over as coach and has only one starter back to build around, 6-2 senior Matt Kuglin.

Gorenc called “defense and decision making” team keys.

Scoring issues and injuries plagued a young OSKALOOSA team all last season and the Bears never really found their footing, finishing 1-20. With graduation only claiming three players from a year ago, the Bear hope to begin the climb back up the league standings this season. Junior Brayden Hast led the Bears in scoring last year as a sophomore, but only managed 6.7 points per game, .6 more than fellow returner Keaton Bassett’s 6.1 ppg. Hast also was the leading rebounder with 5.5 rebounds per game.

Hast is the tallest of five returning starters at 6-5. Bassett, Wyatt Thayer and AJ Kreutzer all stand 6-foot and Cord Perry is 5-9.

PLEASANT RIDGE has a new coach as Pat Battle ended a second tenure with the program when he took the Atchison job in the offseason.

The Rams took fifth in the league last year with a 9-7 mark and finished 12-10 overall. Returning

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starter Connor Gibson led the team in scoring at nearly 12 points per game and was a second-team all-league selection.

VALLEY FALLS lost four-year starter Tyler Lockhart and all-leaguer Diego Cervantez, but still has enough back to match or surpass last year’s tie for third in the league and 15-8 overall record.

Junior Avery Gatzemeyer had a big sophomore season, averaging 14.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. He’s got a strong complement in the front court in 6-foot-7 senior Nathan Hawk, who averaged 12.8 points and 7 rebounds per game.

Cooper Jepson added 4 points per game, giving veteran coach Caleb Gatzemeyer a solid trio to build around this season.

GIRLS Despite being a young team overall, ATCHISON COUNTY didn’t slip much from its 15-7 record in 2018-19, going 11-11 last year overall and 8-8 in league play. The big reason was the emergence of freshmen Addison Schletzbaum and Aleah Wallisch. Schletzbaum led the Tigers in scoring at just more than 11 points per game, while Wallisch was the top rebounder at just more than 7 rebounds per game. Losing only one starter, the Tigers could find itself among the top challengers for the league title this season.

Returning its entire team from a 4-17 squad in 2018-19, HORTON expected to be much improved in 2019-20. But nobody might have expected the leap the Chargers made. Horton wound up third in the league standings and 15-7 overall, a whopping 11-game improvement. Zack Nelson takes over as coach this year for the departed Kertis Keehn and inherits a team that will have to replace several key players in order to stay in the upper echelon of the league.

Graduation claimed all-leaguers Maryanna Randall and Kailea Smith, both first-teamers, and honorable mention pick Tatum Lockwood.

Randall led the Chargers in scoring last year at 14.1 points per game.

Returning junior Maliyah Soto was just behind Randall at 13.1 points per game last year and is one of two returning starters for the Chargers.

Coming off a Class 2A state appearance in 2019, JACKSON HEIGHTS looked poised to return to the state tournament a season ago with a senior-laden team. The Chargers finished 15-1 in league play with the lone loss to rival Jefferson County North and went into sub-state play with an 18-2 mark. But the road ended with a loss in the sub-state finals to Twin Valley League champion Valley Heights. The task for veteran coach Dan Shupe is to fill the void left by that senior class, most notably All-Class 2A pick and leading scorer and rebounder Kylie Dohl.

Heights only has one senior this year, forward Amaya Marlatt, a second-team all-league pick last year. A strong sophomore class will have to develop quickly with several slated to start this season.

For the fourth consecutive season, JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH won at least 18 games, posting a 19-3 mark and finishing runner-up to Jackson Heights for the league title.

But after being a fixture in the state tournament from 2010-2014 with five straight appearances that included a state title (2012) and three runner-up finishes, the Chargers have now gone six years without a state berth. North lost four-year starter and four-time all-league performer Josie

Weishaar to gradation after she averaged 21.7 points per game, as well as second-team allleaguer, Madison Vaught. But five players who started at some point a year ago do return, led by honorable mention all-leaguer Kinsey Schneider, who averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds per game.

Veteran Charger coach Steve Noll, entering his 16th season at JCN, and 30th overall, set goals of winning the league, the JCN Invite and substate.

Luke Noll couldn’t complain too much about his debut season at MAUR HILL. The Ravens improved by five wins over the previous season, going 8-13 overall and 5-11 in league play. Improved scoring helped the cause as the Ravens boosted their point total by six points per game.

Graduation claimed just three players, so Noll is hoping for plenty of carryover despite a roster that only has four seniors and juniors combined.

Senior guard/forward Madison Folsom earned all-league honors after averaging 9.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game a year ago. Zoey Stec added 7.1 points per game and Malia Dulac had 6.7 points per contest with Dulac running the point as a three-year starter.

Starting four sophomores and a freshman a year ago, McLOUTH took its lumps and finished 2-19 overall and 1-15 in league play in Phillipe McCree’s first year as coach. McCree hopes his Bulldogs can be on the other end of some of those games this season as everyone returns.

Sophomore Jill Holwick earned all-league honors after averaging a team-high 10.1 points per game last season. Junior Sam Pope added 9.7 points per contest and sophomore point guard Shianne Hill chipped in 6.3 points a contest. McLouth will only have one senior this year and depth will still be an issue.

An otherwise solid season that saw OSKALOOSA finished 13-8 overall and 10-6 in league play had a somewhat disappointing finish as the Bears fell in the first round up substate play. Oskaloosa graduated just three seniors, but lost leading rebounder Jenna Pfau, who was among the tops in the state with 14.8 boards per game.

Last year’s top-two scorers do return with Regan Curry averaging 15.3 points per game and Sophia Rockhold adding 11.1 points per contest. Reese Curry added 7 points per game and Rockhold also averaged 8 rebounds per contest.

Following a 19-3 season and the program’s first league championship in more than a decade, PLEASANT RIDGE slipped back to an 8-12 mark last year after having to replace two of its topthree scorers from 2018-19. The Rams will have to replace second-team all-leaguer Kajia Nutsch this season, as well as starter Caitlyn Herbig, but return just about everyone else.

Junior guard Gabbi Watkins averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds per game on her way to honorable mention all-league honors and Audry Barnes added 5 points per game.

Returning only two players with varsity time and low on numbers with just eight players out overall, VALLEY FALLS went from a 10-win season in 2018-19 to a 1-20 mark last year. The Dragons finished the year with just seven players after an injury. Numbers will be up this year with no players graduating and a solid freshman class adding depth and potentially a starter or two.

Sophomore Lilly Darveaux led the Dragons in scoring last year as a freshman.

NORTHERN PLAINS LEAGUE

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame The Northern Plains League is highlighted by the Beloit St. John’s/Tipton boys and girls squads, and Thunder Ridge girls. BSJT girls are led by senior Lauryn Dubbert, one of the state’s most wellknown players. In mid-November, Dubbert signed with Newman, a Division II program. Dubbert has scored 1,105 career points. Overall, she has averaged 16.7 points, 3.7 steals, 3.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. Dubbert was first team allstate Class 1A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. Dubbert and Olpe senior Macy Smith, an Emporia State signing, are the only returning first team all-state 1A players.

The Thunder Ridge girls went 21-1, 11-0 in league, but graduated Brennan Kirchhoff, a 1,000-point career scorer and Barton CC signing.

Kirchhoff was a second team all-state KBCA pick.

Two years ago, TR was a final four team at state and went 23-3, 10-0. Three years ago, TR was 22-4, 12-0. The last league loss for the Longhorns came in a 55-40 defeat to Beloit St. John’s/Tipton on Jan. 31, 2016.

Dubbert is one of three first team all-league players back, along with Sylvan-Lucas sophomore Keeli Knobbe and Osborne sophomore Trinity Lutters, both who had huge freshmen years.

Three second team picks return with Wilson junior Macy Hanzlick, Southern Cloud senior Shea McMillan and Rock Hills sophomore Lauren Whelchel.

BRUSH ART • DONLEVY LITHO • SUN GRAPHICS Thunder Ridge senior Madelyn Davis returns from the third team. Lakeside senior Payton Hake, Sylvan-Lucas senior Candence Nondorf and

Osborne junior Ava Stull were honorable mention.

For the boys, Sylvan-Lucas senior Jonah Huehl is the only first teamer back. Three second teamers are return: Lakeside junior Kylan Cunningham, Pike Valley junior Keaton Reeves, and Lakeside senior Wyatt Eberle. Rock Hills senior Jerrod Gillett is the only third teamer back. Six honorable mention picks return: Wilson senior Camryn Eberhart, Natoma senior Jayson Engling, Lincoln senior Landon O’Hare, Lakeside juniors Tyler and Jace Schoen, and Osborne junior Grady Wolters.

BOYS OSBORNE went 19-1 and 11-0 in league play – and continued a multi-year stretch of outstanding play. Two years ago, the Bulldogs finished 25-1, 11-0 in the Northern Plains League. In ’17-18, Osborne finished 20-2, 9-1. In ’16-17, Osborne went 19-5, 9-2. In ’15-16, Osborne was 20-7, 9-3.

In ’14-15, the Bulldogs finished 18-5, 11-1.

Last winter, Osborne beat Beloit St. John’s/ Tipton, 69-64, in overtime on Jan. 14. Nine days later, the Bulldogs beat BSJT, 59-58. Osborne beat Sylvan-Lucas, 60-43, on Jan. 24 and won its third straight Northern Plains League title. On Feb. 14, Osborne beat Stockton, 81-69. Stockton eventually became a Class 1A final four squad before the COVID-19 pandemic ended the season.

On Feb. 18, Osborne beat Sylvan-Lucas, 87-49.

Osborne, known for its three-point shooting, beat Chase, 100-25, on Feb. 21. Osborne made 28 total 3-pointers made by nine different players, according to NCKS Sports. It marked the new single game state record for 3s, according to the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. However, that

State Bank of Downs BRUSH ART • DONLEVY LITHO • SUN GRAPHICS

marked Osborne’s last on-court win of the season.

After a bye, Osborne took an upset 66-57 loss to Logan. Osborne was ranked No. 1 in 1A. The Bulldogs would have played in substates won by either Stockton or St. Francis – which used a huge comeback to beat Sylvan-Lucas in the substate title. Junior Grady Wolters is expected to be a key returning player. Senior Steele Wolters graduated after he was second team all-state by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association (KBCA).

BELOIT ST. JOHN’S/TIPTON went 20-6 under 11th-year coach Lance Bergmann. The Blujays finished second in the regular season and league tournament championship. Bergmann is 198-61.

Senior Dalton Schmitt (6-7) had 8.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Senior Blake Perez had 1.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and a steal per game. BSJT graduated Brady Palen, a second team KBCA pick, now a Wichita State high jumper.

“Be a fearless team and prove ourselves on both ends of the floor,” Bergmann said of keys to the season. “We want to compete for a league championship and put ourselves in the best possible situation to make a late season run. Defense and rebounding is always a focus for our teams. We will need to hit outside shots to succeed this year on the offensive end.”

SYLVAN-LUCAS finished 18-7 and lost in the substate championship game. Coach Jeff Starkey is 32-13 in his first two seasons with the Mustangs.

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Photo by Becky Rathbun

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

Landon O’HARE

Overall, Starkey stands at 212-86 in his career.

Senior Jonah Huehl is expected to be one of the state’s top 1A players after he delivered 18.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. Senior Dawson Rhudolph delivered 2.3 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. Junior Alex Hernandez had 6.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.2 assists a contest.

Starkey’s goals are to compete for a league championship and qualify for state.

“Played a lot of young kids last year,” Starkey said. “They need to play like upperclassmen this

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 year.” big jump in the fall. Three senior forwards, Tyler In the substate championship game at Good, Landon O’Hare and Gabe Jonsson, are the WaKeeney, Sylvan-Lucas led by 15 points after top returners. The trio all has multiple seasons of the end of the first quarter against St. Francis starting experience and are expected to lead the and opened the second quarter with a trey for a team on and off the court.

21-3 advantage. SF rallied for a 48-40 victory. The The 6-foot-4 O’Hare averaged 13 points and Indians went on an 11-0 run and closed to 23-18 at nine rebounds a game. Good was at seven points halftime. S-L shot well early, though did not make and seven rebounds and is a solid 3-point shoota trey in the fourth quarter. er, and Jonsson (6-3) delivered six points and six “They went zone, and we didn’t attack it as rebounds. Sophomore Trey Simms had three well,” Starkey said after the contest. “We spent points and three rebounds and is the team’s best the whole second quarter not attacking the zone, ball-handler, and junior Joel Rees finished with and then they get confidence, and we don’t. Then, four points and four rebounds. third quarter, we tried to get things going. I think “Even though we have a strong nucleus comwe got better shots, but by that time, they were ing back, we are losing some key players at our rolling. We gave them confidence.” guard positions,” Biggs said. “There are going to SOUTHERN CLOUD had a 5-16 record. Third- be some opportunities for our young guys to step year coach Cody Flinn has an 18-23 record with up. I am fully confident that they can handle the SC and stands at 45-39 overall. Flinn’s goal is “to responsibilities due to the experience they got last improve everyday in practice.” year.”

Southern Cloud returns two starters: junior Gabe NATOMA finished 10-12 in the first season Rice and sophomore Levi Cool. under coach Chris Broeckelman, a veteran with LINCOLN finished 6-14 and lost in the first round the Tigers. Broeckelman, the school’s longtime of regionals. Fifth-year coach Joe Biggs is 20-60 industrial arts teacher, has previously served in but looks for a sizable turnaround after many of a variety of athletic roles, including many years the same players helped the football team to a at the junior high level and a stint as head high

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school volleyball coach. Broeckelman’s main goal is to “improve upon last year’s growth.”

The Tigers feature significant returning experience with several multi-season letterwinners and have a guard oriented squad with no returning varsity players over 6-foot tall.

Senior Jayce Dickerson delivered 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.5 steals a contest. Senior Jayson Engling delivered 10.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.9 steals and 1.7 assists. Junior Braydon Hays had two points and 2.4 rebounds a game. Junior Derek George had 2.7 points and 3.2 rebounds a game. Junior Tracen Frye had 5.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists a contest.

Junior Kayden Martinez had 8.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.4 assists a contest.

Broeckelman listed team keys as staying healthy, playing a consistent full four quarters and playing team ball.

ROCK HILLS went 13-7 and beat Sylvan-Lucas, 48-47, on Feb. 4, but the Grizzlies graduate first team All-NPL scoring machine Noah Williams.

They do return third-team All-League guard Jerrod Gillett, who averaged 12.5 points and four rebounds a game. He’ll be joined by 5-11 senior point guard Davion McDonald (12 ppg, 3.5 rpg)

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Page 63 and 5-8 senior small forward Mason Higer (6.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 6 apg) giving the Grizzlies three returning starters. Seniors Caden Slate and Tristyn Brown are expected to take on bigger roles this season with Slate (6-1) the only one over 6-foot.

“Although undersized, we will use our good ball-handling and quickness to create turnovers,” said coach Nick Mizner, 40-21 in three seasons.

LAKESIDE finished 12-7. Seventh-year coach Drew Duskie stands 52-54. He welcomes a number of key pieces and should challenge for a spot in the upper half of the league.

Senior Wyatt Eberle is a key returner with 13.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists a contest last season. Junior Kylan Cunningham tallied 11.5 points, 4.7 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.9 rebounds per game. Junior Tyler Schoen added 9.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists. continued on page 64

John Struckhoff, Agent Phone: 785-282-3892

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 college basketball. The game was tied at 10 at /FROM PG 63____________ halftime. Thunder Ridge, ranked sixth in the final Junior Jace Schoen finished with 8.7 points, 7.3 1A coaches’ rankings, shot just 17 percent from rebounds, three assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.6 steals the field, including 1 of 16 on 3-pointers in the loss. Afterward, coach Darren Grauerholz said per game.

All four returning starters earned some level of it marked the second time all year a team really slowed down the Longhorns. Thunder Ridge won all-league recognition last season.

“Our team goals are to win the league and the all of its games by 15 points and scored at least 45 league tournament and advance to the state play- points in all of its victories.

In addition to standout Brennan Kirchhoff, TR offs,” Duskie said. “Our keys to success will be graduated 5-foot-11 Jaden Boden, who signed consistent scoring on offense by using our athleticism to push the ball into transition and develop- for Barton CC volleyball and key senior Ivy Rust.

Overall, Grauerholz is 214-68 with the ing a defensive mindset.”

PIKE VALLEY was 11-10 and averaged 45 Longhorns – the only coach in TR’s existence points a contest with zero seniors. Long-time and has not won fewer than 16 games in any seacoach Gary Loring has several key pieces back to son other than his first two years. The Longhorns have reached state in 2013, ’15, ’16, ’18 and ’19. challenge the top teams in the league.

Junior Keaton Reeves led the team with 15.2 TR has won the NPL midseason basketball tourpoints a contest and earned second team All- nament seven straight seasons.

“We always talk about filling shoes the next NPL. Senior Ethan Benne delivered 9.9 points year, and I think we did a good job filling shoes and a team-high 7.9 rebounds a contest. Senior Daltyn Garman had 8.8 points and 3.5 rebounds this year,” Grauerholz said after the Otis-Bison a game. Senior Brennan Flavin finished with 7.6 loss. “But that number 4 (Kirchhoff), that’s going points and six rebounds. Junior Jaxon Russell to be really, really difficult to replace just because of her knowledge of the game, and her desire to had 6.5 points and 2.9 rebounds a game.

THUNDER RIDGE finished 9-13 and graduated win. So that’s going to be tough, but great class, third team All-NPL player Reece Struckhoff, but great senior class, love them very much.”

The Lady Longhorns had just the three seniors new coach Devon Branch does welcome back a talented sophomore class that features Dylan and last season but do return third team All-NPL player Madelyn Davis for her senior year from a roster Dalton Bice and Kaleb Wagenblast.

TESCOTT finished 3-16 and graduated all- that included 10 total non-seniors a season ago.

BELOIT ST. JOHN’S/TIPTON finished 16-6 and league honorable mention guard Zach Perry, but returns stanfout Lauryn Dubbert for second-year he was the team’s lone senior. Last year’s roster included two juniors, three sophomores and four coach Leah Bergmann. BSJT finished 10-1 in conference play and Dubbert averaged 20.6 freshman.

WILSON was 6-14 under coach Trenton points, 4.9 steals and 3.9 rebounds per game.

Ptacek. The Dragons have three seniors: Garrett The next three scorers all graduated, though juThielen (6-3), Cooper Weinhold (6-3) and Camryn nior Paige Hollerich played in all 22 contests. She Eberhart (5-10). Westin Hughes - now graduated averaged 2.5 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.

- and Eberhart both led the Dragons with 10.3 BSJT girls have won at least 16 games in each of points per game. Thielen had 8.8 points and 7.9 the last seven years. The Blujays have been over rebounds a contest. Weinhold delivered 5.2 points .500 every winter in the last 10 years.

“To improve on the things we implemented last and 5.6 rebounds a game.

The Dragons didn’t place a player on the All- year,” Bergmann said of the team’s goals. “To continue to develop a tough and ‘in your face’ NPL team last season.

CHASE went 0-20 and has 20th-year coach style of defense. Our team will be successful if we Mitch Light. Sophomore Alex Cavender delivered can be disruptive on the defensive end side of the eight points and four rebounds a game. Senior ball. Our girls will have to be ready to play fast and Anthony Herrera averaged three points and hard all four quarters.”

OSBORNE finished 15-9 and took second three rebounds. Junior Ismael Martinez had eight place in the Northern Plains League in the first points and three rebounds. Sophomore Christian Cavender delivered four points and two rebounds. season under coach Trina Lutters. Sophomore “We hope to continue to improve from week to Trinity Lutters was statistically among the state’s week,” Light said. “Obviously we would love to win best freshmen with 18.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and some games this year. We play in a tough league 2.2 steals per contest. Junior Ava Stull added 7.1 so we face quality opponents week in and week points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.5 blocks out. We are building towards the future with the per game. Senior Calie Wolters had 4.6 points, core our team being sophomores. That being said 1.9 steals and 1.8 rebounds a contest.

Lutters was honorable mention all-state by the our biggest challenge in learning how to win.”

KBCA. She was the only 1A freshman girl named GIRLS THUNDER RIDGE dominated yet another all-state either first, second or honorable mention.

After an impressive 19-4 showing and thirdNorthern Plains League schedule. TR earned place finish at state in ’13-14, Osborne fell back quality victories against Osborne (52-37 and 6339) in the season’s first five games. Additionally, with a string of sub-.500 seasons. Last year TR defeated Osborne, 71-44 on Jan. 24. The marked the Bulldogs’ best season since ’13-14.

“Our goal for the upcoming season is to keep Longhorns beat BSJT, 58-48, and then defeated Osborne, 53-33, in the regional final. In the sub- building what we started last season,” coach state semifinal, undefeated Thunder Ridge took Lutters said. “We will continue focusing on playing its only loss, 33-28, to Otis-Bison. Two years ago, together as a team and understanding that we all Thunder Ridge beat Otis-Bison in the substate have role and when everyone takes care of their piece of the puzzle then it all comes together to semifinals.

Otis-Bison played a very deliberate style and reach our potential and goals we have.”

SYLVAN-LUCAS coach Craig Batchman said ran its offense through its posts Maddie Wiltse and Cora Anderson, both whom signed to play last winter he was surprised with the Mustangs, an eventual 13-8 squad. S-L finished 9-3 in

NPL

league play. In ’18-19, S-L posted a 14-6 mark and then graduated its top-seven scorers. Only 38 points came from non-seniors.

Last year, S-L had just two seniors: Sasha Albert and Kelsey Decker. Last winter, S-L opened 0-2 and then won eight of the next nine.

“We are doing a little better than I thought we would,” Batchman said last winter. “We have gelled a little quicker, but all the girls have really stepped up. … I have got two seniors that have really stepped up and my two juniors have really stepped up. I mean, it’s just all across the board.”

This season, the Mustangs return all of their key players, including 5-10 senior Cadence Nondorf, who averaged 8.9 points, six rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.8 steals a contest. Sophomore 5-11 Keeli Knobbe was one of the state’s top statistical freshmen with 12.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and an assist. Senior Bree Neal averaged 4.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and one steal. Junior Brooke Wehrman had 5.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals.

Batchman said the team’s goals are to “continue to improve each game” and the Mustangs’ key is “working together as a team.”

Longtime LINCOLN coach Steve Crist enters his 25th year as a head coach and 22nd with the Leopards. Lincoln finished 7-13 and returns three starters: senior Evelyn Garay and juniors Tana Hayworth and Dawson O’Bannon. The 5-10 Hayworth delivered 3.7 points and 4.3 rebounds.

O’Bannon delivered 4.9 points and two assists.

Garay added 3.6 points a contest.

“We will have to fill a big hole left by Carson Walter,” Crist said. “Carson was our leading scorer and leading rebounder last season. We have the ability to fill the hole but some players will have to step up. We have four returning starters that have been playing varsity basketball for two or three years now and that experience will hopefully show this season. We should have a nice balance between inside and outside scoring but we will need to lower our turnovers and rebound a little better to increase our scoring opportunities.”

The NATOMA girls didn’t have enough for a team two seasons ago and went 0-21 last year, though returns six of its top-seven players.

Forward Carley Chrisler is the team’s lone senior for new coach Heather Lyle. Five-foot-8 sophomore point guard Candyce Engling is team’s top statistical returner with seven points and 3.4 rebounds a game. Coach Lyle has stressed defense and “to keep progressing” offensively.

LAKESIDE went 10-9. Coach Travis Eberle (7951) says a goal is to be at the top of the NPL. Senior Payton Hake and junior Morgan Eberle are the top returners. The Knights had struggles

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Page 64 scoring and averaged 32 points a contest. No player averaged more than 6.3 points per game, but the top-five players had at least 4.4 points a contest. Hake had 6.1 points and 4.4 rebounds a game. Eberle had 1.7 points and 1.8 rebounds a game.

PIKE VALLEY has first-year coach Cole Callaway. PV posted a 6-15 record last season.

The Panthers returned two starters. Senior Kaylee Larson averaged two points and rebounds. Guard Riley Jacobson had three points and a steal. Pike Valley has a pair of key role players with seniors Josiah Field and Kaylee Bray.

ROCK HILLS finished 8-14, though freshman Lauren Whelchel delivered an impressive season with 13.7 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game, good for second team All-NPL honors.

SOUTHERN CLOUD posted a 12-10 mark in the first season under Ryan Perkins. Sophomore Braya Darnall had 5.6 points and 3.5 rebounds with 2.9 steals and 1.1 assists per contest. Senior Hana Cool had three points, three rebounds and 1.4 assists a game. Senior Shea McMillan had 10 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 2.1 assists.

Senior Athina Liby delivered 4.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals and an assist a game.

Perkins said the team’s goals would be to advance deeper into the postseason and improve the record.

TESCOTT finished 8-12 last winter. Sophomore Mallorie Church delivered four points and three rebounds a game. The team’s goals are to be more consistent, competitive and hopefully improve on last year’s record.

WILSON finished 6-14 and has first-year coach Ted Long. He inherits a roster that last year included just six players with no juniors or seniors.

Now a junior, Macy Hanzlick was named second team All-NPL. “We need to get better each day and win as many games as possible,” Long said. “Our biggest key to success is to stay healthy. We’ve had low numbers the last few years and need to avoid the injury bug.”

CHASE finished 2-18 and welcomes first-year coach Mike Marzolf. Gone to graduation is lone all-league player Taylor Lattimer, who earned honorable mention.

Marzlof has two returning starters back in 5-4 senior Skylar Harrington and 5-9 sophomore Cassie Herrera.

Harrington averaged four points and two rebounds and Herrera added four points and three boards, but is coming off a knee injury in volleyball that may delay her return to the court.

Byron Palen, Agent

NORTHWEST KANSAS LEAGUE

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame St. Francis boys reached the Class 1A tournament last season and will likely be on the short list for the league favorite under coach Cory Busse. SF graduated first team all-league player Brady Dinkel, but return nearly everyone else.

St. Francis trailed Sylvan-Lucas 21-3 early in the second quarter of the WaKeeney substate championship game. SF came back to win 48-40, including a huge late 3-pointer from Dinkel. The Indians went 16-8.

St. Francis fought sickness throughout the winter, including substate. SF returns seniors Jesse Baxter and Colton Neitzel and sophomore point guard Ben Busse. Baxter (6-3) and Neitzel (6-4) hadn’t been healthy for the final month and half of the season. Adam Krein suffered sickness in January and then lost 14 pounds in two weeks.

Coach Busse said the team had at least one person sick all the time from Jan. 15 to substate.

Ben, his son, got sick the week of substate.

Baxter was a first team all-league player, and Ben Busse is expected to take a big jump this winter. Quinter junior Jaden Boone was also first team all-league.

“That’s what we have been up against all year is just unbelievable sickness,” coach Busse said after the Sylvan win. “And finally this was supposed to be the first game when we were all healthy, and then Ben got sick.”

The entire second team all-league group returns: Greeley County sophomore Jaxson Brandl and four seniors: Krein, Greeley County’s Alvero Bello-Marabe, Quinter’s Collin Thielen and Wallce County’s Landon Johnson.

In addition, four of five honorable mention selections are back: Greeley County senior Jacob Miller, Rawlins County junior Isaac Domsch, GC sophomore Titus Sherer and Quinter junior Bradley Riedel.

On the girls side, the All-NWKL team featured many now graduated seniors. Dighton junior Traci Cramer and Quinter senior Kayler Getz are back after first team selections. Rawlins County junior Abby Singhateh and Quinter sophomore Anna Briggs return after second team selections.

Rawlins County senior Kierstyn Domsch, Quinter junior Ava Gillespie and Wallace County senior Jessie Carman got third team nods.

BOYS

GREELEY COUNTY finished 16-9 under coach Josh Gooch, who is 42-49 entering his fifth season. The Jackrabbits welcome back significant experience to build upon last season’s success.

Senior Jacob Miller averaged four points, 3.2 steals, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists a game.

Sophomore Jaxson Brandl enjoyed a massive freshman year with 21.2 points. 9.8 rebounds, 2.3 steals, 1.4 assists, and a block per game.

Junior Cade Mangan delivered 4.7 points and two rebounds. Sophomore Titus Sherer finished with 6.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.7 steals a contest.

Gooch’s goals include: “Top 3 in league, regular season and tournament, and a trip to state.”

QUINTER is expected to be a team on the rise.

The Bulldogs finished 11-13 with longtime coach John Crist. He is 406-218 with Quinter and stands at 425-241 overall. Quinter returns all five starters and two other lettermen from last year’s squad.

The Bulldogs are led by 6-3 junior forward Jaden Boone who had an exceptional sophomore season with 15.4 points, 9.8 rebounds and three assists per game. Senior Collin Thielen averaged 7.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Junior Eli Gruenbacher had 3.7 points and 2.6 assists a game. Junior Kyler Johnson and junior Bradley Riedel averaged 4.6 and 7.3 points a game.

Junior forward Gus Bridges and sophomore Preston Havlas were key reserves.

“We hope that we can continue to build on the way we finished the season, winning our regional and getting to substate,” Crist said. “We were a very young team last year as we had no seniors and only two juniors. The majority of our team were freshman and sophomores. There were lots of growing pains, but the future is exciting. We hope another year of maturity and skill improvement will lead to more wins this year. As always, our goal for the year is to improve as the season moves along and try to be playing our best basketball when the post season rolls around. I feel like the league race is wide open this year with Greeley County and St. Francis the teams to beat.”

DIGHTON finished 12-9, though graduated its top-two players, including Kaden Bradstreet. He averaged 23.3 points per game.

DECATUR COMMUNITY went 0-20 and has coach Kellen Fernetti in his first season. Fernetti is 50-75 overall. DC returns a substantial number

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Dine-in or Carryout of players, including seniors Hunter May, Gage Van Meter, Taite Woolsey and Josh Russ. Fernetti said team goals include constant, daily team and individual improvement, playing extremely hard and playing together.

“Competing each and every day, game in and game out while having tremendous joy and enthusiasm for what we are doing,” Fernetti said of team keys. “Having the 1-0 mindset and mentality every day, getting one percent better each day.

Hopefully, we can play some pretty good pressure team defense. Guard the basketball and help side ready. Rebounding will be a focal point for us as well. Offensively, we want to play with pace, tempo, and sharing the basketball. Every cut we make, everything we do needs to have a purpose.

We know we will have a tough schedule with some great opponents. We will need to be ready to go each and every night.”

RAWLINS COUNTY went 2-19 with coach Levi Poindexter. He calls “out running other teams and really our youth getting comfortable with more playing time” keys to success.

Junior Isaac Domsch had 11 points, 4.3 rebounds and three assists a game. Sophomore Brady Beckman averaged six points, five rebounds and 2.3 assists a game. Sophomore Brandon Chvatal (6-3) had 5.6 points,7.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks a contest.

“We want to be competitive this season, we have some depth so we should be able to put some pressure on other teams this year without wearing ourselves down,” Poindexter said. “Also we are young but have experience from freshman starting last year.”

WALLACE COUNTY finished 8-13 and welcomes coach Laran Steele after highly successful coach Larry O’Connor took the Canton-Galva job. Senior Landon Johnson, junior Jake Willems and sophomore Cade Johnson are key returners. Coach Steele said the goals are to get better each and every practice/game, become better students of the game and be better than the Wildcats were last season.

GIRLS QUINTER finished 6-15 under coach Matt Havlas, though did not have a senior. The Bulldogs return senior Kayler Getz, who delivered 12 points and 10.9 rebounds a game.

Sophomore Anna Briggs delivered 8.7 points and 9.7 rebounds. Junior Ava Gillespie finished with 8.4 points, four rebounds and 2.7 assists.

Senior Millie Brown had 4.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Havlas has rebuilt Quinter once already from a winless program to one that made back-to-back state appearances

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ST. FRANCIS went 13-7 under veteran coach ShayLinn Zweygardt but graduated a pair of second team all-league selections in Karly Bandel and Hannah Zimbal. The Indians do return two starters in junior Jordyn Faulkender and senior Emma Johnson.

DIGHTON finished 9-13, though junior Traci Cramer had a strong season. One of several talented Cramers to go through Dighton, she had 11.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists a game and earned first team all-league honors as a freshman. Sophomore Jessi Whipple had 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

GREELEY COUNTY went 6-15 last year, but 0-8 in league play, and fifth-year coach Justin Sherer stands at 26-60 overall. He calls team keys “offense, defense and rebounding.”

Junior Grace Whitman averaged 5.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.4 assists per contest last season.

DECATUR COMMUNITY finished 11-10 with coach Brandon Gehring. He is 46-100 with the Red Devils and 89-147 in his career, but returns zero starters from last year’s squad.

“Our team goals are to get better everyday,” Gehring said. “Our success will be based on our defense and team speed. If we can hold teams down defensively, that will give us a chance to win every night.”

WALLACE COUNTY went 14-10 in the first season under coach Brad Willems. Jessie Carman delivered eight points, five steals and three rebounds a game. Joss Benisch had eight points and four steals. Coach Willems’ goals are to compete and get better every game.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

Rayna JASPER

Anderson County, Senior

By Zach DeLoach, For Kansas Pregame The Wellsville Lady Eagles have won four straight Pioneer League girls basketball titles and appear to be confident about their shot at a fifth.

Meanwhile, the Burlington boys look to defend their league championship from last year, but will have to fight off contenders such as Santa Fe Trail and Wellsville.

BOYS ANDERSON COUNTY ended the 2019-20 season on a 13-game losing streak, including a 67-59 loss to Osawatomie in the first round of substate. The Bulldogs tallied a 3-19 overall record and an 0-11 mark in league play, leaving them in last place.

BURLINGTON’s nearly perfect 2019-20 campaign through Pioneer League competition brought home a championship trophy. The lone blemish in league play for the Wildcats was a 7164 loss at Santa Fe Trail in mid-January.

The Wildcats finished 18-6 overall and 11-1 in the Pioneer League. They cruised through the substate playoff but were ousted by Galena in the first round of the state tournament.

Justin Logan enters his third year with the Burlington coaching staff, but his first as head coach. Although new in that role and with relatively inexperienced players, he is confident that the Wildcats can maintain the success of last season.

“We will be the youngest we’ve been in recent years but our goals remain the same,” he said.

“We want to put ourselves in contention for another league title and compete for another state tournament berth.”

Senior Brian Payer (9.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.9 spg), the lone returning starter, will be the leader for Burlington this season.

Logan said the key to success for the Wildcats this season will be “controlling the tempo of the game defensively and producing quality shots on offense.”

He identified his team’s mental acuity as a probable advantage against other opponents.

“The high basketball IQ and work ethic this team brings will be their true strengths,” he said.

IOLA will seek to improve on last season’s 1210 (5-7 Pioneer League) record in 2020-21.

Fourth year head coach Luke Bycroft has his eyes on lofty goals, stating that he wants his team to “win [the] Pioneer League, win substate, [and make a] state tournament appearance.”

Three seniors will look to be key differencemakers this year, including Landon Carson (13.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.0 spg), Bradyn Cole (8.2 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.3 spg), and Dillon Bycroft (7.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.8 apg, 1.0 spg).

Coach Bycroft’s keys for success in 2020-21 are threefold: “Team basketball on both ends, lots of movement with and without the ball, [and] everyone focus[ing] on rebounds because we are

not big.”

OSAWATOMIE submitted a 14-8 overall record and a 5-5 record in Pioneer League play last year.

Its season ended with a 75-49 loss to Wellsville in the substate semifinal.

Seniors Chris Pursley (11.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg) and Kaeden Carver (7.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg), two of the Trojans’ top five scorers from last season, will be back out on the court in 2020-21.

PRAIRIE VIEW’s 8-12 resume in 2019-2020 was a vast improvement over its 2018-19 record of 2-19. Even more impressive, the Buffaloes went 5-7 in the league after going winless the year prior.

Last season came to a close with a 61-30 loss to Wellsville in the first round of substate.

Junior Josh Robbins (10.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg) led the Buffs in scoring last year and is the top returner.

SANTA FE TRAIL head coach Thatcher Decker is enthusiastic about the team he’ll put out on the court this season. After posting a 12-10 (7-5, third in Pioneer League) record in the 2019-20 campaign, Decker believes his team has the opportunity to accomplish great feats in 2020-21.

“The upcoming season is an exciting one,” he said. “Our goals include a Pioneer League title and a state tournament berth. After a season of underclassmen learning how to be varsity players, we will be very senior led. We return our leading scorer in Maddox Decker (17 ppg) who looks to have a big senior season. We also return two other starters including our third leading scorer in Brody Smith (10 ppg) and our defensive stalwart Tyler Duncan.”

Decker also indicated that there is a wealth of talent further down the roster.

“We...have a stable of newcomers in Ethan Johnson, Blake Buessing, Cayden Watson, and Brett Schwartz all pushing for time every day,” he said. “If we are able to get senior Carson Nolan back on the court this season, that will also be a huge addition that will help cement our senior class and our depth as a program.”

According to Decker, the Chargers will look to strike like the lightning their school logo evokes.

“In the big picture, we are extremely fast and aggressive with a wealth of experience and we look forward to getting back on the court,” he said.

“The keys for Charger success in 2020-21 are playing fast and attacking at every opportunity on offense and defense.”

WELLSVILLE went 13-8 in 2019-20 and took second in the Pioneer League with a 9-3 record against those opponents. The Eagles advanced to the substate championship game where it fell to league rival Burlington 63-50.

GIRLS ANDERSON COUNTY found itself one win away from a state tournament appearance last year but fell to Osage City 48-40 in the substate championship game. The Bulldogs ended the season 15-8 overall, but 10-2 in the Pioneer League, good for second place.

Head coach Amy Disbrow believes the veteran depth of her team in gives it a competitive edge in pursuit of its goals, which she succinctly identified as “win league, compete at state.”

Anderson County returns a litany of experienced players from last year’s squad, including senior Rayna Jasper (18.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.7 apg, 3.2 spg), senior Cali Foltz (14.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.4 apg, 3.0 spg), senior Katie Schmit (5.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg), and junior Brooklyn Kurtz (3.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg).

BURLINGTON went 9-12 overall in 2019-20 and finished third in the Pioneer League with a 7-5 record. The Wildcats were eliminated from the

Page 66

substate tournament in the first round with a lowscoring 36-30 loss to Osage City.

The Ladycats may have been better than their record suggests, as ten of their twelves losses came by six points or fewer.

“We played ourselves into every game with tough defense,” said head coach Doug Stewart.

“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 to win more of the closer games.”

The trick for Stewart and the Cats will be filling in the gaps left by graduation.

“We lose two quality starting seniors in Grace Hess and Abby Dunn,” Stewart said. “We will return a group that has six players who now have some starting experience at the varsity level.”

Harlee Young, a 5-7 sophomore point guard, returns after averaging 12 points a game and shooting 87 percent from the free-throw line, good for second team all-league and HM all-class recognition. Together with junior post Caydence Deobele (5-11, 10 ppg, 8 rpg, second team all-league, HM all-class) the Ladycats have a dynamic duo to lead the improvement effort.

IOLA struggled in 2019-20, posting just an 8-13 overall record. The Mustangs’ season came to an end in the first round of the substate playoff as they were trounced by Piper 51-13.

The OSAWATOMIE Trojans improved upon their 6-13 record in 2018-19 by going 9-12 in 2019-2020. They fell to Humboldt 53-37 in the first round at substate.

New head coach Beau Gadwood welcomes a wealth of experience to help improve upon last year’s finish.

Key returners include: Allie Lagasse (5-9, 10 ppg, 6 rpg, 5 apg, 5 spg, Sr.), Maddison Balou (510, 10 ppg, 10 rpg, 3 bpg, 5 apg, 3 spg, Sr.), Avery Dempsey (5-9, 10 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 apg, 2 pbg, 3 spg, Jr.), Amiah Simmons (5-9, 12 ppg, 5 rpg, 8 spg, Sr.) and Tianna Simmons (5-10, 8 ppg, 10 rpg, 3 apg, 5 bpg, 4 spg, So.).

Gadwood’s goals include: league championship, substate championship, state tournament.

PRAIRIE VIEW’s 4-16 record in 2019-20 was a three-win improvement upon its record in 201819. The Buffaloes were throttled 80-32 by Pioneer League foe Wellsville in the first round of the substate tourney.

Like many of its peers in the Pioneer League, SANTA FE TRAIL boosted its win total in 201920. The Chargers went 9-12 overall and 5-7 in the Pioneer League, which placed them 4th.

Fifth year head coach Denver Ramsey said that

PIONEER LEAGUE

the goal for 2020-21 is to continue to build on the progress made last year.

“Team goals are always to have a winning record and finish top three in [the] league,” he said.

Regarding personnel, Ramsey said, “We have a great but small group of upperclassmen. We will need some underclassmen to be some impact players this year.”

The Chargers will rely on senior Courtney Stone -- who averaged a double-double with 16.1 ppg and 10.7 rpg last season -- to lead the way. Other players expected to make meaningful contributions are senior Roslyn Sisson (2.5 pp, 7 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.3 bpg, 1 spg), senior Caitlyn Myrick (2.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1 apg, 1 spg), and sophomore Ajah Banks (2.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1 apg, 1.3 spg).

Ramsey said that this year he wants to see his team improve its ability to score from long range.

“Another key to our success will be our outside shooting,” he said. “We have a very strong inside presence already established, [so] we will need to develop outside shooting from our guards this season.”

WELLSVILLE has dominated the Pioneer League for years now, and in 2019-20 it was no different. The Eagles were a perfect 12-0 in league play and 18-5 overall, earning them a fourth straight league title.

However, they were stunned in overtime by an upstart Osage City squad in the semifinals of the substate tournament.

Ninth year head coach Brock Campbell said that the goal for this season is not merely to win a fifth league championship in a row, but also to make it to the state tournament. In order to do that, he will need to fill in the gaps that were left by players who graduated after last year.

“We have some big shoes to fill this year, losing three seniors from last year; Demi Aamold, Aubrey Ball and Madie McCoy,” he said.

The list of veterans from last season’s team includes senior Jadyn Troutman (8.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.5 bpg), Lexi McDaniel (3.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.4 spg), and junior Bethany Pearson (2.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.5 spg).

Campbell is also looking for underclassmen to find their roles as well.

“We will need our sophomores to step up and give us some depth at the guard and forward positions,” he said.

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SOUTHEAST KANSAS LEAGUE

By Jason Peake, SoMo Sports A changing of the guard is one way to describe the upcoming boys basketball season in the Southeast Kansas League. Of the 15 boys named to last year’s all-league team, only four will be back on the hardwood this winter.

Three boys squads will also have new head coaches patrolling the sidelines this winter.

While there will be numerous changes to starting lineups across the league, one thing is sure to remain the same—the SEK League should once again be highly-competitive night in and night out.

BOYS PITTSBURG returns the league’s premier player in 5-foot-11 senior guard Javon Grant.

As a junior, Grant poured in 24 points per game to go along with four assists, four rebounds and 2.5 steals. Grant received first-team All-SEK and all-state recognition. Also back for the Purple Dragons, who went 13-8 overall and 9-3 in league play last year, are seniors L.J. Butcher and Haiden McCoy. Butcher contributed four points and three rebounds a game. The 6-6 McCoy had averages of 7.5 points, four rebounds and two blocks.

The Dragons lost standout guard Gavyn Elkamil and his 25 points per game to graduation.

New head coach Jordan Woods replaces Kiley Roelfs, who resigned after 20 seasons.

“Everyone understanding their role on the team and playing it to the best of their ability will be our key to success,” said Woods, who spent the last nine years as an assistant in the program. “We want to compete in every game and be playing our best basketball at the end of the season.”

PARSONS had an outstanding 2019-20 season, as the Vikings went 21-2 overall, completed an undefeated run through the league slate and advanced to the Class 4A state tournament.

But the Vikings graduated four senior standouts who earned all-league honors last year. With that, Parsons will have new players in big roles. The Vikings will be led by 6-1 seniors Ethan Houk and Julius Smith-Reece. Both players were key contributors a year ago. Dion Sylvester and Jesse Jones are other players to watch.

“Our keys to success start with continuing our established winning habits, even though graduation has hit us hard,” Parsons coach Anthony Houk said. “Our guys must continue to demand hard work and communication from themselves each day.”

Former Labette County coach Brad Smith is back in the league as the new man in charge at INDEPENDENCE. Smith brings more than three decades of coaching experience to the Bulldogs, who went 14-8 and 8-4 in league play last season.

“I can’t wait to get started,” Smith said. “Even though we will be young and inexperienced this team will be eager to compete. Even though we will have limited experience, so will everyone else in the SEK.” The Bulldogs have just one returning starter in 6-2 senior guard Jaxon Paige, who averaged three points, two rebounds and two assists a game last year. Smith expects big things from 6-7 sophomore forward Easton Ewing, who averaged four points and four rebounds a game last year.

Senior guards Caleb Johnston and Travareus Wilson are other players to watch.

Independence must overcome the loss of two all-league performers in Davion Lewis and Jaden

McGrath.

Under the direction of new head coach Clint Heffern, FORT SCOTT hopes to improve on last year’s 7-14 record. Leading the way for the Tigers is returning all-league performer Gavin Pytlowany, a 5-10 senior who averaged nine points and three assists last season. Fort Scott lost all-SEK performer CJ Horton to graduation.

Heffern said his goals for the season are simple.

“We want to play disciplined basketball and execute the specific game plan for each night,” he said. “We want to be competitive every night in a very good league.”

CHANUTE returns two key performers—6-1 senior Garrett Almond and 6-3 junior Kam Koester. Almond averaged 11.5 points and 3.5 rebounds and two assists per game last season, while Koester had averages of 10 points and five rebounds. The Blue Comets, who went 7-14 overall and 5-7 in the SEK last winter, will have several new starters.

“We will have to have a lot of guys without any varsity experience step up and be contributors,” Blue Comets coach Devon Crabtree said. “We will also have to become a better defensive team.”

Chanute must replace the graduated Ty Bowman and Ty Coombs. Both players earned all-SEK recognition last year.

LABETTE COUNTY went 6-15 and 3-9 in the SEK a year ago, and second-year coach Bradley Argabright is confident better days are ahead.

“We expect our team to improve each and every practice and to play hard-nosed defense,” Argabright said. “Our team goal is to compete each night to the best of our ability.”

Junior Eli Hestand and senior Trent Brock are expected to lead the Grizzlies. The 5-11 Hestand averaged nine points a game last year, earning third-team all-SEK recognition. Brock contributed three rebounds and two points.

COFFEYVILLE went 3-17 overall and earned just one win in league play last winter, but the Golden Tornado return senior Tariq Logan, an all-league and all-state pick last season. Logan, a 6-1 guard, averaged 12 points per game last season and will look to lead the ‘Nado to improved success.

“Tariq has a chance to have a really nice senior year,” Coach Tyler Thompson said.

Also back is 5-11 junior Ethan Viets, who contributed five points per game. Junior Caden Herring and senior Darrell Jones also return with plenty of varsity experience. Herring averaged eight points and five rebounds last year, while Jones averaged seven rebounds and six points.

“We return a lot of guys who have varsity experience, and that should help,” Thompson said. “As these returning starters go, our season will go. We have some good young guys to add in with them.”

GIRLS There aren’t as many major changes on the girls side of the SEK League, as the perennial powers look primed to stay on top of the always-tough conference.

Defending league champion LABETTE COUNTY returns a solid core from last year’s squad that fell one win short of the state tournament. The Grizzlies, who went 17-5 overall and 11-1 in the SEK, have four key performers back on the court.

Page 67 Junior Madison Brannin averaged 12 points and five rebounds a game last season, earning first-team All-SEK honors. Senior Elsie Sorrell and junior Anna Dean both return after scoring six points a game last winter. The 6-foot Dean pulled down six boards a night and was an honorable mention all-league selection. Also back is junior Karsyn Stewart.

Veteran LCHS coach Kristi Snider said repeating as league champion and returning to the state tournament are the team’s main goals.

It’s not a stretch to say CHANUTE has the league’s premier girls player. The Blue Comets will be led by 5-7 senior standout Kori Babcock, who was a unanimous first-team all-league selection and an all-state pick in 2019-20 after averaging 19.5 points, five rebounds, five assists and nearly four steals per game.

“It isn’t a secret that Kori makes us go,” Blue Comets coach Dustin Fox said. “Her scoring and playmaking make her one of the best players in our area. All of our players are better because of what she brings to the table. That said, the key to our success will be the pieces around her.”

Also back for the Comets are 6-foot senior Mattilyn Cranor and 5-3 senior Brianna Waggoner.

Cranor contributed five points and four rebounds a game, while Waggoner averaged four points and three boards.

Sophomore Tyra Bogle and junior Jacelyn Catron are other key performers for the Comets, who went 13-8 overall, 9-3 in the SEK last winter.

FORT SCOTT returns three starters from a team that went 6-15 and 5-7 in the SEK. Senior guard Ella Beth scored 12 points and handed out three assists a game last year, earning first-team all-league honors. Senior guard Kenzie Hardesty and senior post player Addy Williams also return.

“Even though last season wasn’t quite what we expected, I felt we improved over the course of the season,” Tigers coach Pechone Stepps said. “I hope that will be a springboard for us this season.

Our strength will be our team depth and we’ll look to use that depth to play at a faster pace.”

Second-year coach Anita Walker appears to have COFFEYVILLE trending in the right direction.

The Lady ‘Nado went 5-16 last season, a fourwin improvement from the previous season.

Coffeyville also won three league games last winter after going winless in the SEK the previous three years. Coffeyville will be led by a pair of seniors who garnered All-SEK honors last year in Adyson Peck and Kylie Spear.

Peck averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds a game last year, while Speer contributed 12 points,

Photo by Sophie Osborn

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

Kori BABCOCK Chanute, Senior

three rebounds and two assists per game.

“The senior class is a great group of young ladies,” Walker said. “They will be the key to bringing along the underclassmen and setting the tone and example each day.”

PARSONS will look to improve upon last year’s winless campaign. The Vikings bring back five girls with varsity experience—senior Nakia Dodd and sophomores Briona Patterson, Jadyn Heck, Kinsey Baldwin and Aubrey Lassen. Dodd averaged eight points a game, while Patterson added seven a night.

“We will still be a very young team, but the girls got valuable experience last year getting thrown in the frying pan as freshmen,” Vikings coach Pat Schibi said. “We also have a very talented freshmen group coming up. Last year we didn’t return even one point per game. We expect to be much more competitive this year and hopefully get over the hump. The future’s looking bright.”

Brycen Byrd is the new head coach in INDEPENDENCE. Byrd, who spent five years leading Udall, replaced James Cole, who left to become the head women’s coach at Colby Community College. Indy sophomore Abby Veile earned honorable mention All-SEK honors last year in her rookie season and will take on a bigger role. The Bulldogs lost unanimous first-team AllSEK pick Jenna Eytcheson to graduation. In an 11-win season, Indy went 7-5 in league play, good for third place.

PITTSBURG will be led by senior Ela Hendrickson, a unanimous All-SEK pick last winter. The Purple Dragons went 9-12 overall and 7-5 in the league last winter. Pittsburg’s season ended with a 68-50 loss to KC-Schlagle in the first round of a 5A substate.

Parsons Par sons H i g h

H i g h

S c h o o l

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 Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

By Brian Thomas, Montgomery County Chronicle

BOYS It was quite a battle for the South Central Border League championship a year ago, with Cedar Vale/Dexter and Udall sharing the title in the final standings. In all, four teams were in the mix by season’s end, including third-place Sedan and fourth-place West Elk. Those four teams will likely be in the hunt for the title again this season, but there’s always a possibility some other team could put itself in contention come February.

With just one starter back this season, CEDAR VALE/DEXTER may experience some earlyseason growing pains in pursuit of another SCBL championship. The Spartans shared the league title a year ago with Udall at identical 8-1 marks.

They had high hopes going into the postseason as the No. 1 seed in the Class 2A Sedan Sub-State Tournament but suffered an upset loss to Wichita Independent in the opening round to close out a 17-3 campaign.

K.B. Criss returns for his fifth season as head coach, compiling a 64-25 record to date at CVD. He welcomes back one starter in senior Cole Criss, who was named All-SCBL Second Team a year ago after averaging 12 points and five rebounds per game.

Other returning lettermen include senior Brogan Myers, who will be out of action until January due to a football injury; as well as senior Darius Casebolt, junior Cole Clark and sophomore Kaden Woods.

“To start the season, we are going to be young and fairly inexperienced,” Criss said. “We have some younger talented kids, so it will be somewhat of a rebuilding year. Although we are young, I still expect us to compete very well within our schedule.”

After posting 19 wins a year ago, UDALL will try to contend for a league championship again this season. The Eagles not only shared the SCBL title with Cedar Vale/Dexter, but they also captured the Class 1A Burden Regional Championship. Their season eventually came to an end with a loss to Hutch-Central Christian in the semifinals of the Emporia Sub-State, capping off a 19-4 campaign.

UHS will be searching for a new leader on the team after the graduation of the program’s all-time leading scorer, Brayden Sadler, an All-SCBL First Team selection and All-Class 1A Second Team by The Wichita Eagle who averaged 26.7 points per game a year ago and tallied 1,747 career points.

That surpassed the previous Udall mark of 1,666 points by Michael Propst from 2009-13.

One year after sharing the SCBL championship with Caldwell and Cedar Vale/Dexter, SEDAN took third place in the league last season, finishing 14-7 overall and 7-2 in the SCBL. Lance Jeffers returns for his ninth season as Blue Devil coach, compiling a 137-44 overall record during that span. SHS looks to be in the hunt for the league championship this season with the return of four starters from last year’s squad.

Leading the way for the Devils is First Team AllSCBL and All-Class 2A HM Dameion Hatten, a junior guard who had team highs in points (17.4 ppg) and rebounds (7.5 rpg) a year ago. Also back in the lineup are senior forward Kaden Walker, an All-SCBL Honorable Mention that averaged 10.4 points per game, as well as senior forwards Eli Campbell and Jared Roggow-Harter.

“Our strength will be our speed and athletic ability,” Jeffers said. “I think we have as much depth as we have had in several years. We have some

young kids that are talented that will need to gain experience. We have some guys that got some experience last year and should be expected to do more this year. Each player knowing their role and knowing what they can do to help our team win will make us more successful.”

Three starters are back in the lineup for WEST ELK, which could make the Patriots a contender in the SCBL race this season. A year ago, WEHS finished just above .500 at 12-11 overall, including a 6-3 mark in the league for fourth place in the final standings. The season came to an end in the semifinal round of the Class 2A Sedan Sub-State, falling to Wichita Independent.

Leading the way for the Patriots will be senior Devin Loudermilk, an All-SCBL First Team and Class 2A Honorable Mention selection after averaging 16 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. He will be joined in the lineup by Rocky Hanks (5.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg) and Colby Jackson (4.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.5 apg).

Dave Miller begins his 15th season as Patriot coach. He surpassed the 200-win mark in the program a year ago and currently stands at 203113 during his tenure.

“We hope we can compete near the top of the league,” Miller said. “We have to stay healthy. We have some younger players that need to come along pretty quick. We don’t have a lot of leftover depth outside of the starters from last year.”

With the return of 1,000-point scorer Cooper Wolf, SOUTH HAVEN could be a surprise team in the mix for the SCBL race this season.

Wolf, an All-SCBL First Team selection, is one of four key players back from last year’s squad after averaging 21.2 points, five rebounds. 3.7 assists and 2.5 steals per game. He surpassed the 1,000-point milestone during his junior season.

Joining Wolf will be seniors Hunter Meyer (9.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg) and Slate Van Zant, as well as junior Tucker Locke (7.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.6 apg).

Robert Weber will be back for his second season as head coach after leading the Cardinals to a 10-12 mark a year ago, which included a fifthplace tie with Caldwell in the SCBL at 5-4.

“We want to finish at the top of our league, improve from last year and make a deep postseason run,” Weber said. “Our key this year will be using our speed and athletic ability to make up for our lack of a true post player. Being a guardheavy team allows us to play at a very high tempo, which gave a lot of teams problems last year.”

After last claiming a share of the league title in 2019, CALDWELL hopes to jump back into the hunt for the SCBL title this season. A year ago, the Bluejays were in the middle of the pack, finishing in a tie for fifth place with South Haven at 5-4. Overall, Caldwell closed out the season at 15-7 after falling to Norwich in the semifinal round of their Class 1A regional. CHS also finished as the runner-up to CVD at the Dale Misak SCBL Tournament in Arkansas City in mid-January.

Caldwell lost a pair of key players from last year’s squad to graduation in All-SCBL Second Team picks Caleb Noyes and LA Thompson.

Jason Marlin will lead the Bluejays for a sixth season, posting a 92-28 record to date. He welcomes back three seniors from last year’s squad, led by All-SCBL Honorable Mention Trey Strnad (6.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg). Joining Strnad will be Jude Stow (6.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg), as well as Jadon Brown (3.3 ppg).

“We want to compete for a regular-season league championship and league tournament

Page 68

SOUTH CENTRAL BORDER LEAGUE

championship,” Marlin said. “Our key will be our ability to play good team defense.”

Kyle Green racked up his 200th career win in his 14th season as OXFORD coach a year ago.

The Wildcats will be young once again but hope to make some progress this winter. OHS is coming off an 7-13 campaign last season, which included a seventh-place finish in the league at 3-6.

The Wildcats lost their leading scorer from a year ago — Andrew Hills — to graduation. Hills was an All-SCBL First Team selection and also picked up Honorable Mention All-Class 1A after averaging 18.1 points and 12.1 rebounds per game.

Although Oxford will be looking for its new leader on the court, it does have four players back with varsity experience — sophomores Kyan Morris (8.1 ppg), Hayden Ruyle and Peyton Rush, as well as senior Colin Whitson.

“Overall, we are young,” Green said. “If our youth continues to develop and we continue to compete, we will get better. I look for us to be a much better team in March than we are in November due to our youth. Our goals are to make improvements and get better everyday. If we focus on that, I’ve always believed the wins and losses will take care of themselves.”

FLINTHILLS took eighth place in the SCBL a year ago with a 2-7 mark. The Mustangs closed out the season 6-16 overall following a loss to Berean Academy in the regional semifinal.

Todd Johnson, who was an assistant on last year’s squad, will take over as head coach this season following the departure of Steve Oltman.

The Mustangs welcome back All-SCBL Honorable Mention Hunter Lowmaster, who led the team in scoring and rebounding a year ago as a freshman.

For the fourth time in as many years, CENTRAL/ BURDEN will be under new leadership as Austin Filtingberger takes over as head coach.

Filtingberger steps into that role after the departure of former coach Jason Wilson. In his only season with the CHS boys’ program, Wilson led the Raiders to a 4-16 record, which included a 1-8 mark in the SCBL for ninth place.

The new coach will need to find a leader this season after the graduation of the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, Lane Toon, an All-SCBL HM selection who averaged 16.5 points and nine rebounds per game last season.

After going winless a year ago, ARGONIA hopes to see some improvements this season as it works its way out of the SCBL cellar.

Bob Almanza will once again be leading the Raiders after posting a 98-103 record to date. A year ago, AHS finished 0-20 overall - capped off with a first-round loss to Caldwell in the regional play - and was 0-9 in the league for 10th place.

A total of six lettermen return this season, including three starters - seniors Noah Phillips and Brayden Pierce, as well as junior Cooper Topinka.

Phillips was All-SCBL Honorable Mention after averaging nine points per game a year ago. Also returning for the Raiders are sophomores Jed Phillips, Damien Smith and Ryder Ragan.

“We will take pride in our defense and effort, hopefully outworking some opponents,” Almanza said. “We do have some building blocks in place, as we return a senior class with significant varsity experience. 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 After sharing the league championship the previous two seasons, West Elk won the outright title last season. The Lady Patriots will likely be the favorite to win the title again this season but will once again be challenged by teams such as Argonia and South Haven. Don’t count out an experienced Sedan team to also be in the mix of things by season’s end.

A perfect 9-0 slate gave WEST ELK a third consecutive SCBL championship a year ago.

Not only did the Lady Patriots win a third straight crown, but they also broke the school record for wins in a season, capping things off at 21-2 following a loss to Garden Plain in the championship of the Class 2A Sedan Sub-State Tournament. It was the second straight year Garden Plain ended the team’s season after doing so one year earlier at the state tournament in Hays.

Three players return to the starting lineup for WEHS, including seniors Madelyne Koop, Hayley Helms and Dakota Wiseman. Koop — an AllSCBL First Team and All-Class 2A selection — will get a late start to the season after tearing her ACL during the summer, but will still provide leadership to the squad after averaging a double-double at 14.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.

Wiseman was named All-SCBL HM. Now in his fifth season serving as head coach of both the girls and boys teams simultaneously, Dave Miller has led the girls to a 75-17 overall record, including the three straight league championships.

“Our goal every night is to go out, play to our abilities and try to win,” Miller said. “We plan to get better everyday and put ourselves in position to be successful when postseason rolls around. We will have to rely on several underclassmen, especially.

Koop will not be ready when the season starts.

Hopefully, we can weather the storm, and she can come back and be her competitive self in the second half of the season.”

ARGONIA should once again be in the mix for the SCBL championship after finishing as the runner-up behind West Elk a year ago. The Lady Raiders closed out last season at 18-6 overall following a semifinal loss to Berean Academy in substate. AHS, which went 8-1 in league play, also finished as the runner-up to Norwich in the Burden Regional Tournament.

Experience will definitely be on the side of Argonia this season. Three players earned league recognition a year ago, including All-SCBL First Team Chelsea Coleman, Second Team Aubreigh Haxton and Honorable Mention Karrlea Hessman.

The loss of 1,000-point scorer Brittney Byers to graduation has SOUTH HAVEN looking for a new leader this season. Byers was named AllSCBL First Team and All-Class after averaging 18.2 points, 6.1 boards and 4.9 steals per game last season. She is currently playing basketball at Cowley College.

The Cardinals finished third in the final standings a year ago at 7-2. They also went 16-6 overall after losing to Argonia in the regional semis.

In addition to Byers, South Haven also lost another All-SCBL First Team selection to graduation in Rachel Turek. continued on page 101

SOUTHERN PLAINS-IROQUOIS ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION

By Brett Marshall, For Kansas Pregame BOYS It was likely an abnormal season in 2019-20 for the ASHLAND Bluejays as they struggled to a 3-18 record, going winless in 13 SPIAA games. Now, first-year coach Giles Fox will try to rebuild the program and it will start with 5-10 returning senior Kash McPhail. McPhail averaged a hefty 15.2 ppg while pulling down 6.0 rpg and dishing out 1.7 apg.

The other returning starter is 5-11 senior Braton Kay, who averaged 2.4 ppg and 2.9 rpg.

In the third season of the Derek Bevan era as coach of the BUCKLIN Red Aces, the turnaround was a huge success. The 13-9 record provided the school with more wins than the previous six seasons combined. With four returning starters as well as other bench returners one can see why Bevan is excited about the upcoming season.

Junior guard Scott Price is the Red Aces’ top scorer after averaging 16.4 ppg last season.

He also averaged 4.1 rpg and 2.4 apg. Another double-digit scorer is 6-1 senior forward Joshua Stout, who scored at an 11.8 ppg clip while pulling down 4.2 rpg and handing out 3.0 assists.

Three others also saw starting duty a season ago, including 5-9 junior guard Nate Bowman (8.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.2 apg), 6-3 junior post Colton Stein (4.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg) and 6-3 sophomore post Jaron Lindsay (1.5 ppg, 1.9 rpg).

“I’m excited to be returning four starters with lots of experience from last year,” Bevan said.

Consistency through the last decade or so has been a trademark for HODGEMAN COUNTY, and new coach Gustavo Flores hopes to continue that tradition. The Longhorns finished 15-9 a year ago, going 9-6 against SPIAA opponents and placing second in the league tourney.

Four senior returnees and a junior will be key ingredients to success. The group includes seniors Issac Salmans, Connor Ruff, Ethan Burns and Jacob Poteet along with junior Brayden Bergkamp.

“Our goal is to practice all aspects of the game and to be able to give ourselves an opportunity to win on any given night,” Flores said.

On many occasions, a new coach arrives with the need to rebuild an existing program and that is the likely scenario for INGALLS. Ted Brown who returns to Ingalls after head football stints at Hiawatha and Clay Center - enters his first year as head basketball coach for the ‘Dogs with just one returning starter, 6-2 senior Tate Davis. He’s a good one, though, averaging 13.0 ppg and 4.0 rpg.

The Bulldogs were 9-12 overall, but only 1-8 in the SPIAA to place 10th.

“We will focus on developing skills, changing the culture and work to improve each week,” Brown said. “We need to develop depth and see steady improvement in our fundamentals.”

Losing five seniors from a state-ranked KIOWA COUNTY Mavericks team a year ago might be a big obstacle for many coaches. But fourth-year coach Matt Hoffman (38-25) believes his younger players gained plenty of experience by practicing against those graduated seniors. That group finished with a 16-7 record and went 8-2 in the SPIAA regular season and then captured the midseason league tournament in January.

Returning starters include a pair of seniors in Luke Ballard, who averaged 7.3 ppg, 3 rpg and 3 spg, and James Brack, who averaged 5.0 rpg.

“We want to compete, and we preach this, and if we do this we can put ourselves in position to win,” Hoffman said. “The guys stepping in played against

a top 10 team in state in practice every day (last season). The key will be learning to play together sooner than later.”

In the tough SPIAA, the MINNEOLA Wildcats had a solid season under coach James Temaat, going 12-8. The ‘Cats return only two starters from that team in senior Quentor Shelor, a 6-3 frontcourt player who averaged 8.0 ppg and 5.0 rpg, and junior Brayton Dewell, a 5-10 guard, who hit at 8.1 ppg and 6.1 rpg while also averaging 4.0 apg and 2.4 spg.

“Our goal is to compete night-in and night-out,” said Temaat, who has gone 74-69 in six seasons.

“Our team’s key this season will be defense. We will need to play tough and physical defense to have success.”

For many years, MEADE has competed in the Hi-Plains League, but now the Buffaloes move into the SPIAA. The Buffs get a new coach in Tyler Flavin, who was 42-26 in three seasons coaching the Meade girls. The Buffs’ boys had an impressive 19-5 record a year ago, going 5-1 in HPL league play and taking second in the HPL tourney.

Four returning starters greet Flavin and they come with some impressive credentials. The best is 6-4 senior forward Vance Shewey, who averaged 18.2 ppg and 9.1 rpg. He is joined by sophomore Andrew Martin, a 6-1 forward, who averaged 10.3 ppg and 3.8 rpg. Other starters back include 6-3 senior post Dakota Paul (1.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg) and 5-11 junior guard Torren Haynes (1.5 ppg, 1.6 rpg).

“Our team goals are to develop a strong competitive practice environment,” Flavin said.

“We will need to identify new roles for the kids after losing five seniors, and they will need to gain confidence early in the season. Developing chemistry with a new group will be important as we work through the season.”

Despite a sub .500 record of 9-12 a season ago, the PAWNEE HEIGHTS Tigers were highly competitive most nights. Now entering his second year at the helm, coach Ty Josefiak is looking to take the next step up with the Tigers.

His top returner is sophomore Alec Carlson, who averaged 12.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.3 apg and 2.5 spg.

Junior Braden Colglazier averaged 6.0 ppg and 4.0 rpg. Providing depth is another returner in junior Adam Hands, who averaged a solid 8.6 ppg and 4.2 rpg. Senior Junior Cordero will also be looked upon for depth.

“We want to get better every day and be in the hunt for a league title, and a 1A-Division II state title,” Josefiak said.

When a team finishes near .500 in a highlycompetitive league, it may well be that they’re not far from moving into the upper echelon. That is what might be in the cards for the SATANTA Indians as they prepare for the 2020-21 season.

Tim Dusin, entering his ninth season at the Indians’ helm (72-98), saw his team post a 10-12 record, go 4-6 in the SPIAA and place fifth in the league tournament last year.

Now, he welcomes back four experienced veterans: 5-10 senior Angel Manriquez (9 ppg, 3 apg), 6-0 senior Erier Tarango (9.0 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg), 6-4 post Liam Lynch (7 ppg, 8 rpg) and 5-8 junior guard Christian Ramirez (6.0 ppg, 3 apg).

“We hope to be in the top quarter of the league and work to go further in postseason,” Dusin said.

There are some certainties in life as we know – the sun rises in the east and sets in the west; life, death and taxes. And then there is the boys basketball program at SOUTH GRAY in Montezuma, where

the Rebels seemingly re-load their roster every year behind the only coach the school has ever had – Mark Applegate, now entering his 39th season after winning his 700th game in the Class 1A substate last season against Ness City.

But that wasn’t where Applegate and the Rebels wanted to end, as they fell the next night to St. John in the championship game by a 55-52 count.

That prevented another trip to the state tourney for Applegate and the Rebs, who ended their season at 21-4. They had gone 11-0 in the SPIAA regular season and took third in the league tourney.

There’s no shortage of talent and the cupboard is certainly full of experience and talent once again.

The best of his returners is a toss-up between 6-3 senior Aaron Skidmore and 5-9 junior Brady Deges. Skidmore averaged 22.1 ppg and 8.0 rpg last season while Deges tacked on 18.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 3.1 spg as the other big scoring threat.

But they’re not the only scoring punch available as 6-1 senior Ethan Salmans contributed 10.2 ppg and 5.2 rpg, Carter Riley, a 6-5 senior, averaged 9.0 ppg and 5.4 rpg while 6-2 junior Brent Penner chipped in with 8.0 ppg and 5.0 rpg.

“Our goals for this year are like every year – we have to take the experience we gained last year and use it to our advantage,” Applegate said, noting this year’s squad will be one of his most experienced in recent memory, and that’s saying a lot. He has coached the Rebels to four state championships (1997-2007-2008-2018) and been runners-up four times (1993-1996-2010-2017).

“We’ll be pretty athletic so we’ll extend our defense to put pressure on teams,” Applegate added. “The SPIAA is a tough league, so we know if we can compete in the league, we can compete with most teams in 1A.” The 2019-20 high school season ended too early for many teams, and one of those was the SOUTH CENTRAL Timberwolves, who found themselves looking at a Class 1A state semifinal match-up against Stockton after winning their firstround game against Lebo in Dodge City by a 4138 margin. That left the Timberwolves with a 21-5 final record after going 9-1 in the SPIAA regular season that also included a fourth-place finish in the January league tournament.

The Wolves get new coach Bud Valerius, who has a 193-80 record in 11 seasons. He’ll have to find a new cast of starters due to graduation losses.

“We still feel we have a great group of guys who should compete for a league title,” Valerius said.

“We should be a very good defensive team. The key is where some of the guys were role players a year ago, they will need to step into a leadership role this season.”

In his 10 previous seasons, coach Christopher Sohm has established his SPEARVILLE Royal Lancers as one of the year-in, year-out solid programs in the SPIAA. He has guided the program to a 123-99 record, but last year dipped to 9-13 overall. That came with a youth movement that still is considered young as he will rely on four juniors who saw considerable court time last year.

“We want to improve each and every day in practice so we can compete up to the best of our ability on game nights,” Sohm said. “We will focus on limiting turnovers and will need to do a good job of rebounding on both ends of the floor.”

GIRLS It was not business as usual in 2019-20 for the ASHLAND Bluejays. Coach Kit Walker, who has compiled a 138-67 record, saw her team dip to

Photo courtesy Bucklin Yearbook

Page 69

Scott PRICE Bucklin, Junior

Photo by Erin Paul

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

Vance SHEWEY Meade, Senior

8-12. She welcomes back three returning starters in 5-7 senior small forward Mckinzie Crammer (7.8 ppg), 5-10 junior center Tori Milburn (5.2 ppg) and 5-6 sophomore point guard Mackenzie Walker (10.2 ppg). With all three at different positions, it bodes well for improved results.

“For us, learning to play for each other will be the top priority,” Walker said. “We have some good talent in this group and if we learn to play for each other, we will be successful.”

The BUCKLIN Red Aces enjoyed a solid season in 2019-20, finishing with a 14-7 overall mark, going 9-3 in the SPIAA and placing fourth in the league tournament. Coach Craig Bowman returns three starters that include 5-7 senior Catherine Bowman, 5-7 senior Danae Scott and 5-9 sophomore Halie Feikert.

“We want to contend for the league title and make it deep into the postseason,” Bowman said. “We need to incorporate new players with the veteran returnees and also improve on the defensive end of the floor.”

With a youthful lineup in 2019-20, the HODGEMAN COUNTY Longhorns were competitive in most games they played, resulting in a 12-10 overall record while going 4-6 in the SPIAA and placing fifth in the league tournament. With four returning players with experience, one can expect the Longhorns to see steady improvement.

The group of returners include Colette Pelton (8.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.3 apg, 3.2 spg), Kaylee James (6.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.2 spg), Grace Shiew (6.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and Tinley Weber (3.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg).

“We want to show improvement off of last season,” said Coach Trent Bright. “We would like to compete with the tougher teams in our league. We can do that by limiting turnovers and defending better while playing as one unit.”

When the INGALLS Bulldogs knocked off South Gray in the Class 1A substate, it earned them a trip to the state tournament in Dodge City. But with a 16-8 record, they went in as the No. 8 seed and had to face five-time defending champion Central Plains in the quarterfinal opener. The result was a 93-47 setback that ended their season.

Coach Terra Simon (5th year, 61-32) is optimistic that the experience gained last year will carry over. continued on page 83

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

SUNFLOWER LEAGUE

By Zach DeLoach, For Kansas Pregame Last season, both the girls and boys Sunflower League titles were shared amongst multiple teams, and in 2020-21, it appears as though the race for a championship trophy will be a photo finish once more. The Sunflower League will also see a fresh face this year, as Mill Valley has moved over from the Eastern Kansas League.

BOYS Zach White is the new head coach at GARDNER EDGERTON and takes over a squad that went 6-15 overall last season and 3-9 in the Sunflower League for a tenth place finish.

He said that the challenge for his team in 202021 will be “adjusting to a new coach and system” and “getting guys who have not played significant varsity minutes ready to play at the varsity level.”

White also knows that, especially early in the season, he will need to rely on players returning from last year with varsity experience.

That list of Trailblazer veterans include senior Ethan Reynolds (7.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.6 apg), junior Jake McClure (9.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.6 apg), and senior Kellen Kueser (2.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.4 apg).

LAWRENCE FREE STATE made a run to the 6A state semifinals in 2019-20, but the Firebirds’ bid at a championship was cut short by KSHSAA’s decision to cancel the tournament’s remaining games as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic The Firebirds shared the Sunflower League title with Olathe West and Lawrence High with a 10-2 league record and an 18-5 mark overall.

Junior guard Mozae Downing was named third team All-Sunflower League and honorable mention all-state last season and will look to lead his team back to the state tournament to finish what it started a year ago.

Like its counterpart on the other side of town, LAWRENCE clinched a share of the 2019-20 Sunflower League trophy and won its substate to make it to the state tournament. The Lions, who went 18-5 last year, fell to Blue Valley North 72-66 in the first round.

Senior Zeke Mayo earned all-league and all-state honors and should be a force for the Lions this year before heading off to South Dakota State to play college ball.

Following the abrupt conclusion to the 201920 athletic season, MILL VALLEY departed the Eastern Kansas League and became the 14th member of the Sunflower League. The Jaguars struggled in their final year in the EKL, going just 1-8 against league foes and 7-14 overall. They lost their opening round substate game to EKL champion Blue Valley Northwest 80-56.

OLATHE EAST posted a 9-13 record in 2019-20 and a 5-7 league mark. The Hawks upset league champion and fourth-seeded Olathe West in the first round of substate before falling to Olathe South 61-47 to end the season.

The Hawks could have a rebuild on their hands following the graduation of second team allleague selection Kamari Armstrong and honorable mention selection Jack Whitehead and the transfer of honorable mention selection Antwaun Massey to Minnesota Prep.

OLATHE NORTH went 9-12 and 7-5 in the Sunflower League a season ago. The Eagles were defeated 77-65 by Blue Valley West in the first round of substate. North could also have an uphill climb this season after the graduation of second team all-leaguer KT Raimey and third teamer Koi Jackson.

OLATHE NORTHWEST finished toward the bottom of the league with a 4-8 record and an 8-13 mark overall. The Ravens were throttled by Blue Valley North 59-39 in the first round of the substate.

The good news is the return of honorable mention all-league 6-3 junior guard Zaid Dajani, the only Raven to earn league recognition last season.

Dajani scored 100 combined points in three Prep Hoops Showcase games in October.

After finishing fourth in the Sunflower League at 7-5, OLATHE SOUTH went on a tear in the postseason, picking up convincing wins over Wyandotte and Olathe East in substate to qualify for the state tournament.

The Falcons then shocked the second-seeded Harmon Hawks in the state quarterfinals, 50-43.

They were all set to take on Blue Valley Northwest in the semifinals before the remainder of the tournament was canceled, freezing their overall record at 17-6 with work left undone.

Olathe South returns to the court with plans to take care of its unfinished business. The Falcons

Page 70 will have Sunflower League Freshman of the Year Amarion Johnson and first team all-conference honoree Bandon Eckles leading the charge, but did graduate honorable mention all-leaguer Jake English, now playing baseball for KU. OLATHE WEST won a portion of the Sunflower League title with a 10-2 record and an overall winloss mark of 15-6. The Owls’ plan to make a run at a state championship was wiped away when they were upset in the first round of the substate playoff

by Olathe East, the 13 seed.

Seniors Carter Lichtsinn (third team all-Sunflower League, 12 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.6 apg) and Tommy Faseru (4.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.0 apg) return to help ease the loss of league Player of the Year Cougar Downing to graduation.

For Sunflower League Coach of the Year Brad Ball, the goal for 2020-21 is simple: “To overachieve.”

SHAWNEE MISSION EAST returns a veteran group that went 11-10 and 6-6 in the Sunflower League, which was good for fifth place in 2019-20.

The Lancers ended last season with a 48-40 loss to Blue Valley in the first round of substate.

Returners from last year are senior Preston

THREE RIVERS LEAGUE

By Jason Peake, SoMo Sports St. Paul ruled the Three Rivers League in 201920, as the girls and boys both captured league championships. Will the Indians duplicate last year’s success, or will other teams emerge?

GIRLS ST. PAUL captured a seventh straight TRL championship in 2019-20. The Indians went undefeated in league play, won a regional title and finished 18-5 overall, but fell to Hutch-Central Christian 48-35 in the substate opener.

There’s good news for longtime coach Doug Tuck, as he returns five players who gained varsity experience during last year’s stellar campaign.

“We will have no seniors, but fortunately, five of our girls were in our top seven rotation last year so they have experience,” Tuck said. “We will need to develop roles, as well as depth.”

Juniors Emerald Struthers, Claire Bradshaw and Elise Doherty, all 5-foot-8, are varsity veterans.

Struthers averaged six points, four rebounds and two steals a game, while Bradshaw contributed six points and two boards and Doherty chipped in five points and three rebounds a night. Bradshaw and Doherty were both third-team all-league.

Also back for St. Paul are 5-6 sophomores Josie Harris and Sophia Albertini.

UNIONTOWN returns two players who earned first-team all-league recognition in ‘19-20. Junior Danielle Howard averaged 17 points, six steals, five rebounds and five assists per game last winter, while senior Karleigh Schoenberger averaged 15 points, five rebounds and two steals.

Senior Sammie Hampton gives the team three returning starters. Hampton contributed five points and four rebounds a game for the Eagles, who went 16-6 overall and 9-2 in league play (second place) last season.

“In the last couple of years, we’ve been able to take steps in the right direction and we expect this season to be no different,” Eagles coach Dustin Miller said.

PLEASANTON had a solid season in 201920, finishing 14-8 overall and 7-4 in league play.

Coach Ethan Sabine wants to see the Blu-Jays take another step this winter.

Pleasanton returns three starters. Emma Sabine, a 5-8 senior, earned first-team all-league honors after averaging 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists per game last season. Also back are 5-11 senior Kori Umphenour and 5-8 junior Bailey Myrick. Umphenour contributed eight points and eight boards a game last year, while Myrick had averages of eight points, five rebounds and three assists.

NORTHEAST-ARMA will look to make positive strides after a 4-17 campaign last winter.

The Vikings have two starters back. Senior Rachel Fox (5-4) earned third-team All-TRL recognition last year after averaging nine points, five rebounds and nearly three steals a game.

Also back is 5-6 sophomore MaKenzie Jackson, who averaged four points and three rebounds.

“Our goal is to build on the foundation we set last year,” second-year coach Brandon Sigmon said.

CHETOPA is coming off a 14-10 season that saw the Hornets go 7-4 in league play, good for fourth place.

Chetopa’s returning starters are 5-9 senior Brali Conard, 5-6 senior Amber Ross and 5-8 senior Molly Arnold. An all-league performer, Conard averaged 16 points and four rebounds a game last winter, while Ross scored four points a night.

“I feel like we are a little faster this year, so I’m hoping that will transition to the court,” Chetopa coach Jaunc Bradshaw said.

COLONY-CREST has four returning starters from last year’s team that went 11-11. Leading the way is senior Aubree Holloran, who averaged 11 points, nine rebounds and three assists per game. Also back is junior Lindsey Godderz, who contributed nine points a game. Juniors Anna Hermreck and Vivian Noah bring back experience.

“We lost only one senior (Rylee Beckmon), so we have a lot of girls returning,” Crest coach Megan Mason said. “If we can find what everyone’s role is, we’ll do great.”

SOUTHEAST-CHEROKEE has just one returning starter in Railey Robertson. A 5-8 senior who earned first-team all-TRL recognition, Robertson averaged 12 points, six rebounds, four steals and three assists a game last winter.

Reynolds (11 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 apg), senior Will Townsend (honorable mention all-Sunflower League, 11 ppg, 9 rpg), and junior Emmett Hill (4 ppg). Sophomore Dillon Mong and senior Charlie Sublette are also expected to play important supporting minutes.

Twenty-fifth year head coach Shawn Hair says that the goals for this season are to “be super competitive in our league and go to the state tournament.” To meet this objective, Hair says the team needs to emphasize “rebounding, defense and our ability to knock down open shots.”

SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH was a Sunflower League cellar dweller with a 2-10 record in league play. The Indians do not have a player returning in 2020-21 who earned all-league recognition.

SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST went 1011 overall last season and finished ninth in the Sunflower League with a 4-8 record. The Cougars were ousted in overtime by Shawnee Mission South in the first round of substate play.

Landon Wagler was named honorable mention All-Sunflower League as a sophomore last season.

Junior Damare Smith (19 ppg, 2 rpg, 4.5 apg, 2 spg) and senior Ty Blecha (6.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg) are also expected to be leaders for the team.

Lancers coach Derek Sanders hopes to see his team improve on last year’s 9-12 record.

“We aim to be playing our best basketball at the end of the season,” Sanders said. “Staying healthy is always important, but especially this year.”

YATES CENTER has three returning starters from last year’s team that went 8-12 overall and 6-5 in the league. Junior Morgan Collins, sophomore Molly Proper and senior Liberty Cavender all return to the starting lineup. A junior, Collins scored 10 points per game last year. The Wildcats must replace the graduated Madelynn Collins, a first-team all-TRL pick who is the program’s fifth all-time leading scorer.

“The young players are going to have to step up and work harder,” Wildcats coach Abbie Collins said.

OSWEGO has three returning starters from last year’s squad that went 7-15. Seniors Lindsy Dinnsen and Allie Vail both averaged five points apiece last season, while sophomore Kadie Folk contributed three points per game.

“We’re going to be pretty young and inexperienced,” Indians coach Neal Cruse said.

“We might have some growing pains early, but hopefully we are able to overcome that and play our best basketball at the end of the year.”

Oswego must overcome the loss of the graduated Shanler McNickle, a second-team allleague pick last year.

MARMATON VALLEY will be led by four returning starters. Seniors Kaylee Becker and McKayla Ard and juniors Aly Ard and Kendall Scharff return as varsity veterans after gaining starting experience last year for the 9-13 Wildcats.

Both Becker and Aly Ard earned all-league honors.

JAYHAWK-LINN concluded the ‘19-20 season in the first round of the Class 2A substate in Yates Center with a 58-47 loss to Uniontown. JayhawkLinn finished the season with a record of 3-18. The team must replace the graduated Kate Dawson, who earned second-team all-TRL honors.

ALTOONA-MIDWAY was unable to get into the win column last year, finishing 0-20. The Jets will look to right the ship this winter. Leading the way for Altoona-Midway will be junior Mariah Stackhouse, a third-team all-TRL pick a year ago

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

Page 71

First year head coach David Birch believes his team can “make it to the 6A state tournament and win the Sunflower League” if it can excel at “rebounding, shot selection, defensive energy, and adapting to [a] new coach/system.”

SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH tied for fourth place in the Sunflower League with a 7-5 record.

The Raiders - 13-9 overall - lost to Blue Valley Northwest in the substate final last year, but they believe they can compete for a league title and a state tournament berth in 2020-21.

Shawnee Mission South brings back a troupe of experienced players, including senior Erik Smith (6.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.5 apg), senior Blake Potthoff (10.7 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 2.5 apg), senior Andrew Brewer (10 ppg, 6 rpg), senior Max Close (8.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1 apg), senior Jack Webb (4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.7 apg), and junior Harrison Hughes (6.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.2 apg).

In the first year of Hunter Henry’s tenure, SHAWNEE MISSION WEST finished last in the Sunflower League by going 2-10 and 5-15 overall.

As he heads into season number two, Henry says he wants to submit a better record and “finish in the top half of the Sunflower League [by] continuing to get great perimeter looks and making a higher

percentage this year [and] continuing to disrupt teams with our simple defensive schemes.”

At this point, the cupboard seems a bit bare for the Vikings, as the players returning this season present a dearth of varsity experience.

GIRLS GARDNER EDGERTON’s 2-10 record in Sunflower League competition placed them in a three-way tie for tenth place along with Shawnee Mission South and Shawnee Mission North. The Trailblazers’ 5-16 record was an upgrade from what they tendered in 2018-19, and third year head coach Joe Leiker believes they can improve this season “and grow as a team and program.”

Leiker will put a spate of seasoned players on the court in 2020-21, such as senior Sofia Semon (10.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.4 spg; 1.3 apg), junior Kaelin Platt (4.3 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.4 spg) junior Kiersten Markos (4.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.8 spg), and junior Kaylah Newman (5.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.9 spg).

His points of emphasis include “playing with intensity and aggressiveness at both ends” and “taking care of the ball.”

Chris Linner enters his first season as the skipper for LAWRENCE FREE STATE. A year ago, the

Firebirds placed ninth in the Sunflower League at 3-9 and 8-12 overall. They fell to Washburn Rural in the first round of substate.

Linner said he wants to see his team “compete every night in the Sunflower League and put ourselves in a position, by the end of the year, where we can compete for a bid to state.”

The Firebirds will be led by Shannon Clarke (15.8 ppg, 7.2 ppg, 2 spg, 1.3 bpg, 1.5 apg), Evy Harrell (6.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.1 spg), and Daeci Jaillite-Walker (5.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.5 spg). “[It] needs to be a collective effort from the entire program to get better every day,” Linner said. “We need to be able to ‘protect and push’, play solid and tough defense, and then run in transition.”

LAWRENCE brought up the rear in the Sunflower League, registering a 1-11 record against league opponents and a 5-16 record overall.

Despite last year’s disappointing result, seventh year head coach Jeff Dickson continues to have high expectations for his team in 2020-21.

“Our team goals remain the same,” he said.

“Practice hard, play hard, play together, and challenge for the top three in the league, a substate championship, and a top three finish at state.”

Youth has been an obstacle for this team, and

Dickson predicts that it could still be an issue this season, albeit one he believes his players can overcome.

“We were, and still are, a very young squad,” he said. “We have to take more than a few steps forward to achieve our goals. We need our kids to grow and mature and show that growth every day and every game.”

Among the returning players with varsity experience are senior Ozi Ajekwu (10.1 ppg, 10.2 rpg), junior Layla Harjo (4.6 ppg, 2.7 apg), sophomore Amaya Marshall (6.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg), sophomore Hailey Ramirez (3 ppg, 2.3 rpg), and sophomore Serenity Keo (2.7 ppg 2.4 rpg).

MILL VALLEY joins the Sunflower League in 2020-21 after a year that saw the Jaguars go 5-16 with a 45-21 loss to top-seeded Shawnee Mission Northwest in the first round of the substate playoff.

Emree Zars returns for the Jaguars after being named honorable mention All-Eastern Kansas League during her sophomore season last year.

OLATHE EAST won a share of the Sunflower League title last season with a 10-2 record and a 15-5 ticket overall. The Hawks narrowly slipped past Shawnee Mission West in their substate continued on page 90

BOYS ST. PAUL put together a stellar 2019-20 season.

The Indians went undefeated in TRL play (11-0) and finished 17-6. St. Paul came one win short of advancing to the Class 1A state tournament last year, as the Indians fell in a substate championship game.

Indians coach Keith Wiatrak reports that he has no returning starters this season, as six seniors led the way last winter.

“We’re going to have to develop our young players at a rapid pace,” Wiatrak said. “We are going to try and defend our league title and get back into the substate.”

UNIONTOWN made significant strides in 201920. The Eagles improved their win total by 14 from the previous year by going 15-7. Uniontown went 10-1 in league play. And with four returning starters, Coach Chad Hays wants to see the program go a step further this year.

“Our team returns a lot of experience and expectations are much higher this year,” Hays said. “We have a lot of really good basketball players coming back.”

Jake Harvey was a unanimous first-team AllTRL pick last year after averaging 18 points, six rebounds and three steals a game and the 6-foot guard looks primed to have a big senior year. Drew Perry and Hunter Schaaf will take on

bigger roles after gaining starting experience last season. Clay Sutterby, a 6-4 senior who averaged nine points and six rebounds last year, gives Uniontown a presence in the paint.

COLONY-CREST seniors Kobey Miller (6-4) and Tyson Hermreck (6-3) both earned all-league honors. Miller averaged 13 points per game, while Hermreck scored eight a night for the Lancers, who went 10-14 and 4-7 in league. Also back are seniors Jacquez Coleman and Ethan Prasko.

“We don’t have a ton of scoring returning, so we will have to generate a lot of offense through our defense, Coach Travis Hermreck said. “ NORTHEAST-ARMA returns only one starter from last year’s squad that went 13-10 and finished second in the league standings. The Vikings advanced to a 2A substate championship.

Senior Karter Dugan (5-11) is Northeast’s top returning performer. With that, Coach Karl Wicker will have several newcomers in key roles. The Vikings lost three all-league players to graduation, led by first-team all-TRL pick and four-year starter Matt Cashero.

Lane Huffman is the new head coach at ALTOONA-MIDWAY and returns a pair of starters from last year’s 9-12 squad. Senior Josh Meigs averaged 10 points and seven rebounds a game last winter, while junior point guard Jackson Ashmore contributed 12 points, three rebounds

and three assists and was second-team All-TRL. Huffman noted Ashmore has been the team’s starting point guard since the first game of his freshman year.

JAYHAWK-LINN returns a large group from last year’s 10-11 team. Seniors Cameron Johanning, Cade Kellstadt and Mason Cochran and junior Kain Leisure gained plenty of varsity experience a year ago. Leisure scored seven points per game last year, while Johanning averaged five points and four rebounds. Also back are sophomores Dylan Nickelson and Austin Nation.

“The biggest key to our success will be for some of our younger players to make large strides this season,” coach Ken Glaser said.

YATES CENTER will have plenty of new faces in big roles, as the Wildcats return just one starter from last year’s squad that went 10-12 overall and 6-5 in the league. Sean Hurst, a 6-3 junior, returns after averaging eight points, five rebounds and two assists per game. Hurst was an all-league performer a year ago for coach Jeremy Neville.

MARMATON VALLEY did not record a victory last year and coach Gavin Cole said being more competitive is the main goal for the season.

“If the athletes show a commitment to improving and working hard everyday, the success will follow,” Cole said. “We need a complete buy-in to the way we go about our daily work.”

Three returning starters hope to turn things around. Back are 5-9 juniors Quincy Adams and Bryce Carmen and 6-1 sophomore Dylan Drake.

CHETOPA has four returning starters. Junior Connor Wright (5-11) scored 15 points per game last year. Senior Cadin Duggan contributed eight points and seven rebounds a game last year, while classmate Dakota Pease averaged eight points and nine boards and fellow senior Nathan Scott pulled down 11 rebounds a game.

The Green Hornets will look to improve upon last year’s 4-15 overall record and 2-9 league mark for Ccach Rick Aldridge.

“We only graduated one senior last year, so we have a bunch of experience,” Aldridge said.

“We want to build on last year and make it to the playoffs, where anything can happen.”

SOUTHEAST-CHEROKEE finished 7-13 after dropping its substate opener to Northeast. Senior Jace Coltrane was a second-team all-league performer a year ago, while sophomore Cade Burdette was an honorable mention all-TRL pick as a freshman.

PLEASANTON went 6-15 last season, falling to Uniontown in the first round of the 2A substate in Yates Center. Sophomore Dale Gillespie earned second-team All-TRL honors last year.

OSWEGO advanced to the semifinals of a Class 1A regional before falling to eventual champion St. Paul, 54-36. The Indians concluded the season with a record of 5-16. Senior Isaac Eliott returns after earning first-team all-league recognition.

KCAL /FROM PG 54____________

rely on effort to find success.

Battle will have two experienced senior leaders in 6-4 guard Xavier Cushinberry and 6-2 guard Xavier Hernandez. Also, 6-2 sophomore guard Jesse Greenly is also expected to be a big contributor, picking up a lot of playing time as a freshman.

SUMNER ACADEMY notched two league victories in their 3-18 campaign to edge out Atchison for the penultimate spot in the standings.

Returning 5-11 sophomore guard Jammial Hicks will be an outside threat in the coming year for coach Al Collins Jr. and 6-3 senior guard Kyun Jackson will continue to be a leader on the team, but is likely to pursue football at the college level.

Keith Wiatrak 23940 120th Rd, St. Paul, KS 66771 620-238-0254 kswiatrak@yahoo.com

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finish in the league in 2019-20. The Redmen posted a 5-17 overall record and won only one conference match. Low seeding put them in line to face Piper and a 93-48 loss at substate.

As a 4A team among larger schools, league success will frequently be a challenge. Battle brings 18 years of head coaching experience to the task, most recently in Junction City and Pleasant Ridge.

He’ll look to “build a culture that values effort,” and his focus on transition defense and rebounding will

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

TRI-VALLEY LEAGUE

By Brian Thomas, Montgomery County Chronicle

After capturing three straight championships, the road to the Tri-Valley League boys title appears to once again run through Caney Valley in 2020-21.

The Bulldogs went unbeaten in league play for a third straight year and have a 22-game TVL win streak heading into this season. In all, five of the eight league teams posted winning records last season, with Eureka and Erie joining Caney Valley with at least 15 wins. Look for those same teams to be the ‘Pups’ biggest challengers this season.

For a second straight year, Eureka captured the girls Tri-Valley League championship. It was the seventh league championship for the Tornadoes in program history. EHS will likely be the favorite to win the TVL crown again this season, but look for challenges from both Cherryvale and Erie along the way. All three of those teams won at least 15 games a year ago, which should make for an interesting league race in 2020-21.

BOYS Jim Deaton begins his third season on the CANEY VALLEY bench after posting a 31-12 record in his first two years with the Bullpups. A longtime coach in the state of Oklahoma, Deaton has already surpassed 500 career wins and will be seeking another TVL championship this season.

CVHS finished 16-6 a year ago, ending its season with a loss to third-ranked Wichita Collegiate in the semifinal round of the Class 3A Cheney Sub-State. The Bullpups have some holes to fill in the lineup with the loss of three key starters due to graduation: Camdyn Melchiori, Jace Kaminska and Trey Richey.

Melchiori — an All-Class 3A and TVL selection — led the Bullpups at 18.4 point per game and also surpassed the 1,000-point milestone for his

career. Kaminska, currently playing baseball at Wichita State University, and Richey both earned All-Class 3A Honorable Mention.

“We’re really going to miss our seniors,” Deaton said. “They’ve set a high standard for our program and helped it reach new heights. We have some young guys coming up who have watched those older guys’ work ethic, and they’re anxious for an opportunity to play.”

EUREKA will be looking to make a run at the top of the TVL standings this season after tying Erie for second place a year ago at 5-2.

The Tornadoes, under the direction of fourthyear coach Derek Larcom (46-19), are coming off a 14-7 season that ended with a first-round loss to Anthony-Harper-Chaparral in substate action.

Despite the loss of five players due to graduation, EHS still has plenty of talent back, including AllTVL senior Gabe Valentine, who averaged 14 points and 4.5 rebounds per game a year ago.

Another senior guard back in the lineup is Hayden Mead and his 8 points per game average. Larcom also projects senior guards Austin Casper and Trey McCoy, as well as senior forward Preston Coulter to be in the mix for starting positions.

A season ago, ERIE tied Eureka for the runnerup spot in the TVL behind Caney Valley. Can the Red Devils be in the mix once again to challenge the Bullpups for the top spot?

Although EHS came up short of a league championship, it was still a banner season for the program as it captured a substate championship and advanced to the state tournament for the first time since 1993. Now, coming off a 19-5 campaign, the Red Devils have every reason to believe they can make it back this season.

Nick Pfeifer, who begins his ninth season as

TWIN VALLEY LEAGUE

By Brent Maycock, Topeka Capital-Journal It might have been the longest of long shots.

But it was a shot Hanover’s girls wanted to take.

After beating Otis-Bison 41-36 in the quarterfinals of the Class 1A state tournament, the Wildcats were facing a semifinal showdown with none other than Central Plains, winner of six straight state championships and a state-record 136 consecutive games. The same Oiler team that had beaten Hanover 50-34 in the 2019 state title game.

While the task seemed monumental, it was one the Wildcats — undefeated TVL champions and

24-1 overall after the quarterfinal win — craved.

“I wanted them,” Hanover coach Chris Beikmann said. “I wanted the rematch. I know they’re great and they just went out and kicked butt in that first round, but I wanted a chance.”

Hanover never got its shot at revenge. During their win over Otis-Bison the Wildcats learned the remainder of the state tourney was cancelled because of COVID-19, leaving Hanover like every other state quarterfinal winner, unsatisfied.

Count Valley Heights’ and Centralia’s girls among those as well. Heights finished runner-up

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head coach (88-84), welcomes back four starters including senior All-TVL performer Mark Bogner (13.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg), senior all-league Honorable Mention Tyler Pasquarelli (6.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg), senior Dawson Lehman (7.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg) and junior Eric Dillinger (8.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg). Also in the mix for a starting spot will be Tyler Duling.

“Our team goals will be very similar to those in the past,” Pfeifer said. “We want to work extremely hard to be the best defensive team possible. We hope to work diligently every day in practice in order to be well prepared and skilled offensively so that we can give ourselves the opportunity to win games and compete for championships.”

CHERRYVALE will have a new coach in charge this season. Although Rodney Vigil will be new to the boys’ program, he is hardly a stranger to CHS. Vigil, the athletic director at Cherryvale, previously spent six seasons as head coach of the girls’ team, compiling an 88-51 record and a trip to the Class 3A State Tournament in 2009. He takes over from Aaron Rehmert, who led the Chargers to a 72-77 record in seven seasons as head coach.

A year ago, Cherryvale tied Humboldt for fourth place in the league at 4-3, finishing 14-7 overall.

Despite the loss of leading scorer Gavin Hooper to Ottawa University and another All-TVL performer Zaine Lantz to graduation, the Chargers have three senior starters back in the lineup — Landon Bennett, Devin Sawyer and Kolbyn Hooper. Three other players with experience are also returning in junior Briggs Adkison and sophomores Trenton Monroy and Rayden Wright.

“We have small numbers but great kids,” Vigil said. “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to coach such a great group of kids.”

With the loss of All-TVL selection Connor Haviland and some other key players to graduation, HUMBOLDT will be looking for some new leadership on the court this season.

The Cubs are under the direction of head coach David Taylor, who begins his 13th season in the program (192-92). They are coming off a 13-8 campaign that included a 4-3 record in the to Hanover in the league race and were 22-2 after beating Wabaunsee 51-45 in the Class 2A state quarterfinals. But the Mustangs never got a crack at undefeated and No. 1 Spearville in the semifinals. Centralia, meanwhile, survived Cunningham 48-46 in overtime to join Hanover in the Class 1A semifinals. The Panthers also had a semifinal meeting with undefeated Olpe, wiped out.

Only two boys teams advanced to state out of the TVL, Valley Heights in 2A and Frankfort in 1A. Both, however, lost their state openers with Heights dropping a 72-45 decision to Bishop Seabury and Frankfort falling 59-38 to St. John.

Heights shared the league title with Washington County and Centralia, all three finishing 10-2 in league play. The top of the league was strong last year with five teams finishing with at least 14 wins.

BOYS AXTELL finished 10-12 last year, but was 7-5 in league play with four losses by less than 10 points.

Finishing games was problematic for the Eagles as they shot just 25 percent from the floor in that period for the season, including 15 percent from 3-point range. Axtell lost first-team all-leaguer and top scorer Quinn Buessing to graduation and will be low on numbers with just seven players on the roster, three of those freshmen. Isaac Detweiler had a strong freshman season last year, averaging 10 points per game, while Mitch Buessing and George Volle each added 4 points a contest.

Page 72 TVL to tie Cherryvale for fourth place in the final standings. HHS lost to Osage City in the opening round of sub-state action.

Humboldt returns just one of its main players from last year in junior Drew Wilhite, who averaged 6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3 assists per game.

“Hopefully, we can finish in the upper half of our league, which will be very tough this year,” Taylor said. “The key for us is getting up to speed of varsity level basketball with so many newcomers to the varsity level, playing good defense and rebounding, and limiting turnovers and mistakes.

We will have to play mistake free basketball to be competitive within our league.”

After combining for just three wins in the previous two seasons, FREDONIA had a breakout season a year ago as it finished 8-12 overall and 2-5 in the TVL for sixth place in the final standings.

The Yellowjackets are knocking on the door of a winning season, which would be their first since the 2015-16 campaign. Dee Barnett, who begins his sixth season as head coach, has high hopes that the trend will continue this season with the return of four key seniors from last year’s squad.

Back in the lineup are All-TVL and Honorable mention All-Class 3A guard/forward Layne Mayeske, who averaged 15 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists a year ago. Joining Mayeske will be guard/forward Ian Houchin (3.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg).

Two other players that will make contributions are guards John Milligan and John Dutton.

“The program made great strides the past three years,” Barnett said. “Last year, they proved to themselves they can compete as well as expect more from themselves and each other. We need to focus on getting better each day and being consistent.”

With several returning players, BLUESTEM is looking to make a move up the Tri-Valley League standings this season after a seventh-place finish a year ago.

Branigun Gomez begins his second season with the Lions. Last season, they finished 6-14 overall, continued on page 100 How close was BLUE VALLEY-RANDOLPH to having an incredible season? Four of the Rams’ seven losses in a 14-7 season were by less than 10 points and none of the seven were by more than 16. That included a six-point loss to eventual state qualifier Frankfort in the substate semis. The Rams were hit hard by graduation, losing a bulk of last year’s scoring, including all-leaguer’s Brody Barr (18 ppg) and Bryson Brockman (17.4 ppg).

Jeremiah Duncan is the only returning starter and averaged 9.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

Against league competition, CENTRALIA was lights out last year, going 10-2 in league regular-season play to share the league title with Washington County and Valley Heights. But against non-league foes, Centralia was just 0-5, including a loss to 1A state tourney favorite Little River in the substate championship. The Panthers return just two starters and lost top-two scorers Kamble Haverkamp and Colby Arnold as well as three other seniors. Returning starter Raef Osterhaus averaged 6.8 points per game to lead the returners, while Presly Bowers was right behind at 6.5 per game. Bowers also led the Panthers in rebounding with 6.1 per contest.

Even losing four players to graduation, CLIFTONCLYDE has high expectations that it can meet or exceed last year’s 16-8 record that included a 7-5 league mark. The Eagles return first-team all-

continued atop the next page

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 leaguer Aiden Rudolph, who averaged 8.7 points starter, Tate Smith (9.5 ppg) but return almost and 4.8 rebounds per game last year, as well as everyone else as they try to get to the top of the leading scorer Wyatt Lange (10.2 ppg), who was league. Junior Griffin Weber led the team in scorsecond-team all-league. Leading rebounder Jarik ing as a sophomore at 12 points per game, while Weiche (9.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg) also is back as are three sophomore Jerrit Norris (6-4) was second on the other players that started at some point. Last year team as a freshman at 11 points and 9.7 rebounds ended with a four-point loss to 1A favorite Little per game. He also averaged 3 blocks per game, River in the substate semis. but is the extent of the size for the Trojans, who With a team that had no seniors and only two will be young overall with just one senior, Keaton juniors, DONIPHAN WEST struggled to gain any Neuman. footing in the league and finished 5-16 overall and It was a banner season for VALLEY HEIGHTS, 3-9 in league play. The Mustangs return everyone which shared the league regular season title with this year, however, and should see improvement.

Centralia and Washington County and also won New FRANKFORT coach Ben Steinlage steps the league tournament crown. The Mustangs, who in to take over the Wildcat program this year. finished 18-7 overall, reached the state tournament Frankfort was the lone league team to qualify for for the first time since 2014, falling to powerhouse the state tournament last year, winning four post- Bishop Seabury in the quarterfinals. Cale Green season games by single digits to reach the 1A state takes over as head coach for Adam Schreiner after tourney before falling to St. John. Graduated is serving as an assistant coach last year, filling in first-team all-leaguer Garret Dalinghaus, but back one game when Schreiner was sick. He inherits a are second-teamers Gavin Cornelison 12.3 ppg, veteran team that lost just one player off last year’s 4.3 rpg) and Aiden Gerstner (9.7 ppg). roster. The Mustangs were balanced last year with It will be quite a different look on the bench at six players averaging at least 5 ppg and five averHANOVER where longtime ultra-successful coach aging at least 4 rebounds per game.

Kim Lohse has retired. Lohse racked up more than First-team all-leaguer Cameron Beardsley led 500 victories and six state championships in 25 the way with 15 points per game, while Jackson seasons. Last year’s 12-11 season marked the O’Toole averaged 9.3 points per game. Kadin fewest wins for the program in more than a de- Claycamp was the leading rebounder at 5.2 rpg off cade. Despite the down season, expectations are the bench and together with fellow senior Bryson always high for the program and first-year coach Kenworthy (6.9 ppg) gives the Mustangs a pair of Cory Jensen takes over for Lohse. He’ll have al- 6-5 post players on the inside. most everyone off last year’s team back, including “We have the talent, they will need to be discifirst-team all-leaguer and leading scorer Emmitt plined, and come to practice willing to work every Jueneman and second-team all-leaguer Blake day,” Green said.

Hynek.

If Valley Heights isn’t the favorite in the league, LINN also has a new head coach as Michael then WASHINGTON COUNTY would be. The Voelker takes over. The Bulldogs have one of the Tigers shared the league crown a year ago with top scorers in the league in senior Trent Beier, who Heights and Centralia and finished the season averaged 14.6 points per game last year. Keaton 17-6. The Tigers should be hungry after getting Bargman added 8.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per knocked off in the substate semifinals by Centralia game. The Bulldogs were just 6-15 last year. and arguably have the best 1-2 punch in the league Luke Baxter returns as head coach at ONAGA in Kobe Hoover and Drew Buhrman. Hoover averafter a short hiatus. The Buffaloes were routinely aged 18.1 points per game while Buhrman checked among the top teams in the league during his pre- in at 12.9 points a contest. There are some holes to vious tenure, but slipped to a winless record last fill with the graduation of five seniors. year, going 0-21.

WETMORE finished 6-14 last year and as just Learning a new offense and defense under 2-10 in league play, but could improve on those a new coach led to a 6-16 record for TROY last marks this year. Almost everyone returns led by year. The Trojans showed signs of good things, senior Kael McQueen. however, in Jonathan Rodvelt’s first year, including GIRLS a buzzer-beater loss to eventual league champion AXTELL returns three starters and one othCentralia and a four-point loss to Class 1A regional er letterwinner from last year’s team that went No. 1 seed Valley Falls. The Trojans lost just one 6-16 overall and 4-8 in league play. Senior Halie Schmitz is a two-year starter at point guard who hardly ever leaves the court and averaged 4.4 points per game. She’ll be asked to score more this season after the Eagles graduated last year’s

top-three scorers.

Even though BLUE VALLEY-RANDOLPH was just 9-12 overall and 4-8 in league play, the Rams boasted one of the top 1-2 punches in the league in Brooklyn Zoeller and Allie Cassel. The duo combined for 27.6 points per game. Both have graduated, leaving big holes for the Rams to fill.

Junior Breeanna Young ranked third on the team in scoring last year as a sophomore at 9 points per game and will take on a bigger load this year, as will sophomore Landry Zoeller, who averaged 5 points per game as a freshman.

A perennial state qualifier, CENTRALIA reached the Class 1A state semifinals a year ago, knocking off Cunningham 48-46 in overtime in the quarterfinals. To get back this year, the Panthers will have to replace an outstanding senior class that was led by first-team all-leaguer Morgan Kramer and second-teamer Kennedy Becker. Kramer averaged 14.4 points per game and Becker added 12.2 a contest as the Panthers went 19-8 overall and 9-3 in league play. Four players who were big contributors a year ago return led by junior Avery Deters, who led the team with 9 rebounds per game.

CLIFTON-CLYDE posted the second-most wins in program history a year ago, finishing 19-6 overall and 9-3 in league play, tied for third. The Eagles just missed ending a long state-tournament drought, though, falling to Hanover in the substate championship game. After being able to get up and down the floor, the Eagles may employ a slower tempo this year as graduation claimed the guard trio of Jaysie Bowser, and Adria and Payton Girard who could push the pace. How effective that change will be will depend on how senior post Mallory Callihan has recovered from an ACL injury. Callihan was a first-team all-league selection a year ago, averaging 15 points and 9 rebounds per game. She and guard Julia Douglas (3 ppg) are the lone seniors and the Eagles have some young players ready to contribute, including freshman forward Shea Wurtz, who led the middle school league in scoring last year.

Even with the graduation of leading scorer Makinley Smith, DONIPHAN WEST has high expectations for this year with everyone else back.

The Mustangs were 14-11 overall, but finished 9-3 in league play and tied for third. Smith leaves a huge hole, averaging 16.5 points per game as a four-year starter, but Myah Olson was right behind with 11 points a game and was deadly from 3-point range. Chloe Clevenger came off the bench for 7.7 points per game, while Heidi Leach (5 ppg), Sadie Leach (4.4 ppg) and Kinlee Whetstine (4 ppg) all averaged at least 4 points a game.

FRANKFORT has some big holes to fill off last year’s 16-10 team, but has plenty of experience

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Page 73 back to do it. The Wildcats lost four-year starter Kennen Brandt, three-year starter Alli Tommer, and two-year starter Tara Fox. Brandt and Tommer both averaged double figures in points a year ago.

But Mariah Broxterman is a three-year starter who returns after averaging 9.6 points and nearly 6 rebounds per game. Kacia Shirley, Lydia Loiseau and Aubrie Rose all saw starts a year ago and averaged at least 4 points per game.

Veteran head coach Brian Ebert, enters his fifth year as girls coach after 14 seasons leading the Frankfort boys.

After having its string of two straight state championships snapped by Central Plains in 2019, HANOVER was looking to get payback on the Oilers in 2020 when the state tournament was cancelled. It was an otherwise stellar season for the Wildcats, who were undefeated league champions in the toughest small-school league in the state and swept state qualifiers Centralia and Valley Heights.

The lone loss came to Frankfort in the league tournament and the Wildcats have just six losses in the last four years combined.

Hanover will have to replace Tianna Lohse, who was a rock for those title teams as a freshman and sophomore and was a four-year starter who averaged a team-high 11.7 points per game and 4.2 steals per game last year. Also gone is Cadlee Stallbaumer who averaged 11.1 points per game.

But Hanover has plenty back to make another postseason run, led by sophomore Ceegan Atkins, who averaged 7.2 point and 6.7 rebounds per game as freshman starter and recently was named the 1A D-II state volleyball player of the year after helping the Wildcats to a state title. The bulk of the squad was on the volleyball title team.

Trevor Kuhlman’s first year as head coach at LINN ended with a 7-14 record for the Bulldogs, but Kuhlman is looking for better things for his team this season. The Bulldogs will have to replace three senior starters off last year’s team, but return several players who saw a lot of time. Junior Kyrah Peters averaged 9.2 points per game, tops among returners, while sophomore Sophia Bott added 5.8 points a game. Faith Beikman (6.8 rpg) is the lone senior on the roster, so Linn will have to rely on a number of young players.

ONAGA managed just one win a year ago, which was one more than the program got in 2018-19 when it went winless. The Buffaloes were more competitive and had improved numbers and return all but three players from a year ago for first-year coach Craig Boswell, who becomes the team’s third head coach in three years.

Just 3-18 a year ago, TROY believes it can be improved this year even with only two starters returning. The Trojans have just two seniors on the roster this season, but are replenishing the overall numbers on the team.

Junior forward Avery Euler led the Trojans in continued on page 88

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

had a losing season since before the majority of this year’s players could walk.

“We should continue our winning ways with this group,” McBride said.

The DE SOTO Wildcats will return to the court with plenty of experience from a 2019-20 campaign that saw them finish second in the UKC with a 6-4 record in league play and a 16-7 record overall. The Wildcats won their substate to qualify for the 5A state tournament, but they fell 49-42 to Kapaun Mt. Carmel in the quarterfinal round.

Matt Rice enters his eleventh year at the helm for De Soto and looks to challenge Basehor-Linwood for the conference championship this season.

It seems that such a feat is well within the realm of possibility, as the Wildcats return a fair Basehor-Linwood, Senior percentage of the offensive production from last year’s team. Names to look out for include senior seven-footer Nate Barnhart (13.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 3.4 bpg), senior Wyatt Noll (12.2 ppg, 5 rpg), senior Jackson Miller (7.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg), junior Tyler Schultze (7.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.3 apg), and senior Tyson Priddy (2.8 ppg).

Coach Rice recognizes that even with the team’s veteran experience, there will still be many challenges ahead, including “handling the ups and downs of the season, getting our sizable number of football players into basketball shape and midseason form, fighting complacency, and mentally enduring a long season in strange times.”

LANSING went 12-9 overall in 2019-20 and Basehor-Linwood, Junior 5-5 in conference play for a fourth place finish in the UKC. The Lions drew the eight seed in their substate bracket and suffered a mild upset at the

By Zach DeLoach, For Kansas Pregame The United Kansas Conference enters its third hands of the 11th seeded Aquinas 64-62 in OT. Seniors Jake Johnson (first team all-conference), season of existence in 2020-21 and has already demanded consideration as one of the best Malik Benson (second team all-conference), and basketball leagues in 5A. The boys’ field has been Peyton Basley (honorable mention all-conference) dominated thus far by Basehor-Linwood, which return to the court for 2020-21.

In 2019-20, LEAVENWORTH took fifth in the has yet to lose a league game.

On the girls’ side, though, one can find parity. United Kansas Conference with a 3-7 record and The top of the conference became a bottleneck in a 6-15 record overall. In the substate playoff, the 14th-seeded Pioneers hung tough with Highland 2019-20, with half the league tying for first.

Park, the three seed, but eventually fell 43-38 in BOYS Since the inception of the UKC in 2018- the first round.

Junior Jaikuan Dathard was named to the 19, BASEHOR-LINWOOD has gone 20-0 against league opponents and won the first two honorable mention all-conference team last championship trophies. Last season, the Bobcats season and will likely be the headline-grabber for barreled their way over the competition en route the Pioneers in 2020-21.

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS tied with De Soto for to a 21-2 overall record, with their lone two losses coming by a combined six points. Basehor- second place in the UKC with a 6-4 record in Linwood earned a berth in the 5A state semifinals conference and a 12-10 record overall. The before the COVID-19 pandemic forced KSHSAA T-birds were eliminated in the semis of substate by fellow UKC member Basehor-Linwood. to call off all extracurricular activities.

Third year head coach Ken Darting said that he Four seniors from last year’s squad have graduated and each has moved on to a post- is keeping his team focused on just one goal.

“This team has the single objective of winning secondary athletic endeavor. However, 17th year head coach Mike McBride seems unflappable in games,” he said. “I think we will play extremely the face of what might otherwise be the daunting hard and as a team, which I hope will allow us to be competitive on a nightly basis.” task of replacing those departed players.

The Thunderbirds will look for leadership from “After losing two big time scorers and two great role players, most would be scrambling,” he said. two seniors who earned all-conference honors “But with Jordan Brown, Trevor McBride, and last season. Isiah Johnson (11.9 ppg) was named Carter Bergman returning for their junior seasons, second team all-conference and Harvey Davis this will be one of the top guard trios in the state. (10.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg) was honorable mention.

TURNER has struggled immensely since Add [Aidan] Ford to the mix and that is one tough joining the UKC, going 0-10 in each of the first four guard rotation.

“The bigs are not true scorers, but they love to two seasons of conference play. In 2019-20, the play hard, play defense and rebound. [Ty] Hofer Golden Bears posted a 2-18 overall record with should make a loud entrance as he was a post wins over Sumner Academy and Bishop Ward. player growing up, but he grew to 6’4”, has a They were ousted in the first round of substate by beautiful shot and will be a great stretch four man.” Basehor-Linwood.

GIRLS Basehor-Linwood has been a perennial power Ninth year BASEHOR-LINWOOD head coach in 5A basketball for over a decade now and hasn’t

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Jason Tatkenhorst was effusive in his praise for his players and their prospects in 2020-21 after their tremendous success last season.

The Bobcats were part of a three-way tie for first place in the UKC a year ago, going 8-2 in league play and 16-7 overall. Their winning ways followed them into the postseason, as the Bobcats danced through their substate bracket before ultimately falling to McPherson in the first round at state.

Perhaps to the chagrin of the rest of the UKC, Basehor-Linwood returns six veteran varsity players from last year. Senior all-conference point guard Adell Gore (11.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.9 apg, 5.2 spg) is Basehor-Linwood’s record holder in career and season steals, and, according to Tatkenhorst, is “one of the top returning point guards in the state”. She is joined by senior guard Addison Penegar (the season and career 3-point school record-holder), senior forward Isabel Sibert, junior post Sarah Lawless, senior forward Madelynn Horton and junior guard Alexys Augustine.

Additionally, Tatkenhorst is eager to see how his younger players fit into their new roles.

“Our JV and freshman teams were really good last year,” he said. “We will have a lot of talent in the gym and last year we figured out how to win by winning the UKC and earning a substate championship.”

DE SOTO was one of the three teams involved in the traffic jam at the top of the UKC, tying for first place with an 8-2 conference record and a 16-7 overall record. In substate, De Soto beat Spring Hill and Lansing to earn a spot in the state tourney, where it lost to Andover Central in the first round.

The Wildcats will need to replace UKC POY Mackenzie Shupe, who graduated in 2020.

However, first team all-league forward Katelynn Ostronic returns for her senior season and UKC Coach of the Year Ryan Robie is back at the helm.

Coming off a share of the UKC title, LANSING will look to continue and supersede its production from last season, in which it went 15-7 overall and 8-2 in the conference. The Lions ended their season in the semifinals of the substate tournament with a 45-34 loss to De Soto, with whom they had split the conference championship.

Three Lions who earned all-conference honors have graduated, but two other standout performers return. Junior Kamryn Farris (11.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg) was named first-team All-UKC and junior Caitlin Bishop (4.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.0 apg) was HM. Two other returning players with varsity

experience are junior Kenzi Moburg (4.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.2 apg) and sophomore Skylar Weaver (2.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg).

Fourth year head coach KC Simmons listed four primary areas of emphasis for his team: “Improve each and every day; enjoy the journey; play with tempo; take pride in our defense every single possession.”

LEAVENWORTH won the first ever UKC title with an undefeated conference record in 201819, but last season the Pioneers took a step backward, finishing fifth in the conference with a 2-8 record and a 4-17 mark overall. They dropped their first game at substate to Aquinas, 55-25.

This season, the Pioneers return first team allconference senior Aleshia Jones and honorable mention all-conference senior Sedona Posch.

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS took fourth in the UKC last season with a .500 record both overall and in conference play. After beating Sumner Academy in the first round of substate, the Thunderbirds ended their season with a loss to Aquinas.

Bob Wells enters his 20th year as the head coach at Shawnee Heights and said that the theme for 2020-21 is transition.

“This season will be time for a changing of the guard, so to speak,” he said. “Alie Fulks and Kam Wells held down the guard positions for two to three years and both have graduated.”

Three starters from last year’s team will return this season: junior guard Abby Schulte, senior guard Adysen Burghart, senior forward Tatum Brown, and senior forward Taylor Hawkins.

Wells also expects to have some younger players fill in the gaps, including some sophomores. However, he said he will need all of his players to work hard and be ready to play.

“With so many unknowns this year with COVID-19, we are looking forward to a season with the next person up attitude,” he said. “The Lady T-Birds will rely heavily on experience as well as young talent on the team.”

The first two years in the UKC have been grueling for TURNER, as the Golden Bears have gone winless since February of 2018. Turner’s only all-conference honoree from a season ago has graduated, leaving several question marks for the Golden Bears going into 2020-21.

Third year head coach Troy Claycamp said that his goals for the team include “consistent improvement” and “developing our offseason and youth programs”.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

WESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

By Brett Marshall, For Kansas Pregame BOYS The 2019-20 basketball season proved to be a struggle for the DODGE CITY Red Demons boys as they managed just 4 wins overall against 17 losses and were 1-7 in the Western Athletic Conference. Third-year coach Tony Starnes (2538) resigned following the season and the Red Demons hired former Stanton County High School coach Shane Traughber, who guided the Trojans to a 42-24 record during his three seasons.

Traughber will build around four returning starters in juniors Cooper Scheck (5-10, G, 9.9 ppg), Dylan Smith (5-11, G, 5.1 ppg, 2.3 apg), Aidan Sowers (6-4, F, 4.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg) and Dawson Taylor (6-2, G/F, 3.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg).

“Instilling a new system and approach to the game will be the biggest challenge for our guys,” Traughber said. “We have a solid group of returners who love the game and who are committed to bringing the best out of themselves and each other.”

Two seasons ago, with a mostly senior-dominated lineup, the GARDEN CITY Buffaloes won the WAC and 17 games for the fifth best record in school history. The 2019-20 season proved to be one of rebuilding with a big youth movement, with mostly underclassmen filling the starting lineup and coming off the bench. That youthful group produced a 10-11 season record and went 3-5 for third place in the WAC. Now, veteran coach Jacy Holloway welcomes back the entire group of players with some new faces as well. Returners with starting experience include juniors Tae Rosales (5-10, G, 8.6 ppg, 1.5 apg/spg) and Luke Tolbert (5-10, 7.2 ppg, 1.5 rpg), sophomore Caleb Wiese (6-4, F, 5.8 ppg, 5 rpg), senior Isaac Flores (5-8, G, 5 ppg, 2 rpg/apg, 1.5 spg), junior Aaron Guevara (6-0, 4.7 ppg, 3 rpg), senior Isaiah Reyes (5-8, G, 3.1 ppg), 6-4 senior Trey Nuzum (C, 2.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and senior Christian Reyes (5-9, G, 2.2ppg, 3rpg). Transfer Chris Grant (6-2, Sr., F) will add athleticism to an already athletic group.

“Our team goals are always to win our conference and other goals include winning all of our home games,” Holloway said. “Our No. 1 goal is getting better defensively from a year ago.”

The 2019-20 season proved to be one of the most successful in years for the GREAT BEND Panthers as coach Tim Brooks guided the team to a 17-5 season record and a 7-1 WAC record, tying with Hays for first place honors. Each team dealt the other the lone WAC setback. Brooks accomplished that with an all-senior starting lineup and that group is now departed. With no returning starters Brooks will have to count on several reserves as well as a JV group to fill in the slots to compete this season.

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forward Cal Dunekack, 6-3 senior forward Sam Hal, 5-11 senior guard Cole Streck and 5-11 junior guard Sage Koelsch.

“We always want to compete for the league title and we will be looking to developing depth this season,” Brooks said.

By every standard, the 2019-20 season was a successful one for the HAYS HIGH Indians. Firstyear coach Alex Hutchins guided the team to a 17-6 record, including a 7-1 WAC mark that allowed them to share the league crown with Great Bend. But more importantly, the Indians advanced to the Class 5A state tournament where they won their quarterfinal game, 46-43 over TopekaHighland Park. That would have advanced them to the state semifinals, only to have that derailed by the cancellation of all state tournament games by following the opening round amid concerns about COVID-19. The Indians were slated to face No. 2 seeded Basehor-Linwood in the semis.

Hutchins lost only two players to graduation, returning a solid nucleus of experienced players, including: Jason Krannawitter (5-8, Sr., G, 6.6 ppg, 1.7 apg, 1.3 spg), TJ Nunnery (6-2, Sr., G, 10.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.6 apg), Dalyn Schwarz (6-6, Sr., 9.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg), Carson Kieffer (6-1, Jr., 7.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.1 apg), Jace Linenberger (6-5, Jr., 6.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg), and Jordan Dale (6-0, Jr., 1.6 apg).

“We return a great deal of our production and experience from last season,” Hutchins said.

“Our boys have had a great offseason, given the circumstances. In order to build on last year, we need to continue to focus on embracing practice, competing and being unselfish.”

A pair of returning starters, along with several other key reserves from an 8-13 season (2-6 in WAC) provides LIBERAL Redskins interim boys basketball coach Trace Haskell with an optimistic outlook for the 2020-21 campaign. Alex Lopez (6.3 ppg, 1.4r pg) and A.J. Ramirez (6.3 ppg), both seniors, will provide the nucleus for Haskell. Also expected to contribute will be returning reserves Malcolm Wiltshire (2.3 ppg), Embry Williams (2.5 ppg), both seniors, along with juniors Shay Kerr (1.3 ppg), Logan Miller and Colby Tran.

BOYS The 2019-20 DODGE CITY Red Demons girls basketball team enjoyed one of its most successful seasons under veteran coach Kelley Snodgrass by posting an impressive 17-5 record.

Two of those losses came against unbeaten WAC foe Liberal and the other three setbacks came against perennial powerhouse programs McPherson, Andover Central and Derby. The Derby loss kept the Demons from advancing to the 6A state tournament.

Entering her ninth year at the helm, Snodgrass has two of the top players in the WAC returning in senior Kisa Unruh (13.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.2 apg), a two-time All-WAC first-team selection, and junior Camree Johnson (11.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.7 spg).

Unruh broke the school’s 3-point field goal record in her junior year. Providing depth to the squad will be senior Lauren Gleason (3.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.7 apg with a 2-1 assist/turnover ratio), junior Amaya Perez (3.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.5 spg) and sophomore Becca Unruh (4.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 2.2 apg with a 3-1 assist/turnover ratio). Two other seniors earned

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letters a year ago in Breanna Gutierrez and Alisia Solis. Top newcomers will be juniors Victoria Gonzalez and Mary Kate Foster.

“We will have everyone returning except Chidera Okoro (now running track at Wichita State),” Snodgrass said. “We have a very strong junior class with a great deal of varsity experience and return a talented sophomore (Becca Unruh) that started the majority of the year. We are excited about our depth. Our JV went undefeated so we are needing some of those players to step up and give us valuable minutes at the varsity level.”

The GARDEN CITY Buffaloes placed third in the difficult WAC race a year ago, going 4-4. That could be a bit misleading since the four losses came twice each to undefeated Liberal and a Dodge City team that had one of its best seasons in recent memory. The Lady Buffs finished 10-11 overall. Head coach Matt Pfeifer enters his fifth season with a career mark of 34-52, having gone 12-10 two seasons ago. He welcomes back perhaps his most experienced and talented group.

Five returners who all saw starting duty last season include 5-10 senior Keyhana Turner (8.6 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg), senior Julie Calzonetti (5-9, 5.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg), senior Symone Simmons (5-11, 4.5 ppg, 3 rpg) along with a pair of sophomores in leading scorer Amaya Gallegos (5-6, 9.5 ppg, 4 rpg) and Aileen Becerril (5-8, 5.0 ppg).

“Our goals are to reach the 6A state tournament and finish in the top two in the WAC and see development at all levels,” Pfeifer said. “We’re looking to improve our decision making, reducing turnovers and making open shots.”

There will be a new coach on the sidelines for the GREAT BEND Panther girls basketball team in 2020-21. Carrie Minton (75-97) resigned after the 2019-20 season concluded with a 5-16 mark (1-7 in the WAC) and she has been replaced by former Great Bend all-stater Cindy Beck. Beck, a 2003 GBHS graduate, was a standout not only for the Panthers but also played on the 2005 NAIA Division II national championship Washburn Ichabod squad.

Beck does welcome back returning leading scorer in Sydney Unruh (9.0 ppg, 2 apg), along with

Page 75 varsity veterans Taryn Warren (5.0 ppg, 3 rpg), Ashlyn Harbaugh (2.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Halle Latham (2.0 ppg) and Candice Smith (4.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg).

Harbaugh is the tallest player at 5-10.

“We need to work hard and focus on what is best for our team,” Beck said. “We’ve got good, coachable players coming up. I enjoy the teaching part of the game and the positive impact you have with your players. Seeing players improve in practice is when it’s fun.”

The HAYS HIGH Lady Indians will have their fourth coach in as many seasons when the 202021 campaign tips off. Len Melvin enters the scene for the Indians, who were just 6-15 a year ago and finished with a 1-7 mark in the tough WAC. The only returner starters for Melvin include 5-11 junior Alecia Ruder and 5-5 sophomore guard Carly Lang. Long-time coach Kirk Maska stepped down after the 2017 season and was replaced by Alex Hutchins, who after one year took over the HHS boys program in 2019-20. When that occurred, the Indians hired Royal Valley coach Kyle Porter, who came in for last season and saw his first team struggle. Porter moved on to take over as the head girls coach at Silver Lake and now it’s Melvin’s turn.

“We want to be a team that competes every night,” Melvin said. “We want to be a team that plays hard and does the little things right. We have a very difficult schedule but it is one that we can disrupt if we play our tails off. The goal is a total culture change that promotes confidence and breeds success.”

The 2019-20 basketball season was not necessarily a Cinderella campaign for the LIBERAL Lady Redskins. After all, they had lost only one game the season prior in the opening round of the state 6A tournament and then came back with a vengeance to produce a 23-0 record, which included a first-roud triumph over Topeka-Highland Park at the Class 6A state tourney in March. That run to a potential state crown was derailed by the COVID cancellation of the remaining state tourney games. Gone from that team are successful coach Carter Kruger (now athletic director/assistant principal at LHS), as well as all-stater Katie

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WHEAT STATE LEAGUE

By Chance Liebau, For Kansas Pregame The Wheat State League was one of the most talented small-school leagues in the state of Kansas last year. For the boys, Little River and Goessel matched up in the substate championship before Little River completed the season sweep, and finished in the Final Four of the 1A state tournament before COVID-19 struck.

For the ladies, Rural Vista breezed through their regular season with a 20-0 record before being upset by Frankfort in the substate semifinals.

The WSL should be competitive once again with plenty of returning top caliber athletes.

BOYS Following an 8-14 season, CANTON-GALVA welcomes new head coach Larry O’Connor. He brings in an impressive resume with a 339-163 record in 20 seasons, most recently at Sharon Springs-Wallace County. In a 14-year run at SSWC he won three state championships, had a runner-up finish and three other state tournament appearances. Prior to that, O’Connor coached

at Brewster and won back-to-back state titles in 2000-2001 with state tournament appearances in his five seasons, 1996-2001.

He will have some solid pieces to build around with four returning starters: Christian Darrah, Braydon Minson, All-WSL first-team pick Tyson Struber and Brayden Collins. With a new coach in O’Connor, the key for the Eagles will be adapting to his new system of play and learning it quickly.

The GOESSEL Blue Birds were unable to get around Little River to reach the state tournament, losing to the Redskins three times, including the substate title game. The Blue Birds return three senior starters in Nate Zogelman (7.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg), Jake Hiebert (3.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg), and Skyler West (6.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg) to attempt to challenge the top of the league once again. The Blue Birds also return key players from their bench: Luke Wiens, Kale Funk, and Caiden Duerksen, who all played key minutes last year and should be factors for a veteran Goessel team this season.

Jacob Kehres took the HERINGTON Railers

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WESTERN KANSAS LIBERTY LEAGUE

conference tournament runner-up. Junior Bailey Sides had a strong sophomore year with 7.5 points, 3.5 boards and 3.1 assists a game.

“With the loss of three seniors and a season injury to Brenden Sammons, a junior starter off last season’s team, this team is lacking experience, but not skill sets,” coach Sides said.

“I expect this team to be competitive in our league and every game.”

The GOLDEN PLAINS boys captured six wins and has third-year coach Laura Fellhoelter, one of the very few female coaches, along with Jeff County North’s Tonya Kramer and Smith Center’s Dayna Weltmer, to coach boys basketball.

She returns senior Wade Rush who averaged 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals per game. Junior Ashton Schlitz had four points and five rebounds. Junior Fabian Cepeda delivered three points and two assists.

Fellhoelter said “being competitive every night,” staying healthy and playing as a team as the team’s keys.

WESKAN finished 12-9 in its first season with Braydon Summers, who graduated talented athlete Jace Mackley, but welcomes back almost everyone else.

He returns 6-5 senior Mac Purvis who delivered 12.6 points and 8.9 rebounds a game. Senior Zach Schemm had five points and 4.7 rebounds per contest. Junior Lane Purvis (6-3) had 3.9 points and 4.1 rebounds. Junior Dalton Mackley had 11.9 points, 2.6 steals and 2.3 assists a contest.

“Our goal for this season is to put a better team on the court every game,” Summers said. “Also, we want to improve our record from the previous

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The Railers could surprise some people this season, as they return a pair of senior starters who averaged more than seven points per game - Craig Rutschman (6-2, 9.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg) and Matthew Anshutz (5-5, 7 ppg, 1.8 apg, 1.4 spg).

“Continue to build on the successes that we saw last year as we improve the program,” Kehres said of team goals. “Grow as a team in our basketball knowledge and ability every day. Compete and be positive every chance we get to play.”

LITTLE RIVER was the cream of the WSL crop last season but their season was unfortunately ended in the Final Four of the state tournament due to the COVID cancellation, giving them a final record of 23-3. The Redskins should be the heavy favorites again this year with firstteam all-stater Jayden Garrison returning after putting up a great line of 23.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.5 apg, and 2.3 spg. Little River also returns other key players from last year’s league championship team, including senior Keaton Richardson, senior Trey Rolfs (All-WSL, 13.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.6 apg, 2.1 spg), sophomore Braxton Lafferty (All-WSL,

year. Our upperclassmen playing smart, effective basketball with relentless pursuit of excellence and effectiveness in the areas of a smothering defense and good crisp execution on offense [is key]. This, I believe, will create a mindset and culture among the underclassmen that will push them to play at a higher level.”

WESTERN PLAINS took an 8-14 record in the first season under Jeff Jones, the district superintendent. He is 275-135 as a head coach.

Jones would like to win the league championship and capture more close games. The Bobcats were 3-11 in games decided by 10 points or fewer.

Senior Jan Nava scored 10.1 points per game a season ago. Senior Bryan Buffington delivered 14.4 points and 7.2 rebounds. Senior Tim Hair had 7.8 points and 7.5 rebounds a contest. Senior Jayme Flax delivered 2.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.

Jones will count on the experience to reach the goal of “winning a league championship.”

CHEYLIN went 6-14 last season with a narrow regional opening round loss to Greeley County, 48-43. Fresh off a dominant unbeaten 6-Man football championship, coach Chris Walden now takes over the basketball program and will rely on many of the key pieces from his football team for improvement on the basketball court.

Seniors Andrew Schields and Colton McCarty will lead the way after averaging 16.5 and 15.7 points per game respectively. McCarty led the team with 9.4 rebounds per game followed by Schields with 8 boards a contest. Freshmen Logan McCarty and Pablo Bermudez are expected to play key roles this season as well. continued on page 90

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame 14-10 in his first season and returns significant Golden Plains girls have dominated the Western experience from a squad that pulled off one of Kansas Liberty League and will again be the the biggest upsets of the postseason upending favorite this winter for longtime coach Parker previously unbeaten Osborne in the semifinals of Christensen. GP, 47-2 the last two seasons, the Mankato regional, before losing to Stockton in has lost in their last two substate championship the regional final. games. The Bulldogs have made state four times Junior Kylor Hogan, a 6-3 forward, delivered 4.3 since 2013. Weskan, which played competitively points and four rebounds. Junior Ty Kats had 9.5 to GP in the substate semifinals, return its entire points, 2.6 rebounds and two steals a contest. team and is also expected to contend. As well, Junior Dylan Van Laeys and senior Ian Sparks Wheatland-Grinnell coach Cheryl Martin has built are expected to have big years. The 6-3 Van a 93-47 record, including a state runner-up, with Laeys averaged 10.8 points and nine rebounds a the Thunderhawks. contest. Sparks had 11.2 points and 6.6 rebounds For the boys, Wheatland-Grinnell finished a game. Delimont’s goals are to reach state and to 15-6 and captured the league title and league “come together and play as a team.” tournament championship and brings back TRIPLAINS-BREWSTER eighth-year coach multiple key players.

Michael Collett has consistently built quality BOYS teams with the Titans. T-B was 5-3 in conference Fourth-year WHEATLAND-GRINNELL coach and finished in fourth in the league tournament.

Will Bixenman stands at 39-25 at his alma mater. Overall, the Titans took a 12-9 mark and Collett The Thunderhawks graduated Kyler Haffner, a has an 88-60 career mark. Triplains-Brewster has three-time all-league selection who averaged 14.5 the possibility of a breakout season with plenty of points, 7.1 assists, six rebounds and 4.3 steals a height and experience back. game, but bring back everyone else.

Returning 5-11 junior Joey Meyers had 11.9 Senior Trevor Zarybnicky averaged 11.9 points points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals and 5.4 rebounds. Juniors Trey Vincent, Isaac per contest. Junior Cayde Welsh is 6-3. He had Mendez and Ryan Heier are all back as well. 9.8 points, 11 rebounds and 1.2 blocks a contest.

Vincent averaged 10 points, and Mendez was Junior Daxton Latham had 2.9 points, 1.8 assists at eight points and 4.7 rebounds per game. and 1.2 steals. Sophomore Brock Woolf is 6-4 and Sophomore Jett Vincent, who has tallied 22 had 5.4 points and 6.7 rebounds as a freshman. interceptions that last two seasons in football, “We struggled late in the season and this year was the sixth man last year and will round out the we would like to finish the season strong,” Collett starting lineup. said. “If we do that we will be happy with the This winter, Bixenman wants to bring home four results. This year I look for our team to show some plaques: the Quinter Castle Rock classic, the maturity and use our athleticism to push us to the league tournament, substate and state. next level. We have a wide variety of players who “It all starts on the defensive end for us,” can do different things on the court.

Bixenman said. “We will be smaller again this year “For us we really need to be more patient this so defensive switches, rotations, and rebounding year and play to our strengths on the offensive will be huge for us. Offensively, we lost a great side of the ball,” he added. “Improving our defense scorer last year in Kyler Haffner, so we have from last year will be very important and I expect to be able to limit our turnovers and get better us to get better as my players now have a better possessions to get shots up. It will be a ‘Hero By feel for the game of basketball.”

Committee’ year for us which is always a fun team NORTHERN VALLEY assistant Kevin Sides to coach!” took over for legendary Chuck Fessenden, who LOGAN-PALCO finished 7-3 in league play retired after more than 40 seasons at the school. and took third. Coach Michael Delimont finished NV finished 14-7, went 7-1 in league, and was the

Trey ROLFS

Little River, Senior

9.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.1 spg), sophomore Ryan Konen, and senior Graham Stephens, who missed last season with injury.

Second-year head coach Wayne Morrow entering his 29th season as a head coach overall continued atop the next page

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- says his boys need to build off their success and hopefully again make the state tourney.

“We only want to build on where we were at as a team last year and keep striving to get better,” Morrow said.

Little River will get a late start to practice after winning the 8-Man I football championship.

With five returning starters, PEABODY-BURNS will look to improve off a 5-16 record a season ago. Bob Kyle is entering his fourth season at the helm for the Warriors, and he believes that they need to continue to improve every game and play together as a team.

The team will be led with size in the frontcourt from juniors Phillip Young (6-2) and Alex Caldwell (6-4). The Warriors also return starters Noah Reynolds, Jake Partridge, and Thomas Smith.

Following a league championship season in 2018-19, RURAL VISTA struggled to an 8-13 record, including a 3-6 mark in league play. The Heat return one of the top players in the state, HM all-state 6-4 senior Cameron Campuzano, who averaged gaudy numbers of 13.3 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 3.3 bpg, and 2.3 spg. It all depends on the depth they build around Campuzano, according to head coach Adam Sobba. With just one returning starter in Dylan Worrell, bringing the underclassmen along will be key for Rural Vista if they want to return to the top half of the league.

“We will rely on our seniors to lead the way this season,” Sobba said. “We will have the chance to be in the top half of our league this season but must continue to develop our youngers kids.”

SOLOMON returns a solid foundation to build upon from last season, with three starters returning. The Gorillas went just 8-13 a season ago but won five of their last eight games with a young team. Sophomore guard Makean Hastings was the top scorer as a freshman with 14.6 points per game. He will have a solid supporting cast around him with juniors Cade Acosta (5 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and Dylan Hines (4.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg).

Head coach Andrew Johnson believes that this Solomon squad can compete at a high level and potentially compete for a league title.

After a 9-13 season last year, CENTRE returns just one starter from that team. Senior Lane Methvin is the lone returning letterman after

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averaging 7.4 ppg for the Cougars a year ago.

Head coach Richard Idleman says that this year’s team will experience growing pains and needs to be able to mature quickly to compete in this league.

ELYRIA-CHRISTIAN ended the season as one of the hottest teams in the state, winning twelve of their last fourteen regular-season games, but lost to Goessel in their regional matchup. Coming off a 15-8 campaign, the Eagles should be back in the conversation atop the Wheat State League. The Eagles return a pair of All-WSL players in Zach Stucky and Bret Andersen.

WAKEFIELD returns All-WSL selection Alec Vann to lead the Bombers after finishing 8-13 in 2019-20. The Bombers were defeated by Frankfort in the first round of regionals.

GIRLS CANTON-GALVA has just a pair of starters returning from a 9-13 campaign in 2019. They will also be bringing in a new head coach to lead the Lady Eagles. Kim Krase will look to help the Eagles soar, and will have a pair of starters back in Alexis Bell and Emily Peterson. Krase believes that working together is a key to this team’s success. This is Krase’s first season as a head coach, as she will look to take the Lady Eagles back to the top of the WSL. The most experienced team in the league is CENTRE, who could be a sneaky team in the league race. Five key players return with starting experience, including all-league pick Alyssa Espinoza, who averaged 11 ppg for the Cougars a year ago, as well as honorable mention pick Samantha Espinoza, who averaged 8.5 ppg and 6.7 rpg as a junior. They will also get a boost with Cailey Barney returning from injury, who missed last season after starting as a sophomore. After finishing 11-11 just a year ago, 12th-year head coach Alan Stahlecker says his goals for his team are “to be competitive in the Wheat State League, the area and our substate.”

The GOESSEL Bluebirds return a pair of starters, and head coach Ryan Hoopes says that 15 different girls will compete for playing time on the varsity court. Seniors Elizabeth Schmucker (9 ppg, All-WSL) and Bethany Herrell (4 ppg) will be looking to lead a young team with not much

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returning from a 3-18 season.

“My goal is to develop competitive, mentally tough girls who support each other regardless of where they are on our team,” Hoopes said.

The Bluebirds were defeated in the first round of regionals last season.

RURAL VISTA was the undefeated WSL champs a year ago but was upset in the first round of substate by Frankfort. The Heat will have to replace key contributors, including three all-league selections, from one of the most successful senior classes in school history, going 46-2 over the past two seasons.

Just two starters return from last year’s 23-1 squad, Meghan Brockmeier (3.3 ppg, 3.0 apg, 2.2 spg), and Chancy Johnson (5.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.2 apg).

Fifth-year coach Kane Hensley is 89-25 at the Rural Vista coach and his expectations remain the same: “Win league title and get to state.”

Hensley also listed several keys to success: “Valuing each offensive possession and limiting turnovers. Pressure defense that leads to transition offense.”

HERINGTON returns four starters from a team that went 11-9 a season ago and should be near the top of the WSL once again. Senior Carrie Roe was an All-WSL pick last season and returns to lead the Lady Railers, as well as juniors Trystin Kremeier (All-WSL honorable mention), Madi Becker and Halle Rutschman. Head coach Troy Heitfield is confident in this year’s team with most of last year’s experience returning.

ELYRIA-CHRISTIAN went 11-11 last season, but have a great chance to compete for a league title in 2020. The Eagles are losing just one starter from last year, and return eight rotational players this year, including All-WSL honorable mention pick Kylee Penner. Connie Schott returns from an injury that ended her junior season just five games

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into the year. She averaged 10 points per game before her injury. Other returning starters include Olivia Peters (5.1 ppg, 4.2 spg), KiLynn Starburg (3.8 ppg, 2.3 spg), and Olivia Clark.

The WAKEFIELD Bombers went 11-13 last season before being knocked out of their regional

by Axtell. After some late-season success, the Bombers will look to finish over .500 this season.

LITTLE RIVER welcomes a new head coach after a 13-10 season in 2019-20. Brent Clark coached at Quirva Height for ten seasons and Chase for nine before electing to come to Little River. The Lady Redskins return one of the tallest players in the league in 6-1 junior Lily Boughmann (8.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg, All-WSL), along with Mekenzie Renken (2.6 ppg, 2.4 apg).

Clark says that he is already very impressed with the talent from this team and that they should be able to compete with the best in the league.

After a 2-19 season, SOLOMON returns plenty of experience to challenge for the upper half of the WSL this season. The Gorillas return five starters from last season, including All-WSL honorable mention pick Emma Seidl, a senior who averaged 10.3 ppg and 7.3 rpg. She’ll be joined by Libby Ledet (3.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg) as returning senior starters. They also bring juniors Kami Kugler (5.4 ppg, 2.4 apg), Reaghan Shirack and Tyra Thompson back to the starting lineup. Senior guards Trenity Anderson and Rachel Hagen are expected to provide depth.

Zach Douglas will be entering his third season as the head coach, and he believes that with consistent guard play, they should improve their record from a year ago.

I’m looking forward to working with this group of returning players,” Douglas said.

PEABODY-BURNS finished 2019-20 with a winless 0-23 record, but will be looking to get back on track this year.

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By Zach DeLoach, For Kansas Pregame With the departure of Mill Valley, last year’s 6A state champion, for the 5A ranks, WASHBURN RURAL is positioned to be the 6A favorite in 2020-21. The Junior Blues sit atop the KWCA preseason rankings after a 2019-20 campaign in which they ran the table in the Centennial League to earn that crown, won their regional tournament, and were the runners-up at state.

Washburn Rural head coach Damon Parker is highly optimistic about what his team can accomplish so long as his best wrestlers are able to take the mat consistently.

“If we can stay healthy and stay on top of academics, the sky is the limit,” he said.

The Juniors Blues have a formidable assemblage of returners this season, including three wrestlers ranked first in their weight classes as well as nine state qualifiers.

Junior Jacob Tangpricha (113) and senior Bishop Murray (120) each won state last season and are ranked first. Senior Bowan Murray (138) -- who took fourth at state -- is also ranked first in his weight class.

Senior Devin Huckstep (285) is ranked second and was 2018-19’s fifth place finisher. Other ranked Junior Blues are freshman Jonathan Morrison (106, third); juniors Nick Vincent (145, fifth), Aiden Boline (160, sixth) and Austin Fager

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 (195, third); and senior Remington Stiles (182, Eagle head coach Josh Carroll enters his tenth sixth). Junior Trace Lawler also qualified last year. year in the role and says even with COVID-19 During what is sure to be a unique season, looming over the season his objectives remain Parker said his goal for the team is “to love the unchanged. sport and love one another in the process.”

“The goal stays the same: to get better Following a fourth place team finish at state last throughout the year and compete for state medals year, GARDEN CITY is preseason number two in and trophies come [the] end of February,” he said.

6A. The Buffaloes have eight returners who are The challenge, of course, will be motivating his ranked in the top six of their weight classes, half of wrestlers to stay vigilant about their health. whom are underclassmen.

“I think this year the kids will have to be very Senior Josh Janas (160) and junior Erick resilient in approaching everything,” he said.

Dominguez (145) are both ranked first.

DODGE CITY is fresh off a third place finish Sophomore Dakota Smith (120) is third. Coming at state last season. The Red Demons edged in at fourth place are freshmen Julius Medina ahead of rival Garden City, which had swiped the (106) and Sebastian Lopez (285), sophomore Western Athletic Conference championship away Ryan Heiman (126), junior Sebasian Rodriguez from Dodge City earlier in the year.

(138), and senior Steven Sellers (132).

Two state champions return for the sixth-ranked Perennial wrestling power MANHATTAN checks Red Demons in 2019-20. Junior Damian Mendez in at number three in the KWCA preseason (126, first) won a title in 2018-19 and was the rankings after it finished second in the Centennial runner-up last year. Sophomore Luke Barker (152, first) topped the podium at state as a freshman.

League and eighth at state last season.

Three other returning Red Demons placed at Junior Easton Taylor (132) highlighted the Indians’ state appearance with a championship state last season. Junior Rudy Hernandez (145, victory as a sophomore. Taylor is ranked first in second) finished fifth, senior Marcelino Otero (160, third) took fourth and senior Ruben Rayas his weight class.

Other ranked Manhattan wrestlers are junior (170, second) placed sixth. Sophomore Juan Blaisen Bammes (145, third) and senior Damian Castro (106, sixth), junior Santonio Turner (220, Ilalio (285, first), a state runner-up last year. third), and senior Danny Ojas (132, second) have Juniors Jantzen Borge (113) and Tucker Bruner all qualified for state in their careers.

Second-year head coach Tate Lowe is very (138) also qualified for state in 2019-20.

Robert Gonzalez is in his 15th year coaching at specific about what he wants to see from his Manhattan and hopes to get his team back atop team this year: “eight state placers, two or more the podium at the state tournament this season. individual state champions, [and a] team state According to Gonzalez, this goal is achievable for championship.”

He believes these goals are attainable if he can this veteran group so long as it experiences “no keep his wrestlers dialed in all season. injury and no illness” throughout the year.

“With the craziness of the year, we will need DERBY finished fifth at state in 2019-20 and is to keep a focus on what our end goal is and ranked fourth in the preseason top ten this year.

Senior Cason Lindsey (152) is back after constantly improving,” he said. “Most of that will reaching the podium at state in each of his first come from our prep in the room. If we can buy in three years, including a championship last to having fun while improving during training, we season. He is ranked second in the preseason have a real shot at being high on the podium in ranking, behind Dodge City’s Luke Barker, the late February.”

WICHITA WEST’s Quentin Saunders (195) has defending 152 pound champion.

A state runner up one season ago, senior Cody only lost one match in his career. With a 63-1 Woods (106) is ranked first and is seeking a third record, the junior is the two-time state champion straight state appearance. Sophomore Knowlyn and an obvious #1 in the preseason rankings.

Junior Jerome Ragin (220, second) was a Egan (132, ranked third) finished fourth at state state qualifier last year and senior Germany and senior Treyton Rusher (160, fifth) was sixth.

Other ranked Panthers are sophomores Tate Washington (126) placed sixth at state in 2018-19.

For Kenny Taylor, head coach of the seventhRusher (132, sixth) and Blaise Wood (195, fourth).

Long-time Derby head coach Bill Ross said that ranked Pioneers, the objective will be to improve COVID-19 presents an obstacle for his team to beyond last year’s tenth place state finish.

“Our goal is to stay COVID free and compete at “make a run at [the] state title”, but he looks for his team to show “attitude, work ethic, [and] senior our highest level,” he said.

Tyler Gonzalez, son of Manhattan coach Robert leadership” regardless.

“If we have all this, we have a chance for a great Gonzalez, enters his second season as the head coach at JUNCTION CITY with a crew that is season,” he said.

OLATHE NORTH followed up 2017-18’s state teeming with veteran experience.

Although the Blue Jays finished just 12th at state title with ninth and sixth place finishes in 201819 and 2019-20 respectively. Ranked fifth in the in 2019-20, they are ranked eighth in preseason, preseason rankings this year, the Eagles believe mostly due to the wealth of returners.

Senior CJ Neuman (160) was the only one of they have a shot to get back on top.

Six state qualifiers from last season are back in Junction City’s seven state qualifiers to reach the 2020-21, including senior Joseph Triscornia (132), podium last year, finishing sixth. However, six Blue who has sixth, fifth, and second place finishes at Jays appear in the KWCA preseason rankings.

Junior Anthony Petrusky (126) -- who struggled state in each of his first three high school seasons. with injuries last year -- is ranked third in his Triscornia is ranked third this year.

Sophomore Cael Alderman (113, second) placed class, while Neuman is fourth in his. Senior Chris fourth at state, sophomore Alec Samuelson (145, Owens (182) and sophomore Zac Petrusky (113) fourth) placed sixth, and junior Landon Wilkes are each fifth while senior Isiah Zinkan (220) and sophomore Patrick Foxworth (132) are sixth.

(152, third) finished fifth.

Gonzalez wants to see his squad submit a better Senior Mark Waller (195, fifth) and sophomore Casin Lawrence (106, fifth) also qualified for state result at both regionals and state this season, and to do that he said the team will need to “improve last year.

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6A WRESTLING

week to week to be at their best the next time out.”

The keys for this season, he said, will be “commitment, hard work, grit” and, as with all teams this season, “keeping COVID away.”

GARDNER-EDGERTON finished ninth in the state last year and is ranked ninth to start this year. The Trailblazers return six state qualifiers from last year, including two Sunflower League champions in sophomore Josh Andrews (120, fourth) and senior Gus Davis (195, first).

Davis was one of two Trailblazers to reach the podium at state, as he placed fifth alongside sophomore Alonzo Borjas (132, fifth).

Senior Caden Rodriguez (182, fourth), junior Collin Smith (126), and sophomore Zane Mayfield (152) also qualified for state.

Head coach Tyler Cordts said he wants to see his team “continue last year’s success [and] develop our young talent and sharpen our experienced guys.”

Along with COVID-19 and the perpetual risk of injury, the Trailblazers must deal with a logjam of quality wrestlers in the same weight classes.

“The key to success this season will be staying healthy and spreading out our tough group of guys that are bunched up at similar weights,” he said.

OLATHE SOUTH won a hard-fought Sunflower League championship in 2019-20 and placed seventh at state. The Falcons bring back six state qualifiers from a year ago, with the best performance coming from junior Blake Jouret (182, first), who finished fifth.

Other returning state qualifiers are junior Cash Thomas (145, sixth) and seniors Abel Perez (106), Bobby Thomas (152, fourth), Zack Leskovac (170, third) and Robert Shands (285, sixth).

Cach Connor Fitzgerald said that the basis for the Falcons’ success is creating a mindset and environment of determination and success.

“Our primary goal is to develop young men and women of character, pursue excellence in everything we do and continue building a championship culture within our program,” he said. “Our competitive goal is to maintain the standard we’ve established. We intend to compete for league, regional and state titles on a yearly basis. …

“If we can [live our culture and trust the process], we’ll get better every week and position ourselves to max out at the state tournament.”

BLUE VALLEY NORTH finished 31st of 35 at 6A state in 2019-20. The Mustangs bring back junior Ty Farrington (195, sixth) and senior David Sjoberg (285, fifth) this season.

BLUE VALLEY WEST was a young team in 2019-20 when it finished 20th at state. Randy Lowe is in his 21st year at the helm for the Jaguars, and he said that the experience his squad gained last year should pay off this season.

“We’ve got a good junior class coming back and some good seniors,” he said. “Hopefully we can fill all our weights. If we do, we could be pretty solid.”

Two of those juniors are Luke Olsen (120, third) who finished sixth at state and Matt Lancaster (182, second) who finished third. Other returning state qualifiers are Ben Darling (113), Joey Nichols (126), Ryan Schram (145), Sam Kirk (170), and Brooks Lowe (195, second).

Along with “keep[ing] everyone healthy and compet[ing] hard”, Lowe said he will be looking for continued on page 97

5A WRESTLING

Page 79 like a walk in the park as it went 14-0 in duals, took first in regionals, and won its sixth straight state championship. Unsurprisingly, the Lions are preseason number one.

Junior Jerrdon Fisher (132) won state and is ranked first at 138. Senior Cayleb Atkins (160, ranked first) and junior Kaden Glass (195, ranked first) each took second. Goddard’s third place finishers were seniors Jace Fisher (152, ranked second) and Nolan Craine (170, ranked first), while senior Logan Davidson (182, ranked second) took fifth at 145.

Other state qualifiers were junior Jayden Miller (106, ranked sixth at 113) and seniors Kolbey Huneycutt (126) and Isaiah Holmes (138, ranked sixth at 145).

Brett Means has been at the helm for Goddard since 2007, and he expects this year’s team to have a favorable opportunity to make it seven titles in a row.

“We have a strong senior class, many state experienced wrestlers, and some studs that have been waiting in the wings for their shot, as well as some talented freshmen,” he said.

Two of those “studs” are sophomores Daniel Helmers (113) and Levi Glover (106, ranked fifth).

Photo courtesy MHS Journalism

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 Hayden Mills (120) and Brett Umentum (152).

Mills also won state in 2019 as a freshman. Each is ranked second in his weight class.

Additionally, junior Ethan Cronk (160, ranked

By Zach DeLoach, For Kansas Pregame third) took third at state and senior Mack Hubbel With six state qualifiers and 11 All-Ark Valley (195, ranked second) placed fourth.

Chisholm Trail League honorees returning in Weston Becker (132), Cole Cronk (138, ranked 2020-21, ANDOVER looks to utilize its experience sixth), and Jake Laurie (220) also qualified for to build off of last season’s success in which it state in 2019-20, while Awni Alazzeh (170) made went 9-2 in duals. it to state in 2018-19.

Junior Gabe Makin (138) and sophomore BONNER SPRINGS is the defending Frontier Landry Root (113) both took fourth place at state League champion and runner-up in its region from last season and are each third in the KWCA a year ago. preseason rankings. Junior Kaden Ramirez The eighth-ranked Braves return seven state (120) and senior Haydar Touffaha (160, ranked qualifiers from 2019-20, including preseason sixth) made their first appearances in the state number two Cruz Lara (138), who took first at 106 tournament. as a freshman and fourth as a sophomore before In 2020-21, seniors Ashton Ngo (220, ranked missing the last half of his junior season to injury. fourth) and LaShawn Blick (126, ranked sixth) will Other returning state wrestlers are seniors try to make it to state all four of their high school Trevor Andrew (113) and Cassius Vanderpool years.

(132, ranked third); juniors Austin Macias (120), Brett Fiene, head coach of the ninth-ranked Jace Tapia (126), Brandin Andrew (145), Shane Trojans, said that in order for the team to improve Daniels (152, ranked sixth), and Tony Caballero from last year’s effort, it will need “to win the (285, ranked fifth); and sophomore Shayne Curdie matches we have won previously in the year and (182). to avenge losses from last year and earlier in the Twelfth-year head coach Brandon Jobe said that season.”

The Trojans also expect quality performances from seniors Will Balandran (170) and Josh Sparks (195), juniors Ty Gumeringer (145) and Jerry Gariety (152), sophomores, Aiden Alfers (113), Raul Silva (182), and Mathew Hyde (285), and freshman Adam Maki (132).

ANDOVER CENTRAL took home 29th pace at state last year. The Jaguars return sophomore Bronx Wood (195), who is fifth in the preseason rankings.

ARK CITY is preseason number six after a sixth place team finish in 2019-20. The Bulldogs return four seniors ranked in the top six of their weight classes: Kael Pappan (120, ranked first), Samuel Dickey (126, ranked third), Trig Tennant (152, ranked first), and Maximus Shannon (285, ranked second).

Jason Puderbaugh’s BASEHOR-LINWOOD his squad will rely on “senior leadership” in order Bobcats come back to the mat after a 2019-20 to improve upon last year’s success. season that saw them finish fourth in the United The De SOTO Wildcats saw a couple of their Kansas Conference and 14th at state. returning wrestlers qualify for state last season Five Bobcats qualified for state last season, with in juniors Brady Huggins (126) and Owen third-ranked Bryce Ross (120) leading the way Nehl (170). Junior Luke Van Booven (138) and with a sixth place finish. Also earning spots in the sophomores Brayden Duncan (160) and Josue state tournament were senior Zane Kincaid (285); Perales (195) will also be back for head coach juniors Cohen Suchy (138), Aiden Baker (145), Dale Hurt’s young team. and Tanner Parish (182); and sophomore Connor Injuries hampered EISENHOWER’s 2019-20 McMIllen (132). season, holding it back from the success that Puderbaugh wants his team to be vigilant tenth year head coach Enrique Espinoza had about staying healthy this season, including envisioned. The Tigers went just 1-8 in duals, “nutrition, sleeping habits, [and] following COVID but the good news is that they return a litany of guidelines.” wrestlers who gained valuable experience.

In addition to the physical aspects of wrestling, Those expected to contribute in 2020-21 are Puderbaugh is highlighting the mental facets, like seniors Taylor Mathews (138), Chance Holmgren investment in the team, character-building, and (145) and Dakkota Cook; juniors Noah Doud an overall enjoyment of and appreciation for the (126), Bradon Miller (132), Mason Levin (170sport itself.

182) and Derek Yuza (285); and sophomores BISHOP CARROLL finished 17th at state in Gabe Rosensteil (113), Trey Williams (120) and 2019-20. The Golden Eagles will have returning Noah Stevens (152). veterans Antonio Huerla (152, ranked fifth), Espinoza wants to see his team “have a Andrew Husband (160, ranked fifth), and Hunter successful postseason”, but in order to do this it Trail (170, ranked fifth) back for this year. will need to “stay healthy.”

BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST took first place in EMPORIA finished in 20th place at state a the Eastern Kansas League and first place in its season ago. The Spartans return senior Ethan regional, but came up just short at state, finishing Garate (170, ranked sixth) and sophomores second.

Lukas Hainline (120, ranked sixth) and Xerarch The Timberwolves are fifth in the preseason 5A Tungjaroenkul (145, ranked third). rankings and return two state champions in juniors In 2019-20, GODDARD made success look

Nakaylen SHABAZZ Maize, Sophomore

appears the only certainty is returning state qualifier junior Morgan Dean (220).

KAPAUN MT. CARMEL took ninth place at state last season. Key returners for the Crusaders are junior Bubba Wright (113, ranked first) and sophomore Nathan Fury (170, ranked third).

The LANSING Lions were the 13th finisher at state in 2019-20. They return seniors Camden Maestes (132, ranked second) and Jacob McLain (170, ranked second).

The LEAVENWORTH Pioneers finished fifth in the United Kansas Conference and 17th at state The Goddard wrestling program continues to be among the most dominant in Kansas high school history.

Pictured here after winning the prestigious 2020 Rocky Welton Invitational, the Lions will try to win their seventh consecutive state championship this season.

(Photo by Jammie Atkins)

After a Western Athletic Conference title and a fifth place finish at state a year ago, GREAT BEND does not appear in the KWCA preseason top ten.

Three state placers from last season have departed Nathan Broeckelman’s team, which he described as being very young.

He said he will look for leadership from three juniors who qualified for state in 2019-20: fifth place finisher Kaden Spragis (106, ranked third), fifth place finisher Wyatt Weber (132, ranked fourth) and qualifier Avery Wolf (113, ranked fifth).

He also expects junior Scott Heilman to step up as well.

Broeckelman seems unfazed by the Panthers’ absence from the rankings.

“Our team goals this year are to repeat as WAC champions and stay in the top five at state,” he said.

HAYS managed to squeak inside the top 20 in the state tournament at number 19. Juniors Gavin Meyers (220, ranked third) and Gavin Nutting (195, ranked fourth) return in 2020-21.

HIGHLAND PARK will look to be more competitive after a 2019-20 campaign that saw the Scots finish eighth out of nine in the Centennial League, 16th in regionals, and 32nd at state.

However, 26th year head coach Freddy Maisberger says if he can fill the weight classes, his team can be more successful this year.

That appears to be a tall task, though, as it

in 2019-20.

Matthew Long’s squad returns two state qualifiers from last season in junior Julian Long and senior Tristan Mercado.

In his third year coaching the Pioneers, Long said he is looking for his wrestlers to work hard and improve every day.

With an impressive cadre of returning experience, third-ranked MAIZE seeks a fourth straight AVCTL-I title.

Mike Schauer’s Eagles took third at state and qualified five wrestlers for that tournament.

Sophomore Nakaylen Shabazz (106, ranked second) and senior Kyle Haas (220, ranked first) each took second place in their respective weight classes. Junior Keton Patterson (126, ranked fourth) placed fourth and sophomore Camden Padgett (132) and senior Cayden Hughbanks (138, ranked fourth) were both fifth place finishers.

Sophomore Connor Padgett (160) also qualified for state and is preseason number four in his weight class.

Other returning starters are seniors Ricky Nichols (182, ranked fourth) and Mitchael Casement (195); junior Taylor Vincent (285); and sophomores Cody Hughbanks (132) and Clayton Bowers (138).

With so many veterans on the team, the trick for Schauer will be “finding a weight class for all returning placers and starters.” continued on page 99

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

Page 80

state was junior Colton Miller (19-15) at 106.

AHS will rely on several other individuals with experience, including senior Jake Engelbrecht (11-7), junior Noah Payne, and sophomores AJ Furnish (18-9), Kelby Eck (15-7) and Jonah Meyer (19-16).

“We lost some really good seniors from last year, but we have a good group of kids coming back along with some good freshman coming in,” said Andale coach Brad Lies. “Our goal will always be to compete for a state championship, but we know that we are going to have to stay healthy and outwork the other 4A contenders in order to have a shot at a team state title.”

Despite finishing in 24th place at state a year ago, there are high hopes for LOUISBURG this season as the Wildcats enter the 2020 season ranked third in the preseason poll.

Louisburg has plenty of experience, with the return of four individuals that have competed at state. Senior Cade Holtzen (132) is a three-time qualifier and took fifth place at 126 a year ago.

Seniors Ryan Owens (126) and Brandon Doles (170) have both qualified twice, with Owens taking fourth place at 120 a year ago. The Wildcats also picked up Olathe South transfer Alec Younggren, a senior who took third place in 6A at 220. Also returning this season are senior Ben Wiedenmann (182), junior Aiden Barker (195) and sophomore Kaven Bartlett (120).

“We have a lot of senior leadership returning to the mats,” said Louisburg coach Robert Bovaird.

“As long as we stay healthy, we should have a solid lineup top to bottom. COVID-19 will make things interesting, but we’re very grateful for the chance to get back on the mats and competing.”

Ranked fourth in the preseason poll is TONGANOXIE, which finished in that same spot at state a year ago.

The Chieftains are led by 120 pound champion

By Brian Thomas, Montgomery County Chronicle

For the first time in program history, CHANUTE captured the Class 4A state championship and head into the 2020 season as the preseason favorite to repeat. It was the first state team title for any boys’ sport at CHS since 1935.

The Blue Comets — champions of the Southeast Kansas League — returns a total of nine individuals from last year’s squad, including six who placed in the top six at state. Leading the list of returners are a pair of seniors who both won state championships and combined to win 87 of their 89 matches a year ago. Brayden Dillow returns at 182 after going 44-1 and claiming the title, while Trent Clements (43-1) won the 106 crown but is expected to move up a class or two this season.

Also returning for the Comets are 4A runner-up junior Kolton Misener at 113, sophomore Trey Dillow (sixth) at 126, senior Colton Seely (sixth) at 132, sophomore Ty Leedy (fifth) at 138, sophomore Bryan Jacket at 195, junior Tuker Davis at 220 and junior Nathan Cunningham at 285.

“Hopefully, we continue to try to be offensive and fun to watch,” said CHS coach Andy Albright. “We want to make wrestling exciting for our community, so hopefully every time we step on the mat we are looking for ways to put points on the board. We need to stay relaxed and trust our training. Don’t overlook anyone and worry about our attacks.”

ANDALE finished in third place at state a year ago but has plenty of experience returning this season to make a push towards the top of 4A. The Indians, who captured the championship of Ark Valley Chisholm Trail, Division IV, welcome back a total of nine wrestlers this season, including four with state experience. Leading the way is senior Hector Serratos (33-5), who is the defending champion at 126. Senior Cayden Winter (22-6) finished as the runner-up at 220, while senior Eli Aouad (24-11) was fifth at 160. Also qualifying for

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Grayson Sonntag (44-2), a junior who is expected to make the move up to 126. He will be joined by five other returning state qualifiers — junior Gabe Bailey (152), third at 145; senior Branden Martin (a transfer from Piper because of the delay to fall sports), third at 182; sophomore Grant Kelly (120), senior Nick Lawson (132) and junior Connor Bruch (170).

“Our team goal is to get better each week to peak at the end of the season,” said Tonganoxie coach Brett Delich. “Our key will be working hard every day and living the right lifestyle to find each of their own best selves in February.”

With the return of two-time defending champion Devon Weber, PRATT enters the season ranked fifth in 4A. Expected to move up to 120 for his senior campaign, Weber went 38-1 a year ago en route to the 113 state title. That came on the heels of finishing a perfect 45-0 and winning 106 as a sophomore.

He is one of four returning state qualifiers for the Greenbacks, which includes seniors Kaiser Pelland (126), Hogan Thompson (152) and Iziah Cook (182). Five Pratt wrestlers are ranked in the preseason poll — Weber, first at 120; Pelland, fifth at 132; junior Koda Dipman, fourth at 138; Thompson, fourth at 160; and senior Hunter Huber, fourth at 195.

“Our keys to success will be staying patient in a COVID-19 world, getting the most out of a predictably different schedule and staying focused on the fundamentals daily,” said Pratt coach Tate Thompson.

Four AUGUSTA wrestlers head into 2020 ranked, including preseason #1 Andy Lin at 106. He is one of four returning state qualifiers

for the Orioles, who took 15th place at state.

Lin is back for his senior season after going 1712 and taking sixth place at state. Junior Garrett Davis (35-11) was the runner-up at 145 and heads into this season ranked second at 160.

Sophomore Grady Fox is fourth at 120 after finishing in third place at 113 with a 35-8 mark a year ago. Senior Jacob Money (19-14) is ranked sixth at 195. Also returning is senior Collin Jackson (2715) at 126, who was a qualifier in 2019.

“We want to get better each day, stay healthy and be able to compete in February,” said Augusta coach Brandon Terry. “We are deep at the bottom of the lineup. We need to get our wrestlers spread out and in the lineup.”

In his first year at ROSE HILL, Darian Eshelman takes over a program coming off an 11th-place finish at state a year ago.

The Rockets, who are ranked seventh in the preseason poll, return four state qualifiers, led by Keegan Beavers, who is ranked #2 at 138. The junior went 34-12 and took fourth place in 4A at 132 last season.

Other returning qualifiers include seniors Charlie Black (32-15) at 126; Peyton Besco (30-10), continued on page 92

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expected to compete at 220. Green is a two-time state qualifier and finished fifth at state with a 2810 record. Senior 195-pounder Kendrick Woody took fifth at state in his lone state appearance.

Senior 152-pounder Eddie Hanson (18-10) has qualified for state.

RC has a host of non-seniors, including juniors: Conner Finley and Ashton Bearley (170), Preston Bearley (182) and Omar Sanchez (195).

Additionally, sophomores Will Brudenell (136), Drew Withington (145), Dalton Deist (113), Joshua Popp (152) and Kenneth Mieck (145) are back.

BELOIT has Prochaska, Walker and junior Tate Kadel, ranked second at 152. Junior Braden Burks is ranked fourth at 195. Prochaska, expected to compete at 160, went 29-7. Walker finished 38-5, and Kadel was 35-10. Kadel is a two-time state placer. Senior Mason Fuller (126/132) has qualified for state three times. Senior Triston Thompson (132/138), sophomore Caden Anderson (138/145) and Burks (195) all are returning state qualifiers.

Junior 220-pounder Cameron Konkel finished 1711. Other returners are sophomore Ayden Loomis (113/120), junior Connor Cosand (126/132), senior Asa Carr (132) and senior Landon Kadel (170).

Coach Andy Niemczyk has been at Beloit for 35 years. His goals are to win all the duals, win league, and take top-three at state. Niemczyk set “kids fitting into the right weight class,” minimal injuries and weekly improvement as team goals.

BLUESTEM has senior 182-pounder Jonathan McAmis (30-15) and junior 132-pounder Eyan Knipp, a state qualifier, among six returners.

Bluestem has goals for three-plus state qualifiers, top-three at league, top-10 at regionals and at least one state placer. Bluestem listed goals as staying healthy and avoiding COVID. CHAPARRAL returns two state qualifiers with sophomore 138-pounder Joe Ord, and senior 145-pounder Jarrett Angle. Team goals are to win league, get more kids out and finish 5-0 in duals.

CHASE COUNTY 126-pound senior Trint Rogers finished 29-11 and is a two-time state qualifier.

Rogers was a regional finalist and finished 2-2 at state. Senior Cory Owen (18-15) qualified for state in 2019. Sophomore 152-pounder Mitch Budke (19-11) fell one match short of qualifying.

One junior and five sophomores all return. Goals are to finish in the top-four at regionals. Coach Derick Budke, who has served as Chase County’s wrestling coach since ’96, earned wrestling coach of the year in ’18.

“We have created a system designed around preparing kids who are not year around wrestlers to score points,” coach Budke said. “Our success has been based on how often we wrestle fast

Jordan BACHMAN Hillsboro, Senior

Photo by Everett Royer, KSportsimages.com

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 upset versus Eureka’s Brent Escareno.

At 182, senior Quintin Beeson (27-17) finished fourth. Senior 220-pounder Dallas Buss also picked up six state points.

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Hoxie is preseason ranked No. 1, followed by Last year, Norton and Hoxie, longtime wrestling powers, fell into similar positions. Norton won an Beloit, Republic County, Norton, Larned, Osage unexpected 3-2-1A title with 120 points, seven City, Hoisington, Eureka, Southeast of Saline and more than Hoxie. Belleville-Republic County was Oakley. RC won its first regional title since 1977 third with 85.5 points. Beloit took fourth at 75, with before the third place finish. Shields is ranked first at 113. Bretz is third at 120. Bell and Field are 1-2 Larned fifth at 72 and Rossville sixth at 69.

Norton, which took second to Hoxie at regionals at 126, respectively. Johnson and Silver Lake and was behind the Indians in the rankings senior Kai Allen, both former state champions, throughout the winter, captured title No. 11 for are 1-2 at 132. Urban is sixth at 145. Baalman is longtime coach Bill Johnson. Norton junior Darius ranked first at 152. Sproul is fifth at 195.

Other No. 1 wrestlers are Goodland junior D.J. Shields finished 40-6 and won at 106 pounds.

Shields has a well-documented life story; his Knox (106), Remington senior Wyatt Wright mother died in April ’19, and his father is in prison. (120), Oakley senior Eric Cain (138), Larned Shields has lived with the Johnson family since senior Samajay Alboyd (145), Beloit senior Hunter his mother’s passing. Shields won the state’s Prochaska (160), Cimarron senior Tate Seabolt most inspirational athlete award from the Topeka (170), Beloit junior Brennan Walker (182), St. Francis senior Shadyron Blanka (195), Osage Capital-Journal last spring.

Junior Kolton Field (32-15) won the 120-pound City senior Dane Whalen (220) and Sylvan-Lucas title, including a key victory versus Hoxie’s Drew senior Tra Barrientes (285).

Alboyd, Prochaska, Whalen and Barrientes are Bretz. Norton returns two other state qualifiers this season in senior Gavin Sproul and sophomore defending champions. Knox was runner-up to Shields at 106. Wright took third at 120. Cain was Garrett Urban.

Hoxie, with veteran coach Mike Porsch, will try second, and Seabolt has taken second the last two to win its first title since 2003. The Indians return years. Seabolt suffered a season-ending leg injury two of its three state champions: junior Drew Bell, in football, though is expected to at some point this and sophomore Derek Johnson. Bell won at 126, wrestling season. Walker and Blanka each finished Johnson at 132. Senior Aidan Baalman is also third.

Whalen captured the first wrestling state title back after he took third at 152. Hoxie has won 11 individual state titles since 2010. From ’12-20, in Osage City history. Barrientes is the second Hoxie has three team state runner-up finishes, wrestling champion in Sylvan-Lucas history, which co-ops with Lincoln for wrestling. Alboyd was the three thirds and a fifth.

“Real pleased,” coach Mike Porsch said after third all-time Larned winner and first since Craig state. “We wrestled really good in the placing McPherson in 1981, according to the Kansas High rounds. Aidan Baalman coming back and taking School Wrestling database.

ATCHISON COUNTY took 11th in its regional. third like he did with a couple of falls, and then you go win your finals matches. … Got to be happy Senior Brodie Page finished sixth at 120 pounds with that. Would have been happier if we’d won, in ’19, and junior Mason Scholz finished 15-4 and but you can’t take anything away from Norton. was fifth at 106 in ’19. Scholz has twice qualified for state, Page once and junior 152-pounder Colby They wrestled to win.”

Republic County should be a strong 3-2- Smith (27-10) once. Junior 120-pounder Landon 1A contender, especially with its lower weight Brown went 15-15, and senior 160-pounder success. All but 20 of the 85.5 state points return. Gunnar Koontz finished 16-14. AC has set goals to Last season, A.J. Polansky went 33-10, 2-2 at win a regional championship and finish in the top-3 in Class 3-2-1A. state at 106 in his freshman year.

“We will need to rely on our returning wrestlers At 113, junior Jonathan Dyke finished 33-11 and collected fourth. He split two matches with for experience and leadership,” coach Cody Plainville’s Logan Normandin and lost in the Kramer said. “Our upperclassmen need to be point semifinals to Rossville’s Zach Archer, a two-time scorers for us. We need to continue to develop our champion. At 126, senior Kaleb Talkington (42-6) skill and wrestle hard for the length of the match and look to score points.” earned third and lost only in sudden victory.

ATWOOD-RAWLINS COUNTY features senior For 160, junior Andrew Hubert (32-12) finished 2-2, though pulled a first-round sudden victory Cyrus Green, ranked second at 195. He is

Sterling HARP

Southeast of Saline, Senior

paced, point filled matches.”

CIMARRON’s Seabolt was the Bluejay’s lone state qualifier for head coach Lance Walker and assistant coach Ashley Seabolt. Seabolt finished 36-2 and may wrestle at 195 this season.

Cimarron returns 12 other wrestlers, though junior 145-pounder Colby Johnson (24-13) is the only one who had a winning record last season.

“Qualify as many Individuals for the State Tournament as possible,” Walker said of team goals. “Grow individually as a wrestler and push each wrestler to achieve their own personal goals.

Get healthy and stay healthy.”

DOUGLASS junior Matthew Reynolds is ranked sixth at 138, though is expected to likely wrestle at 152 after he qualified for state. Junior Joseph Martin is fifth at 220. Douglass returns three other state qualifiers with junior Joe Martin (285), senior Charles Pearson (195), and junior Jace High (182).

Alumnus Dusty Rhodes, in his 38th year, has set goals to win league, win regionals and win state.

Team keys are hard work and dedication.

ELL-SALINE junior Johnathan Calzada-Villa (87) is the only one of the Cardinals’ four returners who had a winning record. The goals are to qualify seniors to state and keep the team free from COVID-19. Ell-Saline looks to build interest with a big incoming freshmen class and several girls.

ELLSWORTH welcomes back senior state qualifiers Teagon continued on page 94

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

By Conor Nicholl, For Kansas Pregame Great Bend coach Nathan Broeckelman was pleased with his team’s performance in the inaugural girls’ state wrestling tournament last February at Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina.

Washburn Rural won the title with 84 points, four ahead of Great Bend. Paola took third in 44 points. Washburn Rural solidified the championship with three pins in the placing round. GB tied the best finish in school history, boys or girls.

“I feel like we had a good shot,” Broeckelman said after the tournament. “I knew that they had to get three pins, and that’s exactly what they did, and that was the only way they were going to beat us is if they got three pins. Their girls stepped up to the challenge, and did what they had to do there.”

GREAT BEND had zero seniors among its state qualifiers. GB’s Breckyn Elliott went 36-6 and took third at 101. Breanna Ridgeway finished 35-2 and took third at 130. Junior Briana Perez (31-12) went third at 155. Kyeal Mogbo (19-13) took fourth at 235 with four pins at state.

A Norton graduate, Broeckelman coaches the Great Bend pole vaulters in track season. He tried to recruit pole vaulters, because of the mental toughness involved in both sports. As well, he looked to target athletes that “weren’t doing anything in the winter.”

Great Bend was one of many schools that brought girls to the sport. Perez was in her first season of wrestling.

“We did great,” Broeckelman said after state.

“We definitely just wrestled to the best of our abilities, and unfortunately we just came up a little bit short there, but there’s no doubt in my mind that

Page 82

we are there for the next year.”

This winter, Broeckelman has echoed the same sentiment. Great Bend returns every single girl from last winter. Elliott is ranked first at 101, and Ridgeway is second at 126.

“Our team goal is to win state,” Broeckelman said. “Keys to our success will be to continue to improve and stay healthy.”

Elliott is expected to open at 101. Junior Caitlyn White will be at 109, and senior Abby White stands at 115. Sophomore Katie Kuhlman is at 120, with Ridgeway at 126. Senior Lexi Deines (27-11) was a state qualifier and will compete at 132. Senior Marissa Hanrahan (26-12) is at 143, and Perez will be at 155. Senior Dakotah Baldwin is at 191, and Mogbo will compete at 235.

The preseason top-10 from the Kansas coaches are Washburn Rural, Paola, Great Bend, Pratt, Basehor-Linwood, Lakin, Abilene, Olathe South, K.C. Piper and Council Grove.

Last winter, PRATT qualified two for state. As a freshman, Jadyn Thompson took fifth with a 30-8 mark at 109. In her sophomore year, Livia Swift finished 33-3 and won the championship at 143. She opens No. 1 at 143. Pratt has very significantly increased its girls’ numbers this winter.

Pratt and Nickerson each tied for fourth with 41 points at state.

PAOLA returns Jordyn Knecht, defending undefeated state champion and eastern regional wrestler of the year. Kailyn Younger took state runner-up. They will likely wrestle at 120/126. Paola also returns Marina Johnson and Emma Yeager (115), Tori Peebles (138), Kayleigh Wurtz (143), Americus Harris and Annabelle Shaw (170/191).

Girls’ numbers are expected to again improve

and has already added at least one big name: SMOKY VALLEY senior Belle Peters.

A Pittsburg State track signee, Peters has the fifth-best pole vault in state history and was a key member of Smoky Valley’s state runner-up volleyball team this fall.

WASHBURN RURAL coach Damon Parker said the girls’ goals are the “same as our boys.”

“Love the sport and love one another in the process,” Parker said.

Washburn Rural sophomore 109-pounder Kaitlyn Morris finished 12-13. Sophomore 116-pounder Addison Broxterman qualified for state and finished 31-11. The Junior Blues will fill 123, 136, 143 with juniors: Kendall Reid, Ellise Romine, and Amelia Sayers. They combined for a 44-46 record. Senior 155-pounder Rebekah Smith finished 28-3 and took third at 170. Junior 170-pounder Jaliah Johnson finished 23-6 and took third at 191. Senior Dajia Anderson finished as state champion with a 29-1 mark at 235. She is expected to wrestle at 191 and is ranked first.

Anderson transferred from Topeka West, and Parker noticed her softball ability. Johnson was the only Junior Blue girl who had competed the year prior.

OLATHE WEST returns junior 132-pounder Isabel Rodriguez (17-12), senior 138-pounder Elle Fishburn (12-9), senior 155-pounder Michaela Turney (23-4), senior 170-pounder Ingrid Beltran-Gonzaga (22-8, state qualifier), and sophomore Kyndal Hughes (14-5 at 191).

Sophomore Makayla Rivera took state runner-up at 235 with a 19-2 mark. She is ranked first.

TREGO senior Sydney Boyle returns after a 35-6 record and fifth-place state showing. She is

GIRLS WRESTLING

expected to compete at 143. OAKLEY has three sophomores: Citori Bosserman, Mikyah Cain, and Harley Scheck. They competed at 101, 116, and 123. Cain took fifth at 116. LAKIN sophomore Josiah Ortiz went 27-6 and took fourth place at 101. She is expected to bump to 109. HOXIE’s Marissa Porsch finished fourth.

Other No. 1-ranked wrestlers are Independence senior Alexis Allen (109), Lakin junior Isabelle Ortiz (115), Lawrence Free State junior Madison Gray (132), K.C. Piper senior Sara Lake (138), Ottawa senior Darby Wiedl (155), and Council Grove sophomore Jolie Ziegler (170).

In June, the KSHSAA Executive Board established and approved changes for girls’ wrestling starting this fall. Girls’ wrestling will increase from 11 weight classes to 12 – 101, 109, 115, 120, 126, 132, 138, 143, 155, 170, 191, and 235.

Last year, girls had two regionals, one east and one west. The top-six from each regional qualified for a one-day state tournament. Nearly 1,000 girls wrestled, another sizable growth in the sport. This winter, regionals will be four sites: Feb. 12-13, 2021. Top-four from each weight class at each regional will qualify for state. Team plaques to the top-two teams at each regional.

State will be a two-day tournament: WednesdayThursday on Feb. 24-25, 2021. The 16-person bracket will award medals to the top-six at each weight class. Top-3 teams will earn a team plaque. *See additional coverage of top returning girls on pages 18 and 19 of this publication.

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Photo courtesy Andover Central Journalism

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 AVCTL-II/from page 38 The Mustangs during the second half of the season - 5-7 senior return four players who started at one time or Mallory Woolston, 5-11 senior Kate Ralston and another last year. Reed McHenry, a 6-2 senior, 5-9 junior Kylie Forney. Woolston was named is back after averaging 12.8 points and 6.3 second-team all-league, while Forney was an rebounds per game. Central was hurt by the honorable mention selection. absence of 6-5 senior Caden Kickhaefer (knee “The main objective for this team will be to surgery) for much of the season. He played the compete and play hard each game,” head coach final six games of the season and averaged 7.7 Seth Anderson said. “We will have a good mix of points and 5.5 rebounds a game. Also returning veterans and promising young talent.” for the Mustangs are 5-9 junior Logan Losey (5.6 VALLEY CENTER will be a young and ppg) and 6-1 junior Nolan Puckett (6.5 ppg). inexperienced team this season after losing four “We want to get back to competing for league, senior starters to graduation. The lone returning tournament and sub-state titles. Having great starter from last year’s 7-14 team is 5-3 junior team chemistry and playing with a high level of guard Halle Brittain (3.0 ppg). confidence,” head coach Ryan Modin said. “We’re “Many girls will be asked to play meaningful bringing back a lot of experience and talent from minutes at the varsity level for the first time,” last year. We’ll be more versatile on offense and coach Trent Preheim said. “Success starts with will have have the ability to score inside and out.” a mindset that we will work to improve and be GIRLS patient as we are sure to face some adversity.

ANDOVER CENTRAL’s chance for a little Despite the inexperience, there are definitely revenge came up just short last year when some talented players on our roster. If we can stay Covid-19 led to the cancellation of the final two positive, this team has the potential to improve on days of the 5A state tournament. last year’s record and move up in the league.”

Andover Central and Topeka Seaman were ARKANSAS CITY is another team looking to on one side of the semifinal bracket, while move up the standings. The Bulldogs were 2-17 McPherson and Aquinas were on the other. last year and return two starters for first-year head “We lost our second game of the season to coach Josie Reilly - 5-6 senior Ellie Messenger McPherson and were hoping to get a second and 5-7 senior Elise Brewer. chance at them,” coach Stana Jefferson said.

“This year we have a good group of seniors The Jags might get that chance. They will be who will be leading our younger players,” Reilly one of the favorites in 5A this season with five said. “Focusing on controlling the basketball and starters returning from last year’s 21-1 team. playing to our tempo will be crucial for us. We are Three of those players have already committed excited to see how our seniors lead and instill a or signed with college programs and four of them solid work ethic in our younger players.” were named all-league last year.

If there’s a team capable of challenging Andover Bailey Wilborn, a senior, has signed with the Central for the league title, it could be SALINA University of Maine and Jaden Newfarmer, CENTRAL, which is a member of the AVCTL-II another senior, with Washburn. Brittany Harshaw, league for the first time. The Mustangs of head a junior, has verbally committed to Creighton. coach Chris Fear were 15-6 last season and 9-3 Harshaw and Wilborn were first-team all-league in AVCTL-I. Three starters return - 5-7 junior guard selections last year; junior Ellie Stearns and Aubrie Kierscht (17.2 ppg), 5-10 junior Hampton sophomore Maddie Amekporfor were on the Williams (10.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg) and 5-10 junior second team and Newfarmer was an honorable Chaliscia Samilton (6.8 ppg) mention choice.

Kierscht, one of the state’s best outside “We have great talent on this year’s squad,” shooters, was a first-team all-league choice last Jefferson said. “Most impressive is the chemistry year, while Williams was named to the second of the team and how they work together. If we team. Both have verbally committed to Division I continue with this mentality, I feel like we can schools - Kierscht to Navy and Williams to Abilene compete with anyone.”

Christian.

The GODDARD Lions were 14-6 last year and “We’re looking to build our team to the point finished third in the league race. First-year head where we can reach our potential - sacrificing for coach Marcus James has three starters returning - each other for the benefit of the team,” Fear said.

5-10 senior Shae Vang, 5-9 junior Maycee James, a transfer from Wichita Northwest where she was a two-year starter, and 5-7 junior Blair Clark, but will need to find a replacement for all-state player Kade Hackerott, now at Central Missouri.

“Our expectations are to give maximum effort and play for and with each other as teammates every single night,” James said. “This is a bluecollar community with kids who believe in hard work and dedication. Success in many forms will always be a result with this mindset and work ethic. We are going to play hard, learn, and grow.”

EISENHOWER will look to improve on last year’s 10-12 record. The Tigers had three underclassmen earn all-league honors - junior Kennedy Nicholson on the first team and junior Payton Ryan and freshman Addison Verbeck on the honorable mention list.

The ANDOVER Trojans return three starters Andover Central, Senior from last year’s 8-13 team that played over .500

Bailey WILBORN

Page 83 SPIAA/from page 69 She has four returning veterans, led by 5-8 senior Regan Ast (13.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.8 spg, 3.7 apg) and 5-9 senior Alexa Lightner (12.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.1 spg) as a dangerous duo in every game. Also back are 5-9 senior Julina Wall (2.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.1 apg) and 5-8 senior Estacy Garcia (2.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.0 spg, 2.0 apg).

“We hope that we can get back to the state tournament,” Simon said. “Playing as a team and playing tough defense will be keys to our success.”

During his tenure with KIOWA COUNTY, Coach Thomas Derstein has had more than his fair share of success as evidenced by his 83-45 record.

Last season, the Lady Mavs posted a respectable 13-7 record while going 6-4 in the SPIAA. Three experienced players will be heavily counted on by Derstein, and that group includes 5-1 senior guard Gracie Gray (1.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg and 1.0 spg), 5-8 junior Addi Heinson (5.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.8 spg) and 5-6 junior Addison Sherer (5.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.7 apg and 1.6 spg).

“I want this team to be known for their toughness, both mentally and physically,” Derstein said.

It will be a new look for the MEADE Buffaloes as they switch from the Hi-Plains League to the SPIAA and move into Class 1A. Coach Kent Packard’s team went 10-14 overall while finishing 1-3 in the HPL, good for sixth place. But he returns a wealth of experience and are still relatively young.

He’s blessed with an abundance of height, including 6-0 junior Kylin Rudzik (9.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.4 spg), 5-11 senior Lauren Christensen (3.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.6 spg), 5-11 junior Shelby Christensen (6.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg), and 5-11 sophomore Kyra Shewel (5.9 ppg, 1.6 rpg). Throw in junior guard Allie Miller (5.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.0 apg, 2.7 spg) and one can see the possibilities.

“We are still a fairly young team this year, so our main goal is continued growth throughout the season,” Packard said.

The MINNEOLA Wildcats struggled during the 2019-20 season, posting a 5-16 record overall in Morgan McClaren’s third year. “We want to play with disciplined defense this year,” she said.

When the 2020 season saw the curtain drop, the PAWNEE HEIGHTS Tigers had compiled a 7-16 record for coach Hannah Rasmussen.

Veteran coach Janie Lutz will once again be on the sidelines coaching the SATANTA Indians.

Lutz’ team compiled a 6-16 season and is looking for improvement in the 2020-21 campaign.

For most of the 2019-20 basketball season, the SOUTH GRAY Rebels were rolling along.

The Lady Rebels were the No. 1 seed entering substate play but were upset by Ingalls in the title game, costing them a return trip to the Class

1A state tourney. They finished 20-3 after posting a 9-1 mark in the SPIAA. New coach Mindy Stilwell welcomes back four starters from that squad.

That group includes 5-9 senior Megan Tarn (8.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.0 apg, 2.8 spg), 6-0 senior Debbie Peters (11.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.0 bpg), Jaden Nagle, a 5-7 senior (3.1 ppg, 2.0 apg) and 5-6 junior Attison Clark (7.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg).

“Improving every day will be our main focus,” Stilwell said.

The 2019-20 basketball season ended prematurely for SPEARVILLE. That came after the unbeaten Lancers opened the 2A state tournament with a 55-41 triumph over St. Mary’s Colgan to reach the semifinals before cancellations. Now, a season later, first-year coach Todd Cossman gets the job to see if he can guide the Lancers back to state. He’s got plenty of firepower to be in the mix.

The group includes seniors Alissa Heskamp (5-5, G, 14.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.1 apg, 3.3 spg) and Addia Nau, 5-9 forward (4.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.5 spg).

Junior Anna Stein anchors the center spot at 6-0 after posting averages of 4.4 ppg and 5.3 rpg.

Sophomore guard Taegan Pedigo (5-6) averaged 4.1 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.3 apg and 2.5 spg.

“We certainly want to compete for the league title and to be the best team we can be by the end of the season,” Cossman said.

For the past decade and a half, Tim Rietzke doubled as the girls and boys coach for SOUTH CENTRAL. Now, focusing on just the girls, Rietzke is coming off a season where his Lady Wolves posted a 16-8 season mark, going 6-4 in the league and placing third in the league tournament.

That group was the youth movement and still young, but with a year’s experience, the group returning is looking for bigger and better things.

Sierra Jellison, a 5-6 junior guard, led the scoring attack with 16.1 ppg and 5.3 rpg while 5-9 sophomore Kodie Herd averaged 11.5 ppg and 6.3 rpg.

They are backed up with other returning starters Kirsten Hackney, a 5-6 junior guard, who averaged 5.2 ppg and 2.1 rpg while Hadley Lohrding, a 5-8 junior, averaged 6.1 ppg and 5.2 rpg.

“I want to see continued improvement and maturity as a team since we have no senior players,” Rietzke said. “Staying healthy and finding more players who can make plays on a consistent basis is what we will look for.”

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will be important that we find a way to align our individual goals with our team goals.”

When Amy Felker was guiding her high school alma mater Dighton to the Class 1A-II state championship in 2016, Sarah McCormick was finishing her first year at the helm of the SCOTT CITY Lady Beavers. That transformative season saw McCormick’s five-year run move into high gear as the Lady Beavers won a sub-state game for the first time in seven years before going on a four-year run of qualifying for state tournaments. Now, with the 2020-21 season on the horizon, McCormick has departed to return to south central Kansas for family reasons with her husband, and Felker now finds herself as the new coach in Scott City.

McCormick’s teams posted a 77-42 record and Felker inherits a team with just one returning starter from a 20-4 squad that lost to Halstead, 45-41, in double OT in the quarterfinals of the 3A state tourney. The Beavers were 7-3, placing third in the GWAC behind Colby and Hugoton.

Amber Latta, a 5-5 junior guard, is the lone returning starter. She averaged 6.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.6 steals. Others expected to fill in who saw considerable playing time are 6-0 junior Ella Rumford, 6-0 sophomore Brooke Strine, and 5-9 junior Allison Patton.

“We want to improve each day, play tough defense and accept new roles on the team,” said Felker, who was ultra-successful in her 17 years in Dighton where her teams went 241-152. “Our guards are going to have to control the game and make plays happen. They need to have trust in their teammate and in the coaches.”

Two years ago, the ULYSSES Lady Tigers were one of the best teams in the GWAC, but CPL/from page 43

team CPL junior Theron Wedel (19 ppg) and junior Chance Winter for the Indians, who lost 66-64 to Spearville in the 2A substate.

“We want to continue to grow our basketball program,” said Medicine Lodge coach Joe Dohrmann. “We have seen growth each year, but we would like to see a bigger jump this year.

We need to play as a team, and have everyone embrace their role. We’ll have a lot of young guys playing varsity. We need to have confidence that they will step into their roles.”

WICHITA INDEPENDENT (7-16) features 6-3 senior Jimmy Guinn (9.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg) and senior Jalen Martin (9 ppg) as top returnees. Sophomore Joseph Recalde-Phillips (4 ppg), senior Hank Ramsey (3 ppg) sophomore Christian Dean (2 ppg) and senior Liam Conlee (2 ppg) provide depth and experience. The Garden Plain Owls defeated Wichita Independent 76-49 in the substate championship. The Panthers upset Cedar Vale 59-57 and West Elk 67-53 to reach the substate finals.

“We’ll work for a winning record and want to qualify for the state tournament,” said Independent coach Rob Fields, with a 285-348 career record.

“Our goal is play together as a team, rebound and play defense.”

WICHITA TRINITY (8-13) features senior Christian Williams (18 ppg, 3 apg), junior Collin Rucker, (7 ppg) and senior David Spencer (4 ppg). Caney Valley edged Wichita Trinity 68-64 in substate play.

“We return a lot of varsity experience,” said Wichita Trinity coach Coach Brett Wiley. “Our

Page 84 graduated an entire group of starters. That graduation resulted in a new group of youthful players being thrust into varsity action and created a 2-19 record and an 0-10 league mark. Tim Hofferber, who begins his ninth year at Ulysses, has posted a 65-105 record and will look to seniors Halle Nagel and Jocelyn Beaza for leadership and experience along with junior Hayden Riley and sophomore Cami Kenny.

“The key for us is playing together and to give us a chance to win a GWAC championship,” Hofferber said.

Photo by Jackie Elliott

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 GWAC/from page 49 last season,” Wagner height, experience, confidence, and now (being) said. “If we do so, we will put ourselves in position in the system for three years will be our strengths.” to win a lot of games. We must play at a high level Biermann’s top returner is likely 5-10 sophomore of intensity and urgency for 32 minutes.” guard Talexa Weeter, who averaged 9.2 ppg, 3.8 GIRLS rpg and was an 80 percent free throw shooter The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when it while earning second-team all-GWAC honors. comes to the Applegate family, but Eli Applegate Emma Lehman, a 5-11 junior, averaged 8.0 ppg is a long way from reaching the heights of high and 4.3 rpg while hitting 38 percent from behind school basketball success enjoyed by his father, the 3-point arc. She was an honorable mention Mark, who has won 700 games and multiple state all-league choice. In addition, senior guards titles at South Gray.

Mikayla Biermann (5-6, 2.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.1 apg, Eli, now heading into his third season at the helm 1.8 spg) and Sydney Hahn (5-6, 4.7 ppg, 2.4 of the CIMARRON Lady Bluejays, has guided the rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.2 spg) give him an experienced program to a 29-15 record, including a 14-8 mark backcourt. Depth from the bench will come from a year ago. They advanced to the 3A substate 5-6 senior guard Atalee Amthor, 5-10 sophomore final and this year move from the Hi-Plains league post Olivia Lehman and 5-11 sophomore forward to the Great West Activities Conference.

Lindsey Cure.

Applegate returns seven players who saw The HOLCOMB Lady Longhorns seemed to starting duty a year ago. That group includes find themselves in a dogfight most nights during juniors Emily Acton (G, 11.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.0 the 2019-20 season, only to come up on the spg, 1.4 apg), Jacee Wilson (G, 8.5 ppg, 3.2 short end of the score as they finished with a rpg, 1.3 spg), sophomore forward McKayla Miller 7-15 season record and went 3-7 in the GWAC (11.0 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 2.3 spg, 2.5 apg), and junior to place fifth. Now entering her second year at forward Melody Carter (5.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.5 spg). the Longhorn helm, coach Andrea Ardery (67-65 Another group of players saw extended playing overall in six years, previously at Sublette), will time last season, including senior guard Macy rely on the returning experience of 5-4 senior Fugitt, sophomore guard Taryn Jantz, sophomore guard Blair Holliday (3.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg), 5-9 junior forward Caitlyn Sonday, sophomore guard forward Nicole Ruda (7.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.1 spg) Kennedy Jarnagin and junior forward Sydney and 5-6 junior guard McKee Blackburn (3.2 ppg, Dumler.

1.9 rpg, 1.5 spg). Graduating four starters will “We return a lot of experience from last year,” provide opportunities for new faces to step up.

Applegate said, “and learning from those “We have a strong group of returning varsity experiences last season and during the summer players and a solid mix of underclassmen,” will be key for this team’s success throughout the Ardery said. “One of our goals is to improve on season. We have a great group of young ladies our overall record by playing to our strengths as that have worked hard in the weight room and a team, and to continue to play as a unit on the gym this off-season.” court. This group is competitive and hungry, and Veteran coach Tom Stephens has been around going deep in our bench will be another key factor the court a time or two, and now enters his in our success.” fourth season at the helm of the COLBY Lady Success has been the theme for the HUGOTON Eagles, but is beginning his 33rd overall season Lady Eagles over the past decade, and the 2019in the coaching profession. He’s won 471 games 20 season was no different as they posted an against 352 losses, and last year guided the Lady impressive 15-6 season record, only to suffer a Eagles to a 17-4 season record, including an 8-2 narrow 29-27 opening round loss to Goodland in GWAC mark which tied them with Hugoton for the Class 3A sub-state. first place in the regular season. A tough opening Coach Emmanuel Adigun (4th year, 39-28) saw round sub-state upset at the hands of Holcomb his young team capture a share of the GWAC ended their season. crown with Colby at 8-2. With another year of Stephens’ teams in Colby have gone 42-23 and experience under foot, the Eagles have a wealth he welcomes back starters Kennedy Stanley, a of talent from the backcourt to the frontcourt to be 5-8 senior, who averaged 7.4 ppg and 6.5 rpg, among the top 3A teams in Kansas. along with 5-6 junior guard Brooklyn Jones, who Sophomore Mikyn Hamlin, 5-9, is the team’s averaged 10.3 ppg and 2.9 apg. top returning scorer at 16.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.5 “Our goal is to have the possession we are apg, 2.2 spg. Sophomore Gianna Vos, a 5-9 in be a good one,” Stephens said of his team’s forward, averaged 8.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.5 apg and philosophy. “We want to have great attitudes, 1.4 spg. Senior McKenna Hamlin (5-5) averaged great effort and be really good teammates every 7.8 ppg and 1.2 spg while 6-1 senior post Jordyn day, regardless if It is in practice or in a game. Beard anchored the middle by scoring 7.0 ppg We want to practice with a purpose, execute as a and pulling down 6.3 rpg while registering 2.3 team and compete with class.” blocks. Coach Adigun’s daughter, 5-8 sophomore One cannot just look at the 2019-20 won-loss Summya, averaged 4.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.8 apg record of the GOODLAND Cowgirls to understand and 1.6 spg while senior Molly McClure provided just what kind of season they experienced. A 12- experience and depth with 1.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.6 11 overall mark and 4-6 record in the GWAC apg and 2.0 spg. Breckyn Haar, a 5-11 junior, doesn’t demonstrate that the Cowgirls beat both backs up Beard in the middle, and she averaged Scott City, a Class 3A state tournament qualifier, 2.4 ppg and 2.3 rpg. and Hugoton, co-champions of the GWAC before “The ultimate goal for our team is to have an being eliminated by Scott City in a sub-state opportunity to compete for a state championship overtime battle. in March,” Adigun said. “Within that process, we “We finished really strong last year,” said third- would like to win the GWAC and be at our very year coach Bill Biermann. “We have a lot of best when the postseason comes around. With returners but (are still) young in experience. Our a number of talented players on our roster, it

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Jeff Ramsey, Agent Phone: 620-544-4303 main goals are to be a more disciplined team on both sides of the court. If we play with great discipline and effort when can com-pete in the way we want to.”

CHAPARRAL (10-12) is a team on the rise keyed by honorable mention CPL 6-foot-4 sophomore Jackson Swartz (10 ppg). Junior Kaden Harding (7 ppg) and junior Alec Pfaff (3 ppg) return. Chaparral edged Eureka 70-64 and Cheney downed Chaparral 63-47 in the 3A substate semifinals.

“We want to finish with winning record and make a run in substate play,” said Chaparral coach Josh Inslee, starting his 13th season.

CONWAY SPRINGS (7-14) returns seniors Heath Hilger (8 ppg), Zach Osner (6 ppg) and Jonathan Wright (1 ppg). 2A state qualifier Garden Plain eliminated the Cardinals 46-27 in substate play.

“Our goals are a winning record and win our first substate game,” said Conway Springs coach Paul Lange. “We’ll find more success when we improve our shooting and get to the free throw line more consistently.”

DOUGLASS (2-19) lost to Cheney 72-41 in the first round of 3A substate basketball. The Bulldogs return seniors Jordan Stoffel, Jared Stoffel, Cole Martin and Brady Roberts.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 EKL/from page 47 but couldn’t quite pull build for next year at the same time. According to off the upset of Blue Valley North in the finals. the coach, “Our team’s success will rest on the Head coach Ryan Hintz will need big contribu- shoulders of our senior leader Payton Verhulst. tions from some new faces to stay competitive in She does such a great job of keeping the team together and pushing them to improve every day. the league.

We are also looking for some kids to step up and GIRLS BISHOP MIEGE senior Payton Verhulst, last take over more of a leadership role this year. We year’s EKL MVP and Gatorade Kansas Player have a very talented team and making sure we of the Year, will lead a strong group of juniors play as one is the most important thing.”

ST THOMAS AQUINAS will contend for their looking for more after last year’s 21-2 record and Final Four state tourney finish. Bishop Miege will fifth consecutive 5A state championship in go into the year with the expectation of defending 2020-21 after that pursuit was derailed in 2020. their 2019 4A title, which was their fourth in five The Lady Saints rolled through substate games against Leavenworth and Shawnee Heights and seasons and their 21st in program history.

Last year’s squad made a punishing run past then thumped Maize South 62-35 in the first Fort Scott and Topeka-Hayden at the substate round. The postseason performance capped off a level before defeating Chapman 60-45 in the 19-4 season and second place EKL finish.

The team will have a strong inside game with jufirst round of the state tourney. The win set up a semifinal game that would have been a rematch nior forwards Beatrice Culliton (13.6 points, 6.0 reof Miege’s 2019 championship game against bounds per game, multiple major Division I offers) and Charlotte O’Keefe (4.8 points, 6.0 rebounds Kansas City-Piper.

Verhulst recently signed to play her college ball per game) up front. Experience and leadership for the Louisville Cardinals, and has international comes from 5-8 senior guard Madison Skelton, experience with the USA Basketball U16 team. In committed to Emporia State next year, after 7.0 the 2019-20 high school campaign she averaged points and 3.2 assists per game last season. All 18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals per three earned all-conference honors in 2019-20, game for the Lady Stags, but she’s not the only and Culliton was in the top five of several all-state piece returning to the state’s top program. She’ll teams. be joined by 5-9 junior guard Emajin McCallop Head coach Rick Hetzel, averaging over 20 (9 points, 6 assists and 4 steals per game), 5-11 wins per year for his career, has built a dynasty on junior forward Gabi Henderson-Artis (11 points, 4 talent and team chemistry. His goal for the team rebounds per game), and 5-11 junior forward Allie this year is to, “Play hard and have fun.”

Burns (5 points, 9 rebounds per game) all earned BLUE VALLEY will look to build on last year’s all-conference honors as sophomores. winning record and fourth place finish in the conLegendary head coach Terry English has a tal- ference. The 12-9 Tigers lose all-conference seented team that can be a state title favorite and nior Jane Ryan (Baker University), but bring back

a talented core including 5-9 senior Jazzy Klinge (12 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals per game, all-conference honors), 5-5 senior guard Olivia Vitale (5 points, 4 assists per game) and 5-11 junior forward Sophia DeVeney (5 points, 3 rebounds per game).

Head coach Bruce Erickson expects a perimeter-oriented game from his team.

“We won’t be very tall, but we have good guard play so we will need to run and pressure on defense,” Erickson said. “We will need to shoot better from the three-point line this year.”

BLUE VALLEY NORTH had a successful regular season in 2019-20 with a 17-4 record. They defeated Shawnee Mission South at substate, but lost in the finals to Olathe South 50-40.

EKL first-teamers Mallory Krueger and Lauren Cassaday graduated in May, so the team will rely on the leadership of returning 5-8 senior guard Paige Craft.

BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST will try to break out of the middle of the pack in the EKL in coach T.J. Taylor’s second year. The squad went 12-10 and placed fifth in the conference last year and made it past St. James to the substate finals.

The Lady Timberwolves lost senior Maddie Garretson to graduation, and all-conference guard Amiah Simmons to Osawatomie. They bring back 5-11 senior forward Sydney Beck, who averaged 5.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

5-8 junior guard Abby Augustine (5.8 points, 2.3 assists, .9 steals per game) is expected to be a major contributor this year as well.

ST. JAMES ACADEMY will be led by first-year head coach Justin Snell. Last year’s Thunder put together a winning record (11-10), but faltered

in the first round at substate against Blue Valley Southwest.

A strong senior core will help provide leadership to the squad. Senior Faith Hawthorne (6-1) averaged 12.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last year, and earned a second-team all-conference spot. She’ll be joined by 5-7 senior Claire Worthington who posted 7.3 points per game, and 6-foot senior Abby Dunsmore who added 6.6 point and 4 rebounds. Look for sophomore guards Riley Bruggeman and Lauren Steinlage to make big contributions as well.

BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST continues to look for traction in the heavily-talented conference. The Lady Huskies finished with a 3-17 record last year, 8th in the EKL. Third year coach Matthew Shulman laid out the challenges.

“We are a very young team, multiple freshman will be thrust into the varsity playing time,” Shulman said. “Our success will be determined by our ability to keep our poise and play together.”

Senior forward Megan Edwards (5-8) earned an honorable mention spot on the all-conference team last year, averaging 12 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. She’ll return along with junior guard Hayley Numrich, who averaged 3 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game.

BLUE VALLEY WEST head coach Rick Strecker will continue his rebuilding project in his fifth year with the Lady Jaguars. The Jags earned two conference wins in a 5-16 overall record in 2019-20, after being winless in the EKL the previous year. They fell to Olathe East at substate 38-27.

AVCTL-III/from page 38 league. The 6-3 senior averaged 9.3 points and 2.7 points per game last year.

Also returning for the Wildcats are juniors Jaydon Sundgren (7.2 ppg, 2.5 apg, 2.7 rpg) and Jeremiah Kemboi (6.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.2 apg).

“We need to be able to do the little things well like win loose balls, make the extra pass, and limit turnovers,” Culbertson said.

After going 3-17 last year, WINFIELD head coach Ben Ponce lists one of his team goals as finishing top three in the league. In order to make that goal a reality, three returning starters will need to have big seasons.

The Vikings certainly have the returning talent to be a tough out in the league. Winfield has two honorable mention all-league returners who averaged double-digit points last season.

Aidan Harper (10 ppg, 3.5 apg, 2 spg) and Jacob George (12 ppg, 1 rpg) should be two of the top returners in the league. Kyan Towles (5.5 ppg, 4 rpg) is also a returning starter.

“Our goals are to keep improving as a program,” Ponce said. “Keys to success are staying healthy, rebounding, and attacking the basket.”

GIRLS The McPHERSON girls have a stranglehold on the AVCTL-Division III, and it would take a massive upset to dethrone the Bullpups.

McPherson went 10-0 in the league and finished 22-1 overall last season. The Bullpups ended their season in the state semifinals without getting a chance to compete for a state title.

McPherson was scheduled to face four-time defending state champions St. Thomas Aquinas

Strathman said. “Our players are so anxious to get rolling with our season, and we hope to be able to play the entire season out and see what happens.”

CIRCLE has been McPherson’s top competitor in the league in recent years, but the Thunderbirds have not been able to challenge McPherson quite yet.

Circle had been to the state tournament three years in a row until falling in the sub-state championship game last year. The Thunderbirds lose five seniors from last year’s team, but do return one of the top players in the league in Kimalee Cook. The senior guard averaged 15.4 points and 3.4 steals per game last year and is also one of the state’s top sprinters during track season.

Also returning are senior guards Lanna Chase (7 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and Madi Michaelis (5.3 ppg, 2.5 spg), and senior forward Maci Claycamp averaged 7 points and 5 rebounds per game last year. Senior guard Ashley Gilmartin is also a returning letterman.

Brian Henry, in his 15th year at Circle, said the Thunderbirds will continue to play pressure defense while mixing in man and zone. Led by Cook, Circle will be a guard-oriented offense.

BUHLER reached the Class 4A State Tournament last year by defeating Circle in the sub-state championship game. Buhler ended its season in the opening round against Reno County rival Nickerson.

The Crusaders are welcoming a new head coach in Sierra Michelsetter. Buhler graduated a large senior class last year.

“With few returning varsity players, we have a lot of girls that will be seeing the floor more, or for the first time,” Michelsetter said. “This year we expect our girls to compete every time they step onto the court.”

WINFIELD is another team that will be breaking in many new faces. After going 7-13 last year and finishing fourth in the league, the Vikings return no starters.

Ninth-year head coach Jason VenJohn said energy and effort will be keys to success this season.

“We want to improve everyday, work hard and stay together no matter what is dealt to us,” VenJohn said.

Senior guard Maycee Anderson leads AUGUSTA this year. Anderson averaged 7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game last year.

The Orioles were 3-18 last year. Rainey Maloy enters her third year as head coach at Augusta.

“With few returning varsity players, we have a lot of girls that will be seeing the floor more, or for the first time,” Maloy said. “This year we expect our girls to compete every time they step onto the court.”

EL DORADO is coming off a 3-19 season.

Jordan Crawford is entering his seventh season as head coach.

The Wildcats were a young bunch last season.

Seniors Bailey Camien and Brooklyn Motter are projected starters, as are juniors Victoria George and Kenzee Eaton. Sophomore Macy Parsons will also likely grab a starting spot.

Camien, Motter and Eaton are returning starters, while Parsons started a handful of games.

in the 5A Semifinals.

McPherson graduated three NCAA Division II athletes off their team - Andrea Sweat and Lakyn Schieferecke to Washburn, and Emma Ruddle to Fort Hays State, though Sweat missed her senior season with injury. The Bullpups also graduated two-year starter Cassie Cooks, who is playing volleyball at Graceland University.

However, McPherson will be an experienced and hungry group in 2020-21, led by Pitt State signee Grace Pyle.

Because the Bullpups dealt with a high number of injuries last year, many younger players saw increased varsity minutes.

One consistent for the Bullpups was Pyle, who stayed healthy and averaged 15.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 3 steals per game.

Pyle fills up the stat sheet and is a leader on the court.

She is one of three returning seniors. Kassidy Beam and Emma Malm are seniors who shined in starting roles last year, while juniors Lauren Labertew, Ella Scmid, and Peyton Howard saw significant minutes off the bench.

Juniors Marissa Pearcy, Cameron Pelzel, Emily Whorton, and Harper Smith are all returning lettermen.

McPherson heads back to 4A after spending the last two years in 5A. With a mindset of playing in the 5A postseason, the Bullpups will play a difficult out-of-league schedule in addition to the opponents they will see at the annual MidAmerica Classic.

“Expectations remain high as we enter the 20202021 season,” McPherson head coach Chris

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

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CPL/from page 45

as much as possible as our big guys can get up and down the floor very well.”

Despite four starters, Kuckelman is aware of growing pains on the court.

“Our core has a year of starting experience, but they will still be young with a majority sophomores,” he said. “We need to make good decisions with the ball and cut down on turnovers to maximize each possession so we can improve our points per possession. If we do that, we can have a successful season that prepares our team for the postseason. We hope our experience will help us compete with the teams in our league that either make you better or humble you pretty quickly. Our league is very challenging and we face several good teams in tournaments. It will be tough at times to feel improvement but we’ll be working for it every day.”

Winners of the 2019 2A state championship, NESS CITY (13-11, 4-4) caught fire late in the 2020 season with postseason wins over Ingalls 78-54, Deerfield 55-45 and Hodgeman County

52-47 before losing to South Gray 83-54 in a 1A substate championship.

Junior first-team All-CPL selection Taylor Cable (6-3, 17.5 ppg, 10 rpg) will rejoin senior Edwin Rodriguez, who was injured after playing for the 2A state championship team in 2019. Seniors Matthew Delaney (5.5 ppg) and Jose Lopez (3 ppg) joins juniors Jose Guzman (7 ppg), Jackson Seib (2 ppg) and Dawson Stoecklein (2 ppg) to give the Eagles a relatively experienced squad.

Ness City coach Brandt Rogers expects the Eagles to contend for the CPL championship. The Eagles play a fast pace and deliver the 3-point shot.

“We’ve got the ability to stretch the floor and we’ll run the floor productively,” Rogers said. “Our goal is to finish in the top two of the league and make a state appearance. We want our team to also excel in the classroom.”

CENTRAL PLAINS (10-14, 4-4) was the CPL surprise of 1A basketball with postseason wins over Wilson 58-22 and La Crosse 41-34 before

losing 42-35 to Sylvan-Lucas at regionals and 4441 to Stockton at 1A substate.

The Oilers feature a pair of senior inside scorers and rebounders — 6-3 Dylan Kitchen and 5-11 Tyler Holmes, a terrific rebounder. Central Plains lost quality leaders to graduation and will be looking to some underclassmen to help them improve.

“We want to improve and compete weekly to set ourselves up to compete in the postseason,’ said first-year coach Bryce Steiner. “We want to begin to restore the tradition that has been built here.

We want our guys to buy-in to program expectations, and outwork others on-and-off the court.”

VICTORIA (2-18, 2-6) is a team on the rise that could surprise, but will start a week behind after a substate runner-up finish in football. Last season, Sylvan-Lucas downed Victoria 51-36 in 1A regional play.

Third-team All-CPL 6-4 senior Kyle Pickering (9 ppg, 5.5 rpg) returns with seniors Jason Karst (8.5 ppg, 4 rpg) and Peyton Engler (5 ppg) and junior Grant Schoenrock (2 ppg)

“Our goal is to play as one unit while on the floor,” said Victoria coach Colin Schmidtberger.

OTIS-BISON (3-18, 0-8) ended their season with a 53-43 1A regional loss to Natoma. But the Cougars return an experienced ballclub that learned on the run last year.

Third team All-Central Prairie senior Jayce Kohls (13 ppg), rejoins juniors Dalton Regan (12.5 ppg) and Peytan Butler (7 ppg) along with seniors Ethan Schneider (6 ppg) and Nate Roth (2 ppg).

Kaden Foust, a 6-3 newcomer, offers the Cougars height and strength inside.

“Our goal is to grow together and compete in a competitive league,” said Otis-Bison coach Curtis Little. “We’ll strive to play great team defense and take care of the ball.”

KINSLEY (3-17, 1-7) lost to Hodgeman County 42-37 in 1A regional play. Kinsley features 6-2 senior Alan Newsom, senior Isaac Bowman and junior Levi Taylor along with a strong freshman class that could help them be much improved.

class that also featured Sara Yutzy, Haven returns seven letter winners and should be a force in the Central Kansas League once again.

Of Haven’s seven returning letter winners, five are seniors and the other two are juniors. Seniors Maguire Estill, Brooke Brawner, Carlee Arnold, Cassidy Smith, and Lexi Smith and juniors Reese Roper and Amie Yoder will all be key contributors.

Haven head coach Dwight Roper lists eight newcomers - five sophomores, two juniors, and one freshman - who will also fight for playing time.

“Playing time is up for grabs,” Roper said. “I expect competitive practices and continued improvement throughout the season.”

HALSTEAD returns the most accomplished player in the league in Karenna Gerber, who has one more year at Halstead before she takes her talent to Pittsburg State. A unanimous First Team All-CKL selection, she averaged 20 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, and 2.5 steals per game last year. Gerber has tallied over 1,000 points in her career, and she is the catalyst for a Halstead team that went 21-3 and reached the 3A semifinals last year.

Last year marked the first time the Halstead girls basketball program reached the state tournament.

The Dragons defeated Scott City in double overtime in the opening round before COVID-19 canceled the remainder of the tournament.

Halstead had no seniors on its roster last year, and with Gerber leading the way the Dragons are primed for back-to-back appearances.

Sophomore Kaleigh O’Brien (9.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.6 spg) was a second team all-league selection last year, while seniors Josie Engel (7 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and Parker Schroeder (3.2 ppg, 3 rpg) made honorable mention.

Halstead also welcomes back senior Madison McClain, who earned First Team All-CKL honors as a sophomore before missing the 2019-2020 season with a medical condition.

“This year could be the deepest and most talented team in Halstead girls basketball history led by a talented senior class,” Halstead head coach Derek Schutte said. “This group has compiled a 56 - 11 record the past three seasons.”

HESSTON is a team in the CKL that can never be overlooked. Coming off a 15-7 record overall, 6-3 within the league, the Swathers will be the youngest and most inexperienced they’ve been in 15 years, according to coach Matt Richardson.

The team returns one senior, two juniors, and a sophomore. Alex Martin (4 ppg, 4.2 rpg) is the lone senior, while juniors Caryn Yoder (6 ppg, 2.4 spg) and Katie Kueker (2.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg) will also provide leadership as upperclassmen.

Sophomore Anna Humphreys (5 ppg, 2.9 rpg) will look to improve off a solid freshman season.

“We will have to focus on the little things like team defense and team rebounding as we will be trying to find out who we are,” Richardson said.

HILLSBORO has one of the top returning players in the CKL. Senior Teegan Werth will look to improve on her all-league season after averaging just under 14 points a game to go along with 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 steals. Werth is one of five returning seniors for the Trojans, who are coming off a 14-9 season (5-4 CKL).

Kinsey Kleiner averaged 8 points a game, Jessica Saunders averaged 3.3 rebounds a game, Dani Klein averaged 1.5 points and 1.5 rebounds, and Tuesday Weisbeck averaged 3.1 points and 3.8 rebounds a game.

“We bring back five starters and have several underclassmen that will challenge for time,” head coach Nathan Hiebert said.

PRATT will be young, but junior Lexi Walker will make sure the Greenbacks are competitive.

Walker averaged 10.1 points and 1.4 steals per game last season as a sophomore for Pratt. Also returning are seniors Rachel Rasmussen (3.5 rpg) and Sian Helfrich (3.3 rpg, 1.7 spg). Other than those three upperclassmen, Pratt will have plenty of minutes up for grabs.

“We will have to be able to defend as a team since we will be outsized probably every game, and so we need to be scrappy,” Pratt head coach Dustin Hildebrand said. “And offensively we will need to limit turnovers since we will have young girls out there.”

Second-year head coach BJ Smith returns three contributors from last year’s 8-13 LYONS squad that lost in the first round of sub-state, 54-51, to Southeast of Saline.

The Lions will be led by Janessa Jaime (5.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.2 spg), Kayleigh Arriola (2.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg), and Yamyle Rameriz (2.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg).

The Lions did graduate second team all-league selection Kristina Head from last year’s team.

SMOKY VALLEY has gone 10-31 the past two seasons, but this could be a breakout year for the Vikings with all five starters returning.

Ellie Brumbaugh headlines a senior class of

four. Brumbaugh earned second team all-league honors last season averaging 10.4 points a game.

Kerington Haxton (6.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and McKinley Johnson (3.4 ppg) are returning senior starters.

Juniors Breanna Priddy (7.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.4 spg) and Abby Rose (3.3 ppg, 1.1 bpg) are returning starters with the latter being 6-foot and one of the top volleyball players in the state.

Senior Claire Broxterman and junior Avery Der Wege are returning letter winners on a Smoky Valley team that graduated just two seniors.

“Our seniors and juniors gained a lot of experience last year - our record doesn’t show how close we were last year in a number of games

against teams that made the state tournament or at least competed well at the end of the season,” Smoky Valley head coach Larry Van Der Wege said. “We think this year will be our opportunity to break out and have more success.”

LARNED struggled last season and went winless in the CKL. Julie Tapia will be a key player for Larned; the 5-10 senior averaged 5 points and 7 rebounds a game last season.

HOISINGTON lost in the first round of sub-state last year, 58-34 to Norton. The Cardinals graduate honorable mention league selection Kelsi Dalton, but do return honorable mention all-league senior Keeley Wolf, a Barton CC basketball signee.

CKL/from page 42

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Burlingame Rec. Commission proudly supports our winter sports athletes!

Photos by Gary Lowman LCL/from page 54 standout Bailey Darbyshire, who scored more than 1,000 points during her career.

MADISON-HAMILTON returns two starters from last year’s squad that was 3-18. Reese Farrow, a 5-7 junior, scored nine points per game.

Yolaine Luthi, a 5-11 sophomore, is the team’s top returner after she averaged 12 points and 14 rebounds a game as an all-league freshman.

WAVERLY coach Ty Piper has four returning players with starting experience from last year’s team that went 17-7.

A returning first-team all-LCL pick, senior Sara McWilliams averaged 16 points and six rebounds a game last year. Senior Macy Fairchild averaged 11 points and six steals, senior Kaylynn Vogts averaged eight points a game, while junior Chloe Meehan added five points and two steals a game.

SOUTHERN COFFEY COUNTY must replace graduated senior Reed Szambecki, the team’s lone all-league performer last season. SCC earned a 37-35 win over Marmaton Valley in the opening round of the 1A regional in Moran.

Southern Coffey County suffered a seasonending setback to St. Paul in the semifinals, finishing with a 7-14 record.

MARAIS DES CYGNES VALLEY struggled last season, as the team earned just one win. The Trojans did not have a player named to last year’s all-league team. MdCV lost in the first round of the 1A regional in Waverly to Hartford.

BOYS

Four of the five boys who earned first-team allLCL honors are back and the league race should be very competitive again on the boys side.

Can you say loaded? MADISON-HAMILTON returns three players who garnered all-league honors last year. With that, the Bulldogs look like a preseason favorite. Senior Chase Harrison and junior Drew Stutesman were first-team picks, while senior Ryan Wolgam earned second-team recognition. Senior Kelton Buettner also played a big role in last year’s success.

The 6-3 Stutesman averaged 15 points, nine boards, four assists and three steals a game, the 6-1 Harrison scored 13 per night, the 6-4 Buettner contributed nine points and eight rebounds, while the 5-9 Wolgram averaged eight points, five assists and four steals.

Madison’s stellar 20-4 season ended in the substate semis and the Bulldogs, who went 10-0 in the LCL, will try to go a step further this winter.

LEBO is another team that looks poised to have a solid season. In 2019-20, Lebo went 7-1 in league play, won a sub-state title and advanced to the first round of 1A state before concluding a 22-4 campaign. Lebo returns a wealth of experience.

The Wolves will once again be led by Devan McEwen, a senior standout who earned unanimous first-team All-LCL honors after averaging 20 points, six rebounds and two assists.

In addition to McEwen, also back are starters Andrew Bailey, Kyle Reese and Jerome Ferguson. An all-leaguer, Bailey scored seven a

AVCTL-I/from page 37 Reilly said.

“Defense will be the key to our success.”

Three starters return for SALINA SOUTH as the Cougars look to move up the ladder after last season’s 9-12 record and fifth-place league finish. Sydney Peterson, a 5-4 junior, averaged 9.7 points per game and was second-team allleague. Fellow junior Kylie Arnold, a 5-4 guard, averaged 5.9 per game, while 5-4 sophomore Acacia Weis scored 7.1 points per game.

“Over recent seasons, our scoring production hasn’t been at the level it needs to be to compete with the upper-tier schools on our schedule,” South coach Ryan Stuart said. “We’re going to try and continue to play at a faster pace this season to try and increase our overall scoring production.”

Tavis Leake starts his first season as the head coach at NEWTON and will try to rebuild a program that was once one of the best in the AVCTL-I. Last year, the Railers fell to 2-20 overall.

Leake is counting on several key returnees seniors Kati Blaylok (5-9, F), Maylee Edwards (5-2, G) and Lexi Valle-Ponds (5-2, G); juniors Alexis Epp (5-6, F) and Hayley Loewen (57, F) and sophomores Oliv Antonowich (5-5, G), Gracie Hendrickson (5-5, G) and Piper Seidl(5-6, G).

“The goals are to improve on last year’s record, increase interest in the girl’s program and improve player fundamentals and knowledge of the game,” Leake said. “The key to success is for each player and coach to trust the process.”

CAMPUS welcomes back plenty of experience for head coach Robbie Wright as the Lady Colts look to improve greatly from last year’s 1-19 season. Four starters return - 5-5 junior Tya Tindall (9.0 ppg), 5-8 junior Sadie Hubbard (3.5 ppg), 5-6 junior Tristin Smith (3.0 ppg) and 5-7

game, Reese scored six per game and Ferguson contributed four board and three points per game.

Sophomore Landon Grimmett earned HM allleague recognition last year and could take on a bigger role. Jonas Konrade should also contribute.

OLPE will be led by three returning all-leaguers.

Junior Damon Redeker, a returning first-team allLCL performer averaged 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals per game during a breakout sophomore season. Senior Jordan Barnard was a second-team pick and junior Derek Hoelting was honorable mention. Olpe went 15-6, falling to Lebo 42-34 in the regional semis.

BURLINGAME has three key performers back from a squad that went 11-10 and finished fourth in league play. Trever Quaney, a 6-7 junior, averaged 12 points and nine rebounds a game, earning second-team all-LCL honors. Senior Austin Tyson (5-11) contributed seven points a game, while 6-2 junior Lance Noonan averaged eight points and four rebounds.

“Madison, Lebo and Olpe all return great teams and we want to be in that mix,” Bearcats coach Eric West said.

The HARTFORD Jaguars will look to improve upon a 4-17 season for coach Colten Barrett.

An experienced group returns, but Hartford’s lone all-league performer Cody Thomas graduated, so the Jaguars will need new faces to step up in the always-tough Lyon County League.

Juniors Shayden Sull, Aiden Goodman and Devon Smith will take on bigger roles. A year ago,

Page 88 senior Alissa Brown (2.3 ppg).

“Our goal this season is to improve fundamentally and develop a more competitive mindset,” Wright said. “We will be successful if we can play to our strengths and play with confidence. Several of our returners have varsity experience and we will rely on them.”

MAIZE SOUTH brings a quality program to the table in its first year as a member of AVCTL-I. The Mavericks are 40-6 over their last two seasons for head coach Ben Hamilton.

Two starters return from last year’s 18-5 team that qualified for the 5A state tournament - 5-7 junior Alexa Davison (4.3 ppg) and 5-7 senior Riley Kennedy (3.3 ppg) - but replacing AllStater Katie Wagner, now at Fort Hays, is key.

“Our goal is to get better each day and be the best team possible when March comes and be ready to make a run at getting back to Emporia (5A State),” Hamilton said. “The ability to step into new roles with the graduation of three key seniors last season will be important from a production standpoint. We started 10 different kids throughout the season, so the experience won’t be new.”

Photo by Meredith Frahm

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 TVL/from page 73 scoring last bounds per game with Emma Toerber leading the year with 7.9 points per game and also grabbed way at 11.1 points per game. Cat Toerber added 4 rebounds a night. Reagen Hill and Abby Parks, 10.1 points a contest and Emma Yungeberg had both juniors, also added around 4 points a game 9.1 points per game. The rest of the roster is unwith Parks also having 5 rpg. proven at the varsity level and their development Loaded with talent at all five starting spots, may hold the key to how far the Mustangs can go.

VALLEY HEIGHTS was 15 points away from an WASHINGTON COUNTY finished 10-12 last undefeated regular season, losing to 3A power season and was .500 in league play. The Tigers Riley County by 12 in the season opener and lost second-team all-leaguer Grace Otott, but reto league rival Hanover by three during league turn all-leaguer Alyssa Kern. play, which denied the Mustangs the league regA .500 team overall last year, WETMORE posted ular-season title. The Mustangs won the league its second straight double-digit win season, going tourney, however, and returned to the Class 2A 11-11. A third straight could be in order as only state tournament where they beat Wabaunsee in one senior graduated off last year’s team. Junior the quarterfinals.

Kenzie Strathman is a force in the paint, averaging Heights will have to replace 1,000-point scorer 14 points and 9 rebounds per game on her way to and first-team all-leaguer Sam Vermetten and first-team all-league honors, while seniors Alyssa some key reserves from a year ago, but has plen- Bloom and Reagan Osterhaus each averaged 8.8 ty of firepower from last year’s balanced attack to points per game with Osterhaus also chipping in make another run. The four returning starters all 7.3 rebounds a game. averaged at least 6.8 points per game and four re-

Sydney HOLMES Maize, Senior

Sull averaged five points and three assists a game, while the 6-foot Goodman contributed four points and four rebounds a night and Smith chipped in two points and four boards. Sophomore Ali Smith added six points, four boards and four assists.

After going 6-14 last winter under coach Lewis Whitson, MARAIS DES CYGNES VALLEY is another team that returns a solid core. Cole Lacey, a 6-2 junior, averaged 10 points and five rebounds a game. Wyatt Lingenfelter, a 5-11 junior, contributed seven points and nine rebounds, while 5-11 junior Chisolm Woodson chipped in four points, five rebounds and three assists per game.

“We want to take another step in the right direction and compete with better teams,” Whitson, now in his fourth season, said.

SOUTHERN COFFEY COUNTY will look to put a one-win season in the rearview mirror. The Titans have a new head coach in Trevor Smith, a former assistant in the program.

Five players with prior varsity experience return.

Nathan Borntreger is a 5-10 senior guard. Juniors Wade Gleue (6-2), Aiden Voorhees (6-2), Brayton Lind (5-10) and sophomore Mitchyl Walters (6-1) are other key performers.

WAVERLY returns one key performer from last year’s 9-13 team in 5-10 junior Damian Foster, who averaged 11 points and five boards a game.

Other than Foster, Waverly will rely on varsity newcomers. The starting spots will be up for grabs during the preseason.

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 MCL/from page 55 Brown and Gunner six rebounds, 4.5 steals, 2.8 assists and a block Wilson are two of the best athletes on the squad. per game. Senior 6-footer Meredith Jacobs deliv“The MCL is a brutal league with a lot of talent ered 4.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 for a small school league as well as great coach- blocks a game. Senior Ava Schemper collected es,” Dreiling said. “The guard play is really good three points and 1.9 rebounds. as well as two of the best bigs in western Kansas.

“Improved team rebounding on both ends of the Adding Hoxie and Russell will not make things floor is a big team goal for us this season,” Miller easier. I expect TMP and Hoxie to be the top said. “Defensively, we want to increase shot presteams but 3-12 are very scary and can/will beat sure and minimize penetration. Offensively, we want to increase fast break efficiency and create those top teams at points this year.”

Eighth-year coach Craig Wamsley led OAKLEY better spacing.”

WaKEENEY-TREGO graduated key starters in to an 8-13 mark last winter. Oakley has four seniors: Dane Scheetz (6-4), Jarrett Sporer (5-11), Libby Frost and Gracie Pfannenstiel. However, Cody Zimmerman (6-3), and Jenson Schoenfeld 5-10 senior Lili Shubert is one of Kansas’ best (6-6). Wamsley has set goals to have a winning players. She delivered 18 points, 6.2 rebounds, record and win a substate game. Wamsley said 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals a game. Junior Madison scoring will be the season’s key, but much of the Walt had 6.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists team will get a late start to practice after playing in a contest. Senior Emma Day, a top defensive the 1A state football championship. player, had 4.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists SMITH CENTER welcomes first-year coach and .9 steals a game. Senior Tillie Malinowsky Dayna (Finch) Weltmer. An SC graduate and had 5.7 points and 3.9 rebounds a game. two-time Class 3A Player of the Year, Finch en“For us to be successful, we need to be even joyed a huge career with the Lady Red, and then more efficient on the offensive side of the ball,” at Creighton. She served as an assistant coach coach Shelby Crawford said. “We took great at Creighton, Northern Colorado and Nebraska. strides last season, but look to continue that Finch set the Missouri Valley Conference record growth. Our defense and rebounding needs to with 294 3-pointers made and was sixth in Bluejay remain strong and possibly even improve on last history in games played. She was an assistant season’s school record breaking season.”

ELLIS finished 10-11 for the second straight coach for the Cornhuskers from ’10-15, and then winter under third-year coach Elle Stein. Grace the Director of Operations.

Smith Center has five seniors back: Griffin Eck, a senior, delivered 14.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, Kugler, Freddy Lambert, Charlie Timmons, 2.8 steals and 1.6 assists per game. Senior Abigail North had 5.3 points and six rebounds.

Nathan Hendrich and Nathan Huffman.

“Health, culture, and competitive spirit,” Weltmer Sophomore Emily Eck, Grace’s sister, averaged said of points of emphasis. “This team will be 8.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals. Junior learning an entire new system, so putting that to- Lakyn Fischer added 2.7 points, 2.8 rebounds gether in a short period of time will be key.” and 1.3 assists per contest.

PLAINVILLE graduated first team all-state pick Stein said goals are to win the league, be undeJared Casey, who signed with KU football and will feated at home and reach the state tournament. be difficult to replace. The Cardinals went 14-9.

“Playing aggressive team defense, staying out RUSSELL finished 2-19. Briar Ulrich had 5.4 of foul trouble, and scoring through multiple peopoints and 2 assists a game, and Braydon Gibson ple on a very mobile offense,” Stein said of keys.

NORTON girls went 15-9, 5-4. Coach George finished with 7.9 points and 3 boards a game.

GIRLS Rossi has spent more than three decades with PHILLIPSBURG posted the best season in Norton and is 106-75 all-time as the Bluejays’ school history (20-4) and bumped eighth-year head coach. Senior Tessa Hauser averaged a coach Rachel Miller to a 74-73 career mark. double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds Freshman Taryn Sides averaged 18.7 points, a game. Senior Hannah Bailey finished with 10

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Page 89 points and four rebounds. Senior Addison Brooks recorded seven points, four rebounds and two steals a contest. Senior Courtney Jones delivered five points and two rebounds. Senior Sarah David collected three points and two rebounds.

Rossi’s goals are a top-three finish in the MCL and a substate title. Keys are developing a deep bench with more players taking a scoring role.

TMP struggled with injuries, notably to leading scorer Adell Riedel, and took a rare down season (10-13) under coach Rose McFarland (344-193, 24 seasons). TMP returns plenty of experience.

Junior Megan Hamel had seven points and three assists a game. Junior Sophia Balthazor averaged seven points a night. Senior Kyleigh Allen, also known for her defense, had nine points and two steals per game. Junior Kassidi Yost averaged four points and five rebounds a game. Junior post Emilee Lane nearly averaged a double-double with nine points and eight rebounds a game.

HOXIE went 15-6 and took third place in the league tournament with coach Jared Dowell.

Hoxie graduated standout guard Addi Campbell, now playing volleyball at Cloud County. Hoxie returns three key seniors: Baylee McKenna (8 ppg, 7 rpg), Paiton Rogers, and Lauren Spillman.

“Keys to success will be our post play and inside game because we won’t be a strong perimeter shooting team,” Dowell said.

Rogers and Spillman both averaged six points and four rebounds. Dowell was very pleased to move to the MCL because of the stronger schedule. His goals are to finish at the top of the league for the regular season and tournament.

“That will prepare us for a strong finish in substate,” Dowell said.

OAKLEY, known for its zone defense, had a sizable improvement with coach Mike Zimmerman.

Oakley graduated Jordyn Lowrie (HM All-State) and Danielle Allison, who signed with Tabor for basketball and cross country/track, respectively.

“We had three seniors graduate from last year’s team,” Zimmerman said. “We will need some players with little varsity experience to step up especially on offensive end.”

Returning seniors Lexi Shellito and Jada Renner both averaged five points a contest.

“Our goal is always take one game at a time,”

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SMITH CENTER finished 11-9 with coach Nick Linn, who is entering his 29th season with SC and 32nd year overall. Linn, who has more than 900 career volleyball wins, is 472-219 in basketball.

That includes 424-202 with a state title with the Lady Red. Junior 6-footer Tallon Rentschler, a three-time all-state volleyball player, delivered 13.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.9 steals and 1.4 assists a game last season.

“How quickly our young players can handle the rigors of varsity basketball,” Linn called key.

Additionally, RUSSELL (8-13 last year) joins the Mid-Continent League and adds first-year coach Lexi Schamberger. A Hoxie graduate, Schamberger was a four-year Indian starter and helped Hoxie set a then-state record with 107 straight victories. She replaces Frank Schulte, who enjoyed a nice run with the Broncos, including a state final four showing.

She has three talented juniors: Rylan Reeves, Aniya Stierlan and Camille Dortland. Reeves averaged 11.9 points and 9.7 rebounds a game.

Stierlan added 8.3 points and 7.7 rebounds a contest. Dortland had eight points and 2.1 rebounds.

HILL CITY coach Linda Nighswonger, in her 15th year with the Ringnecks, and 22nd as head coach, is 186-112 at Hill City and 299-170 overall.

Last season, HC finished 3-17, 1-9 in league.

Senior Breckan Born shot 79 percent from the free throw line and averaged 11 points and seven rebounds a game. Senior Alissa Keith delivered 7.6 points and 6.3 rebounds. Junior Leah Lindenman has three points and 4.5 rebounds a game. Senior Tori Yoder delivered 1.9 points and 2.3 rebounds.

Nighswonger will have a young team overall with 13 of the 19 players freshmen or sophomores.

STOCKTON has coach Alexa Rogers back in her second stint to lead the program. Rogers went 67-46 with the Tigers, including multiple state appearances. Junior Olivia Dix and senior Chloe Plumer are key returning players.

“Being in excellent shape and being confident in ourselves,” Rogers said of the team keys.

PLAINVILLE graduated Aubree Dewey, who signed with Washburn after a stellar career. The Cardinals went 9-12.

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Page 90 WKLL/from page 76 Senior Joseph Melton (1.1 ppg, 4 rpg), junior Dylan Ketzner (4.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg,) sophomore John Serrano (4.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg), and freshman Brady Ketzner will also provide significant minutes.

GIRLS GOLDEN PLAINS finished 8-0 in league play and took first in the league tournament. All of the Bulldogs’ victories throughout the season came by double figures. Veteran coach Parker Christensen is 364-260 entering his 27th season.

Junior Kassie Miller and senior Ashley Stoll should be one of 1A’s top duos. Both were 1A honorable mention selections by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. Miller averaged 13 points, five rebounds, four steals and four assists a contest. Stoll delivered 12 points and 8.5 rebounds. Returning senior Brooke Stull averaged 9.2 points per game. Junior Carli Nieman had 3.1 points and six rebounds a game and rounds out a nice quartet of returning experience.

Christensen wants to improve his team’s shooting percentage after GP played all of last winter without key post Mabel Lugo. She missed the entire season with a knee injury.

“Be a great defensive team, earn a trip to the state tournament and compete for a championship,” Christensen said of team goals, addding his keys are to “stay injury free and develop good depth to work thru sickness that is likely to happen.”

WESKAN has longtime coach Andy Scheopner.

The Coyotes had zero seniors and finished 1212. Weskan was 7-3 in its last 10 contests. Senior Jacelyn Allen is among the key returners back.

“Nobody expected much out of us this year,” Scheopner said near the end of last season. “And I kept telling them, ‘We will struggle early, but we will be a tough out at the end of the season.’”

WHEATLAND-GRINNELL finished 13-11 and as the regular season league runner-up and third place in the conference tournament. The Thunderhawks have nine girls and zero seniors.

The only returning senior, Kirsten Schroeder, suffered a season ending injury during volleyball.

Three juniors – Anna Godek, Livia Schultz and Isabella Ostmeyer – are back. Godek delivered

9.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.9 assists a contest. Schultz had 6.7 rebounds, and Ostmeyer had three rebounds a contest.

“She will be missed, but we have a young group of girls that have a lot of potential,” coach Cheryl Martin said of Schroeder. “Our numbers are low, but our energy is high.”

LOGAN-PALCO coach Logan Waters put together another solid season with a 12-10 mark. The Trojans went 7-2 in league and took conference tournament runner-up. Waters is 4857 with the Trojans.

Senior Khloee Braun averaged eight points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks a contest. Junior Kirsten Marcotte collected 7.2 points and 5.9 steals per game.

This is the first time Logan and Palco will co-op in basketball. The schools have joined together in football for multiple years.

“Be competitive within our league,” Waters said of his goal for his team. “Losing five seniors to graduation and having a coop team for the first time in basketball could make things interesting for the team. Handling the ball against pressure, having confidence in taking good shots and finishing [are key].”

WESTERN PLAINS finished 8-13. Coach Douglas Stanley returns two seniors: Jobi Roemer and Carlee Flax, along with juniors Tabitha Williams, Alana Strickler and Daisy Gonzalez.

Stanley would like double digit wins and a run at the league tournament. He said the keys are shooting and continued defense and rebounding.

CHEYLIN went 11-9 last year and lost in the 1A regional semifinals to Wallace County. Coach Brad Porubsky returns three starters (senior Alondra Perez, senior Soledad Bermudez, and junior Grace Wright) and has eight players out.

“The entire team is a cohesive group of girls that play together with great attitudes,” Porubsky said.

NORTHERN VALLEY went just 2-18 last year and were trounced by Osborne, 74-20, in the first round of regional play. TRIPLAINS-BREWSTER were just 2-16 and had similar struggles in regional play, losing 55-11 to Wallace County in the opener.

WAC/from page 75 Horyna, who signed with Division I Abilene Christian and teammate Machia Mullens, a signee with University of Missouri-Kansas City, both Kansas Pregame covergirls last year.

But the cupboard is not bare and Kruger’s replacement, Brandi Fowler, who has been an assistant with the program the last five seasons, is not an unfamiliar face.

Two starters return for Fowler in 5-10 senior forward Aubrey Warden - a Newman basketball commit - who averaged 8.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.3 spg and shot 54 percent from the field and junior guard Ashley Carrillo, who averaged 5.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.2 apg and 1.3 spg.

Fowler also looks forward to tapping into the potential of Horyna’s younger sister, 5-9 junior guard-forward Breanna, who played in all 23 games last season and averaged 2.2 points and 2 rebounds an outing. She poured in 10 points on 4-6 shooting, including 2-2 on 3-point tries, in a late February win over Great Bend.

Seniors Reece Hay (5-8 guard, 2.2 ppg, .7 rpg) and Halle Payton (5-8 guard/forward, .7 ppg, 1.3

rpg) also saw considerable playing time last year.

“We want to win WAC, and return to state,” Fowler said of the primary goals. “We want to have good communication and provide high energy. We will have to play lockdown defense and hold teams to low-point averages. We will need to put our girls in offensive positions to allow us to control the pace of the game.”

Photo by Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 SFL/from page 71 championship game substate by a football score of 54-7. before toppling Wichita Heights by a single point in The good news for Shawnee Mission North the state tournament’s opening round. is that it returns senior Kiara Williams and junior However, before Olathe East could take their Summer Wieneke, both of whom were named to shot at unbeaten Topeka High, the season’s final the honorable mention All-Sunflower League team. embers were scrubbed by KSHSAA as a result of SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST procured the COVID-19 pandemic. the best overall record in the Sunflower League at The Hawks return senior Ray Richardson 18-5, but its 8-4 record against league adversaries (second team All-Sunflower League) and junior drew a disappointing sixth place finish.

Aubrey Rogers (honorable mention All-Sunflower The Cougars cruised through their substate field League) in 2020-21. to earn a spot in the state tournament. In the first OLATHE NORTH’s 9-3 Sunflower League record round, Shawnee Mission Northwest took Derby to centered it in a three-way tie for third place. The double overtime before eventually dropping a 44Eagles trounced the competition in sub-state play 39 heartbreaker. before falling to Topeka High in the first round of Head coach Tyler Stewart believes that last the state tournament, halting their season at 14-6. year’s achievements were only the beginning.

Entering his second year as the head coach “Our goal is [to] compete every day and improve at Olathe North, Alonzo Williams wants to take daily and compete for a state title,” he said. his team up a notch in 2020-21 by winning the Returning this year for the Cougars are two Sunflower League. double-digit scorers in seniors Kennedy Taylor The Eagles lost Sunflower League player of the (first team all-league, 16 ppg, 9 rpg, 2 bpg, year Lele Love to graduation and Georgia Tech Colorado basketbll signee) and Tamara Harriswomen’s basketball, but they return three players Webster (second team all-league, 10 ppg, 6 rpg). named to last year’s honorable mention all-league Stewart also expects senior Kylie Dunn (honorable team in junior Ashlynn Alloway (7 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 mention all-league, 8 ppg, 3 apg) and junior Saige spg), senior Saniya Simmons (6 ppg, 2 pg, 5 spg), Grampsas (honorable mention all-league, 6 ppg, 5 and junior Y’Bari Nwidadah (7 ppg, 8 rpg, 2 bpg). apg) to play generative minutes as well.

They will join first team all-league standout junior In order to reach its goal, Stewart said his team Sania Copeland (15 ppg, 2 apg, 3 spg) in Olathe will need to “stay healthy, play together, and North’s quest to build on last year’s success. improve daily.”

The OLATHE NORTHWEST Ravens may have SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH struggled finished seventh in the Sunflower League at 7-5, throughout 2019-20, going just 5-16 overall and but they were just one win shy of making it to the 2-10 in league play. The Raiders were thrashed by state tournament in 2019-20.

Blue Valley North in the first round of substate by This season, they will look to build on their 14-7 a 57-25 final. record, but will need to replace three graduated Second year head coach Mark Western said that seniors who received all-league honors last year. success this season begins with preparation, as his OLATHE SOUTH was one of four Sunflower team will need “to be a championship practice team League teams to qualify for the state tournament every day.” and one of three teams to finish fourth in the league The Raiders struggled to score the basketball at 7-5. Its season ended at 15-8 with a first round last season, and if that doesn’t pick up this year, loss to unbeaten Liberal. then Western knows his team will need to limit The Falcons’ hopes of repeating and exceeding opponents’ offensive possessions. last year’s accomplishments will ride on their ability “We need to control tempo in order to be to find new faces to take on leading roles as they successful,” he said. have just one returning veteran: junior Raegan Shawnee Mission South will rely on senior Halliday (second team All-Sunflower League, 6.3 Natalie Payne (honorable mention all-league, 9 ppg, 3.5 apg, 2.1 spg). ppg, 5 rpg, 1.7 apg, 2.2 spg) and junior Emma Fifth year head coach Mike Allen said that his Thurston (honorable mention all-league, 4.4 ppg, team will need to “stay healthy and improve every 3.1 rpg, 2 apg, 1.8 spg) throughout the year. day….play together [and] hope that inexperienced SHAWNEE MISSION WEST lost its three kids get better.”

Sunflower League games by a combined total of OLATHE WEST claimed a share of first place seven points last season, and just one of those in the Sunflower League by going 10-2 against losses flipping in the Vikings favor would have league opposition and 16-6 overall. The Owls fell granted them a share of first place. in the substate championship to Olathe North in a Instead, they finished at 16-6 and 9-3, with yet 71-51 drubbing. another narrow loss to Olathe East in the substate Head coach Rick Rhoades was named Sunflower championship game.

League coach of the year. Three Owls earned allSeveral vital contributors from last year’s league honors and will be back in 2020-21. They team are coming back in 2020-21, including the are seniors Mackenzie Hart (first team), Bailey precocious S’Mya Nichols (14.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.5 Collar (second team), and Michelle Anderson apg, 3 spg) who received first-team all-league (honorable mention). accolades as a freshman last season.

SHAWNEE MISSION EAST turned in an even Other returners are junior Taedyn Gray (second 6-6 record in the Sunflower League to finish eighth. team all-league, 10.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.5 bpg), senior Its overall record was slightly above .500 at 11-10. Aiden Moxness (honorable mention all-league, The Lancers were outpaced by Olathe South in the 6 ppg, 6.5 rpg), and senior CC Carter (honorable first round of substate 38-21. mention all-league, 6 ppg).

Senior Reese Althouse was named to the AllMark Rabbitt -- who is in year two of his second Sunflower League honorable mention team and stint as the Viking head coach -- expects his team returns for Shawnee Mission East in 2020-21. to continue what it began last season.

Perhaps appropriately enough, SHAWNEE “We have our sights on competing for a SFL MISSION NORTH finished just north of last place championship and also a trip to the 6A state in the Sunflower League with a 2-10 record and a tournament,” he said.

6-14 resume overall. The Indians were suffocated His keys to reaching these goals are “staying

by Shawnee Mission West in their only game at healthy and finding some depth within our roster.”

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 ranked sixth at 152; and Tommy Rogers 4A/from page 80 (14-13), ranked fifth at 182. Sophomore Braden Tatum also enters the season ranked sixth at 106.

“This is my first year at Rose Hill High School,” Eshelman said. “I believe the first key to success is having the kids buy-in to a new coach and a new system. There is a lot of talented wrestlers on this team, if we stay healthy and focussed we will earn success. We are looking forward to a new year, where the work and preparation will take us as far as we want to go.”

With the return of seven state qualifiers, including state runner-up Collin Creach, OTTAWA will be looking to build off its 22nd-place finish a year ago.

Creach (33-5) will be leading the way for the Cyclones. A two-time state qualifier, the junior followed up a third-place finish in 2019 with a runner-up spot at 132 a year ago. He enters the new season as the #1 wrestler at 138. Senior Liam Sutton, a two-time qualifier, is ranked sixth at 126 following a 25-12 campaign. Other qualifiers back in the lineup include Robert Crooks (9-12) at 132, senior Richard Blevins (22-15) at 145, senior Kael Lane (33-14) at 170, junior Wyatt Sink (22-15) at 182 and junior Jared Ferguson (17-19) at 195.

“Our key will be getting kids in the right spots and creating a competitive practice room,” said Ottawa coach Dalton Weidl. “I have lots of kids behind starters who would start for other teams, I believe.”

State champion Logan Brown leads the way for IOLA, which enters the season ranked ninth in the preseason poll.

A senior on the squad, Brown — preseason #1 in the heavyweight division — went 26-1 a year ago to claim the 4A title at 285. He was a key figure for the Mustangs, who took 10th place in the final team standings. In addition to Brown, two other state qualifiers from a year ago return in junior Trent Jones, who went 29-6 and was fourth at 145, as well as junior TJ Taylor (16-5) at 113. Jones is preseason ranked second at 152.

“My team goal is to fill as many weight classes as possible and to create a practice room environment that motivates each athlete to aggressively work towards their goals,” said Iola coach Jason Bates.

Rounding out the top 10 in the 4A preseason rankings, HOLTON is coming off an impressive season that included the championship of the Big 7 League Tournament and a fifth-place finish at state.

Senior Konnor Tannahill returns to the Wildcat lineup at 195 after claiming the 4A championship with a 28-6 record. He is one of four returning state qualifiers, which also includes senior Jake Barnes, who hit the 40-win mark a year ago en route to a fifth-place finish at 120. Also back are junior Cayden Jackson (13-4) at 145, as well as sophomore Jayden Fletcher (24-19) at 152.

“Our goals are to stay healthy, and be Big 7, regional and state champs,” said Holton coach Cullen Jackson. “The key will be keeping all our athletes healthy.”

One year after taking seventh place at 5A State, MCPHERSON is expected to drop back down to 4A for competition this season.

The Bullpups — champions of Division III in the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League — return a total of eight wrestlers from last year’s squad, including a pair of state qualifiers in sophomore Tucker Pelnar (9-4) at 113 and senior captain Jonah Scott (22-15) at 285. Also back will be sophomore Treyton Pelnar at 106 (19-7), junior Lorenzo Cruzen at 120 (21-16), junior Jase Anderson at 126, junior Collin Pearson at 132 (18-9), senior Nate Rogers at 152 and senior Devin Frantz at 160 (22-15).

“We need to stay healthy and continue to improve,” said McPherson head coach Doug Kretzer.

Three state qualifiers return for WINFIELD this season, led by state finalist Braden Ledford.

Ledford, who captured the 4A title at 113 as a sophomore, returns for his senior campaign after going 35-7 a year ago at 126 and finishing state runner-up. Two other qualifiers will be back in the lineup, including sophomore Kody Brenn (17-16) at 138 and senior Trevin Biddle (17-13), who will make the move from 160 to 152.

The Vikings, who compete in Division III of the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League, had a 4-1 dual record and captured seventh place at the 4A State Tournament a year ago.

“We want to win state,” said Winfield coach Nick McGrew. “The key for us will be our senior leadership.”

Champion of Class 3-2-1A in 2018, SCOTT COMMUNITY finished in eighth place at the 4A State Tournament last season. The Great West Activities Conference champion went 7-1 in duals a year ago.

Three qualifiers return for the Beavers, including senior Gabe Bowers at the heavyweight division. Bowers, who went 33-11 and

Page 92 took fifth place in 4A a year ago, enters the season ranked #3 at 285.

Other key returnees include junior qualifier Kale Wheeler (27-21) at 182 and junior Zach Rohrbough at 126. Wheeler is ranked fourth at 170, while Rohrbough was a state qualifier in 2019.

“We graduated a large senior class last year,” said Scott Community coach Aaron Dirks. “For this year, we are looking for leadership to continue the Beavers’ winning tradition … be a team, and push your teammates to be better every day.”

Looking for a third straight top-10 finish in 4A, ULYSSES has four state qualifiers returning for the 2020-21 season.

The Tigers, who took third place in the Great West Activities Conference a year ago, finished ninth in 4A. They have experience back in the lineup, which includes a two-time state qualifier in Quentin Pauda. The senior, who took fourth and third place at 106 the past two seasons, went 35-3 a year ago and is expected to make the jump to 113. Another two-time state qualifier is senior Jonathan Lara at 126, while senior Adolfo Mendoza and sophomore Justin Degollado also return with state experience.

“We want to challenge for our first GWAC league title,” said Ulysses head coach Zach Pixler. “The key will be staying healthy and injury free, and overcoming inevitable challenges related to the pandemic.”

PAOLA is coming off an impressive season, which included a regional championship and runner-up finish in the Frontier League. The Panthers capped off the season in 13th place at 4A State.

PHS returns six qualifiers from last year’s squad. Sophomore Ryan Pankov (34-15) leads the way at 113 after taking fourth place a year ago at 106. Also returning are junior Steven Yeager (18-22) at 120, sophomore Charlie Zeller (26-13) at 126 or 132, senior Carson Gleghorn (19-22) at 160, junior Ben Timpe (23-20) at 170 and junior Brady Johnson (17-14) at 220.

“Honestly with all the COVID going on, our team goal is to have a chance to compete at regionals and state,” said Paola head coach Darvin Willard. “If there was no COVID, we would want to win a Frontier League title, regional title and place top 10 at state.”

COLBY was the runner-up of the Great Western Athletic Conference and took 18th place in the final team standings at the 4A State Tournament.

The Eagles return a pair of two-time state placers in junior Tyler Voss at 138 and Hagan Booi at 195. Voss was ranked sixth at 120 in the preseason 4A poll, while Booi was third at 195. Also ranked was senior Declan Ryan in sixth at 285.

“We want to win the takedown battle each week,” said Colby coach Matt Sims. “We are trying to develop a positive team culture. The junior class is going to need to step into their own this year.”

SANTA FE TRAIL captured 19th place in the final standings at the Class 4A State Tournament and was fifth in the Pioneer League a year ago.

The Chargers return five wrestlers this season, including senior Mason Shore; juniors Robbie Page, Chris Meyer and Aiden Slavin; and sophomore Cody Black.

“Gaining experience is the goal this year,” said Santa Fe Trail head coach Regan Erickson. “We will be a very young team this year, so staying on the mat is key to us gaining the experience we need.”

After taking 20th place in 4A a year ago, CLAY CENTER COMMUNITY has plenty of experience back to be competitive at state once again.

The Tigers, who compete in the North Central Kansas League, have three state qualifiers back, including senior three-time qualifier Parker Tholstrup at 132 or 138 and junior two-time qualifier Garett Kalivoda at 126 or 132. Another qualifier back in the lineup is sophomore Brett Loader at 160, while two other seniors will be looked on for leadership — Shawn Liddle at 170 and Keegan McDonald at 220.

“We will have more depth than we have had in the past few seasons, which will be great for team competition for the varsity lineup,” said Clay Center Community head coach Brandon Pigorsch. “A very talented group of freshman wrestlers will be added to a number of veterans on our team. Staying healthy will be a component to our success.”

Two state placers — senior Dylan Ensch and junior Dawson Lapping — return for FRONTENAC this season. The Raiders are coming off a 10-3 dual season, a runner-up finish at the Anderson County Regional Tournament and 20th-place performance at 4A State.

Frontenac has valuable state experience back. Ensch (182) went 37-6 a year ago and was a state qualifier after taking fourth place in 2019. Lapping (145), a two-time qualifier, earned sixth place a year

ago after going 35-9 overall. Two other returning qualifiers include senior Storm Niegch (31-13) at 170 and junior Justice Compton (269) at 160. Look for key contributions from senior Bennie Adarr at 138 and junior Peyton Wilderman at 132.

“The goals for this season are simple,” said Frontenac head coach Keith Aikin. “We want to set high individual goals. We’re going to work every day to accomplish our individual goal, whether it be winning matches, duals or tournaments. Accomplishing individual goals will take care of any team goal we have.”

Five state qualifiers are back in the lineup for WAMEGO this season. The Red Raiders finished in 23rd place at 4A State.

Leading the way will be sophomore Hayden Oviatt (28-10), who took fourth place at 160 but will move into either the 170 or 182 weight class. Two-time state qualifier junior Drew Brown (17-9) took sixth place at 126 in 2019 but will compete at 138 or 148 this season.

Also returning are senior Izaak Meyer (22-12) at 145/152, junior Nick Cruickshank (24-14) at 126/132 and sophomore Tayke Weber (2115) at 132/138.

“We would like to compete for the league title and have a top-ten finish at the state tournament,” said Wamego head coach Kevin Brown. “We need to continue to focus on getting better each day, staying healthy and keep scoring points.”

There will be some holes to fill in the lineup for ABILENE this season after the graduation of six seniors, including a pair of state qualifiers.

Not all is lost for the Cowboys, who finished in a three-way tie for second place in the North Central Kansas League. James Stout, who begins his 18th season as head coach, returns qualifiers in sophomores Christopher McClanahan (120), Kaleb Stroda (126) and Braden Wilson (138), and will count experience from seniors Skyleigh Pflaster, Miller Unruh, Trenton Wuthnow, Logan Buechman and Brandon Parker. Two Cowboys are ranked in the 4A preseason polls; McClanahan, fifth at 106, and Wilson, sixth at 136.

“All these kids have varsity experience and will represent AHS Wrestling very well in 2020-21,” Stout said. “It should be another exciting season of Cowboy Wrestling.”

Despite the loss of one of its all-time winningest wrestlers, BURLINGTON still has high expectations this season after capturing the Pioneer League championship a year ago.

The Wildcats lost Cael Johnson to graduation. Johnson finished second in BHS history for career wins with 155, just behind his older brother, Colby, at 163. Johnson was a four-time league champion, two-time regional champion and finished in the top three at state each of the last three seasons.

Finishing 25th at state a year ago, Burlington will return three state qualifiers in sophomore Tucker Williams (24-17) at 106, senior Caedon Berkenmeier (31-13) at 145 and senior Damon Hoback (152) at 152.

“We are focused on continuing a strong tradition of being competitive on the mat, in the classroom and in life,” said Burlington coach Doug Vander Linden.

Junior Sam Elliott returns for BUHLER this season after capturing the 4A state championship at 152.

Elliott closed out his sophomore campaign at 38-2 overall. One year after taking sixth place as a freshman, he climbed to the top a year ago but will now move up to 160 this season. Joining Elliott as a returning state qualifier is junior Drew Lugafet, who was 22-15 a year ago and will take a spot at 132.

The Crusaders took fourth place in Division III of the Ark ValleyChisholm Trail League and also finished in 28th place at 4A State.

“We want to have a winning dual record and finish top 15 at 4A state,” said Buhler head coach Mike Juby. “The key for us will be the development of freshmen and sophomores. We have no seniors and will rely heavily on underclassmen.”

Plenty of experience returns for FORT SCOTT after a third-place finish in the Southeast Kansas League a year ago.

Back in the lineup are five returning state qualifiers, led by junior Jacob Stinnett (145), who was 35-4 and took third place at 138 a year ago. Also returning are sophomore Bryce Guss (18-12) at 113, junior Shawn Barrager (28-13) at 120, senior Coby Burchett (26-6) at 138 and senior Malachi Vann (28-6) at 170. Three other key pieces will be seniors Shawn Huffman at 160, Issac Hurst at 220 and Grayson Quick at heavyweight.

“We need to control what we can control with so many unknowns this year,” said Fort Scott head coach Alvin Metcalf. “We have a bunch of junior and seniors that need to finish at the end of the year.

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 We would like to make a run for the league and regional titles and use the momentum on into the state tournament. We must stay injury and COVID free. We have a strong senior class, so a lot of the pieces to having a successful season are already there.”

Despite a last-place finish in the North Central Kansas League, CHAPMAN is hoping for better things this season after tying for 32nd in 4A a year ago.

The Irish will look for leadership from Justin Wisner-McLane, a sophomore that is the lone returning state qualifier from last season.

Finishing with a 26-9 record, Wisner-McLane will be competing at 145. Another sophomore to look out for is Brayden Lexow, who will be at 220 following a 21-6 campaign.

“Our goal is to build on every individual success from last year, parlaying that into a better team finish,” said Chapman head coach Zach Lucas. “Our numbers were down last year, so hopefully, with the addition of the newcomers, we will be able to see the scoreboard light up at duals. We have to stay focused on the goal of improving each and every day.”

BALDWIN had a 14-7 dual record and finished seventh in the Frontier League last season. The Bulldogs closed out the season in 34th place at 4A State.

A total of four state qualifiers are back in the lineup at BHS this season, including seniors Lucas Hopper (25-20) at 126, Josh Broyles (32-12) at 138 and Toby Thomas (30-12) at 285. Broyles is a twotime qualifier. Also returning for the Bulldogs is junior Nakos Benton (33-11) at 113.

“We want to be league champs, regional champs, and earn a state trophy,” said Baldwin coach Kit Harris. “That will come down to the development of a very good freshman class, our returning state qualifiers’ leadership and advancing our kids who were one match from state to the state tourney.”

Mid-East League champion ROCK CREEK looks to defend that crown this season with the return of three state qualifiers.

The Mustangs, who had a 15-4 dual mark a year ago, welcome back senior Tanner Shoup at 138, senior Drew Burenheide (19-6) at 160 and senior Ty Griffin (33-10) at heavyweight. Shoup was a qualifier in 2019, while Burenheide — a two-time qualifier — captured sixth place a year ago and enters this season ranked third in the weight class.

“We want to win league, finish top 5 at regionals and have three state placers,” said Rock Creek coach D. Pray, whose squad finished in 39th place at 4A State a year ago. “The key for us is staying healthy.”

Two-time state qualifier Jake Stanton is back for his senior season to lead CANEY VALLEY of the Tri-Valley League.

Stanton (29-10) was the TVL champion at 113 and went on to take third place at the 4A Regional in Garnett and sixth place at state. In addition to Stanton, other returning wrestlers include junior Caiden Rupert (182), as well as sophomores Brayden Harris (106/113), Heath Ellis (120/126), Colton Walls (138/145), Drake Stapleton (220), Josh Moore (152) and Griffen Peck (182/195).

“My expectation for the season is the same as always … get these kids to be the best they can be and reach their goals,” said Caney Valley coach Jerod Rigdon, who enters his sixth season with the program. “Everyone has their own goals, and my job is to help them each reach these different goals this year.”

COFFEYVILLE will have plenty of experience this season with the return of nine seniors to the lineup. The Golden Tornado, under the direction of sixth-year head coach Spencer McGlothin, took fourth place in the Southeast Kansas League a year ago.

Included in its lineup will be a pair of state qualifiers in seniors Brady White at 285 and Ethan Camp at 182. Other returning starters are seniors Nick Morris at 220, Matt Redden at 195, Jacobi Sharpe at 160, Will Stokesberry at 152, James O’Connor at 145, Spencer Morgan at 138 and Joe Franks at 113; as well as junior Jesse Hall at 126 and sophomore Rickey Loffer at 170.

“Our goal for 2021 is to enjoy every second of the time we get to be on a wrestling mat,” McGlothin said. “We have a great group of seniors this year and should have a solid team. We just need to get on a mat.”

The runner-up in the Southeast Kansas League behind 4A champion Chanute, INDEPENDENCE will be looking to its younger classes to fill key roles in its lineup.

Zack Camacho begins his 10th season as head coach of the Bulldogs, who welcome back a pair of state qualifiers from a year ago — senior Braden Brimm and junior Cooper Anderson. Brimm

Page 93 went 19-10 last season while qualifying at 106, while Anderson was 23-18 and a state qualifier at 120. Both wrestlers earned All-SEK Honorable Mention. Anderson is expected to make the move up to 126 this season.

“We have a great incoming freshman class that we expect to come in and compete well and fill in some weak spots,” Camacho said.

“We also have two qualifiers that can help lead others into success.

We should easily fill a whole roster, and we will now have a very competitive room to where kids can push themselves and get better.”

JEFFERSON WEST has two wrestlers back from a squad that took fifth place in the Big Seven League a year ago.

Returning to the lineup for the Tigers are Theron Meyer at 106 and Marshall Cowan at 132.

“We hope to survive the season without playing quarantine games too much,” said Jefferson West coach Shawn Dolezilek.

With the loss of seven wrestlers due to graduation, HESSTON looks to be competitive in the Central Kansas League.

Five seniors are back in the lineup this season, including Riley Slater at 132, Domanic Clopton at 170, Owen O’Halloran at 195, Dalton Carey at 220 and Nathan Whitsitt at 285. Also back for the Swathers are sophomores Tyrone Taylor at 160 and Hayden Hurting at 182.

“We will spend the first third of the season establishing a base lineup with our returners and see where we need to fill in weight classes,” said Hesston coach Doug Broadfoot. “By the time February comes around, we want to be a competitive team as we head into regional competition.”

BE ELITE

Two wrestlers return this season for HOLCOMB, which will be under the direction of head coach Joey Rodriguez.

The Longhorns — members of the Great Western Athletic Conference — welcome back Kolby Johnson at 152 and Alex Rodriguez at 160.

“We want to qualify all our wrestlers for state,” said Holcomb coach Joey Rodriguez. “It will take hard work and consistency.”

After 12 seasons as the head wrestling coach at Fort Hays State University, Parsons native Chas Thompson, a former Labette County Community College wrestler, takes over the boys’ program at LABETTE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL after the Grizzlies took sixth place in the Southeast Kansas League last season.

Senior Evan Flatt returns to the lineup at 132 after qualifying for state each of his first three seasons. He enters the season ranked sixth in the weight class. Another state qualifier back will be junior Mitchell House, who is ranked fifth at 195, while other returning wrestlers include senior Chandler Moore at 220 and senior Wyatt Stritzke at 113/120.

“We need to begin to transition from building numbers to focusing more on taking the next step and not only qualify wrestlers for state but having state medalists,” Thompson said. “Our experienced wrestlers will need to take a lead and guide our younger wrestlers. This season, we look to fill a varsity lineup with all experienced wrestlers.”

Coached by Santana Seal, CLEARWATER will be seeking a top finish in Division IV of the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League.

“We want to win the league and finish in the top 20 at the state tournament,” Seal said.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 3-2-1A/from page 81 Nienke (22-18, 106) and Tyler Romero (25-16, 195). Both are ranked sixth at their respective weights by the KWCA. ERIE junior Quinten Heady is sixth at 132 after he qualified for state. As well, Dray Kennedy (106) and Nathan Thomas (113) were state qualifiers.

EUREKA, the team champions two years ago, has multiple ranked wrestlers. Junior Brody Harrison is fourth at 145. Senior Brent Escareno is ranked fifth at 152, and senior Brennan Lowe is second at 160. Coach Mike Davison has multiple key returners. Lowe finished 40-2 last winter. He is a three-time state qualifier, a ’19 state champion and a ’20 runner-up. He is expected to contend at 160 pounds. Escareno (30-9) is a two-time state qualifier and ’19 state runner-up.

Senior Connor Hughes (113/120) is a twotime state qualifier. Sophomore 138-pounder Zach Hilton (25-18) qualified for state. Junior 152-pounder Brody Harrison finished 26-9 and qualified for state. Junior 170-pounder Garrison Spoonts (26-12) is a two-time state qualifier.

Senior Wyatt (195) and junior Cole Strickler (220) are both state qualifiers. They combined for a 3424 record. Davison has goals to finish stronger.

“Leadership from the upperclassmen, focusing on scoring points for your teammates and have fun,” Davison said.

FLINTHILLS junior Gavin Girty is ranked sixth at 220. He went 17-16 and qualified for state. Senior 126-pounder Tucker Travnichek qualified for state.

Team goals are to take at least four boys and two girls to state, and to outwork all of their opponents.

GARDEN PLAIN senior Tranden Daerr is ranked fourth at 182. Expected to wrestle at 170, Daerr is a three-time state qualifier and was sixth at state in ’19. Junior Reed Adelhardt, a transfer

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Page 94

from Kapaun when his dad, Dan, took over as GP football coach, is a former 5A state qualifier.

Senior 152-pounder Jeb Nowak is a two-time state qualifier. Senior Gabe Gordon (145), and juniors John and Francis Stuhlsatz (182, 160) are other key upperclassmen.

HALSTEAD had three wrestlers qualify for state last season, the most in 10 years. Halstead returns senior 152-pounder Ivan Gutierrez (14-13), senior 160-pounder Carter Hiebert (15-10) and sophomore 182-pounder Kaleb Wise (18-9). All three have qualified for state. Coach Chris Wilson is in his seventh year at the school, fifth as head coach.

“Our goal for this year is to continue to build a successful program,” Wilson said. “…Continue to build on the skills necessary and to go out and compete.”

HERINGTON had two state qualifiers last year, now sophomore Colby Lollar at 106 pounds (12-6) and current senior Ayden Lawrenz at 132 (18-16).

HILLSBORO senior Jordan Bachman is ranked third at 145. Junior Tristan Rathbone is sixth at 152. Hillsboro finished 4-4 in duals. The Trojans had top-eight finishes at Halstead, Hoisington, Ellis and Eureka. Hillsboro took ninth at the Russell Regional.

HOXIE has its four ranked wrestlers with Drew Bretz, Drew Bell, Derek Johnson and Aidan Baalman. The Indians took 3-1 in duals, won the Mid-Continent League and the Norton regional.

Hoxie finished second at state. In addition to Johnson’s state championship as a freshman, Bell took fourth in ’19. Baalman was an ’18 state qualifier, fourth in ’19 and third in ’20. Drew Bretz finished sixth as a freshman.

Brandon Baker (285) and sophomore Wayne

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Shepard (113) are both returning state qualifiers.

Additional letterwinners are Tate Weimer (106), Dayton Bell (120), Macon Sekevac (138), Ryan Shaw (152), Donovan Balluch (182) and Kaden Sekevac (195). Longtime coach Mike Porsch would like to improve on the team’s state finish from last year.

GOODLAND features D.J. Knox at 106 and sophomore Mason Hernandez is ranked third at 138. Coach Joe Sramek is entering his 15th year.

Goodland took fourth at regionals and tenth at state. Knox, expected to compete at 120, finished as state runner-up in ’19 and ’20 both years. Knox was 40-5 last winter. Hernandez will likely bump up to 145 and was sixth at state at 138.

Goodland returns a high number of wrestlers with winning records last season: sophomore 113-pounder Octavio Gonzalez (27-10), sophomore 152-pounder Kyan Ensign (20-18), sophomore 160-pounder Maverick Spresser (237), junior 170-pounder Blake Livengood (23-16), sophomore 170-pounder Isaiah Shinette (26-13), sophomore 182-pounder Angel Lazo (17-15), and junior 220-pounder Dexter Duatel (17-13). Senior 195-pounder Mason Murray, who has received several small college football offers, was 16-22.

Sramek’s goals are to “continue to improve as students and wrestlers.”

KINGMAN-NORWICH junior Colby Schreiner is second at 145. Schreiner is part of the program’s re-start as the Eagles look to build a strong foundation. Schreiner took third at 132 in ’19 and second at 145 last winter. He finished 33-3 as a junior. Senior 126-pounder Matt Swingle has qualified for state.

LAKIN has senior 170-pounder Kade Lovelady, a returning state qualifier.

“Keep improving as a team on and off the mat,” coach Jim Christiansen said of team goals.

“Pushing each other every day in the room and

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staying healthy.”

LINCOLN/SYLVAN-LUCAS coach Tommy Knapp returns senior 285-pounder Tra Barrientes, a three-time state qualifier. Barrientes finished 39-1 and captured the state title at 285 pounds.

Senior Kenton Myers finished 18-16 and is

expected to compete at 220.

“For each athlete to improve throughout the season,” Knapp said of team goals. “We always want our kids peaking going into Regionals.

Keeping intensity up in practice, so we can keep them short (time wise). This way we can improve our conditioning without burning out the athletes.”

MARYSVILLE finished second in 4A last winter, along with a 5-3 dual mark and a regional title.

Ninety-two of the team’s 94 state points came from seniors. Senior Jack Lott qualified for state at 220 last winter. Two years ago, Marysville captured the 4A title without a champion, and Cole Frederickson was 4A Coach of the Year.

“We graduated a large class last year, but we have some juniors and seniors that are ready to make their mark,” Frederickson said. “We will be young, with a lot of freshman and sophomores in the line-up. We want to focus on getting better everyday, and progress through the season. We need to make daily improvements. With a young team, we need to have a short memory. Learn from mistakes and focus on the process of getting better.”

MISSION VALLEY senior Nolan Parker is ranked second at 285. Parker finished 30-3 last winter. He is a two-time state qualifier and took fifth last winter. MV was tenth at regionals. As well, junior Jon Grame (20-9) has twice qualified for state. He is expected to wrestle at 195. Senior 170-pounder Justice Dunbar (19-9) qualified for state. Junior 220-pounder Colbey Hinck also returns after he was runner-up at two tournaments.

Coach Norman Parker has three goals: 1. Get every varsity wrestler to state; 2. Place every varsity wrestler at state; 3. Grow the sport at Mission Valley.

OAKLEY has a pair of ranked wrestlers with seniors Tyler Schoenberger and Eric Cain.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 finished in fourth last season. He expected to wrestle at 132. As well, Oakley returns sophomore Landyn Plummer (138), junior Tristan Ryburn (160), junior Jonathan Temaat (195), junior Christian Koch (220) and senior Hunter Scheck (285). The Plainsmen’s goal is a top-10 finish at state.

OBERLIN-DECATUR COMMMUNITY senior Gavon Uehlin is ranked fourth at 170. He has fifth and fourth place showings at state. Junior 138-pounder Reece Grafel was a former fourthplace finisher, though was hurt last winter. Junior 126-pounder Breckin Sauvage qualified for state in ’18. Senior 145-pounder Alex Eskew qualified for state in ’17. Sophomore Josh Jueneman (106) also returns.

ONAGA qualified two for state last winter, which ended a drought of four years. Junior Rilyn Mayginnes qualified for state in ’19. He posted a 23-16 record and will wrestle at either 182/195.

Junior Kaid Schwant finished 17-15 and is expected to compete at 145. Onaga’s goals are to place as high as possible in tournaments with low numbers.

PERRY-LECOMPTON senior Hayden Robb is ranked third at 220. He is part of a highly experienced group. Robb went 22-6, is a two-time state qualifier and finished fifth at state in 2019.

As well, junior 120-pounder Mason Bahnmaier went 23-18 and qualified for state. Senior Thad Metcalfe is a two-time state qualifier and should wrestle at 152. Senior Mitchell Root went 23-17 and will compete at 160. P-L’s goals are to get five wrestlers to state, produce three medalists and have at least one state champion. Sophomore Hunter Clifton (106), sophomore Brett Paramore (113), sophomore Christian Conklin (145),

sophomore Mason Bayless (182) and senior Sean Urban (285) are all key returners.

PHILLIPSBURG senior Rylan Hays is ranked fifth at 285. He finished 32-14 and is a two-time state qualifier. Junior 220-pounder Brock Buresh qualified for state with a 27-18 mark. Coach Andy Kenney has goals to improve each week and be a top-three team.

“Getting experience on the varsity level,” Kenney said of keys. “Taking steps forward each week to improve in all phases of wrestling.”

PLAINVILLE features two ranked wrestlers: junior Logan Normandin and sophomore Kyle Werner. Normandin is ranked third at 113, and Werner is fifth at 170. Normandin took third as a sophomore, and Werner finished fifth as a freshman. Junior 160-pounder Ben Hansen is a two-time state qualifier.

REMINGTON features Wright, the No. 1 wrestler at 120. He was a state qualifier in ’18 and took third in ’19 with a 40-2 record. Senior 126-pounder Jacob Holle was a state qualifier in ’17 and ’18.

Senior 152-pounder Owen Thiel qualified for state in ’18 and ’19. Senior 160-pounder Hagen Taylor reached state in ’18 and ‘19. The team goal is to win a regional title.

REPUBLIC COUNTY has five ranked wrestlers for coach Adam Polansky. Sophomore A.J. Polansky is fifth at 106. Junior Jonathan Dyke is fourth at 113. Senior Kaleb Talkington is third at 126. Junior Andrew Hubert is sixth at 160. Senior Quintin Beeson is second at 182. RC finished 11-4 in duals, took second in the NCAA, won the Russell regional and took third in 3-2-1A. A.J. Polansky, expected to compete at 113, qualified for state with a 33-10 mark. Talkington was sixth in ’18, fifth in ’19 and third in ’20. He

Page 95 went 42-6 last winter. Junior Jonathan Dyke is a two-time state qualifier and finished 33-11. Senior 145-pounder Gunner Couture finished 28-14.

Junior Andrew Hubert is a two-time state qualifier. He is expected to compete at 160 after a 32-12 record. Senior 182-pounder Kameron Ines (22-17) qualified for state. Senior 220-pounder Quintin Beeson was fourth at 182 last winter and finished 27-16. Senior Dallas Buss (285) is a state qualifier and went 25-13 last season.

“Continue to build, work hard everyday,” coach Polansky said. “We have a lot of wrestlers back this year but we have some gaps in the line up that will be filled with younger less experienced guys.

It will be critical that older guys continue where they left of pushing themselves and working hard that should enable or young kids to follow their example and we should be able to finish strong like we did last year.”

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 Page 96 fourth at 152. He a three-time qualifier, went 24-8 last winter and junior Justice Gardner (126).

Junior 145-pounder Tanner Sells (28-14) fell one match short of is expected to wrestle at 170. He has formerly taken fifth at state.

STOCKTON has significant experience for veteran coach Clint state.

Sabetha has goals of academic state champions, fill all 14 weights Bedore.

“Our goal may sound like the typical response, but we have to and bring 20 high schoolers into kids’ program.

Senior Justus Hulse, a transfer from Shawnee Mission North, took work to get better each and everyday in the practice room,” coach ST. FRANCIS features a pair of ranked wrestlers with Blanka top- fifth at 145 at Class 6A state. He is a two-time state qualifier and Jeremy Samson said. “We are trying to build champions for life not ranked at 195 and senior Garin Cooper, ranked fifth at 132. Cooper posted a 31-15 record. Junior 182-pounder Rylan Basart qualified just champion wrestlers.” is a two-time state qualifier and went 24-15 last winter. Blanka has for state and posted a 28-15 record. Sophomore 138-pounder UNIONTOWN junior Bryce Eck is ranked fifth at 145. He is a twoalso twice qualified for state and went 34-8.

Justin Knoll posted a 21-17 record and qualified for state at 138. time state qualifier and is expected to wrestle at 152. The Eagles “Every year its a goal to send kids to the State Tournament and bring Senior 120-pounder Markeis Spiller posted a 7-5 record, though took return Kane Shepard (120), Joe Franklin (145), Zach Franklin home medals,” coach Kyle Buffington said. “With our low numbers, fourth at 113. As well, Stockton has seniors Brayden Wallace (126), (170), Camdan Fuel (182) and Dawson Bolinger (195). Bolinger is achieving high success in difficult to measure in wins or titles. Our Leighton Colburn (132) and Deyton Bedore (152). a returning state qualifier. Goals are to win league and get half of team is built upon pushing each other to success individually and “Improve from week to week,” Bedore said of goals and keys. “And wrestlers to state. bring pride to our rich tradition. St. Francis has sent at least one kid be a team threat come regionals and state.”

WICHITA COUNTY senior Jesse Gardner is third at 160. He to the state tournament since 1934. We intend on continuing that THOMAS MORE PREP coach Austin Tatro would like to have took fourth at state last winter. WC would keep build on last year’s legacy in search for our 100th career state champion.” at least one medalist at each tournament and qualify for the state improvements, add more state qualifiers to the team, keep motivation SOUTHEAST OF SALINE junior Matthew Rodriguez is ranked tournament and wants his wrestlers to have the “appropriate mindset and passion strong all season without a midseason slump. The second at 170. Senior Sterling Harp is also ranked second at 220. entering competition, building good practice habits in preparation for Indians look to continue positive attitudes and great work ethic.

Rodriguez finished 38-2 and earned state runner-up at 160. Harp is a meets.” three-time state qualifier and took state runner-up at 195. Goals are Senior Kooper Hudsonpillar to finish top-three at league, top-10 at state, stay healthy and finish went 15-15 and will likely compete the season with 15 kids. at 126. Sophomore Braydon SILVER LAKE has a team goal to finish in the top-three at state. Binder went 12-15 and should Kai Allen is one of the state’s most accomplished wrestlers with third compete at 113. Tatro opened the place in ’18, first in ’19 and second in ’20. He is expected to compete season with eight wrestlers. at 132. Junior Devin Dultmeier (120), Daigan Kruger (160) and WAKEENEY-TREGO Tristan VandeVelde (182) are returning state qualifiers. graduated two state placers in Specializing in small business SMITH CENTER returns just two state qualifiers for 21st year Dillon Dunn and Parker Opat. and farm accounting coach Brock Hutchinson. Senior Nathan Hrabe was 27-13 and Both had at least 100 career a state qualifier at 152. He’ll wrestle at 160 this year. Sophomore victories. Dunn took third at 220 Joel Benson, CPA Bentley Montgomery was 27-17 with a sixth place finish at 113 and as a senior, finished 45-2 and will likely wrestle at 120. won 117 career matches. He set Mary Benson, CPA Junior Jake Kirchoff posted a 28-14 record last year at 170 and will Golden Eagle records for single wrestle at 182 while sophomore Jake Sasse was 16-16 at 220 and season and career victories.

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 6A/from page 78 underclassmen who can fill out some weight classes.

“We need to fill our lineup with some younger guys that hopefully are ready for the challenge,” he said.

HAYSVILLE-CAMPUS tied with Wichita South for 16th place in the state tournament last season, narrowly sliding into the top half of 6A. Junior Dylan Sheier (126, second) and senior Nathan Bowen (160, second) return for the Colts in 2020-21.

Attrition by graduation has hit JC HARMON*, meaning that opportunities abound for young wrestlers in 2020-21.

“Our boys program lost a really good senior class of kids so we will be looking to our younger kids to step up and be leaders this year,” said sixth-year head coach Zach Davies.

The Hawks bring back four state qualifiers from a year ago in sophomore Raymond Ladd (113), junior Julian Pacheco (220), and seniors Brandon Ladd (145) and Angel Gallardo (170, fourth).

Davies said that his goals are to create a positive environment where young people can thrive and to use that to breed success on the mat.

“My goal is to strive to keep building a family atmosphere for our kids,” he said. “We strive to keep getting more numbers and give our kids a safe, fun and loving atmosphere to come to each and every day. …

“Our wrestling goals are to win league and get to that state tournament at the end of the year and walk away with some hardware. But overall, our program is built to develop young men and women that can take the lessons they learn in wrestling and use them throughout the rest of their lives.”

Davies also said that managing injuries and COVID-19 risks will be vital, as well as keeping its perspective on the end goal.

“Staying healthy is always a key to success,” he said. “Our overall key to success is to have the end in mind. Everything we do during the season is in preparation for our regional tournaments.”

*Schools in the KCKPS did not participate in fall activities or in-person learning. Recently, the KCKPS board of education approved a return to activities in mid-January for sports except wrestling. The board also recently voted to extend remote-lerning until April. It is unclear if or when the board will revisit allowing wrestlers to compete, though they are currently allowed to practice.

LAWRENCE comes into 2020-21 after going 0-8 in duals last season, taking ninth in the Sunflower League, and finishing 21st at state.

Patrick Naughton, head coach of the Lions, said that he’d like his team to “build on last year’s experience” and “mak[e] the most of our opportunities.”

The Lions return a couple of state placers from last year.

Sophomore Jack Elsten (113, sixth) finished sixth and junior Kevin Honas (126, second) took fourth.

LAWRENCE FREE STATE placed 14th at state in 2019-20. The Firebirds bring back sophomores Nolan Bradley (106, second), Eric Streeter (113, fourth) and Matthew Marcum (170, sixth) and senior Caleb Streeter (138, second). Freshman Laythan Biddle (152, sixth) should also be a major contributor in 2020-21.

LIBERAL returns five state qualifiers from last year’s 13th place team finish, including senior Tony Rivero (170, fifth).

Head coach Kyle Molina said that he expects that his “middle weights should be the toughest.”

Molina’s goals for the year are to “win the WAC” and “complete a full season” amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite needing two hands to count its state qualifiers, OLATHE EAST finished 28th in 2019-20.

The good news for the Hawks is that most of those wrestlers are back.

“We have a lot of returning qualifiers,” said head coach Lance Larson. “We will need those guys to pick up where they left off and continue to improve and be good leaders for the new additions to the lineup.”

Those returners are sophomore Javion Whitney (106); juniors Jacob Bradley (126) and Nick Carlson (145); and seniors Jaxon Avena (170, third), Malique Washington (182), Ty Herl (195) and John Kutney (285). Junior Jacob Bragg (138) qualiied for state in 2018-19.

Like so many coaches every year, but especially this year, Larson said that staying healthy will be key for his team’s success on the mat. He also pointed out that he wants the Hawk squad to “focus

Page 97 on getting our wrestlers quality matches in a unique dual format.”

“Our team goals are to be consistent throughout the season,” he OLATHE WEST turned in a 26th place finish at state one year said. “We are looking to compete in every match that we wrestle and ago. Three state qualifiers will be back from that team, including giving 100 percent every time we step on the line.” sophomore Lucas Hageman (152, fifth) and seniors Elijah HannWICHITA EAST was the cellar dweller in the 6A state tournament, Bluitt (160) and Luke Zegunis (285). Senior Cole Newport (113) did tying for last place in 2019-20. not qualify for state last season, but he did qualify in 2018-19.

Aaron Haselwood enters his first year as the head coach of the Head coach Tyler Rodden said that he has faith in his team’s Aces after five years at the helm at Fredonia. He now faces the conditioning, but that his wrestlers need to improve their technical difficult task of developing a program at a school where wrestling ability. has not traditionally been appreciated.

“Our physical strength and endurance will be there, we just have “Building the sport of wrestling here at Wichita East is the biggest to continue being better wrestlers, especially down on the mat,” he challenge,” he said. “We need to make the student body aware of said. our sport so that we can build our numbers and our fan base.”

Rodden’s goals for the team include improving on last year’s Haselwood said that his goal for the season is to “qualify three 6-6 record in duals, seeing individuals and the team place in wrestlers for state.” tournaments, sending at least five wrestlers to state, and getting at He will looks to senior Erick Villareal (220) and juniors Dakota least one member of the squad on the podium at state.

Everett (182) and Jose Medina (285) as the leading contenders to SHAWNEE MISSION EAST walked out of the state tournament achieve that goal. with a 25th place finish last year. The Lancers return sophomore In 2019-20, WICHITA NORTH placed 24th at state thanks to a Ethan Jenkinson (120, fifth) and junior Jahir Contreras (126, fifth) 220 pound championship from their lone qualifier, now graduated in 2020-21.

Jackson Stroud. North will field a very young team this season, as SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH hopes to improve on its 2019-20 six sophomores and a freshman are listed in head coach Quinton campaign in which it took 23rd place at the state tournament.

Burgess’s projected starting lineup.

Returning wrestlers for the Indians are sophomores Lucas McGriff The upperclassmen leadership for this team will come from junior (126), Willy Fontes (145) and Matthew Olendorf (182); junior Cruz Alvarado (16) and seniors Rey Amador (132), Fransisco Ibarra Refugio Garcia (195); and seniors Trey Laplant (132) and Fernando (145), Cody Meraz (152), Salvador Ornelas (220) and Bishop Britt Valdez (138).

(285).

Head coach Tom Peterman said his focus this season will be Burgess knows that such a young team wrestling in the midst of a “getting participation and having a complete lineup as much as global pandemic will be quite the challenge. possible.”

“We are focused on embracing each challenge as it comes and SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST struggled in 2019-20, competing as hard as we can through each of those obstacles,” finishing 33rd of 35. he said.

Like his counterpart at Shawnee Mission North, Cougar head Regarding goals for the year, Burgess said he wants to see his coach Howard Newcomb has had difficulty with participation, aiming team “get better, wrestle hard, take chances and have fun.” this year “to fill a roster and keep kids out for the sport.”

The 2020-21 season will be a tough challenge for every wrestling Senior Alvin Horner-Luettel (220, fourth) returns for the Cougars team, but for WICHITA NORTHWEST the adversity has been after taking second place in the Sunflower League and qualifying abruptly and tremendously magnified. for state.

Longtime Grizzlies head coach Eric Prichard passed away Last season, TOPEKA’s 32nd place finish at state belied the effort suddenly on October 20, less than a month before practice was and development Michael Canacari’s squad showed throughout the set to begin. year.

Ron Russell, who assisted Prichard for years, has been named The Trojans will be a young team in 2020-21, as Canacari listed head coach in his place. only two seniors on his list of probable starters. That includes Tre The Grizzlies wrestled at the 5A level last year but will move up to Thomas (220, fifth), who is the lone state qualifier returning from a 6A for this season. year ago. The other senior is Will Heavner (132).

Senior Mason Ross (220) returns to the mat for Wichita Northwest The rest of the lineup consists of sophomores Colson McIntyre and is ranked atop his weight class.

(106), V’Ante Peoples (126) and Ethan Martell (145) along with WICHITA SOUTH tied for a 16th place finish in the 6A state juniors Alex Smith (113), Juan Gutierrez (120) and Jacob Jackson tournament in 2019-20. The Titans bring back Aaron Mills (113(285).

120), Brendan Kirkhart (132), and Colin Mertes (138-145). Mertes is Young team or not, Canacari has identical objectives this season a two-time state qualifier. as he would any other season.

Head coach Brian Westhoff thinks if his team can implement a “Our goal remains the same each year,” he said. “We want to “tough mindset” it can qualify five to seven state wrestlers and have develop hard working athletes that respect the sport of wrestling at least two of them place. and the individual accountability the sport offers.

This season will be a rebuild for WICHITA SOUTHEAST. The Canacari was encouraged by the dedication his team showed last Buffaloes took eighth place in the Greater Wichita Athletic league year and anticipates a continuation of that in 2020-21. and 27th place at state last year.

“We have a young group that returns that had a great deal of Head coach Aaron Johnson said the cupboard is somewhat bare success with regard to individual growth,” he said. “Both the boys for his team and that it will take “hard work” in order for the Buffaloes and girls team improved as the season progressed and we want to to “improve and rebuild”. build on that success this year. Our numbers are improving in the wrestling room and the wrestlers work hard. We are very excited to see how much we can improve this year.”

If his team can stay focused and persevere Follow KWCA Online and through difficulty, Canacari believes the payoff will on Social Media at: be evident. “[Wrestling] is a tough sport and you have to be www.kansaswrestling.org able to do that each and every day in the room,” he www.twitter.com/kwcaonline said. “If you do, success will be around the corner.” www.facebook.com/kwcaonline WICHITA HEIGHTS finished sixth in the Greater Wichita Athletic League and 24th at state last https://kwca.podomatic.com season.

The Falcons return just one state qualifier from the 2019-20 team in junior Vaughntrey Dean (138).

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 5A/from page 79 His goals for the season include another league championship and another top three finish at state.

MAIZE SOUTH head coach Matt Kerr knows that the 2020-21 wrestling season will be unlike any other, and yet he’s still hoping to see growth from his team in the midst of it all.

Last year, the Mavericks went 4-6 in duals, qualified a handful of wrestlers for state, and placed 26th out of 33 teams there.

Senior Drew Demoss (126) and junior Britton Forsythe (170) are the two returning state competitors this season, and senior Austin Hall (160), junior Carter Nguyen (145), and sophomore Kaden Garvalena (132) are also back from last season’s squad.

Kerr expects his wrestlers to be on their toes all season and able to adapt to the twists and turns wrestling during a pandemic brings.

“Like all teams this year, we need to keep our focus regardless of what is thrown our way,” he said.

He would like to see seven or eight of his wrestlers qualify for state this year, but the requisite vigilance to achieve that will be difficult for his team.

“Staying safe and healthy as well as maintaining conditioning will take some mental toughness and additional sacrifices,” he said.

MILL VALLEY is facing two transitions in 2020-21, moving from 6A down to 5A and from the Eastern Kansas League to the Sunflower League.

The second-ranked Jaguars are likely the best candidate to upend Goddard’s reign of terror over 5A wrestling, as last season Mill Valley won the state championship at the 6A level and return a litany of wrestlers who carried them to that feat.

Senior Ethan Kremer (285) won his second consecutive state championship and is ranked first in the 5A preseason rankings.

Fellow senior Brodie Scott (195), who is ranked third, was the runner-up at state in his weight class.

Sophomore Eddie Hughart (113, ranked second) and senior Caiden Cassella (220, ranked second) each took third at state, while senior Carson Dulitz (145, ranked fourth) finished in fourth.

Senior Dalton Harvey (182, ranked fifth) and sophomore Sam Imes (138, ranked sixth) also qualified for state last year but did not place.

For 21st-year head coach Travis Keal, daily improvement is the key for his team to bring the success it had in 6A down to 5A. NEWTON finished eighth at state in 2019-20. Sophomore Nick Treaster, the defending 106 pound champion, is ranked first at that weight again this year, and senior Colin Bybee (120) is ranked fifth. The Railers will miss sophomore state placer A.B. Stokes who moved with his family to Oklahoma.

K.C. PIPER moves up to 5A in 2020-21 after a sixth place finish at the 4A state championship last season. The Pirates went 13-3 in 2019-20 and took third place both in the Frontier League and at their regional.

Senior Anthony Ferguson (160) won state last season with a 40-1 record and is ranked second in the 5A preseason rankings.

Third-year head coach Todd Harris knows that the transition up to 5A will be a challenge for his team, but says that he’s looking for his wrestlers to “compete tough” regardless of the level of competition.

The Pirates team suffered significant losses by a delay in fall sports that saw the transfer of standout football players and wrestlers LaJames White (St. James Academy) and Branden Martin (Tonganoxie). White was fifth at 170 a year ago while Martin was third at 182.

Following a third place finish in the Southeast Kansas League, PITTSBURG placed a disappointing 30th at state in 2019-20.

However, former MMA fighter and third year head coach LC Davis said with six state qualifiers returning he expects his team to have a much more successful season this year.

His specific goals for the team are a winning record in duals, a top two finish in the SEK, a top ten finish at regionals, and a top 20 finish at state.

He lists his points of emphasis for his team this season as “gratitude, self-belief, and work ethic.”

ST. JAMES ACADEMY, fresh off a 4A football state title, finished tenth at state last season. The Thunder welcome in Piper transfer senior LaJames White (170, ranked fourth) and return senior Harry Spencer (285, ranked fourth), but bid farewell to 220 pound champion Cade Lautt, now wrestling, along with his older brother

Clay, at the University of North Carolina.

Eric Akin, the head coach at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, is highly optimistic about his team’s potential in 2020-21. Apparently, the other coaches in the league are too, as the Saints are ranked fourth in the preseason 5A rankings.

STA placed sixth at state last season, a team performance that was highlighted by championship victories for returning seniors and three-time state placers Johnny Akin (145, ranked first) and Jared Simma (182, ranked first). Simma has committed to wrestle at the University of Northern Iowa.

“I believe we have a great opportunity this year to capitalize and build on the success of last season,” Eric Akin said. “We took eight wrestlers to state last season and all eight of them are returning this year.”

Two other wrestlers made the podium at state last year. Senior Danny Carroll (285, ranked third) took fourth in his division and junior Jordan Habben (132, ranked fifth) took sixth.

The rest of the returning state qualifiers are senior Zak Kalafut (138, ranked fifth) and sophomores Tobius Kriner (106), Dylan Elmore (152, ranked fourth), and Sean Carroll (195, ranked sixth).

“I am confident that this group [of state placers] along with our four qualifiers and some tough incoming freshmen can get us to the level where we can reach our team goals this season and bring home some hardware at state,” Erik Akin said.

Akin hopes to replicate and improve upon last year’s success with a top three team finish at state and multiple champions and placers.

While as a team SALINA CENTRAL took a step back from a tenth place state finish in 2018-19 to 16th in 2019-20, second year head coach John Corman was impressed by the individual development from his wrestlers last season.

“We had a lot of wrestlers improve by leaps and bounds last year,” he said. “It was especially fun to see some of our wrestlers come back and beat tough opponents that had defeated them earlier in the season. We look to build upon that improvement this year.”

The Mustangs are ranked tenth in the preseason 5A rankings thanks to the return of several key wrestlers from last year’s team.

Two Salina Central wrestlers are also ranked first in their divisions, including sophomore Isaac Phimvonga (113), who finished sixth at state, and senior Slade Adam (132), who placed third.

Sophomore Dawson Hogan (145) is ranked fifth after qualifying for state with a 26-16 record as a freshman. Junior Elix Hernandez (138) has also qualified for state twice in his career.

Corman also added that juniors Ethan Bolen and Ty Adam “may be a surprise this year to many after having seasons that were cut short by injuries.”

The Mustangs will face a couple of challenges in 2020-21: filling in the gaps left by departed seniors from last year and wrestling during a pandemic.

“We will be strong in the middle and lower weights but we have some inexperience among our bigger wrestlers this year, Corman said. “We will need to see some guys step up and improve quickly in those areas. This will obviously be a strange season and many of our tournaments will look different than in the past so we will focus on winning tough matches and raising the team to the level where they are competing with the best wrestlers in the state.”

The 2019-20 season was a tough one for SALINA SOUTH. The Cougars went 0-6 in duals and placed 28th out of 33 at state.

Senior Brandon Jeffries (170) is the only returner with state experience and last year was his second appearance there.

The Cougars will have wrestlers who have spent time on the varsity squad, and fifth year head coach Kanean Wendell wants to see them take things up a notch this year while younger wrestlers get their feet under them. “[We] need to continue to develop our young inexperienced varsity wrestlers while getting our upper weight returners qualified for the state tournament and onto the podium,” he said.

Senior Isaac Klassen (182) and juniors Kayson Dietz (285) and Brandon Fletcher (220) are back with varsity experience, although Klassen and Dietz both had their 2020 campaigns cut short by injuries.

Some of the greener Cougars who will need to develop are senior Logan Burr (145) and sophomores Isaac Martinez (120), Seth Robben (138), Luke Simpson (152), and Peyton Augustine (160).

Page 99 Wendell said he wants to see his wrestlers “maintaining a positive growth mindset and working towards our goals every day in practice.”

SHAWNEE HEIGHTS won the United Kansas Conference a year ago with a 14-2 record in duals. The seventh-ranked Thunderbirds followed the league title up with a 12th place finish at 5A state.

Two Shawnee Heights wrestlers reached the podium at state.

Junior Brock Ferguson (120, ranked second) took third and junior Caden Walker (160, ranked third) took sixth. For both of them, it was their second appearance at state in as many seasons.

Other returning state qualifiers are senior Decker Stickelman (126); juniors Cole Parrish (132), Ty Lewis (138), Joey Hilton (145), Cole Manrose (170), Preston Hartman (182), and Garrett Peery (220); and sophomores Tyler Lincoln (106, ranked fourth) and Sean Wunder (195).

For 15th-year head coach Chad Parks, the goals for this season are to cast off “self-imposed limitations”, repeat as UKC champions, and finish in the top five at state.

“Every athlete on the team will need to be all-in on a championship lifestyle,” he said. “This means train hard in the wrestling room, the weight room, eat well, sleep well, and do the small things well. An attitude of gratitude must dominate our thoughts and actions.”

Out of the Frontier League, SPRING HILL finished 23rd at state last year. The Broncos have two returning state qualifiers: sophomore Draven Pipkin (195, ranked third) and junior Zach Knowlton (145).

For 16th-year head coach Tucker Woofter, the goal is to “have a safe season” in 2020-21.

“There is so much up in the air, [so] for this season this is where we want to begin.”

SUMNER ACADEMY* will feature a young and inexperienced group of wrestlers.

Junior Byron Keith (132) had the best record for the Sabres last year, going 20-11 in his matches. Senior Price Orji (170) was also solid with a 12-12 record.

Head coach Adam Beatty wants to see his team improve upon last year’s 9-3 dual record and fourth place finish in the Kansas City Atchison League.

He also says that keys for this season will be “staying healthy and managing COVID adjustments.”

SEAMAN finished in fourth place in the Centennial League in 2019-20 with a 17-7 dual record and took 18th at state.

The Vikings return four state qualifiers in seniors Kyle Adams (132) and Ewan Mills (285, ranked sixth), junior Justin Kruse (113), and sophomore Jaxson Thomas (220).

Head coach Patrick Kelly says that the vital tasks for this year’s team are “injury prevention and getting the right kids at the right weight classes.”

TURNER was one of the bottom teams in 5A last year, finishing 25th. Key returners for the Golden Bears are senior Byron Kirkwood (145, ranked fifth) and sophomore Gabe Cornett (220, ranked sixth).

Last season, VALLEY CENTER finished just outside the top ten at state at 11th, but gone to graduation, and Fort Hays State, is 285-pound champion Tony Caldwell.

This year, the Hornets have two wrestlers ranked in the KWCA preseason rankings. Senior Alyeus Craig (126) is ranked first in his weight class after being the runner-up at state in 2019-20 and junior Dallas Gould (220) is ranked fifth.

Head coach Justin Schwartz said that the goal for this year is “to have more state qualifiers and state placers than last season.”

WASHINGTON* placed 32nd at state last year. The Wildcats’ only returning state qualifier is junior Edward Brantley (145), who went 10-13 in 2019-20.

Other returners with varsity experience are senior Xavier Lewis (113) and junior Blake Mullikin (170).

Head coach Aaron McGhee wants to see his team “build from last year’s success” and “expect to win” by continuing to be “consistent and control the things that we can control.”

*Schools in the KCKPS did not participate in fall activities or in-person learning. Recently, the KCKPS BOE approved a return to activities in mid-January for sports except wrestling. It is unclear if or when the board will revisit allowing wrestlers to compete, though they are currently allowed to practice.

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 TVL/from page 72 including 1-6 in the league.

Back to provide leadership for BHS this season are six upperclassmen that will determine the team’s success. Returning are seniors DJ Jackson, Logan Walden and Cooper Larsen, as well as juniors Kristofer Laidler, Jake Emmons and Landen Wilson.

“We are looking to compete from the tip to the last sound of the horn,” Gomez said.

For NEODESHA, there’s nowhere to go but up in the Tri-Valley League after the Bluestreaks finished in last place for a second straight year.

A year ago, NHS did manage to double its win total from the previous season, finishing 2-19 overall. But there is still plenty of room for improvement as the ‘Streaks return five players from last year’s squad.

Tanner Davis begins his third season on the Neodesha bench (338) and will look to a group of one senior and four juniors to lead the way in 2020-21. The lone returning senior is Seth Strange, while juniors Maddux Johnson, Gage Bell, Jackson Adams and Peyton Toms all look to play key roles in the Bluestreaks’ success.

“We want to get better every day and to compete,” Davis said. “We will need to play defense and take care of the ball.”

GIRLS Expectations continue to run high for EUREKA after finishing last season just one win away from a trip to the Class 3A State Tournament.

The Lady Tornadoes are the defending TVL champions after going a perfect 7-0 in the league slate. They closed out the season at 20-3 overall following a loss to Cheney in the championship game of the Cheney Sub-State Tournament.

Fourth-year coach Shelly Hoyt, who has racked up more than 500 career wins in stints at Eureka, Madison and a long stretch at Hoxie, expects to challenge for another league title this season with the return of four key players from last year’s squad. Leading the way are senior All-TVL performers Chazni Ptacek and Ava Perrier, who averaged 15 and 9 points per game, respectively. Also back are juniors Brooklyn Ptacek and London Hilton.

“We want to keep high expectations and advance further than we did last season,” Hoyt said. “We need to stay together and avoid injuries.”

CHERRYVALE was in the thick of the league race a year ago until injuries took a toll on the team. The Lady Chargers lost three players to ACL tears during the season, which included two starters and one reserve. Despite all of that, they still managed to finish the season at 17-6 overall, including 5-2 in the TVL for a second-place tie with Erie. They lost to Frontenac in the final of the Class 3A Galena SubState Tournament.

Kelsey Overacker, who begins her third season as head coach,

Courtesy Photo

AVCTL-IV/from page 39 “We need to defend better this season,” Adam said. “Our program has rarely played zone and we were forced to at times last year. We have some really good athletes who like to get up and down the floor, but we need to guard better.”

ROSE HILL returns three starters from last

has directed the Lady Chargers to a 31-15 record during that span with two sub-state championship appearances.

With the return of players from injury, Cherryvale has all five starters back in the lineup this season — unanimous All-TVL senior post Mariah Monroy, All-TVL sophomore guard Kelsi Lantz, senior guard Camdyn Forman, senior post Harley Allen and sophomore post Katie Plumley.

“We have a chance to do some big things this year,” Overacker said. “We would love to see our team stay healthy all year and be able to compete at a high level. I think we have a good mix of kids from top to bottom with lots of potential. I believe we will see the benefits of last year pretty quick and especially in practice when they start competing for spots.”

ERIE was just one win away from advancing to the Class 2A State Tournament a year ago, losing to Pittsburg-St. Mary’s Colgan in the championship game of the Yates Center Sub-State.

The Red Devils closed out the season at 15-8 overall and tied Cherryvale for second place in the TVL with a 5-2 mark. EHS had two individuals earn league recognition, including Maddie Cramer as All-TVL and Molly LaForge as Honorable Mention. LaForge has since graduated.

After dropping its first 10 games of the season, CANEY VALLEY played respectable down the stretch last season, finishing 5-16 overall and 4-3 in the league for fourth place in the final standings.

There will be some challenges once again for head coach Emily Washburn as she begins her fourth season in the program. The Lady Bullpups are short on players and overall experience, with six of their 12 players freshmen. CVHS will be led by sophomore Saige Scott and junior Kamryn Kaminska, who both earned league honors a year ago as underclassmen. They will be joined by a pair of seniors — Mary Cummins and Maggie Simmons.

“I’m not really sure what this season will bring, but this is a hardworking group of girls,” said Washburn, whose has led the Lady Bullpups to a 28-37 in her first three seasons, including a trip to the Class 3A State Tournament in 2018. “I look forward to seeing them improve and grow as a team.”

With All-TVL performer Jada Dangerfield back in the lineup for her senior season, HUMBOLDT looks to jump into the upper half of the league.

Dangerfield averaged a double-double a year ago at 13 points and 11 rebounds per game. She will be a key figure once again for a Lady Cubs squad that went 12-10 overall and tied Fredonia and Neodesha for fifth place in the final standings at 2-5.

In addition to Dangerfield, Jessica Myers also returns for her senior campaign after averaging six points and four rebounds an outing a year ago.

Aubrey Jones is entering her seventh season as Humboldt coach,

year’s 9-11 team for first-year head coach Jenny Page - 5-4 senior Lexi Rose (7 ppg), 5-8 senior Korryn Hackney (7.0 ppg, second-team allleague) and 5-9 senior Haley Thrush (10.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, first-team all-league) Aspen Goetz, a 5-9 senior, averaged 4.5 points per game off the bench.

“I look for our team to be athletic and quick,” Page said. “We have a nice group of players returning, but need others to step up and contribue quality minutes.

Defense should be a strong point, but we will need to find ways to score.”

WICHITA COLLEGIATE will have the youngest team in the league once again, but also a team with possibly more returning minutes than anyone.

Six lettermen return from a 6-15 team juniors Maddy Mairs and Paige Henry, and sophomores Ellie Munds, Haley Allen, Katherine Grace and Grace Dickerson.

Mairs, a 6-1 inside player, averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game last year and was named first-team Clearwater, Sophomore all-league. Munds, a 5-4 guard, scored

Carli CARLSON

Page 100 compiling an 88-43 overall record to date.

It was an up-and-down season for FREDONIA a year ago, resulting in an 8-12 overall record. Despite finishing in a three-way tie for fifth place in the TVL with Humboldt and Neodesha, the Lady Yellowjackets hope this season will be different with a push to the upper half of the league.

Chad Estes starts his fourth season on the FHS bench. In his first three years at the helm, he has led the ‘Jackets to a 21-39 record.

Estes has some experience back this season with the return of a pair of All-TVL Honorable Mention picks — seniors Sage Hawley and Macy Ivey. Ivey is the top returning scorer at 10 points per game, while Hawley also put in six points an outing.

“We want to be competitive,” Estes said. “Our keys will be defense and outside shooting.”

Experience will be a big plus for NEODESHA this season. But can that experience result in more scoring for a team that finished 5-15 a year ago?

The Lady Bluestreaks, who tied both Humboldt and Fredonia for fifth place in the TVL last season, struggled to consistently put points on the board but should see a bump in productivity with the return of five players with valuable court experience. Senior Amy Smith returns after an injury a year ago and will be joined by seniors Jillian Ostroe and Chaynee Johnson, junior Emily Tomlinson and sophomore Kristen Stover. Johnson was an All-Tri-Valley League performer last season after averaging 8.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

“Our goal for this year is to play together in everything we do,” said Justin Pierce, who begins his fourth season in the program (14-46).

“Whether it is on offense, defense, or rebounding and going after loose balls, we need to be more productive together. A big key to our success this year will be our ability to be more productive on the offensive end. We had way too many turnovers last season that resulted in missed opportunities to even have a chance at scoring.”

After struggling to a last-place finish in the Tri-Valley League a year ago, BLUESTEM will try to work its way up the standings this season.

Troy Babcock begins his fourth season with the Lady Lions, compiling a 33-30 record to date in the program. BHS is coming off a 5-15 campaign that included a 1-6 mark in the TVL. Bluestem returns its top scorer from a year ago in All-TVL performer Torrance Lovesee. The senior averaged 10.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 steals per game. Also back in the lineup is another senior in Kirstyn Cooper, who also averaged in double figures scoring with 10.1 points an outing.

“We are looking to finish toward the top of the league this year,” Babcock said. “We will have to minimize turnovers, control the ball, rebound and defend well.”

9.7 points per game and was a second-team selection.

“We will be entering year number three in the same system, which will be a big help for the returnees,” head coach Brett Gunderson said.

“We need to continue building off the culture and foundation we’ve been instilling each year.”

MULVANE has 15 players with varsity court time returning from last year’s 2-19 team. Doug Evers is the team’s first-year head coach and the school’s long-time athletic director.

“We plan to compete each game for the entire game,” Evers said. “Defensive fundamentals and more consistent shooting will be very important.”

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 SCBL/from page 68 Jason McVeigh much of a factor they can be,” Jeffers said. “If they begins his fourth season as head coach of the can come in and give us solid minutes it will make CALDWELL girls. The Lady Bluejays are coming our starters that much better.” off a 10-12 campaign that included a 6-3 mark in With just one returning starter in the lineup, the SCBL for fourth place.

FLINTHILLS may experience some growing Caldwell lost two all-league honorees from a pains this season. The Mustangs are coming off year ago due to graduation, including Second a 10-12 season, which included a 4-5 mark in the Team selections Delaney Mayo and Abi Schmidt. SCBL for sixth place. Monty Melugin returns for The Lady Bluejays will relay on two returning his eighth season as coach, compiling an 85-69 players for leadership in Jenna Sturm and Katrina record to date.

Dvorak. Sturm is the team’s top returning scorer at FHS was hurt by the graduation of All-SCBL 7.4 points per game.

Honorable Mention Sara Sorum and transfer of “We want to compete every night,” McVeigh Lauren Donner to Bluestem High School. Donner said. “Our key will be the development of young was an All-SCBL Second Team pick a year players.” ago. That leaves junior guard Riggin Carney as All five starters are back in the lineup for the only returning starter for the Mustangs this SEDAN, which is coming off a fifth-place finish a season. year ago in the SCBL. Lance Jeffers begins his Melugin will rely heavily on other returning 15th season in the SHS girls’ program, compiling players to fill in those gaps, including seniors a record of 195-117 during that stretch. Last Regan Heimgartner, Morgan Holcomb, season, the Lady Devils finished at 13-9 overall Matison Totty and Chloe Wieckhorst; as well as and 5-4 in the league. Their season came to sophomores Taren Lakin, Madilynn Thomas, an end with a substate semifinal loss to SCBL Laura Scribner and Madison Alvord. champion West Elk. Finishing in a three-way tie for seventh place Leading the way for Sedan will be All-SCBL First with Cedar Vale/Dexter and Oxford, UDALL will Team pick senior Caitlin Williams, who was also try to work its way up to the middle of the pack in All-Class Honorable Mention after leading the the SCBL this season. team in scoring at 13.5 points per game. Junior The Lady Eagles are coming off a 7-14 Landrea Sears was All-SCBL Second Team and campaign, which included a 2-7 record in league All-Class 2A Honorable Mention after finishing play. Their season came to an end with a loss to with 11.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. Also Caldwell in the quarterfinal round of regionals. back are senior Madison Meyers, an All-SCBL UHS had one all-league honoree a year ago in Honorable Mention; as well as senior Sarah Second Team selection Emma Enderud, who is Smilko and sophomore Jacie Cummings. now in her senior year.

“Our season will depend on our bench and how CEDAR VALE/DEXTER tied Udall and Oxford

for seventh place in last year’s final SCBL standings. The Lady Spartans closed out the 2019-20 campaign at 4-17 overall following a loss to SCBL champion West Elk in the quarterfinals of substate. CVD went 2-7 in league play.

Jason Catlin takes over as head coach at Cedar Vale/Dexter this season. He has three returning players — senior Kyndel Randall, and juniors Kaitlynn Anderson and Rae McAdams.

“We want to become more competitive and begin the process of raising expectations for success,” Catlin said. “The key will be the hard work and dedication the girls will put into being successful.”

OXFORD is hoping to take baby steps this season after finishing in a tie with Udall and Cedar Vale/Dexter for seventh place.

Josh Sipes begins his second season as Lady Wildcat coach after leading the team to a 4-15 campaign a year ago. He welcomes back four players from last year’s squad, including senior Marisa Williams (4.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg), juniors Lauren Payne (6.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg) and Magdalena Gardea, and sophomore Liberty Kies.

“We want to make the league tournament, win more games than last year and average 35 points per game,” Sipes said. “The keys for us will be limiting turnovers, taking and making good shots, and defensive rebounding.”

After back-to-back last-place finishes in the SCBL, CENTRAL/BURDEN is hoping experience will be key as it tries to climb out of the cellar in 2020-21.

Page 101 The Lady Raiders took their lumps a year ago, finishing 0-20 overall, which included a 10th-place finish in the league standings. CHS has now lost 25 consecutive games and 41 of the last 42 overall. Yet, unlike last year when it had no returning starters, Central will have all five starters back in the lineup this season.

Gregg Mettling, a veteran coach of the SCBL for more than two decades, begins year two of his second stint as Central’s coach. He welcomes back senior forward Harley Branscum, junior forward Morgan Cook, junior guard Haven Wunderlich, sophomore guard Emily Long and sophomore forward Shay Toon to the lineup.

“We are very excited about this year,” Mettling said. “We were very young last year and spent a lot of the year learning about high school varsity basketball. We will bring energy and a lot more experience to this season.”

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Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3

WINTER SPOTLIGHT from page 33

loaded with depth and height last season and delivered a 21-2 mark and Class 6A final four showing. This winter, Derby returns five of its top-six players and only graduated Sydney Nilles, who signed with Newman basketball.

Derby returns senior Jaidyn Schomp, junior Tatum Boettjer, senior Derryana Cobbins and elite sophomores Maryn Archer and Addie Brown. Archer has already committed to Arkansas.

She and Brown were the team’s top-two scorers.

Schomp has signed with Missouri Western after she averaged 5.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and shot 38 percent from beyond the arc. A four-year varsity player, Schomp has shot 35 percent from three in her career and averaged six points, four rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

She and Boettjer are both 6-3, while Brown is 6-2. Derby has four straight final four showings, including a first, second and third.

Coach Jodie Karsak said Schomp “will do whatever her team needs, night in and night out,” and will be a key player for the Panthers this year.

“Her ability to play outside and inside will create monster mismatches for other teams,” Karsak said. “For us, on the defensive side, Jaidyn will be able to help us to protect the paint but also we can put her out on a great shooter. It’s tough to get quick shots up over her long arms.”

Karsak, the architect of Derby’s turnaround, has announced this will be her last season before the family moves to Kansas City with her husband’s work. Before 2017, Derby had just one final four in the previous 26 years.

Lili Shubert, Trego Community, Senior WaKeeney-Trego senior Lili Shubert has metronomically delivered an impressive career in volleyball and basketball.

Shubert has collected Class 2A first team all-state by the coaches associations in both sports. In basketball, Shubert especially delivered in key contests, wins that yielded an historic 23-1 season last winter.

In the substate championship versus Oakley, Shubert recorded 23 points and 11 rebounds. In the Mid-Continent League tournament championship game, Shubert collected 26 points and 13 rebounds versus Phillipsburg, an eventual 3A state qualifier.

The 5-foot-8 Shubert, offered by Barton County CC for both sports, averaged 18 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals a contest and earned Hays Daily News Player of the Year. Despite battling injuries to start the last two winters, Shubert has tallied 1,098 points, believed to be the school record, and has 459 rebounds.

“She tends to play great in every game, but really stands out in championship moments,” coach Shelby Crawford said.

The Golden Eagles, known for its pack-line defense, enjoyed the most wins, the most regular season victories, longest winning streak and fewest points allowed per contest in school history. WaKeeney won the MCL tournament for the first time in Golden Eagle annals. WaKeeney has allowed 35.2 points and 30 points a game in the past two seasons, the best defenses in team history.

“She will be the last to leave because she wants to be great,” Crawford said. “Her physical toughness sets her apart as well. She has begun the last two seasons injured yet decided to play through the injuries and never wants to come off the floor. She loves to compete on the defensive end and wants to guard the other team’s best offensive player. Her mental toughness allows her to stand up and stand out in big games.”

After the season, coach Donnie Shubert, Lili’s father, was surprisingly not retained by the school board. Crawford, the former assistant, became head coach. Crawford is a Rule 10 coach/local pastor and former head Scott City girls’ coach.

Trego has made the state final four in back-to-back seasons after not doing so in 42 years.

“Our team has been through a lot this year with state

basketball being canceled and losing our coach, but we are determined to work hard and have a successful season,” Shubert said.

Macy Smith, Olpe, Senior Olpe coach Jesse Nelson has coached more than 40 years with the Eagles. He has more than 900 career victories and is Kansas’ all-time winningest coach.

Last year, Olpe started five guards, had no starter above 5-foot-7, and just one senior, Neleh Davis, who cleared 1,000 career points. Olpe, led by Davis and point guard Macy Smith, still posted a 26-0 record and trip to the Class 1A final four before the tournament was cancelled from COVID-19.

Olpe ’20 joined Eagle teams in ’81, ’10 and ’11 with perfect seasons under Nelson. Olpe had at least two seniors every year from ’09-10 until last winter.

“This group of kids came in knowing that we had some weaknesses that way,” Nelson said. “And we have just done a great job of playing together and doing the things that we had to do in order to win some games. This group has got a good basketball IQ.” Seniors Smith, Maya Bishop and Marley Heins are part of a talented returning group. Smith, who has signed with Emporia State, earned first team all-state Class 1A honors by the KBCA. Her older sister, Colleen, was also a standout point guard for the Eagles. Smith joined Cheney’s Kylee Scheer and St. Thomas Aquinas’ Madison Skelton as Kansas signees for ESU this year’s recruiting class. She delivered 10.4 points, 4.7 assists and 4.2 steals per game.

“Coach Nelson does a tremendous job coaching his teams, developing players, and winning big games and we are grateful to be getting another player from his program,” ESU coach Toby Wynn said in a release. “Macy is tough and a fierce competitor and we are very excited to have her join us.”

Kennedy Taylor, Shawnee Mission Northwest, Senior On Feb. 1, Shawnee Mission Northwest senior post Kennedy Taylor had one of the state’s signature performances of the 2019-20 season. Taylor finished with 21 points, 18 rebounds and five blocks in a 44-37 road win versus McPherson. The victory captured the McPherson Invitational championship and yielded a three-game tournament stretch where she averaged 20 points and 13 rebounds per contest.

Taylor earned tournament championship MVP. It marked McPherson’s only loss of the season. The Bullpups went 22-1 and advanced to the Class 5A Final Four before the year ended from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, SMNW went 18-5 and lost 44-39 in double overtime to Derby in the Class 6A state quarterfinals.

The 6-foot-2 Taylor delivered 16 points and nine rebounds per game last season. Taylor, ranked as the No. 3 Kansas player in the Class of 2021, had not played competitive basketball until eighth grade.

She earned first team All-Sunflower League, first team Class 6A and was one of five finalists for the Direnna Award for the top girls’ player in the greater Kansas area. Taylor signed with the University of Colorado of the Pac 12 in November.

This winter, Taylor would like to win a state championship for the first time in school history. She most enjoys the “physicality, hard work and dedication” to play basketball. She averaged 15 points and nine rebounds a game in the regular season.

“She has the ability to affect the game on both ends of the floor,” coach Tyler Stewart said. “Offensively, she can bang down in the post and she can step outside and make the 3. Defensively, she has great timing on blocking shots and affecting all shots.”

Evelyn Vazquez, KC Piper, Senior KC Piper’s Evelyn Vazquez has a drawing on her Twitter with her No. 24 and the hashtag ”Defense Wins Championships.” Her defense has continued the Pirates’ great success under coach Shane Stout. Piper is 17-6, 19-3, 23-2, 23-1, 23-1 and 21-2 the last six seasons.

Vazquez, a 5-foot-5 senior point guard, delivered 14.4 points, 5.7 steals, 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists a contest last season. She recently earned Scholar Athlete of the Month by

Page 103 a Kansas City media outlet.

Vazquez is a four-year starter with a 4.25 GPA and was the 2020 MVP of the Basehor-Linwood tournament. She has delivered double-digit steals multiple times with a game high of 13. Overall, she has 647 points and 332 steals in her career.

She was a consensus first team all-state 4A selection.

“Evelyn controls the game on both ends of the floor with her athleticism, intensity, and speed,” Stout said. “Her on the ball defense and ability to pressure opponents completely changes the game. She controls the ball on the offensive end with her ability to handle the ball and push the floor with incredible speed, while rarely turning it over. She is very intelligent and understands the game at a high level.”

Vazquez has several individual state track and field medals and ran on the 400-meter relay squad that set the state record in 2019. She ran the first leg of the relay that posted 48.69 seconds overall. Piper took runner-up in the team standings.

She committed to Northwest Missouri State University and would like to pursue a physical therapy career. Overall, she ranks No. 15 in the Class of 155 students. This fall, she would like to lead Piper to a state title.

“The things I like most about basketball are playing at a fast pace, creating for myself and my teammates, and beating our opponent,” Vazquez said. “One thing you should know about my team is that we are ready to play this year. We just moved up to 5A but we don’t fear anyone. We are more than eager to get on the court.”

Payton Verhulst, Bishop Miege, Senior Bishop Miege senior Payton Verhulst is the state’s reigning Gatorade Player of the Year and a consensus top-10 national prospect for the Class of 2021. Verhulst, the third-youngest of six children, earned offers from a bevy of Division I schools.

She averaged 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists and 2.5 blocks per contest last winter for a Stag squad that reached the final four before the season was cancelled from coronavirus.

Verhulst committed to Louisville on April 10 and signed in November. At his signing day press conference, veteran Louisville coach Jeff Walz noted Verhulst’s all-around game, a staple of her success.

“She is not the type of kid that is going to wow you with everything she does,” Walz told reporters. “But when the night’s over and you look at a stat sheet, she is very impressive. She rebounds the ball, she can pass it, she scores and she has very good instincts on the defensive end of the floor.”

Bishop Miege’s Terry English is Kansas’ all-time leader in championships. Miege took second at state when Verhulst was a freshman and won the title as a sophomore. This season, Miege is expected to again contend for a crown with Verhulst, along with junior guards Gabi Henderson-Artis and Emajin McCallop. Miege is 69-3 in Verhulst’s career.

“We are hard-working players that just enjoy playing the game of basketball,” Payton said.

Coach English, and his son, Jeff English, the longtime Stag assistant coach, call Verhulst the most talented player to ever come through Miege. She is also involved in various community service projects.

“Payton has the ability to outthink, outperform and outhustle her opponents,” Walz said. “She can score in a variety of ways, is dedicated to her craft and has a championship pedigree.”

Outside of basketball, Verhulst is a multi-year 4A first team volleyball all-state pick. After a year away from volleyball, she elected to return in 2020. Miege played the entire season in masks, including actual game play, and won the state title.

She earned 4A Player of the Year with a team-high 301 kills and second with 209 digs.

Payton’s mother played at Duke, her father at Rockhurst.

Payton’s older sister, Ashton, is a freshman basketball player at Central Florida. The Verhulsts’ family court has Duke, Louisville and UCF emblems.

Kansas Pregame Winter Sports Preview, Volume 3 “We have capable athletes that can FHL/from page 47 replace [last year’s seniors] and we should be a tough team to eliminate by season’s end,” he said. “The keys will be staying healthy and learning our new roles as the season progresses.”

Mission Valley has a challenging schedule, featuring several matchups with larger schools which have high expectations for this season.

“Our record may not be outstanding early on, or entering substate, but I have confidence we will be a dangerous team come that time,” he said.

For NORTHERN HEIGHTS, the 2019-20 Flint Hills League regular season championship was sweet. However, sixth year head coach Jacob Lang and company will face a tall task as they seek to replace two all-state players (Cameron Heiman, Tee Preisner) and other key contributors who graduated.

The Wildcats went 18-4 overall and 6-1 in the league last season, but had their season cut short by Flint Hills League foe Lyndon in the semifinals of the substate tournament.

If Northern Heights is to advance beyond that in 2020-21, it will have to rely on juniors Braden Heins (11 ppg, 4 rpg) and Jerrod Campbell (4 ppg, 3 rpg) to slip their feet into the large shoes left behind by last year’s seniors.

Lang said that both underclassmen and upperclassmen alike will be called upon to produce in greater amounts than they did last season.

“In order for our team to be successful, we will need to have some young guys step up and have our older guys adjust to their new roles,” he said.

OSAGE CITY went 10-12 last season and fell to Burlington in the substate semifinal by a final score of 76-57.

The Indians, coming off one of the best football seasons in school history, return two players who earned All-Flint Hills League Honorable Mention accolades in senior Shane Orender and sophomore Landon Boss.

WEST FRANKLIN finished last in the Flint Hills League with a 1-20 overall record. The Falcons’ lone victory was a 46-43 win over Marais des Cygnes Valley in February.

West Franklin fell 87-32 to Burlington in the first round of substate, but will look to two returning starters to improve upon that finish this year. Senior Caden Fischer will lead the way after the 6-7 senior averaged 13.9 points and 7.1 rebounds a year ago.

GIRLS While CENTRAL HEIGHTS went just 4-17 in 2019-20, the Vikings doubled their win total from the previous year and will look to continue that improvement this season.

The good news for Central Heights is that six of last year’s top eight scorers will return, including junior Taryn Compton (6.3 ppg) and senior Mary Roehl (4.9 ppg, 1.9 rpg).

The Vikings fell to Northern Heights 53-29 in the first round of substate play last season.

CHASE COUNTY went an impressive 19-3 last season. However, two of the Bulldogs’ three losses were incredibly costly, with one FRL/from page 48 with a 12-10 record and made it to the substate finals against Eudora.

Returning junior forward Kate Ediger earned an all-conference spot last year and will be important to the team’s success this year.

Coach Butler brings high expectations, with a goal of winning the league. Her keys to that success are, “competing every possession, staying disciplined.”

TONGANOXIE’s Mitch Loomis is another second-year coach looking to move a program into the top ranks of the league. The team posted a 3-17 record and was winless in the conference last year.

The Lady Chieftain’s graduated long-time starter Lauren Gray last year, and are looking to build depth in a program that has seen participation drop off. Making the program competitive on a regular basis is bound to boost enthusiasm, and ball-handling and scoring depth will be critical to keeping games close.

The offense will rely heavily on 6-0 senior Morgan Brusven, who averaged 11.1 points and 8 rebounds per game last year. She’s joined up front by 5-10 junior Emma Sunderland who averaged 2.0 points and 2.1 rebounds per game last year in limited action. Junior guard Raegan Seba and senior guard Kylie Rickard will also be important to the team’s growth.

Page 104 coming in the regular season against eventual Flint Hills League champion Northern Heights and the other in the substate semifinal against Hillsboro.

The Bulldogs graduated several key pieces, but do return recent Barton County signee Britney Schroer and 5-11 junior Kaylee Simpson.

In 2020-21, COUNCIL GROVE will unveil new schemes on both offense and defense. For first year head coach Eric Carter, how well his players learn and execute the fresh look will go a long way in determining the team’s success.

Last season, the Lady Braves went 11-9 overall and 5-2 in the league, which was good enough for fourth place. Juniors Liz Armstrong (8.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.5 spg, 1.9 apg) and Paizli Butler (5.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 3.2 spg, 2.5 apg) will join senior Keeley Honas (3.9 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.1 apg) as returners from that team.

In addition to installing updated operating systems, Carter identified the team’s ability “to execute depending on [the] status of [the] season” as it relates to COVID-19, as an area of emphasis for 2020-21.

The goal for this season, according to Carter, is “to compete in every game we play and win conference, conference tournament, [and] play well in substate.”

LYNDON was just south of middle in 2019-20, finishing fifth place in the Flint Hills League with a 3-4 record and an 8-13 mark overall.

The Tigers had difficulty putting points on the board last season and have lost last year’s leading scorer Brooke Addleman to graduation. Seventh year head coach Toby Baker knows that this will continue to be an area of concern in 2020-21.

“We need to find some scorers,” he said. “We usually defend pretty well, [but we’ve] got to focus on scoring.”

Baker will look to senior Abby Criqui (8 ppg, 2.1 apg), junior Maci Ramey (4 ppg, 1.8 spg), and junior Addyson Easter (7 ppg, 7 rpg) to rise to the occasion this season for the Tigers to improve on last year’s efforts.

“We want to compete and improve every game,” he said.

The 2019-20 season got off to a rough start for MISSION VALLEY, which sat at just 1-4 going into winter break. After the holiday, the Vikings managed to turn things around somewhat, going 8-8 the rest of the way, with four of those losses coming against ranked teams.

Much of that late season success came courtesy of the efforts of Megan Deters (11.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.3 apg, 3.0 spg) and Tatiana Halupa (6.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.8 spg), who will return as seniors in 2020-21.

The Vikings turned in an overall record of 9-12 and 2-4 in league play, which earned them sixth place. This will be the second year as head coach for Ben Packard, who took over the reins after Christmas last season.

Packard was encouraged by the team’s turnaround in 2020 and

hopes to improve on that success this year. He will look to his two returning starters and four letterwinners to lead the way in that effort.

Mission Valley will also need to establish some depth further down the bench.

“We need...underclassmen to step up and be able to play productive minutes for us,” Packard said.

The 2019-20 season saw NORTHERN HEIGHTS win its second straight Flint Hills League title, a feat it will seek to accomplish again this year.

The Wildcats continued their magic through the substate tournament before eventually falling 59-48 to Wabaunsee in the championship game.

For head coach Lanny Massey, the goal for 2020-21 is not simply to win a third league championship in a row, but to make it to the state tournament as well.

Northern Heights will look to key returners from last year’s squad to carry it to its objective. Those include seniors Caleigh Smart (11.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg) and Kaley Boyce (5.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.5 spg) and juniors Adrianna Brecheisen (2.9 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 2.5 spg) and Makenna French (5.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg).

But surpassing last year’s success is not a given. According to Massey, there is still work to be done.

“We need to continue to improve every day and have a few people pick up their scoring,” he said.

Although OSAGE CITY finished the 2019-20 season with just a 13-11 overall record and a third place Flint Hills League finish, the Lady Indians outshone the rest of the league in postseason play as they raced through their substate bracket and earned a spot in the 3A state tournament.

Osage City was ultimately ousted in the first round by top-seeded Nemaha Central in a 45-35 loss.

Head coach Chris Kirkpatrick, entering his fourteenth year in the role, attributed his team’s up and down season to player health.

“Last year we battled injuries throughout,” he said. “[We] didn’t really get close to being healthy until late in the season.”

He said that remaining healthy will be essential to accomplishing this year’s goal, which he revealed is to “get back to state and keep advancing.”

Kirkpatrick identified four seniors he expects to be leaders in 202021: Taylin Kirkpatrick (12 ppg, 6.5 rpg), Hayden Serna (15.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Dani Kerns (8 ppg, 5.8 rpg), and Sara Davis (2.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg).

With the team’s returning experience and momentum from last season, the Lady Indians will threaten to be a contender in the league this season.

WEST FRANKLIN went 5-16 last season and had its season clipped short in the first round of the substate tournament in a 41-37 loss to Anderson County.

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