The Final Score

Seniors Go Out On Top

Four years. Four district championships, and one state title. Seniors Kyan Evans and Kayden Fish were two key players to each run during their high-school careers.

They were district champs in the 2019-2020 season, but the run was cut short just before the state tournament due to the increased spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The next year, 2020-2021, the team made it through districts but lost to Liberty High School in sectionals, the score was 66-53. Prior to the 2021-2022 season, then-junior and now senior Cameron Manyawu transferred into the school and further developed the integrity of the team.

“It was really good for me,” Manyawu said. “The guys were all accepting, and they helped me find my role. And when I found that role, I got into it and did it the best I could.”

This led to the deepest run for the men's team prior to the 2023 season, where they had a final four appearance that ended in a 53-43 loss to Nixa High School but was followed by their third place win over Chaminade High School. The conclusion to the grind came with the state championship this year where seniors Kyan Evans, Kayden Fish, Cameron Manyawu, Jared Lee, Larry Parker, Deon Burtin and Aidan Winnike earned the state title.

Due to his success this season, Evans was nominated as a Gatorade player of the year, Class 6 player of year and earned the DiRenna award which is given to the best basketball player in the K.C. Metro Area.

“It's a great feeling ending out my high school career with those accolades and a championship,” Evans said.

Evans, Fish and Manyawu were honored with Class 6 All state honors.

Written by Joe Smith