Mulvane’s Rylie Schiffelbean

By Hayden Swope

Rylie Schiffelbean of Mulvane was a second team all-league softball player last season and is one of the Wildcats’ key players heading into the 2023 season.

“It is an honor to be recognized out of all the hard working athletes,” Schiffelbean said. “I am proud to represent Mulvane and showcase our talent from a small school.” goals was one she had been striving to improve from the previous season.

With the first game of the season quickly approaching, Schiffelbean knew she had to get to work. Exercising her skills and working on her communication with teammates was Schiffelbean’s top priority.

Last season, the Derby baseball team qualified for the 6A baseball team and Mitchell Johnson, a first team all-league pitcher, was one of the main reasons why.

Johnson, a senior, went 4-2 with a 2.31 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 30.1 innings a year ago.

“What I’m looking forward to this season is making it back to state and this last high school season my best,” Johnson said.

Throwing fastballs has never been a problem for Johnson, but being to control and locate his off-speed stuff hasn’t been as easy.

“Throwing off-speed is what I want to improve on,” Johnson said. “I’ve always been a hard throwing lefty but there’s always room for improvement when it comes to off speed and control and also command, but I’ve been throwing pins and doing drive line five days a week and lifting at least three days a week to improve for the season.”

Johnson, who has been a three-year starter for the Panthers, is hopeful is ERA and strikeout numbers will improve thanks to his offseason work.

“My goals are, individually, it would be to have a low ERA and to have a high strike out record for my personal best,” Johnsons said. “And for the team is winning state is what we all should be striving for this upcoming season.”

Next year, Johnson is going to play baseball at Cowley Community College.