Area Basketball Preview, 2018-2019

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Page 2

MEET THE SPARTANS

Chance Gilpin

Hunter Hines

Sophomore

Sophomore

December 1 and 2, 2018

MEET THE SPARTANS

Brooklyn Wiltz Freshman

Isabel Garcia Freshman

Hattie Cooper Freshman

2518 W 15th Ave • Emporia 620-343-8000

MEET THE SPARTANS

Tenley Decker Sophomore

Gracie Gilpin Freshman

Bobby D’s 607 Merchant

620-342-1990 Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Grace Xu Freshman

MEET THE SPARTANS

Charles Snyder Sophomore

Layton Daniels Sophomore

Cameron Kienholz Senior

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

December 1 and 2, 2018

Page 3

emporia spartans SPARTAN BOYS LOOK FOR NEW CONTRIBUTORS IN 2018-19

PHOTOS BY DYLAN SHERWOOD/GAZETTE

Top: Zach Harris (15) will be looking for minutes during his senior year. Right: Spencer Stewart is taking over the point guard duties after Jay Wilson graduated.

By Dylan Sherwood dylan@emporia.com

Emporia High boys’ basketball coach Beau Welch said he doesn’t know what to expect from his 2018-19 Spartans.

What he does know is that he has a key group of seven seniors who will look to get EHS back to the Class 5A State Tournament — a feat it hasn’t accomplished since 2013. The Spartans were a mere eight points away from snapping that streak a season ago, winning 13 games but falling in a 5A sub-state final against Wichita Heights. That was a seven-win climb from the previous year.

EHS will rely on its senior class moving forward, though there are several underclassmen that have valuable experiences at the freshmen and JV levels, but will be getting their first taste of varsity action.

“I think this group having the success at the younger levels, it really benefits them,” Welch said. “They play with confidence together. I think they come into this year with a little chip on their shoulders.

We have something to prove as a team, cause this is a new group and I think they understand that. Nobody is going to give you any notoriety (or) respect. We haven’t done anything yet. We’ve got a long way to go.”

Out of this year’s eightmember senior class, only one is a returning starter. Jace Stewart will also be joined

by Kyler McCullough, who served in a sixth-man role as a junior. “(There’s) a great camaraderie amongst our seniors and (they) do things the right way,” Welch said. “They know Please see EHS Boys, Page 4

EMPORIA HIGH

DEC. 4 vs. Wichita Independent DEC. 6 @ Hesston, Hesston Tournament DEC. 7 vs. Nickerson @ Hesston Tournament DEC. 11 vs. Washburn Rural DEC. 14 @ Topeka West DEC. 18 vs. Highland Park DEC. 20 @ Topeka High JAN. 4 vs. Seaman JAN. 8 @ Manhattan JAN. 11 @ Junction City JAN. 17-19 Ralph Miller Classic @ Chanute (Boys) JAN. 18 @ Hayden (Girls) JAN. 24-26 Glacier’s Edge Tournament (Girls) JAN. 25 @ Hayden (Boys) FEB. 5 @ Washburn RurAL FEB. 8 vs. Topeka West FEB. 12 vs. Topeka High FEB. 15 @ Seaman FEB. 19 vs. Manhattan FEB. 22 vs. Junction City FEB. 28-3/3 5A Sub-State MAR. 6-9 5A State @ White Auditorium

MEET THE SPARTANS

Cameron Geitz Freshman

Kaden Woydziak Freshman

Jon Geitz, AAMS® Financial Advisor 1601 West 6th Ave, Ste B Emporia, KS 66801 620-343-2388

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Page 4

December 1 and 2, 2018

EHS GIRLS LOOK FOR BREAKOUT SEASON

By Dylan Sherwood dylan@emporia.com

The off-season for the Emporia High girls’ basketball team was a successful one.

Now, Carolyn Dorsey’s Spartans will look to bring that success into the 2018-19 season. She said the summer saw a lot of growth from her team.

“The summer’s always really good, because (we) get to see a lot of kids step up into a new role, they get experience with it and they get confident with it,” Dorsey said. “(We) start to form an identity and come together. We have (Taylor) Milleson returning that means we have a lot of experience to fill and they did a great job of that this summer. We had a lot of kids step up. They’ve come together as a team. It’s always good to get wins, especially in (our) hometown.”

Dorsey said her team has improved in every aspect of the game after winning nine games last season. Milleson is the sole senior of this year’s team, but there’s a strong junior class featuring Mya Tovar and Rayanna Breshears, both who’ve played major roles early in their careers.

“Milleson’s a great leader, well-experienced, strong (and) does the right thing,” Dorsey said. “She’s coachable and expects everyone to follow and makes sure that happens. I was pleased with both Millie and Tovar specifically this summer. They worked hard and developed. Millie and Tovar are two strong post players and they’re stronger than what they were last year.

“Rayanna took the reigns as a sophomore and she had to grow up quickly and she did.

You don’t see a sophomore point guard in the Centennial League. She got live gamelike experience and I think she’s going to have a really strong year. She understands

EHS BOYS From PAGE 3 that’s the way to be successful. They always play and root for each other and everyone else on our team. That kind of goes into what we want to prove. They understand that and want to go out with a good taste in their mouths.”

Stewart said having a good group of guys moving up will help fill the holes left by seven seniors who graduated.

“We don’t have a lot of guys that have varsity experience, but (the) JV only losing one game last year was really nice for us,”

the game (and has) been shooting it well and shooting all summer. She works hard and stays after (practice).”

Breshears said gaining that experience during her freshman and sophomore seasons helped.

“I think it’s great getting varsity experience early,” she said. “I think it puts (me) ahead in the game and in the future.”

Tovar agreed with Breshears on gaining the experience early.

“I think the longer we play together, the better it gets,” Tovar said. “As long as we play as a team and play together, we’ll be okay.”

Junior Mya Chapman, sophomores Macey Adams and Emily Christensen and freshman Gracie Gilpin will also look to play key supporting roles.

“Macey’s a great shooter, Gracie Gilpin’s a really strong shooter,” Dorsey said. “We’ve got Emily Christensen that I think is going to give us some help. Mya Chapman is a kid that (we’ll) see inside and out and can do quite a bit.”

The Spartans will depend mostly on their inside presence, but growth from the guards would surely be useful.

“Our inside presence is strong,” Dorsey said. “Our outside game (was) a bit weaker, but that got stronger this summer. We had some kids step up and work hard this summer. Our shooting has improved.”

Milleson said have high expectations for this season.

“We’ve come (into the pre-season) and we’re ready to compete,” she said. “Last year we were young (and) small. This summer, we proved that we’ve grown up and we’ve developed our skills a little bit.

“This year, we’re better shooters, defenders. We’re filling those shoes pretty well.” he said.

Senior Spencer Stewart will be taking over the point guard duties after Jay Wilson graduated. During the off-season, Stewart recovered from a collarbone injury and is back to full strength after playing football in the fall.

“I know I have some (big) shoes to fill,” he said. “We just (need to) play our own game. We lost a lot of starters, but are a whole new team and we’ll be ready.”

McCullough said it’ll be a different role for him, sliding into a potential starting role after being one of the first players off the bench last season.

“I think it was huge for me to get a little bit of experience here and there, trying to

DYLAN SHERWOOD/GAZETE

Taylor Milleson (45) is the Spartans’ sole senior on this year’s team.

The Spartans will play everyone in the Centennial League twice, with the exception of Highland Park and Hayden. EHS will be a part of a loaded Glacier’s Edge Tournament for a daunting mid-season task and play in the Hesston Tournament against the Swathers, Wichita Independent and Nickerson.

“The Centennial League is so strong,” Dorsey said. “It makes our league fun and competitive. It prepares us for sub-state. I like where our league has us. I like the games we have each night. It’s going to push us and challenge us each night. I think the girls are going to respond.”

EHS will attempt to get back to state for

the first time since 2015 at a new site — White Auditorium — a place that’s special to Dorsey where she played four years for Emporia State.

“The fact that it got moved there was really special,” she said. “It’s 5A basketball in our hometown. That court is really special to me. I love that court. I’m pretty excited about it. If we can get (into state) in our hometown, produce and play in front of an Emporia (crowd), I think that’s really special. (White Auditorium) means a lot to us.

This is a team that can push to get there. We have a lot of growing up to still do.”

EHS opens up its season at 6 p.m. Tuesday against Wichita Independent.

bring energy off the bench,” he said. “This year, I’ll be able to step into a bigger role and help the team even more.”

Welch said sophomore Charles Snyder will be amongst others looking for a starting role or significant playing time. “(He has) a lot of talent, loves to play, great body,” he said. “The sky’s the limit for Charles. He works hard and there’s no question on him being a big part of what we’re going to do this year.”

The potential road to White Auditorium and the Class 5A State Tournament will not be an easy one for the Spartans. EHS will play everyone in the Centennial League twice, with the exception of Highland Park and Hayden, and will be a part of the Hesston

Tournament, facing the Swathers, Nickerson and Wichita Independent. EHS is also a part of a loaded Ralph Miller Classic field in Chanute for a quality mid-season challenge.

“That’s who we are and that’s what we go up against,” Welch said. “(We’ve) got to embrace it and got to play. It only makes us stronger. It would be a lot of fun (to qualify for state). There’s a lot of things that have to happen between now and (March).

We’ve got to grow, handle adversity along the path of the season. Right now, we want to take care of all of our steps and give us a chance to get there.”

EHS will open up its season at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday when it hosts Wichita Independent.

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

December 1 and 2, 2018

Page 5

NORTHERN HEIGHTS WILDCATS

WILDCATS’ POTENTIAL POINTS UPWARD

By Stephen Coleman stephen@emporia.com

There is plenty that Jacob Lang, in his fourth year leading the Northern Heights boys, likes about his team.

He only hopes that they can put things together well enough to reach their ceiling. “(We) should be improved from last year,” he said. “We are much deeper than we have been.”

Though the Wildcats lost four starters, they will bring back a pair of court regulars in Tee Preisner and Marcus Waters. Preisner averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds as a sophomore while Waters provided some pop off the bench.

There will be opportunities for several other newcomers to step into enhanced roles, including senior Eric Yu and junior Cameron Heiman, both of whom will get shots at guard spots.

“Effort, attitude and teamwork will be necessary,” Lang said. “We have the potential to be quite a bit improved from last year. We have some new guys who have been working really hard to know the system. If we come together as a team, work hard and play with energy, we should have a successful season.”

Last year’s mark of 4-15 will be first up on the docket for improvements. The Wildcats will have ample chances early to build some chemistry and work on the win total. NHHS will play at a tournament in Wabaunsee, as well as at Central Heights and Osage City during December.

NORTHERN HEIGHTS NOV. 30 WEST FRANKLIN DEC. 4, 6 @ Wabaunsee Tournament DEC. 11 @ Central Heights DEC. 14 @ Osage City DEC. 18 CHASE COUNTY JAN. 4 LYNDON JAN. 8 MISSION VALLEY JAN. 11 @ Council Grove

JAN. 14-15, 17-19 FHL Shootout @ Emporia JAN. 22 @ Rural Vista JAN. 25 HERINGTON JAN. 29 @ Burlingame FEB. 1 MADISON FEB. 12 OLPE FEB. 15 HARTFORD FEB. 19 @ West Franklin FEB. 25- MAR. 1 Sub-State MAR. 6-9 State @ Hays

www.thurstonsplusautobody.com

BODY SHOP (620) 342-2613 MECHANICAL (620) 343-7063

STEPHEN COLEMAN/GAZETTE

STEPHEN COLEMAN/GAZETTE

Destiny Dody is one of two seniors who will help anchor the Lady Wildcats’ lineup in 2018-19.

Tee Preisner(44) will provide size and experience in the paint for the NHHS boys.

1744 County Rd. F Emporia (620)342-5000

KansasLand Bank 620-443-5163

702 Main St. PO Box 374 • Americus, KS 66835 www.kansaslandbank.com

We Service what we sell!

MEL’S TIRE

“Service Is Not Expensive-It’s Priceless” 915 Graham 620-342-8473

Proud Supporter of Northern Heights High School

Your Local Voice & Data Provider

1.800.626.8859

Go s!

Wild cat

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Page 6

December 1 and 2, 2018

NHHS GIRLS SEEK CLIMB INTO FHL MIX

By Stephen Coleman stephen@emporia.com

The Northern Heights girls are just a few seasons removed from being a regular atop the Flint Hills League standings and a contender for a state title.

If things go well for a strong group of returners in the shifting sands of the FHL, the Wildcats may be ready to make a jump back to the top.

NHHS brings back four regulars from a season ago. Seniors Lexi Davis and Destiny Dody will provide scoring on the perimeter while junior Khylee Massey and sophomore Caleigh Smart will provide stability in the post.

“We return a strong nucleus from last year’s team,” head coach Lanny Massey said. “We feel that we should contend for a league title this year and probably beyond that.”

Davis and Dody both averaged sevenplus points per game in 2017-18, while Khylee Massey led the Wildcats with 13

points and seven rebounds per contest.

Kaley Boyce, Aleah Hines, Kaylee Burton will be joined by freshman Makenna French in those who will also get valuable varsity minutes early in the season as the Wildcats look to grow comfortable with their rotations and themselves.

How soon those assimilate into what has already grown over the previous few years will help determine how Northern Heights will finish.

“We should be deeper than we have been recently,” Coach Massey said. “The keys for us will be how we come together and mesh as a unit. Every year is a new year with a new dynamic, but we have a lot of girls that have played together with three that have already two years of starting experience together, so we should be able to get on the same page really quick.”

NHHS will play at Central Heights and Osage City in December, with home games against West Franklin and Lyndon as well.

MEET THE SPARTANS

Vance Kinsey Freshman

Taylor Milleson Senior

Jessica Lemus Freshman

STEPHEN COLEMAN/GAZETTE

Khylee Massey (3)

MEET THE SPARTANS

Rylee Peak Freshman

Lisa Stueve

517 Merchant, Emporia • 620-342-4841 • emporiagazette.com

lisa@emporia.com

Kaylee Thomas Sophomore

Quiaunna Thomas Junior

Bettina Shank VIEW US shank@emporia.com ON LI N E! 620-208-8888

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

December 1 and 2, 2018

Page 7

MADISON BULLDOGS BULLDOG BOYS CONTINUE TO BUILD INTO 2018 Beyer will also look for some playing time.

Dannels said the team’s goals remain largely unchanged. Having a winning season, keep improving defensively, finding the best shot selection, taking care of the ball and playing smart will be keys to success.

The Bulldogs opened their season up against Pleasanton Friday, a game that was originally scheduled for February, but due to the new format of the Class 1A postseason, the game was moved up to the season-opener. Madison will follow that with the Marmaton Valley Tournament and will open up Lyon County League play Dec. 11 at home against Olpe.

By Dylan Sherwood dylan@emporia.com

Experience will be crucial for the Madison boys’ basketball team for the 2018-19 season.

The Bulldogs are still in their rebuilding stages of the program under head coach Brett Dannels who enters his fourth season at the helm. The foundation has been set, however, as Madison will look to build off a 10-win season, even with a number of holes to fill.

“We are returning a lot of young players from last season and adding a good group of young talent,” Dannels said. “This season’s success will depend on our ability to take care Madison girls to of the ball, shoot well and play solid defense.

This group of young men knows how to win depend on youth and I think that is a huge key.”

The Madison girls’ basketball team will Sophomore Chase Harrison is the Bulldepend on a very young team going into the dogs’ top returning scorer. As a freshman, 2018-19 season.

Harrison averaged 14 points, five rebounds The Bulldogs will have to fill the void creand three assists per game. Senior Austin FILE PHOTO Watts (8 ppg), sophomore Ryan Wolgram (7 ated by Calli Dannels graduating and only Chase Harrison (35) is the Bulldogs’ top returner last year on a team that won 10 ppg) and junior Nasun Wasson (4 ppg) also Please see Madison, Page 9 games. return. Seniors Davin Stutesman and Duke

COMPLETE AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS ON FOREIGN & DOMESTIC

WAGNER’S AUTOMOTIVE GENERAL SERVICE

www.thurstonsplusautobody.com

Specializing in Computer Diagnostics

BODY SHOP (620) 342-2613

M-F 7 am - 5:30 pm

MECHANICAL (620) 343-7063

Evan Wagner, Owner - Over 27 Years Experience 1010 SW Blvd. • Madison, KS

620-437-2530

Ratcliff Propane LLC Residential & Commercial propane delivery with competitive pricing!

• LP Gas Delivery • Rent & Sell Tanks • Contract Pricing Available

620-366-1967 •

Travis Ratcliff

1744 County Rd. F Emporia (620)342-5000

We Service what we sell!

City of Madison Enjoy the great city of Madison City Hall 225 West Main • 620-437-2556

Va n a r s da l e Funeral Home 202 W. Main, Madison Phone (620) 437-2081

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Page 8

December 1 and 2, 2018

CHASE COUNTY BULLDOGS

BULLDOGS SEEK TO MAINTAIN BITE hinge on six regulars.

Seniors Maya Eidman and Katelyn Schroer combined for 15 points and 16 rebounds per game last There won’t be very many roster decisions for Chase year, while juniors Makenzie Higgs, Laken VandeGrift County head coach Ron Slaymaker entering the 2018- and Landry Hinkson will also be sought for collective growth as each have seen considerable minutes in each 19 campaign.

His lineup will largely be comprised of experienced of their first two years. upperclassmen that will help keep the Bulldogs near or at the top of the Flint Hills League.

“We could have a six-girl rotation in the starting TIRES • AUTOMOTIVE lineup,” he said. “(We) expect to have a good season.”

MECHANICAL SERVICES Those expectations for a good season will primarily

By Stephen Coleman stephen@emporia.com

CHASE COUNTY DEC. 4-8 Herington Tournament DEC. 11 @ Mission Valley DEC. 14 WEST FRANKLIN DEC. 18 @ Northern Heights DEC. 20 LYNDON JAN. 4 CENTRAL HEIGHTS JAN. 8 COUNCIL GROVE JAN. 11 @ Osage City JAN. 14-15, 17-19 FHL Shootout @ Emporia

JAN. 22 PEABODY JAN. 29 @ SCC FEB. 1 @ Hartford FEB. 5 @ MdCV FEB. 8 WAVERLY FEB. 12 @ Madison FEB. 15 CENTRE FEB. 18-23 Regionals FEB. 28-MAR. 2 Sub-State MAR. 6-9 STATE @ Dodge City

Clover Cliff Ranch

TIRES • AUTOMOTIVE Bed & Breakfast MECHANICAL SERVICES

(620)Kansas 343-0621 3 W. hwy 99 • Olpe, 620-475-3333 826A US Highway 50 Elmdale, M-F 7:30-6 | Sat 7:30KS -166850

clovercliffranch.com

A Tradition of Caring & Service Serving Families of the Flint Hills Since 1881

Susan Alexander • Telephone: (620) 273-6311 201 Cherry • Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845 bbafh@hotmail.com www.brown-bennett-alexander.com

3 W. hwy 99 • Olpe, Kansas 620-475-3333 M-F 7:30-6 Sat 7:30 -1 Cottonwood Falls,|KS • (620) 273-6500

Please see Chase County, Page 9

Harshman Construction Cottonwood Falls • 273-6156

Enrollment

USD 284 Chase County Schools

Clark Farm & Home Store August 10, 7:00 am-7:00 pm August 11, 8:00 am-12:00 pm

4th &at Chase Cottonwood • Strong City K-12 Enrollment County

273-6656

Junior-Senior High School

Chase County Junior-Senior High School 620-273-6354 Chase County Elementary 620-273-6676

www.thurstonsplusautobody.com

JOIN US ON A JOURNEY TO SUCCESS • Low Enrollment Fees • Low Student/Teacher ratio • One to One Technology Initiatives • Successful activities and athletics • Receive a quality education in a small town atmosphere • Project Based Learning at CCES

Cedar Point

(620) 274-4377

Scribner Insurance Agency, LLC Cottonwood Falls

(620) 273-6606

BODY SHOP (620) 342-2613 MECHANICAL (620) 343-7063

IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE A BULLDOG

USD 284

Office: 305 Broadway, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845 • Rick Griffin, Broker (620) 273-6421 • 1-866-273-6421 • Fax (620) 273-6425

Sophomore Britney Schroer, freshman Kaylee Simpson, junior Madison Kinkaid and senior Megan Turner will also provide depth at forward while Morgan Spinden and Audrey Tubach will work their way into the picture as backup guards at the varsitiy level.

The Bulldogs will be tested early on, facing road battles against Mission Valley and Northern Heights, two of the Flint Hills League’s finest in recent years.

Chase County will also host West Franklin and Lyndon during the month of December.

Chase County Schools

1744 County Rd. F Emporia (620)342-5000

We Service what we sell!

MEL’S TIRE

“Service Is Not Expensive-It’s Priceless” 915 Graham 620-342-8473

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

December 1 and 2, 2018

Page 9

MADISON From PAGE 7 having 11 players out for basketball.

Entering her second season at Madison, head coach Vanessa Kresin said she wants the Bulldogs to continue to grow after an 11-win season in her first year.

“The expectation is to get better every single day by focusing on the fundamentals,” she said. “(We’re) also expected to play as a team and establish a team camaraderie.”

Madison returns two starters in senior Emily Farrow and junior Lilah Serrer. Reese Farrow will look to make an early impact as a freshman. Korie Watts and Taylor Williams also return after making key contributions in their freshman and sophomore campaigns, respectively.

Kresin’s key to success for the Bulldogs this season — defense and winning every statistical category.

“If we can win the rebound battle per game, win the free-throw percentage per game, as well as increase the number of overall defensive stops per game, we’ll put ourselves in a much better position overall,” she said.

Madison opened the season at Pleasanton FILE PHOTO Friday. The Bulldogs will play in the Marmaton Valley Tournament and have their home Emily Farrow (1) will be the lone senior opener against Olpe on Dec. 11. for the Madison girls.

MEET THE SPARTANS STEPHEN COLEMAN/GAZETTE

Maya Eidman (4) is one of two top returners for CCHS in 2018.

CHASE COUNTY From PAGE 8

CCHS boys look to trio of seniors for guidance The Chase County boys had to look beyond the win-loss record for victories last year, but will be seeking victories on paper to come around as well in 2018-19.

After going 1-20 one year ago, the Bulldogs will be looking at a trifecta of seniors and a large number of underclassmen to help the program take another step forward.

Seniors Justin Kohlman, Hunter Groh and Braydon Schroer all return as three of the Bulldogs’ leaders on both sides of the court. Owen Eidman and Joe Soyez will be among the large number of underclassmen hoping to play their way into regular minutes.

Santos Ortiz Freshman

Kadyn Galbreath Freshman

2101 West 6th • Emporia

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Page 10

December 1 and 2, 2018

MEET THE SPARTANS

Jadon Lantz Sophomore

Hunter Groh (32) will look to get the Bulldogs in contention for a FHL title.

Avery Gutierrez Freshman

Elleana Bennett Freshman

Junior

Kyler McCullough Senior

Serving Emporia, KS and the area with THE BEST music from the 70s thru today @ 96.1 on your FM dial.

DYLAN SHERWOOD/GAZETTE

MEET THE SPARTANS

Kianna Victor

MEET THE SPARTANS

Mya Chapman Junior

Rayanna Breshears Junior

Jon Breshears

620-794-9932 www.customcutterstreeservice.com

728 Mechanic St. • Emporia • 620-342-2092

December 1 and 2, 2018

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Page 11

HARTFORD JAGUARS YOUTHFUL JAGUARS LOOK TO FILL VOIDS

By Dylan Sherwood dylan@emporia.com

The Hartford girls basketball team is coming off the best season in program history where it finished 21-5 and lost in the 1A-DII State Championship game to Quinter.

However, the Jaguars will be a brand new team for the 2018-19 season after Morgan Bolen and Maisie Schroeder graduated and are playing at Neosho County Community College and Manhattan Christian College, respectively.

Entering his sixth season at Hartford, head coach Ryan Thomas said this team is capable of doing anything.

“We’re pretty young, but have the ability to go deeper than (what) we have in the past,” he said. “We will need some girls to step up and put the ball in the hole. We’ve got to be able to score.”

With the voids left by Bolen and Schroeder, the Jaguars do return three starters — Bailey Darbyshire, Shelbi Metcalfe and Brooke Finnerty. Erika Holmes and Halee Heathman also return and look for more playing time from a season ago.

Thomas said freshmen Kiernan Breshears, Regan Darbyshire and Tara Baker can make impacts early in their careers, beginning with this upcoming season.

“We have 12 girls,” he said. “(We’re) young, but can get deeper on our bench than what we have in the past.

We lost two girls who did a lot it (last year), so (it) depends on how quickly we adapt to the new roles (the) girls will have.”

Hartford opened its season at Altoona-Midway on Friday. It’ll travel to Yates Center for its pre-season tournament and will open up Lyon County League play against Marais des Cygnes Valley on Dec. 11. The Jaguars’ home opener will be Dec. 14 against Madison.

Hartford Booster Club

Hartford boys look for strong shooting season Patrick Gardner said one of the Hartford boys’ strength’s this season is the ability to shoot the basketball.

He’ll have plenty of shooters on the court when the Jaguars open up their season at Altoona-Midway.

S enior Dalen Kistner averaged 18 points and eight assists per contest a season ago and was also a Lyon County League second-team pick and earned honorable mention all-state in Class 1A-DII. Junior Cody Thomas also returns after chipping in 15 points and grabbed five rebounds per game during his sophomore season. Senior Corbin Dill is the Jaguars’ other senior alongside of Kistner.

The Jaguars will have to depend more on Kistner, Thomas and Dill after the departure of Justice KemDYLAN SHERWOOD/GAZETTE merer.

“He handled everything in the post for us the Dalen Kistner (10) is Hartford’s top returner and will be last three years,” Gardner said of Kemmerer. “He depended with leadership during his senior season. was very huge in our state championship runs. We will have some length on the floor. We will have leadership from Dalen at the point. (Our) weakness will be our experience. We will spend a lot of time watching film on them.”

Entering his ninth season at Hartford, Gardner needs three victories to capture his 100th.

After playing Altoona-Midway on Friday, the Jaguars travel to the Yates Center Tournament, followed by the LCL opener at MdCV on Dec. 11, with their home opener on Dec. 14 against Madison.

www.thurstonsplusautobody.com

BODY SHOP (620) 342-2613 MECHANICAL (620) 343-7063

1744 County Rd. F Emporia (620)342-5000 Member FDIC

www.flinthillsbank.com

We Service what we sell!

STEPHEN COLEMAN/GAZETTE

Bailey Darbyshire (2) is one of three returners for the Hartford girls who got considerable court time at the 1A-DII State Championship game.

NOV. 30 @ Altoona-Midway DEC. 3, 4, 6, 7 @ Yates Center DEC. 11 @ MdCV DEC. 14 MADISON DEC. 18 @ Lebo JAN. 4 SCC JAN. 8 WAVERLY JAN. 11 @ Olpe JAN. 15 BURLINGAME JAN. 21, 22, 24-26 LCL @ EMPORIA

JAN. 28 WICHITA CLASSICAL SCHOOL JAN. 29 OLPE (Boys) FEB. 1 CHASE COUNTY FEB. 8 @ Lyndon FEB. 12 RURAL VISTA FEB. 15 @ Northern Heights FEB. 18-23 Regionals FEB. 28-MAR. 2 Sub-State MAR. 6-9 State @ Dodge City

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Page 12

December 1 and 2, 2018

OLPE EAGLES RETURN OF THE EAGLES Olpe girls bringing back majority in pursuit of state title

By Stephen Coleman stephen@emporia.com

The Olpe girls fell just one or two plays short last season of a potential 2A State Championship.

This year’s Eagles are still looking at the future with similar sights as they ready themselves for a run towards the 1A title in 201819.

“Expectations again are cautiously high,” head coach Jesse Nelson said. “With a good nucleus returning and a lot of kids that contributed last year ... many of these got some valuable experience.”

That cautious disclaimer may be deceiving, though Olpe did lose Brianna Vogts, its leading scorer and rebounder over the previous four years. The Eagles otherwise bring back four starters and a plethora of skills across the court including three sophomores that got regular playing time as freshmen.

Maya Bishop, Macy Smith and Marley Heins each logged regular minutes and played NOV. 30 ST MARYS DEC. 4 @ Mission Valley DEC. 11 @ Madison DEC. 14 MdCV DEC. 18 @ SCC DEC. 20 CORNERSTONE JAN. 4 LEBO JAN. 7 MARANATHA ACADEMY (Girls) JAN. 8 @ Burlingame JAN. 11 HARTFORD JAN. 15 WAVERLY

important roles on both ends of the court throughout the season. One trait that none of the trio of has, however, is size.

“We are still a team lacking in size,” Nelson said. “Hopefully experience and a year of maturity will get us going.”

In losing Vogts, the primary beneficiary in the paint will be senior Emma Miller, who has helped Olpe craft a formidable presence in the paint over the past three years. Fellow senior Carrie Sleezer will also log regular minutes early on.

After that, it will be about speed and defense with the Eagles. Senior Karly McDougald will provide intensity on both ends of the court while junior guard Neleh Davis will again be Olpe’s biggest three-point shooting threat.

Seniors Tessa Beeman, Chanclyn Vestering and sophomores Hattie Fisher and Lauryn Broyles will be among the others trying to find a spot in the Eagles rotation.

Combining this experienced group of returners with the winningest high school coach in the state will still leave the Eagles with a high ceiling.

Nelson will learn quite a bit about his team starting with its first game on November 30.

STEPHEN COLEMAN/GAZETTE “(We’re hoping to) continue to develop young players and get leadership and com- Macy Smith (5) was a key factor for Olpe in its run towards a third-place finish in petitiveness from (our) seniors,” Nelson said. Class 2A a season ago. The sophomore is one of many Eagles returning this year.

JAN. 21, 22, 24-26 LCL @ EMPORIA JAN. 29 @ Hartford (Boys) FEB. 1 LYNDON FEB. 5 CREST FEB. 7 ST. PAUL FEB. 8 @ Osage City FEB. 12 @ Northern Heights FEB. 15 REMINGTON FEB. 18-23 Regionals FEB. 28-MAR. 2 Sub-State MAR. 6-9 State @ Dodge City

212 W. Hwy 99, Olpe, KS 66865 • 620-475-3449

OLPE STATE BANK

1744 County Rd. F Emporia (620)342-5000

We Service what we sell!

202 Westphalia • Olpe, KS Phone: 620-475-3213 See Kevin Flott, Nancy Wells, or Michael Dieker for all of your lending needs.

Fax: 620-475-3210 www.olpestatebank.com

Member FDIC

www.thurstonsplusautobody.com

BODY SHOP (620) 342-2613 MECHANICAL (620) 343-7063

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

December 1 and 2, 2018

Page 13

LEARNING CURVE AHEAD FOR OLPE BOYS

By Stephen Coleman stephen@emporia.com

The Olpe boys will certainly experience a steep growing curve as they prepare for the 2018-19 basketball season.

That’s because a majority of the Eagles have been preoccupied, taking part in the a nearly perfect football season that ended in the 1A State Championship Game.

But unlike previous seasons, that could also be a big deal as Olpe will return just one regular from its 2017-18 roster that fell in the substate semifinal.

“Obviously, it’s a nice thing ... when you’re not able to practice because you’re playing (playoff) football,” said Chris Schmidt, who coaches both programs and has for more than 20 years. “But of all the year I’ve coached, this one is probably the one we’ve needed the most

practice time in.

“I don’t remember a year I’ve had this (little) amount of varsity experience.”

The similarities between 2018 and 2014, when the Eagles won the 2A state title, reside only in the timetable.

Back then, Schmidt knew things would come much easier.

“We weren’t great out of the box, but we had (what I would consider) more basketball-type kids anyway,” he said. “But we knew going in that this year, no matter what, is going to be a process. I think these kids will come a long ways (from) now until February, we have so much room for improvement and I really think they’ll improve quite a bit, it’s just...we’re going to take our lumps a little bit. That’s just part of being a young group.”

Several players will get less than a week of basketball work in before

the season begins on November 30, largely leaving more questions than providing answers as the Eagles get ready for St. Marys.

Olpe’s sole returner with varsity playing time under his belt is Camden Hoelting, who averaged 10 points and four rebounds per game a year ago. After that, well, even for Schmidt only time will tell as games will be extended auditions in the first few weeks of the schedule.

Among the likely candidates to play significant minutes early on are Colby Hoelting, Dawson McCarthy and Jordan Barnard. It will be a lot of mixing-and-matching from there.

“We’ll have to defend, rebound and shoot the ball better from the STEPHEN COLEMAN/GAZETTE outside,” he said. “We’ve got a mixture of older kids, but we’ve Senior Camden Hoelting (21) is the sole Eagle regular from got some young kids that are golast year who returns in 2018-19. Olpe will largely field a ing to play.”

MEET THE SPARTANS

Broderick Stewart Senior

Maddyn Stewart Freshman

Lisa Mautz, 109 W. 6th Ave Agent Emporia, KS 620-366-2733 www.trustpointservices.net 1-800-258-4219

group with little prior varsity experience.

MEET THE SPARTANS

Beau Baumgardner Junior

Cameron Corum Sophomore

Farm and Home Real Estate

email: realstate@farmandhomecompanies.com We Appreciate Your Business! 1st in Sales and Service Since 1974

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Page 14

MEET THE SPARTANS

Jace Stewart Senior

Ethan Zorn Freshman

Zach Harris Senior

December 1 and 2, 2018

MEET THE SPARTANS

Aiden Allemang

Devin Moore

Freshman

Freshman

1440 Industrial Rd Emporia, KS 66801 620-341-7420 Member FDIC

MEET THE SPARTANS

Corbin Cooper Freshman

Jacob Ortega Freshman

We specialize in custom golf cart sales, services and rental.

10 Commercial St. • Emporia, KS • (620) 343-CART (2278)

701 Merchant Emporia, KS 66801 620-341-7400

MEET THE SPARTANS

Leanna Rust Freshman

Gavin Hoelting Sophomore

Mya Tovar Junior

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

December 1 and 2, 2018

Page 15

Council Grove braves CGHS BOYS LOOKING TO BRAVE GROWING SEASON

By Stephen Coleman stephen@emporia.com

The Council Grove boys will be hardpressed to return to the 3A State Tournament, a feat last year’s senior-laden Braves accomplished.

But the next wave will certainly give it a hard try.

Even with limited varsity court experience, there are plenty of upperclassmen coming back hoping to leave their mark with the 2018-19 edition.

“This year’s squad has little varsity experience but they are looking forward to getting their opportunity,” CGHS head coach Bruce Hula said. “(They’re) talented players (and) should be able to compete for another league championship.”

Seniors Brett Birzer, Dedric Frese, Casen Steere and Jalen Tompkins will lead the way for the Braves after losing essentially, last year’s starting lineup to graduation. “(Our) experience will be valuable this season as players will look to build through

COUNCIL GROVE NOV. 30 CENTRAL HEIGHTS DEC. 4 @ Silver Lake DEC. 7 @ Rock Creek DEC. 11 @ West Franklin DEC. 13 LYNDON DEC. 18 @ Osage City DEC. 20 JEFF WEST JAN. 4 MISSION VALLEY JAN. 8 @ Chase County JAN. 11 NORTHERN HEIGHTS

the Braves’ defense-first mentality.”

With Council Grove in search of consistent offensive threats out of the new group, that defensive approach will go a long way to helping the Braves keep things close during the early part of the season.

Also in the mix will be juniors Peyton Tischhauser, Jeric Heath, Brodey King and sophomores such as Corbyn Miller and Hadyn Bieling. A handful of freshmen will also try to fight their way into constructive minutes to help the Braves this year and the next many down the road.

Hunter Brintle, Koen Hula and Kellen Marshall will lead the youngest group into battle.

A majority of the early games will be on the road, though the Braves will get fellow Flint Hills League opponents West Franklin and Osage City at home through the first three weeks of the season. December’s slate will also provide road battles with Silver Lake, Rock Creek and Osage City. “(We should) continue to build and become stronger throughout the season,” Coach Hula said.

JAN. 14-19 Flint Hills League Shootout @ Emporia JAN. 22 @ Wamego JAN. 25 MARION FEB. 1 @ Clay Center FEB. 5 @ Abilene FEB. 8 SACRED HEART FEB. 12 RILEY COUNTY FEB. 18 BURLINGTON FEB. 25-MAR. 1 Sub-State MAR. 6-9 State @ Hutch

1744 County Rd. F Emporia (620)342-5000

We Service what we sell!

STEPHEN COLEMAN/GAZETTE

Brett Birzer (2) is one of the few returners for the Braves with varsity experience.

www.thurstonsplusautobody.com

BODY SHOP (620) 342-2613 MECHANICAL (620) 343-7063

Good luck on a great season!

115 E.Main Council Grove (620) 767-5219

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Page 16

December 1 and 2, 2018

LADY BRAVES BUILDING NEW FOUNDATION

By Stephen Coleman stephen@emporia.com

The Council Grove Lady Braves have quite a bit of self-discovery ahead of them. After losing two of their leading scorers to graduation, there will be plenty of adjustments ahead as the stable of returners look to grow in a hurry.

“I look forward to every season as a new chance for our team to earn that trip to (the 3A State Tournament in) Hutch,” head coach Jason Shelangouski, entering his sixth year at Council Grove, said. “We have and will continue to have high expectations and goals. We like to play with speed and poise and we like to be as disciplined on both ends as possible.”

The Braves’ most notable difference early on will be size. Junior Abbi Good will return in an extended role at forward, but guards such as Lauren Reddick, Shyanne Allen, Hailey Hower and Jaedyn Miller will provide quite a bit of varsity experience.

But outside of Good, senior Kayla Watson and sophomore Daleyna King are the only re-

turners who are listed at 5-7 or taller. Sophomore Keeley Honas will also join the ranks, giving CGHS some depth options as the season gets underway.

The overall lack of rebounding, which Morgan Poole and Beau Peterson were skilled in, will leave some challenges on the court, but that will be seen as an opportunity for growth all around.

Even without a highly-touted player, what the Braves seek to bring is a group that together will make itself formidable.

“We want to be competitive in every game, giving ourselves a chance to win,” Shelangouski said. “We want to respect every opponent, as there are some very tough teams we play, but we want to instill a fearllessness in our team that allows us to not play tight in big games.”

Those big games will begin early for Council Grove. It will travel to Silver Lake and Rock Creek in the first week of December, with DYLAN SHERWOOD/GAZETTE home games against Lyndon and Jefferson County-West also coming in the 2018 portion Kayla Watson (22) is one of the Braves’ returners from a team that won the Flint Hills League Tournament Championship last year. of its schedule.

MEET THE SPARTANS

Skyler Douglas Junior

Connor Hoyt Junior

1331 W. 6th 620-343-9232

MEET THE SPARTANS

Skyler Stewart

Spencer Stewart

Sophomore

Senior

CHEVY • BUICK

(620) 342-2744 • 3012 W. Hwy. 50 Emporia, KS • www.longbineauto.com

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

December 1 and 2, 2018

Page 17

LEBO WOLVES LEBO FACES CHANGES AT THE TOP Former ESU assistant to lead Lebo boys

By Dylan Sherwood dylan@emporia.com

Dwayne Paul wanted to continue coaching after former ESU head basketball coach Shaun Vandiver left Emporia for an assistant coaching position at the University of Wyoming.

Wishing to work his way up the collegiate coaching ladder, he had a tough decision to make.

Enter Lebo.

Paul took advantage of an opening and will coach the Wolves’ boys’ basketball team after the position opened last spring.

“I told my wife, mom and really anybody that I’m close to, that I felt at that time of my career that if I didn’t see myself at about 35 (years-old), going as far as moving up in the chain of command — either head (coach) in Division II or work my way up the Division I ladder, I would look going to high school,” Paul said. “I felt when my dad passed away when I was in high school, my AAU and high school coaches were influential people that I had in my life at that time.

“I had the opportunity to stay in college. I chose to be close to family, take this job and it doesn’t matter what level you’re at. When you get a chance to sit at the helm, you try to take advantage of the opportunity.”

The Wolves are coming off a 9-11 season that saw them exit in the second round of sub-state. Lebo also lost Peyton Baldwin to graduation, however, it returns Devan McEwen and Avery Peek who played significant minutes as a freshman and sophomore, respectively. Kaden Ott and Jerome Ferguson are also in the mix. Ott sat out last year with an injury and Ferguson played very few minutes during his freshman campaign.

Paul was able to coach them in the summer in a MAYB tournament and saw their potential.

“Those guys will be playing a big role,” he said. “They want to be able to be that next wave of guys that can make it to state. I think (Kaden) will be the best big in the (Lyon County League). We’re going to really rely on him. Those guys playing NOV. 30 FLINTHILLS DEC. 4-8 Herington Tournament TBD DEC. 11 @ Burlingame DEC. 14 WAVERLY DEC. 18 HARTFORD JAN. 4 @ Olpe JAN. 8 MdCV JAN. 11 SCC JAN. 15 MADISON

JAN. 21, 22, 24-26 LCL @ EMPORIA FEB. 1 @ West Franklin FEB. 5 LYNDON FEB. 8 BURLINGAME FEB. 12 @ KC Christian FEB. 15 @ SCC FEB. 18-23 Regionals FEB. 28-MAR. 2 Sub-State MAR. 6-9 State @ Dodge City

that summer ball and having those experiences, hopefully it’ll pay dividends this winter for us.”

Lebo opened up its season at home against Flinthills on Friday. The Wolves will travel to the Herington Tournament next week and will open up LCL play Dec. 11 at Burlingame.

Lamdbin takes over Wolves’ girls program The Lebo girls’ basketball team will have its third head coach in four seasons.

Taylor Lambdin enters the Lebo program with two years of assistant coaching experience at Erie High School as a boys’ assistant.

He said he’s excited about the group he’ll work with in his first season, with the Wolves only losing Haley Crupper to graduation.

“We’ve got a good group of girls that, with some hard work, can make some improvements in their game and overall record this year,” Lambdin said. “The future is bright for us and this year we hope to make those steps into being a tough team to play every game year in and year out.”

Lebo is coming off a 7-14 campaign a year ago and has some key pieces returning. Maddie Smith, Adelyn Tackitt, Avery Moore, Sydney Tollefson and Demi Schrader saw significant playing time and will continue to build off that going into the upcoming season.

Kirsten Oswald also returns, but sat out last year with a knee injury and will provide depth at the guard position.

Freshmen Abby Peek and Allie Moore are expected to play at a high level in their first season at the varsity level.

Lambdin said one of their the goals is to complete a winning season with the experience the Wolves have back.

“We should be disappointed if we don’t finish above .500 and make some noise in the postseason,” he said.

Leadership is a current weakness for Lebo despite a roster filled with upperclassmen.

Tri-County Real Estate & Tri-County Insurance Carmen Y. Mackey, Broker/Owner 620-256-6993 or cell 620-341-0838

STEPHEN COLEMAN/GAZETTE

Kaden Ott (32) will look to have a presence in the post for Lebo in 2018-19.

“This team needs its leaders to step up on the court and set that example for the underclassmen to follow every day,” Lambdin said.

Lebo opened up its season at home against Flinthills on Friday. The Wolves will then travel to the Herington Tournament

USD 243

Proudly supports our students! www.thurstonsplusautobody.com

MECHANICAL (620) 343-7063

Lebo, Kansas

1744 County Rd. F Emporia (620)342-5000

We Service what we sell!

BODY SHOP (620) 342-2613

East Central Monument Co. Cemetery Lettering

7th & Ogden, Lebo, Kansas (620) 256-6833 (620) 256-0250 (Res.)

Serving Eastern Kansas • Locally Owned by Keith Wallace

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Page 18

MEET THE SPARTANS

Ian Coleman-Hull Senior

Rylie Williams Junior

December 1 and 2, 2018

MEET THE SPARTANS

Laci Tebbetts

Emily Christensen

Junior

Junior

Norfolk Iron and Metal 1701 E. South Ave. | 620.342.9202

3021 Eaglecrest Dr. • 620-343-3000

MEET THE SPARTANS

Hayden Pauls Junior

Skylar Higgins Sophomore

Providing the highest quality carbon steel products, exceptional service & on time deliveries.

MEET THE SPARTANS

Camden Kirmer Sophomore

LUMBER AND BUILDING MATERIALS

Sophomore

fhtc.edu

620.343.4600

825 E. 6th Ave. (620) 342-0218 1-800-342-0218 www.markiilumber.com

Chris Olsson

BECOME A WRANGLER

fhtc.edu/apply

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

December 1 and 2, 2018

MEET THE SPARTANS

Nick Wheeler Sophomore

Noah Chambers Freshman

Page 19

MEET THE SPARTANS

Macey Adams Sophomore

Noah Wagner Freshman

Cottonwood Falls 273-6391

MEET THE SPARTANS

Trey Templeton Freshman

Allie Baker Freshman

Your hometown orthodontist!

Dr. Stephen Haught 343-7275

emporthob@sbcglobal.net

GOOD LUCK SPARTANS!

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Page 20

December 1 and 2, 2018

emporia spartans

We build futures.

1700 W. 7th • Emporia, KS • 620-341-2200 • www.usd253.org

www.thurstonsplusautobody.com

BODY SHOP (620) 342-2613 MECHANICAL (620) 343-7063

GOOD LUCK SPARTANS State Farm Insurance Everett “Pete” Euler, LUTCF 920 Commercial • Emporia • 620-342-6272

1744 County Rd. F Emporia (620)342-5000

We Service what we sell!