Area High School Winter Sports Preview 2023

E M P O R I A • CHASE COUNTY MADISON • LEBO

AREA

OLPE • HARTFORD NORTHERN HEIGHTS

WINTER SPORTS

PREVIEW

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THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Saturday, December 2, 2023

EMPORIA SPARTANS

EMPORIA BOYS BASKETBALL HOPES TO BUILD ON POSITIVE MOMENTUM

COURTESY PHOTO/LAURA SCHWINN

By John Sorce

john@emporia.com

The Emporia High School boys basketball team is coming off one of its better seasons in recent years.

The Spartans finished last season with a 15-6 record and a trip to the sub-state final a year after winning just four games.

The team welcomed a new head coach in Lee Baldwin, who inherited a veteran group that got an unexpected extra boost.

Transfer Jalyn King was named All-Cen-

tennial League First Team and was named the league’s Newcomer of the Year. Parker Leeds was named Second Team and Fred Jackson was an Honorable Mention.

But all three have since graduated and Baldwin will have to find production from other areas. He doesn’t think those guys can be replaced and the remaining players are going to have to be the best versions of themselves.

“I don’t think you can replace those guys,” Baldwin said. “We’re going to be different and need to make sure that we’re

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good at the things we can control. We don’t want our guys trying to replace anybody.

Just be who you are, work on your skillsets and just try to be the best version of this team we can be.”

Emporia does return a number of key players in seniors Sheldon Stewart, Cooper Rech and Calvin Seely as well as junior River Peters. Baldwin said those guys will have to take their games to another level.

“We’re going to rely on those guys a lot,” Baldwin said. “They have a lot of experience and are extremely motivated to

continue what we built last year.”

New players expected to make an impact this year are juniors Nolan Jacob and Jash Rios and sophomore Rylan Crowell.

Baldwin is excited to see who else may step up as the year goes along.

“Jash is a great kid with a great work ethic,” Baldwin said. “He’s a kid that does everything the right way and I want him to do really well. We will have some other Please see EHS Boys BB, Page 6

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THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Page 3

VETERAN EMPORIA GIRLS BASKETBALL GROUP HAS EYES ON STATE TOURNAMENT

COURTESY PHOTO/LAURA SCHWINN

EHS GIRLS BB SCHEDULE Dec. 1 vs. Ottawa Dec. 5 vs. Spring Hill (White Auditorium) Dec. 8 vs. Hayden (White Auditorium) Dec. 9 vs. Wichita Trinity (White Auditorium) Dec. 12 at Shawnee Mission North Dec. 15 vs. Great Bend Jan. 2 at Hayden Jan. 5 vs. Topeka Jan. 9 at Paola Jan. 12 at Junction City Jan. 16 vs. Manhattan Jan 25-27 Glacier’s Edge Tournament Feb. 2 vs. Washburn Rural Feb. 6 vs. Hayden Feb. 9 at Topeka Feb. 13 at Manhattan Feb. 16 vs. Junction City Feb. 23 at Washburn Rural

By John Sorce

john@emporia.com

The Emporia High School girls basketball team has a large senior class and high expectations this year.

The Lady Spartans are coming off a season where they went 18-4 and went to the Class 5A state tournament.

“It should be another strong season, but that’s why you play the game,” said head coach Carolyn Dorsey, who is entering her 13th season leading the program.

“We are little and lost our post player, but hopefully we can continue to run our opponents.”

The Lady Spartans return a large senior class, including four starters. Emporia State commit Addie Kirmer, Emeil Bennett, Lexsey DeWitt and Alexa Shivley are all returning starters. Only Rebecca Snyder graduated from last year’s starting lineup, who is now playing at Washburn.

Dorsey is still hoping to find where that production could come from.

“Losing Rebecca Snyder will hurt,” Dorsey said.

“We will have a lot of kids back that were around her, but that’s a pretty integral part that we lost. Rebecca scored a lot of points, had a lot of rebounds and had a strong inside presence, and we are going to have to establish that. The key thing about our program is that we will find a way to replace it.”

Dorsey said the team will have to rely on scoring

off of turnovers, and she is still trying to envision ways the team will be able to do that this year.

“We’re going to have to defend pretty good,” Dorsey said. “I don’t know what our half court looks like and am still trying to wrap my mind around how we can create turnovers, because I think that’s where a lot of our points will come from. If we’re not running in transition and causing problems, we’re going to have a hard time scoring.”

The team’s goal is to ultimately be back at the state tournament. Staying healthy will be paramount in that as the team dealt with a number of key injuries last season. Dorsey also noted the team’s post presence has to be strong and they need to play together.

“This should be a strong player-led team with 12 seniors, but that’s a lot of alpha personalities and it requires people to follow at times,” Dorsey said.

“We can’t have 12 leaders and it might depend on the night on who we need to step up. That’s going to be our challenge, but the season should be everything we expect it to be as long as we give it all we’re supposed to.”

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Saturday, December 2, 2023

EMPORIA BOYS WRESTLING HOPES TO PEAK AT RIGHT TIME

COURTESY PHOTO/LAURA SCHWINN

By John Sorce

john@emporia.com

The Emporia High School boys wrestling team returns a mixed group this season of veteran wrestlers and newcomers who are expected to have an impact this year.

Head coach Brook Medrano, entering his sixth year leading the program, said he hopes the Spartans finish top 10 in the state in Class 5A this year. He feels their experience will help the team.

“I have six returning varsity wrestlers, and I think their experience will help us this year,” Medrano said.

Two of those returners went to state last year. Josiah Bradley at heavyweight

enters the season ranked fifth in 5A and Christian Trujillo at 157 enters ranked fourth.

Freshman Gabe Wassom is another Spartan wrestler who enters the season ranked, coming in at third in 5A at 106.

Medrano expects him to make an immediate impact.

Medrano wants to make sure his kids are wrestling their best late into the season. There may be ups and downs along the way, but that is most important.

“We just hope to keep improving every time we step on the mat,” Medrano said. “We return some experience but will be young in some areas.

Hopefully, we are peaking at the right time.”

EHS BOYS WRESTLING SCHEDULE 12/2, Sa, Junction City Tournament, Junction City , 10:00 AM, V 12/9, Sa, V Tournament, Eudora, 9:00 AM, V 12/16, Sa, V Tournament, EHS, 9:00 AM, V 12/19, Tu, Spring Hill Dual, EHS, 5:30 PM, JV/V 1/4, Thu, Salina Central Dual, Salina, 6:00 PM, V 1/6, Sa, V Tournament, Dodge City, 9:00 AM, V 1/9, T, Paola-Seaman, Emporia,

4:30 PM, JV/V 1/12-1/13, F-S, V Tournament, Newton, 9:00 AM, V 1/20, Sa, V Dual Tournament, EHS, 9:00 AM, V 1/25, M, Basehor Dual, Basehor, 6:00 PM, JV/V 1/27, Sa, Chanute Invite, Chanute, 9:00 AM, V 2/3, Sa, League Tournament, Manhattan , 9:00 AM, V 2/16-2/17, F-S, Boys Regionals, TBD, 2/22-2/24, TH-S, BoysState, TBD,

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THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Page 5

EMPORIA GIRLS WRESTLING RETURNS VETERAN GROUP IN 2023

COURTESY PHOTO/LAURA SCHWINN

By John Sorce

john@emporia.com

The Emporia High School girls wrestling team has high expectations coming into the season.

The Lady Spartans return a number of wrestlers with state experience. Katina Keosybounheuang will lead the way for Emporia. She finished sixth at state last year while Virginia Munoz, who is a two-time state medalist, is four wins away from 100 in her career. She is committed to wrestle at Baker University.

Emporia will also return experienced wrestlers Alexa Castillo, Kensley Medrano, Clair Starr, Heily Batres and Marley Sewell.

Head coach Shawn Russell, entering his fifth year leading the team, is optimistic about the talent coming back.

“We will be bringing back a core group of girls this season,” Russell said.

“They have worked hard over the summer and I really believe we are flying under the radar right now.”

Russell said the team will excel with their depth as they have a number of girls that have been in the program for a few years and know their system. He wants to make sure they take advantage of opportunities to execute moves when they present themselves. Russell feels a key to this success will be the girls having confidence and believing in themselves.

The team’s goal this season is to finish in the top 10 out of the 72 teams that compete between Class 5 and 6A. But the team’s ultimate goal is to bring home individual and team hardware from the state tournament.

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THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

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Saturday, December 2, 2023

EMPORIA BOYS SWIM HOPES TO HAVE MORE SWIMMERS AT STATE THIS YEAR EHS BOYS SWIM SCHEDULE Nov. 30 Emporia Invite Dec. 7 at Campus Dec. 12 at Shawnee Mission West Jan. 4 Emporia Invite (Swim only) Jan. 5 at Wichita North (Dive only) Jan. 9 at Topeka West (Dive only) Jan. 11 Emporia Invite (Swim only) Jan. 16 Emporia Invite

(Dive only) Jan. 18 at Campus Jan. 27 Emporia Invite Jan. 31 at Topeka West (Swim only) Feb. 2 at Maize South (Dive only) Feb. 3 at Maize South (Swim only) Feb. 8 Centennial League at Topeka High Feb. 15-17 State at Hummer

coaching the boys but will be with the girls in the spring. Senior Alex Allemang will return and help mentor Emporia’s younger divers.

Dawson said the team’s strength will be its stroke ability while an area of weakness will be its time in the pool year-round compared to some of its opponents. She hopes to get some relays back to state this year and is hopeful some individuals can step up to make some events as well.

“Our goal is to get two relays into state and I think Logan Woydziak has a strong chance to make an individual event,” Dawson said. “Tyler, Shane and Ian could surprise me with individual swims as well. We would love to get to day two again and get a second swim at state.”

Dawson noted the work the boys put in from day one and where their focus is (team vs. self) is going to dictate how much success they will have. She feels the experience of the returning swimmers will help this year and is also hopeful the boys will condition properly to maximize their abilities in the pool as the season goes along.

“I think this group of boys has potential to really make a move into the second day of state with the experience they bring in from last year,” Dawson said. “If they condition through the season and listen to the information being given to them about everything from stroke work to fueling their bodies and getting proper sleep, we will have the ability to see some great swims for our program.”

EHS BOYS BB

Baldwin noted that guys have responded early in practice with the expectation of working hard and showcasing effort.

“I think our returning guys understand the expectation of how hard we have to practice every day,” Baldwin said. “That’s been nice to see and it’s very enjoyable when we’re not having to coach effort and guys wanting to be here.”

He is hopeful the guys that got experience last year will feed off that and are motivated to play meaningful basketball into late February/early March once again.

“A lot of those guys got to taste success for the first time and play in front of good crowds,” Baldwin said. “Hopefully that’s something they will want to do again. But we’re going to have to practice hard every day and earn that right.”

COURTESY PHOTO/LAURA SCHWINN

By John Sorce

john@emporia.com

The Emporia High School boys swim team sent two relay teams to the state tournament last year and are hoping to have more state representation this time around.

The Spartans’ 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams reached the Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center in Lenexa last year, with the 200 relay team qualifying for the second day and placing 15th.

Ian Navarro, a senior and Logan Woydziak, a junior, will be returning team captains and Dawson is expecting big things from both of them.

“These two were part of our relays at state last year and I am hoping for both of

them to have strong showings this year,” Dawson said. “Ian and Logan have both been working in the offseason with a few others and would love to have a repeat of state last year.”

Also returning are seniors Tyler Luthi and Shane Anderson, who were also on the relay teams that went to state.

“Ian, Logan, Tyler and Shane will be the backbone of our team,” Dawson said. “We also have a lot of returners who are going to cover a huge spread of points in the middle placing areas. One of our big pushes this year is going to be creating a culture that builds for the future with potential new athletes coming in.”

On the diving side, Dawson will be taking over for Barb Clark who retired from

EHS BOYS BB SCHEDULE Dec. 1 vs. Ottawa Dec. 5 vs. Spring Hill (White Auditorium) Dec. 8 vs. Hayden (White Auditorium) Dec. 9 vs. Wichita Trinity (White Auditorium) Dec. 12 at Shawnee Mission North Dec. 15 vs. Great Bend Jan. 2 at Hayden Jan. 5 vs. Topeka

Jan. 9 at Paola Jan. 12 at Junction City Jan 18-20 Tournament at El Dorado Jan. 23 vs. Manhattan Feb. 2 vs. Washburn Rural Feb. 6 vs. Hayden Feb. 9 at Topeka Feb. 13 at Manhattan Feb. 16 vs. Junction City Feb. 23 at Washburn Rural

From PAGE 2 guys that hopefully can step up as well and I really like our squad.”

Emporia also graduated post player Drew Hess, so they will need to find someone to play under the basket. Baldwin noted the team will have to play a little different defensively as they won’t possess the same size as last year. But they will still play fast on offense.

“We will be different defensively, but we’re small and we have to run on offense,” Baldwin said. “We’re going to try to get the ball out in transition and spread the court, shoot a three in transition or get a layup.”

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Page 7

CHASE COUNTY BULLDOGS CHASE COUNTY BOYS BASKETBALL HOPES TO CARRY OVER SUCCESS

By Chris Adams

adams@emporia.com

The Chase County Bulldogs enter the 2023-24 season campaign on the heels of an 18-4 record in 2022-23 — the program’s most since 1997 — and succumbing to Salina-Sacred Heart High School in a 2A sub-state matchup.

The Bulldogs hope to continue that success this fall and winter, minus four starters from last year’s squad — Cooper Schroer, Aidan Eidman, Pax Vogel and Dominic Cauthers. The graduated players provided height and scoring for the Bulldogs, a void that will have to be filled.

“We’ll need some guys to play bigger roles this year and be more aggressive,” said fifth-year head coach Cade Witte.

Chase County will rely on the athletic Tag Groh to lead the charge. Groh, a three-year starter, registered nearly 10 points per game last year, along with 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and two steals. Witte said Groh USD 284 Chase County Schools will August be pursuing college 10, 7:00 am-7:00 pmbasketball Augustopportunities 11, 8:00 am-12:00 pmthis year. Groh will be assisted

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Saturday, December 2, 2023

CHASE COUNTY GIRLS HOPE TO RIDE STRONG CORE INTO POSTSEASON

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By Chris Adams

adams@emporia.com

The Chase County Lady Bulldogs lost a tough battle with Bennington High School last year in a sub-state semifinal contest but look to return to the endof-season dance under new head coach

Clayton Happy.

Happy moved from the middle school boys’ level, saying it’s a fairly large shift for him to now helm a high school girls’ program. He indicated an emphasis will be placed on foundational basketball and establishing relationships with his charges.

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“This year, I plan to have a primary focus on building a foundation of fundamentals that will hopefully support and enhance the program for years to come,” Happy said.

Establishing bonds with the players is also key for him.

“Having an opportunity to build rela-

tionships with athletes, empower young men and women and build a healthy love for competition is by far my favorite part of the job,” he said.

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CHASE COUNTY TO HAVE YOUNG WRESTLING TEAM THIS SEASON

CHASE COUNTY BOYS BB SCHEDULE Dec. 1 at Central Heights Dec. 5, 8-9 Herington Tournament Dec. 12 at Council Grove Dec. 15 at West Franklin Dec. 19 vs. Northern Heights Jan. 5 at Lyndon Jan. 9 vs. Osage City Jan. 12 vs. Mission Valley Jan. 15, 18, 20 Flint Hills League Tournament Jan. 23 at Peabody Jan. 30 vs. LeRoy Feb. 2 vs. Hartford Feb. 6 vs. Marias Des Cygnes Valley Feb. 9 at Waverly Feb. 13 at Madison Feb. 16 at Centre

CHASE BOYS COURTESY PHOTO/MAKENZIE COLLINS

By Chris Adams

adams@emporia.com

Chase County High School wrestling rolled out the mats this month, preparing for a slate of potential state qualifiers and a Flint Hills League title in 2024.

The FHS will host its first-ever league tournament, and the Bulldogs are determined to win the inaugural event. The Chase County grapplers are primarily a young group, but that doesn’t worry head boys coach Derick Budke.

“We will be a young team in many spots in the lineup but many of our incoming wrestlers bring with them kids club and junior high experience,” said Budke, who enters his 27th season. “We expect this hard-working bunch to grow into a squad that can contend

for a league title by the end of the season.”

The Bulldogs will lean on seniors Micah Cauthers and Brock Griffin to lead the way and set the tone. Cauthers will wrestle in the 190-pound weight class and is a two-time state qualifier, a Greco-Roman state champion and USA Wrestling Fargo national qualifier. Griffin competes in the 165-pound class and compiled a 22-10 match record last year.

He looks to lock down his first state qualification.

Returning wrestlers expected to make an impact are Luke Budke (132-pound class) and Caleb Dexter (106-pound class).

Newcomers who will provide depth are freshman Clark Miller, a multiple youth state qualifier, sophomore Colton Kewley (moves from the 220-pound class to the 175-pound class) and Emporia transfer Joshua Dexter

(144-pound class).

One way Chase County can secure the league title is by ensuring opponents’ backs meet the mat.

“Last season over 80% of our wins were by fall, and putting people on their backs will be a big key again this year,” Budke said.

The girls squad, guided by second-year coach Ashia Passmore, returns senior standout Kinzie Rogers. Rogers placed fifth at state last year, wrestling in the 110-pound class.

Whether the Bulldogs bring home a league championship or bring a substantial contingent to state, the true victory transcends match wins and titles.

“I love wrestling, it builds a culture and toughness that helps us in all other sports we compete in, especially the game of life,” Budke said.

From PAGE 7

by Wyatt Griffin and Colin Monihen. Both players bring varsity experience to the floor.

Bolstering the Bulldog roster are Carson Schroer, Josiah Mckee, Guthrie Danford and Landon Doty, “…will see significantly more varsity time and are expected to make an impact.”

The Bulldogs’ goals are straightforward: Compete for league and sub-state titles while being competitive each outing and playing aggressive ball Perhaps it will be enough to duplicate the success of 2022-23.

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Page 10

Saturday, December 2, 2023

MADISON BULLDOGS MADISON BOYS BASKETBALL LOOK FOR NEXT STEP

MADISON BOYS BB SCHEDULE

COURTESY PHOTO/KIM GAINES

By John Sorce

john@emporia.com

The Madison boys basketball team is looking to take another step forward this season.

The Bulldogs return team leaders Colton Isch and Lane Darbo from last year’s team.

Those two, along with Octavian

Dean and Cade Hurlburt, will bring valuable experience to the Bulldogs.

Second year head coach Alex McNeal said the team will rely on its veterans this year as they hope to take the next step in the Lyon County League.

“We have some upperclassmen returning with experience

from last season that are looking to take a big step in leadership and will have much bigger roles this year in ensuring our success,” McNeal said. “We hope to remain competitive in the Lyon County League and get better with the hopes of positioning ourselves for the best chance at postseason success.”

Some new players expected to make an impact for Madison this season include Hayden Helm, Lane Smith and Gannon Pyle.

The team’s strengths this year will be its durability and physicality, while they will lack size. McNeal said the key to the team’s success this season will be its defense.

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MADISON GIRLS BASKETBALL HOPES TO GET OVER STATE HUMP MADISON GIRLS BB SCHEDULE

COURTESY PHOTO/KIM GAINES

By Chris Adams

adams@emporia.com

The Madison High School girls basketball team begins its second campaign under the tutelage of second-year head coach Bill Nienstedt,

looking to make another postseason explained his motivation for developing high school student-athletes. run.

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LEBO WOLVES THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Page 13

LEBO BOYS BASKETBALL HOPE TO MAKE ANOTHER STATE RUN Back Row L to R: Kholton Shoemaker, Garrison Knight, Ayden Ferguson, Gus Ford, Kaden Balding, Brandon Van Dever.

Front Row L to R: Daniel Rausch, Eli Ellis, Grayson Shoemaker, Andrew Konrade, Zach Oswald, Caleb Durst.

Not Pictured Dominic RIsner, Charles Goodell

COURTESY PHOTO

By Chris Adams

adams@emporia.com

The Lebo Wolves ended last season playing in the state title game and almost walked away with a championship, but couldn’t overcome Greeley County High School and its sharpshooter Jaxson

Brandl in a frenzied final.

Can they return? Lebo lost key pieces.

Austin Bailey, Landon Grimmett and Luke Davies graduated, leaving a void in the starting lineup.

Second-year head coach Dennis Becker is optimistic.

“Our overall outlook is to build on

what we did last year,” he said. “We want to win our league, as we finished second last year, and make another run towards state.”

The Wolves return senior Grayson Shoemaker and junior Zach Oswald.

Shoemaker averaged 16.4 points per game with six rebounds and 2.6 assists.

Oswald logged 11.5 points per contest and eight rebounds.

Becker said returning players Dominic Risner and Drew Konrade will step into starting roles.

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Saturday, December 2, 2023

LEBO GIRLS BASKETBALL HAVE EYES ON STATE TITLE

LEBO GIRLS BB SCHEDULE Dec - 1 @ Flinthills Dec 4,7,9 Central Heights Tournament HS Dec - 12 @ Hartford Dec - 15 @ Olpe Dec - 18 @ MdCV Jan - 5 SCC Jan - 9 @ Madison Jan - 12 Burlingame Jan - 16 Waverly Jan 22-27 LCL Tournament Jan - 30 @ Marmaton Valley Feb - 2 West Franklin Feb - 6 Lyndon Feb - 12 Olpe Feb - 16 @ SCC Feb - 20 Osage CIty

COURTESY PHOTO

By Chris Adams

adams@emporia.com

Lebo High School was one game away last year from claiming a state title, losing to Hanover High School in the 1A Division II state championship game while posting a 25-1 record.

A trip back to the final seems plausible, but the Lady Wolves lost star athlete Brooklyn Jones and her 17 points and five rebounds per game to a Kansas State track and field scholarship. But the team returns the remaining starters from the 2022-23 squad: seniors Audrey Peek and Katie Ott and juniors Saige Hadley and

Abi Jones. Siara Crouch will slot in for Brooklyn Jones.

Peek notched 16 points, 3.6 steals and four rebounds per game last year. Ott grabbed 3.3 rebounds per game, while Jones registered 3.3 steals per contest.

Hadley scored 15 points per game with 5.4 rebounds.

Marais des Cygnes Valley transfer Emma Marsh should provide some depth for the Lebo unit.

Fifth-year head coach Patrick Gardner, who has amassed a 79-15 record at Lebo, said the team’s strengths are experience, ability to score and defense.

“As a team, we averaged 52.9 points per game last season and gave up 29.1 average to our opponents,” Gardner said.

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Page 15

NEEDS YOUR HELP! Food for Students provides a bag of food each week to Emporia school children who do not have enough food over the weekends. About 400 bags are given away each month. You can help in one of two ways: either purchase any of the following items and drop them off at The Emporia Gazette or give a cash donation to buy food.

GRANOLA/

BREAKFAST BAR

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READY TO EAT TUNA/ CHICKEN SALAD (PACKETS ONLY, NO CANS)

To find out how you can help, email news@emporia.com or call 620-342-4800.

TEG

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OLPE EAGLES THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Page 16

Saturday, December 2, 2023

OLPE BOYS BASKETBALL TO FIELD YOUTHFUL ROSTER THIS SEASON OLPE BOYS BB SCHEDULE

COURTESY PHOTO

Eagles’ roster will possess a lot of youth this year.

“We are going to be a young team with The Olpe boys basketball team will have not much varsity experience, and we are not a different look this season. very big,” said head coach Chris Schmidt, Coming off a fourth-place finish at the who is entering his 27th year running the Class 1A Division I state tournament, the program. “Being physical and able to reBy John Sorce

john@emporia.com

bound will be important for us. Staying away from more injuries and doing the fundamentals will be our key to having some success.”

The Eagles return senior Blake Skalsky, who averaged 12 points and six rebounds per game last season. He, along with fellow

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senior Ethan Redeker, are expected to carry the bulk of the load.

Olpe will have two freshmen that could impact the team right away in Brecken McGuire and Abbott Bailey. Both will bring

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Dec. 1 at St. Mary’s Dec. 4-5, 7-8 Yates Center Tournament Dec. 12 vs. Southern Coffey County Dec. 15 vs. Lebo Dec. 19 vs. Burlingame Jan. 5 at Hartford Jan. 9 at Waverly Jan. 12 vs. Madison Jan. 16 at Marais Des Cygnes Valley Jan. 22-27 LCL Tournament Feb. 2 at Lyndon Feb. 9 vs. Osage City Feb. 12 at Lebo Feb. 13 vs. Northern Heights Feb. 19 vs. Eureka Feb. 22-23 Sub-state quarterfinals Feb. 29 Sub-state semifinals March 2 Sub-state finals March 6-9 State

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Saturday, December 2, 2023

OLPE GIRLS BASKETBALL TO RETURN VETERAN GROUP

Page 17

OLPE GIRLS BB SCHEDULE Schedule Dec. 1 at St. Mary’s Dec. 4-5, 7-8 Yates Center Tournament Dec. 12 vs.

Southern Coffey County Dec. 15 vs. Lebo Dec. 19 vs.

Burlingame Jan. 5 at Hartford Jan. 9 at Waverly Jan. 12 vs. Madison Jan. 16 at Marais Des Cygnes Valley Jan. 22-27 LCL Tournament Feb. 2 at Lyndon Feb. 9 vs. Osage City Feb. 12 at Lebo Feb. 13 vs.

Northern Heights Feb. 19 vs. Eureka Feb. 22-23 Substate quarterfinals Feb. 29 Sub-state semifinals March 2 Sub-state finals March 6-9 State

COURTESY PHOTO

By John Sorce

john@emporia.com

The Olpe girls basketball team made it to the state tournament last season. They are hoping to advance past the first round this time.

The girls are coming off a season where they went 16-8 and went to the state tournament. They lost in the first round to Quinter, who were the eventual runners-up.

Olpe will return four starters this season, with three being seniors. Kadey Robert, Grace Coughlin and Milly Bailey are the three seniors and sophomore Lilly Skalsky returns after starting as a freshman last season.

Also returning for Olpe this season are seniors Kinzie Kurzen, Gracie Scheve and Aubryn Garriott. All three figure to see increased roles this season.

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Head coach Ron Slaymaker noted the Olpe girls will have a trio of newcomers who are expected to impact the team this year, with all being sophomores. Kayla Stienke, Ella Wilson and Kamryn Teymeier are all expected to make an impact this season.

Slaymaker hopes his six seniors will help the Eagles fly to new heights this season.

“We have a really good schedule,” Slaymaker said. “I think our league is better this year than it’s been, and our non-league schedule is really good as well. Right now, it seems like with six seniors that we will have more maturity than we’ve had in recent years. Our practices have been good and we’re hoping to improve on last year’s record. We have high expectations for this group and are looking forward to having a good season.”

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OLPE BOYS From PAGE 16 considerable size to the floor at 6’0”.

Schmidt said the team’s strength this season will be the kid’s willingness to work hard, but they will lack strength and experience. He wants to make sure the team is playing its best basketball later in the season.

“We hope to get better each and every week and make a run in the postseason,” Schmidt said. “Our kids will need to focus on the fundamentals, learn their roles and learn to work together if we want to be successful.”

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Page 18

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Saturday, December 2, 2023

HARTFORD JAGUARS

HARTFORD BOYS BASKETBALL TO RETURN EXPERIENCED CORE GROUP

By John Sorce

john@emporia.com

The Hartford boys basketball team is hoping to take the next step this season.

The Jaguars are coming off a season where it went 9-13 and lost in the second round of sub-state to Waverly.

Entering his sixth year, head coach Colten Barrett will have three key returning starters in sophomore center Keenan Renfrow and junior guards Tysin Bulson and Nolin Trester.

“Keenan Renfrow has developed into a three-level scorer,” Barrett said. “We will look for him to be one of the team’s leading scorers this year. Tysin Bulson brings a lot of toughness and is our best defender.

He is a vocal leader, will be the key to our half-court defense and will look for him to transition into more of a scoring role this season. Nolin Trester will look to increase his scoring production, will be one of our best rebounders and will be taking on a leadership role this season.”

Hartford also has a trio of guards – one senior and two sophomores – that figure to Please see Hartford, Page 23

COURTESY/ANNABELLE PAYTON

Back L-R Daden Wilson, Oliver Smith, Keenan Renfrow, Nolin Trester, Tysin Bulson, Fr L-R Coy Wilkinson, Landen Schultz, Kevin Goza, Tyce Ndegwa

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Saturday, December 2, 2023

Page 19

HARTFORD GIRLS BASKETBALL HOPING LAST YEARS’ EXPERIENCE PAYS OFF Back L-R Sydney Sull, Aubrey Finnerty, Jade Wilson Fr L-R Lexi GieskenMears, Tobye Sull, Trinity Windle, Chiara Garcia, Keilee Finnerty. Not pictured Emma Westhoff

HARTFORD GIRLS SCHEDULE

COURTESY/ANNABELLE PAYTON

By John Sorce

john@emporia.com

The Hartford girls basketball team were young last year and won only five games, but they are hoping that experience will pay dividends this season.

The Jaguars return all five starters with none of them being seniors. Junior Trinity

Windle is the team’s returning scorer, having averaged 11.4 points per game last year to go with 6.8 rebounds per game.

Junior post player Keilee Finnerty is the team’s top returning rebounder, averaging 7.3 boards per game a season ago to go with 8.5 points per game.

Eleventh-year head coach Ryan Thomas was pleased with how the girls battled last

season.

“We were young last year and took some beatings, but the girls stuck with it and started playing their best basketball at the end of the year,” Thomas said. “They all gained a lot of experience and we should be better defensively.”

Please see Hartford girls, Page 23

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Nov 30 @ Marmaton Valley Dec 1 vs. Altoona-Midway Dec 4-8 @ MdCV Tournament TBA Dec 12 vs. Lebo Dec 15 @ SCC Dec 19 @ Waverly Jan 5 vs. Olpe Jan 9 @ Burlingame Jan 12 vs. MdCV Jan 16 @ Madison Jan 22-27 LCL Tournament @ WLW Auditorium Jan 30* (Feb 6th) vs. Wichita Classical Feb 2 @ Chase County Feb 9 vs. Wichita CCA (King and Queen of Courts) Feb 13 @ Rural Vista (White City) 5:00 PM Feb 16 vs. Northern Heights (Senior Night) Feb 22-23 Sub-State Quarterfinals TBA Feb 29-Mar 2 Sub-State Semifinals and Finals TBA Mar 6-9 State TBA (620) 342-2500 brianfilinger.fbfsagents.com

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Page 20

Saturday, December 2, 2023

NORTHERN HEIGHTS WILDCATS NORTHERN HEIGHTS BOYS BASKETBALL SET TO BEGIN NEW ERA NH BOYS BB SCHEDULE 12/1 vs. Osage City 12/5 vs. TBA Wabaunsee Toury @ Wabaunsee 12/7 vs. TBA Wabaunsee Toury @ Wabaunsee 12/8 vs. TBA Wabaunsee Toury @ Wabaunsee 12/12 vs. West Franklin @ West Franklin 12/15 vs Council Grove 12/19 vs. Chase Co. @ Chase Co. 1/5 vs. Central heights 1/9 vs Mission Valley @ Mission Valley 1/12 vs Lyndon @ Lyndon 1/15 vs TBA Flint hills shoot out @ William Allen White 1/18 vs TBA Flint hills shoot out @ William Allen White 1/20 vs TBA Flint hills shoot out @ William Allen White 1/23 vs Rural Vista 1/26 vs Herington @ Herington 1/30 vs Burlingame 2/2 vs. Madison @ Madison 2/13 vs. Olpe @ Olpe 2/16 vs. Hartford @ Hartford

COURTESY PHOTO

By John Sorce

john@emporia.com

There will be new voices this year for the Northern Heights boys basketball team.

Head coach Lance Morris and assistant coach Gunner Fort are both entering their first years coaching not only the Wildcats, but at the high school level in general. The duo hopes to inject energy into what has been a program that has lacked that in recent years.

“We have two first year coaches who have never coached at this level,” Morris said. “We hope to bring a new energy to a struggling program.”

Morris said helping young men grow and learn what they are capable of if they work

hard is what motivates him to coach. He will have some experience back on the roster this year.

Patrick Niedfeldt, Cooper Hamlin, Clayton Collier, and Gabe Beck are returning upperclassmen to the varsity roster this year.

Morris noted freshman Cooper Woodrow and sophomore Kelton Bish as underclassmen who he hopes to make an impact this season. He is encouraged by the work the kids put in over the summer.

“This season we are focused on learning a new system and implementing it,” Morris said. “We need these guys to buy in and believe in themselves. I think the strides we took this summer show there is a lot of potential for this group.”

Morris wants to see the guys show up

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each day and put in effort, while also being accountable. He feels the team speed will be the team’s strength while a weakness will be a lack in size down below.

“We need to improve on shooting and on our defensive pressure,” Morris said. “Another area is mental toughness and we started working on improving this over the summer.”

While Morris is hoping for success on the court, he knows this is bigger than sports and he wants to see the guys build a trust that will go beyond that.

“We aim for some wins but more importantly our goal is accountability on and off the court for both players and coaches,” Morris said. “Another goal we hope to achieve is to have trust in each other. Knowing the guy beside you can make a play and trusting that.”

821 Commerical St. Emporia, KS (620) 342-2122

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THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Page 21

NORTHERN HEIGHTS GIRLS BASKETBALL TO HAVE YOUTHFUL ROSTER IN 2023 NH GIRLS BB SCHEDULE Dec. 1 vs. Osage City Dec. 5, 7-8 at Wabaunsee Tournament Dec. 12 at West Franklin Dec. 15 vs. Council Grove Dec. 19 at Chase County Jan. 5 vs. Central Heights Jan. 9 at Mission Valley Jan. 12 at Lyndon Jan. 15-16, 18-20 Shoot-out TBA Jan. 23 vs. Rural Vista Jan. 26 at Herington Jan. 30 vs. Burlingame Feb. 2 at Madison Feb. 13 at Olpe Feb. 16 at Hartford Feb. 20 vs. West Franklin Feb. 26-March 2 Sub-State TBA March 4-9 State at Dodge City COURTESY PHOTO

replace with the graduations of star players Teagan Hines and Kailyn Schlimme.

Third year head coach Bob Blair will Eighteen points and sixteen rebounds have a youthful roster this season, but per game. that doesn’t mean he is without experiThat is what the Northern Heights ence on the roster. girls basketball team is going to have to The Wildcats do return three starters

By John Sorce

john@emporia.com

USD 251

North Lyon County USD 251

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in point guard Briauhna Pierce (5.7 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.3 Steals), shooting guard Addison Landgren: 4.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.2 Steals) and post player Makenna Delgado (4.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG). He feels that experience will help them as their roles increase this year.

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“We have three returning starters that gained valuable playing experience last season,” Blair said. “We lost two key scorers to graduation and will need several players to step up and be scoring threats Please see NH girls, Page 23

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Page 22

Saturday, December 2, 2023

COUNCIL GROVE/NORTHERN HEIGHTS WRESTLING LOOKING TO HAVE STRONG SEASON

HARTFORD GIRLS From PAGE 19 Also returning to the starting lineup are junior guard Tobye Sull (8 ppg, 3.5 rpg), sophomore guard Sydney Sull (2.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg) and sophomore post Aubrey Finnerty (5.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg).

Other returning players expected to contribute are junior post Chiara Garcia and junior guard Lexi Geiska-Mears. Guard Jade Wilson is a new player who is expected to help the Jaguars this season and give them some depth on the perimeter.

In order for the Jaguars to take the next step and compete with teams like Lebo and Olpe, Thomas feels his girls will need to take their offensive games to another level.

“I hope we will shoot the ball better this year,” Thomas said. “Our strengths will be our depth, defense and experience, but we will need to be more consistent offensively.”

LEBO BOYS BB SCHEDULE

COURTESY PHOTO

kids fit in well with the kids who attend Humphrey said. “They come in ready to Council Grove and have bonded well as work and get better every single day.”

Come the end of the season, Huma team.

The Council Grove/Northern Heights “The Northern Heights kids mesh per- phrey hopes to see his kids competing wrestling co-op is hoping to have anoth- fectly with our kids in Council Grove,” with the best in the state. er strong season this winter.

The Braves had seven wrestlers go to state a season ago, with Ace Monihen NH/CG WRESTLING SCHEDULE taking fourth as a sophomore.

Head coach Brogan Humphrey 1/20, Council Grove Girls Tournament, 12/2, Flinthills Tournament, El Dorado, feels his state qualifying wrestlers are CGHS, Girls, 9:00 AM JV/Var/Girls, 9:00 AM equipped to take the next step this year.

1/25, Hillsboro, Hillsboro, JV/Var/Girls, 12/8, Ellis Tournament, Ellis, Varsity, “I’m hoping this year those state qual2:00 PM 7:00 PM ifiers turn into state placers,” Humphrey said. “All are very capable of making the 12/16, Chase County Tournament, 1/27, Fredonia Invitational, Fredonia, podium this year at state.”

JV/Girls, 9:00 AM Cottonwood Falls, Var./Girls, 9:00 AM, Also returning who made it to state 2/2, Circle Tournament, Towanda, 1/4, Osage City/Sante Fe Trail, CGHS, last season are sophomore Leo DeJV/Var/, Girls, 5:00 PM Var./Girls, 1:00 PM Donder (126), junior Hadley Smith 1/6, Herington Tournament, Herington, 2/3, Circle Tournament, Towanda, (144), senior Jude Kormanik (175), sophomore Tyler Hutchinson (215) and JV/Var/Girls, 9:00 AM Var./Girls, 9:00 AM junior Holden Ziegler (285).

1/9, Rock Creek(Senior Night), CGHS, JV/ 2/8, FHL Tournament, Cottonwood Falls, Sophomore Brenah Cannon returns Varsity, 6:00 PM Varsity, 4:00 PM on the girls side at 170.

1/13, Topeka High Tournament, Topeka, 2/10, Girls 1-4A Regionals, TBD, The Braves have a pair of freshmen that are expected to make an impact in Varsity, TBD Var./Girls, 9:00 AM Nate Seimears (113) and Bradley Doorn2/16-17, Boys Regionals , TBD, Varsity, TBA 1/19, Council Grove Tournament, CGHS, bos (120).

2/22-24, State, Salina, Varsity/Girls, TBA Varsity, 2:00 PM Humphrey said the Northern Heights

By John Sorce

john@emporia.com

Dec - 1 @ Flinthills Dec 4,7,9 Central Heights Tournament HS Dec - 12 @ Hartford Dec - 15 @ Olpe Dec - 18 @ MdCV Jan - 5 SCC Jan - 9 @ Madison Jan - 12 Burlingame Jan - 16 Waverly Jan 22-27 LCL Tournament Jan - 30 @ Marmaton Valley Feb - 2 West Franklin Feb - 6 Lyndon Feb - 12 Olpe Feb - 16 @ SCC Feb - 20 Osage CIty

LEBO BOYS From PAGE 13 sive play and their ability to drive to the basket. Becker said the team’s weakness is shooting.

He noted the key to winning their league and making a postseason run begins with defense.

“Success for us has to come from the defensive end and then translate to offense,” he said.

Saturday, December 2, 2023

HARTFORD BOYS From PAGE 18 see increased roles at the varsity level. Senior Kevin Goza will be a full-time starter this year, and Barrett is excited to see what he can do in a full year.

“Kevin will be stepping into a full-time starting role for us this year,” Barrett said.

“He’s a good defender and has started multiple games for us throughout his career.

We are excited to see him play a big role this season.”

Sophomores Simon Blankley and Daden Wilson will also see their roles increase this season. Each one would present opponents with a different look, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

“Simon and Daden will be competing for a starting role this year, and both are very good defenders,” Barrett said. “Simon is a very good rebounder and is the hardest worker on the team, while Daden handles the ball well and does a good job attacking the basket.”

The team’s strengths should lie in its team speed while rebounding could be a weakness, as the team will be on the smaller side this year. Barrett hopes the team can improve on its finish in the Lyon County League from a season ago while improving its pace of play. He feels the keys to this success lies primarily on the defensive side of the ball, while also improving its 3-point shooting on offense.

“This year’s team will be able to have a more balanced offensive attack this year,” Barrett said. “Our depth offensively has improved; our overall shooting will improve with the addition of our freshman class and we are going to be able to play faster with the depth at the guard position this season.”

MADISON GIRLS From PAGE 11 around young people and seeing them grow as players and people.”

Nienstedt has done stints at Emporia High School, Lebo High School and Central Heights High School. His overall record is an impressive 419-201.

The Lady Bulldogs nearly punched their ticket to the state tournament in Nienstedt’s first season. They led the Lady Eagles 32-18 in the third quarter but couldn’t stop the momentum of Olpe’s Makenna Broyles who made the difference in the second half.

Madison lost starters Yolaine Luthi, Ava Foltz — now an assistant coach in the Madison program — and Sarah

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

HARTFORD BOYS SCHEDULE

NH GIRLS From PAGE 21

Nov. 30 - Marmaton Valley Away Dec. 1 - Altoona-Midway Home Dec. 4-8 - The Valley Tourney (MDCV) Away TBA Dec. 12 - Lebo Home Dec. 15 - SCC Away Dec. 19 - Waverly Away Jan. 5 - Olpe Home Jan. 9 - Burlingame Away Jan. 12 - MDCV Home Jan. 16 - Madison Away Jan. 22-27 LCL Tournament Emporia TBA Jan. 30 - Wichita-Classical Home Feb. 2 - Chase County Away Feb. 9 - Wichita-CCA Home Feb. 13 - Rural Vista Away Feb. 16 - Northern Heights Home Feb. 22-23 - Sub-State Quarterfinal TBA TBA Feb. 29-Mar. 2 - Sub-State TBA TBA Mar. 6-9 - State TBA TBA

Miser to graduation but return two key members from the 2022-23 team.

Junior Jalynn Weakley averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds per game last season — she scored 22 points and recorded 10 rebounds in the loss to Olpe — and sophomore Caylin Luthi who averaged four points and four rebounds per game.

“We lost three great senior leaders who started every game, but we return a point guard and our leading scorer and rebounder,” Nienstedt said. “We play in a great league and must compete well every night.”

A handful of other players will also be relied on to contribute. They include senior Brooke Gaines, junior Candice Ashlock, junior Lily Hudson, sophomores Sadie Albert and Kamdynn White and freshman Jenna Thomsen.

this season.”

Blair will welcome a sizable freshman class, with seven newcomers which will make up just about half of the team’s 15 player roster. This could lead to big years in the future.

But first comes acclimating to basketball at the high school level. A number of these girls should get that experience in year one.

CHASE GIRLS From PAGE 8 Mad elyn Wilson, who garnered first-

team all-league and second-team allstate honors last season. But more importantly, she averaged 21 points per game as a freshman and was lights out from the stripe. Chase County also returns power forward Lilly Hinkson and shooting guard Avery Beyer. Other players expected to make an impact are shooting guard Kinslea Glanville, guard Carys Price and center Hadi Hatcher.

Newcomers who could turn some heads are power forward Daysha Shickel, point guard Emma Mourousas, power forward Lynnae Rains and shooting guard Natalie Neff.

“We have a strong core of starters returning,” Happy said. “However, there will also be a lot of new faces filling minutes in various roles throughout the year. We have a lot of work to do at the dawn of the new season, but I’m confident that our ceiling is quite high.

It should be fun to observe the growth taking place in our girls, and team, from week to week.”

Happy explains that the team’s strengths are veteran leaders and post players who are effective on both ends of the court, along with some speed on defense.

“Defensively, we have a couple energizer bunnies who I expect to fly around the court to make things difficult on everyone we play.”

One area of noticeable weakness is Chase County’s lack of depth. Last year, the varsity rotation was minimal, and many of those players graduated.

Page 23 The Wildcats areas of strength this year will be their guard play with two returning starters in Pierce and Landgren, as well as their play on the defensive side of the ball. Landgren led the team in steals and deflections last season.

Blair hopes his team stays together, plays aggressively and shows effort throughout the season. He is optimistic that they will as they are a close group.

“Our young ladies are a tight knit group that will be ready at all times to give a great effort and play as a team,” Blair said.

CHASE COUNTY GIRLS BB SCHEDULE Dec. 1 at Central Heights Dec. 5, 8-9 Herington Tournament Dec. 12 at Council Grove Dec. 15 at West Franklin Dec. 19 vs. Northern Heights Jan. 5 at Lyndon Jan. 9 vs. Osage City Jan. 12 vs. Mission Valley Jan. 15, 18, 20 Flint Hills League Tournament Jan. 23 at Peabody Jan. 30 vs. LeRoy Feb. 2 vs. Hartford Feb. 6 vs. Marias Des Cygnes Valley Feb. 9 at Waverly Feb. 13 at Madison Feb. 16 at Centre “There are many girls who have the ability to step up to the plate,” he said.

“There will be growing pains with the youth and inexperience, but that will pass with time and practice.”

Happy said the Lady Bulldogs’ keys to success are bringing the more inexperienced squad members up to speed as soon as possible, generating quality possessions, solid defense, “communicating, getting deflections, winning the rebounding battle, being as good in help as on ball,” and prevailing in the mental battle.

Page 24

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Saturday, December 2, 2023

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