Holding Court: Winter Sports 2021-22

HOLDING COURT WINTER SPORTS 2021-22

Mustangs eye rebuild in 2021-22 Coming off consecutive second-round sub-state tournament exits, could this be the year for Iola High School hoops?

Their first practices demonstrated promise.

The boys showed discipline, with players lined up on both ends of the court running drills. Inbound the ball, take two dribbles, pass and then shoot. Simple enough, but it’s those fundamentals that will take the Mustangs far.

The senior class has a lot of size, averaging 6’2”.

Fortunately, it doesn’t stop there. Junior Cody Wille is 6’4”, sophomore Casey Rowe is 6’5”. IHS also features two freshmen over 6 feet including 6’4” Alex Donnelly.

“We are fast and have a few big men,” said IHS head coach Luke Bycroft. “We are bigger than usual and have a lot of speed around those big guys. The group is pushing itself a lot in drills. They are competitive by nature and I love that.”

Mix those improving fundamentals with the athleticism that many of the players bring from a grueling football season and the sky’s the limit for the 2021 Mustangs.

Iola High’s Tyler Boeken is the sole returning starter “It’s good, but it’s a completely different sport and for the Mustangs in 2021-22. different mentality,” Bycroft said of the transition from football to basketball. “It’s always beneficial for a lot of returning production and they will have to me if they have a successful football season, it bleeds grow up fast if the Mustangs are going to break the over and builds momentum. Unfortunately, this was glass ceiling that has been the first-round. one of those years that we struggled a little bit on the “We are working hard right now, we have a lot of football field, so I’m not sure if it will light a spark spots open,” said Bycroft. “We lost eight seniors so for us. But it’s great for them to be in the routine of there is a ways to go and a lot of work to be done. The practicing after school and staying conditioned.” attitude is exceptional, the effort is exceptional and Iola Register defensive player of the year senior they are busting their tails. I’m proud of the progress Tyler Boeken and senior Sam Fager lead the charge. we are making, we just have a lot to learn.”

Iola’s 27 players include only four seniors.

Bycroft says the goal for the team is to go 1-0 every That’s why the fundamentals are so important. day.

With 10 freshmen and nine sophomores, there isn’t “Every single day we are going to win the day,”

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Bycroft said. “Some people lose every day, we will always have something that we could do better at, but that’s OK, you still learn from that and get better.”

With their size, the Mustangs should excel at rebounding.

“Rebounds are something we teach in practice almost every day,” Bycroft said. “Even when we aren’t doing a rebounding drill, it’s important that we go about every drill physically and

get a body on a body and box out.”

“The guys want to get into games as soon as we start,” Bycroft remarked.

“As a coach, we could have two months of practice under our belts and I still would feel we wouldn’t be ready for a game because there are so many things to work on.

“But the boys are always ready to play, they get a little scrappy, but we want to see that and see them having that desire.”

Iola High’s Eli Adams goes in for a layup.

IOLA BOYS

Tyler Boeken — 12 Sam Fager — 12 Brett Morrison — 12 Cooper Riley — 12 Eli Adams — 11 Jake Skahan — 11 Travis Wanker — 11 Cody Wille — 11 Jeremy Adair — 10 Kolton Greathouse — 10 Ashton Hesse — 10 Ben Kerr — 10 Mac Leonard — 10 Isaac McCullough — 10 Casey Rowe — 10 Japheth Rutoh — 10 Gage Skahan — 10 Landon Weide — 10 Cortland Carson — 9 Alex Donnelly — 9 Grady Dougherty — 9 Ethan Harris — 9 Gavin Jones — 9 Raiden Kern — 9 Lucas Maier — 9 Cole Moyer — 9 Kyser Nemecek — 9 Kaiden Rutherford — 9 Trevor Tatman — 9

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IHS seeks growth

Iola High’s Taylor Sell dribbles in a game last season.

Iola High School is gearing up for another exciting girls basketball season. With a young team, there are a few ways the Mustangs could go this season.

Head coach Kelsey Johnson doesn’t have a lot of returning varsity experience, but what she does have is a group of girls eager to compete and get better.

While running drills, the Mustangs concentrated on fundamentals like footwork.

“We are working very hard,” Johnson said. “This group of girls is taking advantage of each practice.

Our biggest strength so far is our work ethic, we could outwork other teams.”

Four key players return to the lineup this season for IHS — senior guard Josie Plumlee, junior forward Aysha Houk, senior point guard Chloe Sell, and senior guard Maci Miller.

Sell and Houk are familiar names to IHS fans. Both competed on the varsity volleyball team this fall where Johnson is an assistant coach.

“A lot of the girls are ones I have during volleyball

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IOLA GIRLS Jenna Curry — 12 Maci Miller — 12 Josie Plumlee — 12 Chloe Sell — 12 Miah Shelby — 12 Elanie Sturgeon — 12 Tatum Boyd — 11 Aysha Houk — 11 Hallie McDermeit — 11 Jackie Fager — 10 Keira Fawson — 10 Kyndal Bycroft — 9 Elza Clift — 9 Baylie Crooks — 9 Kaysin Crusinbery — 9 Reese Curry — 9 Harper Desmarteau — 9 Karingten Hall — 9 Alana Mader — 9

season,” Johnson said. “We have some new faces also but a lot of the girls are two-sport athletes.”

Even with the big differences between volleyball and basketball, that experience during the fall sports season is a plus for the Mustangs.

“They have more leadership,” Johnson said. “It’s helpful. It’s good because they were a part of a team in the fall. They are ready to jump right in and are more familiar with me and how I coach.”

Sell returns after missing most of the season last year. Sell’s talents are that she’s a very aggressive post player who can rebound well.

“We have some good scorers in practice,” Johnson said. “We will need girls to finish shots in games, too.”

Miller’s varsity time last season was limited but she was a key player on the junior varsity team and completed the school’s 10,000 shot challenge over the summer. It could pay off big for Miller if she can help score for the Mustangs.

“They have been like sponges,” Johnson said. “Every practice has been very beneficial. They are all working hard to get better.”

That work ethic is what Johnson thinks is the strength of this Mustangs team.

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“We are going to work hard and compete,” Johnson added. “We are going to give 110% all the time. We are going to spread the floor and get up and guard.”

The first few games for IHS will be a feeling-out process. Johnson hasn’t identified a leader yet, but that isn’t a negative.

“I’m not quite sure who our scoring leader is going to be,” Johnson said.

“I think that is an OK problem to have. We are going to get after the ball and that is going to wear some teams down.”

One big positive for IHS is the numbers. The roster lists 19 girls with a lot of spots still to be determined.

“I don’t have anybody that I think I am 100% on right now,” Johnson said.

“I have ideas of what the starters will look like but I have so many girls that are working hard that it’s pretty even so far.”

2014 is the last time IHS won the Pioneer League. If all goes to plan, that could happen again this season.

“I think we can compete for the league,” Johnson said. “Some of my assistants and I have talked about teams in our league and how we think we can match up. It’s hard to know because it’s still early, but I don’t see a game we can’t compete in.”

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Wrestlers pin hopes on hard work There is a youth movement brewing at Iola High School in the wrestling program. With only three seniors and two juniors, this year’s Mustang wrestlers are very young and maybe that isn’t a bad thing.

With three female wrestlers, all freshmen, and 13 male wrestlers, gyms will be full of Mustangs representing 14 weight classes all the way from 113 lbs. to 285 lbs.

“I’m pretty happy with how practice is going so far,” said IHS head coach Jason Bates. “We have almost all our weight classes filled. We are pretty solid right now considering a lot of our wrestlers took a year off and decided to come back out. Just the fact that we can fill a majority of the weight classes and have some experience is exciting. I think we look pretty good so far.”

Bates, who also coaches Iola Middle School’s wrestling program, had the wrestlers running through fundamental drills during one of the first practices of the season. Just like in any other sports, fundamen-

Xander Sellman, top, wrestled for Iola last season.

tals are important in wrestling, even more so when you have as many freshmen and new wrestlers as IHS

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does.

“We are just trying to get our timing down,” Bates said. “We are trying to build some conditioning and get our holds down. Right now we just want to focus on basics. The basics win matches. Every once in a while one of those trick moves will get you points but in tough matches, it’s the basics.”

Of the 14 weight classes, three of those are in the rapidly-rising girls divisions. Kansas is one of a few states to sanction girls wrestling.

“It’s tough right now,” Bates remarked. “We have four girls on our high school team. I had a few girls come to our meeting in middle school but they saw the boys and it freaked them out. That hurts our program. A lot of people don’t understand that there is a boys team and a girls team and that both are separate. We go to tournaments

where they have a girls division and a boys division. It’s hard to get that awareness out there.”

With all those factors, it’s almost like Bates is having to build a whole new program.

“It’s the exact same,” Bates remarked. “There is a lot of promotion and exposure you have to do Trent Jones (152) — 12 around it. It’s just tough, but we are Dominic McGee (285) — 12 optimistic.”

TJ Taylor (138) —12 So early in the season, it’s hard Wyatt Westervelt (195) — 11 to tell who could be a leader, but Ryan Wools (113) — 11 Bates has his eyes on a few guys Danny Boeken (220) — 10 already.

Korbin Cloud (132) — 10 “Trent Jones is a strong guy Kolton Greathouse (220) — 10 and a returner,” Bated remarked.

Zander Sellman (126) — 10 “TJ Taylor is tough. He is a solid Damian Wacker (120) — 10 wrestler. Danny Boeken is ranked Camden Warner (182) — 10 sixth in the state in 4A. I’m pretty Alexia Alexander (155) — 9 excited about Dominic McGee, he Issac Hopkins (160) — 9 has gotten a lot stronger.”

Jada Martin (170) — 9 If a few of those names sound Kaden Porter (170) — 9 familiar, you probably heard about Indira Trester (191) — 9 them on the footKatelyn Womelsdorf (191) — 9 ball field. Trent Jones got a lot of action at running back. Taylor saw action all over the field and Boeken was a key cog on IHS’ defense this past season.

“Wrestling helps football a lot,” Bates said. “Everything about wrestling, the way we lower our body level, the way we keep our center of gravity low, builds aggression. Everything about wrestling can help you become a better football player.”

The football players also provided a needed boost to the numbers.

“In a small town like this, if they are football players they need to be a part of something,” Bates said.

“They need to be playing basketball or wrestling. Just do something to keep progressing athletically during their offseason.”

After a long offseason, there is just a little mat rust to shake before IHS rolls into full gear.

“We still need to shake the cobwebs out, but everyDiesel & Turbo of Iola body on the team knows how to wrestle,” Bates added.

“They just haven’t been on the mat in a while and once 1 South Walnut St • Iola, KS we shake those cobwebs out we should be able to find our groove.”

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Humboldt brings back plenty HUMBOLDT — After going 9-10 last season, Humboldt High School’s boys basketball program is ready to make it past the first round of the playoffs.

After going 5-7 in the Tri-Valley league last season, the Cubs fell to St. Mary’s-Colgan in the sub-state playoffs.

Now in his 15th season at the helm, head coach David Taylor’s Cubs have won the Tri-Valley League three times in his tenure. In 2013, the Cubs went all the way to the state title game.

There is reason to believe the Cubs might be able to get back to that point. After challenges with low numbers and injuries last season, Humboldt returns four of its five starters and seven letter winners.

Senior Drew Wilhite returns at guard. Wilhite scored just under 14 points per game last season and was an All-League selection.

Wilhite, a state qualifier in cross country, has been a three-year starter on the hardwood. With that experience, he will be looked to lead the Cubs.

Humboldt High’s Levi McGowen drives to the hoop in Junior Trey Sommer a game last season.

HUMBOLDT BOYS returns at forward.

On the bench, senior guard Kaiden Barnett returns Kaiden Barnett — 12 Sommer was an Allafter scoring six points per game last season.

Levi McGowen — 12 League selection and Outside of these five, there is a lot of youth for the Gavin Page — 12 All-State honorable Cubs.

Colton Slocum — 12 mention last year after “We have to take baby steps,” Taylor said. “We have Drew Wilhite — 12 scoring 15 points per a lot of freshmen and not very many upperclassmen.”

Trey Sommer — 11 game with almost eight Up and down the roster there are a lot of familZach McDown — 11 rebounds per game. iar names, with players who also star in a variety of Tristan Ballin — 10 On the football field, other sports.

Sam Hull — 10 Sommer is one of the “We have a lot of kids who are involved in all three Mateo Miller — 10 leaders for the Cubs. seasons,” Taylor said. “It’s a big bonus for us. Our Colden Cook — 9 On the basketball football players are a little tougher so it helps on Blake Ellis — 9 court, he will also be rebounds. I also have cross country guys who have Keith Gomez — 9 looked at as a leader good stamina. It’s a win-win for those kids to comJacob Harrington — 9 alongside Wilhite. pete year-round.”

Asher Hart — 9 Senior guards Gavin Without the presence of a true big man for the Jaryt Hess — 9 Page and Levi McGow- Cubs, those rebounds could be a weakness this seaKyler Isbell — 9 en both return after son.

Logan Page — 9 each scored about 65 One of the strengths of the Cubs, even with the Brigg Shannon — 9 points per game last lack of size will be speed.

Avery Works — 9 season.

WINTER SPORTS • 2021-22

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“I think our speed will hopefully allow us to defend in the full-court and half-court game,” Taylor remarked. “Hopefully, it helps us create turnovers so that we can get out in transition.”

The roster size has rebounded in a big way from last season also.

“Luckily, we have a lot more numbers than we did last year with COVID and quarantines and all of that,” Taylor said. “We had small numbers but it allows us to have better practices. You can’t get better if you don’t practice well. It also helps with our depth because that was an issue last year.”

With all the new players, it could hamper the Cubs in the beginning, but will be an asset as the season

progresses.

“Hopefully by February we are competitive and can make a run,” Taylor remarked. “Hopefully we can get to the finals in sub-state and then who knows. I don’t make predictions. I just hope they go out and play hard and give themselves a chance.”

Basketball is the longest of the high school sports seasons. With that grind, teams can change and morph through the season.

“Right now we are young, have a good attitude, and it’s enjoyable,” Taylor said. “We hope it keeps up.

Basketball is a long season, but this group is enjoyable to be around and they are attentive. They are trying to learn a lot in a short period of time.”

Hoops hopes High for Lady Cubs

Humboldt High’s Kirstyn Murrow, left, returns for the Lady Cubs.

Eighth-year head coach Aubrey Jones is ready to lead the Humboldt High School Lady Cubs into battle again this season.

At the outset, however, Jones’ biggest hurdle is a lack of players.

With only 10-12 players signed up, Humboldt is going to struggle to fill out a second-string and will be very limited when it comes time to go to the bench during games.

Last season was a success for the Lady Cubs. The Humboldt squad went 13-8 and made it to the substate title game before falling to St.Mary’s-Colgan.

The Cubs lost the duo of Jada

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HUMBOLDT GIRLS Brooklyn Ellis — 12 Kirstyn Murrow — 12 Gabby Sandoval — 12 Carsyn Haviland — 11 Karley Wools — 11 Nastassya Goforth — 10 Kenysin Hottenstein — 10 Sydnea Bumstead — 9 McKenna Jones — 9 Shelby Shaughnessy — 9 Chanlynn Wrestler — 9

Dangerfield and Jessica Myers to graduation. Both were Tri-Valley league honorees last season. Between the two, they were responsible for a vast majority of the Cubs offense.

“I’ve got five returning players who are good, solid players,” Jones said.

“They will make sure they get everybody else up to speed.”

Karley Wools, Carsyn Haviland, and Kirstyn Murrow return for the Cubs after starting last season. That leadership, plus the returning production from Brooklynn Ellis and Kenisyn Hottenstein, gives Humboldt a good foundation to build on.

“They are going to be scrappy,” Jones said. “They know we have taken a program in the past and built it back up from the ground. The girls know it will be a rebuilding year, but they don’t want to let down the girls

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who have come before them. They are going to fight.”

Because the Lady Cubs don’t have a lot of size, they will have to find other ways to win, beginning with the basics.

“We always stress fundamentals,” Jones remarked. “You don’t need to be fancy to win. You need to hammer home the fundamentals.”

Even in a year where a little struggle is expected, Jones has confidence the Lady Cubs can get the job done.

“You never really know what to expect,” Jones said. “I don’t like to put a cap on our team. On any given night, any dog in the fight can come out with a win. We have some work to do, but every team has work to do at the beginning of the year. They will have grown exponentially by the time the year is done.”

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Grapplers eye big year at HHS HUMBOLDT — Humboldt High School is gearing up for what could be a massive year on the wrestling mats. With state championship contenders, Humboldt looks ready to compete.

But before the competitions start, practice makes perfect.

Humboldt head coach Kent Goodner sees the biggest opponent for Humboldt this season being Eureka, who sent five wrestlers to the state tournament last season.

“Starting in the first week of practice we are going over fundamenHUMBOLDT tals,” said Goodner.

WRESTLING “After we freshen up our fundamentals, we Girls will go into more of the Nautianna Goforth — 12 technical moves. But Elizabeth Melendez — 11 Leah Mueller — 11 starting out, we need Morgan Sterling — 11 the basics to be perfect.”

Elizabeth White — 10 Andrew Watts is one Bailey Croisant — 9 of the best wrestlers in Cassidy Friend — 9 the state, entering the Emily Sanchez — 9 season in the top 10 in LexLee Sanchez — 9 his weight class.

“Andrew is my Boys heavyweight and is Colton Johnson — 12 ranked first in the state Andrew Watts — 12 in our classification,” River Kaufman — 11 said Goodner. “He has Dakota Slocum — 11 come a long way from Trayce Slocum — 11 day one. He comes Garren Goodner — 10 in as the top wrestler Hunter Lawrence — 10 on our team so he is Bradley Lowry — 10 going to be our leadRobbie Robinson — 10 er this year. He is the Cody White — 10 guy everyone keys on.

Jordan White — 10 Being number one, you Chase Demeritt — 9 always have a target on Cole Mathes — 9 your back.”

Curt Shannon — 9 What Watts offers Bryce Walden — 9 outside of competition 14 WINTER SPORTS • 2021-22

was on full display at a recent Cub practice. Watts was able to act almost like an assistant coach. That ability frees up Goodner to do other things during practice, like focus on groups that need more Andrew Watts help. It cannot be overstated how important that kind of leadership is to a program hoping to follow in the footsteps of its highly touted heavyweight.

One of the first things you see when you walk into Humboldt’s practice is the sheer number of kids on the mats. The roster is full and that’s a great thing.

Humboldt is one of two area wrestling teams to have a girls wrestling program. The other is Iola.

“We have six girls and we are right at 18 boys,” Goodner said. “Humboldt’s wrestling has come a long way.”

Girls wrestling has been in the state a while but ever since it became sanctioned last year, the program has thrived, according to Goodner. He estimates over 1,000 girls are wrestling at the high school level in the state.

“We have two who will do well this year and three that have come along and show a lot of potential.

Last year we were Tri-Valley League girls champions, so we hope to keep that up.”

In addition to Watts, Goodner has his hopes pinned on others.

“I have lighter-weight wrestlers who have been wrestling for four or five years,” Goodner said.

“Humboldt is going to make some noise this year.”

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Wildcats raring to hit win column MORAN — It’s been a long two seasons for Marmaton Valley High School’s boys basketball team. They haven’t won a game in either of the past two seasons. But there is a reason for optimism this year for the Wildcats.

Head coach Gavin Cole returns plenty of talent. Mix that talent with players returning from injury and one returning after a year off and you have the set up for a fruitful season.

Returning second-team all Three Rivers League selection Quincy Adams averaged over 16 points per game in 2020 and just under five rebounds per game. He will be the focal point of the Wildcats on both ends of the floor.

If you are an area football fan, you already know about Adams’ athleticism.

Senior guard Robert Cook is also back. Cook was a leader for MVHS last season. Dylan Drake is back for the Wildcats after missing half of last season. Despite the missed time, Cole expects Drake to be a leader for the Wildcats. Bryce Ensminger returns for his junior season at forward. Ensminger gives the Wildcats some added size at just over 6’ and could be a force inside and rebounding. Another big body that could help on the boards is 6’3” returning junior Evan Kent.

Returning to basketball after a year off is another athletic player, forward/ center Garrett Henderson. Henderson runs the offense for MVHS’s football team and with a 6’2” frame has the body to rebound well also.

Two freshmen that could play big MV’s Dylan Drake

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for MVHS this season are 6’1” forward Brayden Lawson and 5’8” guard Jaedon Granere. If Granere’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he was a starter for the Wildcats on the football field this season. That athleticism should prove to be key for the Wildcats when Granere comes off the bench.

“Both of them should be able to help on varsity immediately,” said Cole. “I think they will both see significant playing time.”

Those two, mixed with a few other returning bench pieces, give MVHS a leg up when it comes to depth, often a problem at the high school level.

“I expect our depth to be a strength this season,” Cole said. “We have a lot Quincy Adams — 12 of guys who are ready Robert Cook — 12 and capable of playing at Garrett Henderson — 12 the varsity level.”

Wyatt Ard — 11 Marmarton Valley’s Dylan Drake — 11 size and athleticism Bryce Ensminger — 11 should serve as distinct Evan Kent — 11 advantages on both Daniel Fewins — 10 ends of the floor.

Kody McVey — 10 “We should be able Chase Smith — 10 to rebound,” Cole said.

“We should also have Dreden Ellis — 9 the pieces to get up Jaedon Granere — 9 and down the floor and Brayden Lawson — 9 force some easy buckRyan Pugh — 9 ets in transition. Our Joseph Robinson — 9 endurance is good, and Lane Smith — 9 we should also be able Dominic Smith — 9

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Marmaton Valley’s Quincy Adams, right, blocks a shot.

to wear teams down.”

Those two go hand in hand. If the defensive rebounds are there, it makes transition offense easier and sets up for easier buckets. With the offensive woes the past two seasons for MVHS, easier buckets always help.

There are a few question marks for the Wildcats.

This group doesn’t have a lot of experience together, but that is often the case in high school basketball, with players graduating each season. Outside shooting is also expected to be a weakness, but if the aforementioned strengths can hold, they can help negate some of those problems.

“I am excited to get started with this group,” said Cole. “No matter what the results are, my goal for this team is to represent our community the right way. We want to be hard-working, tenacious, and a team that plays with heart every night.”

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MV girls eye top league finish MORAN — Becky Carlson’s inaugural season as head coach at her alma mater was anything but smooth in 2020-21.

Besieged by quarantines, schedule changes and cancellations, Marmaton Valley High’s girls played only 15 games last season, winning four.

The 4-11 may be a bit deceiving. The Wildcats came frustratingly close in a number of heartbreaking defeats.

“Last year, we got used to each other, but we never really got into a groove,” Carlson said.

But having lost only two seniors, and with a bevy of talented underclassmen, hopes are high for the Wildcats to challenge for a top spot in Three Rivers League.

Marmaton Valley returns three starters, including sophomore standout Janae Granere, who earned unanimous first-team All-TRL honors as a freshman.

“She’s a scorer, and she’s very competitive,” Carlson Community Owned!

Janae Granere (24) will be counted on for her defense skills for Marmaton Valley High in 2021-22.

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Kendall Scharff is one of two seniors for Marmaton Valley this season.

MV GIRLS Aly Ard — 12 Kendall Scharff — 12 Mary Brown — 11 Kaitlyn Drake — 11 Madi Lawson — 11 Brynn Newman — 11 Tayven Sutton — 11 Pauline Thery — 11 Gracie Yoho — 11 Brooklyn Adams — 10 Janae Granere — 10 Payton Scharff — 10 Piper Barney — 9 Khiana Haynes — 9 Haylee Lanhan — 9 Lexi Lowder — 9

20 WINTER SPORTS • 2021-22

said. Granere led MV with 11 points per game as a freshman.

She also averaged four rebounds, two assists and two steals a contest.

But as talented as Granere is with the ball, she’s equally effective on defense.

Oftentimes, Carlson tasked Granere with guarding the opposing teams’ best offensive threat.

That’s not going to change anytime soon.

“She’s just got a lot of talent,” Carlson said.

Working alongside Granere is senior Aly Ard, Marmaton Valley’s leading rebounder last season.

Like Granere, Ard (six points and six rebounds a game as a

junior) will be counted on as a defensive stopper.

“I don’t like to call it dirty work, but she did a lot of that for us,” Carlson said. “She’s a scrapper. If there’s a loose ball, she’s gonna get it. She’s just a hard-nosed player.”

Fellow senior Kendall Scharff also started last year.

“Kendall is a smart player. She knows the game,” Carlson said. “She’s a good rebounder, and she’s got a great shot from the elbow. She just needs to have more confidence doing that. She and Aly are great team leaders.”

Marmaton Valley doesn’t have much returning experience at point guard, having lost Haylee Becker and Kayla Ard to graduation.

A triumvirate of players, juniors Brynn Newman, Pauline Thery and Gracie Yoho, will be counted on for their ball-handling prowess and pass distribution, when not counted on to score.

“Brynn is a good shooter,” Carlson said. “She’s got a great shot. Pauline is a good ball-handler as well.”

Thery, a foreign exchange student from France, is getting adjusted to American basketball, and should play a key role.

Yoho will spell Newman and Thery if necessary.

Tayven Sutton, a 5-10 junior, will help fill the scoring role, as will junior Kaitlyn Drake.

“Tayven has the potential to score, and Kaitlyn is a very aggressive player. I could see her aggressiveness getting her lots of playing time.”

Sophomore Peyton Scharff took full advantage of her playing time as a freshman, stepping up in key moments in the latter portions of the season. “She’s a good scorer, a good passer, and plays well in the post,” Carlson said.

Junior Madison Lawson will debut sometime after Christmas due to injury. Carlson looks for her to contribute as well.

As for incoming freshmen, Carlson said Piper Barney has shown some talent in practice, and could vie for varsity playing time as the season progresses.

“Our team effort has been amazing,” Carlson said.

“I don’t want to jinx things, but my expectations are high for the girls. I don’t think getting a top-three spot in league is too high for us to shoot.”

As for Three Rivers League opponents, Carlson said St. Paul and Uniontown “obviously are still top dogs in the conference. Pleasanton is pretty good, too.”

Good Luck This Season!

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Sporing takes helm at Crest High COLONY — The Crest High School boys basketball team looks to rebound from an 8-13 season last year with a loss in the first round of the sub-state tournament.

Dakotah Sporing replaces longtime coach Travis Hermreck, and is eager to make his mark as head coach by implementing a new system on offense and defense.

The Lancers have some key players returning, including senior Ethan Prasko, who scored just under five points per game and five rebounds per game last season. Prasko gives the Lancers great size at 6’3” and should be able to help fill the boards on both ends of the floor.

“He had a limited role last year with the class we had ahead of him,” Sporing said. “Now will be his time to step up and fill some of the gaps created by last year’s seniors leaving.”

Karter Miller, a junior, returns after starting last season at Keaton Davis — 12 guard. Miller averaged Kaden Griffith — 12 just under three points Ethan Prasko — 12 per game.

Tucker Yocham — 12 Another player with Holden Barker — 11 great size is senior Ty Chambers — 11 guard Keaton Davis.

Ethan Godderz — 11 Davis is 6 feet tall and Karter Miller —11 averaged four points per Cody Nolan — 11 game last season.

Stetson Setter — 11 Coming off the bench Malachi Trester— 11 last season is two-sport Jack White — 11 star Ethan Godderz.

Brenton Edgerton — 10 Godderz, a junior, and Ryan Golden — 10 Stenton Setter, a junior, Brody Hobbs — 10 should both see more Denton Ramsey — 10 playing time.

Rogan Weir —10 With the athleticism Jerry Rodriguez — 10 Crest returns, they can Matthew Beckman — 9 score multiple ways inGentry McGhee — 9 side and outside on the Clay Scott — 9 offensive end.

Jacob Zimmerman — 9

CREST BOYS

Keaton Davis should give Crest High a boost inside.

With all the changes around the program, there are still reasons to be optimistic that Crest can have a successful season.

“We have a lot of kids who love to play with energy,” Sporing said. “Hustle and effort should be a bright spot for us this season.”

One issue for Crest could be a challenging schedule before the holiday break, where they play three games in one week, in addition to one other game. Once school resumes, they play seven games across 21 days, including a tournament at Yates Center.

If Crest is going to be successful in Sporing’s first season, they will lean on their younger pieces, who will need to grow up fast.

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23

Lady Lancers see mix of old, new Caleb Powelson takes over as head coach of the Crest High School girls basketball team. The biggest thing for Crest might be the unknowns that come with a first-time head coach.

Luckily for Powelson, there are a few known commodities coming back to the Lancers this season to help with his acclimatization.

Senior Lindsay Godderz returns to Crest. If the Lancers are to have any success, at least early in the season, Godderz’s senior leadership will be a big part in the bond between the team early on.

Junior McKenna Hammond returns after having a big role last season. Hammond could provide a second scoring option with Godderz and has been around the court, something needed with not a lot of returning production.

Sophomores Mia Coleman and Kayla Hermreck also return with some varsity experience from last season.

Lonna Ayers — 12 While these four will Lindsey Godderz — 12 be the key, they’ll need Vivian Noah — 12 less-experienced playHayley Beckmon — 11 Mckenna Hammond — 11 ers to step up.

Therein lies the Kami Luedke — 11 problem. Crest’s roster Brinley McGhee — 11 is slim, with only 12 Kaylee Allen — 10 players. So if any foul Mia Coleman — 10 trouble or serious injuKayla Hermreck — 10 ries occurs, Powelson Karlee Boots — 9 will need to lean on his Emmy Lou Preston — 9 novices even more, including two freshmen.

The expectation will be for the upperclassmen and sophomores to see more minutes on the floor, at least to begin with.

While Powelson is still getting used to the lay of the land in the Three Rivers League, he isn’t exactly sure who the top dogs in the league could be. It won’t take long, however, to see where Crest ranks among its league peers.

CREST GIRLS

24 WINTER SPORTS • 2021-22

While just a sophomore, Kayla Hermreck will be counted on to lead Crest High’s girls this season.

A part of the process of getting acclimated is learning his team’s strengths and weaknesses. If they start strong, all’s good. But if the girls struggle to gel, expect Powelson to make changes to his lineup early and often to try to find the perfect mix.

Crest has only four games before the holiday break, so don’t take stock of the Lancers until they begin play after the break.

YC hopes to maintain momentum YATES CENTER — Yates Center High School comes into the winter with Jeremy Neville at the helm of its boys basketball program. The Wildcats have six returning players with varsity experience.

Last season, Yates Center lost in the sub-state tournament after going 12-7 and earning the fourth seed in the tournament.

“We have six or seven experienced players who have gotten quality minutes the last few seasons,” Neville said. “I am hoping they can be a smart and sound team that will be physical on defense.”

Sean Hurst returns for his senior season. In 2020, Hurst scored just over 12 points per game and was a Class 2A honorable mention. Hurst also had almost seven rebounds per game and just under three assists per game. Cash Cummings returns after being a second-team All-Three Rivers League selection in 2020. Cummings averaged seven points per game as a sophomore. Jack King returns as a senior after averaging just under four points per game and just

under three rebounds per game in 2020. Blake Audiss contributed as a junior and is back to help lead the 2021 Wildcats. Audiss averaged over five points per game and just under three rebounds per game in 2020.

Neville has a lot of football players on his basketball roster and one of them is shooting forward Carter Burton. Burton returns for his senior season after scoring six points per game and over two rebounds per game as a junior in 2020. Big Jayston Rice is a presence inside on the football Continued on Page 30

Sean Hurst

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25

Numbers low, but hopes high for ‘Cats Coach Abbie Collins is ready to lead Yates Center High School’s girls basketball program again this season. The Lady Wildcats are coming off a 6-13 season that ended with a loss in the sub-state tournament to Herington High School.

Numbers are low for Yates Center, only nine girls have signed up, but peeking behind the curtain, five of those players return from last season.

Collins will need each of those five to step up this season, and if there happens to be an injury or two, it could seriously derail Yates Center’s hopes.

Two seniors return in Morgan Collins and Addison Solander.

Juniors Grace Westerman and Callyn Miller also return with varsity experience. One of the youngest players on the Allie Chrisman — 12 Lady Wildcats roster Morgan Collins — 12 is sophomore Lauren Hannah Jones — 12 McConaghie, who got Addison Solander — 12 valuable experience last Callyn Miller — 11 year on the team and Grace Westerman — 11 should be able to help Lauren McConaghie — 10 produce. Among Yates Adison Morrison — 10 Center’s four newcomKrystina Hurst — 9 ers is 5’9” freshman Krystina Hurst, who will be integral coming off the bench for Collins.

What Yates Center lacks in numbers, they make up for in heart.

“The girls have been working hard during practice,” said Collins.

The key to achieving goals this year is defense.

Without a ton of size on the roster, Yates Center will have to play aggressively and force mistakes. The team will need a lot of grit.

“We are not big so we need to stop teams defensively,” Collins said. “We need to be able to force

YATES CENTER GIRLS

26 WINTER SPORTS • 2021-22

Morgan Collins, left, drives for Yates Center last year.

turnovers and force teams into making mistakes.

The girls have a lot of hustle and are scrappy.”

That scrappiness will be important in a loaded Three Rivers League. Previewing the league, Collins pinpointed St. Paul High School as the top team, followed by Uniontown High School and Marmaton Valley High School.

With limitations in numbers and in size, the Lady Wildcats might take a little while to gel together on both ends of the floor.

“We should be able to gain confidence offensively as we play more games and get more experience,” Collins said.

With so few, rotations also will be an issue, especially if one or two players find themselves in foul trouble. There are only so many ways to configure the roster. If you want to keep one or two of the more experienced players in the lineup, those rotations narrow down even more.

The meat of the schedule for Yates Center will be in January when the Lady Wildcats play nine games in 24 days, including the Midseason Classic on their home court. Hopefully, for Collins, the Lady Wildcats will have come together as a complete unit before the holiday break.

For fans who cannot attend games, all Yates Center games will be live-streamed on the Woodson USD YouTube page, free of charge.

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27

Weers leads talented contingent at SCC LE ROY — Southern Coffey County girls basketball comes into its 32nd year under head coach Jeff True, who is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2020 season.

SCC went 6-13 last season. The Titans won only a single conference game. It’s been a decade since the last winning season at SCC Josie Weers and coming up on 13 years since the last time the Lady Titans won the Lyon County League title.

True’s career record at SCC is 340-341. Since the name change from Le Roy High School to SCC, True is 125-154.

After graduating two of SCC’s top players last season in Emersyn Hall and Kyra Ohl, SCC is going to be looking for someone to step up as a leader.

The good news for True is that out of his five expected starters, four have returning experience on varsity, with three juniors and a senior including 2020 All-Lyon County League honorable mention Josie Weers lining up at guard and at forward.

Weers averaged over eight points and just under five rebounds per game last season. Jalea True returns to the team after averaging just under six points per game and over seven rebounds per game in 2020.

Ross Snovelle returns at guard. The 5’5” junior is expected to be a presence inside for True’s squad this year. As the team’s only senior, Rylee Mattheis is expected to be the team’s leader. The only freshman in the starting rotation is expected to be Karley Ohl, but freshmen Kennedy Gunlock and Emily Christiansen are also expected to contribute on the varsity level.

“I’ll be looking to some of the younger girls to really step up,” True said. “The girls have great attitudes and are working hard to improve.”

Sophomores Kaydence Gunlock and Kynlee Lind 28 WINTER SPORTS • 2021-22

return to the bench this season and will provide varsity experience outside of the starting lineup.

“I feel like we can be very competitive most nights if we can stay healthy,” True added.

With only three freshmen, Rylee Mattheis — 12 this will be a team looking Ross Snovelle — 11 to upperclassmen to lead Jalea True — 11 the way. And with only one Josie Weers — 11 senior on the roster, the Kaydence Gunlock — 10 lessons learned this year will Kynlee Lind — 10 help build an even stronger team looking to the future. Fah Soda — 10 After last season, the big- AnnMarie Smith — 10 gest positive has to be all the Emily Christiansen — 9 returning experience. With Kennedy Gunlock — 9 Karley Ohl — 9 that much coming back, SCC will at the very least have a sound starting lineup and should be able to have a good rotation and some good depth.

The Lady Titans have a lot of steep competition in the Lyon County League. True sees the top team in the league as Lebo-Waverly.

The last trip for SCC to the state tournament was in 2012-13 but the Lady Titans have never made it past the first round in the tournament. This could be the year that all changes, but first the Lady Titans will have to find a bit more offense than they had last season.

SCC GIRLS

Titans’ hopes high for winning season LE ROY — Southern Coffey County High School boys basketball comes into year two under head coach Trevor Smith.

After going 7-14 and reaching the substate championship game last season, SCC looks ready to get back into the groove.

Smith wants to see his team play tough and fundamentally sound basketball. Without the elite size of some schools, SCC will have to be a scrappy team.

The senior leadership will also be a blessing for SCC. “We have a wealth of upperclassmen again this year. I am relying on them to hold this team accountable for showing up to practice and doing what is expected of them.”

Smith knows there is no time to waste if SCC wants to achieve its goals.

“We cannot afford to come out flat like we did in some games last year,” Smith said. “The intensity, focus, and mental toughness have to be there for the whole game.”

All five starters return for Smith; four are seniors.

Wade Gleue will once again start at shooting guard. Late last season Gleue developed into the team’s best shooter.

“Wade is one of our most experienced players and a good basketball player,” Smith said. “I am relying on him to step up his defense and get key rebounds and smart possessions to help us win.”

Alongside Gleue, Brayton Lind returns at shooting guard. Lind averaged over 10 points per game last season and was the most improved player on the team in Smith’s eyes after stepping up Wade Gleue

­

Good

luck

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WINTER SPORTS • 2021-22

29

due to injuries on the team.

“Brayton will play a key role in our offensive sets,” Smith said. “We need him to stay on track from last year to win more games this year.”

One of three starting forwards, Cody Heslop, won’t be ready for the start of the season due to a knee injury.

“Cody is one of those guys that teams seem to sleep on,” Smith said. “He may not score a lot of points but his effort gets him quality shots and the rebounds we need.”

The other two forwards will be Aiden Voorhees and Mitchyl Walters. Walters is the only junior in the projected lineup. Both are viewed more as post players with the brunt of their contributions being on defense, but both have the ability to shoot if needed. Smith sees these two providing an x-factor for the Titans.

“We are going to work on getting them to the rim more this year to take pressure off of our guards,” Smith remarked.

Cody Brite, Brock Williams, AJ DeAnda, and Thomas Nickel will be contributors off the bench.

The quartet has been hard at work in practice and has improved from last season. Smith expects to see the brunt of their work on defense to start out but one or more could find their way into the starting

lineup, especially with Heslop still not cleared to play.

Smith has the team practicing like he wants them to play. The practices have been high tempo and have very little wasted time. During each practice, Smith and his team have discussed setting a good Cody Brite — 12 example for the underclassWade Gleue — 12 men who are watching and Cody Heslop — 12 what it means to be a leader.

Brayton Lind — 12 For SCC to accomplish its Aiden Voorhees — 12 long-term goals, Smith wants AJ DeAnda — 11 a change in the culture. That Mitchyl Walters — 11 will start with this senior Brock Williams — 11 class leaving their legacy and Thomas Nickel — 10 their mark on the program.

Seth Gleue — 9 If there is a weak spot on Isaac Higdon — 9 the team, Smith anticipates for it to be the team’s outside shooting and man-to-man defense. “That is the main focus for us this year,” Smith said.

SCC BOYS

Yates Center Continued from 25

One big piece Yates Center will have this season that was sorely missed in 2020 is junior guard Canon Cavender who was out with an injury last season.

Past the returning production, depth is a concern.

“We will need some guys to develop quickly to provide more depth on our bench,” Neville said.

Neville has the numbers with 18 players listed on Yates Center’s roster, it just remains to be seen who will step up as a depth piece. With five freshmen listed on the roster, those kids will have to learn early and will be expected to grow into good bench pieces quickly.

The building block of any good basketball team is fundamentals, and Neville sees his team as a fundamentally sound squad and a squad that has a high basketball IQ. The guys on the court will know the plays, it just remains to be seen if they can score and keep up with teams. The defense should be the bright spot of this team.

30 WINTER SPORTS • 2021-22

YATES CENTER BOYS Blake Audiss — 12 Carter Burton — 12 Sean Hurst — 12 Jack King — 12

Canon Cavender — 11 Cash Cummings — 11 Cam DeWitt — 11 Emmit George — 11 Caleb Hegwald — 11 Isiah Johnson — 11 Jayston Rice — 11 Christian Adams — 10 Taylor Camacho — 10 Devereaux Sarchet — 10 Garrett Audiss — 9 Jarrett Birk — 9 Blake Cuppy — 9

Neville is hopeful that players can join Hurst on the offensive side.

“Sean is capable of carrying a heavy scoring load,” Neville remarked. “We would prefer to have a balanced attack with multiple scoring threats.”

We are sweet on our

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