Rise to the Top: Winter Sports 2024

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Unfinished business Luke Bycroft has high hopes for a successful season on the hardwood for his Iola High Mustangs.

Iola brings back a trio of talented starters in seniors Mac Leonard and Landon Weide and junior Cortland Carson.

And with a young supporting cast featuring healthy doses of both size and talent, Bycroft is bullish on Iola’s chances in 2023-24.

“I always have high hopes,” Bycroft said.

“One of our goals we set out to do each year

is to win league. That’s a tall task, but it’s doable. But we have a lot of work to do.”

Keying the Mustang offense will be Weide, who did a little bit of everything for Iola as a junior as the team’s starting point guard.

He led the Mustangs in nearly every statistical category, aside from scoring — and he was second on the team in that.

Weide’s 10 points, 6 rebounds and nearly 6 assists per game netted him second-team All-Pioneer League honors.

IOLA BASKETBALL Coach: Luke Bycroft Mac Leonard — 12 Landon Weide — 12 Casey Rowe — 12 Matt Beckmon — 11 Cortland Carson — 11 Grady Dougherty — 11 Gavin Jones — 11 Konner Larney — 11 Lucas Maier — 11 Kyser Nemecek — 11 Donovan Nee — 11 Kayden Porter — 11 Nick Bauer — 10 Jayden Beene — 10 Brennen Coffield — 10 Hayden Kelley — 10 Ricky Rowe — 10 Frank Asencio — 9 Luke Coronado — 9 Austin Crooks — 9 Jase Herrmann — 9 Keegan Hill — 9 Layton Stowell — 9 Kaeden Vega — 9

Iola High’s Cortland Carson will be counted on as one of the Mustangs’ key offensive performers in 2023-24.

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Iola High’s Matt Beckmon, from left, and Grady Dougherty will be key contributors this season for the Mustangs.

Leonard, meanwhile, continues to round into form after a leg injury derailed his senior season in football, while Carson has honed his game in the offseason, Bycroft said.

“He’s been working hard, and you can tell,” Bycroft said. “You can see how he’s developed physically. He’s a lot lighter and more explosive, and he’s getting to the rim like he never has before.”

A pair of junior post players, Lucas Maier and Grady Dougherty, saw plenty of varsity action as sophomores, which should pay off this season, Bycroft predicted.

“Lucas is pretty quick at getting up and down the floor, and

Grady has some physicality to him. That’ll be helpful. They’re both athletic and big.”

Size is a premium for the Mustangs, who Bycroft noted, didn’t rebound particularly well in 2022-23 — a key factor in the team’s 8-13 campaign.

They’ll also provide some much-needed depth.

“Last year, we were begging to get any points off the bench,” Bycroft noted. “If we got anywhere from two to six points from our reserves, that was a good night. There were games with zero.

This year that shouldn’t be the case.”

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Sophomores Hayden Kelly, Jayden Beene and Brennen Coffield all offer speed and size.

Bycroft also is eager to get junior Matt Beckmon on the floor this year. Beckmon practiced with Iola last season, but as a transfer from Crest, he was ineligible to play any varsity competition.

“Our sophomores have put in a lot of time working in the offseason,” he said. “I’m not sure how much varsity time they’ll get, but they’ve developed their games quite well.”

Junior Kyser Nemecek has also made his mark in early practice sessions.

“He’s helped himself with his shooting, and his all-around game,” Bycroft said. “He’s becoming more consistent and more proficient with his ball-handling. He plays aggressive defense, too.”

Ah, yes, the defense.

Bycroft is quick to point out that in order for the Mustangs to compete with the Wellsvilles of the world, they’ll have to be sterling on the defensive end.

With his quick lineup, the Mustangs will continue to emphasize man-to-man defense, and turn up the pressure if necessary.

“Last year was the first time with that system,” he explained.

“We’ll be better at it this time around. We will need to make sure we have certain bigs on the court who can handle it, but it’ll be a good, extra twist. We’ve got guards who can run it.”

PIONEER LEAGUE supremacy, once again, will likely mean overcoming both Wellsville and Burlington, Bycroft predicted.

“They’re always good, and in order to win league, you’ve got to beat both of them at least once,” he said. “And that’s a tall task because of how solid the top is.”

Nonetheless, Bycroft says Iola has the pieces in place to contend for its first league title since winning the Southeast Kansas League in 1980.

“We’ve never won the Pioneer League, and that’s been 10 years,” he noted. “We’ve got to put the work in now, and the guys are doing that. They’re buying in. I’m excited.”

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Mustangs carry high hopes Forgive Kelsey Johnson if she seems a bit giddier than normal this year.

Her Iola High girls squad has taken its lumps in her first three seasons as head coach.

But those growing pains — Iola went 6-16 a year ago — may pay off handsomely in 2023-24 with Johnson’s deepest squad yet.

“I’m super excited,” she said. “We have such a high ceiling this year.”

Iola returns 12 players in her 24-deep roster — the largest yet for Johnson to work with — including eight who have seen extensive varsity experience.

Leading the charge are seniors Keira Fawson and Jackie Fager and a talented junior class: Kyndal Bycroft, Elza Clift, Alana Mader, Isabelle Berntsen, Harper Desmarteau, Reese Curry and Kaysin Crusinbery.

First, Johnson addressed her seniors.

“Keira played a ton for us last year in the post. Jackie was hit-andmiss in terms of the minutes she was able to get. She’s really coming around,” Johnson said.

Fawson and Fager also provided valued leadership on the court.

THE JUNIORS, by and large, are skilled at — well, pretty much everything.

“All of my juniors are gonna play important roles,” Johnson said.

“Every single one of them will touch the floor every single game.”

They’re loaded with athleticism, size, and now — after a rigorous introduction to the varsity level as sophomores — experience.

“Reese is gonna be a big part of our team this year,” Johnson said. “Elza really came on at the end of the season last year. That’s what has made this team so exciting to watch in practice,” Johnson continued. “They are battling every day. They can see what’s going on, and we’re able to move through things quicker. We can keep adding things in practice. They’re definitely progressing.”

The key, she said, is to keep the confidence level high as the

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Iola High’s Keira Fawson gives the Mustangs strong inside presence.

Mustangs sort through their roles once the season gets underway.

“It’s gonna take us a few games to figure that stuff out,” Johnson said. “We’re still figuring out where everybody fits, but honestly, that’s a positive. They all want to be ‘that girl.’ They’re all battling in practice, every day.”

Johnson noted many of the basketball players were on Iola’s volleyball team in the fall, which wound up winning more than 20 games and ascended to the upper tier of the Pioneer League.

“It’s great to see our fall sports program have success, because we’ve all known they could do it. I’m hoping that translates to basketball.”

Just as importantly, Johnson is counting on her nine freshmen to continue developing on and off the court.

“We actually have enough players to field a full freshman team, something we haven’t been able to do in a while,” Johnson said.

IOLA BASKETBALL Coach: Kelsey Johnson Madisyn Cookson — 12 Jackie Fager — 12 Keira Fawson — 12 Jenna Morrison — 12 Kyndal Bycroft — 11 Isabelle Berntsen — 11 Elza Clift — 11 Kaysin Crusinbery — 11

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Iola High’s Jackie Fager is one of several experienced veterans on this season’s roster.

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Senior Korbin Cloud, top, returns as one of Iola High’s veteran wrestlers in 2023-24.

Iola focuses on pins and wins Iola High’s wrestling team offers a tantalizing blend of experience and youth in 2023-24.

“We have a great group of freshmen who have decided to join the team,” 10th year head coach Jason Bates said. “Many of them know that wrestling will help them reach their potential in other sports.”

And while incoming freshmen like Kale Pratt and Zoie Hesse already have plenty of experience at the middle school level, and with the Iola Kids Wrestling Club, it’s important to not overlook Iola’s returners, Bates noted.

Leading the way is senior Korbin Cloud, who racked up a 2911 record last year at 138 pounds, taking second in the Pioneer League.

Bates also is quick to point out Cloud’s prowess in the classroom. He was named the KWCA Academic First Team for his stellar grade-point average.

“Korbin is a role model for our younger athletes,” Bates said.

“He works hard in the classroom first, and as an athlete, he’s committed to the team. He doesn’t miss practice and puts in the extra work on his days off. His experience and leadership will give this team the direction they need to excel and reach the

8 RISE TO THE TOP • 2023-24

IOLA WRESTLING Coach: Jason Bates Girls Zoie Hesse — 9 Boys Korbin Cloud — 12 Xander Sellman — 12 Damian Wacker — 12 Isaac Hopkins — 11 Bryce Walden — 11 Trapper Boren — 10 Ramon Ballin — 9

Ruger Boren — 9 Ean DeLaTorre — 9 Beau Erickson — 9 Ben Heiman — 9 Evan LaCrone — 9 Tripp Mathes — 9 Alston Nelson — 9 Broderick Peters — 9 Kale Pratt — 9 Rohan Springer — 9 Kollyn Wilson — 9

Junior Isaac Hopkins, top, wrestles as a sophomore last year for the Mustangs. next level.”

Damian Wacker has overcome health issues to return to the mat his senior year.

“His resilience to overcome obstacles will allow him to reach his goals, not only in wrestling, but in life,” Bates said. “His example will encourage and motivate those around him to become as resilient as him. His actions are contagious, and his personality is infectious, making every member feel welcomed on the team.”

As for the underclassmen, Bates, Pratt and Hesse will be exciting to follow through their high school journeys.

Another freshman, Ramon Ballin, is a first-year wrestler, but one whose athleticism will serve him well, Bates said.

“Ramon is an athlete who moves very well and naturally understands position and pressure,” Bates said. “He has a lot of potential as a first-year freshman wrestler.”

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Senior Sam Hull spearheads a potent Humboldt High basketball squad in 2023-24.

Cubs have sights set sky high HUMBOLDT — The 2022-23 basketball season was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Humboldt High.

It seems somebody forgot to tell the Cubs, however.

With a sophomore-dominated lineup, Humboldt racked up 19 wins under veteran head coach David Taylor, and made it to the substate finals before bowing out.

“I was happy to see how we progressed,” Taylor said. “We defended better last year and rebounded adequately for us to have a successful season.”

And with one more year of experience under their belt, the Cubs should be tough to beat again this year.

“On paper, we look like we can be real competitive,” Taylor said. “Whether that materializes depends on how hard we work, and if we make sure personal goals don’t get in the way of the team goals. … you know the drill.”

Having a pair of 6-5 forwards who can control the inside

certainly helps.

Senior Sam Hull and junior Colden Cook are among the four returning starters.

Hull averaged 13.5 points and 5.5 rebounds, good enough to earn all-league and honorable mention all-state honors. Cook, as a junior, averaged 14 points and 5 rebounds per game, earning honorable mention all-league recognition.

Junior Blake Ellis, Humboldt’s starting quarterback on the football field, will also quarterback on the hardwood as the Cubs’ point guard.

“Speed will be an attribute,” Taylor said. “Our speed will hopefully allow us to defend both full- and in the half-court to create turnovers so that we can get out in transition.”

Junior guards Logan Page and Asher Hart both started throughout their sophomore campaigns.

Sophomore Mason Sterling accentuates the team’s ability to get RISE TO THE TOP • 2023-24

11

up and down the floor as well.

“This will be one of the deeper teams we’ve had,” said Taylor, entering his 17th year at the helm at HHS and his 28th year in coaching. “Last year, we played a lot of sophomores, and some kids we had to play as freshmen.”

Those early lumps ideally will pay off in the win column in 2023-24.

Taylor noted Humboldt’s extended run on the football field, which ended in the state quarterfinals, included most of the hoopers.

“These guys are having fun,” he said. “They show that being super-competitive can be fun. That’s the sole purpose of athletics. To compete at the highest level you can.”

But a competitive zeal — and even a lockdown defense — will only get you so far without outside shooting.

For all of their success last year, the Cubs weren’t exactly proficient from the 3-point line, hitting only 16 long-range shots all season. (Cook’s six led the way) and shooting a cool 18% from downtown.

Likewise, Humboldt struggled from the free throw line. In fact, the Cubs nearly shot the ball as well from the field (52%) as from the line (53%), a previously unheard of stat in high school basketball.

“If we want to be super, highly competitive, we have to shoot free throws better, and we’ll have to extend our range a little bit from the field,” Taylor said. “If you continue to work hard every day in practice, and hang your hat on defense and rebounding, you will always have a chance to be successful. We were able to do that most nights last year. If our players continue to build mental and physical toughness, that will allow us to be competitive.”

HUMBOLDT BASKETBALL Coach: David Taylor Sam Hull — 12 Mateo Miller — 12 Nathan Swogar — 12 Colden Cook — 11 Blake Ellis — 11 Keith Gomez — 11 Asher Hart — 11 Jaryt Hess — 11 Logan Page — 11

12 RISE TO THE TOP • 2023-24

Brigg Shannon — 11 Avery Works — 11 Avion Seamster — 10 Mason Sterling — 10 Collin Cook — 9 Kage Daniels — 9 Cyler Mason — 9 Thatcher Mueller — 9 Hudson Rees — 9 Jack Works — 9

Humboldt High junior Colden Cook is one of several talented upperclassmen taking the court this season.

Defending their Tri-Valley League championship from a year ago will mean overcoming league foes like Caney and Fredonia.

“Fredonia is going to be really tough,” he said. “They still have Dee Barnett, who’s been there for a while, and is a good coach.

As for the rest of the league, they’re all new coaches, for the most part. Even Caney has a new coach.”

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Lady Cubs tip off with big goals HUMBOLDT — A lack of numbers is doing little to douse the enthusiasm for Humboldt High’s girls this season.

The Lady Cubs feature a roster of 11 girls this season, which means avoiding injuries and foul trouble will be at a premium.

But while Humboldt is light on numbers, the team offers an abundance of talent, and attitude, head coach Aubrey Jones said.

“These girls are competitive, they are athletic, and they’ll work hard,” Jones said, borrowing a version of a phrase made popular

by Shakespeare, “We’re small but mighty.”

There’s plenty of reason for optimism.

The Lady Cubs return four starters from last season’s 9-13 squad, and only one of this year’s players — Kenisyn Hottenstein — is a senior.

“We’re still gonna be very young, and we’ll have some growing pains as we go,” Jones predicted. “But there’s a lot of potential for this group.”

Hottenstein leads the way.

“She’s always been reliable in what she does on the court,” said Jones, who is entering her 10th year at the helm at Humboldt.

“She’s had to play since she was a freshman. It’s nice to have a senior with three legitimate years of varsity experience. She’s a

Humboldt High junior McKenna Jones has been contributor for the Lady Cubs since she was a freshman.

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calming force for us.”

Sophomore Skylar Hottenstein, Kenisyn’s younger sister, will likely make a name for herself as well, Jones said.

All she did as a freshman was claim Humboldt’s starting point guard position.

“Skylar has good court vision and does a good job of setting up her teammates,” Jones said. “And you can definitely tell she’s getting more comfortable and accustomed to her role.”

Juniors Shelby Shaughnessy and McKenna Jones also return to the starting lineup this winter.

Shaughnessy missed her freshman year due to injury, but quickly assimilated herself into the starting lineup as a sophomore, and soon became a leading scoring threat.

“She’s good at scoring the ball, and she’s definitely the biggest force we have. And she’s very unselfish,” Jones said.

Jones, meanwhile, shines as Humboldt’s top shooter. And when opponents pressure her on the outside, Jones is equally as adept at distributing the ball to her teammates.

Sophomore Ricklyn Hillmon and junior Chanlynn Wrestler will be counted on for much-needed depth.

“Ricklyn is good at cleaning up rebounds for us,” Jones said.

“She’s long and lanky and does a good job of getting to the ball.”

Wrestler, who also saw time as a freshman, missed her sophomore season due to a back injury.

“She’s looking at things more confidently this year as a junior,” Jones said.

Yet another sophomore, Lainey Hull, saw playing time as a freshman, and is quickly developing her game to go with her speed and jumping ability.

“Our junior group can do a lot of things, but our sophomores are going to be special as well,” Jones said.

She notes many of the same players on this year’s basketball team were contributors for Humboldt’s wildly successful volleyball season in the fall.

And while success in one sport doesn’t necessarily translate to another, it does illustrate her players already have shown a willingness to work together, accept coaching, and overcome adversity.

Humboldt will likely face a gauntlet of talented opponents if it wants to challenge for a Tri-Valley League crown.

Eureka went 23-3 last year and returns talented sophomore Brenna Rucker. Neodesha and Cherryvale both have key returners after both went 19-5 last season as well.

14 RISE TO THE TOP • 2023-24

Humboldt High’s Skylar Hottenstein returns as a sophomore for the Lady Cubs this season.

HUMBOLDT BASKETBALL Coach: Aubrey Jones

Chanlynn Wrestler — 11

Kenisyn Hottenstein — 12 Karingten Hall — 11 Anna Heisler — 11 McKenna Jones — 11 Shelby Shaughnessy — 11

Ricklyn Hillmon — 10 Skylar Hottenstein — 10 Laney Hull — 10 Jo Ellison — 9 Lakyn Meadows — 9

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Humboldt wrestlers find success HUMBOLDT — Humboldt High has some unfinished business to attend to on the wrestling mats this season.

For starters, junior Cole Mathes is eager to build on his fifthplace finish at the 3-2-1A State Tournament last season as a sophomore.

“That’s always my goal, to win state,” Mathes said. “That was my goal as a freshman.”

Mathes earned a state bid his freshman year, but exited without winning a match.

His success as a sophomore has added fuel to his drive for an even higher finish this school year.

“It’s a special feeling out there at state,” he said. “Everybody gets nervous, especially with everybody watching you. You’ve gotta love it.”

Mathes has a pair of traits that come in quite handy on the wrestling mat, head coach Kent Goodner noted.

“His technique and his strength are tough to beat,” Goodner said. “He just doesn’t mess up when he’s out there.”

Mathes, along with senior teammate Garren Goodner, are also being counted on for leadership on a still-growing wrestling program.

The Cubs feature 23 wrestlers, the most ever, including 11 girls.

“I like helping build up the team, building up morale,” Mathes said.

Humboldt has plenty of other talented performers, Coach Goodner noted, including the aforementioned Garren Goodner, his son, arguably one of the strongest wrestlers in the state.

“It helps when your dad is the coach,” his father noted.

Junior Curt Shannon, who missed out on a state bid by one match last year, also is hungry for a trip to the state meet in Salina in February.

“His technique is strong,” Coach Goodner said. “He’s wrestled for several years, and he knows what he’s doing.”

On the girls side, sophomore Tayven Baylor was taking the world by storm as a sophomore, racking up a 27-6 record before a concussion derailed her season at the league meet.

The injury sidelined Baylor for the regional competition and a potential state bid.

“She is super athletic, and she picks up on things very quickly,” Goodner said.

She, too, considers her near miss as a freshman as a spark for an even better sophomore campaign.

“I have a strong support group, and I’m very passionate about this sport,” she said. “I grew up watching it, and knew I wanted to wrestle as soon as I saw it. I think being a fast learner goes

Humboldt High’s Cole Mathes, top, hopes to build on his fifth-place state finish this season.

with my competitive side.”

COACH Goodner has seen the Humboldt program grow by leaps and bounds since its infancy 10 years ago.

“I remember rolling up mats every day at the elementary school for practice,” he said. “Now, we have our own room and a place to put our mats. We’ve had a few state placers and qualifiers through the years. It’s been a heck of a ride.”

HUMBOLDT WRESTLING Coach: Kent Goodner

Boys

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Garren Goodner — 12 Bradley Lowry — 12 Brody Gunderman — 11 Cole Mathes — 11 Curt Shannon — 11 Karsen Lampe — 10 Zach Scott — 10 Emmitt Carson — 9 Gavin Gunderman — 9 Broc Ivy — 9 Karsyn Kaufman — 9 Mark McCullough — 9 Hunter Williams — 9 RISE TO THE TOP • 2023-24

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Marmaton Valley High’s Brayden Lawson, foreground, returns to lead the Wildcats on the basketball court for the 2023-24 season.

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MV hoopsters ready for action MORAN — With a talented crop of juniors, a dynamic sophomore point guard and a sharp-shooting senior, Marmaton Valley High’s Wildcats have their eyes set on the upper tier of the Three Rivers League standings.

Best of all, the Wildcats only have two seniors on their roster, so sustained success is in the team’s crosshairs.

“We still have a young team,” second-year head coach Cornell Walls noted. “And with only two seniors, we still have a lot of room to grow” from last season’s 8-13 mark.

Much of the team’s hopes revolve around four returning

starters.

Sophomore point guard Tyler Lord found himself in the starting lineup almost immediately as a freshman, where he thrived with his ball-handling skills.

“I expect him to continue to grow and lead the team,” Walls said.

Junior forward Brayden Lawson often dominated in the paint, with a soft shooting touch and enough athleticism to jump around — and occasionally over — his opposing post players.

Fellow junior Jaedon Granere, one of the quickest athletes in the state, has a nose for the ball on defense.

Walls is counting on Granere’s thievery to lead to the transition point.

Meanwhile, senior Chase Smith has become one of Marmaton Valley’s most reliable shooters, Walls said.

“We will look to get him some more open looks,” Walls said.

Finally, senior Daniel Fewins did not play in 2022-23, but will provide some sorely needed depth, particularly on the inside.

“He has good vision, and a nice shot as well,” Walls said.

MARMATON VALLEY BASKETBALL Head coach: Cornell Walls Daniel Fewins — 12 Chase Smith — 12 Jaedon Granere — 11 Brayden Lawson — 11 Kele Michael — 11 Dominic Smith — 11 Brevyn Campbell — 10

Tyler Lord — 10 Garrett Morrison — 10 Emilio Retana — 10 Todd Stevenson — 10 Dagan Barney — 9 Corbin Bowers — 9 Hunter Doolittle — 9 Brendon Newman — 9 Cooper Scharff — 9

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Wildcat girls rely on experience MORAN — Marmaton Valley High’s girls have plenty of talent.

Look no further than senior point guard Janae Granere, who has earned all-league recognition in every sport she’s played.

Juniors like Piper Barney and Payton Scharff have seen extensive varsity experience since their freshman years as well.

And the emergence of foreign exchange student Maria Romero may give head coach Becky Carlson another tool at her disposal.

But the biggest key may be keeping those players on the court.

“We don’t have a lot of depth,” Carlson said. “We’re gonna have to stay healthy and out of foul trouble.”

The loss of junior Haylee Lanham to a knee injury before practices started in November deprives the team of her experience both inside and out, Carlson said. “She would have helped us a lot.

“We do have some younger girls who are working hard,” she continued. “Hopefully, they’ll step up and learn their roles.”

Granere, the Wildcats’ leading scorer and rebounder since her freshman year, also serves as the team’s pre-eminent defender. Her on-court savvy and ferocity are certain to rub off on her Wildcat teammates.

“And it looks like Maria can take care of the ball a little bit, and she’s pretty quick,” Carlson said. “She’ll be able to help bring the ball up for us.”

Barney and Scharff will be counted on down low. Both have an abundance of speed and jumping ability.

“What I like about Janae and Piper and Payton is that they’re all three good leaders, not because they’re that vocal,

Maria Forero is a foreign exchange student from Spain.

She will be counted on to help with point guard duties for Marmaton Valley High in 2023-24. but attitude-wise and how they treat their teammates. We don’t have a ton of height, but we’re not short, either,” she said. “We’ve got a good presence, inside and out.”

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Senior Brooklyn Adams will suit at guard, as well as junior Khiana Haynes.

While it’s too soon to tell which younger players will step forward, Carlson said sophomores Gabby Briggs and Sophia Heim have the potential to contribute.

Senior Jadyn Emmons, a newcomer this year, will get a look as well. “And we have a couple of freshmen who could come around.”

If Marmaton Valley wants to improve upon last season’s 11-9 mark, it will have to contend with a loaded Three Rivers League, Carlson predicted.

“Jayhawk-Linn will be good, and St. Paul is always good,” she noted. “Southeast of Cherokee will be tough, and Uniontown is a big rival. Crest is good. They’re tough on us all the time.”

Quickly, Carlson realized she just rattled off most of the league.

“Since I’ve been here, this might be the most balanced the league has been,” Carlson said. “If you don’t come to play every night, you’re gonna get beat.”

MARMATON VALLEY BASKETBALL Coach: Becky Carlson Brooklyn Adams — 12 Jaiden Emmons — 12 Maria Forero — 12 Janae Granere — 12 Piper Barney — 11 Khiana Haynes — 11

Payton Scharff — 11 Gabby Briggs — 10 Sophia Heim — 10 Taylen Blevins — 9 Andie Carr — 9 Morgan Leer — 9 Yareli Medrano — 9

Payton Scharff, right, is a junior this year for Marmaton Valley High.

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Lady Lancers on upward trajectory COLONY — Crest High’s girls took a big step forward in 2022-23.

Head coach Steve Zimmerman, in his first year at the helm, saw the Lady Lancers go from two wins to a 10-12 season.

Now, it’s a matter of maintaining that upward trajectory.

“We have a team that can compete with anyone this year,” Zimmerman said. “Their hard work ethic led them to a 10-win season.”

The catalyst will undoubtedly be senior post player Kayla Hermreck, who was a three-year starter and first-team all-league performer all three years.

Hermreck was a model of consistency last year averaging 9 points and 9 rebounds a contest.

She’ll have plenty of help.

“Last season, I had eight players I rotated into the lineup,” Zimmerman said. “I’m happy to have six of them returning.”

Aylee Beckmon “was thrown into the fire” last season as the team’s primary point guard — as a freshman.

“I couldn’t have been more proud of how she handled the responsibility,” Zimmerman said.

Likewise, junior shooting guard Cursten Allen had a knack for draining big shots for the Lady Lancers last season. “I’m looking forward to watching her score more this year,” Zimmerman said.

Karlee Boots, junior forward, is perhaps the team’s best all-around athlete, Zimmerman noted. “She has a knack to drive by any defender.” That, in turn, led to multiple free throw opportunities.

Sophomore Kinley Edgerton will play in the post opposite Hermreck.

Kaylee Allen is a senior this year for Crest High.

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“She is well-balanced and can do it all on the court,” Zimmerman said. Edgerton also led CHS in blocks as a freshman.

Kaelin Nilges will be counted on to play wherever needed, inside or out.

“She is a very talented athlete who can play four positions,” Zimmerman said. “She is the glue that can hold the team together.

“This year’s goal is to end with a winning record,” Zimmerman said. “Hopefully, we can get into the postseason and do some damage.”

Kaylee Allen — 12 Andie Burnett — 12 Kayla Hermreck — 12 Brooklynn Jones — 12 Cursten Allen — 11 Karlee Boots — 11 Aylee Beckmon — 10 Kinley Edgerton — 10 Kaelin Nilges — 10 Kinley Romines — 10 Allison Weatherman — 10 Hanna Schmidt — 9 Jaycee Schmidt — 9

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Crest High’s Ryan Golden earned honorable mention all-state recognition last season.

Crest has plenty in place for ‘rebuild’ COLONY — Crest High returns only one starter off of last season’s 15-8 club.

But don’t for a second think the Lancers are expecting any kind of drop-off.

With eight players returning, plus a talented batch of newcomers, third-year head coach Dakotah Sporing is bullish on the Lancers’ hopes in 2023-24.

“My returning players are bringing a lot of effort to the team,” Sporing said. “They have also had to step into leadership roles.

We have 11 new players who are looking to my returners in drills and running through our offenses and defenses.”

It helps to have players like senior Ryan Golden — Crest’s only returning starter — to lead the way.

Golden thrived last year as a junior. His 13.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, netted him first-team All-Three Rivers League and honorable mention all-state honors.

“Ryan will be worth keeping an eye on,” Sporing predicted. “I expect, and Ryan does as well, a big year from him.”

Jacob Zimmerman, a junior, was Crest’s first player off the bench last season.

“Jacob is an extremely fundamental player who has a high basketball IQ,” Sporing said. “He will play alongside Ryan in the post, but can also step to the perimeter and fill some guard needs

for us.”

Senior Rogan Weir came off the bench as a guard last season.

“He has a high motor that helps him on the defensive end,” See LANCERS | Page 30

CREST BASKETBALL Coach: Dakotah Sporing Ryan Golden — 12 Brayden Goodell — 12 Brody Hobbs — 12 Zander Robb — 12 Jerry Rodriguez — 12 Rogan Weir — 12 Gentry McGhee — 11 Denton Ramsey — 11 Jacob Zimmerman — 11

Levi Prasko — 10 Drake Weir — 10 Henry White — 10 Tristan Boone — 9 Ben De Tar — 9 Ethan Flyingman — 9 Xander Fuller — 9 Roy Gordon — 9 Wyatt Robb — 9 Lane Yocham — 9

RISE TO THE TOP • 2023-24

25

Veteran coach takes helm at YC YATES CENTER — Kevin Brown has modest, yet ambitious, goals this season for Yates Center High’s girls.

“I want us to get better every week,” he said.

“Every day, every week, every month, we want to get better.”

The early returns on a rebuilding Yates Center club this winter are encouraging.

“I like this group,” he said. “There’s no question this is a rebuilding year. But with this many good, young players, it’s a good way to start.”

The cupboard isn’t completely bare, although numbers are light, with only 10 players — two seniors, three sophomores and five freshmen — on the roster.

“We’ll be very young,” he noted. “There will be growing pains, but there’s some talent there.”

The two seniors, undoubtedly, will lead the way.

Peyton Petit offers some veteran leadership on the court.

“She’s a quiet leader,” Brown said. “She’s played a lot of basketball. She can help the other players when things get overwhelming.”

Fellow senior Kamdyn Trahan, in only her second year of playing organized basketball, makes up for her inexperience with her athleticism.

“It’s fun watching her put things together,” Brown said. “She’s making up for lost time.”

With Petit and Trahan manning the post positions, the underclassmen will assume the team’s perimeter responsibilities.

Yates Center High freshmen, Cayten Cummings, foreground, and Jaylynn Birk are among the younger players hoping to find success this season on the basketball court under coach Kevin Brown.

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Kinley Morrison, sophomore, will likely play point guard, but can fill in at the wing positions, Brown said. Freshman Cayten Cummings and Jayda Rice will see plenty of playing time from the get-go as well.

“You always worry about the experience part, but they’re very talented and athletic ball handlers,” Brown said. “There’s not a lot that gets them flustered.”

Brown is in his first year as coach for the Wildcat girls, but he’s no stranger to Yates Center fans.

The veteran coach last roamed the sidelines at Norris Gymnasium for the Yates Center boys a decade ago, when his son was in high school.

After that, he coached two years at Colby, then in Wichita, Eureka, Winfield and Douglas.

YATES CENTER BOYS Coach: Lane Huffman Tristan Ballin — 12 Taylor Camacho — 12 Devin Sarchet — 12 Garrett Audiss — 11 Jarrett Birk — 11 Blake Cuppy — 11 Logan McKinsey — 11

Cameron Colon — 10 Aaron Cuppy — 10 Steven Shepard — 10 Asher Arnold — 9 Jordan Bishop — 9 Colton Burkholder — 9 Coltan Crumrine —9 Kaiden Cuppy — 9 Jeremiah Jones — 9

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YATES CENTER GIRLS Coach: Kevin Brown Peyton Petit — 12 Kamdyn Trahan — 12 Aubrey Chambers — 10 Kinley Morrison — 10 Lakyn Solander — 10 Jaylynn Birk — 9 Cayten Cummings — 9 Danielle Lomon — 9 Jayda Rice — 9 Mylin Tidd — 9

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Yates Center hungry for victories YATES CENTER — Success on the hardwood at Yates Center High will largely depend on how quickly head coach Lane Huffman can mold a talented but raw group of youngsters into a skilled basketball team.

“What we might lack in basketball skills, we make up for with speed and athleticism,” Huffman said. “We’re going to try to play fast, and play good defense, and hopefully the offense will follow.”

The Wildcats return three starters from last season’s 5-16 club, including senior Devin Sarchet.

“He’ll be my point guard,” Huffman said. “Once you put him in the game, you don’t need to take him out. He’s a strong defender.”

Sarchet will be joined by fellow returning starters, juniors Garrett Audiss and Jarrett Birk.

“We’re looking for them to step up and replace some of the scorers we lost from last season,” Huffman said.

Birk, who missed time last season with a broken leg, returned to the lineup late in the season, and immediately gave the Wildcats a boost, averaging 7 points a game.

Audiss was good for about 5 points per contest.

“Hopefully, they’ll continue to improve,” Huffman said.

Junior Caden Rutherford and senior Tristan Ballin both transferred to Yates Center last season, and thus didn’t see much playing time. Ballin, in fact, was required to play only junior varsity minutes.

“Caden is fast, and is a good defender,” Huffman said. “Tristan will probably help us bring the ball up the court a bit. We’re looking for offense from him.”

A pair of freshmen, Evan McVey and Colton Burkholder, also could see early playing time.

“Evan is a good, smart kid,” Huffman said. “And we’re gonna train Colton to take over the point guard position. He’s undersized, but he makes up for it with his speed.”

The talented youngsters, and a promising crop of middleschoolers have set up a foundation for an extended run of quality

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Titans to rely on youth in 23-24 LE ROY — Southern Coffey County High’s Titans have their work cut out for them on the hardwood in 2023-24.

With a roster of only seven players — and no seniors — the Titans will run a weekly gauntlet through the Lyon County League.

“Every night will be a tough night in our league, but when you have Olpe, Burlingame, Waverly and Lebo, you have some of the best teams in the state,” second-year head coach Brian Rand said.

The Titans return two starters in junior forwards Hank Newton and Seth Gleue.

“Hank and Seth both work very hard and are vocal leaders,”

SCC BASKETBALL Coach: Brian Rand Seth Gleue — 11 Hank Newton — 11 Kaiden Boling — 10 Tyler Christian — 10 Colton Summers — 10 Trey Winn — 10 Cyrus Nickel — 9

Rand said. “They want to see the team improve on the offensive and defensive ends of the court.”

Gleue and Newton are SCC’s only upperclassmen on the roster. The Titans have four sophomores and a freshman on the squad.

Rand envisions sophomores Trey Winn and Colton Summers and freshman Cyrus Nickel as key contributors.

“We are going to be young and scrappy,” Rand said.

“Our youth and size will be a weakness. Our strength will be our determination and our refusal to quit.

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

Hank Newton is one of the few experienced varsity players with Southern Coffey County this season.

“We are going to be young and scrappy,” he said. “With our numbers down this year, we will have to learn to play within ourselves, and hopefully we keep figuring the game out at this level.”

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SCC counting on newcomers to learn quickly

Karley Ohl returns to lead the Southern Coffey County Lady Titans this season.

Lancers Continued from Page 25

Sporing said. “Rogan has the potential to be a scorer from the perimeter or getting to the rim.”

Junior Gentry McGhee saw some playing time as well in 2022-23. “He is another smart player who handles the ball well,” Sporing said. “Gentry also has a very good motor that helps him go on the defensive end. His ability to deflect passes will be key for steals and transition points.”

Denton Ramsey, in limited time last season as a sophomore, shined as a perimeter defender. “He also has the ability to shoot from outside,” Sporing said.

Sporing also has his eye on sophomore Brody Hobbs.

“Brody is a lengthy guard who is a very good shooter,” Sporing said. “He should be our best spot-up shooter.”

30 RISE TO THE TOP • 2023-24

LE ROY — Jeff True is hopeful that big things will come from small packages in 2023-24.

His Southern Coffey County girls team is light on numbers, with only nine players on the roster.

“And three of those girls have never played basketball before,” he noted. “Staying healthy will be a big part of our success.”

Southern Coffey County returns three letter winners from last season’s 12-10 squad, led by junior forward Karley Ohl, who averaged nearly 7 points and 6 rebounds a game in 202223.

“Karley has a great work ethic, a lot of varsity experience and is a positive role model and leader,” True said.

Seniors Kaydence Gunlock and Kynlee Lind and juniors Emily Ludolph and Kennedy Gunlock have varsity experience from last season. Lind and Ludolph will play in the post. The Gunlocks will play primarily at guard, although Kaydence Gunlock can play inside as well if needed.

“All four will have to step in to fill the empty spots,” True said.

Senior guard AnnMarie Smith also will be counted on to help after missing the previous two seasons due to injury.

“She’ll play a significant role for us as well,” True predicted.

Lyon County League foes Lebo, Olpe, Marais des Cygnes Valley and Madison will make life tough if SCC doesn’t bring its A game to the court, True said.

“Mostly, all of our league schools are pretty tough,” he said.

SCC BASKETBALL Head coach: Jeff True Kaydence Gunlock — 12 Kynlee Lind — 12 AnnMarie Smith — 12 Alyssa Frey — 11

Kennedy Gunlock — 11 Emily Ludolph — 11 Karley Ohl — 11 Josie Schweizer — 9 Shania Yoder — 9

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