Back in Action: Winter Sports 2020-2021

BACK IN ACTION WINTER SPORTS 2020-21

Fans wearing masks were able to watch Iola High’s preseason basketball scrimmage, but will be prohibited from attending games perhaps until late January, because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

BACK IN ACTION, FROM MATS TO THE HARDWOOD A sports year unlike any other has reached the winter months.

Thus far, area high school athletes have adapted well to their new environs.

Terms such as mask mandates, quarantines and contact tracing have become as much a part of the sports lexicon as half-court traps, doubledribbles or riding time.

And while there may be light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel with highly touted vaccines on the way, a “new normal’’ likely won’t be on hand for winter and spring sports.

It promises to be a surreal setting of athletes battling tooth and nail in the relative silence of nearly empty gymnasiums, because the state’s high school sports governing body decides

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what it safe in terms of audience size. As of opening day, no spectators are allowed until late January.

And it would be naive at best to assume teams will have their schedules proceed unimpeded, if COVID-19 infections continue to spread.

But, here’s the important part — the games will go on.

Sure, parents may have to watch on livestream, listen to the radio, or (ahem) follow the Register, but the youngsters still will get a chance to compete.

And there are plenty of tantalizing story lines to keep the thrills coming.

Of course, Iola has a state championship to defend.

Senior wrestler Logan Brown capped a tournament for the ages in 2019 by

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Dillon Bycroft and his Iola High teammates will play much of the 2020-21 season in empty gymnasiums. knocking off a pair of highly regarded opponents in the state semifinals and championship rounds in dramatic fashion.

In both instances, Brown was behind on points and mere inches away from defeat when he sensed his foes tiring just enough for him to take advantage and get the pin.

Luckily, Brown’s magical run occurred in late February, mere weeks before the entire sports world shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic making its way to the United States. The state basketball tournaments were called off in mid-stream.

Brown won’t be the only wrestler to watch this season. Heck, Iola has two other state qualifiers in Trent Jones and TJ Taylor returning to make their marks.

On the hardwood, both Iola’s boys and girls squads are brimming with talented upperclassmen. Deep runs into the postseason are definitely within reach.

The Fillies are under the tutelage of first-year head coach Kelsey Johnson, who was a standout for IHS less than a decade ago. She replaces Becky Carlson, who left for her alma mater, Marmaton Valley.

Elsewhere, Crest High’s boys are eager to replicate the success

they saw during the football season, with much the same cast of characters now lacing up their sneakers and hitting the court.

Same goes for Marmaton Valley High’s girls, who are fresh off their first substate champion volleyball season in 41 years.

They, too, have a talented core of athletes who’ve tasted success and want more. They’ll have the aforementioned Carlson, who starred as a player for MVHS in the mid 1970s, and was part of the only two state qualifying MV girls squads in history.

Might there be a chance for more Marmaton Valley magic? I wouldn’t bet against it.

Humboldt’s boys and girls squads also have plenty of talented athletes returning this year, and the Cubs’ wrestling squad is primed for its most successful season ever with a roster three times that of last year.

Yates Center and Southern Coffey County are in varying degrees of rebuild mode, but have a tantalizing blend of optimism and athleticism.

Let the games begin.

— Richard Luken WINTER SPORTS 2020-21

3

Iola High’s Trent Jones is seeking a return trip to the State Wrestling Tournament.

Mustangs grapple with success By any measuring stick, Iola High’s wrestling program had its most successful season in school history in 2019-20.

All four Mustangs who advanced to the Class 4A State Meet in Salina won enough matches to qualify for the second day of competition — a first for the school.

Of course the highlight was watching Logan Brown’s magical run to a state title in the heavyweight division, winning both the semifinal and championship match in stunning fashion, narrowly avoiding being pinned both times, only to come back and pin his opponent.

But with those lofty achievements come lofty aspirations for 2020-21.

Now, head coach Jason Bates will oversee a roster of 17, including three returning state qualifiers.

The aforementioned Brown comes back as a senior, as well as juniors Trent Jones and TJ Taylor.

“With losing only one senior it set our numbers up to grow this season,” Bates said. “I think the success of the team throughout last season really helped retain most of the wrestlers we had.

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“Last year, we had a few wrestlers miss out qualifying for the state tournament by one match or showed they were committed to the team, so I invited them to go to Salina with us. They got to observe what the competition was like at that level and the success Gary Lower, TJ Taylor, Trent Jones, and Logan Brown had. That helped motivate them to use the offseason to get stronger and added to their excitement to wrestle this year.”

Additionally, Iola’s middle school program — also coached

by Bates — has grown each year as well.

Of the wrestlers at Iola’s first day of practice, only three were newcomers.

BROWN, of course, is the first wrestler most fans think of, and for good reason.

He followed up his state wrestling title by earning allconference honors on the Mustang football team this fall, and is primed for another successful year on the mats.

But those successes also bring a slate of new challenges.

“Logan winning a state championship last year will definitely

put some eyes on him,” Bates said. “This can be both good and bad. Some will be intimidated by it and others will take it as a challenge. Logan will have to remember there is someone out there who is working to beat him, which means he’s going to have to work harder in order to maintain his position.”

Likewise, Bates sees a commitment from both Jones and Taylor to return to state as juniors.

“Both of them know what they are doing and understand what it’s going to take to get to the next level,” he said. “I see the potential that our wrestlers have. Sometimes it takes a little while before they see it, but once they do it’s like a light switch being turned on.”

The key for them, Bates said, lies in confidence and hard work.

“When we drill, go live, or condition in practice, they are going to have to give everything they have,” he said. “They are going to have to get out of their comfort zones and push themselves past their limit if they want to be the best. Like the

saying goes, ‘If you want what you’ve never had, you must do what you’ve never done.’”

SEVERAL safeguards are in place this year for the wrestlers, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Tournaments will TJ Taylor be downsized, and competitions limited to Pioneer League schools only after Jan. 12 for Iola.

Likewise, the plan is to insert a buffer week at the end of the season in case wrestlers have to quarantine before advancing to the postseason.

“As coaches, our primary concern is to give these athletes a season which includes a state championship,” Bates said.

Roster Head coach Jason Bates Varsity Boys Logan Brown-285 lbs. — 12 Landen Nading-120 lbs. — 12 Henrik Sieh-182 lbs. — 12 Trent Jones-152 lbs. — 11 Dominic McGee-195 lbs. — 11 TJ Taylor-126 lbs. — 11 Wyatt Westervelt-170 lbs. — 10 Danny Boeken-220 lbs. — 9 Xander Sellman-106 lbs. — 9 Damian Wacker-113 lbs. — 9 Varsity Girls Ashtyn Aikins-120 lbs. — 11 Crystal Lindsey-235 lbs. — 10 Emily Atwell-115 lbs. — 9 Boys JV William Francis-160 lbs. — 12 Benny Mikulski — 10 Korbin Fountain-192 lbs. — 9 Titus Jones-113 lbs. – 9

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Iola banks on hardwood hopes Like a herd of thoroughbreds at the Kentucky Derby, Iola High’s Mustangs are primed for success in 2020-21.

The Mustangs return several key components from last year’s 12-10 squad that featured Iola’s first win at a substate tournament since 2014.

“We didn’t meet all of our goals last year, but we had some success,” Iola head coach Luke Bycroft said. “We have the ability to build on our success.”

But that will require equal doses of defensive intensity and rebounding, Bycroft said.

Oh, and confidence.

“That’s where it all starts, on the defensive end,” Bycroft said.

“Defense and rebounding lets you run.”

Running, in turn, leads to easy scoring opportunities.

And easy scoring opportunities leads to confidence.

Roster Confidence will be key for two Head coach Luke Bycroft Jack Adams — 12 returning senior starters, Landon Dillon Bycroft — 12 Carson and Bradyn Cole.

Landon Carson — 12 Carson is Iola’s top returning scorer, Bradyn Cole — 12 averaging nearly 14 points per game as Nathan Louk — 12 a junior.

Dillon Slaven — 12 “He’s a natural scorer, a natural Eli Smith — 12 Patrick Weaver — 12 athlete, and he’s fast,” Bycroft said.

Ricky Barbarossa — 11 “When his motor is high, Landon is the Tyler Boeken — 11 best player on the court. I’d venture to Sam Fager — 11 say he’s the best player in our league.

Colin Long — 11 He can score inside or outside. He can Brett Morrison — 11 Cooper Riley — 11 penetrate and get to the rim. He’s also a Eli Adams — 10 good defender.”

Kyler Mittelmeier — 10 Likewise, Cole was Iola’s leading Jake Skahan — 10 rebounder from a year ago.

Travis Wanker — 10 “He’s a solid defender, and he has the Cody Wille — 10 ability to score. Bradyn’s scoring in our Jakoby Wilson — 10 Korbin Cloud — 9 offensive sets and in transition is going Kolton Greathouse — 9 to be key for us.”

Ashton Hesse — 9 It’s getting Carson and Cole to be Will Jay — 9 more aggressive that will take their Mac Leonard — 9 games to the next level, Bycroft said.

Isaac McCullough — 9 Casey Rowe — 9 Meanwhile, senior forward Dillon Gage Skahan — 9 Bycroft — Coach Bycroft’s son — may Will Talkington — 9 be the closest thing Iola has to a Swiss Landon Weide — 9 Army knife.

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Iola High’s Landon Carson will be a key cog for the Mustangs in the 2020-21 basketball season.

“He’s just a well-rounded player,” Coach said. “He’s one of the better passers on the team, and he rebounds well. He can score and handle the ball.”

Bycroft’s height and strength allow him to post up if he’s guarded by a smaller defender. But if they try to defend with a taller post player, Bycroft also has the ability to step out and shoot from the perimeter.

“He really provides us with a lot of options,” Bycroft said.

“He’s really worked on his shooting. He put in a lot of hours in the gym over the summer.”

Also manning the inside is junior Tyler Boeken. “Tyler rebounds really well, and he’ll offer a bit of scoring. We just need to keep him out of foul trouble.”

Also expected to step up are junior Cooper Riley, who has grown bigger and stronger from last season, and Jack Adams, one of the faster players on the team.

“Cooper’s really come along well, and Jack brings us energy on the defensive end in transition,” Bycroft said. “He’s gonna help us a ton. He’ll handle the ball for us, and he’s an underrated shooter.”

Don’t be surprised to see Patrick Weaver, senior, and sophomore Brett Morrison get their chances to contribute as well.

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Johnson takes reins for Fillies The Kelsey Johnson era begins this winter at Iola High School.

The former Fillies standout made her mark a decade ago, earning all-league honors three times and all-state recognition as a senior in 2012.

After a collegiate career, Johnson served as an assistant under long-time coach Becky Carlson, who opted to return to her alma mater this year at Marmaton Valley.

Now, the keys have been handed to Johnson, who’s eager to get started.

“I’m definitely super nervous,” she admitted.

She’ll have at her disposal a core of experienced, talented seniors.

Iola returns eight lettermen from last year’s 9-13 squad, including starters Becca Sprague, Lauryn Holloway and Hannah Gardner.

Each offers strengths in different areas, Johnson noted.

“Becca is a defensive and offensive powerhouse,” she said.

“She’s definitely one of our strongest players. Her presence on the floor is a big thing for us. She’ll be an aggressive leader.”

Holloway, meanwhile, was a jack-of-all trades in 2019-20, with an attitude of doing whatever’s necessary for the Fillies to succeed, be it rebounding, passing, or scoring.

“She’s really stepped up to a huge leadership role for us this year,” Johnson said. “And she’s really coming into her own as a player. I’m definitely going to look to her to score more. The

Hannah Gardner is part of a talented senior class this season for the Fillies. leadership and energy she brings to the team is a huge bonus.”

Gardner, meanwhile, helps keep things settled as a point guard.

“Hannah’s our rock,” Johnson said. “She’s the one to calm us down. Being the point guard, everybody looks to you, anyway.

She works her hardest every day and leads by example. And she’s been encouraging, talking to the younger girls.

“We want her to distribute the ball, but we want her to be a threat with her scoring as well,” Johnson concluded.

Junior Josie Plumlee also saw plenty of action last year off the bench.

“Josie has great speed, and she’s really worked on her shot a lot,” Johnson said. “We’ll definitely look for her to score for us.”

Another senior, Sidney Shelby, may have redefined the term “gym rat” in the offseason.

“She’s been working hard all offseason,” Johnson said. “She’s really quick, and she has a great passion for the game.”

Likewise, senior Kailey Schinstock will help provide a solid post presence, particularly on defense, Jonson said.

With Schinstock and Sprague down low, opponents will be less inclined to attack the basket.

Meanwhile, Andi Reynolds can pose matchup problems with her height and athleticism, Johnson said. “She and Lauryn will make big impacts for us.”

Another key sophomore is the diminutive dynamo, Aysha Houk, whose court vision and feel for the ball should prove

Josie Plumlee, right, returns for the Fillies this season.

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Roster Head coach Kelsey Johnson Hannah Gardner — 12 Becca Sprague — 12 Kailey Schinstock — 12 Lauryn Holloway — 12 Sidney Shelby — 12 McKenna Orear — 12 Andi Reynolds — 12 Josie Plumlee — 11 Miah Shelby — 11 Chloe Sell — 11 Elanie Sturgeon — 11 Jenna Curry — 11 Sage Barney — 11 Maci Miller — 11 Aysha Houk — 10 Hallie McDermeit — 10 Rebekah Coltrane — 9 Keira Fawson — 9 Jackie Fager — 9 Rio Lohman — 9 Maddy Cookson — 9 Leeann Maloney — 9

advantageous for the Fillies.

“She’s definitely a basketball-minded kid, and she has a good feel for the game,” Johnson said. “You can tell she loves it.”

A pair of juniors, Jenna Curry and Chloe Sell, also will provide key depth.

Having plenty of players who can be inserted in the lineup seamlessly is one of Johnson’s goals.

For one, it will allow Iola to crank up its defensive pressure, and hopefully trigger an attacking fast-paced transition game.

Secondly, it may come into play if players are forced to sit out because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think they’re excited,” Johnson said.

“We’re definitely going to get out and run as much as possible, and we’ll see how it goes from there.”

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Humboldt hoops tradition grows HUMBOLDT — Success on the basketball court has become as much a part of Humboldt High’s winters as snow drifts and runny noses.

The Cubs will have some work to do this year, however, to keep alive their streak of nine straight winning seasons.

“We don’t change much from year to year,” noted head coach David Taylor, who’s entering his 14th season at the helm at Humboldt. “We have a system and philosophy in place and try to teach our guys to play within that system.”

Last year’s team kept alive the winning streak with a 13-8 mark, but also left Taylor wanting more.

“We hang our hat on defending and rebounding, and we were not consistently doing those things every night out,” he 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 need to instill that back into the players in the program. That Roster was the sole reason we had an up and Head coach David Taylor down season.”

Drake Harrington — 12 That may be a challenge with the Cubs Thane Meadows — 12 Sam Neely — 12 returning only one starter in 2020-21 in Gavin Page — 11 junior Drew Wilhite.

Colton Slocum — 11 Wilhite averaged 6 points, 4.5 Levi McGowen — 11 rebounds and 3 assists per game.

Drew Wilhite — 11 The 6-foot, 160-pound junior will be Trenton Johnson — 11 counted on for his leadership, Taylor Evan Lucke — 10 Trayce Slocum — 10 said.

Zach McDown — 10 A two-time state medalist in cross Trey Sommer — 10 country, Wilhite is blessed with a critical Jordan White — 9 attribute: speed.

Caden Vink — 9 And he’s not alone, Taylor said.

Mateo Miller — 9 “Our speed will hopefully allow us to

Drake Harrington returns for Humboldt High this season. defend both full- and in the half-court to create turnovers so that we can get out in transition.”

Wilhite will be joined on the court by 6-5 senior Thane Meadows, who averaged 4 points per game last year, as well as junior Gavin Page, Trey Sommer and Drake Harrington, all of whom saw action, but weren’t relied upon for much scoring.

That’s where the Humboldt system comes in.

“We need to all be on the same page, and not allow individual goals to outweigh team goals or success,” Taylor said. “Having a firm grasp of what the program is based on, which is defense and rebounding, is also something as a player they can control.”

If so, Taylor is optimistic the Cubs will have a shot at a TriValley League title.

“We always want to contend for a league title but everyone’s ultimate goal is to earn a trip to the state tournament,” Taylor said. “There were a lot of new faces at the varsity level, and playing at the speed that is required to be successful can be a challenge. We will have that challenge this year.”

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Humboldt High’s Kirstyn Murrow will be counted on for her speed and defensive intensity this season.

Numbers low, but enthusiasm up HUMBOLDT — First, the good news.

Humboldt High’s Lady Cubs return a number of key performers from last year’s 12-11 squad, including seniors Jessica Myers and Jada Dangerfield and junior Kirstyn Murrow.

Now, the not-so-good news.

Aside from a couple of promising sophomores, Humboldt’s roster is precariously thin.

Humboldt has only 12 players on this year’s team, which could cause trouble in case of injury, foul trouble, or the everpresent COVID-19-related illnesses or subsequent quarantines.

“We’re definitely going to have to take everything a day at a time,” Humboldt head coach Aubrey Jones said. “We’ll have stricter sick rules. If you have a fever, you’re out a mandatory three days. And that’s not even a COVID rule.

“There will definitely be some issues for us, especially with our lack of players.”

That said, there’s plenty of room for optimism.

Leading the charge is Dangerfield, Roster who led Humboldt in scoring last year Head coach Aubrey Jones and had spells where she was easily the Jessica Myers — 12 most dominant player on the court.

Jada Dangerfield — 12 “Jada is such a strong player, and Zoey Wilson — 12 Isabelle Murrow — 12 she’s great on the boards,” Jones said.

Kirstyn Murrow — 11 “She’s confident down low. But more Brooklyn Ellis — 11 than anything, Jada brings a positive Karly Wools — 10 attitude. She’s definitely a player you Carsyn Haviland — 10 want on your team.”

Kenisyn Hottenstein — 9 Likewise, Myers offers a solid post Danica Modlin — 9 Nastassya Goforth — 9 presence.

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“She gives us a teeny, tiny bit of height,” Jones said. “Other than her, we’re pretty short. Jess is usually good at cleaning things up for us on the boards. She also plays good defense.”

Murrow’s intensity and speed also mirror Humboldt’s other strength: playing fast.

“Speed and defense are what we’re going to have to focus on this year,” Jones said.

A pair of sophomores, Carly Wools and Karsyn Haviland, also saw significant minutes last year as freshmen.

On top of their athleticism, both impressed Jones for their mental makeup.

“They both had significant smarts, and they did some significant things for us on the court. Now, they’ve got that year under their belts, they’ll be counted on to help.”

Perhaps the biggest key, Jones said, is in finding players willing to buy in on defense.

Her squads traditionally have been stingy down low, and willing to mix it up if players tried to attack the basket.

“We’ll need to be tough,” she said.

In order to challenge for a Pioneer League title, Humboldt will have to tangle with the likes of Eureka and Cherryvale.

“Both of these teams are very strong, and they have lots of height,” she said. “And they both know how to use their height very well. It’ll be a disadvantage for us against both of them, but I’ve taught my players to respect all, fear none. That’s their theme this year. We’ll need to give our best punch out there.”

Jones is uncertain how Humboldt’s shift down to Class 2A will affect the team this year, noting there are several powerful squads in that division.

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Humboldt High’s Maddox Johnson is vying for a State Wrestling Tournament berth this season.

Humboldt builds on foundation HUMBOLDT — Much like any construction project, a wrestling program is only as strong as its foundation before things can begin to grow.

Such is life at Humboldt High, where the 2020-21 wrestling team appears set for explosive growth across the board.

The Cub squad features 26 participants this winter, significantly larger than those of previous years.

“The most I’d ever had before this year was 12,” Cub head coach Kent Goodner said.

Goodner cites two primary reasons for such a large squad.

First, the state now has a fully sanctioned and separate state wrestling tournaments for girls. Before last season, girls had to wrestle among the boys if they wanted a shot at state.

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Second, a vast majority of Humboldt’s wrestlers have been working under Goodner’s tutelage for several years now, first as part of the USA Wrestling youth program, then at Humboldt Middle School.

Now high-schoolers, Goodner’s squad has a bevy of returning experience, even on a roster that sports only one senior.

“That was one of my goals when I came to Humboldt,” Goodner said. “I knew it was going to take years. You can’t build a wrestling program overnight. It takes years of getting people on board.”

And Humboldt is taking wrestling seriously.

Anchoring the Cubs squad is junior standout Andrew Watts.

Watts qualified for the 3-2-1A State Tournament last winter, and is primed to return as one of the state’s standout heavyweight wrestlers.

Goodner noted Watts is ranked fourth among all the heavyweights in 3-2-1A, “and I think he can be even better than that. I’m excited to see what he can do.”

Watts, in turn, credited his teammates and older brother, David, for helping with his development.

“We’ve got some good kids who help me work hard,” Watts said. “I hope to make it to state again, and do a lot better.”

Sophomore Maddox Johnson, who narrowly missed a state berth in 2019-20 at 220 pounds, has slimmed down considerably for his second year in the high school ranks.

“He could wrestle at 170 or 182,” Goodner said. “He’s looking good and quick. I predict he’ll make it to state.”

River Kaufman, another sophomore, could make an impact at the 195-pound division, while others like Dakota Slocum and Clay Shannon will be counted on as team leaders on and off the mat.

“I think my biggest surprise this year is gonna be Colton Johnson,” Goodner said.

The HHS junior will likely wrestle at 138 pounds.

Added to the mix are 10 girls on this year’s roster, only one of whom, Anna Goforth, had wrestled at the high school level.

Roster “Once the state sanctioned the girls Head coach Kent Goodner Gabi Jackson — 12 sport, it helped a lot,” Goodner said. “The David Jones — 12 girls were saying, ‘Hey, I get to wrestle Madison Riebel — 12 girls now.’ I was excited to see those Clay Shannon — 12 Drew Counsil — 11 Ethan Doepke — 11 Anna Goforth — 11 Colton Johnson — 11 Andrew Watts — 11 Raquel Aguilar — 10 Morgan Hunter — 10 Maddox Johnson — 10 River Kaufman — 10 Leah Mueller — 10 Elizabeth Melendez — 10 Brennen Nuessen — 10 Dakota Slocum — 10 Morgan Sterling — 10 Garren Goodner — 9 Sam Hull — 9 Gunner Johnson — 9 Bradley Lowry — 9 Robbie Robinson — 9 Byron Westbrook — 9 Elizabeth White — 9

numbers.”

The Cubs also have their wrestling facility, which doubles as a community storm shelter, at the USD 257 sports complex on the east edge of Humboldt.

Yes, things are looking up, provided the Cubs will get to field a full season.

Goodner pointed to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that threatened to derail the season before it started.

While the season will start on schedule, teams will undoubtedly be disrupted if athletes test positive for the coronavirus, or if they’re exposed to others who test positive.

“It is what it is,” Goodner said. “I hate to put it that way. The kids know this could shorten our season, or it could go on like it is. We’re excited about it.”

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Marmaton Valley High’s Kayla Ard, left, and Aly Ard will be counted on to lead the Wildcats on the hardwood this season.

MV’s prodigal daughter returns MORAN — Becky Carlson is home again.

The hall of fame high school basketball coach — who led Iola High’s Fillies to their only state title in 2006 — spent the subsequent 14 years there.

This year, Carlson takes the reins at her alma mater Marmaton Valley.

As fate would have it, Carlson has had to wait a while longer for her first official foray into the 2020-21 basketball season.

A COVID-19 outbreak in Moran prompted school officials to close the campus to students temporarily starting Nov. 16.

That day’s important because it was also the first day of winter sports practice, including basketball.

So Carlson was unable to pick up her whistle until after the Thanksgiving break — a scant few days before the Wildcats’ season-opener.

For a new coach bringing in a new system, the timing couldn’t be worse. Despite the handicap, the Wildcats have some things going in their favor.

For one, the Wildcats return four starters from last year’s team that was competitive in nearly every one of its games.

And Carlson saw up close the competitive fire that drives these returnees, because they also provided the core of MV’s substate champion volleyball squad, the first Wildcat team to

18

WINTER SPORTS 2020-21

advance to state since 1979.

“I’m gonna tell you, I feel like this team is going to be really competitive,” Carlson said.

“They have a competitive mindset and they definitely have the ability. They showed that in volleyball.”

The key to hitting the ground running will be communication, getting her offensive and defensive schemes installed, and instilling a new attitude.

Carlson was able to work briefly with the players during a summer camp.

“From what I saw, they’re very aggressive,” she said. “My goal

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is to get that tradition at Marmaton Valley back to when I played.”

Carlson graduated from Marmaton Valley in 1976, having capped her high school career with two straight trips to the state basketball tournament. (It so happens those also have been Marmaton Valley’s only two trips to state.)

“I think these girls have the potential to do well,” she said. “They just have to get the mindset that we’re Roster not going to lose. When you get used to winning, it’s Head coach Becky Carlson harder to lose.”

Kayla Ard — 12 Sisters Aly and Kayla Ard will lead the way, as will Kaylee Becker — 12 Lexis Jones — 12 junior Kendall Scharff, senior Kaylee Becker and Kendall Scharff — 11 sophomores Madison Lawson and Tayven Sutton.

Aly Ard — 11 Freshman Janae Granere was part of an undefeated Gracie Yoho — 10 middle school team, and could see regular playing Brynn Newman — 10 time quickly, Carlson said.

Madi Lawson — 10 Raveyn Kegler also could see early playing time.

Kaitlyn Drake — 10 Tayven Sutton — 10 “They’re some good athletes; you can tell,” Carlson

After coaching for 15 years and winning a state basketball title for Iola, Marmaton Valley’s Becky Carlson is returning to coach at her alma mater this season.

said.

And though she’s loath to make predictions of what will or won’t happen, Carlson is confident the Wildcats will shine this winter.

“I will be very disappointed if we don’t have a successful season,” she said. “We sure have all the athletes to do it with.”

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Quincy Adams returns to lead the Marmaton Valley High basketball team this season.

Wildcats primed for a rebound MORAN — A young, undermanned basketball team took the floor for Marmaton Valley High last season.

The Wildcats took their lumps in the winless season.

But with the agony of defeat came opportunities for personal growth.

“Our returning players — both starters and non-starters — got a lot of varsity experience last year as sophomores and freshmen,” head coach Gavin Cole said. “We are hopeful this experience and the physical maturity of being another year older will allow us to be more competitive.”

Marmaton Valley brings back four starters, none of whom are seniors, to lead the 2020-21 squad.

Leading the way is junior guard Quincy Adams.

“He’s a hard worker, a good ball handler and our best outside shooter,” Cole said. “He’s an overall good player who we will ask to not just score the ball, but also defend the other team’s best guard on most nights.”

He’s joined by sophomore Dylan Drake, who started all 21 games as a freshman.

“Dylan has grown 3 inches since last year, and physically is more ready for varsity basketball,” Cole said. “He’s an extremely hard worker with a good basketball IQ. We will look to Dylan

20

WINTER SPORTS 2020-21

to be a guy we can plug in and play multiple positions for us.”

Junior guard Bryce Carmen’s athleticism should serve him well, Cole said. “He has good instincts. He needs consistency and to continue improving his ball-handling.”

Robert Cook, another junior guard, brings a hard-scrabble attitude.

“He’s a tough, hard-nosed scrappy player who will do anything to help the team,” Cole said. “He’s a good finisher at the rim.”

Junior forward Garret Henderson Roster did not play last year for Marmaton Head coach Gavin Cole Quincy Adams — 11 Valley, but is a welcome addition, Cole James Brown — 11 said. “We’re extremely happy to have Bryce Carman — 11 him back on the team this year. He Robert Cook — 11 gives us a post presence with the ability Garrett Henderson — 11 to score and rebound. He has a good Dylan Drake — 10 Bryce Ensminger — 10 basketball IQ.” Joe Kale — 10 Others expected to contribute are Evan Kent — 10 a core group of sophomores in Bryce Cesar Morales — 10 Ensminger, Joe Kale, Cesar Morales, Daniel Fewins — 9 Wyatt Ard and Evan Kent.

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21

Hopes high for Lancer triumph COLONY — Crest High’s Lancers took their lumps on the court in 2019-20, with defensive lapses playing a large part in the team’s 10-14 season.

But with a strong batch of returning players, many of whom starred on the gridiron this fall during Crest’s 10-1 romp to the postseason playoffs, head coach Travis Hermreck senses a new tone.

“One thing we’ve been disappointed with the last few years is consistency on defense,” Hermreck said. “Last year, when we played well, it’s because we guarded the crud out of the ball.

That didn’t always happen.”

But having most everyone back — Crest lost only one senior from last year — the players are well aware of Hermreck’s lofty expectations.

He’s noted the shift in early practices already.

“We can really get out and guard people this year,” he said.

“We’re going to be much better defensively. We’ve got some kids who all fit that mold, pesky and aggressive.”

Crest’s early practices were limited in large part because many of the basketball players were still in helmets and pads until mid-November.

“I gave them plenty of time before they came in to start practice,” Hermreck said. “Honestly, when your football team plays well, I’d rather see them miss basketball practice. I want these kids to be good at everything.”

Four-fifths of Crest’s starting lineup returns.

Senior Jacquez Coleman made a point in the offseason of bulking up and getting faster.

“This is going to be a breakout year for him,” Hermreck said.

“You could see how he ran the football more aggressively. He brings that same mentality to the basketball court. When he Jacquez Coleman returns for Crest High’s Lancers this season.

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moves that way, he can be tough to guard. Plus, he’s unselfish.

He will do whatever we need.”

Kobey Miller, a 6-2 point guard, defined the term “streaky shooter” last season, while averaging 13 points per game.

“When Kobey got hot, he was flaming hot,” Hermreck said.

“He’ll have to carry a lot of the scoring responsibility for us this year. He’s a smart player, and that’s what makes him pretty darned good. He can create shots for himself and for other people. He sees the floor very well and makes good decisions.”

Tyson Hermreck, Coach Hermreck’s son, averaged 6 points and 8 rebounds Roster last season as a junior.

Head coach Travis Hermreck “He’s a warrior,” the elder Hermreck Caleb Nolan — 12 said. “He can score, and he’ll need to Jacquez Coleman — 12 score more than he has. He guards Kobey Miller — 12 Solomon Taylor — 12 and he rebounds, too. He’s a pretty Stratton McGhee — 12 tough kid. I’m pretty proud of him, Tyson Hermreck — 12 obviously. He’s a good leader.”

Bryson Goodell — 11 Senior Ethan Prasko saw his season Ethan Prasko — 11 end early last year with a leg injury.

Kaden Griffeth — 11 Keaton Davis — 11 He’s made good use of his recovery, Tucker Yocham — 11 Hermreck said.

Cody Nolan — 10 “Ethan’s put on quite a bit of muscle Ethan Godderz — 10 in the offseason,” Hermreck said. “I’m Holden Barker — 10 looking for a breakout year from him.”

Jack White — 10 Added to the mix is senior Stratton Karter Miller — 10 Logan Walter — 10 McGhee, who also was sidelined last Stetson Setter — 10 year due to injury, along with talented Trevor Church — 10 sophomores like Holden Barker.

Brayden Goodell — 9 Hermreck is uncertain whether Brenton Edgerton — 9 other underclassmen will be able to Brody Hobbs — 9 Logan Kistner — 9 see the court much because of the Rogan Weir — 9 bevy of talent already in place.

Ryan Golden — 9 “It’s going to be competitive,” he

said. “It’s going to take a lot for kids to get on the floor this year.”

That’s a nice problem to have.

“I love it,” he said. “We haven’t had that for a while.”

Still, Hermreck has been around long enough to know that all it takes is one slip-up at the wrong time to see a team’s dreams be derailed.

“You never know where you’ll end up in substate,” he said.

“Wherever our season goes, and whoever it ends to, we want it to be a fight to knock us out.”

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Crest girls poised to make noise COLONY — Crest High’s girls are seeking the right blend of experience and youth to thrive on the basketball court.

It helps that the Lady Lancers will field a roster of 13 players this season, having lost only a single senior from last year’s squad.

“Our numbers are actually better than they’ve been in past years,” head coach Megan Mason said. “We’ve had a couple of girls move into the district, and we have some good freshmen coming up.”

Several key returnees will determine Crest’s fate.

Anna Hermreck and McKenna Hammond will defend things down low.

“They didn’t make as much of an impact points-wise, but they both crash the board hard,” Mason said. “They’ve been key rebounders, and really give us a good inside presence.”

As for the scoring, look for Lindsay Godderz and Aubrey Holloran to help carry the load.

“I’m looking for both of them to help us with their outside shot,” Mason said. “We’ll be looking for Roster Aubrey to score for us.”

Head coach Megan Mason Both will be responsible for helping Aubree Holloran — 12 bring the ball up the court.

Anna Hermreck — 11 Meanwhile, Haylee Beckmon will Lindsey Godderz — 11 be an asset, courtesy of her speed and Vivian Noah — 11 Lonna Ayers — 11 athleticism, Mason said.

Haylee Beckmon — 10 “If she stays healthy this year, McKenna Hammond — 10 she will be a threat on the court, Kaylee Allen — 9 offensively and defensively,” she added.

Kayla Hermreck — 9 Yes, Crest lost only one senior, but Mia Coleman — 9 that one senior, Riley Beckmon, did Caty Nolan — 9 the bulk of Crest’s ball-handling last

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year.

“That’s what made her special,” Mason said.

“She could dribble out of anything. That’s something we’re gonna have to pick up on this year.”

Vivian Noah helped with her all-around game as well.

A pair of key freshmen, Kayla Hermreck and Mia Lindsay Godderz Coleman, already have made their marks in practice and should see significant playing time immediately.

“Kayla came in and really dominated in volleyball,” Mason said. “She’s an all-around solid athlete.”

to the ball, to be able to trap.”

Crest’s lack of depth also made an impact down the stretch of several games.

“Now, we’ll be able to have a second five come in and relieve us so we’re not gassed at the end of the game.”

Developing that depth may be easier said than done early in the season.

Crest has had multiple players miss practice early in the season because of COVID-19 concerns.

Even so, Mason senses a maturity among her players.

“It’s weird to say this after only a few practices, but I’ve never seen a Crest time like this. Usually the first week is stressful, but they’re just out there wanting to do more.”

That ties in with Mason’s other goal. Improving the Lady Lancers’ collective mindset.

“Last year, we struggled with working under pressure,” she

Coleman, meanwhile, offers Crest a healthy dose of speed.

“She handles the ball pretty well,” Mason said.

But as important as it is to get the ball in the basket, it’s equally important to clamp down on defense, Mason noted.

“We’ve talked a lot this year about our defense being quicker,” she said. “What we lacked last year was being able to jump out

noted. “How do we keep positive? If we don’t become positive as a team, they’re not gonna reach their goals.”

So far, so good.

“Their buy-in, wanting to change their mindsets, has really made a difference,” Mason said.

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25

Leadership abounds for SCC girls LE ROY — Southern Coffey County High will have to replace its top two scorers from last season’s 7-16 squad.

Fortunately for the Lady Titans, their returning players have the hallmarks of leaders, girls ready to lead by example.

“Our goals this year are to stay healthy, improve each day and be competitive each time out,” SCC head coach Jeff True said.

Senior starters Kyra Ohl and Emersyn Hall, as well as reserve Taryn Roster Lather, all are expected to play key roles Head coach Jeff True Emersyn Hall — 12 on the court once again.

Taryn Lather — 12 “We have great senior leaders in Kyra Ohl — 12 Emmy, Kyra and Taryn,” said True, Rylee Mattheis — 11 who’s entering his 31st year as head Vonda Borntreger — 10 coach. “All of the girls had a great work Ross Snovelle — 10 Jalea True — 10 ethic during volleyball season. We’re Josie Weers — 10 expecting that to continue.”

Kaydence Gunlock — 9 Ohl, a 5-4 senior, averaged 4.7 points Kyla Houston — 9 and 5.5 rebounds as a junior.

Kynlee Lind — 9 Hall, a 5-12 guard, averaged 2.4 Emily Rolf — 9 assists per game last season.

The other key starter is sophomore Josie Wears, who averaged 5.2 points and 4.7 rebounds last year as a freshman.

Two other sophomores will fill out the starting lineup in sophomore guard Ross Snovelle and 5-10 senior Jalea True.

Junior guard Rylee Mattheis is expected to contribute off the bench.

The Lady Titans will need to gel together quickly in the powerful Lyon County League.

True sees Lebo and Olpe as teams to watch in the league race.

Kyra Ohl returns for Southern Coffey High’s Lady Titans this season.

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Titans geared up for rebuild LE ROY — Trevor Smith’s Southern Coffey County High squad is used to fighting uphill.

The Titans struggled through a 2019-20 season in which they suited up only six players and won only once.

So this year’s turnout of 12 players offers SCC “luxuries” like being able to run a full scrimmage in practice.

“We can actually do some transition, offense, defense,” Smith said. ‘It makes it a lot easier.”

“These 12 kids want to be here,” Smith said. “They want to come and practice every day.”

On top of having a larger squad, the Titans bring back experience.

Senior Nathan Borntreger will serve as the Titans’ point guard.

last year.

“Cody is a good midrange jumper,” Smith said. “He brings intensity on defense. He works hard.”

Voorhees, meanwhile, will be counted on to contribute offensively and defensively, Smith said.

Intensity will be a common theme for 2020Brayton Lind 21.

“We didn’t have it last year, and if we’re going into games in

“Nathan’s our senior, our leader,” Smith said. “I expect him to do a lot.”

Juniors Wade Gleue and Brayton Lind will serve as key offensive performers as well.

“Wade is one of our bigger kids,” Smith said. “I expect him to control things more on the inside.

Roster “And Brayton is a good offensive Head coach Trevor Smith player, too,” he continued. “He creates Nathan Borntreger — 12 problems for the other team’s defense. I Larry Ratzlaff — 12 expect him to do a lot for us on defense.

Cody Brite — 11 We need him to step up.”

Aiden Vorhees — 11 Wade Gleue — 11 Sophomore Mitchell Walters also Brayton Lind — 11 offers a strong inside presence.

Cody Heslop — 11 “He can be physical and get those A.J. DeAnda — 10 tough rebounds,” Smith said. “We think Ethan Herrera — 10 he can contribute quite a bit.”

Mitchyll Walters — 10 Brock Williams — 10 Two other juniors, Aiden Voorhees Thomas Nickel — 9 and Cody Heslop, also saw experience

the Lyon County League, where you have front lines averaging 6-4, you have to bring that intensity and that mentality,” Smith said.

If the Titans can bring that intensity, Smith envisions a squad at or about the .500 mark and a factor in each of its games this season.

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Wildcat girls ready for action YATES CENTER — Yates Center High’s girls return six players from their 9-12 squad from a year ago.

And while the Wildcats will return four starters, they must replace standout Madelynn Collins, who anchored both the offense and the defense in 2019-20.

“It’s a rebuilding year, so we’ll have to see what we’re made of,” Yates Center head coach Abbie Collins said. “We’ll have some troubles with teams that are bigger than us, but our quickness should help.”

Each of the four returning starters will be asked to play key roles for Yates Center this year.

Junior Morgan Collins — Coach Collins’s daughter and Madelynn’s younger sister — averaged about 10 points per game as a sophomore.

“Morgan can take care of the ball,” Coach Collins said. ‘She’s fast enough, and she has started developing her outside shot.

She just needs the confidence. She was the kind who wanted to be wide open before she would shoot. Now, she needs to create her own shot.”

Sophomore Molly Proper is fast enough to create mismatches against slower defenders, Collins said.

“She’s so long, they have to guard her with post players, but she should be able to beat them to the basket,” Collins said.

Senior Liberty Cavender, also offers up plenty of speed — see the pattern? — and will be counted on for her defense, Collins said.

“We’ll have Liberty defend the best player for the other team,” Collins Roster said.

Head coach Abbie Collins Senior Addie Solander offers a nice Liberty Cavender — 12 shooting touch from the perimeter.

Madelyn Proper — 12 “Her shooting will be a key for us,” Morgan Collins — 11 Collins said.

Addison Solander — 11 Callyn Miller — 10 If Solander is hitting from the Molly Proper — 10 outside, opposing defenses will be Grace Westerman — 10 hard-pressed to keep up with the likes Americus Borman — 9 of Cavender, Proper and Collins.

Kary Bruner — 9 That’s critical for the under-sized Mayson Knight — 9 Lauren McConaghie — 9 Wildcats.

Peyton Petit — 9 “We’re not big at all,” Collins said.

AnnMarie Smith — 9 “We have to do things with our Emery Yoho — 9 quickness. We’ll have to get after it

28

WINTER SPORTS 2020-21

Yates Center High’s Emery Yoho participates in a ball-handling drill during a preseason practice session. defensively.”

The supporting players also have the potential to make an impact.

Sophomore Grace Westerman and Callyn Miller earned playing time with the varsity last year. Miller, like Proper, should provide mismatches with her length, Collins said.

For now, it’s a matter of seeing which players are ready to step up and be leaders, Collins said.

“If we can use our quickness to get good looks at the basket, it’s going to help,” Collins said. “We’ll have to see what we’re made of.”

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Yates Center High’s Sean Hurst will be counted on for his leadership this season.

Opportunities await young Cats YATES CENTER — Yates Center High’s boys will have plenty of opportunities to make their mark on the upcoming basketball season.

The Wildcats return only one starter from last year’s 10-15 squad, with four other contributors who have suited up for the varsity in Roster the past.

Head coach Jeremy Neville “We’re a little young, or at least Mark Bacca — 12 inexperienced,” head coach Jeremy Austin Moffet — 12 Neville said. “We’re gonna have to get Taven Smoot — 12 Blake Audiss — 11 some kids some varsity looks.”

Carter Burton — 11 To wit, the Wildcats will suit up Sean Hurst — 11 only three seniors, with 13 juniors and Zeno Jimenez — 11 sophomores to help fill in the gaps.

Jack King — 11 Yates Center’s sole returning starter Collin Randall — 11 Canon Cavender — 10 is 6-3 junior Sean Hurst.

Cash Cummings — 10 Luckily, Hurst’s strengths are the Cam DeWitt — 10 type to guide a squad, Neville noted.

Emmit George — 10 “Sean’s a very good leader,” Neville Caleb Hegwald — 10 said. “He’s athletic, and he’s got length.

Preston Hurst — 10 He can score inside and outside. He’s Jayston Rice — 10 Emery McDowell — 9 really gonna try to use his athletic Devin Sarchet — 9 ability to get to the basket and make Tristan Ballin — 9 plays for the other guys.”

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WINTER SPORTS 2020-21

Others who saw the court for Yates Center in 2019-20 are senior Austin Moffet, a 5-10 guard.

“Austin has a lot of energy,” Neville said. “He plays good defense, and he plays hard.”

Senior Taven Smoot, at 6-5, is tall enough to disrupt opponents trying to attack the basket. His offensive and defensive rebounding will be pivotal, both in giving the Wildcats extra looks at the basket, and in limiting the opposing offenses.

Junior Carter Burton, a 5-10 guard, will be counted on to draw out defenses with his outside shooting. And if defenders attack the perimeter, he’s capable of slashing to the basket, Neville said.

Junior Jack King, a 6-1 center, brings a high basketball IQ element to the game.

“He’s a really intelligent player,” Neville said. “He gets the most out of whatever he can. He should be a force for us inside.”

Other youngsters will be counted on to learn on the job.

“I like our group,” Neville said. “I think we’ll play hard and compete well.”

Neville offered no predictions on who might challenge for the Three Rivers League title, “but I think we’ll be right in the mix.”

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