Derby’s Mason Moaliitele – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Todd Benway State Farm

Derby has produced its share of defensive stars over the years, but junior middle linebacker Mason Moaliitele carved out his own space in that lineage this fall — through toughness, leadership and a motor that never shut off, even when his body demanded otherwise. Moaliitele, who moved to Derby just last semester, quickly proved he […]
Derby’s Maya Harris – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Uplink

Photo by J Craig’s Photos By Angela Brunk Derby junior Maya Harris enters this season with a mindset rooted in growth, leadership, and faith, qualities that make her a key piece of the Derby Lady Panthers. Playing both point guard and shooting guard, Harris approaches each year with maturity, beginning by studying her own film […]
Derby’s Kelby Clingan – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Hog Wild Pit BBQ

By Angela Brunk Derby High School junior Kelby Clingan is entering this basketball season with a new level of confidence and excitement. As a versatile small forward and shooting guard, Clingan is focused on improving her game while being a positive, supportive presence for her teammates. “One of my goals this season is every time […]
Derby’s Xoey Watie – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy

By Angela Brunk Junior point guard Xoey Watie is stepping into this basketball season at Derby High School with confidence, leadership, and focus. Known for her defensive intensity and high basketball IQ, Watie is determined to take her game and the team to the next level. “My goal this season personally is to stay consistent […]
Colby’s Jordan Jones – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by WSU Tech

Photo by Shea Finley Designs By Angela Brunk Colby High School senior Jordan Jones enters his final season as one of the top guards in Kansas 3A basketball, and he’s setting his goals as high as his work ethic. A dynamic point guard and proven scorer, Jones is aiming for 3A Player of the Year […]
Pratt’s Hope Hughes – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Visit Wichita

Photo by Bill Rea By Angela Brunk Pratt High School senior Hope Hughes enters her final season ready to lead a young Greenback squad with pride, resilience, and a hunger to make every moment count. A versatile guard who rotates between the 1, 2, and 3 positions, Hughes is prepared to take on a major […]
Emporia’s Rylan Crowell – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Wichita Tractor

By Angela Brunk Emporia High School’s class of 2026 features one of its most dynamic multi-sport athletes in Rylan Crowell, a standout in both football and basketball. On the football field, Crowell’s versatility shines as he contributes at free safety and running back, bringing speed, discipline, and instinct to every play. But it’s on the […]
Washburn Rural’s Simon Rowley – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Dave Tew Shelter Insurance

By Angela Brunk Class of 2026 point guard Simon Rowley enters the upcoming season at Washburn Rural High School with momentum, confidence, and a renewed drive. After stepping away from basketball during his sophomore year, Rowley returned with a determination that has fueled his growth. “I’m proud because I had to bounce back after not […]
St. Thomas Aquinas’ Alex Crouse – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy

Photo by Beth Sabers By Angela Brunk For Alex Crouse, a senior shooting guard at St. Thomas Aquinas, this season represents both the culmination of years of hard work and the opportunity to add another chapter to the program’s storied legacy. With two state championships already under her belt, Crouse and her teammates are determined […]
Q & A with Washburn Rural’s Justice McBurney – Presented by Dave Tew Shelter Insurance

1. What do you love most about being a student-athlete at Washburn Rural HS? My name is Justice McBurney and the thing I love most about being a student-athlete at WRHS is how supportive all the teachers and students are of each other as well as the relationships I get to build with my coaches […]