Photo by Dey-Leigh Umbarger
By Angela Brunk
As she enters her senior year at Chanute High School, Averee Hicks is determined to make her final basketball season her strongest yet. Primarily a post player, with the versatility to step into a forward role when needed, Hicks has become a cornerstone for the Blue Comets thanks to her strength, hustle, and commitment on both ends of the court.
This season, Hicks has set ambitious goals for herself and her team. Individually, she is striving to earn All-SEK honors and continue her upward trajectory by becoming a better, more complete player than ever before. For the team, the goals are to win the SEK, reach the state tournament, and build the kind of family-like chemistry that championship teams are made of.
One of the things Hicks is most excited about is playing alongside the incoming freshmen and watching how the group grows and gels throughout the season.
Her offseason was full of focused training. Hicks competed in the Fort Scott summer league, attended summer weights, took a weights class during the school year, and spent extra time in the gym sharpening her post moves and free-throw shooting. Last season, she led the team in rebounds and earned Defensive Player of the Year, achievements she hopes to build upon while expanding her offensive impact.
After high school, Hicks plans to attend Neosho County Community College before transferring to a four-year university, keeping her career path open as she explores future opportunities.
Beyond basketball, Hicks is a standout in track and field, qualifying for state in both javelin and discus, and she also competes in tennis.
With her work ethic and leadership, Averee Hicks is poised for a memorable senior season.
