By Blake Chadwick
Wichita Collegiate senior AJ Batiste has built a reputation as one of the most dynamic and gifted athletes in the state. A true combo guard, Batiste’s ability to impact the game at all three levels has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses and a key leader for a Spartan team looking to make noise in Class 3A.
“My biggest strength is my shot creation – being able to get to my spots and create my own shot at all three levels,” Batiste said. “That ability eventually opens up the game for others, because once defenses collapse on me, it frees up teammates for open looks or cuts to the basket. I take pride in reading help defense and making the right play when the defense adjusts and attacking downhill to get dunks.”
Batiste has been around the game nearly his whole life and has steadily grown into one of the state’s top two-sport athletes.
“I’ve been playing basketball for about 14 years, give or take,” he said. “I started taking it seriously around seventh grade, and that’s when I really locked in on skill work, training, and understanding the game at a deeper level.”
Last season, Batiste averaged 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game, earning first team all-league honors. But for him, it’s about more than individual success.
“Personally, I want to earn first team all-state and first team all-league honors this season,” he said. “For our team, the goal is to win the league and make a deep playoff run — something that can leave a mark on the school and set the standard for the guys coming up behind us.”
Batiste credits much of his development to former head coach Mitch Fiegel, a Wichita coaching legend.
“I think with Fiegel leaving, it will definitely feel a bit different; however, I’m excited for what Coach Schmitt is bringing to the table,” he said. “Fiegel was a great coach and taught me more importantly than basketball — he taught me how to be a good man, so I’m forever thankful for that.”
