By Ken Hansard
As a senior at Independence High School, Kamen Sprague is preparing for one final run with the Bulldogs, and he has his sights set on something big. Sprague, who pitches and plays first base, is a First-Team All-SEK and Second-Team All-State performer who has a “team first” mindset, “I look forward to helping my team succeed and win a state championship,” Sprague said. “My main goal for the season is to make it to state. That’s been a dream of mine since I first stepped foot on a high school baseball field.”
Sprague embraces his leadership role for the Bulldogs and wants to leave a legacy for long after his departure. “My role is to boost the team’s energy. As a team leader, I need to set a good example of what a player should look and act like, by helping and encouraging teammates while also doing my job on the field.”
Last season, the Bulldogs finished 13-6 and placed third in the SEK before falling to Baldwin in a 10-inning playoff battle. Individually, Sprague delivered standout numbers, batting .431 with a .577 on-base percentage. He was equally dominant on the mound, posting a 1.38 ERA, surrendering just seven earned runs in 35 innings, numbers which earned him a lot of attention from both league and state-wide coaches, as indicated by the honors previously mentioned.
Sprague, who was also a standout for the Bulldogs’ basketball team, credits his time in sports to a maturation in his mental composure. “Playing other sports has enabled me to develop a more positive mindset and stay focused on growth beyond my individual performance,” he said.
Kamen boasts a 3.57 GPA and has already completed 21 college credit hours through the ICC Now program. He plans to continue his academic and baseball career at Coffeyville Community College.
