Photo by Tanner Wheat
By Angela Brunk
As he enters his senior year at Perry-Lecompton High School, Dayton Tucker is stepping into his final basketball season with clarity, purpose, and a renewed sense of leadership. A versatile small forward and shooting guard, Tucker has been a reliable contributor for the Kaws, and this year he’s focused on becoming an even stronger presence on and off the court.
Tucker’s individual goal is to step up and be a good leader. With years of experience and a deep love for the game, he wants to guide the younger players while setting the tone for what Perry-Lecompton basketball represents. As a team goal, Tucker and the team are determined to be one of the top programs in the Big East and compete at the highest level every night.
What excites Tucker most about this season is the chance to play alongside his teammates one last time, and he is especially looking forward to the always-intense rivalry games.
The offseason looked different for Tucker this year, as he dedicated his time to getting healthy and preparing his body for a strong senior campaign. After dealing with injuries, he prioritized recovery to ensure he could perform at his best when the season arrived.
One of Tucker’s proudest achievements came last year when the Kaws finished as sub-state runners-up. Though the team fell just short of a state berth, the fight, resilience, and growth that got them there is something he holds close.
Beyond basketball, Tucker is a multi-sport athlete who also competes in baseball, a game he has played, like basketball, for as long as he can remember.
With determination, experience, and heart, Dayton Tucker is ready to lead the Kaws through a memorable final season.
