St. James Academy has already reached the top. Now, the Thunder are looking to stay there.
Coming off a 23-5 season that ended with the 5A state championship, St. James Academy enters the upcoming season with a roster that combines experienced veterans, proven production and an intriguing group of newcomers.
“We are approaching the upcoming season with high expectations and a strong foundation,” coach Justin Snell said.
The Thunder graduated three seniors from last season’s championship team, including All-State standout Elle Robinson. But plenty of experience returns, including four All-Eastern Kansas League players in seniors Emme Albright and Teegan Vietti, junior Ireland Sullivan and sophomore Stella Sacks.
Sullivan, a 6-foot junior forward, will be one of the players expected to help lead St. James Academy into the new season. She was the Thunder’s leading scorer and second-leading rebounder last season, averaging 11 points and six rebounds per game.
“She is a force,” Snell said. “She is a very skilled player who can stretch the floor and can bang down low.”
Sullivan’s ability to contribute both inside and outside makes her a difficult matchup, and Snell said she has continued to improve during the offseason. Her play has already attracted attention from Division I and Division II programs, with Sullivan holding multiple offers.
While Sullivan provides an experienced presence, Sacks gives the Thunder another important piece in the backcourt.
Sacks made an immediate impact as a freshman point guard last season, averaging 10 points and two assists per game. She also became a key performer when the games mattered most, knocking down several important shots during St. James Academy’s playoff run.
“As a freshman point guard, Stella steered the team consistently in the right direction,” Snell said. “She hit big shot after big shot down the stretch of the playoffs.”
Sacks also gives the Thunder a reliable shooter and distributor who can help create opportunities for her teammates.
The senior class will provide another important layer of leadership. Vietti returns after averaging seven points per game while shooting 40% from 3-point range. Albright averaged six points and four rebounds per game and will be counted on for her leadership and willingness to do whatever the team needs.
“Emme is an incredible teammate,” Snell said. “She has worked extremely hard on her game and has improved tremendously all while always cheering for her teammates’ success.”
Albright’s contributions go beyond the box score. She embraces the less glamorous parts of the game while helping provide communication and leadership on the court.
“Emme never will shy away from doing the dirty work and is a great leader and communicator with her team,” Snell said.
Junior Caroline Rueger, who averaged five points per game last season, and junior Tatum Gansen, who averaged three points, also return to the roster.
With a talented incoming freshman class joining the returning players, St. James Academy expects competition for playing time to help push the team throughout the season.
The Thunder know repeating as state champions will require starting over in many ways. The roster may look different, but the expectations remain high.
“We want to build on last year’s success, continue developing our culture, and compete for another championship,” Snell said.
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