To add any players to this list, please email a nomination to [email protected]. Please be sure to include the athlete’s name, school, grade, and why you think they should be added to the list.
BASEBALL
Caden Puderbaugh (Basehor-Linwood)
Set to be a four-year contributor for the Bobcats, Caden has already proven he will do whatever the team needs to win, handling multiple infield positions with confidence and consistency. This season, after patiently waiting his turn, he will step in behind the plate and take charge of the defense as the starting catcher. He brings legitimate MVP potential to the lineup and clubhouse, and he is doing everything he can to prepare both himself and his teammates for a big year.
John Hess (Cedar Vale/Dexter)
As a true five-tool player, John brings everything you want in a complete baseball athlete, which is why he stands out as an MVP favorite. He hits with power, runs with speed, and is a tough out every time he steps into the box, while also playing outstanding defense and serving as a reliable presence on the mound. A genuine student of the game, his love for baseball shows in the way he competes daily, driving our offense, setting the tone for our team, and consistently leading by example with his work ethic and passion.
Cash Killian (Circle)
A four-year varsity starter, Cash has been a steady, versatile presence who can plug in almost anywhere on the field and perform at a high level. Voted team captain by his teammates as a junior, he has earned tremendous respect in our program. His leadership, versatility, and reliability make him an invaluable piece of our success this season.
Jase Downey (Conway Springs-Argonia)
A senior who has done it all for our program, Jase has excelled at pitcher, catcher, and third base, putting up impressive numbers last season with a .415 average, .525 on-base percentage, and 1.110 OPS to go along with 27 hits and extra-base power. He is one of only two seniors who have been with the program from its start, growing with it from freshman to senior year and leading in several key statistical categories for our young team. A Central Plains League All-League Honorable Mention every year of his high school career, he brings consistency and competitive fire every time he takes the field. Off the field, Jase is an outstanding young man who just earned student of the month at Conway Springs High School, excelling in the classroom with college-level courses and going above and beyond in his efforts outside of athletics.
Max Warden, Cristian Guerra, Ben Blasi, & Isaiah Lyons (Eisenhower)
This senior group sets the standard for what it means to represent EHS baseball the right way, leading with character, effort, and poise. Each of these players brings his own strengths to the field, but together they form the leadership core of our roster. Their example in practice, games, and the classroom makes a positive impact on the entire program, and we are counting on them to guide our team on and off the field.
Drake Hosman (Ellinwood)
From the leadoff spot, Drake was a spark plug last season, hitting .400, scoring 45 runs, and swiping 22 bases while constantly putting pressure on opposing defenses. He also gave us a strong presence on the mound, finishing with a 7–2 record. Coming into 2026 with an 18-game hitting streak, he is poised to be one of the most dangerous and consistent players in our lineup once again.
Brogan Wray (Haven)
Brogan, now a junior, has been a fixture in the starting lineup, having started every game of his high school career. He earned All-League honors at third base and was named honorable mention all-state as a sophomore, reflecting both his production and his reliability. His experience and steady play make him a key piece on both sides of the ball for Haven this season.
Julian Lyons, Gabe Valadez, Brodie McCuan, Merrick Giles, & Oaken Williams (Hutchinson)
This group of returning varsity players brings valuable game experience and stability to our roster. Each of them has already shown they can compete at a high level, and their familiarity with varsity play will be crucial as we navigate a challenging schedule. Their collective leadership and understanding of our standards will help set the tone for Hutchinson baseball this year.
Brody Epke (Maize South)
One of the premier two-way talents in the state, Brody is a senior center fielder and pitcher who has signed to play Division I baseball at Nebraska-Omaha. After tearing his UCL and undergoing Tommy John surgery as a sophomore, he made an impressive return last season, earning all-state and first-team all-AVCTL honors as an outfielder. He hit .355 with a .495 on-base percentage, .500 slugging, 27 hits, 7 extra-base hits, 1 home run, 17 RBI, 31 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases, while also posting 15 innings on the mound with a 2–1 record. As our ace and starting center fielder, he is expected to be our frontline starting pitcher and a major offensive catalyst.
Tyler Lord (Marmaton Valley)
Tyler has anchored the defense up the middle as a four-year starter and now leads our pitching staff as the ace. With a repertoire that includes a fastball, curveball, splitter, and an occasional changeup, he attacks hitters with a mature, competitive approach. At the plate, he has been a dynamic leadoff hitter, batting a combined .478 over the last two seasons and successfully stealing 61 of 62 bases. His ability to impact the game in all phases makes him one of the most important players in our program.
Carter Bengtson (McPherson)
Combining high-end talent with a relentless work ethic, Carter is poised to contend for team MVP honors this season. He was arguably our best hitter as a freshman and then followed that up by hitting over .400 last year, proving he can consistently produce against varsity pitching. As the starting quarterback for MHS, he brings leadership, poise, and preparation to the diamond, carrying himself with a quiet confidence that elevates those around him. We expect him to influence the game in multiple ways, at the plate, in the field, on the bases, and through the daily leadership he provides.
Caleb Hynek (Nemaha Central)
Caleb’s love for the game shows in how he plays and how he leads. He was our best hitter last season while handling duties in the middle infield, and his athleticism allows him to play just about anywhere on the field. This year he will slide into the shortstop role and continue to serve as our go-to arm out of the bullpen in relief. His versatility and competitiveness make him a cornerstone of our lineup and defense.
Cody Jay (Newton)
On the mound, Cody commands all of his pitches and competes with poise, qualities that helped him earn second-team all-league honors as a junior in a very strong pitching conference. His velocity sits in the mid-80s, but it is his pitchability, toughness, and blue-collar work ethic that really set him apart. He will be counted on for a big role both on the mound and on the left side of the infield, and his bat should sit in the heart of our order. A great student who is still searching for the right college fit for next fall, he has the makeup to succeed at the next level.
Blake Costlow (Paola)
Blake has been an all-state outfielder in both his freshman and sophomore seasons, quickly establishing himself as one of the premier players in our program. He has led the team in batting average each of those years and continues to be a consistent force at the plate. This season, he will remain near the top of the lineup and move over to center field, where his athleticism and instincts should shine even more.
Nick Kendall (Republic County)
Over the last several seasons, Nick has been one of our most dependable and productive players. He brings a strong, steady presence on the mound and in center field, giving us quality innings and covering a ton of ground defensively. Offensively, he provides as much power as anyone on our team, making him a key run producer in the lineup.
Mathias Bair (Skyline)
Mathias is the definition of a team-first player, always willing to do whatever is needed on and off the field. If he doesn’t already know how to help in a certain role, he works hard to learn quickly and contribute in any way possible. His attitude, adaptability, and selflessness make him a tremendous asset to our program.
Keaton Neal (Spring Hill)
A centerpiece of the program for the past three years, Keaton has been instrumental to Spring Hill’s success and is on track to become our first four-year letterman in many seasons. He has earned multiple all-state honors and has developed into one of the top infield and pitching prospects in Kansas. As a true two-way standout, he impacts the game on the mound and in the infield while also being a leader in the dugout and locker room. Our staff is extremely excited to have him leading the charge in his senior year.
Andy Devers (St. James Academy)
A middle-of-the-order bat for St. James, Andy posted a .310 average with 17 runs, 6 stolen bases, and an .837 OPS last season. He has started at third base and on the mound since his sophomore year, giving the team a dependable presence at two premium spots. With quick hands, a strong arm, and a fierce competitive streak, he consistently finds ways to impact games in big moments.
Noe Alverado (Wichita North)
Coaching Noe across multiple sports has shown just how special he is as both an athlete and a person. He is one of the hardest-working kids you will find, always willing to go the extra mile for his teammates, coaches, and community. Noe’s character shines through in the way he carries himself, and he takes pride in being a leader who lifts others up. It is a privilege to coach him, and there is no doubt he has the potential to reach a very high level with his combination of talent and leadership.
GOLF (BOYS)
Zekiah Kern (El Dorado)
Zekiah made history for El Dorado by becoming the first EHS golfer to qualify for the state tournament since 2014, breaking a long drought for the program. He has put in significant work during the offseason to return to state and climb the leaderboard. As a junior on a team with no returning seniors, he will step into a key leadership role, setting the tone for effort, focus, and competitiveness.
Cohen Museousky (Goddard)
Joining the team as a freshman last season, Cohen immediately made his presence felt by leading the Lions in several statistical categories. He broke a decade-long gap for the program by earning a berth to the state tournament, where he finished an impressive 12th in his first appearance. Now, he is focused on returning to the state championship and improving on that finish, using his experience and work ethic to drive continued growth.
Noah Geeves (Lyons)
Entering his sophomore season, Noah is coming off a promising freshman year in which he competed on varsity, posted low scores, and medaled in multiple tournaments. He narrowly missed a trip to state by just two strokes but used that motivation to fuel an excellent summer of golf, shooting low numbers across Kansas and in other states. Noah is not only a talented golfer but also a supportive teammate who regularly helps others at practice and shares his knowledge of the game. A leader on and off the course, he maintains a 4.0 GPA and sets a strong example in the classroom as well.
Beau Ferrell (Pratt)
As a freshman, Beau showed impressive poise and consistency, quickly becoming a steady presence in his first year of high school golf. He capped his debut season by placing 25th individually at the state tournament, a strong achievement for a first-year player. With a great work ethic and drive to get better, he will aim to contend for individual titles at tournaments throughout this season.
Collin Ifland (West Franklin)
Collin joined the program last season and immediately emerged as a leader for West Franklin golf. He took younger and less-experienced players under his wing, helping mentor them while fostering a more cohesive and supportive varsity environment. His leadership, both through his play and his actions, has had a lasting impact on the culture of the team.
SOFTBALL
Isabella Diggs (Blue Valley West)
A Rockhurst University commit, Bella will be a three-year starter and two-year captain for Blue Valley West. She is exactly the kind of athlete every team hopes to have: super athletic, versatile enough to play anywhere on the field, and dangerous at the plate. Bella can hit for both power and contact and is a threat to steal double-digit bases. With her game-changing skill set, she is one of several players on our roster who can alter the outcome of any game.
Lillie Husman (Bluestem)
Lillie has been an absolute force for Bluestem, dominating both behind the plate and in the batter’s box. Last season, she led the team with a .545 batting average, 19 stolen bases, and a .612 on-base percentage, consistently setting the table and driving the offense. She excelled at moving and scoring runners, picked off six base runners, and threw out three more, all while committing just one error all season. Her play earned her first-team all-state and first-team all-league honors, and she continues to be one of the most complete catchers around.
Jessilyn Parsons (Burden)
For three years, Jess has been the workhorse of our pitching staff, starting and pitching every game for Burden. Even after tearing a ligament in her elbow last year, she refused to miss a single game, showcasing remarkable toughness and determination. Her resilience and competitive spirit set the tone for our entire team.
Madelyn Wilson (Chase County)
Madelyn is a gifted all-around athlete who excels in every sport she plays, with her primary passion being basketball, which she will continue at Hastings College in Nebraska next year. A senior coming off a knee injury from volleyball, she is eager to get back into competition and lead her teammates once again. On the diamond, she has hit over .500 each of the last three years, playing shortstop, first base, and catcher while posting the fewest errors per attempt on the team. Even as her exact role this season may evolve with her recovery, her impact goes far beyond the field. She is a natural leader, motivator, and the type of player every coach dreams of coaching and never wants to see graduate.
Jenna Hadley (El Dorado)
Since her freshman year, Jenna has been a mainstay on varsity, providing elite defense at first base and anchoring the heart of our lineup. Her production speaks for itself, as she consistently delivers in big moments and stands out every time she takes the field. Jenna’s presence brings stability and confidence to our team both defensively and offensively.
Charlee Latteman (Gardner Edgerton)
Coming off an incredible junior season, Charlee put her name all over the Gardner Edgerton record books by breaking multiple school records. She was voted Player of the Year for the 6A All-Sunflower League and earned first-team infielder honors, as well as a spot on the Kansas 6A All-State first team as an infielder. Charlee is committed to South Dakota State and is eager to cap her high school career with another outstanding spring. She will once again be a driving force for the Trailblazers’ success.
Zoie Hesse (Iola)
Zoie has already made history for Iola softball, earning All-State honors at shortstop and being named first-team All-Pioneer League in each of her first two seasons. In 2025, she shattered school records with 12 home runs, 49 RBI, a .529 average, and 46 hits, while also going 12–0 in the circle with a 2.28 ERA. A tremendous leader on and off the field, she is widely regarded as one of the hardest workers ever to come through the program. Her combination of power, pitching, and leadership makes her a truly special player.
Brette Pasteur (Pittsburg)
Brette is the kind of teammate every program needs: hard-working, dependable, and always ready to compete. She shows up to every game and practice prepared to get after it, and that mentality helped her lead the entire state last year in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and home runs. Returning as an all-state third baseman, she will once again be a major offensive and defensive force for Pittsburg.
Jacqalyn Parde (Republic County)
Since her freshman year, Jacqalyn has started every game, filling multiple roles as a pitcher, outfielder, and occasional infielder. Wherever she lines up, she plays a vital role in our success and brings a calm demeanor that reassures her teammates in big moments. At the plate, she is one of our biggest bats, providing power and timely hitting while also showing the ability to drop a perfect bunt when the situation calls for it. Her work ethic, versatility, and leadership make her especially valuable for a roster with many inexperienced players.
Madison Cross (Wichita Trinity Academy)
A UMKC signee, Madison has been the defensive anchor for Trinity over the last three seasons. In 2025, she hit .500 with 45 hits, 6 home runs, 43 RBI, and 46 runs scored, establishing herself as one of the top offensive threats in the area. Behind the plate, she shows exceptional awareness, reading batters and runners well and controlling the game with her presence. Her combination of defensive savvy and offensive firepower makes her a cornerstone of the Trinity program.
SWIMMING (GIRLS)
Sarah Beth Davis (Holcomb)
Sarah Beth, an Alma College commit in sprint freestyle and backstroke, has already made her mark as one of the top swimmers in 1A–5A. She was state-ranked last year and delivered a top-20 finish at the state meet. She currently holds two school records and is within a second of two more, showcasing her consistency and high ceiling. Outside the pool, she maintains a 4.0 GPA, works two jobs, and participates in multiple service clubs, earning respect for her kindness, leadership, and relentless work ethic.
Jyzelle Juarez (Liberal)
One of this year’s top standouts for Liberal, Jyzelle made an immediate impact as a freshman by finishing 4th in the 100-yard butterfly at the Western Athletic Conference Championship. Now a sophomore, she is poised for a big leap forward with her sights set on becoming the first girl from Liberal to qualify for the state meet in more than a decade. Her determination and hunger to make history drive her daily effort in training and competition.
TENNIS (BOYS)
Jack Loibl (Eisenhower)
Jack enters this season as a three-year varsity player for Eisenhower with valuable experience at the highest level of high school tennis. He qualified for the state tournament last year in doubles and showed he can perform under pressure. This spring, we will evaluate both singles and doubles options for him, aiming to place him where he can help the team the most by season’s end.
Reece Knight (El Dorado)
Reece, a senior, lines up as our No. 1 singles player and has embraced that challenge after previously focusing on doubles. When his partner moved out of state before his junior year, he made the transition to singles and responded by medaling at the state tournament in his first season in that role. His growth, adaptability, and competitive nature make him a key leader for our team this year.
Braiden Liechty (Hesston)
Throughout his high school career, Braiden has steadily elevated his game, beginning as a state-qualifying singles player as a freshman. Over the last two seasons, he teamed with Asher Deutschendorf in doubles, placing 3rd in 3–1A as a sophomore and then winning the 4A state championship together. This year, he returns to singles, a shift that requires more patience and a different style of play, but he loves the sport and has the firepower to contend for a top-four finish in 4A. His experience and competitive drive will make him one of the state’s players to watch.
Johnny Korfhage (Kapaun Mt. Carmel)
Johnny has already built an impressive résumé, finishing 4th in 5A doubles at state in 2024 and then improving to 2nd place in 2025. He trains and competes year-round, constantly sharpening his game against strong competition. With that dedication and experience, we expect him to be the primary leader of this year’s team and a serious contender once again at the state level.
Nick Neff (Valley Center)
Over the last two summers, Nick has dedicated himself to his development by playing tournaments consistently. Last season, he agreed to play doubles for the good of the team and was a major factor in our overall success, even though he and his partner narrowly missed a state berth despite an excellent record. As a senior, he will open the season as our No. 1 singles player, bringing a steady, competitive presence to the top of the lineup. His progressive improvement each year has positioned him to finish his career on a high note.
TRACK
Maria Portela (Blue Valley High School-Overland Park)
Maria, a junior, enters the season as the fastest returning female sprinter in Kansas and has a legitimate opportunity to capture multiple individual state titles this spring. Her success will also play a major role in Blue Valley’s quest for a team state championship. She works as hard as anyone on the roster and consistently puts the team before herself. A selfless leader, she sets a standard of effort and humility that elevates everyone around her.
Callie Noland (Clearwater)
Callie has already built an impressive résumé as a five-time state medalist, two-time state champion, and co-holder of a 4A state relay record. In 2024, she placed 6th in the 100 meters and helped the 4×100 relay win a state title, and in 2025, she added medals with 5th in the 100, 6th in the 200, and another 4×100 state championship in record time. A perfectionist by nature, she constantly analyzes her performances to find ways to improve. Last year, she broke a 50-year-old school record in the 100 and enters this season determined to keep raising the bar.
Emily O’Brien (Remington)
Emily is a standout multi-sport athlete and a multiple-time state medalist on the track. She is coming off a tremendous junior campaign where she won the state title in the 100-meter hurdles, finished runner-up in the 300-meter hurdles, and helped the girls’ 4×100 relay place 6th while also setting a new school record in the 300 hurdles. Beyond her accomplishments, she is a joy to coach, a hard worker, great teammate, and very coachable. Her presence lifts the entire program.
Kallan Rothchild (Trego-WaKeeney)
Kallan, a senior distance runner, has qualified for the state track meet each of the past two years and continues to trend upward. She had a strong summer of training that carried into a successful cross-country season, where she once again earned a trip to state. Known for her dedication and work ethic, she is both a consistent performer and a positive leader for the younger girls on the team. Watching her compete this spring will be a highlight for our program.
Kinsley Plumer (Valley Center)
Kinsley, a senior, has already put together an impressive career at Valley Center with two school records and five state medals to her name. She is aiming to add a third school record this season while doing everything she can to help the team achieve even greater success. A supportive teammate and coachable leader, she brings a great attitude and strong work ethic to every practice and meet. Her legacy at Valley Center will be remembered long after she graduates.
Lily Dennett (Wichita South)
Lily has been the MVP of the Wichita South girls’ team for three consecutive years, consistently raising the standard for effort and leadership. From the time she arrived as a freshman, she has approached everything, training, competition, and the classroom, with determination and a commitment to doing her best. Even after tearing her ACL during volleyball season, she has already committed to attending every practice and meet to support, encourage, and lead her teammates. Her character, resilience, and dedication continue to define our program’s culture.
Micheal Cooks (Wichita Southeast)
A senior sprinter, Micheal is a key member of our 4×100-meter relay that qualified for state last year. Despite a disappointing false start in the 100 at regionals, he still punched his ticket to state in the 200 and as part of the relay, showing his ability to bounce back. He enjoys the camaraderie of the team, especially competing alongside his brothers David and Sean, and brings energy and personality to every workout and meet. His competitive spirit and love for being with his teammates make him a central figure on our roster.
Kellen Gibson (Winfield)
Kellen returns as the defending 4A state champion in the javelin and holds the school record at Winfield High School. He is striving to repeat as league, regional, and state champion in 2026 after posting a season best of 191′ 8″ last year. With his talent, work ethic, and big-meet experience, expectations are high for another standout season from Kellen.
