Smoky Valley’s Ty Heitschmidt – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Peoples Bank and Trust
By Blake Chadwick Smoky Valley senior Ty Heitschmidt has been a big force in the paint the last couple of years for the Vikings. The senior primarily plays center but can slide over to power forward when needed, giving the Vikings flexibility and toughness down low. Heitschmidt’s passion for basketball began early, playing in a […]
Southeast of Saline’s Abigail Pearson and Kyiah Samuelson – Presented by Inspire Hearing Center
By Hayden Swope Southeast of Saline is bringing the heat this season as they return both Abigail Pearson and Kyiah Samuelson. After several years of success, they don’t plan on stopping now. “We have been league champions throughout my high school career and I intend to continue this streak,” Pearson said. “We have been the […]
Lyons’ Sierra Belote – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Tory Tipp State Farm, New Image Trucking, and Goans Renovations
By Hayden Swope Sierra Belote of Lyons has been ready to take on her senior season all year, and is excited to accomplish her long list of goals and ambitions for the season ahead. “One of my main goals this year is to focus on my mindset,” Belote said. “One thing I have learned is […]
McPherson’s Rylie Whitfield – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by S7 Safety Products
By Hayden Swope Rylie Whitfield of McPherson has been putting in the work in multiple sports, and as basketball season arrives, she’s putting all that preparation out on the court. “Basketball shape is by far the hardest to get in out of my three sports,” Whitfield said. “Going on runs and getting shots up is […]
Concordia’s Charlize Cash – Salina Area Poll Winner – Presented by WSU Tech
By Hayden Swope Concordia’s Charlize Cash has spent the entire offseason training for the moment she gets to step back out on the court. Cash was a first team all-league selection for the Panthers last season. “I am preparing for the season by getting in the gym and getting shots up, going on runs and […]
McPherson’s Jett Pyle – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Horizon Real Estate
By Matt Browning The McPherson boys basketball program has won back-to-back state championships and returning all-state guard Jett Pyle’s sole focus this season is to make it three in a row. “I am most excited for playing with my friends and defending our state championship one last year,” Pyle said. “I want to have a […]
Salina Central’s Grace Ostmeyer – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Tim VanDonge Farm Bureau Financial Services
By Blake Chadwick Coming off an impressive sophomore season that earned her first team all-league honors, Salina Central junior Grace Ostmeyer is ready to take another leap as one of the Mustangs’ top returning players. “My biggest strengths are my ability to be a two-level scorer,” Ostmeyer said. “Being able to drive as well as […]
Salina Central’s Noah Peck – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by The Garage Automotive Museum
By Matt Browning Over the past few seasons, Salina Central’s Noah Peck feels like the excitement and environment for Mustang basketball has waned. But Peck is optimistic that is going to change this season. “But with the 2026 senior class, I believe we’re bringing it back to its roots,” Peck said. “We’re creating a sense of […]
Salina Central’s Lexie Guerrero – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Nex-Tech
By Blake Chadwick Salina Central senior Lexie Guerrero embodies everything a coach looks for in a leader. As the Mustangs’ returning point guard, Guerrero enters her final season ready to guide her team with composure and confidence. Basketball has been part of Guerrero’s life since kindergarten, and over the years, she’s grown from a young […]
Salina South’s Easton Wilcox – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Kelly Kitchener Shelter Insurance
Photo Credit Brittany Pappada By Matt Browning Even though the Salina South boys basketball team won just seven games last season, returner Easton Wilcox has high hopes that the Cougars can fly under the radar this season. “I am most excited that we have a lot of returning players and we could surprise a lot […]