Kelly Stephens Farm Bureau Financial Services Southeast Kansas Coach of the Month – Oswego’s Matt Fowler

By Angela Brunk Oswego High School football coach Matt Fowler has dedicated 17 years to the sidelines, eight of them leading the Indians, and his impact continues to be felt far beyond Friday nights. Known for his steady leadership, strong values, and commitment to developing young athletes, Fowler approaches every season with a clear purpose: […]
Bishop Ward’s Ivanna Fierro – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy

By Ken Hansard Ivanna Fierro, senior shooting guard / forward for the Bishop Ward Cyclones, talked a lot about “staying active” in her interview, which isn’t surprising, since the three-sport athlete seems to stay busy year around. Fierro also plays forward and mid-fielder for the soccer team and first base for the softball […]
Hays’ Dawson Ruder – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by WSU Tech

By Ken Hansard This is an exciting time in Hays. Hays High opened doors of a new high school in September, and Dawson Ruder, senior center for the Hays High Indians, can’t wait to break in the new facilities, “I’m looking forward to the Hays City shootout. Our first game of the year is […]
Kelly Stephens Farm Bureau Financial Services Southeast Kansas Player of the Month – Kenny Smith – Altoona Midway High School

By Angela Brunk As senior Kenny Smith enters his final year at Altoona Midway High School, he’s embracing his leadership role on the basketball team. Playing both small forward and shooting guard, Smith is determined to make his last season his best yet. Smith’s individual goals this year focus on elevating his offensive game by […]
St. James Academy’s Emmitt Peters – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy

By Ken Hansard Emmitt Peters, a senior combo shooting guard / point guard for St. James Academy, enters his final year for the Thunder with some lofty goals, “As a team, we’d definitely like to win the EKL and go on a deep state tournament run. Personally, I would like to earn MVP of […]
Chase County’s Madelyn Wilson – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by KTAG

By Ken Hansard Madelyn Wilson, senior center for the Chase County Bulldogs, has already compiled an impressive sports resume, but adding to her accomplishments in basketball will have to await her healing process. Wilson, a First-Team All-Flint Hills and an All-State performer, who had already put up 1000 career points by midway through her […]
Chanute’s Averee Hicks – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Rowdy Kyser Shelter Insurance

Photo by Dey-Leigh Umbarger By Angela Brunk As she enters her senior year at Chanute High School, Averee Hicks is determined to make her final basketball season her strongest yet. Primarily a post player, with the versatility to step into a forward role when needed, Hicks has become a cornerstone for the Blue Comets thanks […]
Caney Valley’s Alexyus Theiss – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Uplink

Photo by Sherri Montgomery By Angela Brunk As a junior at Caney Valley High School, Alexyus Theiss is stepping into the new basketball season with determination, excitement, and a clear vision for what she wants to accomplish. Playing as a shooting guard, Theiss brings energy, confidence, and a growing leadership presence to the Bullpups roster. […]
Erie’s Kylie Hodgden – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Rowdy Kyser Shelter Insurance

Photo by Jennifer Han By Angela Brunk As she enters her senior year, Kylie Hodgden is stepping onto the court with confidence, experience, and a clear vision for her final high school basketball season. Playing as a post player and forward, Hodgden has embraced the physicality and leadership her position requires, and this year, she’s […]
Andover’s Griffin Hand – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy

Photo by Aidan Dible By Angela Brunk As he enters his senior year at Andover High School, Griffin Hand is embracing his role as a veteran guard capable of influencing the game on both ends of the floor. Splitting time between point guard and shooting guard, Hand is determined to make his final high school […]