Fredonia’s Ethan Bryant – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Tammy Baker Shelter Insurance
By Angela Brunk Fredonia High School senior Ethan Bryant enters this season with confidence, experience, and a clear vision for what he and his teammates can accomplish. A versatile small forward and shooting guard, Bryant is stepping into a larger role this year, one built on leadership, unselfish play, and the hunger to make a […]
Labette County’s Barrett Hestand – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
Photo by Jenny Gartner By Angela Brunk Labette County High School senior Barrett Hestand enters his final season with a clear vision. A vision to elevate his team, sharpen his own game, and help the Grizzlies contend for an SEK League title. Hestand, a physical and versatile presence at both small forward and power forward, […]
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. […]