Pittsburg’s Breck Slaughter – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Matt Robertson State Farm
By Ken Hansard As her senior season approaches, Breck Slaughter is ready to lead the way for Pittsburg. The standout pitcher helped guide the Dragons to a 26-5 record last season, including a perfect 12-0 mark and a first-place finish in SEK league play. Pittsburg ultimately placed fourth at state after a loss in the […]
Independence’s Brock Sanders – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Angela Brunk At Independence High School, senior Brock Sanders is embracing his final baseball season with a strong sense of purpose and pride. A true utility player, Sanders brings versatility to the field, contributing as a catcher, pitcher, third baseman, and shortstop. His ability to adapt wherever he’s needed makes him a key piece […]
Ell-Saline’s Landon May – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Angela Brunk Track season is underway for senior Landon May of Ell-Saline High School. May covers the distance events, competing in the 800m, the mile, or the 400m as well as the 4×800 relay, and is looking forward to seeing time improvement throughout the season. “I’m most excited to see how much I can […]
Buhler’s Kenzie Polk – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Angela Brunk Kenzie Polk, a senior at Buhler High School, is stepping onto the soccer field for her last year as a Crusader. Polk plays right back on the defensive line and is excited to play one last year with her teammates. “I have so much faith in this team to make it to […]
Maize’s Taylor Dill – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Angela Brunk Taylor Dill, a senior from Maize High School, is ready to finish out her senior soccer season strong. Dill plays forward and outside midfielder for the Eagles and expressed how much this team feels like a family. “I really want to enjoy my last season with this team and winning would make […]
Kansas Boys Basketball Player of the Year – Sebastian Hines-Turner – Presented by Shelter Insurance
By Joanna Chadwick Missing most of his junior season due to an achilles injury was devastating for Wichita Collegiate’s Sebastian Hines-Turner. “I was going to make a game-winning pass and planted hard to push off, and that’s when it happened. It was one of those moments that occurs really quickly, but it forced me to […]
Southeast Kansas and Southwest Missouri – April 2026 Digital Magazine
Bishop Ward’s Davontae Davis – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Preferred Physical Therapy Gladstone
By Ken Hansard Davontae Davis has steadily built himself into one of the premier sprinters in the Kansas, and his senior season is shaping up to be his most impressive yet. Competing in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and relays, Davis has already posted early-season personal records of 10.7, 22.1, and 51.4. All are marks that […]
Smith Center’s Gavin Hickert – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by WSU Tech
By Ken Hansard Gavin Hickert, a senior at Smith Center High School, is set to make his mark in his final season competing for the Redmen in the Mid-Continent League (MCL). A dedicated distance runner, Hickert competes in the 4×800-meter relay, 1600m, 3200m, and occasionally the 800m, bringing both talent and leadership to a team […]
Fredonia’s Brayden O’Leary – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Tammy Baker Shelter Insurance
By Ken Hansard Brayden O’Leary is making the most of his senior year at Fredonia High School, making the most of every opportunity to compete and grow as a multi-sport athlete. A member of the Yellowjackets baseball and track teams, O’Leary has taken on the roles of pitcher and runner while also stepping into […]