Q & A with Washburn Rural’s Justice McBurney – Presented by Dave Tew Shelter Insurance

1. What do you love most about being a student-athlete at Washburn Rural HS? My name is Justice McBurney and the thing I love most about being a student-athlete at WRHS is how supportive all the teachers and students are of each other as well as the relationships I get to build with my coaches […]
Shawnee Mission’s Abby O’Connor – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy

By Ken Hansard Abby O’Connor, senior point guard for the Shawnee Mission Northwest Cougars, is understandably optimistic about her teams’ prospects on the advent of a new season, “I feel like this team is going to work well together. We worked a lot in the off-season on sharing the ball a lot more and […]
Caney Valley’s Molleigh Kaminska – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Maple Street Market and Nichols Hitching Post

Photo credits to Sheri Scimeca Montgomery By Angela Brunk At Caney Valley High School, junior Molleigh Kaminska is stepping into the new basketball season with purpose, confidence, and a faith-driven mindset. A versatile and dependable forward, Kaminska is determined not only to elevate her game but also to be a positive force for everyone around […]
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 […]