Pratt’s Hope Hughes – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Visit Wichita
Photo by Bill Rea By Angela Brunk Pratt High School senior Hope Hughes enters her final season ready to lead a young Greenback squad with pride, resilience, and a hunger to make every moment count. A versatile guard who rotates between the 1, 2, and 3 positions, Hughes is prepared to take on a major […]
Emporia’s Rylan Crowell – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Wichita Tractor
By Angela Brunk Emporia High School’s class of 2026 features one of its most dynamic multi-sport athletes in Rylan Crowell, a standout in both football and basketball. On the football field, Crowell’s versatility shines as he contributes at free safety and running back, bringing speed, discipline, and instinct to every play. But it’s on the […]
Washburn Rural’s Simon Rowley – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Dave Tew Shelter Insurance
By Angela Brunk Class of 2026 point guard Simon Rowley enters the upcoming season at Washburn Rural High School with momentum, confidence, and a renewed drive. After stepping away from basketball during his sophomore year, Rowley returned with a determination that has fueled his growth. “I’m proud because I had to bounce back after not […]
St. Thomas Aquinas’ Alex Crouse – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
Photo by Beth Sabers By Angela Brunk For Alex Crouse, a senior shooting guard at St. Thomas Aquinas, this season represents both the culmination of years of hard work and the opportunity to add another chapter to the program’s storied legacy. With two state championships already under her belt, Crouse and her teammates are determined […]
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: […]