Only a sophomore, Wichita Independent’s SaMiyah Ellis still has a lot to prove, and she knows the hard work doesn’t stop here. But 2023 was a great place to start, as Ellis was voted the Wichita Small School Girls Basketball Player of the Year. 

“I wanted to grow in all aspects of my game,” Ellis said. “I also wanted to have a better shooting efficiency than I had my freshman year and for my percentages to go up. Really attacking my mid-range game and being a three level scorer. Make it to substate and state. I would say all my goals were accomplished or within very close reach of accomplishing. My shooting efficiency went up and overall this season I was consistent with my play. My team and I won our substate and were able to experience playing on the Big 12 floor at Kansas State University.”

Basketball is year-round for Ellis, so even though her high school season is complete, her spring and summer season is just getting started.

“I play for a club called B2B Elite KS Bluejays,” Ellis said. “I’ve been playing for this club for five years now. It’s a great fit for me andI have grown a lot at this club. I love being here and being able to showcase my game around the country.”

With still two more years of high school ball, Ellis has big aspirations for her future. 

“My future plans from here on is to win substate and state during my last two years of high school,” Ellis said. “I want to be able to accomplish one of my dreams of going to play college basketball. And from there, being drafted to WNBA or go play overseas.”