By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

On the heels of a 12-10 season that saw them raise their average above .500, the Ellsworth girl’s basketball team will look to take the next step under new leadership.

New head coach Craig Batchman steps in to lead the Lady Bearcats in his first season at the helm.

Ellsworth returns a strong core of talent and experience for the upcoming season, with a starting five that should look like this come tip-off.

- Isabelle Lindsley (Sr) - Paityn Tenbrink (Sr) - Kylan Turnipseed (Sr) - Lainey Peschka (So) - Eylse Haxton (So)

Ellsworth will also look for big minutes off the bench out of four seniors in Peyton Conrood, Alyssa Rodriguez, Lexi West, and Rylan Ohl, junior Maggie Bohl, and a trio of sophomores in Johanna Linsley, Josie Kueser, and Alexis Moore

The Lady Bearcats open their season in Ellsworth with a home game against Lyons this Friday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>On the heels of a 12-10 season that saw them raise their average above .500, the Ellsworth girl’s basketball team will look to take the next step under new leadership.New head coach Craig Batchman steps in to lead the Lady Bearcats in his first season at the helm.Ellsworth returns a strong core of talent and experience for the upcoming season, with a starting five that should look like this come tip-off.- Isabelle Lindsley (Sr) - Paityn Tenbrink (Sr) - Kylan Turnipseed (Sr) - Lainey Peschka (So) - Eylse Haxton (So)Ellsworth will also look for big minutes off the bench out of four seniors in Peyton Conrood, Alyssa Rodriguez, Lexi West, and Rylan Ohl, junior Maggie Bohl, and a trio of sophomores in Johanna Linsley, Josie Kueser, and Alexis MooreThe Lady Bearcats open their season in Ellsworth with a home game against Lyons this Friday.

2023-24 Preseason Profile: Ellsworth Girls Basketball

After a disappointing 2-18 finish last season, the Abilene girls basketball team will be eager to turn things around ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Shawn Herrman returns as head coach of the Cowgirls for his second season at the helm.

Abilene returns most of its rotation from a season ago with a familiar starting lineup that should look like this come tip-off.

PG- Sammy Stout (Sr) G- Renatta Heintz (Jr) G- Hannah Walter (Sr) F- Claira Dannefer (Sr) F- Callie Powell (Sr)

Abilene will also look to the bench for key minutes out of a trio of seniors in Zoey Debenham, Adin Bruna, and Blair Adams, as well as sophomore newcomer Makenna Stover.

The Cowgirls open their season in Abilene with a home game against Smoky Valley this Friday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>After a disappointing 2-18 finish last season, the Abilene girls basketball team will be eager to turn things around ahead of the 2023-24 season.Shawn Herrman returns as head coach of the Cowgirls for his second season at the helm.Abilene returns most of its rotation from a season ago with a familiar starting lineup that should look like this come tip-off.PG- Sammy Stout (Sr) G- Renatta Heintz (Jr) G- Hannah Walter (Sr) F- Claira Dannefer (Sr) F- Callie Powell (Sr)Abilene will also look to the bench for key minutes out of a trio of seniors in Zoey Debenham, Adin Bruna, and Blair Adams, as well as sophomore newcomer Makenna Stover.The Cowgirls open their season in Abilene with a home game against Smoky Valley this Friday.

2023-24 Preseason Profile: Abilene Girls Basketball

On the heels of a disappointing 3-18 campaign, the Minneapolis boys basketball team will look to right the ship with a strong core of returning talent in 2023-24.

John Darrow returns for his ninth season as the leader of the Lions, and his 22nd season as a head coach overall.

This year’s Minneapolis squad returns two starters, and six total players with varsity experience for a rotation that should look like this come tip-off.

G- Ryan Parks (Sr) G- Owen Just (So) G- Zach Nelson (Jr) G- Grant Rice (So) G- Joseph Woehl (Jr) P- Dalton Krueger (So)

Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Darrow and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.

Q: When you had a chance to look back on it, what were your overall thoughts on last season?

A: Despite having three freshmen after losing one to injury, two sophomores, one junior, and only two seniors who played substantial minutes, I thought we made great progress. We had to grow mentally and physically in the off-season to continue to make each individual better.

Q: Entering this year, what would you say are the biggest known strengths of your team?

A: We have a ton of experience at the varsity level this season but overall we are still very young.

Q: What are the biggest looming questions or challenges that you’ll look to sort out in these first few weeks?

A: Our biggest question marks will be in how good our communication is on both offense and defense.

Q: What are the biggest goals and expectations for this group heading into the new season?

A: Being confident and being consistent. With how young we were last year, players were thrown into situations they weren't ready for yet. This could lead to players not feeling as confident as they should have, but we are working to continually build their confidence so they can be more consistent.

The Lions open their season at Inman with a road game against the Teutons this Friday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>On the heels of a disappointing 3-18 campaign, the Minneapolis boys basketball team will look to right the ship with a strong core of returning talent in 2023-24.John Darrow returns for his ninth season as the leader of the Lions, and his 22nd season as a head coach overall.This year’s Minneapolis squad returns two starters, and six total players with varsity experience for a rotation that should look like this come tip-off.G- Ryan Parks (Sr) G- Owen Just (So) G- Zach Nelson (Jr) G- Grant Rice (So) G- Joseph Woehl (Jr) P- Dalton Krueger (So)Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Darrow and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.Q: When you had a chance to look back on it, what were your overall thoughts on last season?A: Despite having three freshmen after losing one to injury, two sophomores, one junior, and only two seniors who played substantial minutes, I thought we made great progress. We had to grow mentally and physically in the off-season to continue to make each individual better.Q: Entering this year, what would you say are the biggest known strengths of your team?A: We have a ton of experience at the varsity level this season but overall we are still very young.Q: What are the biggest looming questions or challenges that you’ll look to sort out in these first few weeks?A: Our biggest question marks will be in how good our communication is on both offense and defense.Q: What are the biggest goals and expectations for this group heading into the new season?A: Being confident and being consistent. With how young we were last year, players were thrown into situations they weren't ready for yet. This could lead to players not feeling as confident as they should have, but we are working to continually build their confidence so they can be more consistent.The Lions open their season at Inman with a road game against the Teutons this Friday.

2023-24 Preseason Profile: Minneapolis Boys Basketball

Following another successful campaign that saw them raise their win total from 10-9 to 15-6, the Minneapolis girls basketball team will look to continue their run of excellence in 2023-24.

Bryan Weatherman returns to the helm for his 16th season as head coach of the Lady Lions, with an overall record of 169-151.

Minneapolis returns three starters, and six players with varsity experience, with a familiar rotation that should look something like this come tip-off.

G- Macy McClure (Jr) G- Braedee Weatherman (Jr) G- Josi Schrader (Jr) G- Raelyn Robinson (Jr) F- Maggie Shupe (Sr) F- Myka Deronnet

Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Weatherman and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.

A: I thought we had an excellent regular season at 15-5. We ended Southeast's regular season win streak in league play and were able to tie them for league champs, but coming up short in the first round of sub-state on our home floor for the second year in a row was disappointing.&nbsp;

A: As it has been for the last couple of seasons it will be our speed and defensive pressure, we also return six kids who have a bunch of varsity experience.&nbsp;

A: We will need a couple of our younger kids to step up and give us some minutes off the bench, especially inside. We are changing a few things from last year, so getting caught up with those things will be important.&nbsp;

A: Although I think our league will be tougher than it has been in a while, we want to put ourselves in a position to win it, and to advance deeper into sub-state.&nbsp;

The Lady Lions open their season at Inman with a road game against the Lady Teutons this Friday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Following another successful campaign that saw them raise their win total from 10-9 to 15-6, the Minneapolis girls basketball team will look to continue their run of excellence in 2023-24.Bryan Weatherman returns to the helm for his 16th season as head coach of the Lady Lions, with an overall record of 169-151.Minneapolis returns three starters, and six players with varsity experience, with a familiar rotation that should look something like this come tip-off.G- Macy McClure (Jr) G- Braedee Weatherman (Jr) G- Josi Schrader (Jr) G- Raelyn Robinson (Jr) F- Maggie Shupe (Sr) F- Myka DeronnetAhead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Weatherman and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.Q: When you had a chance to look back on it, what were your overall thoughts on last season?A: I thought we had an excellent regular season at 15-5. We ended Southeast's regular season win streak in league play and were able to tie them for league champs, but coming up short in the first round of sub-state on our home floor for the second year in a row was disappointing.&nbsp;Q: Entering this year, what would you say are the biggest known strengths of your team?A: As it has been for the last couple of seasons it will be our speed and defensive pressure, we also return six kids who have a bunch of varsity experience.&nbsp;Q: What are the biggest looming questions or challenges that you’ll look to sort out in these first few weeks?A: We will need a couple of our younger kids to step up and give us some minutes off the bench, especially inside. We are changing a few things from last year, so getting caught up with those things will be important.&nbsp;Q: What are the biggest goals and expectations for this group heading into the new season?A: Although I think our league will be tougher than it has been in a while, we want to put ourselves in a position to win it, and to advance deeper into sub-state.&nbsp;The Lady Lions open their season at Inman with a road game against the Lady Teutons this Friday.

2023-24 Preseason Profile: Minneapolis Girls Basketball

Following a disappointing 1-19 campaign, the Salina South boys basketball team will look to right the ship ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Head Coach Jason Hooper returns to the helm for his 11th season leading the Cougars.

This year’s squad features a strong group of returning veterans, including four starters who will anchor a lineup that should look like this come Friday.

G- Quevon Purucker (Sr) G- Layson Sajdak (Sr) G- Brady Howard (Sr) F- Jace Humphrey (Jr)

The final starting spot, as well as big rotational minutes, will go to a strong stable of returning players, led by juniors Andrew Harris, Lawson Rassette, and Camden Augustine, and sophomores Jaxon Myers, Sawyer Walker, and Gavin Devoe.

Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Hooper and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.

A: Last year was a difficult season, but it really fueled us to have a great off-season. One of our main obstacles a year ago was playing with the physicality necessary to compete in our league. Our kids worked really hard to change their bodies so that we could be more physical and that’s shown in practice so far. We are a year older and a year wiser and I think last year will be a great motivator and lesson for us as we navigate another difficult schedule this year.

A: We are an experienced group that only had one senior on last year's team, so we return almost everyone from a year ago. I think our guard play will be the strength of our team, we have some guys that can stretch the floor with their ability to shoot it from the three-point line as well as attack the paint and collapse the defense. We will hang our hat on the defensive end, where we must do a good job controlling the tempo and making it difficult for teams to score.

A: Will our work in the off-season to change our bodies pay off? Last year we had a difficult time on the glass securing rebounds and finishing possessions. I also believe we have better depth this year, so we will see how some of our younger players settle into their roles.

A: Every team has end-of-season goals, but our goal is to be in the moment and not get ahead of ourselves. Our focus and goal right now is to get a little bit better every day. Take things one possession at a time and at the end of the day, if you win more possessions than your opponent, the scoreboard will take care of itself.

The Cougars open their season on the road with a game against Eisenhower this Friday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Following a disappointing 1-19 campaign, the Salina South boys basketball team will look to right the ship ahead of the 2023-24 season.Head Coach Jason Hooper returns to the helm for his 11th season leading the Cougars.This year’s squad features a strong group of returning veterans, including four starters who will anchor a lineup that should look like this come Friday.G- Quevon Purucker (Sr) G- Layson Sajdak (Sr) G- Brady Howard (Sr) F- Jace Humphrey (Jr)The final starting spot, as well as big rotational minutes, will go to a strong stable of returning players, led by juniors Andrew Harris, Lawson Rassette, and Camden Augustine, and sophomores Jaxon Myers, Sawyer Walker, and Gavin Devoe.Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Hooper and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.Q: When you had a chance to look back on it, what were your overall thoughts on last season?A: Last year was a difficult season, but it really fueled us to have a great off-season. One of our main obstacles a year ago was playing with the physicality necessary to compete in our league. Our kids worked really hard to change their bodies so that we could be more physical and that’s shown in practice so far. We are a year older and a year wiser and I think last year will be a great motivator and lesson for us as we navigate another difficult schedule this year.Q: Entering this year, what would you say are the biggest known strengths of your team?A: We are an experienced group that only had one senior on last year's team, so we return almost everyone from a year ago. I think our guard play will be the strength of our team, we have some guys that can stretch the floor with their ability to shoot it from the three-point line as well as attack the paint and collapse the defense. We will hang our hat on the defensive end, where we must do a good job controlling the tempo and making it difficult for teams to score.Q: What are the biggest looming questions or challenges that you’ll look to sort out in these first few weeks?A: Will our work in the off-season to change our bodies pay off? Last year we had a difficult time on the glass securing rebounds and finishing possessions. I also believe we have better depth this year, so we will see how some of our younger players settle into their roles.Q: What are the biggest goals and expectations for this group heading into the new season?A: Every team has end-of-season goals, but our goal is to be in the moment and not get ahead of ourselves. Our focus and goal right now is to get a little bit better every day. Take things one possession at a time and at the end of the day, if you win more possessions than your opponent, the scoreboard will take care of itself.The Cougars open their season on the road with a game against Eisenhower this Friday.

2023-24 Preseason Profile: Salina South Boys Basketball

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;-&nbsp;The fourth-seeded&nbsp;Kansas Volleyball team won its opening match of the NCAA Tournament for the third-straight season as the Jayhawks swept Omaha 3-0 Thursday night in Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.&nbsp;

Set scores for the match were 25-16, 25-19, 28-26 in favor of the Jayhawks who improved to 24-5 on the year. Kansas advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and will face No. 5-seed Penn State on Friday, December 1 in Lawrence.&nbsp;

With the win, the Jayhawks improved to 9-3 all-time in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Coach Ray Bechard and the Jayhawks are now 13-11 all-time in the postseason, with a chance to improve that Friday night.

"We want to credit Omaha and how they played tonight,” Bechard said. “We served well and scored points when we needed to. We’re excited for the opportunity to advance to the next round."

The opening set kicked off evenly for both teams with back-and-forth action,&nbsp;until the Jayhawks were able to pull away early with a 7-4 lead. With a pair of kills from Reagan Cooper and Mykayla Myers, the Jayhawks rolled to a 13-6 lead forcing Omaha to call their first timeout to stop momentum. Kansas was unfazed, however, extending the lead 18-11. From there, the Jayhawks held the Mavericks to just five more points and took the first set in dominant fashion, 25-16.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Omaha kicked off the second set with a solid scoring run, jumping out to a 5-2 lead. Kansas was able to close back in at 5-6, but the Mavericks extended their lead by going on a 4-0 unanswered scoring run. Camryn Turner knocked down back-to-back aces, putting a bit of life back into the Jayhawks from the service line. The tie finally came at 12-12 and Toyosi Onabanjo hit it off the Omaha block right after to finally put Kansas in the lead. An Onabanjo kill would be the next Jayhawk point, as Omaha errors would play a large part in Kansas’ continued lead from there. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After back-to-back attacking errors from the Mavericks, the score read 20-16 and an Omaha timeout was called. A second Omaha timeout could come rather quickly with Kansas in front 22-18. A huge solo block by Onabanjo followed, and an Omaha kill came right after, but London Davis knocked down a kill of her own after. Onabanjo ended the set with a kill, her fourth of the match, and Kansas went up 2-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Set three started with a bit of Omaha momentum once again as they got the score up 4-1. The Jayhawks kept their foot on the gas, however, a victorious challenge by Bechard put the Jayhawks back in it. Omaha held the Jayhawks down for a bit longer, getting up 8-4 and pushing Kansas to take their first timeout of the entire match. It was a tough climb for the Jayhawks midway through, with Omaha getting up to double figures and triggering another Jayhawk timeout up 12-6.

Kansas really started to clean up their play after this, going on a 4-1 run and getting Omaha to use their first timeout. The Mavericks got up 16-11, but Kansas went on another run and started forcing errors from the visiting Mavericks. Evenly tied up at 19, the Mavericks gained a leg up on the Jayhawks to make it 20-19, until London Davis recorded a kill with authority.&nbsp;

No. 4 seed Kansas will face No. 5 seed Penn State on Friday, Dec. 1 in Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena. The contest will kick off at 5:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcasted on ESPN+.

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;-&nbsp;The fourth-seeded&nbsp;Kansas Volleyball team won its opening match of the NCAA Tournament for the third-straight season as the Jayhawks swept Omaha 3-0 Thursday night in Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.&nbsp;Set scores for the match were 25-16, 25-19, 28-26 in favor of the Jayhawks who improved to 24-5 on the year. Kansas advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and will face No. 5-seed Penn State on Friday, December 1 in Lawrence.&nbsp;With the win, the Jayhawks improved to 9-3 all-time in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Coach Ray Bechard and the Jayhawks are now 13-11 all-time in the postseason, with a chance to improve that Friday night."We want to credit Omaha and how they played tonight,” Bechard said. “We served well and scored points when we needed to. We’re excited for the opportunity to advance to the next round."The opening set kicked off evenly for both teams with back-and-forth action,&nbsp;until the Jayhawks were able to pull away early with a 7-4 lead. With a pair of kills from Reagan Cooper and Mykayla Myers, the Jayhawks rolled to a 13-6 lead forcing Omaha to call their first timeout to stop momentum. Kansas was unfazed, however, extending the lead 18-11. From there, the Jayhawks held the Mavericks to just five more points and took the first set in dominant fashion, 25-16.&nbsp;&nbsp;Omaha kicked off the second set with a solid scoring run, jumping out to a 5-2 lead. Kansas was able to close back in at 5-6, but the Mavericks extended their lead by going on a 4-0 unanswered scoring run. Camryn Turner knocked down back-to-back aces, putting a bit of life back into the Jayhawks from the service line. The tie finally came at 12-12 and Toyosi Onabanjo hit it off the Omaha block right after to finally put Kansas in the lead. An Onabanjo kill would be the next Jayhawk point, as Omaha errors would play a large part in Kansas’ continued lead from there. &nbsp;&nbsp;After back-to-back attacking errors from the Mavericks, the score read 20-16 and an Omaha timeout was called. A second Omaha timeout could come rather quickly with Kansas in front 22-18. A huge solo block by Onabanjo followed, and an Omaha kill came right after, but London Davis knocked down a kill of her own after. Onabanjo ended the set with a kill, her fourth of the match, and Kansas went up 2-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;Set three started with a bit of Omaha momentum once again as they got the score up 4-1. The Jayhawks kept their foot on the gas, however, a victorious challenge by Bechard put the Jayhawks back in it. Omaha held the Jayhawks down for a bit longer, getting up 8-4 and pushing Kansas to take their first timeout of the entire match. It was a tough climb for the Jayhawks midway through, with Omaha getting up to double figures and triggering another Jayhawk timeout up 12-6.Kansas really started to clean up their play after this, going on a 4-1 run and getting Omaha to use their first timeout. The Mavericks got up 16-11, but Kansas went on another run and started forcing errors from the visiting Mavericks. Evenly tied up at 19, the Mavericks gained a leg up on the Jayhawks to make it 20-19, until London Davis recorded a kill with authority.&nbsp;UP NEXT&nbsp;No. 4 seed Kansas will face No. 5 seed Penn State on Friday, Dec. 1 in Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena. The contest will kick off at 5:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcasted on ESPN+.

Kansas VB Sweeps Omaha in NCAA Tournament Opener

Following another exceptional campaign that saw them finish 24-2 with a third-place trophy at state, the Southeast of Saline basketball team will look to reload ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Head coach Bryson Flax returns to Gypsum for his sixth season at the helm after leading the Trojans to a third-straight 20+ win result.

SES will have to overcome one of its biggest graduating classes, as the Trojans said goodbye to eight seniors last offseason, including a majority of its rotation, but will still have a trio of seniors leading the lineup.

G- Danny Kejr (Sr) W- Connor Casselman (Sr) F- Brenton Leeds (Sr)

The final two starting spots are currently up for grabs, with senior Kirby Davis, junior Owen Bailey, and sophomore Gannon Jacobson all battling it out in practice.

Beyond that, SES should still have a deep rotation thanks to senior Omar Calzada, junior Samuel Knopf, and a pair of sophomores in Isaiah Kejr and Grady Gebhardt.

Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Flax and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.

A: We had one of the better groups in the state last season and it was an extremely successful season. Each class hits a coach a different way and that class was very special to me as the first class I had for four years.&nbsp;

A: Our ability to shoot the ball consistently should be a strength. In years past we’ve had one or two guys that could hit shots when they got going but as a group we’re capable of knocking down open shots we just have to find them.

A: We’re going to have to find our way defensively. Last year’s group had a very high basketball IQ and could recover quickly if they were out of position. This group will really have to focus on being in the right spots at the right time and we’re getting better but it’s been a process.

A: We have a different roster but our expectations are the same. We expect to go out and compete every night and that may look or feel different but at the end of the day it’s about competing and giving ourselves opportunities to win games.

The Trojans open their season in Hesston with a road game against the Swathers this Friday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Following another exceptional campaign that saw them finish 24-2 with a third-place trophy at state, the Southeast of Saline basketball team will look to reload ahead of the 2023-24 season.Head coach Bryson Flax returns to Gypsum for his sixth season at the helm after leading the Trojans to a third-straight 20+ win result.SES will have to overcome one of its biggest graduating classes, as the Trojans said goodbye to eight seniors last offseason, including a majority of its rotation, but will still have a trio of seniors leading the lineup.G- Danny Kejr (Sr) W- Connor Casselman (Sr) F- Brenton Leeds (Sr)The final two starting spots are currently up for grabs, with senior Kirby Davis, junior Owen Bailey, and sophomore Gannon Jacobson all battling it out in practice.Beyond that, SES should still have a deep rotation thanks to senior Omar Calzada, junior Samuel Knopf, and a pair of sophomores in Isaiah Kejr and Grady Gebhardt.Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Flax and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.Q: When you had a chance to look back on it, what were your overall thoughts on last season?A: We had one of the better groups in the state last season and it was an extremely successful season. Each class hits a coach a different way and that class was very special to me as the first class I had for four years.&nbsp;Q: Entering this year, what would you say are the biggest known strengths of your team?A: Our ability to shoot the ball consistently should be a strength. In years past we’ve had one or two guys that could hit shots when they got going but as a group we’re capable of knocking down open shots we just have to find them.Q: What are the biggest looming questions or challenges that you’ll look to sort out in these first few weeks?A: We’re going to have to find our way defensively. Last year’s group had a very high basketball IQ and could recover quickly if they were out of position. This group will really have to focus on being in the right spots at the right time and we’re getting better but it’s been a process.Q: What are the biggest goals and expectations for this group heading into the new season?A: We have a different roster but our expectations are the same. We expect to go out and compete every night and that may look or feel different but at the end of the day it’s about competing and giving ourselves opportunities to win games.The Trojans open their season in Hesston with a road game against the Swathers this Friday.

2023-24 Preseason Profile: SES Boys Basketball

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas redshirt-sophomore running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. is one of 15 student-athletes named as semifinalists for the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year award.

The award semifinalists were announced Thursday by College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) in partnership with The Associated Press and the Fiesta Bowl Organization.

Hishaw was originally on the preseason watch list for the award and later advanced to the midseason watch list after rushing for 262 yards and five touchdowns in five games last season before suffering a season-ending hip injury. Hishaw’s five rushing touchdowns led the team at the time of his injury.

The Moore, Oklahoma, native has been even better this season. As a redshirt-sophomore, Hishaw ranks second on the team with 599 rushing yards on 116 carries, rushing for eight touchdowns and averaging 5.2 yards per carry for the season. Hishaw ran for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries against UCF on Oct. 7 and later added two touchdowns on 12 carries against Oklahoma on Oct. 28.

Hishaw is a key part of KU’s rushing attack which ranks No. 8 in FBS football averaging 211.3 yards per game and 5.5 yards per carry. He surpassed 1,000 career rushing yards this season and has rushed for 1,090 yards and 15 touchdowns in 25 career games, averaging 5.1 yards per carry for his career.

Since 2018, the award has recognized college football student-athletes from all divisions of college football for overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances. At the conclusion of each season, in a vote by a panel of college football writers, editors, and sports information directors, three college football student-athletes are honored as Comeback Player of the Year Award winners at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.

Hishaw is joined by Blake Corum (Michigan), Jacob Dobbs (Holy Cross), CJ Donaldson (West Virginia), Justin Eboigbe (Alabama), Thomas Fidone II (Nebraska), Malachi Fields (Virginia), Davon Ferguson (Bowling Green), Myles Harden (South Dakota), Mike Hollins (Virginia), Brett Johnson (Cal), Devin Leary (Kentucky), Christian Mahogany (Boston College), Malik Robinson (Houston) and Mohamed Toure (Rutgers) as semifinalists.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas redshirt-sophomore running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. is one of 15 student-athletes named as semifinalists for the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year award.The award semifinalists were announced Thursday by College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) in partnership with The Associated Press and the Fiesta Bowl Organization.Hishaw was originally on the preseason watch list for the award and later advanced to the midseason watch list after rushing for 262 yards and five touchdowns in five games last season before suffering a season-ending hip injury. Hishaw’s five rushing touchdowns led the team at the time of his injury.The Moore, Oklahoma, native has been even better this season. As a redshirt-sophomore, Hishaw ranks second on the team with 599 rushing yards on 116 carries, rushing for eight touchdowns and averaging 5.2 yards per carry for the season. Hishaw ran for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries against UCF on Oct. 7 and later added two touchdowns on 12 carries against Oklahoma on Oct. 28.Hishaw is a key part of KU’s rushing attack which ranks No. 8 in FBS football averaging 211.3 yards per game and 5.5 yards per carry. He surpassed 1,000 career rushing yards this season and has rushed for 1,090 yards and 15 touchdowns in 25 career games, averaging 5.1 yards per carry for his career.Since 2018, the award has recognized college football student-athletes from all divisions of college football for overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances. At the conclusion of each season, in a vote by a panel of college football writers, editors, and sports information directors, three college football student-athletes are honored as Comeback Player of the Year Award winners at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.Hishaw is joined by Blake Corum (Michigan), Jacob Dobbs (Holy Cross), CJ Donaldson (West Virginia), Justin Eboigbe (Alabama), Thomas Fidone II (Nebraska), Malachi Fields (Virginia), Davon Ferguson (Bowling Green), Myles Harden (South Dakota), Mike Hollins (Virginia), Brett Johnson (Cal), Devin Leary (Kentucky), Christian Mahogany (Boston College), Malik Robinson (Houston) and Mohamed Toure (Rutgers) as semifinalists.

Daniel Hishaw Jr. Named Semifinalist for Comeback Player of the Year Award

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUB

Q: What can Ekow Boye-Doe provide to the special teams unit?

TOUB: “We’re glad we got him (Ekow Boye-Doe) on the 53 (man roster). He provides a lot of speed, that’s probably the number one thing you have with him. He plays a lot of the obviously speed positions – gunner, corner, for us. Hopefully he’s up. If he’s up, we’ll use him.”

Q: What are your overall thoughts on your returners?

TOUB: “You know we’ve had some injuries obviously with Mecole (Hardman), we planned on using Mecole but then that changed. 19 (Kadarius Toney) got in there, and he provided a spark and he’s probably our most dynamic guy. I mean it’s easy to say that now seeing what he can do, but he was banged up last week and I’m not sure how much I’m going to be able to use him. Richie (James) is back in the mix. Richie, I felt good about before he got hurt earlier in the year. It’ll be Richie James, that’s where we’re at right now.”

Q:&nbsp;What’s been the biggest change with special teams units across the league?

TOUB: “There is no question that the kickers and punters have gotten better over the years. That’s why all of the rules have changed in catching the ball within the ten. All those things are changing because the kickers and punters are so good, and they just keep getting better and better every year. Just like the athletes keep getting better, the corners and safeties and wideouts get faster. It’s the same thing that’s happening with the kickers and punters.”

Q: The kickers and punter are getting bigger too, right?

TOUB: “They’re bigger, yeah. This week we’re playing a 6’ 5” guy (Packers K Anders Carlson) and a 6’ 3” guy (Packers P Daniel Whelan). Those are their guys. I mean they’re taller than (Harrison) Butker and Butker is one of the biggest. They’re bigger type guys that can bang the ball, it’s impressive.”

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLO

Q:&nbsp;How have you seen Drue Tranquill develop in the starting role?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“To me, that might be one thing that goes unnoticed. I think the guys as a group are playing really well – except for that beginning quarter of the last game, I still can’t forget that. What I think gets lost in the whole translation here is we lost a really good football player in Nick Bolton for a number of games here and yet – I think I’ve said this before – we slide Drue (Tranquill) in there and really haven’t skipped a beat in terms of having to cut things back, the communication, you guys know that the back end and linebackers have to be like this (hands together motion) – the chemistry. We didn’t lose that at all – and sometimes that happens. I’ve been down that road before where the mike linebacker whose been the communicator and the signal caller, we’ve lost them, and it takes a little while. But we didn’t skip a beat with Drue, we’re really fortunate we got him. I mean (General Manager) Brett Veach and his crew identifying him as a player we could get and him being willing to come here knowing that we had a lot of linebackers. He’s a team guy. I know his teammates love him, and I love what he’s doing for us so I can’t say enough about Drue.”

Q:&nbsp;So much of the defense is made up of guys you drafted in the later rounds. Is it remarkable to you how you’ve been able to hit on so many of those picks?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I tell you what, I don’t typically think of it in (those) terms until it’s brought up and then I think about it a little bit now. I will say this, it’s really good work in identifying some characteristics that we look for and then I think it’s really good development by coaches and teachers that are here developing those guys. If somebody is getting drafted lower and assuming the whole NFL world is accurate, that that’s a lower round draft pick and that player becomes something we didn’t think – somebody is doing something right. I’m talking about the coaching and the development. So, our assistant coaches I think are doing a great job. But it began with (General Manager) Brett Veach and his staff identifying guys. The great thing about Brett is that he is always communicating with us on, ‘What do you need, what fits for you, what kind of characteristics are you looking for?’ And it’s been like that from the beginning. That’s why I think he’s one of the best in the business because (of) the collaboration with players is terrific.”

Q:&nbsp;What is different about the way you develop here versus other places you have been?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well our side of the ball has been the same wherever I’ve been because that’s just what I believe in. I know (Head Coach) Andy (Reid) believes in the same thing, that we’re really just teachers. We’ve always identified good teachers – I’m talking about the guys we hire as coaches. I think that we have that.&nbsp; I think that Coach Reid has always expressed that in guys he’s brought in here that’s the number one thing he’s looking for. I don’t think we ever get away from – as a head coach, as coordinators – we ever get away from pounding the details, the fundamentals. It’s not all about scheme, it’s more about all that stuff we’re talking about and I think that leads to the development of players.”

Q:&nbsp;What did you tell the defense after getting down 0-14 last week?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“We rallied up over there on the sideline at one point, and I had a list of about five or six things that happened on five or six key plays and they were all – two or three of them were things that we had worked on and we didn’t do them like we did in practice and I just told them, my point was, ‘If we can just clean these up, we won’t be in the situation we’re in. We have to grind our way back.’ To the guys credit I thought they did that. We got back mentally. We had a couple of things that should have been handled a certain way and weren’t, and we had done it in practice. It wasn’t something that was new to them, so they shook it off, got the cobwebs out and got it right.”

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR&nbsp;MATT NAGY

Q:&nbsp;&nbsp;You have been more successful on third-and-shorts. How do you feel about this part of your offense?

NAGY:&nbsp;“It’s been better. It’s been more effective and whether you run or pass, you want to convert it. It’s been an emphasis for us, we want to attack where we think we can be a little better and enhancing where we think we’re playing well, but that’s for sure. It’s nice to be able to get those, whether you run or pass. I think a lot of it does come down to a mindset. There’s going to be times where they make good plays, but in the end, we have to execute and we want to put them in good positions as coaches. Then we just have to try to execute.”

Q:&nbsp;Is Rashee Rice coming along faster than your staff expected? He’s talked about not wanting to play like a robot.

NAGY:&nbsp;“He’s (Rashee Rice) probably come along right where we need him to come along as far as that part. No wide receiver, no quarterback, no player in general wants to play like a robot. When you are learning the offense, you probably feel like you are because you’re trying to understand, when you look at a playbook and you see a line in the playbook you want to run it like that. The more and more you start running plays you have less robot to you, and he’s just having more plays which allows him to say, ‘Okay hey, I’ve run this play seven times, and now I can put my little feel to it.’ Which is not being a robot versus earlier in the year, you haven’t had to run it so you’re going to run that line.”

Q:&nbsp;At this point in the season what is the offense’s identity?

NAGY:&nbsp;“I would say it’s a good mix right now of a run game that has improved the last couple of weeks, which helps the play/pass, and within the pass game, we understand that the downfield shots haven’t been as explosive but it’s being efficient and scoring touchdowns. Then being really really good at situational football. I think a few weeks ago you look at redzone and we were struggling there a little bit, we weren’t scoring points. We were having some turnovers, several weeks ago, couple months ago, you know third down, third-and-short, third-and-one. So really locking in during the week of being good situationally but scoring more points, and I thought we did that in the second half too. We knew that that was something&nbsp; we had to get better at and we scored more points in the second half.”

Q:&nbsp;What makes the experience at Lambeau Field so unique?

NAGY:&nbsp;“It’s such a huge part of football history. You know everyone talks about the fan base, and my first game as a head coach was there on Sunday Night Football I think. I’ll never forget that experience, the electricity, but all players and coaches know it, it’s a credit to them. When you’re pulling in on the bus to the stadium it’s like a college town, so it starts there but it’s just a – we all watch football growing up and you all get to see what that environment is like. It’s different in a good way, and I just have a lot of respect for them.”

Q: What was the attitude of the defense in the Raider’s game when down 0-14?

REID: “It was just getting back to ourselves, settling the nerves a little bit. They came out and jumped on us early. It was a divisional game, so they did some things to prepare and they were ready to go play. Once we took that, we were able to settle back into who we are offensively and defensively, special teams, too. Once we were able to settle our nerves, we were able to go out and be the dominant team that we know we can be, so it’s been an emphasis this week to make sure that we start the game out that way.”

REID: “Ah man, to come into this defense and to play mike (Line)backer and all the different checks and coverages and responsibilities getting the defensive line set the right way, making audibles on what coverages we’re playing and where to send the pressures at based on the looks you’re getting – it’s a lot on the mental side of it but then to also pair that with the physical ability to go in and attack centers, beat running backs on blocks, tackle tight ends and sometimes guard receivers too, he’s (LB Drue Tranquill) done a phenomenal job for us to be able to come in and do it but that’s the reason why we brought him here.”

Q: What do you think of Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as a football mind?

REID: “Him (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) and (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid are right up there at the top. Just all types of – it’s fun to be a part of it and to learn from them, but it’s just so dynamic and the adjustments they make week to week every week is different. They’re able to create different unique pressures to really give different looks to opposing teams, so that way they never really know what’s coming at them. This – I say this all the time – this is one of the deepest playbooks and it continues to get deeper because we are always putting in new plays and to just have the guys to go out and perform it. When we perform what Coach Spags and his staff gameplan throughout the week, we play really well and that’s showing up this year because we have the right guys to go and do it but just a hell of a coach both on the field but also his level of care and commitment to his players is also what makes him such a fun guy to play for.”

Q: Are you excited to play on Lambeau Field or is it just another field to you?

REID: “I actually did training camp over there when I was with the Texans, and that was really cool. We got to do the bike ride down with some of the kids, that was really fun. I only played a quarter in that game, so this will be the first game that I get to play all the way through so I’m excited about it.”

Chiefs Coordinator QuotesNovember 30, 2023ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUBQ: What can Ekow Boye-Doe provide to the special teams unit?TOUB: “We’re glad we got him (Ekow Boye-Doe) on the 53 (man roster). He provides a lot of speed, that’s probably the number one thing you have with him. He plays a lot of the obviously speed positions – gunner, corner, for us. Hopefully he’s up. If he’s up, we’ll use him.”Q: What are your overall thoughts on your returners?TOUB: “You know we’ve had some injuries obviously with Mecole (Hardman), we planned on using Mecole but then that changed. 19 (Kadarius Toney) got in there, and he provided a spark and he’s probably our most dynamic guy. I mean it’s easy to say that now seeing what he can do, but he was banged up last week and I’m not sure how much I’m going to be able to use him. Richie (James) is back in the mix. Richie, I felt good about before he got hurt earlier in the year. It’ll be Richie James, that’s where we’re at right now.”Q:&nbsp;What’s been the biggest change with special teams units across the league?TOUB: “There is no question that the kickers and punters have gotten better over the years. That’s why all of the rules have changed in catching the ball within the ten. All those things are changing because the kickers and punters are so good, and they just keep getting better and better every year. Just like the athletes keep getting better, the corners and safeties and wideouts get faster. It’s the same thing that’s happening with the kickers and punters.”Q: The kickers and punter are getting bigger too, right?TOUB: “They’re bigger, yeah. This week we’re playing a 6’ 5” guy (Packers K Anders Carlson) and a 6’ 3” guy (Packers P Daniel Whelan). Those are their guys. I mean they’re taller than (Harrison) Butker and Butker is one of the biggest. They’re bigger type guys that can bang the ball, it’s impressive.”DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLOQ:&nbsp;How have you seen Drue Tranquill develop in the starting role?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“To me, that might be one thing that goes unnoticed. I think the guys as a group are playing really well – except for that beginning quarter of the last game, I still can’t forget that. What I think gets lost in the whole translation here is we lost a really good football player in Nick Bolton for a number of games here and yet – I think I’ve said this before – we slide Drue (Tranquill) in there and really haven’t skipped a beat in terms of having to cut things back, the communication, you guys know that the back end and linebackers have to be like this (hands together motion) – the chemistry. We didn’t lose that at all – and sometimes that happens. I’ve been down that road before where the mike linebacker whose been the communicator and the signal caller, we’ve lost them, and it takes a little while. But we didn’t skip a beat with Drue, we’re really fortunate we got him. I mean (General Manager) Brett Veach and his crew identifying him as a player we could get and him being willing to come here knowing that we had a lot of linebackers. He’s a team guy. I know his teammates love him, and I love what he’s doing for us so I can’t say enough about Drue.”Q:&nbsp;So much of the defense is made up of guys you drafted in the later rounds. Is it remarkable to you how you’ve been able to hit on so many of those picks?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I tell you what, I don’t typically think of it in (those) terms until it’s brought up and then I think about it a little bit now. I will say this, it’s really good work in identifying some characteristics that we look for and then I think it’s really good development by coaches and teachers that are here developing those guys. If somebody is getting drafted lower and assuming the whole NFL world is accurate, that that’s a lower round draft pick and that player becomes something we didn’t think – somebody is doing something right. I’m talking about the coaching and the development. So, our assistant coaches I think are doing a great job. But it began with (General Manager) Brett Veach and his staff identifying guys. The great thing about Brett is that he is always communicating with us on, ‘What do you need, what fits for you, what kind of characteristics are you looking for?’ And it’s been like that from the beginning. That’s why I think he’s one of the best in the business because (of) the collaboration with players is terrific.”Q:&nbsp;What is different about the way you develop here versus other places you have been?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well our side of the ball has been the same wherever I’ve been because that’s just what I believe in. I know (Head Coach) Andy (Reid) believes in the same thing, that we’re really just teachers. We’ve always identified good teachers – I’m talking about the guys we hire as coaches. I think that we have that.&nbsp; I think that Coach Reid has always expressed that in guys he’s brought in here that’s the number one thing he’s looking for. I don’t think we ever get away from – as a head coach, as coordinators – we ever get away from pounding the details, the fundamentals. It’s not all about scheme, it’s more about all that stuff we’re talking about and I think that leads to the development of players.”Q:&nbsp;What did you tell the defense after getting down 0-14 last week?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“We rallied up over there on the sideline at one point, and I had a list of about five or six things that happened on five or six key plays and they were all – two or three of them were things that we had worked on and we didn’t do them like we did in practice and I just told them, my point was, ‘If we can just clean these up, we won’t be in the situation we’re in. We have to grind our way back.’ To the guys credit I thought they did that. We got back mentally. We had a couple of things that should have been handled a certain way and weren’t, and we had done it in practice. It wasn’t something that was new to them, so they shook it off, got the cobwebs out and got it right.”OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR&nbsp;MATT NAGYQ:&nbsp;&nbsp;You have been more successful on third-and-shorts. How do you feel about this part of your offense?NAGY:&nbsp;“It’s been better. It’s been more effective and whether you run or pass, you want to convert it. It’s been an emphasis for us, we want to attack where we think we can be a little better and enhancing where we think we’re playing well, but that’s for sure. It’s nice to be able to get those, whether you run or pass. I think a lot of it does come down to a mindset. There’s going to be times where they make good plays, but in the end, we have to execute and we want to put them in good positions as coaches. Then we just have to try to execute.”Q:&nbsp;Is Rashee Rice coming along faster than your staff expected? He’s talked about not wanting to play like a robot.NAGY:&nbsp;“He’s (Rashee Rice) probably come along right where we need him to come along as far as that part. No wide receiver, no quarterback, no player in general wants to play like a robot. When you are learning the offense, you probably feel like you are because you’re trying to understand, when you look at a playbook and you see a line in the playbook you want to run it like that. The more and more you start running plays you have less robot to you, and he’s just having more plays which allows him to say, ‘Okay hey, I’ve run this play seven times, and now I can put my little feel to it.’ Which is not being a robot versus earlier in the year, you haven’t had to run it so you’re going to run that line.”Q:&nbsp;At this point in the season what is the offense’s identity?NAGY:&nbsp;“I would say it’s a good mix right now of a run game that has improved the last couple of weeks, which helps the play/pass, and within the pass game, we understand that the downfield shots haven’t been as explosive but it’s being efficient and scoring touchdowns. Then being really really good at situational football. I think a few weeks ago you look at redzone and we were struggling there a little bit, we weren’t scoring points. We were having some turnovers, several weeks ago, couple months ago, you know third down, third-and-short, third-and-one. So really locking in during the week of being good situationally but scoring more points, and I thought we did that in the second half too. We knew that that was something&nbsp; we had to get better at and we scored more points in the second half.”Q:&nbsp;What makes the experience at Lambeau Field so unique?NAGY:&nbsp;“It’s such a huge part of football history. You know everyone talks about the fan base, and my first game as a head coach was there on Sunday Night Football I think. I’ll never forget that experience, the electricity, but all players and coaches know it, it’s a credit to them. When you’re pulling in on the bus to the stadium it’s like a college town, so it starts there but it’s just a – we all watch football growing up and you all get to see what that environment is like. It’s different in a good way, and I just have a lot of respect for them.”Chiefs Player QuotesNovember 30, 2023S JUSTIN REIDQ: What was the attitude of the defense in the Raider’s game when down 0-14?REID: “It was just getting back to ourselves, settling the nerves a little bit. They came out and jumped on us early. It was a divisional game, so they did some things to prepare and they were ready to go play. Once we took that, we were able to settle back into who we are offensively and defensively, special teams, too. Once we were able to settle our nerves, we were able to go out and be the dominant team that we know we can be, so it’s been an emphasis this week to make sure that we start the game out that way.”Q: On Drue Tranquill.REID: “Ah man, to come into this defense and to play mike (Line)backer and all the different checks and coverages and responsibilities getting the defensive line set the right way, making audibles on what coverages we’re playing and where to send the pressures at based on the looks you’re getting – it’s a lot on the mental side of it but then to also pair that with the physical ability to go in and attack centers, beat running backs on blocks, tackle tight ends and sometimes guard receivers too, he’s (LB Drue Tranquill) done a phenomenal job for us to be able to come in and do it but that’s the reason why we brought him here.”Q: What do you think of Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as a football mind?REID: “Him (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) and (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid are right up there at the top. Just all types of – it’s fun to be a part of it and to learn from them, but it’s just so dynamic and the adjustments they make week to week every week is different. They’re able to create different unique pressures to really give different looks to opposing teams, so that way they never really know what’s coming at them. This – I say this all the time – this is one of the deepest playbooks and it continues to get deeper because we are always putting in new plays and to just have the guys to go out and perform it. When we perform what Coach Spags and his staff gameplan throughout the week, we play really well and that’s showing up this year because we have the right guys to go and do it but just a hell of a coach both on the field but also his level of care and commitment to his players is also what makes him such a fun guy to play for.”Q: Are you excited to play on Lambeau Field or is it just another field to you?REID: “I actually did training camp over there when I was with the Texans, and that was really cool. We got to do the bike ride down with some of the kids, that was really fun. I only played a quarter in that game, so this will be the first game that I get to play all the way through so I’m excited about it.”

Chiefs Quotes: 11-30-23

On the heels of a thrilling 19-5 season that saw them punch a ticket to the 2A state tournament, the Bennington Boys basketball team will look to take their program to new heights in 2023-24.

Curtis Pickering returns once again to lead the Bulldogs in his eighth season at the helm.

This year’s Bennington squad returns all five starters from last year’s state team and will be eager to get back on the hardwood with a starting five that should look familiar come tip-off.

- Eli Lawson (Sr) - Talan Pickering (Sr) - Mister Smith (Sr) - Kian Wilson (Jr) - Payge Rodenbeek (Jr)

The Bulldogs will also look for big rotational minutes off the bench out of senior Cooper Matthews, juniors Brayden Palenske and Thayne Trout, and sophomore Isaiah Garrett

Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Pickering and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.

A: Last year was the next step for this group and as we got going we became hungrier and hungrier to win the whole thing. Unfortunately, we had some bad luck and played some bad basketball down the stretch but it was a stepping stone and another successful season.

A: Our experience and physicality should be our strengths. These kids are becoming young men and hopefully, that can help us in games. We lost a few key players off the bench but I feel comfortable about our depth and some of the new guys that will step in for us.

A: We’re still looking to prove our physicality this year. We ran into some adversity but hopefully, we can adjust and continue improving across the board and utilize everybody’s strengths.

A: This group has been so competitive since they were little and these kids played together on a summer team that goes all the way back to third and fourth grade. Now they have expectations for themselves, they want to go undefeated in league, they want to win another sub-state championship and they want to go to and win state. They feel they have an opportunity to do that with the work that they’ve put in.

The Bulldogs open their season in Bennington with a home game against Sylvan-Lucas this Friday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>On the heels of a thrilling 19-5 season that saw them punch a ticket to the 2A state tournament, the Bennington Boys basketball team will look to take their program to new heights in 2023-24.Curtis Pickering returns once again to lead the Bulldogs in his eighth season at the helm.This year’s Bennington squad returns all five starters from last year’s state team and will be eager to get back on the hardwood with a starting five that should look familiar come tip-off.- Eli Lawson (Sr) - Talan Pickering (Sr) - Mister Smith (Sr) - Kian Wilson (Jr) - Payge Rodenbeek (Jr)The Bulldogs will also look for big rotational minutes off the bench out of senior Cooper Matthews, juniors Brayden Palenske and Thayne Trout, and sophomore Isaiah GarrettAhead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Pickering and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.Q: When you had a chance to look back on it, what were your overall thoughts on last season?A: Last year was the next step for this group and as we got going we became hungrier and hungrier to win the whole thing. Unfortunately, we had some bad luck and played some bad basketball down the stretch but it was a stepping stone and another successful season.Q: Entering this year, what would you say are the biggest known strengths of your team?A: Our experience and physicality should be our strengths. These kids are becoming young men and hopefully, that can help us in games. We lost a few key players off the bench but I feel comfortable about our depth and some of the new guys that will step in for us.Q: What are the biggest looming questions or challenges that you’ll look to sort out in these first few weeks?A: We’re still looking to prove our physicality this year. We ran into some adversity but hopefully, we can adjust and continue improving across the board and utilize everybody’s strengths.Q: What are the biggest goals and expectations for this group heading into the new season?A: This group has been so competitive since they were little and these kids played together on a summer team that goes all the way back to third and fourth grade. Now they have expectations for themselves, they want to go undefeated in league, they want to win another sub-state championship and they want to go to and win state. They feel they have an opportunity to do that with the work that they’ve put in.The Bulldogs open their season in Bennington with a home game against Sylvan-Lucas this Friday.

2023-24 Preseason Profile: Bennington Boys Basketball

Following a 9-12 result in 2022-23, the Ell-Saline girls basketball team will look to take the next step with a veteran-heavy squad and deep reserves.

Brandi Schneider returns to the helm in Brookville for her second season as the leader of the Lady Cardinals.

Ell-Saline did graduate a few key pieces over the offseason, but returns four senior starters who anchor a lineup that should look like this come tip-off.

PG- Bayleigh Schneider (Sr) SG- Avery Richards, (Sr) G- Ally Richards, (Sr) G- Taelor Hardesty (Jr) F- Brin Hecker, (Sr)

The Lady Cards will also look for big minutes off the bench from a trio of seniors in Reygan Schrock, Kalei Powell, and Gabey Norris, as well as junior Isabelle Porter.

Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Schneider and get her thoughts on this year’s squad.

A: We play in a really tough conference and these girls have hung really well with those teams. This program has improved a lot over the course of these seniors' high school careers and a lot of last year’s losses were by just 2-3 points.

A: Any one of our four senior starters can have an outstanding game on any given night and trying to shut down one of them leaves the door open for the rest to have a big game.

A: We’re small, and we rely a lot on our defense. We’ll have to match up against teams in our conference that have larger lineups and we lost a good post defender last season. We have some players that we feel can match up well but we’ll have to stay out of foul trouble while playing good defense.

A: I want these girls to enjoy this season. This senior group has been playing together since kindergarten and it’s been great to see them grow and develop over the years. When they’re all on and playing together they’re a lot of fun to watch and when that happens we’re a tough team to play against.

The Lady Cardinals open their season in Herington with a road game against the Railers this Friday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Following a 9-12 result in 2022-23, the Ell-Saline girls basketball team will look to take the next step with a veteran-heavy squad and deep reserves.Brandi Schneider returns to the helm in Brookville for her second season as the leader of the Lady Cardinals.Ell-Saline did graduate a few key pieces over the offseason, but returns four senior starters who anchor a lineup that should look like this come tip-off.PG- Bayleigh Schneider (Sr) SG- Avery Richards, (Sr) G- Ally Richards, (Sr) G- Taelor Hardesty (Jr) F- Brin Hecker, (Sr)The Lady Cards will also look for big minutes off the bench from a trio of seniors in Reygan Schrock, Kalei Powell, and Gabey Norris, as well as junior Isabelle Porter.Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Schneider and get her thoughts on this year’s squad.Q: When you had a chance to look back on it, what were your overall thoughts on last season?A: We play in a really tough conference and these girls have hung really well with those teams. This program has improved a lot over the course of these seniors' high school careers and a lot of last year’s losses were by just 2-3 points.Q: Entering this year, what would you say are the biggest known strengths of your team?A: Any one of our four senior starters can have an outstanding game on any given night and trying to shut down one of them leaves the door open for the rest to have a big game.Q: What are the biggest looming questions or challenges that you’ll look to sort out in these first few weeks?A: We’re small, and we rely a lot on our defense. We’ll have to match up against teams in our conference that have larger lineups and we lost a good post defender last season. We have some players that we feel can match up well but we’ll have to stay out of foul trouble while playing good defense.Q: What are the biggest goals and expectations for this group heading into the new season?A: I want these girls to enjoy this season. This senior group has been playing together since kindergarten and it’s been great to see them grow and develop over the years. When they’re all on and playing together they’re a lot of fun to watch and when that happens we’re a tough team to play against.The Lady Cardinals open their season in Herington with a road game against the Railers this Friday.

2023-24 Preseason Profile: Ell-Saline Girls Basketball

After improving upon their previous record in a 4-16 campaign, the Solomon girl’s basketball team will look to continue trending in the right direction ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Luke Riordan returns for his second season as head coach of the Lady Gorillas.

While Solomon will be exceptionally young once again with just one senior in the rotation, this year’s squad comes back with a lot more experience than it did a year ago, and will be ready to roll with a lineup that should look like this on Friday.

G- Emersyn Shirack (Jr) G- Elise Baier (Sr) G- Lacie McLaughlin (Jr) F- Maya Newcomer (Jr) F- Payton Ballou (So)

The Lady Gorillas will also look to the bench for big minutes out of junior Kiera Smith, as well as sophomores Kilynne McCook, Caylee Cook, and Madison Sudermann.

Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Riordan and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.

A: Last season was a success. I accomplished my goal of having the girls walk away with more knowledge of the sport and a better feeling toward it. Now it’s time to make sure we don’t take any steps backwards and keep our eyes forward.

A: The biggest known strength of our team is the knowledge they can build upon from last year. We are not starting from scratch, the girls are ready and want to have more success this year and are willing to put in the effort.&nbsp;

A: Unfortunately we have lost Taytum Anderson for much of the season due to a volleyball injury, and we are looking for someone to step up and fill her shoes.

A: We are still a very young team, so our goals are still to grow and be competitive in every game we play. This team is made up of an incredible group of girls, and they know they are the building blocks for years to come in this program.&nbsp;

The Lady Gorillas open their season in Solomon with a home game against Burrton this Friday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>After improving upon their previous record in a 4-16 campaign, the Solomon girl’s basketball team will look to continue trending in the right direction ahead of the 2023-24 season.Luke Riordan returns for his second season as head coach of the Lady Gorillas.While Solomon will be exceptionally young once again with just one senior in the rotation, this year’s squad comes back with a lot more experience than it did a year ago, and will be ready to roll with a lineup that should look like this on Friday.G- Emersyn Shirack (Jr) G- Elise Baier (Sr) G- Lacie McLaughlin (Jr) F- Maya Newcomer (Jr) F- Payton Ballou (So)The Lady Gorillas will also look to the bench for big minutes out of junior Kiera Smith, as well as sophomores Kilynne McCook, Caylee Cook, and Madison Sudermann.Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Riordan and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.Q: When you had a chance to look back on it, what were your overall thoughts on last season?A: Last season was a success. I accomplished my goal of having the girls walk away with more knowledge of the sport and a better feeling toward it. Now it’s time to make sure we don’t take any steps backwards and keep our eyes forward.Q: Entering this year, what would you say are the biggest known strengths of your team?A: The biggest known strength of our team is the knowledge they can build upon from last year. We are not starting from scratch, the girls are ready and want to have more success this year and are willing to put in the effort.&nbsp;Q: What are the biggest looming questions or challenges that you’ll look to sort out in these first few weeks?A: Unfortunately we have lost Taytum Anderson for much of the season due to a volleyball injury, and we are looking for someone to step up and fill her shoes.Q: What are the biggest goals and expectations for this group heading into the new season?A: We are still a very young team, so our goals are still to grow and be competitive in every game we play. This team is made up of an incredible group of girls, and they know they are the building blocks for years to come in this program.&nbsp;The Lady Gorillas open their season in Solomon with a home game against Burrton this Friday.

2023-24 Preseason Profile: Solomon Girls Basketball

The Chapman boys basketball team took a productive step forward last season following a winless 2021-22 campaign, and will look to take another step this year.

Head Coach Drew Gruver reprises his role as the leader of the Irish, returning for a third season at the helm.

This year’s Chapman squad has an excellent opportunity to raise the bar, with five returning starters, and a veteran-heavy roster ready to get back on the hardwood.

G- Gage Picking (Sr) G- Ian Suther (Sr) G- Kelan Gruver (So) F- CJ Holm (F) P- Weston Langvardt (Sr)

The Irish will also look for big minutes off the bench from a pair of seniors in Ray Whitehair and Ondre Miles, and a pair of juniors in Jed Moody and Ayden Muniz.

Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Gruver and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.

A: We improved as the year progressed and started to compete and play with teams. We had a lot a games at the end of the year that we were in and had chances to win in the fourth quarter but couldn't finish. The next step is to find a way to win those close games.

A: We return eight players from last year and will look to them to lead our team and be solid contributors on the floor. We have good size with Weston Langvardt and CJ Holm and we can surround them with good outside shooters in Kelan Gruver and Gage Picking. Ayden Muniz is a player who can hit some outside shots as well and proved to be a good shooter for us in the summer. Ian Suther can get to the basket and score or drive and kick to our outside shooters, and we have another 4 or 5 players who will be competing for varsity playing time that can come in and contribute for us as well.&nbsp;

A: Can we defend and rebound? Can we handle pressure? And can we score? Those were things we struggled with last season at times.

A: Taking care of the ball on offense, limiting turnovers, being disciplined, working for the shot we want on the offensive end, playing together as a team, and playing solid team defense will be keys to our success this year. We have a tough league and a tough schedule, and will have to be able to win close games. We would like to compete for a league title and be in the mix this year, improve each and every day, and have a chance to make a run during sub-state.

Chapman opens their season at home with the Irish Classic on December 5th.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Chapman boys basketball team took a productive step forward last season following a winless 2021-22 campaign, and will look to take another step this year.Head Coach Drew Gruver reprises his role as the leader of the Irish, returning for a third season at the helm.This year’s Chapman squad has an excellent opportunity to raise the bar, with five returning starters, and a veteran-heavy roster ready to get back on the hardwood.G- Gage Picking (Sr) G- Ian Suther (Sr) G- Kelan Gruver (So) F- CJ Holm (F) P- Weston Langvardt (Sr)The Irish will also look for big minutes off the bench from a pair of seniors in Ray Whitehair and Ondre Miles, and a pair of juniors in Jed Moody and Ayden Muniz.Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Gruver and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.Q: When you had a chance to look back on it, what were your overall thoughts on last season?A: We improved as the year progressed and started to compete and play with teams. We had a lot a games at the end of the year that we were in and had chances to win in the fourth quarter but couldn't finish. The next step is to find a way to win those close games.Q: Entering this year, what would you say are the biggest known strengths of your team?A: We return eight players from last year and will look to them to lead our team and be solid contributors on the floor. We have good size with Weston Langvardt and CJ Holm and we can surround them with good outside shooters in Kelan Gruver and Gage Picking. Ayden Muniz is a player who can hit some outside shots as well and proved to be a good shooter for us in the summer. Ian Suther can get to the basket and score or drive and kick to our outside shooters, and we have another 4 or 5 players who will be competing for varsity playing time that can come in and contribute for us as well.&nbsp;Q: What are the biggest looming questions or challenges that you’ll look to sort out in these first few weeks?A: Can we defend and rebound? Can we handle pressure? And can we score? Those were things we struggled with last season at times.Q: What are the biggest goals and expectations for this group heading into the new season?A: Taking care of the ball on offense, limiting turnovers, being disciplined, working for the shot we want on the offensive end, playing together as a team, and playing solid team defense will be keys to our success this year. We have a tough league and a tough schedule, and will have to be able to win close games. We would like to compete for a league title and be in the mix this year, improve each and every day, and have a chance to make a run during sub-state.Chapman opens their season at home with the Irish Classic on December 5th.

2023-24 Preseason Profile: Chapman Boys Basketball

Following another strong season that saw them raise their win total from 12 to 17, the Bennington girls basketball team will look to take the next step in 2023-24

Tracy Piepho returns to the helm for a third season as head coach of the Lady Bulldogs.

With a strong stable of veteran returners, the Bennington faithful will see several familiar faces in a lineup that should look something like this come tip-off.

G- Rori Miles (Jr) G- Tambryn Watson (Sr) G- Taleigh Watson (So) or Jordan Bartlett (So) F- Talyn Jilka (Sr) C- Ava Lawson (Sr)

The Lady Bulldogs will also look to the bench for big minutes out of Khloe Dossett, Alyssa Wolff, Addyson Gillett, and Madison Simmons.

Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Piepho and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.

A: Last year was a whirlwind. We don’t talk about winning and losing much in our program, but about improving every day and taking what we work on in practice and transferring it to our games. No one knows everything we went through with sickness and injuries, but we persevered, and we learned how to “handle hard better,” a life lesson the girls can take with them when they’re graduated and done playing basketball. I was extremely proud of all their individual and team accomplishments, and we were one step away from making the State Tournament.

A: Our defense is something we pride ourselves on, and teams know that we will guard 93 feet and fight to the end. We return a physical bunch with good leadership, and our schedule gives us no nights off and will prepare us for postseason play which we see as a strength.

A: We need to increase our average scoring per game and our bench will need to provide depth and more production than last year. Will our sophomores take the next step and provide more rebounding, and scoring while still playing tough defense? Who will step up and solidify their place as a starter or coming off the bench? And how long will it take for the girls to learn the new system and their new roles?

A: We would like to make it back to the sub-state championship and move on to the state tournament, but that’s a long time away. Our HOA League is no joke, and our league teams will push each other every night. We will need to have some things go our way again this year if we want to repeat last year’s successes.

The Lady Bulldogs open their season in Bennington with a home game against Sylvan this Friday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Following another strong season that saw them raise their win total from 12 to 17, the Bennington girls basketball team will look to take the next step in 2023-24Tracy Piepho returns to the helm for a third season as head coach of the Lady Bulldogs.With a strong stable of veteran returners, the Bennington faithful will see several familiar faces in a lineup that should look something like this come tip-off.G- Rori Miles (Jr) G- Tambryn Watson (Sr) G- Taleigh Watson (So) or Jordan Bartlett (So) F- Talyn Jilka (Sr) C- Ava Lawson (Sr)The Lady Bulldogs will also look to the bench for big minutes out of Khloe Dossett, Alyssa Wolff, Addyson Gillett, and Madison Simmons.Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Piepho and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.Q: When you had a chance to look back on it, what were your overall thoughts on last season?A: Last year was a whirlwind. We don’t talk about winning and losing much in our program, but about improving every day and taking what we work on in practice and transferring it to our games. No one knows everything we went through with sickness and injuries, but we persevered, and we learned how to “handle hard better,” a life lesson the girls can take with them when they’re graduated and done playing basketball. I was extremely proud of all their individual and team accomplishments, and we were one step away from making the State Tournament.Q: Entering this year, what would you say are the biggest known strengths of your team?A: Our defense is something we pride ourselves on, and teams know that we will guard 93 feet and fight to the end. We return a physical bunch with good leadership, and our schedule gives us no nights off and will prepare us for postseason play which we see as a strength.Q: What are the biggest looming questions or challenges that you’ll look to sort out in these first few weeks?A: We need to increase our average scoring per game and our bench will need to provide depth and more production than last year. Will our sophomores take the next step and provide more rebounding, and scoring while still playing tough defense? Who will step up and solidify their place as a starter or coming off the bench? And how long will it take for the girls to learn the new system and their new roles?Q: What are the biggest goals and expectations for this group heading into the new season?A: We would like to make it back to the sub-state championship and move on to the state tournament, but that’s a long time away. Our HOA League is no joke, and our league teams will push each other every night. We will need to have some things go our way again this year if we want to repeat last year’s successes.The Lady Bulldogs open their season in Bennington with a home game against Sylvan this Friday.

2023-24 Preseason Profile: Bennington Girls Basketball

On the heels of a disappointing 5-16 season, the Salina Central boys basketball team will look to the right the ship with a renewed vision, and new leadership.

First-year coach Billy Graf will assume direction of the Mustang program ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his time coaching at Kapaun Mt. Carmel and Bishop Carroll.

The cupboards at Central are far from empty ahead of the new campaign, and several familiar faces will return to a starting lineup that should look like this come Friday.

- Mason Nemechek (Sr) - Sam Payne (Sr) - Dez Gibson (Sr) - Kaden Snyder (So)

To fill not only the final starting spot, but big rotational minutes, the Mustangs will look to a slew of veterans in senior Brody Farthing, juniors Finley Waltman, Kamryn Jones, Cameron McSwain, Tate Gary and Christian Carter, and sophomore Noah Peck

Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Graf and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.

Q: What is your vision for the future of boys' basketball here at Salina Central?

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>On the heels of a disappointing 5-16 season, the Salina Central boys basketball team will look to the right the ship with a renewed vision, and new leadership.First-year coach Billy Graf will assume direction of the Mustang program ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his time coaching at Kapaun Mt. Carmel and Bishop Carroll.The cupboards at Central are far from empty ahead of the new campaign, and several familiar faces will return to a starting lineup that should look like this come Friday.- Mason Nemechek (Sr) - Sam Payne (Sr) - Dez Gibson (Sr) - Kaden Snyder (So)To fill not only the final starting spot, but big rotational minutes, the Mustangs will look to a slew of veterans in senior Brody Farthing, juniors Finley Waltman, Kamryn Jones, Cameron McSwain, Tate Gary and Christian Carter, and sophomore Noah PeckAhead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Graf and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.Q: What is your vision for the future of boys' basketball here at Salina Central?A: I really want the guys to learn to play together and for each other. We have good individual talent, and they need to trust each other’s talent as much as they each trust their own.Q: Entering this year, what would you say are the biggest known strengths of your team?A: We have some experience and they usually play hard and they care about doing well. We also have a couple of kids who can create matchup problems for opponents with both their size and their athleticism.Q: What are the biggest looming questions or challenges that you’ll look to sort out in these first few weeks?A: I hope to solidify the point guard position in the next couple of weeks, and I’m hopeful that by the end of the semester, players will know what is, and is not acceptable effort and attitude-wise.Q: What are the biggest goals and expectations for this group heading into the new season?A: We want to be competitive on every possession defensively and offensively even when things aren’t going well. If our effort stays where it needs to be, it should be an attainable goal and we should have some success.The Mustangs open their season in Salina with a home game against Maize this Friday.