By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor

On the heels of a phenomenal 22-3 season that saw them take third at state, the Wamego girl’s basketball team will look to retool and run it back for the 2022-23 campaign.

The Lady Raiders are led by head coach Brian McIntosh who returns for his sixth season at the helm in Wamego.

Despite graduating three key seniors, the Raiders return deeper and more talented than ever, with a rotation of twelve players battling it out for a spot in the starting five.

While the lineup has yet to be decided, Wamego expects big minutes out of six seniors in Trista Hoobler, Ashten Pierson, Addison Denney, Maya Gallagher, Kirby McKee, and Kyla McAdam, two juniors in Rylie Meinhardt and Sara Springer, three sophomores in Bella Wilber, Sariah Pittenger-Reed, and Amber Kinsley, and freshman Lexi Hecht.

Before the season tips off, we had a chance to visit with Coach McIntosh to get his thoughts on this year’s Wamego squad.

Q: What were your overall thoughts on the 2021-22 campaign?

A: Each year we’ve taken steps to achieve our ultimate goal. This year we will look to take another step. Our returners played a huge role in our 3rd place finish last season, they understand what it takes to compete against the best and they have their focus set on some high goals.

Q: How excited is everyone to get back on the floor and back to playing real games after a long offseason?

A: The girls are very hungry and eager to get the season going. They all did more this off-season than they ever have. We look forward to another memorable season.

Q: Coming into the year what would you say is the biggest strength of this team?

A: We have the majority of our team returning from last season. The girls have been working hard in the offseason and are hungry to build off last year's success. Our six seniors have been instrumental in our program's success over the past three years. They are terrific leaders and understand what it takes to compete at the state level.

Q: What are the biggest question marks about this team as we head into the first few weeks?

A: Honestly, we have a pretty good idea of our lineup and who will be coming in, we’re healthy which is always a good thing at this point and we have a lot of kids back from last year and a lot of young kids who are excited to step up. Honestly, we’re just ready to get going again.

Q: What are the goals and expectations of this team for this 2022-23 campaign?

A: After last season our girls know what to expect and they know what they want. Their expectations are high, if not higher than last season. We’ve got a tremendous group of seniors who have been in our program for three years and they know the ins and outs of the season. I’m looking forward to them leading us.

The Raiders will tip off their 2022-23 season on Thursday, December 3rd when Wamego hosts Topeka High.

For continuing coverage of Lady Raider basketball all season long, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributorOn the heels of a phenomenal 22-3 season that saw them take third at state, the Wamego girl’s basketball team will look to retool and run it back for the 2022-23 campaign.The Lady Raiders are led by head coach Brian McIntosh who returns for his sixth season at the helm in Wamego.Despite graduating three key seniors, the Raiders return deeper and more talented than ever, with a rotation of twelve players battling it out for a spot in the starting five.While the lineup has yet to be decided, Wamego expects big minutes out of six seniors in Trista Hoobler, Ashten Pierson, Addison Denney, Maya Gallagher, Kirby McKee, and Kyla McAdam, two juniors in Rylie Meinhardt and Sara Springer, three sophomores in Bella Wilber, Sariah Pittenger-Reed, and Amber Kinsley, and freshman Lexi Hecht.Before the season tips off, we had a chance to visit with Coach McIntosh to get his thoughts on this year’s Wamego squad.Q: What were your overall thoughts on the 2021-22 campaign?A: Each year we’ve taken steps to achieve our ultimate goal. This year we will look to take another step. Our returners played a huge role in our 3rd place finish last season, they understand what it takes to compete against the best and they have their focus set on some high goals.Q: How excited is everyone to get back on the floor and back to playing real games after a long offseason?A: The girls are very hungry and eager to get the season going. They all did more this off-season than they ever have. We look forward to another memorable season.Q: Coming into the year what would you say is the biggest strength of this team?A: We have the majority of our team returning from last season. The girls have been working hard in the offseason and are hungry to build off last year's success. Our six seniors have been instrumental in our program's success over the past three years. They are terrific leaders and understand what it takes to compete at the state level.Q: What are the biggest question marks about this team as we head into the first few weeks?A: Honestly, we have a pretty good idea of our lineup and who will be coming in, we’re healthy which is always a good thing at this point and we have a lot of kids back from last year and a lot of young kids who are excited to step up. Honestly, we’re just ready to get going again.Q: What are the goals and expectations of this team for this 2022-23 campaign?A: After last season our girls know what to expect and they know what they want. Their expectations are high, if not higher than last season. We’ve got a tremendous group of seniors who have been in our program for three years and they know the ins and outs of the season. I’m looking forward to them leading us.The Raiders will tip off their 2022-23 season on Thursday, December 3rd when Wamego hosts Topeka High.For continuing coverage of Lady Raider basketball all season long, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

2022-23 Preseason Profile: Wamego girl's basketball

Lawrence Free State 76, Hays-TMP-Marian 34

Midland Adventist 61, Maranatha Academy 42

Thayer Central, Neb. 36, Republic County 34

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=Baxter Springs 61, Liberal, Mo. 49Hays 65, Newton 40Holton 65, Burlington 62, 2OTHugoton 66, Wichita Life Prep 60Lawrence Free State 76, Hays-TMP-Marian 34Maize South 46, Andover Central 40McPherson 74, Dodge City 32Midland Adventist 61, Maranatha Academy 42Olathe North 46, Chrisman, Ill. 45Olathe West 74, Manhattan 70Riley County 41, Valley Heights 36Thayer Central, Neb. 36, Republic County 34

Thursday night boys basketball results

Thayer Central, Neb. 53, Republic County 37

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=Bentonville, Ark. 64, Wichita Sunrise 34Carthage, Mo. 44, Olathe East 34FS Northside, Ark. 58, Hugoton 36Garden City 52, Coronado, Colo. 50Hays 45, Newton 29Holton 53, Burlington 22Liberal, Mo. 57, Baxter Springs 23Maize South 41, Andover Central 38McPherson 43, Dodge City 37Olathe West 58, Manhattan 40Riley County 39, Valley Heights 36, 2OTSouthern Coffey 38, Crest 22Thayer Central, Neb. 53, Republic County 37Wamego 57, Topeka 52Washburn Rural 49, Hays-TMP-Marian 24

Thursday night girls basketball results

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals hired Guardians bullpen coach Brian Sweeney as their new pitching coach and Nationals minor league coordinator Jose Alguacil as their infield coach Thursday, filling two of the spots on new manager Matt Quatraro’s staff. The 48-year-old Sweeney spent five seasons on the Guardians staff, including the last three overseeing the bullpen. Alguacil had spent 15 years in the Giants organization before spending last season in Washington. Quatraro was hired to replace the fired Mike Matheny in Kansas City. He had previously announced the addition of former Tampa Bay major league field coordinator Paul Hoover as his bench coach.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals hired Guardians bullpen coach Brian Sweeney as their new pitching coach and Nationals minor league coordinator Jose Alguacil as their infield coach Thursday, filling two of the spots on new manager Matt Quatraro’s staff. The 48-year-old Sweeney spent five seasons on the Guardians staff, including the last three overseeing the bullpen. Alguacil had spent 15 years in the Giants organization before spending last season in Washington. Quatraro was hired to replace the fired Mike Matheny in Kansas City. He had previously announced the addition of former Tampa Bay major league field coordinator Paul Hoover as his bench coach.

Kansas City Royals hire a new pitching coach

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22049&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Collin Klein’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22050&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Joe Klanderman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/coordinator-press-conferences-december-1-2022/4786" target="_blank">Listen on Wildcats Uncut</a> MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State offensive coordinator&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;and defensive coordinator&nbsp;Joe Klanderman&nbsp;met with members of the media on Thursday at the Vanier Family Football Complex prior to the 10th-ranked Wildcats facing No. 3 TCU in the 2022 Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship on Saturday. Links to video and audio of both press conferences are above, and a transcript of select quotes are below.

COLLIN KLEIN, OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

On what he has learned about the offense since the TCU game…

“Shoot, it's a game of inches. A couple plays on that first drive of the third quarter are huge. You play in those big games against great teams, it's going to be a game of inches. If that's a first down play, second down play, or a third down play on the third, fourth, fifth, sixth drive of the game, we've got to scratch and claw for every inch because it might be the difference.”

“It’s definitely different. I think it’s been interesting even kind of self scouting ourselves and how we've grown and developed through the year. They have too, and they're doing some different things than they were six weeks ago and credit to them. Again, I've got a ton a ton of respect for Coach (Joe) Gillespie and what he's done because their defense is flying around right now and really hitting their fits, I think, a lot faster on some things. You can tell now they've had a season with their new staff and new coordinators. But we have too so it'll be a fun challenge.”

On if TCU will be more aggressive at the line of scrimmage facing Will Howard for a second time…

“I think it's something that you saw even through the game. The first 3rd&nbsp;and 16th they’re in Tampa 2 and (Will) rips that seam to Malik (Knowles) ,and you didn't see that the rest of the day. Even last week on some things, I think there was a little bit more pressure, which is something that we've gone through the year. They're going to make us win and beat man coverage, but our guys have been doing that and are prepared for it. Excited to watch them do their thing.”

On Ben Sinnott’s performance this season…

“He's made some huge plays at some huge times. It's fun to watch. He and Will (Howard) are really, really close. Both those guys, they love competing, they love practicing and working hard. Just yesterday, making fun of one another for something and having fun, getting better at their craft. We've known Ben, he's an instinctual football player. He's got great ball skills and tools, and when you're out there and you're going to battle with your teammates and having that much fun, good things happen.”

On what kind of mindset it takes to win a championship game…

“I almost tend to go the other way of saying, we've been in a one-week season since, really, probably even week one, but definitely week three. Just, hey, let's put our head down and focus on one at a time and this happens to be the 13th step in that journey of the 13-week season, but I think our guys, we’re where we're at because they've really bought into that and lived it. I haven't felt much of a sense, and I don't want them to think of this as anything else, because it's another challenge and it's another one-week season.”

JOE KLANDERMAN, DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

On what he has learned about the defense since the TCU game…

“Well, there’s been some shuffling for sure. I think that at that time we were still trying to find ourselves a little bit. There was a stretch in that game where we were playing pretty well, and then it kind of went sideways. We lost Deuce (Daniel) Green, we lost Julius Brents, we lost Khalid Duke. It just kind of became a rash of things there for a minute. We’ve got a veteran group of guys, and I think that they'll respond being in the big moments.”

On what is more concerning, TCU’s run game or explosive passing attack…

“Well, that's a great question. They just have tremendous playmakers. Tremendous playmakers at the receiver position. I think their tight ends are good playmakers. I think that the quarterback, obviously, makes it go, and Kendre Miller is a stud. I think they found a couple other guys at that position that are playing really high level too. It's a delicate balance of how do you keep people over the top of things and still put enough people in there to turn the run down. So, that’s the mix, and that's going to be the chess match all game long.”

On how important it is to get multiple tacklers on Kendre Miller…

“We didn't tackle him very well last time at all. I think our pursuit saved us a couple of times. I think we missed more tackles in that game that maybe we missed in any other game this year. It's due to him, and it's due to Max Duggan. He just does a really nice job of being patient in his runs. I don't think he rushes anything. I think he keeps himself under control, and if you yourself are out of control, you're going to miss him because he's going to change his pace and change his level. Even when we were able to get pretty good thuds on him, I don't think we played with very good technique last time in terms of running through the contact, which is something that we emphasize. I think a lot of times we ran to the contact and dove and put our head down and missed. That's a recipe for disaster no matter who you're tackling.”

On how V.J. Payne preformed against Kansas…

“He played awesome. He played really well last week. We knew he had the ability. He just didn't have a ton of seasoning. Changing his position in the matter of a week was a thing. I think the way that we teach things, we try to teach them conceptually. So, there was a lot of carry over from what he was doing, but definitely a different look at it, a different perspective. So, what he did last week to get himself ready to play and then playing well. I was so happy and proud of him. He played his tail off.”

On getting off to better starts defensively…

“No doubt, yeah. We started slow and it's our own fault. I think last week it was we couldn't get off the field on third down. I think we had them in some third and very manageable situations for us last week and couldn't get out. Had a couple of penalties that kept a couple of drives going and just couldn't get out of our own way. Feel like last week against West Virginia, obviously started off with that pick-six and things were kind of going well early, and then it ended up they got to pick-six and then they kind of got some momentum and same kind of deal. Just a play here, whether it's a call or an error or whatever. Wasn't like we were not playing hard or unprepared to play, that's not what it is. We’ve just got to find a better way. I think teams are doing a good job of attacking us differently then maybe we would anticipate. Maybe that's a sign of respect, I guess, but that's part of it. Then the other part of it, we’ve got to execute early, and I think that's especially huge against these guys. Same kind of deal when we played these guys last time. I thought we put ourselves in some third downs in that first series and had chance to get off field, and then next thing you know, they get a, whatever it was, a 70-yard pass on a one-on-one play. You bet that's going to be a huge deal who can start this game early. They do a good job with their script right away. They can flow pretty quickly, early.”

Associate Athletics Director for Communications

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22049&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Collin Klein’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22050&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Joe Klanderman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/coordinator-press-conferences-december-1-2022/4786" target="_blank">Listen on Wildcats Uncut</a> MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State offensive coordinator&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;and defensive coordinator&nbsp;Joe Klanderman&nbsp;met with members of the media on Thursday at the Vanier Family Football Complex prior to the 10th-ranked Wildcats facing No. 3 TCU in the 2022 Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship on Saturday. Links to video and audio of both press conferences are above, and a transcript of select quotes are below.COLLIN KLEIN, OFFENSIVE COORDINATOROn what he has learned about the offense since the TCU game…“Shoot, it's a game of inches. A couple plays on that first drive of the third quarter are huge. You play in those big games against great teams, it's going to be a game of inches. If that's a first down play, second down play, or a third down play on the third, fourth, fifth, sixth drive of the game, we've got to scratch and claw for every inch because it might be the difference.”On preparing for a rematch…“It’s definitely different. I think it’s been interesting even kind of self scouting ourselves and how we've grown and developed through the year. They have too, and they're doing some different things than they were six weeks ago and credit to them. Again, I've got a ton a ton of respect for Coach (Joe) Gillespie and what he's done because their defense is flying around right now and really hitting their fits, I think, a lot faster on some things. You can tell now they've had a season with their new staff and new coordinators. But we have too so it'll be a fun challenge.”On if TCU will be more aggressive at the line of scrimmage facing Will Howard for a second time…“I think it's something that you saw even through the game. The first 3rd&nbsp;and 16th they’re in Tampa 2 and (Will) rips that seam to Malik (Knowles) ,and you didn't see that the rest of the day. Even last week on some things, I think there was a little bit more pressure, which is something that we've gone through the year. They're going to make us win and beat man coverage, but our guys have been doing that and are prepared for it. Excited to watch them do their thing.”On Ben Sinnott’s performance this season…“He's made some huge plays at some huge times. It's fun to watch. He and Will (Howard) are really, really close. Both those guys, they love competing, they love practicing and working hard. Just yesterday, making fun of one another for something and having fun, getting better at their craft. We've known Ben, he's an instinctual football player. He's got great ball skills and tools, and when you're out there and you're going to battle with your teammates and having that much fun, good things happen.”On what kind of mindset it takes to win a championship game…“I almost tend to go the other way of saying, we've been in a one-week season since, really, probably even week one, but definitely week three. Just, hey, let's put our head down and focus on one at a time and this happens to be the 13th step in that journey of the 13-week season, but I think our guys, we’re where we're at because they've really bought into that and lived it. I haven't felt much of a sense, and I don't want them to think of this as anything else, because it's another challenge and it's another one-week season.”JOE KLANDERMAN, DEFENSIVE COORDINATOROn what he has learned about the defense since the TCU game…“Well, there’s been some shuffling for sure. I think that at that time we were still trying to find ourselves a little bit. There was a stretch in that game where we were playing pretty well, and then it kind of went sideways. We lost Deuce (Daniel) Green, we lost Julius Brents, we lost Khalid Duke. It just kind of became a rash of things there for a minute. We’ve got a veteran group of guys, and I think that they'll respond being in the big moments.”On what is more concerning, TCU’s run game or explosive passing attack…“Well, that's a great question. They just have tremendous playmakers. Tremendous playmakers at the receiver position. I think their tight ends are good playmakers. I think that the quarterback, obviously, makes it go, and Kendre Miller is a stud. I think they found a couple other guys at that position that are playing really high level too. It's a delicate balance of how do you keep people over the top of things and still put enough people in there to turn the run down. So, that’s the mix, and that's going to be the chess match all game long.”On how important it is to get multiple tacklers on Kendre Miller…“We didn't tackle him very well last time at all. I think our pursuit saved us a couple of times. I think we missed more tackles in that game that maybe we missed in any other game this year. It's due to him, and it's due to Max Duggan. He just does a really nice job of being patient in his runs. I don't think he rushes anything. I think he keeps himself under control, and if you yourself are out of control, you're going to miss him because he's going to change his pace and change his level. Even when we were able to get pretty good thuds on him, I don't think we played with very good technique last time in terms of running through the contact, which is something that we emphasize. I think a lot of times we ran to the contact and dove and put our head down and missed. That's a recipe for disaster no matter who you're tackling.”On how V.J. Payne preformed against Kansas…“He played awesome. He played really well last week. We knew he had the ability. He just didn't have a ton of seasoning. Changing his position in the matter of a week was a thing. I think the way that we teach things, we try to teach them conceptually. So, there was a lot of carry over from what he was doing, but definitely a different look at it, a different perspective. So, what he did last week to get himself ready to play and then playing well. I was so happy and proud of him. He played his tail off.”On getting off to better starts defensively…“No doubt, yeah. We started slow and it's our own fault. I think last week it was we couldn't get off the field on third down. I think we had them in some third and very manageable situations for us last week and couldn't get out. Had a couple of penalties that kept a couple of drives going and just couldn't get out of our own way. Feel like last week against West Virginia, obviously started off with that pick-six and things were kind of going well early, and then it ended up they got to pick-six and then they kind of got some momentum and same kind of deal. Just a play here, whether it's a call or an error or whatever. Wasn't like we were not playing hard or unprepared to play, that's not what it is. We’ve just got to find a better way. I think teams are doing a good job of attacking us differently then maybe we would anticipate. Maybe that's a sign of respect, I guess, but that's part of it. Then the other part of it, we’ve got to execute early, and I think that's especially huge against these guys. Same kind of deal when we played these guys last time. I thought we put ourselves in some third downs in that first series and had chance to get off field, and then next thing you know, they get a, whatever it was, a 70-yard pass on a one-on-one play. You bet that's going to be a huge deal who can start this game early. They do a good job with their script right away. They can flow pretty quickly, early.”RYAN LACKEYAssociate Athletics Director for Communications

K-State Coordinators Discuss Big 12 Championship

On the heels of an 8-14 campaign complete with a first-round upset of Ell-Saline at sub-state, the Wabaunsee girl’s basketball team will look to restock and take the next step in 2022-23.

The Lady Chargers will be under the direction of head coach Trevor Keller, who enters his fourth year at the helm in Alma.

Over the offseason, Wabaunsee graduated just two seniors, and will return most of a core now led by upperclassmen, culminating in a veteran-heavy lineup that should look something like this come tip-off.

G- Taryn Maike (Jr) G- Karli Meseke (Jr) G- Anni Wright (Sr) G/F- Lexi Barnes (Sr) F- Kaci Meseke (Jr)

The Chargers will also look for big minutes off the bench from Alexus Ford, Ava Huske, Harley Ridder, and Reese Michaelis.

Ahead of the season’s tip-off, we had an opportunity to sit down with Coach Keller and get his thoughts on this year’s Lady Chargers.

A: We talk every year about wanting to play our best basketball in late February and early March. We play in a tough league and our record probably didn’t indicate the level that we played at or how good we were as a team but we were able to knock off a higher-seeded team at sub-state in Ell-Saline and that was a big win for us. I was really proud of the growth that we made throughout the season.

A: Everybody’s really excited. We’ve had a great first few weeks of practice and the effort that we get day in and day out is great, that’s all you can really ask for as a coach. We want to get 1% better each day and up to this point, I think we’ve accomplished that.&nbsp;

A: Our returning core is big, we have a lot of girls that have played a lot of minutes for us over the last couple of years. We’re a little bit deeper this year than we have been in the past. We only have 12 girls out but we could play 9-10 deep and we’re excited about that.

A: Any time you come into a new season as a coach you have a vision of everybody’s role but over the first couple of weeks it's important that you learn from each other and define those roles as players settle in. We also have to take care of the basketball and limit our turnovers to give ourselves a chance to score.

A: Every year the ultimate goal for every team is to make state so that’s out there but we talk about how we achieve that and for us, it’s about getting 1% better every day. We want to be playing our best basketball in late February and early March to give ourselves an opportunity to achieve that goal.

Wabaunsee will open their season on Friday, December 2nd when the Lady Chargers host Northern Heights.

For continuing coverage of Lady Charger basketball all season long, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributorOn the heels of an 8-14 campaign complete with a first-round upset of Ell-Saline at sub-state, the Wabaunsee girl’s basketball team will look to restock and take the next step in 2022-23.The Lady Chargers will be under the direction of head coach Trevor Keller, who enters his fourth year at the helm in Alma.Over the offseason, Wabaunsee graduated just two seniors, and will return most of a core now led by upperclassmen, culminating in a veteran-heavy lineup that should look something like this come tip-off.G- Taryn Maike (Jr) G- Karli Meseke (Jr) G- Anni Wright (Sr) G/F- Lexi Barnes (Sr) F- Kaci Meseke (Jr)The Chargers will also look for big minutes off the bench from Alexus Ford, Ava Huske, Harley Ridder, and Reese Michaelis.Ahead of the season’s tip-off, we had an opportunity to sit down with Coach Keller and get his thoughts on this year’s Lady Chargers.Q: What were your overall thoughts on the 2021-22 campaign?A: We talk every year about wanting to play our best basketball in late February and early March. We play in a tough league and our record probably didn’t indicate the level that we played at or how good we were as a team but we were able to knock off a higher-seeded team at sub-state in Ell-Saline and that was a big win for us. I was really proud of the growth that we made throughout the season.Q: How excited is everyone to get back on the floor and back to playing real games after a long offseason?A: Everybody’s really excited. We’ve had a great first few weeks of practice and the effort that we get day in and day out is great, that’s all you can really ask for as a coach. We want to get 1% better each day and up to this point, I think we’ve accomplished that.&nbsp;Q: Coming into the year what would you say is the biggest strength of this team?A: Our returning core is big, we have a lot of girls that have played a lot of minutes for us over the last couple of years. We’re a little bit deeper this year than we have been in the past. We only have 12 girls out but we could play 9-10 deep and we’re excited about that.Q: What are the biggest question marks about this team as we head into the first few weeks?A: Any time you come into a new season as a coach you have a vision of everybody’s role but over the first couple of weeks it's important that you learn from each other and define those roles as players settle in. We also have to take care of the basketball and limit our turnovers to give ourselves a chance to score.Q: What are the goals and expectations of this team for this 2022-23 campaign?A: Every year the ultimate goal for every team is to make state so that’s out there but we talk about how we achieve that and for us, it’s about getting 1% better every day. We want to be playing our best basketball in late February and early March to give ourselves an opportunity to achieve that goal.Wabaunsee will open their season on Friday, December 2nd when the Lady Chargers host Northern Heights.For continuing coverage of Lady Charger basketball all season long, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

2022-23 Preseason Profile: Wabaunsee girl's basketball

After a terrific 17-6 campaign that saw them fall in overtime of the sub-state final, the Wabaunsee boy’s basketball team is hungry to run it back and take the next step in the 2022-23 season.

The Chargers will once again be under the direction of head coach Christian Ulsaker, who enters his fourth year at the helm in Alma.

Wabaunsee graduated just two seniors over the offseason and will return a deep roster, brimming with talent and experience, with several familiar faces lining a starting five that should look something like this come tip-off.

PG- Eli Oliver G- Zach Frank G- Logan Clark G- Bryton Reves F- Ryan Schutter

The Chargers will also look to the bench for big minutes from Lanson Parry, Maverick Havenstein, and Cole Frank.

Ahead of the start of their new campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Ulsaker to get his thoughts on this year’s Chargers squad.

A: We had a very successful season, 17-6 is nothing to hang your head about, we just got matched up with a very good St. Mary’s team that had a bunch of kids who went on to play at the next level. Overall the year was a good building block for our program and all of our guys got better as the season progressed.

A: Our guys are hungry, very much so. We have seven seniors and this will be the first group that I’ve had since they were freshmen so they understand what’s expected of them, the offense we run, what we expect from them on defense, and what it takes to be winners.

A: Compared to years past this team has a lot of depth. I feel like I have 8-9 guys that I trust to be on the court at any given time, run the offense, and play defense at the high level that I expect. We also have some athletes and we have more size than normal for a 2A team.

A: We need to continue to improve our three-point shooting. We have some guys coming back that can really shoot it but we want a few more guys that we can trust to shoot that open shot efficiently. Other than that we just have to make sure we don’t get complacent and understand that our past success isn’t where championships are crowned.

A: We always want to improve by 1% every single day. We haven’t won a league title since I’ve been here and long before so that would be big and getting back to state is always a big goal as well. We talk about that in practice, Manhattan is just down the road, and we’d like to make that our second home.

Wabaunsee will open their 2022-23 season on Friday, December 2nd when the Chargers take on Northern Heights.

For continuing coverage of Charger basketball all season long, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributorAfter a terrific 17-6 campaign that saw them fall in overtime of the sub-state final, the Wabaunsee boy’s basketball team is hungry to run it back and take the next step in the 2022-23 season.The Chargers will once again be under the direction of head coach Christian Ulsaker, who enters his fourth year at the helm in Alma.Wabaunsee graduated just two seniors over the offseason and will return a deep roster, brimming with talent and experience, with several familiar faces lining a starting five that should look something like this come tip-off.PG- Eli Oliver G- Zach Frank G- Logan Clark G- Bryton Reves F- Ryan SchutterThe Chargers will also look to the bench for big minutes from Lanson Parry, Maverick Havenstein, and Cole Frank.Ahead of the start of their new campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Ulsaker to get his thoughts on this year’s Chargers squad.Q: What were your overall thoughts on the 2021-22 campaign?A: We had a very successful season, 17-6 is nothing to hang your head about, we just got matched up with a very good St. Mary’s team that had a bunch of kids who went on to play at the next level. Overall the year was a good building block for our program and all of our guys got better as the season progressed.Q: How excited is everyone to get back on the floor and back to playing real games after a long offseason?A: Our guys are hungry, very much so. We have seven seniors and this will be the first group that I’ve had since they were freshmen so they understand what’s expected of them, the offense we run, what we expect from them on defense, and what it takes to be winners.Q: Coming into the year what would you say is the biggest strength of this team?A: Compared to years past this team has a lot of depth. I feel like I have 8-9 guys that I trust to be on the court at any given time, run the offense, and play defense at the high level that I expect. We also have some athletes and we have more size than normal for a 2A team.Q: What are the biggest question marks about this team as we head into the first few weeks?A: We need to continue to improve our three-point shooting. We have some guys coming back that can really shoot it but we want a few more guys that we can trust to shoot that open shot efficiently. Other than that we just have to make sure we don’t get complacent and understand that our past success isn’t where championships are crowned.Q: What are the goals and expectations of this team for this 2022-23 campaign?A: We always want to improve by 1% every single day. We haven’t won a league title since I’ve been here and long before so that would be big and getting back to state is always a big goal as well. We talk about that in practice, Manhattan is just down the road, and we’d like to make that our second home.Wabaunsee will open their 2022-23 season on Friday, December 2nd when the Chargers take on Northern Heights.For continuing coverage of Charger basketball all season long, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

2022-23 Preseason Profile: Wabaunsee boy's basketball

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Led by Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year&nbsp;Felix Anudike-Uzomah&nbsp;– who was also named the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year – and Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year&nbsp;Cooper Beebe, a total of 17 Kansas State football players picked up postseason honors, as the Big 12 announced the 2022 Coaches’ All-Big 12 selections on Wednesday.

Anudike-Uzomah is the seventh player in school history to be named the conference defensive player of the year and the first since Jordan Willis – who was also the defensive lineman of the year – in 2016. It was the second-straight season that Anudike-Uzomah was named the conference’s top defensive lineman, the first ever two-time winner since the Big 12 began handing out the award in 2006.

Beebe is K-State’s first offensive lineman of the year since Dalton Risner in 2018 and the third since the Big 12 established the award in 2006 (B.J. Finney, 2014).

With the honors by Anudike-Uzomah and Beebe, the Wildcats rank second in Big 12 history with 37 individual awards. Oklahoma is first with 48 and Texas is third with 32.

Joining Anudike-Uzomah and Beebe on the first team were tight end&nbsp;Ben Sinnott&nbsp;and cornerback&nbsp;Julius Brents. K-State’s second-team selections included running back&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn, wide receiver&nbsp;Malik Knowles, punt returner&nbsp;Phillip Brooks, safety&nbsp;Kobe Savage&nbsp;and punter&nbsp;Ty Zentner.

The Wildcats had seven players named All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in cornerback&nbsp;Ekow Boye-Doe, offensive linemen&nbsp;Hayden Gillum&nbsp;and&nbsp;KT Leveston, linebackers&nbsp;Daniel Green&nbsp;and&nbsp;Austin Moore, nose guard&nbsp;Eli Huggins&nbsp;and quarterback&nbsp;Adrian Martinez. Additionally, Martinez earned votes for Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, Brooks for Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year, Savage for Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year, Vaughn for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and running back&nbsp;DJ Giddens&nbsp;for Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year.

The only Big 12 defender to be a unanimous first-team selection, Anudike-Uzomah has a team-leading 7.5 sacks and 10.0 tackles for loss among his 39 tackles this season as 25.6% of his stops have been for lost yardage despite being the recipient of consistent double-team blocking. He has tallied at least a half TFL in eight of 12 games and at least a half sack in six contests. A product of Kansas City, Missouri, Anudike-Uzomah tallied 3.0 sacks against Texas Tech to tie for fourth in a game in school history. He has 19.5 career sacks to rank 10th&nbsp;in school history, while his eight career forced fumbles are tied for fourth and one shy of the school record.

Beebe, a native of Kansas City, Kansas, has started each of the last 30 games, including all 12 contests this season at left guard. He has not surrendered a sack among his 358 pass blocking snaps this year and is currently riding a 27-game streak without allowing a sack dating back to his redshirt freshman campaign of 2020. Beebe earned All-Big 12 First Team honors for a second-straight year, the first Wildcat offensive lineman to do so since Risner was a three-time All-Big 12 First Team performer from 2016 to 2018.

A former walk-on from Waterloo, Iowa, Sinnott has emerged as one of the top receiving threats from his tight end/fullback position, hauling in 15 catches for 254 yards and three touchdowns over the last five games. He had consecutive 80-yard performances against Baylor and West Virginia, including a career high 89-yard, two-touchdown effort in K-State’s 31-3 win over the Bears. His two touchdowns were the most by a K-State tight end since 1996. He enters this week’s Big 12 Championship ranked 10th&nbsp;in school history in single-season receiving yards by a tight end with 382 yards.

Brents, a product of Indianapolis, Indiana and former transfer from Iowa, has three interceptions this year to tie for fifth in the Big 12 and tops on the team. Showing more physicality this season, Brents has 40 tackles and a career-high 3.5 tackles for loss, while his six total passes defended are also a career best. He totaled a career-high nine tackles at Oklahoma and a career-best 1.5 tackles for loss at TCU.

Kansas State, which was ranked 10th&nbsp;in the penultimate College Football Playoff Top 25 on Tuesday evening, takes on No. 3 TCU in the 2022 Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship on Saturday. The game, which will be the backdrop for ESPN’s&nbsp;College Gameday&nbsp;beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday morning, kicks off at 11 a.m. from AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will be shown on ABC with Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe on the call.

Coaches’ All-Big 12 Teams (Kansas State)

Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Felix Anudike-Uzomah.

Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year:&nbsp;Cooper Beebe.

Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year:&nbsp;Felix Anudike-Uzomah.

First Team:&nbsp;Ben Sinnott (FB), Cooper Beebe (OL), Felix Anudike-Uzomah (DL), Julius Brents (DB).

Second Team:&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn (RB), Malik Knowles (WR), Phillip Brooks (KR/PR), Kobe Savage (DB), Ty Zentner (P).

Honorable Mention:&nbsp;Ekow Boye-Doe (DB), Phillip Brooks (Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year), DJ Giddens (Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year), Hayden Gillum (OL), Daniel Green (LB), Eli Huggins (DL), KT Leveston (OL), Adrian Martinez (QB, Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year), Austin Moore (LB), Kobe Savage (Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year), Deuce Vaughn (Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year).

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Led by Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year&nbsp;Felix Anudike-Uzomah&nbsp;– who was also named the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year – and Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year&nbsp;Cooper Beebe, a total of 17 Kansas State football players picked up postseason honors, as the Big 12 announced the 2022 Coaches’ All-Big 12 selections on Wednesday.Anudike-Uzomah is the seventh player in school history to be named the conference defensive player of the year and the first since Jordan Willis – who was also the defensive lineman of the year – in 2016. It was the second-straight season that Anudike-Uzomah was named the conference’s top defensive lineman, the first ever two-time winner since the Big 12 began handing out the award in 2006.Beebe is K-State’s first offensive lineman of the year since Dalton Risner in 2018 and the third since the Big 12 established the award in 2006 (B.J. Finney, 2014).With the honors by Anudike-Uzomah and Beebe, the Wildcats rank second in Big 12 history with 37 individual awards. Oklahoma is first with 48 and Texas is third with 32.Joining Anudike-Uzomah and Beebe on the first team were tight end&nbsp;Ben Sinnott&nbsp;and cornerback&nbsp;Julius Brents. K-State’s second-team selections included running back&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn, wide receiver&nbsp;Malik Knowles, punt returner&nbsp;Phillip Brooks, safety&nbsp;Kobe Savage&nbsp;and punter&nbsp;Ty Zentner.The Wildcats had seven players named All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in cornerback&nbsp;Ekow Boye-Doe, offensive linemen&nbsp;Hayden Gillum&nbsp;and&nbsp;KT Leveston, linebackers&nbsp;Daniel Green&nbsp;and&nbsp;Austin Moore, nose guard&nbsp;Eli Huggins&nbsp;and quarterback&nbsp;Adrian Martinez. Additionally, Martinez earned votes for Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, Brooks for Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year, Savage for Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year, Vaughn for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and running back&nbsp;DJ Giddens&nbsp;for Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year.The only Big 12 defender to be a unanimous first-team selection, Anudike-Uzomah has a team-leading 7.5 sacks and 10.0 tackles for loss among his 39 tackles this season as 25.6% of his stops have been for lost yardage despite being the recipient of consistent double-team blocking. He has tallied at least a half TFL in eight of 12 games and at least a half sack in six contests. A product of Kansas City, Missouri, Anudike-Uzomah tallied 3.0 sacks against Texas Tech to tie for fourth in a game in school history. He has 19.5 career sacks to rank 10th&nbsp;in school history, while his eight career forced fumbles are tied for fourth and one shy of the school record.Beebe, a native of Kansas City, Kansas, has started each of the last 30 games, including all 12 contests this season at left guard. He has not surrendered a sack among his 358 pass blocking snaps this year and is currently riding a 27-game streak without allowing a sack dating back to his redshirt freshman campaign of 2020. Beebe earned All-Big 12 First Team honors for a second-straight year, the first Wildcat offensive lineman to do so since Risner was a three-time All-Big 12 First Team performer from 2016 to 2018.A former walk-on from Waterloo, Iowa, Sinnott has emerged as one of the top receiving threats from his tight end/fullback position, hauling in 15 catches for 254 yards and three touchdowns over the last five games. He had consecutive 80-yard performances against Baylor and West Virginia, including a career high 89-yard, two-touchdown effort in K-State’s 31-3 win over the Bears. His two touchdowns were the most by a K-State tight end since 1996. He enters this week’s Big 12 Championship ranked 10th&nbsp;in school history in single-season receiving yards by a tight end with 382 yards.Brents, a product of Indianapolis, Indiana and former transfer from Iowa, has three interceptions this year to tie for fifth in the Big 12 and tops on the team. Showing more physicality this season, Brents has 40 tackles and a career-high 3.5 tackles for loss, while his six total passes defended are also a career best. He totaled a career-high nine tackles at Oklahoma and a career-best 1.5 tackles for loss at TCU.Kansas State, which was ranked 10th&nbsp;in the penultimate College Football Playoff Top 25 on Tuesday evening, takes on No. 3 TCU in the 2022 Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship on Saturday. The game, which will be the backdrop for ESPN’s&nbsp;College Gameday&nbsp;beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday morning, kicks off at 11 a.m. from AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will be shown on ABC with Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe on the call.Coaches’ All-Big 12 Teams (Kansas State)Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Felix Anudike-Uzomah.Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year:&nbsp;Cooper Beebe.Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year:&nbsp;Felix Anudike-Uzomah.First Team:&nbsp;Ben Sinnott (FB), Cooper Beebe (OL), Felix Anudike-Uzomah (DL), Julius Brents (DB).Second Team:&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn (RB), Malik Knowles (WR), Phillip Brooks (KR/PR), Kobe Savage (DB), Ty Zentner (P).Honorable Mention:&nbsp;Ekow Boye-Doe (DB), Phillip Brooks (Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year), DJ Giddens (Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year), Hayden Gillum (OL), Daniel Green (LB), Eli Huggins (DL), KT Leveston (OL), Adrian Martinez (QB, Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year), Austin Moore (LB), Kobe Savage (Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year), Deuce Vaughn (Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year).– k-statesports.com –RYAN LACKEYAssociate Athletics Director for Communications

Seventeen Wildcats Garner All-Big 12 Accolades

LAWRENCE -&nbsp;John Hadl, a homegrown football legend at the University of Kansas who went on to become a professional football star, passed away on Wednesday morning. He was 82 years old.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hadl made a name for himself at Lawrence High School as an all-state halfback for the football team and as a centerfielder for the baseball team. To the delight of Lawrence residents, Hadl chose to play for KU.

His ability as an all-around athlete served him well as he transitioned into the college game. As a sophomore in 1959, in his first season of collegiate eligibility, Hadl led the NCAA in punting (45.6 yards per punt) and set KU records for the longest punt (94 yards, which still stands) and the longest interception return (98 yards, which stood until 2007).

But it was his junior and senior campaigns that etched his name into the history books. Hadl’s versatility propelled him to excel both as a halfback and quarterback. With Hadl running the offense, the Jayhawks were ranked in the top-20 his junior and senior years and finished the two-season span 14-5-2. He wrapped up his Kansas career leading his team to the program’s first-ever bowl victory, a 33-7 decision over Rice in the 1961 Bluebonnet Bowl.

“John Hadl had a generational impact on Kansas football, the University of Kansas and the Lawrence community. He was a once-in-a-lifetime Jayhawk student-athlete, a coach and mentor, a prolific fundraiser who developed profound relationships with countless, and the ultimate ambassador for KU. In short, our University and athletic program has been transformed by John and his legacy will forever be cemented. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Diana and the Hadl family. We will deeply miss John and his contagious smile but will proudly honor him and his unrivaled legacy as we move forward,” said KU Director of Athletics Travis Goff.

“Upon my arrival, I heard instantly from people across the state about John’s impact to this department, not just as a student-athlete and coach, but as someone who dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to the University of Kansas. His desire to enhance KU and make it as special as possible truly resonated with me. To be the head coach of this program and see his statue every day outside Anderson Family Football Complex, is a firm reminder of the passion and love that John had for this program. Kelly and I send our condolences to the Hadl family and his loved ones,” said KU&nbsp;Head Football Coach Lance Leipold.

An inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame (1994), Hadl was the first Kansas player to be picked twice for All-America honors (1960 and 1961). He was also named the Most Valuable Player of both the East-West Shrine game and the College All-Star game after the 1961 season.

Hadl then enjoyed a successful 16-year career as a professional quarterback, most notably with the San Diego Chargers. A six-time Pro Bowler, he played in three American Football League Championship games and was named National Football Conference Player of the Year in 1973.&nbsp; He was named the 1971 National Football League Man of the Year and is a member of the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame. Hadl was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft.

After retiring from professional football in 1977, Hadl returned to his hometown and to his true love, the University of Kansas, as an assistant football coach. As assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 1981 he helped lead the Jayhawks to the Hall of Fame Bowl. His players loved him, having come to understand his passion for and knowledge of the game. In the mid-1980’s he coached in the NFL and the USFL.

In 1988 Hadl returned to KU to join the Williams Education Fund.&nbsp; For 30 years he was at the forefront of fundraising for the construction and renovation of KU’s athletics facilities. Hadl retired from his position in the Kansas Athletics’ Williams Education Fund in October of 2018.&nbsp;

A Jayhawk at heart, John Hadl will forever be honored as a member of the Kansas football Ring of Honor and the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame. His No. 21 is one of three Kansas football numbers to be retired (Gale Sayers No. 48 and Ray Evans No. 42).

Hadl’s legacy was celebrated during the 2020 season with a&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=6251a7c0c7&amp;e=42e2e56024" target="_blank">statue unveiling</a>&nbsp;outside of Anderson Family Football Complex. He is one of two Jayhawks to be commemorated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669833873846.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy <a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy <a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KU AthleticsLAWRENCE -&nbsp;John Hadl, a homegrown football legend at the University of Kansas who went on to become a professional football star, passed away on Wednesday morning. He was 82 years old.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hadl made a name for himself at Lawrence High School as an all-state halfback for the football team and as a centerfielder for the baseball team. To the delight of Lawrence residents, Hadl chose to play for KU.His ability as an all-around athlete served him well as he transitioned into the college game. As a sophomore in 1959, in his first season of collegiate eligibility, Hadl led the NCAA in punting (45.6 yards per punt) and set KU records for the longest punt (94 yards, which still stands) and the longest interception return (98 yards, which stood until 2007).But it was his junior and senior campaigns that etched his name into the history books. Hadl’s versatility propelled him to excel both as a halfback and quarterback. With Hadl running the offense, the Jayhawks were ranked in the top-20 his junior and senior years and finished the two-season span 14-5-2. He wrapped up his Kansas career leading his team to the program’s first-ever bowl victory, a 33-7 decision over Rice in the 1961 Bluebonnet Bowl.“John Hadl had a generational impact on Kansas football, the University of Kansas and the Lawrence community. He was a once-in-a-lifetime Jayhawk student-athlete, a coach and mentor, a prolific fundraiser who developed profound relationships with countless, and the ultimate ambassador for KU. In short, our University and athletic program has been transformed by John and his legacy will forever be cemented. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Diana and the Hadl family. We will deeply miss John and his contagious smile but will proudly honor him and his unrivaled legacy as we move forward,” said KU Director of Athletics Travis Goff.“Upon my arrival, I heard instantly from people across the state about John’s impact to this department, not just as a student-athlete and coach, but as someone who dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to the University of Kansas. His desire to enhance KU and make it as special as possible truly resonated with me. To be the head coach of this program and see his statue every day outside Anderson Family Football Complex, is a firm reminder of the passion and love that John had for this program. Kelly and I send our condolences to the Hadl family and his loved ones,” said KU&nbsp;Head Football Coach Lance Leipold.An inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame (1994), Hadl was the first Kansas player to be picked twice for All-America honors (1960 and 1961). He was also named the Most Valuable Player of both the East-West Shrine game and the College All-Star game after the 1961 season.Hadl then enjoyed a successful 16-year career as a professional quarterback, most notably with the San Diego Chargers. A six-time Pro Bowler, he played in three American Football League Championship games and was named National Football Conference Player of the Year in 1973.&nbsp; He was named the 1971 National Football League Man of the Year and is a member of the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame. Hadl was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft.After retiring from professional football in 1977, Hadl returned to his hometown and to his true love, the University of Kansas, as an assistant football coach. As assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 1981 he helped lead the Jayhawks to the Hall of Fame Bowl. His players loved him, having come to understand his passion for and knowledge of the game. In the mid-1980’s he coached in the NFL and the USFL.In 1988 Hadl returned to KU to join the Williams Education Fund.&nbsp; For 30 years he was at the forefront of fundraising for the construction and renovation of KU’s athletics facilities. Hadl retired from his position in the Kansas Athletics’ Williams Education Fund in October of 2018.&nbsp;A Jayhawk at heart, John Hadl will forever be honored as a member of the Kansas football Ring of Honor and the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame. His No. 21 is one of three Kansas football numbers to be retired (Gale Sayers No. 48 and Ray Evans No. 42).Hadl’s legacy was celebrated during the 2020 season with a&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=6251a7c0c7&amp;e=42e2e56024" target="_blank">statue unveiling</a>&nbsp;outside of Anderson Family Football Complex. He is one of two Jayhawks to be commemorated.

KU's hometown legend John Hadl dies at 82

After a 9-13 campaign in which they took Abilene to OT in the sub-state championship, the Rock Creek boy's basketball team will look to reload and take the next step in 2022-23.

This year’s Mustangs will be under new leadership as first-year head coach Justin Smith takes the reigns for the upcoming season.

After graduating just three seniors over the offseason, Rock Creek will have several familiar faces in a lineup that should look something like this come tip-off.

G- Coley Burgess G- Ethan Burgess G- Logan Sturdy&nbsp; G- Dalton Whitworth G- Daegen Vinduska&nbsp;

The Mustangs will also look for big minutes off the bench from a deep rotation that will include Brady Schneider, Kade Welfringer, Ryker Zoeller, Payton McCarn, Yanci Spiller, and David Wilkinson.

Before the start of the 2022-23 season, we had a chance to catch up with Rock Creek’s new skipper to get his thoughts on this year’s squad.

Q: What is your vision for the culture of boys’ basketball at Rock Creek?

A: I honestly don't have to do much with it because there was such a great culture developed by Coach Johnston, but I want to make sure we continue to play as hard as anyone out there and compete for league and state championships every year.

A: Everyone is excited, we had a good football season and that bleeds into other sports. Also, the success we had at the end of last year helps and we had a good summer.

A: We are extremely deep, I really feel like we have 15+ kids that have a chance to see varsity time and that makes practices extremely competitive.

A: The rotation is going to be hard to figure out so I am hoping some kids separate themselves there. We also have to have some kids step up and be able to score consistently.&nbsp;

A: The goals and expectations will never change and that is to get better every day and every game and compete for league and state championships.

Rock Creek will kick off their new season on Friday, December 2nd when the Mustangs travel to Clay Center to tussle with the Tigers.

For continuing coverage of Rock Creek boys basketball all season long, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributorAfter a 9-13 campaign in which they took Abilene to OT in the sub-state championship, the Rock Creek boy's basketball team will look to reload and take the next step in 2022-23.This year’s Mustangs will be under new leadership as first-year head coach Justin Smith takes the reigns for the upcoming season.After graduating just three seniors over the offseason, Rock Creek will have several familiar faces in a lineup that should look something like this come tip-off.G- Coley Burgess G- Ethan Burgess G- Logan Sturdy&nbsp; G- Dalton Whitworth G- Daegen Vinduska&nbsp;The Mustangs will also look for big minutes off the bench from a deep rotation that will include Brady Schneider, Kade Welfringer, Ryker Zoeller, Payton McCarn, Yanci Spiller, and David Wilkinson.Before the start of the 2022-23 season, we had a chance to catch up with Rock Creek’s new skipper to get his thoughts on this year’s squad.Q: What is your vision for the culture of boys’ basketball at Rock Creek?A: I honestly don't have to do much with it because there was such a great culture developed by Coach Johnston, but I want to make sure we continue to play as hard as anyone out there and compete for league and state championships every year.Q: How excited is everyone to get back on the floor and back to playing real games after a long offseason?A: Everyone is excited, we had a good football season and that bleeds into other sports. Also, the success we had at the end of last year helps and we had a good summer.Q: Coming into the year what would you say is the biggest strength of this team?A: We are extremely deep, I really feel like we have 15+ kids that have a chance to see varsity time and that makes practices extremely competitive.Q: What are the biggest question marks about this team as we head into the first few weeks?A: The rotation is going to be hard to figure out so I am hoping some kids separate themselves there. We also have to have some kids step up and be able to score consistently.&nbsp;Q: What are the goals and expectations of this team for this 2022-23 campaign?A: The goals and expectations will never change and that is to get better every day and every game and compete for league and state championships.Rock Creek will kick off their new season on Friday, December 2nd when the Mustangs travel to Clay Center to tussle with the Tigers.For continuing coverage of Rock Creek boys basketball all season long, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

2022-23 Preseason Profile: Rock Creek boy's basketball

On the heels of an impressive 17-5 campaign, the Rock Creek girl’s basketball team will look to retool and run it back, looking to punch an elusive ticket to this year’s state tournament.

The Lady Mustangs will once again be under the direction of head coach Adam Plummer, who enters his eighth season at the helm in Rock Creek.

After graduating just three seniors this offseason, the Lady Stangs will be a force to be reckoned with once again, with an all-senior starting five that should look like this come tip-off.

PG- Brynn McFall (Sr)| G- Claire Matzke (Sr) G- Kya Klingenberg (Sr) P- Becca Conrow (Sr) P- Kinley Ebert (Sr)

Rock Creek will also look to Sam Killingsworth (Jr), Brooklyn Plummer (Jr), Payton Rottinghaus (Jr), and Hadley Rempe (So) for big minutes off the bench this year.

Before the 2022-23 season tips off, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Plummer and get his thoughts on this year’s Lady Mustangs.

A: Last year was a good year. We won the Burlington Invitational and set ourselves up for a run to the state tournament by hosting our 4A sub-state. We didn't perform well in the first half of our game against McPherson and dug ourselves a hole and even though we had a possession in the 2nd half to take the lead, it was just too much for us to overcome. We finished 17-5 for the 2nd year in a row but fell short of our goal.

A: Our kids are pumped to start the year. They have invested a good amount of time in the off-season to prepare for this season.

A: Our biggest strength will probably be our depth. I envision nights where we go 10 deep, which will be a plus to battle through injuries and sickness.

A: Our rotation and starting five. There is a lot of parity at practice and the first few weeks will give us a better indication of who will solidify their positions as starters and those coming off the bench.

A: Our goals are to have a winning season, compete for a league title, win our mid-season tournament, and make it to state.

Rock Creek will tip off the new year in Clay Center as the Lady Mustangs travel to take on the Tigers on Friday, December 2nd.

For continuing coverage of Rock Creek girls’ basketball all season long, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributorOn the heels of an impressive 17-5 campaign, the Rock Creek girl’s basketball team will look to retool and run it back, looking to punch an elusive ticket to this year’s state tournament.The Lady Mustangs will once again be under the direction of head coach Adam Plummer, who enters his eighth season at the helm in Rock Creek.After graduating just three seniors this offseason, the Lady Stangs will be a force to be reckoned with once again, with an all-senior starting five that should look like this come tip-off.PG- Brynn McFall (Sr)| G- Claire Matzke (Sr) G- Kya Klingenberg (Sr) P- Becca Conrow (Sr) P- Kinley Ebert (Sr)Rock Creek will also look to Sam Killingsworth (Jr), Brooklyn Plummer (Jr), Payton Rottinghaus (Jr), and Hadley Rempe (So) for big minutes off the bench this year.Before the 2022-23 season tips off, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Plummer and get his thoughts on this year’s Lady Mustangs.Q: What were your overall thoughts on the 2021-22 campaign?A: Last year was a good year. We won the Burlington Invitational and set ourselves up for a run to the state tournament by hosting our 4A sub-state. We didn't perform well in the first half of our game against McPherson and dug ourselves a hole and even though we had a possession in the 2nd half to take the lead, it was just too much for us to overcome. We finished 17-5 for the 2nd year in a row but fell short of our goal.Q: How excited is everyone to get back on the floor and back to playing real games after a long offseason?A: Our kids are pumped to start the year. They have invested a good amount of time in the off-season to prepare for this season.Q: Coming into the year what would you say is the biggest strength of this team?A: Our biggest strength will probably be our depth. I envision nights where we go 10 deep, which will be a plus to battle through injuries and sickness.Q: What are the biggest question marks about this team as we head into the first few weeks?A: Our rotation and starting five. There is a lot of parity at practice and the first few weeks will give us a better indication of who will solidify their positions as starters and those coming off the bench.Q: What are the goals and expectations of this team for this 2022-23 campaign?A: Our goals are to have a winning season, compete for a league title, win our mid-season tournament, and make it to state.Rock Creek will tip off the new year in Clay Center as the Lady Mustangs travel to take on the Tigers on Friday, December 2nd.For continuing coverage of Rock Creek girls’ basketball all season long, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

2022-23 Preseason Profile: Rock Creek girl's basketball

Congratulations to Jeff Ryser of Salina, the Week 12 winner in Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory contest!

Jeff, who scored 14 of 16 points, wins $100.

Although the season is underway, you still have time to win!

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Sign up today</a>&nbsp;to make your picks for a chance to win great weekly prizes, including cash,&nbsp;gift cards, concert tickets, and Chiefs tickets.&nbsp;If you pick well, you'll also be in the running for the local season prize of $1,000 and a national season prize of a trip to Hawaii!

Don't miss out on the state's best pro football pick'em contest!&nbsp;

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Click here to register for Gridiron Glory</a>

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662062091203.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Congratulations to Jeff Ryser of Salina, the Week 12 winner in Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory contest!Jeff, who scored 14 of 16 points, wins $100.Although the season is underway, you still have time to win!<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Sign up today</a>&nbsp;to make your picks for a chance to win great weekly prizes, including cash,&nbsp;gift cards, concert tickets, and Chiefs tickets.&nbsp;If you pick well, you'll also be in the running for the local season prize of $1,000 and a national season prize of a trip to Hawaii!Don't miss out on the state's best pro football pick'em contest!&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Click here to register for Gridiron Glory</a>

Gridiron Glory: Congratulations Jeff Ryser!

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22041&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-november-29-2022/4785" target="_blank">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/player-media-availability-november-29-2022/4784" target="_blank">Listen to Player Breakout Interviews</a> MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Tuesday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex as No. 12 Kansas State travels to Arlington, Texas, this Saturday to face third-ranked TCU in the 2022 Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ – are above in addition to an audio link of player breakout interviews. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.

“Well, good afternoon, everyone. Excited for the guys last Saturday to come out and play really well and earn the opportunity to represent this program in the Big 12 Championship. A lot of distractions last week, a lot of potential distractions, whether it would be Senior Day, last game at home, to the weather, to playing your rival, all those things. I thought our guys did a really good job of blocking out as much of the outside noise as they could and focus on just playing a really good game against a much improved, really good Kansas team. I thought there was some ups and downs, but for the most part I thought our kids handled everything really well. We found a way to get a pretty good win, in front of a great crowd. That was phenomenal crowd. We’ve had great crowds all year, and that one would be hard to top as loud as they were from the opening kickoff to the very end, seeing our players go and engage with the fans afterwards. I thought it was a great crowd and I can't thank them enough.”

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22041&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-november-29-2022/4785" target="_blank">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/player-media-availability-november-29-2022/4784" target="_blank">Listen to Player Breakout Interviews</a> MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Tuesday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex as No. 12 Kansas State travels to Arlington, Texas, this Saturday to face third-ranked TCU in the 2022 Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ – are above in addition to an audio link of player breakout interviews. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.CHRIS KLIEMAN, HEAD COACHOpening Statement…“Well, good afternoon, everyone. Excited for the guys last Saturday to come out and play really well and earn the opportunity to represent this program in the Big 12 Championship. A lot of distractions last week, a lot of potential distractions, whether it would be Senior Day, last game at home, to the weather, to playing your rival, all those things. I thought our guys did a really good job of blocking out as much of the outside noise as they could and focus on just playing a really good game against a much improved, really good Kansas team. I thought there was some ups and downs, but for the most part I thought our kids handled everything really well. We found a way to get a pretty good win, in front of a great crowd. That was phenomenal crowd. We’ve had great crowds all year, and that one would be hard to top as loud as they were from the opening kickoff to the very end, seeing our players go and engage with the fans afterwards. I thought it was a great crowd and I can't thank them enough.”RYAN LACKEYAssociate Athletics Director for Communications

K-State Previews Big 12 Championship at Weekly Press Conference

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor

After a solid 14-8 campaign that saw them reach the sub-state final, the Wamego boy’s basketball team will look to reload and take the next step in 2022-23.

The Red Raiders will be led as always by head coach Troy Hemphill, who enters his 25th season at the helm in Wamego.

Despite graduating six seniors over the offseason, the Raiders return a great deal of talent and will be eager to take put themselves in a position for a potential return to the 4A state tournament.

While the starting five has yet to be decided, Wamego will look to a stacked rotation of eight upperclassmen, hoping to get big minutes out of seniors Colin Donahue, Joey Shea, Mason Herzog, Emery Wolfe, and Chase Cottam, as well as juniors Dusty Monroe, Drew Pettay, and Spencer Hecht.

Ahead of the 2022-23 season, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Hemphill to get his thoughts on this year’s Red Raider squad.

A: We had a good season last year, going 8-2 in our league and winning the league championship for the second year in a row, but had a disappointing finish in the sub-state final. We thought we had a very good chance to go to the state tournament and win a game or two there, but we fell short.

A: We are very excited to get back to the season, although these days it seems there is no real off-season. We have some key players who were still playing football as of last Saturday, so we'll need to get them up to speed very quickly.

A: I think the biggest strength will be experience and team unity. Even though we lost a bunch of seniors last year, we have several guys with experience coming back. I also think this group will play well together.

A: We need depth at the post position and develop some additional outside scoring punch.

Q: What are the goals and expectations of this team for this 2022-23 season?

A: Our goals are the same each year: win our league championship and go to the state tournament. I believe both of those goals are realistic for this group.

The Raiders will open their season on Thursday, December 3rd when Wamego hosts Topeka High.

For continuing coverage of Raider basketball all season long, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributorAfter a solid 14-8 campaign that saw them reach the sub-state final, the Wamego boy’s basketball team will look to reload and take the next step in 2022-23.The Red Raiders will be led as always by head coach Troy Hemphill, who enters his 25th season at the helm in Wamego.Despite graduating six seniors over the offseason, the Raiders return a great deal of talent and will be eager to take put themselves in a position for a potential return to the 4A state tournament.While the starting five has yet to be decided, Wamego will look to a stacked rotation of eight upperclassmen, hoping to get big minutes out of seniors Colin Donahue, Joey Shea, Mason Herzog, Emery Wolfe, and Chase Cottam, as well as juniors Dusty Monroe, Drew Pettay, and Spencer Hecht.Ahead of the 2022-23 season, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Hemphill to get his thoughts on this year’s Red Raider squad.Q: What were your overall thoughts on the 2021-22 campaign?A: We had a good season last year, going 8-2 in our league and winning the league championship for the second year in a row, but had a disappointing finish in the sub-state final. We thought we had a very good chance to go to the state tournament and win a game or two there, but we fell short.Q: How excited is everyone to get back on the floor and back to playing real games after a long offseason?A: We are very excited to get back to the season, although these days it seems there is no real off-season. We have some key players who were still playing football as of last Saturday, so we'll need to get them up to speed very quickly.Q: Coming into the year what would you say is the biggest strength of this team?A: I think the biggest strength will be experience and team unity. Even though we lost a bunch of seniors last year, we have several guys with experience coming back. I also think this group will play well together.Q: What are the biggest question marks about this team as we head into the first few weeks?A: We need depth at the post position and develop some additional outside scoring punch.Q: What are the goals and expectations of this team for this 2022-23 season?A: Our goals are the same each year: win our league championship and go to the state tournament. I believe both of those goals are realistic for this group.The Raiders will open their season on Thursday, December 3rd when Wamego hosts Topeka High.For continuing coverage of Raider basketball all season long, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

2022-23 Preseason Profile: Wamego boy's basketball

THE TOP 5 1)&nbsp;Kansas State will be making its fourth all-time appearance in the Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship on Saturday, as the 13th-ranked Wildcats will square off with third-ranked TCU at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will be televised nationally on ABC beginning at 11 a.m., with Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe calling the action.

2)&nbsp;K-State is 9-3 this season with all three losses coming against teams that are currently ranked in No. 3 TCU, No. 18 Tulane and No 21 Texas. The Cats are bowl eligible for the third time under Chris Klieman and will advance to their 24th bowl appearance in school history, including the 11th in the last 13 seasons. Klieman is the first coach in school history to send three of his first four squads to the postseason.

3)&nbsp;Last time out, K-State scored 30 first-half points and used a dominant second-half defensive performance to top Kansas, 47-27. Deuce Vaughn ran for 147 yards and had 82 receiving yards, while Malik Knowles had two rushing touchdowns. Defensively, K-State held Kansas to just six points and 96 yards in the second half while holding the Jayhawks to their second-lowest offensive output of the year.

4)&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn has 1,295 rushing yards this season to record his second-straight season with 1,000 rushing yards – just the third player in school history with multiple 1,000-yard seasons. He ranks second in school history in career rushing yards (3,341) and moved into seventh place in school history for a season with his performance last week.

5)&nbsp;The Cats have been solid on defense, allowing just 19.4 points per game and 357.3 total yards per game. This week, they rank second nationally in turnover margin, ninth in interceptions, 10th in fourth down defense, 14th in scoring defense and 17th in pass efficiency defense. The Cats have kept each of their Big 12 opponents this year under their season scoring average entering its game against K-State while also holding three conference opponents without a touchdown.

THE TOP 5 1)&nbsp;Kansas State will be making its fourth all-time appearance in the Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship on Saturday, as the 13th-ranked Wildcats will square off with third-ranked TCU at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will be televised nationally on ABC beginning at 11 a.m., with Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe calling the action.2)&nbsp;K-State is 9-3 this season with all three losses coming against teams that are currently ranked in No. 3 TCU, No. 18 Tulane and No 21 Texas. The Cats are bowl eligible for the third time under Chris Klieman and will advance to their 24th bowl appearance in school history, including the 11th in the last 13 seasons. Klieman is the first coach in school history to send three of his first four squads to the postseason.3)&nbsp;Last time out, K-State scored 30 first-half points and used a dominant second-half defensive performance to top Kansas, 47-27. Deuce Vaughn ran for 147 yards and had 82 receiving yards, while Malik Knowles had two rushing touchdowns. Defensively, K-State held Kansas to just six points and 96 yards in the second half while holding the Jayhawks to their second-lowest offensive output of the year.4)&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn has 1,295 rushing yards this season to record his second-straight season with 1,000 rushing yards – just the third player in school history with multiple 1,000-yard seasons. He ranks second in school history in career rushing yards (3,341) and moved into seventh place in school history for a season with his performance last week.5)&nbsp;The Cats have been solid on defense, allowing just 19.4 points per game and 357.3 total yards per game. This week, they rank second nationally in turnover margin, ninth in interceptions, 10th in fourth down defense, 14th in scoring defense and 17th in pass efficiency defense. The Cats have kept each of their Big 12 opponents this year under their season scoring average entering its game against K-State while also holding three conference opponents without a touchdown.

Kansas State prepares for TCU in Big 12 title game

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;Suzie Fritz, K-State’s all-time winningest volleyball coach, will not return in 2023 following 22 years leading the Wildcats. Fritz, who took over the program in 2001, has helped the Wildcats reach the NCAA Tournament 17 times, including 13 as the head coach. “Coach Fritz has poured all of her energy into this program for the last 20-plus years, and we will forever be grateful for her leadership and advancement of K-State Volleyball,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. &nbsp; <a>Fritz&nbsp;boasts a career mark of 393-263&nbsp;(.599) in her 22 seasons and has led the Wildcats to a national ranking in 12&nbsp;different campaigns. She owns a 201-191&nbsp;(.513)&nbsp;record in Big 12 action and helped lead the Wildcats to their first and only Big 12 title in 2003. </a> A national search for her replacement will begin immediately. “With our rich tradition of winning, along with the competitiveness of the Big 12 Conference and the new Morgan Family Arena – which we believe will be one of the nicest volleyball venues in the country when it opens next season – we are confident that great success lies ahead for our volleyball program,” Taylor added.

– k-statesports.com –

Executive Associate Athletics Director for Communications/PR

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;Suzie Fritz, K-State’s all-time winningest volleyball coach, will not return in 2023 following 22 years leading the Wildcats. Fritz, who took over the program in 2001, has helped the Wildcats reach the NCAA Tournament 17 times, including 13 as the head coach. “Coach Fritz has poured all of her energy into this program for the last 20-plus years, and we will forever be grateful for her leadership and advancement of K-State Volleyball,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. &nbsp; <a>Fritz&nbsp;boasts a career mark of 393-263&nbsp;(.599) in her 22 seasons and has led the Wildcats to a national ranking in 12&nbsp;different campaigns. She owns a 201-191&nbsp;(.513)&nbsp;record in Big 12 action and helped lead the Wildcats to their first and only Big 12 title in 2003. </a> A national search for her replacement will begin immediately. “With our rich tradition of winning, along with the competitiveness of the Big 12 Conference and the new Morgan Family Arena – which we believe will be one of the nicest volleyball venues in the country when it opens next season – we are confident that great success lies ahead for our volleyball program,” Taylor added.– k-statesports.com –KENNY LANNOUExecutive Associate Athletics Director for Communications/PRK-State Athletics

K-State volleyball coach Fritz will not return in 2023

The Wamego Red Raiders fought valiantly in their first-ever 4A state championship game but ultimately fell short to Bishop Miege on Saturday by a final score of 35-14.

Both sides came to play defensively in a scoreless first quarter, and at the half, the Raiders trailed one of the classes’ greatest dynasties by just a touchdown.

Out of the intermission, Wamego drove the length of the field but came up empty, and on the ensuing play, the Stags connected on a 93-yard touchdown pass to go up 28-14.

The Raider defense would only allow one more score through the end of the contest but the damage had already been done as Miege won their 11th state title 35-14.

“I was proud of our guys,” Wamego head coach Weston Moody said. “Everybody counted them out but they played hard until the final whistle and left it all on the field. We knew we were going to have to score some points and we squandered some opportunities to do that but we held them well until the half.”

While this finish is certainly bittersweet for the Boom Town faithful, what this year’s Raiders accomplished was nothing short of astounding, as Wamego posted their first-ever 12-win season and punched a ticket to their first state championship game in program history.

“There are so many things we can be proud of these guys for,” Moody said. “They battled through injuries at so many positions, they were counted out, our defense had a record-breaking season and put up numbers we may never see again and all of this was a testament to the work that these guys put in. We handled every test that was put in front of us and earned the right to face the ultimate test yesterday.”

Beyond a historic 2022 campaign, this year's Raiders have also changed the culture of high school football in Wamego, and the impact that this team has had both on their program, and on their community will continue to be felt for years to come.

“These guys have changed generations of football players here in this town,” he said. “The kids put in so much work and they showed everyone the kind of grind it takes to do this. Our town has come together around this team and they showed out big time yesterday.”

Much of that work was done on the backs of 15 seniors who changed not only the narrative surrounding Wamego football but the way things are done from the weight room to the locker room.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributorThe Wamego Red Raiders fought valiantly in their first-ever 4A state championship game but ultimately fell short to Bishop Miege on Saturday by a final score of 35-14.Both sides came to play defensively in a scoreless first quarter, and at the half, the Raiders trailed one of the classes’ greatest dynasties by just a touchdown.Out of the intermission, Wamego drove the length of the field but came up empty, and on the ensuing play, the Stags connected on a 93-yard touchdown pass to go up 28-14.The Raider defense would only allow one more score through the end of the contest but the damage had already been done as Miege won their 11th state title 35-14.“I was proud of our guys,” Wamego head coach Weston Moody said. “Everybody counted them out but they played hard until the final whistle and left it all on the field. We knew we were going to have to score some points and we squandered some opportunities to do that but we held them well until the half.”While this finish is certainly bittersweet for the Boom Town faithful, what this year’s Raiders accomplished was nothing short of astounding, as Wamego posted their first-ever 12-win season and punched a ticket to their first state championship game in program history.“There are so many things we can be proud of these guys for,” Moody said. “They battled through injuries at so many positions, they were counted out, our defense had a record-breaking season and put up numbers we may never see again and all of this was a testament to the work that these guys put in. We handled every test that was put in front of us and earned the right to face the ultimate test yesterday.”Beyond a historic 2022 campaign, this year's Raiders have also changed the culture of high school football in Wamego, and the impact that this team has had both on their program, and on their community will continue to be felt for years to come.“These guys have changed generations of football players here in this town,” he said. “The kids put in so much work and they showed everyone the kind of grind it takes to do this. Our town has come together around this team and they showed out big time yesterday.”Much of that work was done on the backs of 15 seniors who changed not only the narrative surrounding Wamego football but the way things are done from the weight room to the locker room.“We have a lot of special players in this senior group,” he said. “All of these kids bought in and they didn’t get press every week but every one of our seniors put the work in and played their role on this team. They built the culture and raised the standard of how we play football here at Wamego. Now we get to begin a new journey.”This offseason, the Raiders will say goodbye to Hayden Oviatt, Colin Donahue, Chase Cottam, Hagan Johnson, Tayke Weber, Dawson Tajchman, Andrew Hildebrand, Gage Woodward, Noah Ficke, Austin Meyer, Blake Hamic, Lane Jeanneret, Grant Larson, Ariston Gamino, and Eli Bergmeier, but despite these heavy losses will return a great deal of talent for the upcoming season, eager to reload and run it back in 2023.“I feel pretty good about the group we’re bringing back,” Moody said. “We have a big group of juniors and some great talent in our backfield returning. Those guys are going to be hungry and they know that they have big shoes to fill but they’re willing to do it and that work will begin on Monday.”The Little Apple Post would like to thank everyone who followed along throughout our coverage of Wamego’s historic 2022 campaign and playoff run.For continuing coverage of Wamego athletics, including coverage of Red Raider and Lady Raider basketball, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

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