Experience is key for the Emporia High boys basketball team heading into the 2023-24 season.
The Spartans graduated five seniors from last year’s team that went 15-6 which included leading scorer and reigning Centennial League Newcomer of the Year Jalyn King. Also gone are Drew Hess, Fred Jackson, Aidan Skiles and Parker Leeds.
Emporia High does return three starters with seniors Cooper Rech, Sheldon Stewart, and junior River Peters. Also returning are seniors Calvin Seeley, Blake Spellman and juniors Nolan Jacob and Jash Rios.
Coach Lee Baldwin says experience back is key for the Spartans.
Baldwin says he hopes the Spartans can be a competitive group.
Stewart says the Spartans there’s a few changes in how they play this year.
Emporia High will play five of its first six games at home which includes the season opener on December 1 against Ottawa, who’s preseason ranked No. 9 in Class 4A. The Spartans will also have three games in the Paul Terry Classic at White Auditorium. The Centennial League opener is on Jan. 2 at Hayden.
