Emporia High girls basketball set to start new era with new head coach Taylor Scott

A new era is set to begin for the Emporia High girls basketball team.

Head coach Taylor Scott takes over the program after being an assistant coach on staff for the past four seasons. The 2023-24 season for the Lady Spartans was a memorable one claiming the program’s first Centennial League Championship since 1997, making a third consecutive trip to the Class 5A State Tournament, and winning the program’s first game at state since 2009 en route to a fourth-place finish. The Lady Spartans finished last season 22-3 and graduated 12 seniors.

Emporia High has two seniors on this season’s roster, Adeiah Heffner and Ryane Howe. Heffner has had limited minutes in the past two seasons, while Howe has not played since her freshman year. The remainder of the squad is mainly freshmen and sophomores with one junior. Scott said there are several underclassmen that have stood out early in practice.

Scott added junior Kinsley Hines and freshman Sydney B’Hymer have also stood out in practice early.

Heffner said she’s excited for the season.

Howe said she’s excited to be playing this season after being with the team last season as a manager.

Emporia High will open the season at Liberal on Dec. 6 followed by the Paul Terry Classic with games against Spring Hill (Dec. 10), Wichita Trinity (Dec. 13), and Hayden (Dec. 14). The Pre-Christmas Schedule wraps up with a road trip to Great Bend on Dec. 17. The Centennial League opener is Jan. 7 at home against Hayden. Emporia High also had non-conference games vs. Hays on Jan. 10, at Wichita Independent on Jan. 21 and the Glacier’s Edge Tournament (Jan. 30-Feb. 1).

Emporia High girls basketball schedule

All Games on 14 KVOE-AM/96.9 FM except where noted. Schedule is subject to change. Home games listed in CAPS.

Dec. 6 at Liberal-6 p.m.

Dec. 10 SPRING HILL-6 p.m.

Dec. 13 WICHITA TRINITY-6 p.m.

Dec. 14 vs. HAYDEN-1 p.m., Mix 104.9

Dec. 17 at Great Bend-6 p.m.

Jan. 7 HAYDEN-6 p.m.

Jan. 10 HAYS-6 p.m.

Jan. 17 at Washburn Rural-6 p.m.

Jan. 21 at Wichita Independent- 6 p.m.

Jan. 30-Feb. 1 GLACIER’S EDGE TOURNAMENT