TEAM: Hayden Wildcats/Lady Wildcats

CLASSIFICATION: 4A

LEAGUE: Centennial

COLORS: Blue, White & Gold

SOCIAL MEDIA: @HaydenGirlsBbal (Girls) and @wildcats_hayden (Boys) on Twitter

2024-25 SCHEDULE:

12/6 at Shawnee Mission West (BOYS)
12/10-14 Paul Terry Classic, Emporia
12/20 vs Wichita Independent
12/21 at Shawnee Mission Northwest (GIRLS)
1/7 at Emporia
1/10 vs Washburn Rural
1/14 at Topeka High
1/17 vs Manhattan
1/21-25 at Baldwin Invitational (BOYS)
1/24 at Shawnee Heights (GIRLS)
1/30-2/1 at El Dorado Tournament (GIRLS)
1/31 vs Shawnee Heights (BOYS)
2/7 at Junction City
2/11 vs Topeka High
2/14 vs Emporia
2/18 at Manhattan
2/21 at Washburn Rural
2/25 vs Junction City
2/27 vs Eudora (BOYS)
2/28 vs Eudora (GIRLS)

Centennial League game

GIRLS

HEAD COACH: Carvel Reynoldson (6th year, 69-45)

2023-24 RECORD: 21-5, 7-3 Centennial League (3A State 3rd place)

2023-24 IN REVIEW: The Lady Wildcats’ ascendency continued in 2023-24, as they put together an impressive regular season in the rugged Centennial League. With the towering frontcourt trio of Lauren Sandstrom, Brylee Meier and Millie Ramsey leading the way, Hayden roared through their sub-state, and after a first-round win over Heartland Christian, the table was set for a dream matchup between the Lady Wildcats and unbeaten Silver Lake. In the end, Hayden, like the rest of the 3A field, fell victim to the Eagles, and the Lady Wildcats settled for third place after a win over Goodland in the consolation game.

2024-25 OUTLOOK: Sandstrom (first team All-League) graduates, but the four other starters return along with four other lettermen, making this one of the most experienced rosters in Reynoldson’s tenure. Meier and Ramsey, both of whom were second team All-League picks last year, pack the scoring punch, as both averaged over 12 points and seven rebounds per game last year. Either of them are capable of posting a double-double and scoring from all over the floor every night and have All-State upside. Norma Greco and Kaliya Fulton, skilled ball-handlers and capable shooters, return in the backcourt. Bella Reid, Reese Huscher, Ella Foster, and Emberley Connell add experienced depth. The Centennial League schedule will always test the Lady Wildcats, and so will their move back up to class 4A, but the talent is in place for this team to make a third consecutive state tournament appearance.

FROM THE COACH’S CLIPBOARD: “We have a lot of players back off of a successful season last year. We should have size and the ability to shoot it from deep. Two year starters at the guard position will give us a lot of experience in the back court. We will be experienced but will also add talented newcomers.” – Carvel Reynoldson

BOYS

HEAD COACH: Dwayne Anthony (1st year)

2023-24 RECORD: 8-16, 1-9 Centennial (3A State qualifier)

2023-24 IN REVIEW: Even as they struggled through their Centennial League schedule, the Hayden Wildcats always had the feeling of a team that would peak at the right time. That’s exactly what happened. The Wildcats got healthy late in the year, and put together three complete games in their sub-state to reach the 3A state tournament, where they lost in the first round to Beloit. First year head coach Trey Brown inspired the late season surge, and senior guard Dom Ridley (second team All-League) was the on-court spark.

2024-25 OUTLOOK: After Brown accepted an assistant coaching job at his alma mater, MidAmerica Nazarene, the Wildcats will go into 2024-25 with their fourth different head coach in the last five years. Dwayne Anthony, who spent the last six seasons as an assistant at Topeka West, takes the reins in his first opportunity as a head coach. He inherits a roster with some talented athletes returning from last year. Sophomore Mason Becker showed great potential as a freshman, playing fearlessly and shooting accurately. Junior Connor Hanika will offer length and athleticism at any spot on the floor. As usual, Hayden will be tested by their 5A and 6A foes in the Centennial League, and the hope will be is that, like last year, it will pay off once they reach the postseason. The road will look different thanks to Hayden’s move back to Class 4A, but the goal is always to play deep into March, and Anthony has the basketball chops to inspire his Wildcats to do just that.

FROM THE COACH’S CLIPBOARD: “This is a solid group that will work hard and compete.” – Dwayne Anthony

–Dan Lucero

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