It’s an Extra Merry Christmas for these Small Schools

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's Christmas time! So much to be thankful for. So much to celebrate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some small schools that have a lot to celebrate at the break.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hesston (6-0</strong>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So how exactly are the Swathers doing this? How can you win three straight titles, graduating key seniors each time, and yet continue to rock? Apparently, there is a lot of quality in the pipeline. Two role players from last season – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2314796' first='Adrian' last='Hernandez']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2321590' first='Reed' last='Friesen']</strong> – have stepped up big time to lead the team to a 6-0 start. Hernandez is a slick guard pouring in 17 points game. Friesen is a big paint presence and rim protector who is contributing 14 points and 8 rebounds. A big test awaits the Swathers in the form of Cheney.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Beloit (6-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beloit features one of the best big men in the small classes. [player_tooltip player_id='1270292' first='Bryce' last='Beisner'] has been really good throughout his career, so it's no surprise he's leading the way with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks per game. He's athletic, intense and smart. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2393757' first='Eli' last='Johnson']</strong> is another big man making an impact. They benefit from quality guard play from seniors <strong>Noah Gerstner</strong> and <strong>Quinn Eilert</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oxford (6-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oxford graduated some nice 2023s. The Wildcats are now riding a bunch of young players to a great start. Junior guard <strong>Sam Wheeler</strong> leads the team with 16 points per game, dropping 38% from deep. Fellow junior <strong>Cordell Jordan</strong> is stuffing the stat sheet with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Oxford can see just where it stands on Jan. 2 when it faces defending 2A champ Moundridge out of the gate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wichita Classical (7-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Saints had to replace a super senior class that led the team to the brink of a championship last year. They also have to deal with a bump up to the 2A class. But they are showing they are up to the task. They have another strong senior class that deserves credit for the great start this season. The names of the four 2024s leading the way: <strong>Charlie Graham</strong>, <strong>Sam Wilkie</strong>, <strong>Daniel Young</strong> and <strong>Tait Sinclair</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bishop Seabury (4-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Seahawks went just 10-10 last year, but you could see the talent building for a much bigger season this year. They are led by a big four of players all currently averaging better than 15 points per game. Senior guard <strong>Aiden Page</strong> is leading the charge, stuffing the stat sheet with 19 points, 6 boards and 4 assists. The Seahawks have a rim protector in 6-foot-10 workhorse [player_tooltip player_id='1799266' first='Chase' last='Honarvar'] (pictured) and versatile playmaking from [player_tooltip player_id='1962895' first='Jace' last='Smith'] and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2328080' first='Jace' last='Hoffman']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Northern Valley (7-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Huskies were stung by a substate defeat that prevented them from going to state after spending the entire season among the top-ranked in the class. They are right back among the best in the state. They are stocked with a remarkable senior class – six of their top seven contributors are seniors. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1756349' first='Kenton' last='Thalheim'] is a veteran leader who puts up 13 points and 6 rebounds. <strong>Nolan Kinderknecht </strong>and <strong>Drew Schemper</strong> are producing 13 points apiece.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->