Friday Night’s Most Impactful Games and Difference-Makers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Take a look at some of the players who made the biggest impact across Kansas on Friday night. In three of the season's most notable matchups so far, these standouts rose to the moment, leading their teams through a highly competitive night of basketball. Below, we break down what each player brought to the floor and how their performances helped shape the games — regardless of the final outcome.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Collegiate 80, Andale 63</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2205716' first='Kamari' last='Jennings'] | 5'8" Guard | Junior | Collegiate</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Jennings had a breakout night against a solid opponent, leading Collegiate to a dominant win over Andale. Kamari finished with 30 points and was lights out from beyond the arc, connecting on three after three and consistently stretching the floor. Always ready to shoot, Jennings excelled in catch-and-shoot situations, frequently finding open looks off drive-and-kick actions and showing a quick, confident release. He was also quick and decisive with the ball in his hands, breaking down defenders and forcing the defense to collapse often. His impact extended well beyond scoring, as he also played strong defense, displaying quickness and versatility. He effectively pressured the ball and sped up Andale's guards, creating turnovers and fueling Collegiate's transition opportunities.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2209780' first='Sebastian' last='Hines-Turner'] | 6'4" Wing | Senior | Collegiate</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hines-Turner's size and athleticism were immediately apparent on Friday night, creating difficult matchups for Andale on both ends of the floor. His strength and length on the defensive end made him tough to play against, forcing opponents into uncomfortable spots and disrupting their timing. He also impacted the game around the basket, altering and blocking shots while securing key rebounds when needed. Offensively, Sebastian handled the ball and initiated dribble-drive actions, attacking downhill, reading the defense, and making the right reads, which would lead teammates to open scoring areas. He was also a smooth finisher at the rim, consistently adding to the scoring column and finishing the night with 20 points.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1541007' first='Amare' last='(AJ) Batiste'] | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Collegiate</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Batiste was clearly the best athlete on the floor against Andale, and when locked in, he proved to be extremely difficult to contain off the bounce. Combining strength with quickness, he exploded off the perimeter with an elusive first step and consistently finished around the basket through contact. AJ also knocked down shots from deep, adding to Collegiate's arsenal of perimeter shooters — a group that makes them tough to defend by keeping the floor spaced and driving lanes open.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Caden Fowler | 6'2" Forward | Senior | Andale</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Although Andale fell by 17 points to Collegiate on Friday night, the game featured several bright spots, as the Indians competed closer with the Spartans than any opponent has this season. Much of that success was due to Fowler, whose ability to match Collegiate's size and athleticism stood out throughout the night. Finishing with 15 points and six rebounds, Caden played with strength and poise in the paint, creating space, finishing through contact, and capitalizing on scoring opportunities around the rim. Defensively, he was just as impactful, generating steals and deflections while holding his ground against constant pressure. Fowler consistently walled up on drives and battled in the interior, making life difficult for Collegiate's inside attack and helping keep Andale competitive for long stretches.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Jack Horsch | 6'0" Guard | Senior | Andale</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Horsch was another key contributor who battled throughout the matchup with Collegiate, holding his own against a relentless group of guards and perimeter players eager to push the pace. He finished with 12 points and showed versatility as a scorer, knocking down shots from the outside while also attacking closeouts and finishing at the rim. Beyond the scoring, Horsch displayed a strong feel for the game, consistently reading defenders and taking advantage of openings. His motor stood out on both ends of the floor, as he tracked down rebounds, dove for loose balls, and defended with energy and quickness against what felt like a never-ending wave of Collegiate guards.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sterling 70, Moundridge 50</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2403145' first='Boston' last='Ekart'] | 6'6" Wing | Senior | Sterling</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In a game that was much closer than the final score indicated, Ekart was the difference. His length and athletic ability were too much for Moundridge to handle, as he got to the basket at will using spins, pivots, and an aggressive, slicing mentality to get through the defense. He was also able to rise up and finish over the top, frequently hanging in the air and using either hand. Boston grabbed a number of offensive rebounds and 50/50 balls that led to extra possessions and more easy scoring chances around the rim, which demoralized the Moundridge squad at crucial times in the game. Finishing with 29 points on the night, he also showed an impressive mid-range game against pressure and aggressive defenders. Leading the way for a very talented Sterling team, it's tough to imagine them dropping a game at all this season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Wyatt Newberry | 5'11" Guard | Senior | Sterling</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Newberry did a little bit of everything for Sterling in their win over Moundridge on Friday night. Wyatt was smart and decisive when attacking the rim, consistently finding gaps and working past defenders before finishing with great touch and feel using either hand. He was equally effective as a passer and distributor, getting teammates involved, recognizing when the defense collapsed, and making the right reads to find the easy play. On the defensive end, Newberry provided a strong presence and showed a willingness to do whatever it took to get stops and close out possessions. He was just one of several players who delivered big moments for a deep and talented Sterling squad.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Heath Churchill | 6'3" Wing | Senior | Moundridge</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Although Moundridge suffered its first loss of the season against Sterling, Churchill was one of the best players on the floor, finishing with 21 points and making several key plays throughout the second half. He found his rhythm offensively by attacking the basket, consistently creating opportunities to score around the rim. Churchill showcased his explosiveness by playing above the rim and finishing with power, which also helped him earn trips to the free-throw line. He took on a significant share of the rebounding responsibility as well, battling inside against Ekart and a deep, physical Sterling frontcourt. Expect Moundridge to rebound quickly and be right back in the mix with a chance to meet up with Sterling again very soon.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Easton Shahan | 6'4" Guard | Senior | Moundridge</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Shahan was another key contributor for Moundridge, creating problems for Sterling's guards, especially early in the contest. He came out firing, knocking down multiple three-pointers in the opening quarter to give his team an early lift. As the game progressed, his dynamic scoring ability remained on full display — whether it was confidently connecting from deep range or using his size and skill to attack the paint. He frequently finished over the top and also looked poised as a facilitator and floor general, sharing the ball effectively and forcing defensive rotations. Paired with Churchill, Easton gives the Wildcats a different dimension and a proven one-two punch.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hays 55, Emporia 54</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2211342' first='Dawson' last='Ruder'] | 6'6" Forward | Senior | Hays</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ruder delivered one of his biggest performances ever as an Indian, finishing with 27 points and 11 rebounds in a back-and-forth battle against the previously unbeaten Spartans of Emporia. As expected, he dominated with his size and physicality, securing rebounds and converting around the basket with impressive touch and timing. His presence inside also created challenges for Emporia, giving him a significant two-way impact throughout the game. The senior big man wasn't done when the clock wound down — Ruder sealed the contest with a crucial offensive rebound and putback in the final moments, giving Andale the decisive edge in a hard-fought matchup.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Izaac Fox | 6'4" Wing | Senior | Hays</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Fox also stepped up when it mattered most for Hays, finishing with a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds while complementing Ruder's dominant performance. Izaac's size and athleticism allowed him to make an impact both with and without the basketball, contributing inside and on the perimeter. He looked comfortable in the open floor and showed poise when tasked with creating opportunities, finishing strongly around the rim, and controlling the boards.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Rylan Crowell | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Emporia</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Crowell has been a catalyst for Emporia all season, and Friday night against Hays was no exception. Although the Spartans fell behind by double digits in the second half, they mounted a strong comeback, fueled by Crowell's impact on both ends of the floor. His size and strength from the guard spot gave Hays trouble at times, allowing him to showcase an aggressive and imposing scoring game. Crowell finished with 23 points, and while Emporia ultimately fell short, there's plenty to build on for him and his teammates as they look to convert more open looks in tight situations.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->