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 and 7-2 in the Centennial League, which included leading scorer and reigning Centennial League Newcomer of the Year Jalyn King. Also gone are Drew Hess, honorable mention all-league Fred Jackson, Aidan Skiles and second team all-league Parker Leeds.

The Spartans followed their strong league finish with a sub-state final appearance where they were knocked out by eventual champion Andover.

Emporia High does return three starters with seniors Cooper Rech 6 ppg. and 2 rpg., Sheldon Stewart 7 ppg. and 3 apg., and junior River Peters 10 ppg. and 2 rpg. Also returning are seniors Calvin Seeley and Blake Spellman. Juniors Nolan Jacob and Jash Rios. Coach Lee Baldwin says experience back is key for the Spartans.

The end of the first week of practices for the Emporia High basketball teams concluded with “Meet The Spartans” Friday night at Spartan Gymnasium. The event included a 3-point shooting contest, Money Basket, and stations where youth teams could interact with current members of each program. Emporia High boys basketball coach Lee Baldwin says in his 11 years as a head coach, 2nd at Emporia High, there’s never been an event like this he’s been a part of.