The recent basketball season across the SEISC‑North conference offered a mix of rebuilding efforts and breakout performances, with four local squads — WACO, Lone Tree, Columbus and Winfield‑Mt. Union — each carving out distinct narratives.
WACO Warriors’ balanced ledger
WACO finished the year at 11‑11 overall, a record that reflects an 11‑5 mark inside the conference and a winless six‑game stretch outside it. Junior forward Holden Hughes emerged as the team’s cornerstone, earning a unanimous first‑team all‑conference nod after averaging 15.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.
His teammate, junior guard Hayden Shelman, added a steady secondary contribution, finishing second on the team in scoring at 10.4 points per game while also dishing out three assists and pulling down 3.1 rebounds per contest, a performance that secured him a second‑team all‑conference selection.
Lone Tree’s late‑season surge
Lone Tree’s campaign appeared to be heading toward a losing season before a pair of late victories flipped the script. The Lions closed with a playoff win, and senior forward Reece Holbrook was recognized as a second‑team all‑conference choice after posting 12 points and a team‑high 8.1 rebounds per game.
Columbus’ scoring standout
Columbus posted a 7‑9 conference record and a 9‑13 overall slate, placing them midway in the standings. Despite the modest win total, junior guard Ellis Hills‑Carrier distinguished himself with a 19.8‑point average and 5.7 rebounds per game, earning a unanimous first‑team all‑conference honor.
Winfield‑Mt. Union’s resurgence
Winfield‑Mt. Union climbed to third in the North with a 13‑3 conference record and a 13‑8 overall finish, a turnaround that yielded five all‑conference selections. Junior forward Cody Milks led the way, averaging 11.5 points and 8 rebounds per game, while fellow junior Isaac Egli contributed a complementary 10.4 points and 3.1 assists per game, rounding out a balanced attack.
The collective effort across the four programs underscored the depth of talent in the region, with multiple players earning conference accolades and several teams finishing above expectations. The season’s arc suggests a competitive landscape that will likely carry into the next cycle, setting the stage for renewed rivalries and emerging stars.