Winter sports are right around the corner and the Cats are ready to swing into full gear. We got Boys/Girls Wrestling, Basketball, Girls Swim and Dive, and Mens Hockey. We wanted to give a special spotlight to five athletes that we think will have a major impact this Winter season.
Addie Kane, Senior, Girls Basketball: Addie is coming off an amazing season, winning 1st-team All-District and 1st-team All-Metro League. She scored an impressive 456 points last season averaging 18.2 ppg (Points Per Game). Addie has been playing varsity basketball since freshman year, and she is ready to make an impact her senior season. Kane has committed to Benedictine College in Kansas, where she’ll take her talents to the level next year. Her leadership on the court is undeniable, but Addie does a great job of getting everyone involved.
Johnny Roberston, Senior, Boys Basketball: Johnny is another hooper every team needs to watch out for. “JD” received many accolades for his 2023 season, winning 1st-team All-District and 1st-team All-Metro League. Jd scored a team high of 369 points, shooting 44% from the field and an impressive 38% from three. He’s always been a standout player,playing on varsity since his freshman year, and receiving college attention this summer. JD is quite the shooter, starting off last season with a buzzer beater 3. Johnny is looking to lead this team to victory this year, alongside coach, Dale Ribble.
Luke Hornburg(Cheesehead), Senior, Boys Wrestling: Luke has the potential for an amazing season this winter. Last year, Luke qualified for the State Championship, winning the District Championship. Luke leads the team, the most dominant athlete out of the bunch. He spends lots of time in the weight room getting absolutely jacked. Hornburbg faces a tough schedule this season but it should be a great warmup for the state tournament. After dominating the commission last year, he is ready to take it all the way and will not fall short again.
Taylor Synowie, Junior, Swim and Dive: Synowie had always been a natural in the water, beeing Metro League Diver of the Year, and a State Medalist 1M Dive. She is a diver who could make the most complex flips and twists look effortless. As an incoming junior, she is looking for a breakout season after her dominant sophomore season. Her team needs more than just points from her—they need a leader. With several younger divers looking up to her, she has to step up. The girls will undergo their first tri-meet with Villa and St. Dominic. Taylor is due for a big year in the pool.
Jacob Declue, Junior, Hockey: Declue had always been known as the bruiser. At Westminster Christian Academy, he was the guy who crushed the opposition in the corners, who set the tone with every hit. But as he enters his junior year, Jacob knows it is time to be more than just muscle. The team lost a massive player and top goal scorer in Joey Morici, and somebody needs to fill this void if they want to repeat their success. This is where Declue has to show up, determined to prove he can be a difference-maker in every part of the game he is ready to be the guy. His aggressive playstyle earns him a decent amount of time in the box, but also allows him to make the big plays in crunch time. Jacob is definitely a key player to watch on the ice this year as he is poised for a big breakout year. Coming out hot, Jacob underwent some conflict with the Webster hockey team. Jacob is a competitor, and nobody will get in his way.
All of these athletes are a must watch this season. Go Cats!
