Hoop Dreams

I know you will probably laugh at me out here, but we have some great ballers out here, too.

For one, Spencer Hammert from Trego Community. Dude is averaging 29 points a game. He's good for at least 5 three-pointers a game, and wicked crossover on the way to an easy layup because everyone on the opposing team is watching him.

My personal opinion is he is good enough to play at the next level - more than good enough, but someone out there is going to knock him down because he is under 6 feet tall. Shame. But Hammert is the main reason that Trego is the 2nd-ranked team in 2A.

Another one is Hays' Zach Danner. He is seriously quick. Crossovers are second nature to him. He's good for at least a few steals a game. And he can shoot from the outside, too. Arguably the best point guard in the WAC. Teams have to plan around him. He's got skills. And the same affliction that affects Hammert affects Danner - height. Shame. But Danner is one of the main reasons Hays is now ranked in 5A.

Oh, and the best stat for Danner is best game-winning shot against Salina Central to knock off the then 2nd-ranked Mustangs.

Keep an eye on them in the future, or better yet, I'll let you know what happens.

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I was at the Panther Classic Wrestling Tournament last weekend in Phillipsburg, where I met Jason Hughes of Ellsworth High School. Jason is the 152 lbs varsity wrestler for the Bearcats. He's a pretty normal high school kid, except when you find out that he's blind.

Jason is a blind wrestler. He has a seeing eye dog named Indy and he goes where Jason goes, and he has a teammate lead him onto the mat, and then the referee takes over, puts him in place on the mat. He and the other wrestler touch hands at the beginning of the match, the ref blows the whistle and they go at it. It didn't look any different from other wrestling matches. Jason is very quick with his hands.

The other wrestler wound up winning, Jason said he was nervous because everyone was watching him, but he is remarkable.

Think how important your sight is to you, and then imagine having that taken away, and then decide to compete in a sporting event. Think of all the coaches that stressed playing with your eyes open, or keep your eye on the ball, and then not having that ability. Pretty Unbelievable.

Watch for his story soon.