December 3, 2022

By Fred Liggett
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The Annual Simone Awards were handed out this week honoring the best players throughout the Kansas City Metro area in high school football this past season. A number of Lee’s Summit area players were named finalists for these awards on November 28th. SR Wide Receiver Josh Manning from Lee’s Summit HS was a finalist for the Otis Taylor award going to the best wide receiver or tight end in the area. One of the four finalists for the Buck Buchanen Award going to the best lineman was senior Cayden Green from Lee’s Summit North. Green is also a finalist for the Simone Award for best player and the winner will be announced on Sunday, Dec. 4.

The Big 12 Conference announced on November 30th the all-conference teams in football this past season. Being named First Team All-Big 12 is junior DL Felix Anudike-Uzomah from Lee’s Summit HS. Making the All-Big 12 second team at Kick Returner was K-State Phillip Brooks from Lee’s Summit West. In addition to making the first team Anudike-Uzomah was named the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the year.

St. Michael’s has announced a familiar face and name at the school will be the new girl’s soccer head coach. Rob Putthoff who has been the boys soccer head coach since the school’s opening will add this new role to his duties at the school.

Kansas City Current defender and Lee’s Summit North graduate Addysn Merrick was one of three Current players who helped flip the switch at the Kansas City Mayor’s tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 25. Merrick isn’t done ringing in the holiday season as she will be the special guest at the city of Raymore Mayor’s tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 2.

The DiRenna Awards recognizing the top female and male high school basketball player in the Kansas City Metro area announced their players watch list for the 2022-23 season. Making the list of female players were both Elauni and Emani Bennett from Lee’s Summit North. A winner will be announced at the conclusion of the season next spring.