By Blake Chadwick
After a season full of struggles, making it to state was the least of the worries for the Wichita East Blue Aces. That was until they got everything clicking on all cylinders.
With overtime wins over Junction City and Wichita South, the Blue Aces found themselves as the eighth seed at State, where they lost to the eventual state champion, Shawnee Mission Northwest Cougars.
The Blue Aces graduated a good group of seniors, but bring back one of the best guards in the state in senior Ismael Berry.
“After making it to state last year, what we need to do to get back is play with confidence,” Berry said. “I think last year that’s why my team was the underdog in most games, so as long as we do that, build good chemistry, and trust one another, we should reach our goals.”
Berry is a very smooth offensive player and high-pressure defender who was a Class 6A all-state honorable mention player a season ago.
“What makes me stand out as a player is my hunger to compete, my ability to break down defenders, and also being able to shoot the long-range three ball,” Berry said. “I’m very different and outgoing. I’m not a basic type of player. I use a lot of counters and moves that you wouldn’t see most trying in a game.”
The senior has plans of making it back to state, but also has plans to grow his leadership.
“As a leader this year, I’m going to uplift everyone around me, making sure it’s a brotherhood and directing our team in the right direction,” Berry said. “Also be that vocal voice or coach on the floor and hold my teammates accountable and as well as myself.”
