By Matt Browning

Avery Caselman of Southeast of Saline was chosen as the Kanipher Agency Athlete of the Month for November. Caselman was an honorable mention all-league selection last season for the Trojans.

To prepare herself for the upcoming season, Caselman has been training with a variety of people who have been challenging her game.

“One of my teammates and I have been training two to three times a week,” Caselman said. “We train with some of the boys team. We work with Francis Flax who coached for many, many years and is an amazing coach who has accomplished so much.”

The hard work and dedication Caselman has been putting in during the offseason are aspects that will pay off once the season starts.

“I played both travel ball and summer league all summer and I want to show that I have been putting in the work,” Caselman said. “I hope to show I have improved on my midrange and finishing at the basket.”

Last season, the Trojans were extremely successful, winning their league and going to the 3A Tournament. But Caselman said there is some unfinished business.

“As a team I hope to make it to state again,” Caselman said. “Last year we fell to Goodland first round at state by one point. I hope to make it further in the state tournament this year, to win league for the third year in a row, and to beat the teams that beat us last year.”

Caselman and four of her teammates have been playing together since middle school, so they are looking forward to their swan song as seniors.

“We all put in the work this summer,” Caselman said. “We gel well and I can’t wait to have a great season with all of my teammates.”

As of now, Caselman is not sure if she wants to continue her basketball career in college. If the opportunity presents itself, then she would be interested, but right now she is planning on going to Fort Hays State and majoring Communication Science and Disorders.