Print edition: 
BOYS
Coach Joe Auer
234-126 in 15 seasons
PROBABLE STARTERS
C, Perry Ellis, 6-8, Sr.
G, Terrence Moore, 6-0, Sr.
F, Gavin Thurman, 6-7, Sr.
BREAKDOWN
Heights is going for its fourth straight Class 6A title, something that hasn't been accomplished in a large classification since South followed a 5A championship with three in 6A from 1978-81.
The Falcons feature a roster unlike any that have helped them win three in a row. Only three players with experience are on the roster and one of them, Southeast transfer Gavin Thurman, has never suited up for the Falcons.
That means the roles of Ellis and Moore will likely expand, and they were already plenty important to the Falcons. Ellis and Thurman are forwards who possess strengths close to and away from the basket. Their ability to score on the perimeter will make Heights difficult to defend. Moore provides stability in the backcourt, and he is prone to breakout scoring efforts.
GIRLS
Coach Kip Pulliam
151-14 in seven seasons
PROBABLE STARTERS
G, Taylor Chandler, 5-5, Sr.
G, Katie Palmer, 5-9, Jr.
TOP RESERVES
G, Ashley Ivy, 5-10, Sr.
F, Taylor Cyphers, 6-1, Sr.
F, Makayla Harding, 5-10, Jr.
G, Essence Brown, 5-7, Jr.
F, Ashlynd Horton, 5-8, Jr.
F, Joyea Marshall, 5-10, Sr.
BREAKDOWN
Heights lost key players Jhasmin Bowen, Tahlia Pope and Allegria Chisom from last season's undefeated state champion, but the Falcons aren't hitting the reset button. They still appear to possess enough depth and skill to play their uptemo, defensive-oriented style that has overwhelmed opponents for more than a decade.
Heights has seemingly always had a dominant post player, but that stretch may have ended with the departure of Bowen. The Falcons have plenty of height, but Ivy, Cyphers and Harding don't possess the back-to-the-basket ability that Bowen did. Without the dominant rebounding Bowen offered, the importance of Heights' perimeter game and transition success is elevated.
Chandler and Palmer give Heights an experienced backcourt, and Ivy is a standout defender. Palmer gave Heights spurts of offense as a freshman before increased playing time brought her consistency. Cyphers, Ivy and Marshall, a transfer from Southeast, have signed with Texas Pan-American.
—Jeffrey Lutz
THE SCHEDULE
December
2—at North; 6—at Kapaun; 9—West; 16—Lenexa St. James at Hy-Vee Shootouts (G); 17—Lenexa St. James at Hy-Vee Shootout (B).
January
3—Bishop Carroll; 7—vs. Northwest at Koch Arena; 10—at South; 13—East; 17—Kapaun (G); 19-21—Dodge City tournament (B); 24—Kapaun (B); 26-28—Topeka tournament (G); 31—Southeast
February
7—at West; 10—at Northwest; 14—at Bishop Carroll; 17—South; 18—Southeast; 21—at East; 23—North
