Peabody boys few, but girls have enough for a team
Staff writer
Peabody-Burns basketball got off to a later start for practices compared to other schools this season because the head coach, Bobby Kyle, also is an assistant football coach for Peabody-Burns. The Warriors football team made a relatively deep playoff run this season that cut into practice time for basketball in November.
A few of the boys playing on the basketball team also play on the football team.
“We look to improve on last year,” Kyle said.
The Warriors bring back four starters, one senior and three juniors — Luke Partridge, Aiden Hurst, Jameson Miles, and Ashton Talkington.
Sophomore Cale Gossen makes his return as well, looking to compete for a starting position.
“We will be short on numbers at the varsity level,” Kyle said.
Another player to watch is junior Ryan Irwin.
The Warriors opened up their season Dec. 2 at home against Marais des Cygnes Valley, losing 53-28.
On Friday, the Warriors traveled to Central Christian Academy and lost 76-39.
The next game of the season, the last one before the new year’s break, will be Dec. 19 against Herington at home.
The Warriors will open up 2026 with a game against Central Burden Jan. 2.
Girls’ basketball
The girls’ basketball team was cut short in December of last year for not having enough players to continue a season.
This year, new head coach Linsey Foth is excited to have the numbers to compete again.
“Even better, my seniors and juniors bring varsity experience from the 2023-’24 seasons, which was the last full season for Peabody-Burns High School girls’ basketball,” Foth said.
Foth has moved up in the sports program at Peabody-Burns after previously coaching junior high girls for the past two years.
“Coming off a few challenging seasons we’re entering the 2025-’26 year with a fresh mindset and a focus on rebuilding the foundation of our program,” Foth said.
Only one lone senior will suit up this season, Abbigail Mendez-Campos.
She will be joined by returning juniors Adyson Winter, Sarah Winfrey, and Brooklynn Whiteside.
“Having players who’ve already competed at the varsity level will be a huge benefit as we rebuild the program and get back on track,” Foth said.
A strong group of underclassmen complete the team — sophomores Ashlee Salazar-Fritz and Kaylee Reynolds along with freshmen Aliena Dunnahoo and Journey Needham.
“We will learn to compete for every possession and to play with confidence, no matter the score,” Foth said.
The Warriors opened up their season on Dec. 2 at home against Marais des Cygnes Valley, losing 64-12.
On Friday they traveled to Central Christian Academy and lost 45-12.
“This group is hardworking, coachable, and eager to learn,” Foth said.
“Even with our inexperience at the high school level as a whole,” Foth said, “I’m confident we will grow quickly.
“Our focus is on building a strong foundation and representing Peabody-Burns with pride as we return to full competition.”
The next game of the season will be Dec. 19 at home against Herington.
Players were photographed during practices, but the school requested that the photographs not be published.