Basketball season wrapped up with a flurry of accolades for student-athletes and coaches from Preston and Morris, as both programs earned prestigious Heartland Conference honors. With standout individual performances and team success, the two schools showcased the depth and talent of their basketball rosters.

--- Preston Pirates: Back-to-Back Champions and All-Conference Selections The Preston Pirates boys’ basketball team clinched the Heartland Conference title for the third consecutive year, earning back-to-back-to-back championship status. Under the leadership of Coach Chase Littlejohn, who was named Coach of the Year, the Pirates dominated the court throughout the season.

A total of five Preston athletes were recognized with All-Conference honors:

• Phoenix Finch

• Tanner Young

• Ethan Moore

• Jayden Smith

• Kent Rice (Honorable Mention) On the girls’ side, Alayna Fixico represented the Preston Lady Pirates with distinction. Fixico was named All-Conference and contributed to Preston’s run as Heartland Conference Champions.

--- Morris Eagles: Rising Talent Recognized The Morris Eagles boys’ team also made waves in the conference with three athletes earning honors:

• Xavier Harjo - All-Conference

• Robert Woods - All-Conference

• Steven Bender - Honorable Mention The Morris Lady Eagles, coached by Kelly Kindell (named Co-Coach of the Year), had a strong showing as well with multiple athletes recognized:

• Lilli Giddens - All-Conference

• Fire Clark - All-Conference

• Alexis Schell - All-Conference

• Asiah Barnett - All-Conference

• Abby Long - Honorable Mention

• Taylor Phillips - Honorable Mention - These honors are a testament to the hard work, leadership, and dedication of the athletes and coaching staffs at both schools. As the season comes to a close, both Preston and Morris can reflect with pride on a year marked by excellence and achievement on the hardwood.