KSHSAA Team Preview: Free State
March 9, 2023
The Kansas high school season is nearing quickly, and we're here to cover it. Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we’ll be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2023 spring season, touching on programs spanning all state classifications, leading into a countdown through the official PBR Kansas Preseason Power 20 Rankings.
We’ve submitted a Preseason Questionnaire to high school head coaches across the entire state. Their responses have been flooding in and we’re using the detailed insight they’ve provided in our team-by-team preseason analysis.
Team: Lawrence Free State Firebirds
League: Sunflower
2022 Record: 15-8 Lost in the State Tournament
Classification: 6A
Head Coach: Mike Hill
Years at the Helm: 26
OUTLOOK
The Firebirds seem to find a way to win year in and year out no matter what the roster looks like, so we expect the same this year. The Firebirds should be strong on defense with multiple athletes that can play multiple position at a high level. Only returning three starters from last year's state tournament team, Free State will need some new faces to step into big roles.
IMPACT PLAYERS
Brady Kern, OF, 6'1", 180, R/R Sr.
Tyler Vigna, P, 6'4", 180, R/R, Sr.
Kyle Graves, MIF-P, 5'9", 155, L, R, Jr.
Mason Lester, UT, 5'10", 160, L, R. Jr.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Below are a few players we (PBR) think might be poised rise and make an impact for Free State this spring.
Blane Larkin, RHP, 2025
Make sure to follow @PBRKansas on Twitter for the most up-to-date coverage throughout the 2023 season.
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