Young, Hungry, and Fearless: Center High School Basketball’s Rise to the Elite 8
In a season many thought would be a rebuilding year, Coach LeDale Wooten and the Center High School boys basketball team had other plans. With a roster stacked with youth and inexperience, the Yellowjackets didn’t just survive the 2025 season—they thrived. Along the way, they captured a conference title, a district championship, and punched their ticket to the Elite 8 in the Missouri Class 4 State Tournament.
It was a season defined by growth, grit, and a refusal to back down—a campaign that set the tone for a promising future.
Building Success Around Young Stars
Coach Wooten entered this season with tempered expectations. After graduating key veterans the year prior, the 2025 squad was widely seen as a team in transition. But any doubts about the Center’s competitiveness quickly evaporated as a trio of standout players emerged to lead the charge.
At the forefront was freshman phenom Izzy Johnigan, who took the league by storm, earning Class 4 District 14 Player of the Year and MRVC West All-Conference honors. As the team’s leading scorer, Johnigan didn’t play like a freshman—he played like a star.
“Izzy is a special talent,” Wooten said. “He came in fearless, embraced the moment, and consistently delivered big-time performances for us.”
Alongside him, Xavier Byers provided a powerful interior presence, leading the team in rebounds and blocks, while also serving as a reliable scoring option. His efforts earned him MRVC West Player of the Year and a spot on the Class 4 District 14 team.
Rounding out the trio was RaHeym Ansley, the team’s engine and floor general. Leading the team in assists and steals, while also being a top scorer, Ansley brought poise, intensity, and an all-around game that helped keep Center grounded during tight contests.
“RaHeym is the kind of player every coach wants,” Wooten noted. “Unselfish, quick, and always two steps ahead.”
Championship Pedigree Emerges
Despite early questions surrounding their youth, the Yellowjackets quickly silenced the doubters by going on an impressive run through the MRVC West Conference, eventually claiming the conference championship.
From there, they carried their momentum into the postseason, capturing the Class 4 District 14 Championship, a hard-fought journey that culminated in a trip to the Elite 8—a significant accomplishment for any program, let alone one led by underclassmen.
“These weren’t just wins—they were statements,” said Wooten. “Each one showed our toughness and resilience.”
Those playoff victories didn’t come easy, but they revealed the core identity of this group: poised, prepared, and united.
Sophomores Step Into the Spotlight
As the season progressed, more players stepped up and embraced bigger roles. Zion Smith, Ryland Russell, and Luke Leslie—all sophomores—evolved from rotational players into pivotal contributors.
“They really came into their own,” Wooten said. “Their confidence grew with each game, and by the end of the season, they were making plays that changed outcomes.”
Whether it was a clutch rebound, a lockdown defensive possession, or a key bucket late in the fourth quarter, this trio consistently delivered when it mattered most. Their development not only helped lift the team this season but also positioned Center High for continued success in the years to come.
Weathering Storms and Rising Together
Every season comes with its fair share of challenges, and Center High’s campaign was no exception. From injuries to tough losses, the Yellowjackets faced moments that could have derailed their momentum. But rather than fold under pressure, they dug deeper.
“They responded by working harder,” Wooten said. “They leaned on each other, trusted the process, and never stopped believing.”
It was during those difficult stretches that the team’s bond was most apparent. Whether in practice or under the bright lights on game night, the players moved and operated as one—a testament to the culture Coach Wooten has instilled.
Seniors Set the Standard
Though the roster skewed young, Center’s senior class played a critical role in shaping the team’s identity. While they may not have filled the stat sheet every night, their toughness and grit were invaluable.
“Our seniors brought a sense of pride and determination to everything we did,” said Wooten. “They set the tone in practice, pushed the younger guys, and showed what it means to compete with heart.”
Their leadership helped lay the foundation for a team that is now ready to carry the torch forward with confidence.
Eyes on the Horizon
Looking ahead, there’s no shortage of reasons to be excited about what’s next for Center basketball. The returning core is young, talented, and battle-tested, having gained high-level experience and proven they can rise to the occasion.
With players like Johnigan, Byers, Ansley, Smith, Russell, and Leslie all likely returning, the Yellowjackets will enter the 2026 season not as underdogs but as contenders.
“The future is bright,” Wooten said. “These kids have tasted success, and now they’re hungry for more.”
Offseason Focus: Sharpening the Edge
The journey doesn’t end in March, and Coach Wooten knows that true contenders are built in the offseason. This summer and fall, the program will focus on refining fundamentals, increasing basketball IQ, and developing team chemistry that’s even stronger than before.
“We’re going to keep pushing,” he said. “We want to improve every aspect of our game—shooting, decision-making, defensive discipline. We’ve got the tools, now it’s about sharpening them.”
The message is clear: last season was just the beginning.
A Program on the Rise
Center High School basketball is no longer in rebuilding mode—it’s on the rise, powered by youth, passion, and a culture of excellence. Coach LeDale Wooten has molded a team that plays with unity, grit, and a belief that any challenge can be overcome.
From conference champions to district dominance, and a deep state tournament run, the 2025 season will be remembered as the year a young team learned how to win—and began writing a new chapter in program history.
And with the talent and drive returning next year, don’t be surprised if that story ends with a trip even deeper into the postseason.
For more information and stats about the Center High School basketball team, follow the school’s athletics department or contact Coach Wooten directly.
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