Eli Issacs of Valley Center experienced personal success during the 2019-2020 season, averaging 16 points per game and earning all-league accolades.

But the Hornets struggled and finished the season 10-12.

Finishing his career playing on a winning team was important for Issacs. While his stat line was similar to the 2019-2020 season, Valley Center became one of the best teams in the Wichita-area.

The Hornets won 16 games before falling to eventual champion Maize in the sub-state finals.

“I had my best year yet and we had the best year as a team we have had in a long time,” Issacs said. “A moment that stood out to me this season is doing something as a team that hasn’t been done in Valley Center for a long time. Knowing we set an example to the underclassmen coming up and being a part of this team that changed the culture meant a lot to me.”

Issacs’ final stat line this season was 16 points, five steals and four assists per game. He broke all three school steals records and two assists records. He was named first team all-league and second team All-VYPE Wichita Large School. He also finished third in the VYPE Boys Basketball Postseason Player of the Year poll.

“This season I feel like I improved mostly on my leadership on the team,” Issacs said. “I also improved on my defensive skills and finishing in the paint.”

Issacs’ basketball career is over, as he will attend Kansas State next year and study business.