Shawnee Heights honors 2017 state title team in Ken Darting's final home game

Players reflect on lessons learned from longtime coach in his retirement season.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 12:11am

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Shawnee Heights High School in Topeka, Kansas honored its 2017 state championship basketball team during the final home game of longtime head coach Ken Darting's career. Several players shared their memories and appreciation for Darting's coaching and mentorship over the years.

Why it matters

Ken Darting has been a fixture in the Topeka basketball community for decades, leading Shawnee Heights to multiple state titles. His retirement marks the end of an era, and the school's tribute to the 2017 championship team highlights Darting's lasting impact on his players.

The details

Shawnee Heights held a special ceremony during the final home game of the season to honor the 2017 state title-winning team and recognize the contributions of longtime head coach Ken Darting, who is retiring after this season. Several current players, including juniors and seniors who played under Darting, shared their memories and lessons learned from the veteran coach.

  • Shawnee Heights High School honored the 2017 state championship basketball team on February 22, 2026.
  • Ken Darting is retiring after this 2025-2026 season, his final as head coach of the Shawnee Heights boys basketball team.

The players

Ken Darting

The longtime head coach of the Shawnee Heights boys basketball team, who is retiring after this season.

Jesse Moss

A current player at Shawnee Heights who looked up to the school's basketball greats, including those coached by Darting, when he was younger.

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What they’re saying

“My earliest memories are me being the in the gym and watching him coach all of those amazing players,”

— Jesse Moss

The takeaway

Darting's retirement marks the end of an era for Shawnee Heights basketball, but his lasting impact on generations of players will continue to be felt long after he steps down. The school's tribute to the 2017 champions underscores Darting's coaching legacy and the lessons he imparted that went beyond the basketball court.