Atchison High School Boys Hoops Undefeated This Season

Phoenix squad looks to end long state title drought

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Atchison High School boys' basketball team is off to a perfect 19-0 start this season, leading their district and ranked second in the 4A classification. Led by a veteran group of juniors and seniors, the Phoenix have displayed unselfish play, strong defense, and clutch shooting to remain unbeaten so far. Head coach Patrick Battle believes the team's speed and diversity of talent give them a chance to end the school's 38-year state championship drought.

Why it matters

Atchison High School has not won a state title in boys' basketball since 1988, and this year's veteran squad is aiming to end that long drought. The team's undefeated start has the community buzzing, and a potential state championship run would be a major source of pride for the city.

The details

Atchison High School's boys' basketball team is off to a perfect 19-0 start this season, leading their Meadowlark District and ranked second in the 4A classification. The team features a mix of mostly juniors and seniors with good size and skill, led by seniors Kael Williams and Yogi Purdy. Head coach Patrick Battle praised the team's unselfish play and improving defense as keys to their success so far. The Phoenix were recently tested in a comeback win over Highland Park, showing their composure and chemistry. Atchison now faces a tough challenge against the 16-7 Maryville Spoofhounds on Thursday.

  • Atchison High School is currently 19-0 on the season.
  • The team is first in the Meadowlark District and second ranked in 4A.
  • Atchison last won a state championship in boys' basketball in 1988.
  • The Phoenix play Maryville on Thursday, February 19th at 7:30 pm.

The players

Kael Williams

A senior on the Atchison High School boys' basketball team.

Yogi Purdy

A senior on the Atchison High School boys' basketball team.

Patrick Battle

The head coach of the Atchison High School boys' basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Basically really just our communication, our outside of schoolwork, our individual skill, we use that together and put it together as a really good team.”

— Kael Williams, Senior (kq2.com)

“We've been playing with each other since we were in 4th grade with my dad as the coach, so we've been playing with each other for a while.”

— Yogi Purdy, Senior (kq2.com)

“I think the number one thing is our kids are so unselfish and share the basketball really well. I think that's it. Defensively we're a work in progress, but we're getting there, so I think we do some good things defensively.”

— Patrick Battle, Head Coach (kq2.com)

What’s next

Atchison High School will face a tough test against the 16-7 Maryville Spoofhounds on Thursday, February 19th at 7:30 pm.

The takeaway

Atchison High School's undefeated boys' basketball team has the community excited for a potential state championship run, as the veteran-led Phoenix squad looks to end the school's 38-year title drought.