The Barton County Commission meeting room was filled Tuesday with supporters of proclamations to come. The first proclamation recognized the 2025-2026 Ellinwood High School Lady Eagles basketball team, which placed second at the state tournament.

Commissioner Tricia Schlessiger said the team set a new standard of excellence under the leadership of Coach Greg Maxwell. Each team member was mentioned by name in the proclamation. Their 27-2 season was described as a “history-making run.”

Team members posted with their trophies and Schlessiger presented them with Starbucks gift certificates, noting no taxpayer dollars were used for that purchase. “We took a collection,” she said.

Proclamation 2026-03

Recognizing the 2025-2026 Ellinwood High School Lady Eagles basketball team

WHEREAS, Barton County has a long tradition of supporting local high school students in areas such as academics, arts, leadership and athletics; and 

WHEREAS, the families and communities tend to support students from kindergarten through senior year, coming to know the strength and capabilities of each individual; and

WHEREAS, there are individuals and teams that come together and make history in the most incredible way and these students, their coaches, teachers, administrative staff and parents are to be commended for enforcing the dedication and perseverance needed to excel at key moments in life.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Board of County Commissioners of Barton County, Kansas, that Tuesday, April 7, 2026, is known as Ellinwood High School Lady Eagles Basketball Team Day; and 

FURTHER, throughout the 2025-2026 season, the EHS Lady Eagles have  demonstrated outstanding excellence, discipline and sportsmanship, finishing with an exceptional 27-2 record and achieving a history making run at the 2A State Title, having won the district and sub-state championships earlier in the month; and

FURTHER, that the Central Prairie League named Julia Schlessiger and Brynn Widener to their 1st Team; Mette Maxwell and Alyvia Batchman to 2nd Team with Regan Widener receiving honorable mention to the All-League Team; and

FURTHER, that Sports in Kansas All-State named Julia Schlessiger to their 1st Team and Mette Maxwell to 2nd Team with honorable mention to Brynn Widener and Alyvia Batchman; and 

FURTHER, that Julia Schlessiger was named as the All-Star Game MVP scoring 17 points and having 13 rebounds; and

FURTHER, that the Kansas State High School Athletic Association named Julia Schlessiger to its 2nd Team and Alyvia Batchman, Mette Maxwell and Brynn Widener received honorable mention; and 

FURTHER, that the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association named Julia Schlessiger to its 1st Team and Alyvia Batchman to its 2nd Team with Mette Maxwell received honorable mention.

FURTHER, that Coach Greg Maxwell was named as a Sports In Kansas 2026 Girls Basketball Coach of the Year Finalist; and

FURTHER, that the Lady Eagles, to include Freshman Mallory Batchman, Paisley Knop, Blayre Moore, Avery Panning and Kenna Stickney;  Sophomores Emmi Auwater, Eleanor Joiner, Mette Maxwell, Ayla Ritchie, Lexi Thomas, Brynn Widener and Reagan Wirtz; and Juniors Alyvia Batchman, Bennett Jacobs, Addison Stickney and Reece Stickney and Seniors Julia Schlessiger and  Regan Widener,  have set a new standard of excellence under the leadership of Coach Greg Maxwell and Assistant Coach Mark Panning and Assistant Coach Michael Widener and; 

FURTHER, that the success of this team is a direct reflection of the guidance and mentoring from Coach Maxwell, his staff, the Ellinwood High School, the school district, the families and the community’s commitment, discipline and determination. 

Dated this 7th day of April, 2026

Board of County Commissioners