By Matt Browning

Marcus Ziegler of Wichita Heights was chosen as the MultiSports Athlete of the Month for November. Ziegler was a first team all-league and all-state selection last season for the Falcons.

Much like his previous offseasons, Ziegler has been going above and beyond to prepare for the upcoming season.

“I have been preparing the same way I have since my freshman year – by being in the gym if not every day, at least five days out the week,” Ziegler said. “By putting up shorts, working out in the weight room trying to gain more strength.”

Ziegler was one of the catalysts on Heights’ suffocating defense last season, which statistically was one of the best in the state. He knows that is the key in repeating as 6A champions.

“My expectations for the team are basically the same as my individual expectations,” Ziegler said. “Be the best defensive team in the state two years in a row. Last year our defensive average as a team was 38 points per game. So as a captain this year I will make sure we are all on the same page defensively and the offense will flow off that.”

There will be a balance this season for Ziegler between making the Falcons’ season as memorable as it can be, while also preparing for his collegiate career.

“One particular area of my game that I wanted to improve on is shooting; being able to shoot off the dribble a lot better and being able to create my own shot,” Ziegler said. “And also learning how to play pick and roll better because at the next level you see a lot of that action. So I want to prepare myself for it, so that I can be ready for that kind of game style, when I reach the next level.”