Wylie East alumnus point guard Parker Overstreet (12) helped lead the Raiders to back-to-back appearance in the third round of the playoffs. Photo by Ernesto Garcia / Waco Tribune-Herald
By David Wolman
From the football field to the basketball court, the track to the tennis courts—and everywhere in between—the Wylie East Raiders left their mark during the 2024–25 school year.
The Wylie News concludes its three-part series honoring the top athletic moments, student-athletes, teams and performances from the past year.
Categories for the inaugural C&S Media High School Sports Awards were selected by sports editor David Wolman, with winners announced over three weeks.
- Part I (July 10): Biggest Story, Breakthrough Moment, Newcomer of the Year and Best Team
- Part II (July 17): Best Game, Best Finish, Biggest Upset and Multi-Sport Athlete of the Year
- Part III (July 24): Coach of the Year, Most Improved Athlete, Best Female Athlete and Best Male Athlete
Here are this week’s honorees:
Coach of the Year: Kortney Smith, Boys Basketball
Wylie East’s boys basketball team has seen a remarkable turnaround since Smith took over as head coach in 2023.
Before his arrival, the Raiders had missed the playoffs nine straight seasons. But in his first year at the helm—with Wylie East boasting a combination of speed and experience within its roster—they won 22 games and broke that drought, advancing to the regional quarterfinals after wins over Rockwall-Heath (59–58) and Duncanville (84–74).
In 2024–25, Smith’s squad proved it was no fluke. The Raiders won 22 games and advanced to the third round of the postseason. The Raiders pulled away in the fourth quarter to earn a 52-33 win over Royse City in bi-district and then earned a 66-64 triumph against Killeen Shoemaker in the area round. College Park topped Wylie East 60-39 in the regional semifinals.
Most Improved Athlete: Jayden Janshego, Football
Janshego has held his own against some of the best offensive linemen in the Dallas area during his three seasons playing defensive tackle for Wylie East.
A standout on the defensive line since his sophomore season, Janshego elevated his game as a senior, winning many one-on-one matchups and having a knack for getting to the quarterback.
The Colorado State–Pueblo signee recorded 50 tackles, a career-high 12 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and five quarterback hurries, earning District 9-6A Defensive Player of the Year honors. He finished his career with 141 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 17 hurries.
Best Female Athlete: Madelyn Jones, Girls Soccer
Jones anchored one of the state’s toughest defenses this season.
Jones backstopped a stingy Wylie East defense that allowed just 12 goals all season, a big reason why the Lady Raiders won 19 games and made it to the regional final for the third year in a row.
Of the Lady Raiders’ wins, 14 were of the shutout variety, all with Jones in net.
Jones was named to the Class 6A all-state first team by the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches.
Best Male Athlete: Parker Overstreet, Boys Basketball
The offense ran through Overstreet –and he delivered in every facet —from setting up teammates with pinpoint passing to using his speed to drive past opposing defenders.
The District 9-6A MVP averaged 15.2 points per game, 6.2 assists, five rebounds and 1.9 steals per game, shooting 51.4% from the field. Overstreet scored a combined 26 points in Wylie East’s two playoff wins, propelling the Raiders’ run to the regional semifinals.
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