Kole Kellhofer: Sarcoxie’s Versatile Sophomore Building a Foundation
A young Bear with varsity experience
Sarcoxie boys’ basketball has been in rebuilding mode the past few seasons, but one bright spot is Kole Kellhofer. The 6‑foot, 190‑pound sophomore is listed as a small forward/power forward on the 2025–26 roster, and he already has varsity game time under his belt. He earned minutes as a freshman during the 2024–25 campaign and returns poised for a larger role as the Bears look to improve on a seven‑win season. His combination of size and athleticism allows him to play both inside and on the wing, and coaches have praised his willingness to rebound and defend.
Playing through growing pains
Sarcoxie’s young roster has endured its share of ups and downs. A September 2025 newspaper story about a football game between Stockton and Sarcoxie described how the Bears fell behind 32‑8 at halftime but stormed back in the second half before falling 40‑32. Although that article covered football, it underscored a theme that applies to all Sarcoxie athletics: perseverance. The community rallies around its athletes, and players like Kellhofer have learned to stay positive through adversity. Those lessons translate to the basketball court, where the Bears often lean on underclassmen to compete against more experienced teams.
Emerging as a two‑way threat
Kellhofer’s sophomore season is about expanding his skill set. As a freshman he primarily served as an energy player, using his sturdy frame to battle for rebounds and provide post defense. Heading into the 2025–26 season, he has been working to develop a mid‑range jumper and the ability to attack off the dribble. At 6‑foot‑0, he must outwork taller opponents, and his dedication in the weight room over the summer is paying dividends. Coaches believe his versatility will allow Sarcoxie to play faster and stretch the floor.
Looking ahead
With the Bears’ roster still dominated by sophomores and juniors, leadership opportunities abound. Kellhofer’s early varsity experience and work ethic position him to become one of the team’s cornerstones. If he continues to improve his scoring touch while maintaining his physical presence on defense, Sarcoxie could surprise in the Southwest Conference. Win or lose, the Bears’ commitment to battling through challenges – like the comeback attempt highlighted in local coverage – makes players such as Kole Kellhofer valuable building blocks for the program’s future.
