A 73-67 overtime loss to Colby High during the Class 4A state tournament semifinals left the four seniors who suited up for the Tonganoxie High girls basketball team disappointed.

Indeed Kraft, a repeat choice as the All-Area Girls Basketball Coach of the Year, led his team to a 23-3 record overall this winter and a 12-1 mark in Kaw Valley League play. After losing during the sub-state finals to Kansas City Sumner last year, he guided his Chieftains to a fourth-place state finish in 2007 with his assured, but calm, demeanor.

During his triumphant 2006-07 season, Kraft taught an up-tempo style characterized by in-your face defense that converted turnovers into quick points.

Kraft has instilled that defensive mindset during his five years at Tonganoxie, where he also teaches agriculture education. Previously, he taught the same course at Crest High in Colony for 23 years while coaching girls basketball for the last 16.

After this season he fondly remembered his team, including seniors Pistora, twin sisters Rachel and Rebecca Bogard and Amy Ostermeyer. That quartet won the league title four consecutive years, and Kraft praised their attitude and perspective before games.

"I actually just got in touch with my best friend from high school that I hadn’t heard from in about four years. There’s probably only about four people total that I still see."

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