Wheeler named HyVee Athlete of the Week

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - William Chrisman girl's basketball coach Lindsay Thompson knew she might have something special when she met Nieka Wheeler in middle school. Year by year, Thompson watched Wheeler grow.

"She has just developed more and more every single year, not just in terms of her basketball skills but as a young woman," she said. "I gave her the task of improving her leadership, and she has taken that in to consideration and worked hard to do that."

Wheeler has certainly led the way as a senior. The forward has helped carry the Bears to a 2-0 start to the season. She notched 24 points and 10 rebounds in the opener. Wheeler followed that up with 19 points in the second game of the year.

"I'm very excited because I know we're going to do well as a team and that I'm going to develop so many skills because my teammates will push me to the limit," she said.

Wheeler is hoping her teammates can help push her to a college scholarship. In the meantime, she has big plans for her senior season.

"I believe we can go all the way," she said.