Highland freshman Chris Flippin has been named the 2022-23 KJCCC Freshman of the Year. Recently Chris stopped by the Scottie Sports Network to sit down and talk about what the award means to him and what his future holds for basketball.

"Winning the KJCCC Freshman of the Year means a lot to me. Throughout my life I've had people doubting me and saying that I would 'never achieve this or that.' I have been close to winning major awards before, but they were always snatched away by others that people felt was better than me. That has always given me extra motivation", said Flippin.

Head coach Jerre Cole said, "Chris is very deserving of this recognition. He worked very hard and it showed in his improvement throughout the season. I think Chris was as good or better than any big man in the conference this year. He had some huge games for us and I am sure he was a centerpiece of most of our opponent's scouting reports."

Flippin finished the year scoring 384 points (13.2 ppg) and grabbing 245 rebounds (8.4 rpg). Flippin grabbed a season high 18 rebounds at home versus Labette, placing him in 5^th place on the individual game records for the Scotties. Hall of Fame football coach Marty Allen sits in 6^th behind Flippin on the All-Time list with 17 rebounds versus KCK in 1966. Flippin is now positioned in 9^th place on the All-Time list for Most Rebounds in a Season (245) for the Scotties.

When asked about the things he's looking forward to for next season, Flippen was quick to offer a simple answer, "improving." He went on to add, "I want to improve my midrange shooting back to the three-point line and really work on my free throw shooting."

Flippen stated that basketball is always his end game. He is working towards a degree at Highland and the chance to move on to a four-year school, but a career in basketball, be it in the United States or overseas in a professional league, is his primary focus.

Next season should be exciting for the Scotties as Flippin is prepared to return for his sophomore year at Highland. Coach Cole added, "Chris brings a great attitude to the game every day and he has a chance to have a special sophomore campaign if he puts in the work".