Walking the halls at KHS, one student stands out among the rest. Maybe because he’s taller than the rest. Senior Flory Bidunga is known for his presence on the basketball court, but this fall, he returned to his roots, joining the KHS boys’ soccer team. Bidunga played soccer in the Congo. It was his favorite sport, something he has played since he was six years old and since this is his last year of high school, he wanted to join the team. Bidunga has enjoyed getting to know the other soccer players this season.

“We started a little bit down, but we started to come together but we are starting to compete with serious competition,” Bidunga said. 

Even though Bidunga has made an impact on the soccer team, arguably, his biggest impact has come on the basketball court. Bidunga helped lead the Wildkats to the class 4A state finals last March. Bidunga and the Kats are working hard to make it back the state championship game this year too. 

“Its been a pretty big change since we lost big players like Shayne and Zay,” he said. “It’s going to be a big challenge to stay on top.”

The 2024 Indiana Mr. Basketball candidate recently announced his commitment to the University of Kansas basketball team. Bidunga felt like it was the right place for him. He liked his coaches, the players on the team and the whole organization, so he felt like it was the best fit for him. He is considering studying Business, but hasn’t made up his mind yet. Eventually, he hopes to play in the NBA. 

During his time at KHS, Bidunga has learned many things. He has had to learn to watch who he hangs around and look out for people who are just using him.

“You have to know your circle and stay with the right people. Keep your circle tight,” he said