The Delta High senior has been instrumental in the school’s recent dominance on the court, in what some are calling Delta’s best season in history.
Highlights
- At the age of six, Kendall Sprow lost her father, Cory Sprow, in a car accident.
- Cory was a well-known figure in the Delta community, serving as an elementary school principal and the head boys’ varsity basketball coach.
- Despite initial reluctance, Kendall became a standout player for Delta High School’s girls’ basketball team.
- Throughout her journey, Kendall has received unwavering support from her mother, Tammy, and her sister, Ally.
Kendall Sprow, a senior at Delta High School in Ohio, has become one of the most dominant players in Northwest Ohio girls’ basketball.
Averaging 12.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.5 steals per game this season, Kendall has led the Delta Panthers to an impressive 19-2 record, breaking school records and earning top rankings in the state.
But her journey to success is deeply intertwined with a personal tragedy that has shaped her life and career.
Kendall’s Father, Cory Sprow, Left Behind A Basketball Legacy
Kendall’s father, Cory Sprow, was a beloved figure in the Delta community.
A former teacher, coach, and elementary school principal, Cory was known for his passion for sports and education.
He coached football, baseball, golf, and basketball at Delta High School, earning accolades such as NWOAL Coach of the Year twice and District 7 Coach of the Year in 2010.
R.I.P. Cory Sprow! We all love you thought and prayers go out to Tammy, ally, Kendall, and the rest of the family! pic.twitter.com/kOAPUiX
— J o r d a n (@M42Jordan) January 4, 2013
Tragically, Cory’s life was cut short on January 3, 2013, when he was involved in a car accident on US Route 20A in Fulton County.
His vehicle hit a patch of ice, crossed the centerline, and collided with an oncoming pickup truck.
Cory, who was not wearing a seatbelt, sustained fatal injuries and passed away a week later at the age of 38.
So proud of the Wauseon students in green for Cory Sprow tonight. #classyindians pic.twitter.com/X5OQ160s
— Joy Hutchinson (@jmkhutch) January 20, 2013
Kendall, then just six years old, and her older sister, Ally, were passengers in the car but survived with minor injuries.
Cory’s death left a profound impact on the Delta community.
Coaches and colleagues rallied to support his family, organizing fundraisers and dedicating games in his memory.
His legacy lives on through the countless students and athletes he mentored, as well as through his daughters, who have carried forward his values and passion for sports.
Kendall’s Mother And Sister Have Been Instrumental In Her Basketball Journey
Kendall’s mother, Tammy Sprow, has been a pillar of strength for her daughters in the years following Cory’s death.
Tammy, who works as a nurse, has dedicated herself to ensuring that Kendall and Ally have the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
She has been a constant presence at Kendall’s games, cheering her on from the sidelines and helping her navigate the challenges of growing up without her father.
Tammy encouraged her to continue playing even when Kendall felt apprehensive about performing in front of crowds.
Ally, Kendall’s older sister by 3 years, has also played a significant role in her life.
Now a college student, Ally has inspired and guided Kendall, helping her stay grounded and focused on her goals.
Kendall Began Excelling On The Court From A Young Age
Kendall’s basketball career began at a young age, influenced by her father’s love for the sport.
She started playing competitively in middle school and quickly established herself as a standout player.
By her senior year, Kendall had become a key player for the Delta Panthers, leading the team to a record-breaking 13-game winning streak earlier this season.
🐾 Panther Perfection 🐾
— H. Tyler Seggerman (@TylerSeggerman) January 17, 2025
Delta continues to impress…adding to what's already a HISTORIC season! 15-0 (3-0 in NWOAL) the program now sits following a 57-48 victory over Archbold on Thursday night
Anna Lohman – 21 points
Kendall Sprow – 14 points
Addison Wyse – 14 points pic.twitter.com/UQhdjZVZ0M
Her stats speak for themselves: this season, Kendall is averaging 12.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.5 steals per game, ranking her among the top players in Northwest Ohio.
She has also improved her three-point shooting, increasing her accuracy from 17.8% last year to 31% this season.
Kendall’s leadership on and off the court has been instrumental to the team’s success. Her coach, Kelsey Gillen, describes her as a natural leader.
Kendall Honors Her Father’s Legacy Via The Sport
For Kendall, basketball is more than just a game—it’s a way to honor her father’s legacy.
Before every game, she looks up at the American flag hanging in Delta High School’s gym, which is dedicated to Cory and bears his favorite number, 22.
Kendall wears the same number on her jersey as a tribute to her father.
Kendall shared in an interview,
Something my dad always said was, ‘All out, all the time.’ I think about that when I play my games too. Because why not? You only do it once, only have one high school career, so why not go all out, all the time?
northwestsignal.net
As Kendall’s high school career nears its end, she is focused on making the most of her remaining games.
While she plans to attend college—with Ohio State, the University of Cincinnati, and Miami University among her top choices—she has yet to decide if she wants to continue basketball at the collegiate level.
For now, she hopes to focus on academics and continue her involvement in community service, following in her father’s footsteps as a leader and mentor.
Additional Information
- In addition to basketball, Kendall has been active in soccer during her high school years, playing as a defender for the Delta High School soccer team.
- Cory Sprow was a star athlete at Edon High School before attending Bluffton College and Bowling Green State University, where he received his degree in education.
- After Cory’s death, members of the Ohio District 7 Basketball Coaches Association organized fundraisers for his family, including “Ball for Coach Sprow” nights, where game balls were raffled off to fans after games.
