PREVIEW: Arkansas Valley-Chishom Trail Division I

<p>Photo Courtesy (Israel Potoczny, Prep Hoops)</p> <p>Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at the upcoming season in the Arkansas Valley-Chisholm Trail Conference.</p> <p><b>Campus Colts (18-5, 11-2)</b></p> <p>Key losses: Tyler Kahmann (6’3, G), Cade Howard (6’7, P).</p> <p>The Colts will feature one of the state’s most talented rosters in 2019-20 with a host of future college players, talent at every position, size, skill and a lot of depth. Campus suffered both its conference losses a year ago at the hands of Maize and will look to compete for the league title this season.</p> <p><b>Derby Panthers (7-15, 3-9)</b></p> <p>Key losses: Clayton Hood (6’0, G), Josh Osborn (7’0, C).</p> <p>Derby is coming off a 7-15 season a year ago as well as a 3-9 performance in league play and will have to replace the scoring and production of Clayton Hood, who averaged 13 points last season, as well as the interior presence of 7-footer Josh Osborn. The 2019-20 season will be led by a pair of strong returning guards in Tre Washington and Luke Clemons and a host of talented young players who will be looking to make their mark on the varsity this season.</p> <p><b>Hutchinson (5-18, 0-12)</b></p> <p>Key losses: Tate Webster (6’3, F), Jacob Cole (5’10, G)</p> <p>Hutchinson is coming off a 4-18 season a year ago and were winless in AVCTL league play and will be looking to replace their best player in 6’7 forward Tate Webster who was a second-team all-conference selection. The program will be looking to build in 2019-20 under head coach Chad Wintz.</p> <p><b>Maize (24-1, 12-0)</b></p> <p>Key losses: Caleb Grill (5’3, G), Cade McGaugh (6’3, G), Brandle Easter (6’1, G/F), Devon Koehn (6’7, F)</p> <p>A year ago Maize featured one of the state’s premier teams, led by Iowa State freshman Caleb Grill and nine other seniors. The Eagles will have to replace the scoring and all-around play of Grill, as well as nearly all of the other scoring on the roster.</p> <p><b>Newton (12-12, 7-6)</b></p> <p>Key losses: Ty Berry (6’3, G), Damarius Peterson (6’7, F)</p> <p>Newton suffered a big blow this past offseason when Ty Berry announced he would be attending Sunrise Christian. The high major Division I recruit is among the state’s top returning players and is currently ranked atop our Class of 2020 rankings. Newton also lost big man Damarius Peterson to graduation, and will be looking to a crop of varsity newcomers to plug in the big holes left this season.</p> <p><b>Salina Central (17-6, 8-5)</b></p> <p>Key losses: Harper Williams (6’0, G), Caleb Glen (6’5, P), Ben Diver (5’10, G), Mark Grammer (6’2, G), David Grammer (6’1, G).</p> <p>Central will be looking to replace a large and talented group of seniors from last year as gone are Harper Wiilliams, Mark and David Grammar, Ben Diver and Caleb Glen, however, the Mustangs return several players who are itching for their chance at the varsity level. Leading the way will be<span class="Apple-converted-space">  </span>a large and successful senior class from last season, including 6’3 wing player Caden Kickhaefer who showed off a strong, all-around game last season.</p> <p><b>Salina South (8-13 last year, 3-9)</b></p> <p>Key losses: Alex Banks (6’6, P)</p> <p>Salina South returns a terrific all-around roster with several talented players poised for breakout seasons. The Cougars return its entire varsity roster from last season with the exception of honorable mention selection, post player Elex Banks. South has several players returning this season who are coming off strong offseasons playing grassroots basketball. Look for South to take a big step forward in 2019-20.</p>