Top Teams, Unsung Heroes: 1A

In the smallest classes, there are a lot of players who go unnoticed. Time to shine some light on these unsung heroes of the top teams in 1A:

1A Div. I:

#3 Burlingame – Dane Winters, 5-foot-11 guard, 2025:

The Bearcats dropped their second game of the year coming out of the break, a tough loss to Olpe. But Burlingame will stay right in the thick of things, due in large part to the play of sophomore Winters. He’s been in double figures in several games, including 20 against CPLS.

#4 Macksville – Alexis Barron Alexis Barron 6'1" | SF Macksville | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-2 forward, 2023:

The Mustangs were challenged a couple of times before break and came out unblemished. They are now 8-0, with a balanced and experienced group. Barron is a smooth and athletic forward who can convert in transition and get to the goal. When he floats around the perimeter, he can be lethal. He’s averaging 12 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists.

#7 Wichita Classical – Carter Sinclair, 6-foot-4 forward, 2023:

Don’t sleep on this senior-led team from Wichita. They ran to a 6-0 start by whipping all comers. Sinclair is a long athlete who gives the Saints an inside presence and rim protector. He’s contributed 13 points and 5 rebounds in their well-balanced and diverse attack. Like his senior teammates, Sinclair has played a ton of basketball and plays with experience.

1A Div. II:

#2 Pawnee Heights – Davin Hamby, 5-foot-10 guard, 2024:

After dropping their first game of the season, the Tigers have been on a seven-game win streak. Everyone knows this is Alec Carlson Alec Carlson 6'1" | CG Pawnee Heights | 2023 State KS ‘s team. But Hamby is putting together a really good junior season in his own right. His consistency in support of Carlson has been pretty impressive. He’s scored between 14 and 17 points in seven of the team’s eight games. He provides ball handling and a threat from deep.

#3 Northern Valley – Foster Brands, 6-foot-2 forward, 2023:

The Huskies got a win for the record books by upsetting Greeley County Friday night. It was the Jackrabbits’ first loss in nearly a year. Brands is the senior leader for the Huskies and provides 16 points and 5 boards per game. After finishing third at state last year, Brands and company have a lot of experience.

#4 Hanover – Josh Zarybnicky, 6-foot-3 forward, 2023:

Hanover is 6-1 and appears to have coped with graduation losses admirably. Zarybnicky is building on his sophomore and junior seasons when he played a supporting role. He showed his potential with a double-double in the state championship game last year, and he broke out of the gate with 23 points in the first game of this season.