3A Class Full of Interesting Teams to Watch
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We’re rolling through the classes to see which teams will be “returners,” “contenders” and “unknowns” in each class. Up next is the 3A class: Returners: Collegiate The Spartans reached the state tournament fueled primarily by freshmen. The trio of Amare…
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Continue ReadingWe’re rolling through the classes to see which teams will be “returners,” “contenders” and “unknowns” in each class. Up next is the 3A class:
Returners:
Collegiate
The Spartans reached the state tournament fueled primarily by freshmen. The trio of Amare (AJ) Batiste Amare (AJ) Batiste 6'2" | CG Wichita Collegiate | 2026 State KS , Sebastian Hines-Turner Sebastian Hines-Turner 6'5" | C Wichita Collegiate | 2026 State KS and Jaden Parker Jaden Parker 6'1" | CG Wichita Collegiate | 2026 State KS . But while that trio got most of the publicity, there are several other guys back who were important to the tournament run, headed by James Shackelford. The team lost just four games last year and will be experienced this go round.
Goodland
The Cowboys went just 14-9 last year, but you have to really like the collection of talent that returns. Juniors Brady Brumbaugh Brady Brumbaugh 6'5" | SG Goodland | 2025 State KS (pictured) and Linkon Cure Linkon Cure 6'5" | PF Goodland | 2025 State KS are athletic mismatches. Noah Shinette Noah Shinette 6'3" | PF Goodland | 2024 State KS is a smooth, hard working post. There are several guards back, led by veteran stud Manny Gonzalez Manny Gonzalez 5'9" | PG Goodland | 2024 State KS .
Contenders:
Wellsville
The Eagles have two really good playmakers back in Willie Dorsey Willie Dorsey 6'2" | SG Wellsville | 2024 State KS and Dezmond Winton Dezmond Winton 5'7" | PG Wellsville | 2024 State KS . But the problem is that beyond that, there’s not much experience. To match their 18-win state qualifying season, they will need to develop a bunch of new guys fast.
Hesston
Hesston brings back several guys who contributed to the state title team last spring. But the most important player – Jake Proctor – is finally gone after a historic career. Big man Reed Friesen Reed Friesen 6'6" | C Hesston | 2025 State KS and long wing players Jackson Fry and Adrian Hernandez Adrian Hernandez 6'3" | PF Hesston | 2024 State KS will have to take on much bigger roles.
Unknowns:
Iola
Iola moves down to the 3A classification this year. The Mustangs struggled to a respectable 8-13 record in 4A last year. Now they will get to see what they can do after dropping down a class, where things won’t necessarily be easier. Landon Weide and Mac Leonard were both very good as juniors. Some other returners got good experience as well.
Southeast of Saline
The four teams to reach the semifinals in 3A last year were dominated by seniors. Hesston, Marysville and Galena all suffered significant graduation losses. But their losses pale in comparison to the graduations at Southeast of Saline. Senior Daniel Kejr is just about the only player back who made an impact. Where will the Trojans find an entire new roster? We’ll see.