3A Class Full of Interesting Teams to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Returners:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Collegiate</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Spartans reached the state tournament fueled primarily by freshmen. The trio of [player_tooltip player_id='1541007' first='Amare' last='(AJ) Batiste'], [player_tooltip player_id='2209780' first='Sebastian' last='Hines-Turner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2211301' first='Jaden' last='Parker']. But while that trio got most of the publicity, there are several other guys back who were important to the tournament run, headed by <strong>James Shackelford</strong>. The team lost just four games last year and will be experienced this go round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goodland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cowboys went just 14-9 last year, but you have to really like the collection of talent that returns. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1614190' first='Brady' last='Brumbaugh'] (pictured) and [player_tooltip player_id='1588415' first='Linkon' last='Cure'] are athletic mismatches. [player_tooltip player_id='1580561' first='Noah' last='Shinette'] is a smooth, hard working post. There are several guards back, led by veteran stud [player_tooltip player_id='1953946' first='Manny' last='Gonzalez'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Contenders:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wellsville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles have two really good playmakers back in [player_tooltip player_id='1461344' first='Willie' last='Dorsey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1580564' first='Dezmond' last='Winton']. 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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hesston</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hesston brings back several guys who contributed to the state title team last spring. But the most important player – <strong>Jake Proctor</strong> – is finally gone after a historic career. Big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2321590' first='Reed' last='Friesen']</strong> and long wing players <strong>Jackson Fry</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2314796' first='Adrian' last='Hernandez']</strong> will have to take on much bigger roles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unknowns:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Iola</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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. <strong>Landon Weide</strong> and <strong>Mac Leonard</strong> were both very good as juniors. Some other returners got good experience as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southeast of Saline</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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 <strong>Daniel Kejr</strong> is just about the only player back who made an impact. Where will the Trojans find an entire new roster? We'll see.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->