AVCTL Div I Loaded with Talent

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We kick off our preview of leagues across Kansas with arguably the most loaded league top to bottom. Last season, several Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Div I teams challenged for state titles. And this year, each team features at least a couple of players worth noting.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Div I Preview:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Preseason Player of the Year:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1270094' first='Andrell' last='Burton'], 6-foot-6 guard, 2024, Campus (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burton was part of a state runner-up as a freshman. Since then, it's been tough sledding for the Colts. But Burton has faithfully battled on behalf of his school and along the way became a Division I prospect. The Drake University commit is an explosive athlete who can make highlight plays all over the court. His team should be competitive this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Preseason Team of the Year: Maize South</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is between Derby and Maize South, and we'll go with Maize South for one reason: the path to a 5A title might be a little bit easier than the path in 6A. The Mavericks were recently picked #1 in the KBCA Preseason Rankings. Now they a have added another weapon in [player_tooltip player_id='1461438' first='Sam' last='Kemp'] to an already strong group of returners.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Player to Watch:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1172929' first='Michael' last='Kates'], 5-foot-10 guard, 2024, Maize South:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are several to watch from each team, but we will highlight [player_tooltip player_id='1172929' first='Michael' last='Kates'] in this spot. He's been a playmaking stud for the Mavericks both at the point and the shooting guard while working in tandem with 2023 Isaiah Atwater. This year, Kates will be the unquestioned leader in the backcourt and his talents will be fully on display. He can handle the ball and distribute it, and his physical style allows him to set up his own shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other Top Players (in alphabetical order):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1953939' first='Kaden' last='Franklin'], 6-foot-7 center, 2024, Derby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1588380' first='Alan' last='Hanna'], 6-foot-3 forward, 2025, Maize</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1378442' first='Tory' last='Homan'], 6-foot-7 center, 2024, Maize South</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1461438' first='Sam' last='Kemp'], 6-foot-3 guard, 2024, Maize South</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1772982' first='Terrell' last='King'], 5-foot-10 guard, 2025, Hutchinson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1300833' first='Dallas' last='Metzger'], 6-foot-3 forward, 2024, Derby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2314754' first='Kaason' last='Thomas']</strong>, 5-foot-11 guard, 2024, Campus</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rising Star:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2208970' first='Brayden' last='Myovela'], 6-foot-2 guard, 2026, Maize:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Myovela stepped into a rebuilding program at Maize and took over the lead. He can play multiple positions and produce in a number of ways. He is a powerful mismatch at the guard spot, can play above the rim and shoot from deep. He's a powerful rebounder who can defend in the paint and on the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others Rising Stars (in alphabetical order):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2211344' first='Cole' last='Dillon'], 5-foot-11 guard, 2026, Newton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1772992' first='Jace' last='Humphrey'], 6-foot-4 forward 2025, Salina South</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2169844' first='Jack' last='Ulwelling'], 5-foot-10 guard, 2025, Derby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->