AVCTL Div I Loaded with Talent
In this article:
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…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe 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.
Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Div I Preview:
Preseason Player of the Year:
Andrell Burton Andrell Burton 6'4" | SG Campus | 2024 State #213 Nation KS , 6-foot-6 guard, 2024, Campus (pictured):
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.
Preseason Team of the Year: Maize South
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 Sam Kemp Sam Kemp 6'3" | SG Maize South | 2024 State KS to an already strong group of returners.
Player to Watch:
Michael Kates Michael Kates 5'9" | PG Maize South | 2024 State KS , 5-foot-10 guard, 2024, Maize South:
There are several to watch from each team, but we will highlight Michael Kates Michael Kates 5'9" | PG Maize South | 2024 State KS 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.
Other Top Players (in alphabetical order):
Kaden Franklin Kaden Franklin 6'6" | PF Derby | 2024 State KS , 6-foot-7 center, 2024, Derby
Alan Hanna Alan Hanna 6'3" | SF Maize | 2025 State KS , 6-foot-3 forward, 2025, Maize
Tory Homan Tory Homan 6'7" | C Maize South | 2024 State KS , 6-foot-7 center, 2024, Maize South
Sam Kemp Sam Kemp 6'3" | SG Maize South | 2024 State KS , 6-foot-3 guard, 2024, Maize South
Terrell King Terrell King 5'8" | PG Hutchinson | 2025 State KS , 5-foot-10 guard, 2025, Hutchinson
Dallas Metzger Dallas Metzger 6'3" | SF Derby | 2024 State KS , 6-foot-3 forward, 2024, Derby
Kaason Thomas Kaason Thomas 5'11" | CG Campus | 2024 State KS , 5-foot-11 guard, 2024, Campus
Rising Star:
Brayden Myovela Brayden Myovela 6'3" | CG Maize | 2026 State KS , 6-foot-2 guard, 2026, Maize:
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.
Others Rising Stars (in alphabetical order):
Cole Dillon Cole Dillon 6'2" | SG Newton | 2026 State KS , 5-foot-11 guard, 2026, Newton
Jace Humphrey Jace Humphrey 6'4" | PF Salina South | 2025 State KS , 6-foot-4 forward 2025, Salina South
Jack Ulwelling Jack Ulwelling 5'10" | CG Derby | 2025 State KS , 5-foot-10 guard, 2025, Derby