Back to State: Returners From 1A DI Tourney Teams
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The 1A classes graduated a lot of really good players from last season. In fact, only a handful of all-state players return from either of the smallest classes. As for the state tournament teams, champion Stafford returns just a couple…
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Continue ReadingThe 1A classes graduated a lot of really good players from last season. In fact, only a handful of all-state players return from either of the smallest classes.
As for the state tournament teams, champion Stafford returns just a couple of their key components – guards Hector Gomez and Diego Esparza Diego Esparza 5'8" | PG Macksville | 2025 State KS . Runner-up Wichita Classical brings back only senior Daniel Young from its rotation.
Arguably the best player from last year’s tournament – South Gray’s Joey Dyck Joey Dyck 6'2" | SF South Gray | 2024 State KS – is back, as is Olpe’s Blake Skalsky Blake Skalsky 6'5" | C Olpe | 2024 State KS .
There are just a few state tourney qualifying teams who return a good group of talent from last year.
Here are the three 1A state teams that return a significant portion of last year:
LaCrosse – lost to Macksville in the first round in 2023:
The Leopards bring back some remarkable size, including seniors Caden Morgan Caden Morgan 6'2" | SF Lacrosse | 2024 State KS and Gage Burk, a couple of 6-foot-3 men who can do some of everything. Put them next to 6-foot-6 Logan Skillett and you’ve got a daunting front wall. With forward Conner Barriger also in the mix, you have a group who could own the boards. They should have balanced scoring, with Morgan stretching defenses from the perimeter.
Elyria Christian – lost to Wichita Classical in the first round in 2023:
The Eagles lose just one significant contributor, and have a chance to be balanced and talented. They are led by junior Ty Romero Ty Romero 6'5" | PG Elyria Christian | 2025 State KS , a guy with great length who can handle the ball and play just about any position. Senior Johnny Unruh is a productive guard who handles and distributes the ball, freeing up Romero. Alex Robertson, James Schott and Landon Schneider are good-sized, physical guys who can provide a lot of support after gaining great experience a year ago.
Clifton-Clyde – lost to South Gray in the first round in 2023:
The Eagles also lose one key piece of last year’s team, but bring back a bunch of talent. Trent Long Trent Long 5'10" | CG Clifton-Clyde | 2024 State KS is one of the team leaders, getting a lot of production from the guard spot. Jack Skocny Jack Skocny 6'1" | CG Clifton-Clyde | 2025 State KS (pictured) is a bigger, longer guard who also makes a ton of plays as a scorer, distributor and rebounder. Coy Steinbrock is a shooter who stretches defenses. Drayden Reed, at 6-foot-3, will have to step up on the front line. Payton Fahey and Oliver Nobert are also experienced returners.