Returners, Contenders and Unknowns Among Teams to Watch in 4A
In this article:
Who are the “returners,” “contenders” and “unknowns” among the teams in the 4A class? Let’s take a look: Returners: McPherson McPherson does lose two key players from last year’s state runner up. But the cupboard is so full with this…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWho are the “returners,” “contenders” and “unknowns” among the teams in the 4A class? Let’s take a look:
Returners:
McPherson
McPherson does lose two key players from last year’s state runner up. But the cupboard is so full with this perennial power. They know how to develop fundamental, smart players in McPherson, and next season will be full of them. Kyden Thompson Kyden Thompson 6'2" | SG McPherson | 2024 State KS and Cory Muehler Cory Muehler 5'11" | CG McPherson | 2024 State KS make up one of the best backcourts anywhere. Owen Pyle Owen Pyle 6'2" | CG McPherson | 2024 KS and Gabe Pyle Gabe Pyle 6'5" | SF McPherson | 2025 State KS will stretch defenses with their brilliant shooting. The Bullpups will build around that core.
Atchison
Atchison is doing a lot of winning these days. Football had a great run, and now the basketball team will make another push for the state tournament. Guys like Xiomar Hernandez Xiomar Hernandez 6'0" | SG Atchison | 2024 State KS , Trey Carter Trey Carter 5'9" | PG Atchison | 2024 State KS and Jeter Purdy Jeter Purdy 6'4" | PF Atchison | 2024 State KS got great experience as juniors and will be hungry. Junior Jace Richards and sophomore Yogi Purdy may be ready to really take off.
Contenders:
Hugoton
The Eagles lost two of the best guards in the state, regardless of class. So how can they expect to contend for another state title? Well, there’s a bunch of talent back from last year’s champs, beginning with point guard Dasean Lewis Dasean Lewis 5'10" | PG Hugoton | 2024 State KS (pictured). Emmett Gaskill Emmett Gaskill 6'3" | SG Hugoton | 2024 State KS is a versatile warrior. There is lots of size in Isaac Martin and Izeyah Harris Izeyah Harris 6'5" | PF Hugoton | 2024 State KS . Can anyone step up to make plays like Ryle Riddlesperger and Carson Bennett did? We’ll see.
Chanute
Chanute returns two athletic studs in Kaiden Seamster Kaiden Seamster 6'3" | SF Chanute | 2024 State KS and Larsen Koester Larsen Koester 6'2" | SF Chanute | 2024 State KS , guys who have a ton of experience and will be tough to match physically. The Blue Comets went 14-7 while having to play a lot of young players last year, so there will be experience to build on.
Unknowns:
Bishop Miege
No one will feel sorry for the Stags if they have to rebuild their roster. This team always reloads with young talent. But there will be a ton of question marks as they start this season. Guys who got good experience last year include guards Naeem Coppage and Justyce Betts.
Labette County
From their 10-12 season last year, Labette County returns two really good players. The problem is, that’s about all that returns. Hudson Baker Hudson Baker 6'8" | C Labette County | 2024 State KS and Zavier Phillips Zavier Phillips 6'4" | CG Labette County | 2024 State KS are athletic big men who should be really good as seniors. But after that, almost all the minutes went to seniors last year. Some guys are going to have to step up in order for this to be a good season.