One Month Until State: 6A Teams & X-Factors

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The race for Class 6 is heating up and teams are beginning to separate from the pack. Each team is going to have an x-factor that can be the difference in big games. We touch on who those players are in this article.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oak Park - [player_tooltip player_id='1850444' first='Josh' last='Kori']:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kori is an x-factor for many reasons. He's someone who can play off the ball on a guard-dominant team. He makes open jumpers, defends multiple positions, and has great length at 6'4. He's a capable double-digit scorer who plays both sides of the ball. Kori is a stockriser in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Battle - [player_tooltip player_id='2334930' first='Brandon' last='Rooks']:&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rooks is capable of hitting big shots in big moments. The freshman is a sharpshooter who has had a strong season so far and will only progress into a top player through time. A combo guard who can fill it up from 3 and take attention away from other players.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Springfield Central - [player_tooltip player_id='1562794' first='Devin' last='Sanford']:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sanford always comes up big when we watch this talented Central team. His shooting prowess is a major asset to winning. A true floor spacer from the guard spot. He's a different style of player than most on this team. 3&amp;D guy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chaminade - [player_tooltip player_id='1419870' first='Ben' last='Winker']:&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chaminade has a number of players who could be considered x-factors but Winker provides a lot in the form of defensive depth. His size at 6'10 can be utilized alongside other forwards or by himself. He plays his role, rebounds, and will contest shots at the rim. He gives them an advantage vs. smaller teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lee's Summit West - [player_tooltip player_id='1260433' first='Bryce' last='Mitchell']:&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mitchell is the energy guy on this team. His bounce, activity level, and voice on defense is all key. He'll make a big play on offense here or there. A ferocious dunker who can swing momentum. Mitchell is simply a solid all-around forward that will make an energy play during a key sequence this March.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kickapoo - [player_tooltip player_id='1872262' first='Reese' last='Kimrey']:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just a sophomore, Kimrey is a super skilled player. He can play on or off the ball. An excellent passer who has elite floor vision. The lefty is also a sniper from deep. On defense he helps quarterback the defense from the backline. Kimrey has already made a game winner this season so big moments aren't too much for him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Staley - Tavian Tate:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It would be easier to list the things that Tate doesn't do for this team. He's a tremendous all-around player that has been a part of winning. He has been scoring in double figures a lot as of late and always contributes on the glass. Simply a rock solid player for Coach Neff.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cardinal Ritter - [player_tooltip player_id='1914113' first='Derrick' last='Rivers']:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rivers was big during the playoff run last season and that'll be the case once again. He's a player who lives to make the big shot. A tough on-ball defender who can create looks from behind the arc. When you talk about x-factors, Rivers is one of the best in the entire state. He's built for this time of year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->