Marquee Matchups of the First Round of State

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The state tournaments are the highlight of the year, the true March Madness of high school basketball. The first round the tournament is single elimination, certain to induce some urgency. We can't wait to see all the matchups. But here is one from each classification that you'll want to give particular attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6A - #2 Wichita Heights vs #7 Campus:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game will be a rare opportunity to watch two elite Kansans face off at state. [player_tooltip player_id='1270090' first='TJ' last='Williams'], the top-ranked player in the 2024 class, will lock horns with the second-ranked player in the class, [player_tooltip player_id='1270094' first='Andrell' last='Burton']. Despite living in close proximity, the two haven't faced each other in a high school game since their sophomore seasons. Now one of them will see their career come to an end in this match. Williams, a Wichita State commit, has played in a ton of games at state, winning a title as a sophomore. Burton was a contributor to the Campus team that reached the title game in his freshman year, but hasn't been back since.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5A - #3 Kapaun Mt. Carmel vs #6 De Soto:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We believed from day one that Kapaun had the inside track to the state title. Their #3 seeding doesn't change that belief. But they will be challenged in the opening round by De Soto. The Wildcats are led by [player_tooltip player_id='1270268' first='David' last='Cobin'], arguably the best point guard in the state, who showed as a sophomore that he can take over a tournament. He led De Soto clear to the 5A title game that year, and could do it again. Kapaun has a top-level point guard of their own in [player_tooltip player_id='1408946' first='Corbin' last='Johnson'] and a deep and talented roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4A - #4 Circle vs #5 Baldwin:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This looks like the most evenly-matched of the first round opponents. Circle had all off season to deal with the disappointment of missing the 4A tournament a year ago after they were upset by Wellington. They are determined to go far this year, and only McPherson has blemished their record thus far. Circle is balanced, with several studs capable of making plays, starting with guard [player_tooltip player_id='2314781' first='Conner' last='Chadwell']. Baldwin's players have the benefit of experience, having been to the tournament a year ago. They elevated some players with size into the rotation this year. Their leader is a sophomore, [player_tooltip player_id='1624974' first='Cooper' last='Carr'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3A - #1 Beloit vs #8 Hayden:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game could go one of two ways. Based on the seeds and season records, it looks like a mismatch. Beloit's size and muscle – led by senior [player_tooltip player_id='1270292' first='Bryce' last='Beisner'] – might overwhelm the Wildcats. But Hayden spent all season conditioning against big, athletic foes in the Centennial League. They went to substate with just 5 wins against 15 losses. But no matter. They have faith that the regular season prepared them for this moment. There are no stars at Hayden, but their toughness is personified in guard <strong>Dom Ridley</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2A - #1 Lyndon vs #8 Conway Springs:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game is interesting for a couple of reasons. First, if the teams decided to put on pads, it would be a great football game. Conway Springs claimed the 1A football title while Lyndon won the larger 8-man classification. So there are a lot of guys with winning pedigrees going at it. Second, it will pit big man [player_tooltip player_id='1155933' first='Nash' last='Johnsen'] (pictured) of Conway Springs against even bigger man <strong>Kaedin Massey</strong> for Lyndon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1A Div. I - #2 Lacrosse vs #7 Bishop Seabury:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are some good matchups in this class, but we are intrigued with what Seabury can do with its collection of talent. Normally we would think Seabury would have a big advantage with 6-foot-8 [player_tooltip player_id='1799266' first='Chase' last='Honarvar'] posing a mismatch. But Lacrosse has good size too, beginning with powerful 6-foot-6 <strong>Logan Skillett</strong>. There will be a lot of talent on the floor in this one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1A Div. II - #3 Northern Valley vs #6 Lebo:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After being ranked at the top of the class for most of the season, Northern Valley was slotted third. You would think they would be a big favorite over Lebo, but the Wolves have the benefit of experience, having played for the title just a year ago. Interchangable athletes <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2387736' first='Grayson' last='Shoemaker'], Zachery Oswald, Dominic Risner </strong>and <strong>Andrew Konrade</strong> make the Wolves versatile. Northern Valley have a ton of balance as well, with four players scoring in double figures, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1756349' first='Kenton' last='Thalheim'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->