Kansas Preview: AVCTL IV Parity Creates Intrigue

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The AVCTL IV landscape is set for a shakeup this winter. With several high-performing players having graduated, a new wave of talent will step into the spotlight and guide their teams through the upcoming season. The league looks to be more balanced than in years past, with multiple programs poised to compete for the top spot. In this preview, I'll break down the season ahead — highlighting a potential sleeper team, identifying the leading title contenders, making my pick for league champion, unveiling my “Top 5” All-Conference team, and naming my AVCTL IV League Player of the Year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Sleeper - El Dorado</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>El Dorado enters the 2025–2026 season looking to climb out of the lower tier of the AVCTL IV and take a meaningful step forward. While the Wildcats do lose some key contributors, they return several experienced players who could help stabilize the roster and spark progress. Leading the charge will be senior guard Peyton Wight, who is expected to take on primary scoring responsibilities. Wight has the tools to be a solid No. 1 option, with the opportunity to set the tone offensively. Joining him is Jase Peffly, who returns as a likely secondary scorer. Together, they form a backcourt with experience and potential — but the big question remains: Can El Dorado build a reliable supporting cast around them? While a league title will be out of reach this season, the Wildcats have a realistic path to improvement. If role players can step up and complement Wight and Peffly, El Dorado has a chance to win more games in conference play and move the program in a positive direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Contenders - Rose Hill, Andale</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After enduring a tough season last year as one of the youngest teams in both the league and the state, Rose Hill enters the 2025–2026 campaign with plenty of reason for optimism. With the majority of their production returning and a roster full of players who gained meaningful experience, the Rockets are in position to take a significant step forward. The engine behind Rose Hill's resurgence will be senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2393594' first='Zander' last='Ford'], the team's unquestioned leader. A crafty playmaker, Ford led the Rockets in both scoring and assists last season. He plays with a high basketball IQ, consistently making the right reads — knowing when to attack the basket and when to create for others. He's not shy about letting it fly from deep, either, often knocking down threes off ball screens or in isolation. Ford also uses his physicality well, creating space on drives and finishing through contact. Supporting Ford is a strong core of returners who contributed last year, including guard [player_tooltip player_id='2767021' first='Easton' last='Meyer'], forward Aidan Haugh, and versatile wing Nick Bentley. The depth is there, and nearly every player on the roster has some level of varsity experience. The key question for the Rockets will be: Who emerges as the reliable second scoring option? If someone steps up to consistently relieve pressure from Ford, this team's ceiling rises considerably. Ford is expected to take another leap forward, but for Rose Hill to truly contend, the supporting cast must elevate as well. If they do, the Rockets won't just be improved — they'll be a legitimate threat to climb to the top of the AVCTL IV standings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Andale is coming off an impressive campaign, one marked by consistent performances and contributions from a well-rounded roster. While they lose several key players — most notably standout guard Austin Baalmann, who leaves behind a legacy of impact and leadership — the Indians have the pieces to remain competitive in the AVCTL IV. This season, Jack Horsch and Caden Fowler are expected to lead the way. Horsch is a tone-setting defender who thrives on the ball and disrupts passing lanes with intensity and anticipation. His ability to turn defense into offense is a major asset, often using steals to spark transition opportunities where he finishes strong at the rim. Offensively, Horsch is also a reliable perimeter shooter, especially effective in catch-and-shoot situations or coming off screens. Caden Fowler brings valuable size and strength, making him a versatile two-way presence. He'll be counted on to boost his production and provide balance on both ends of the floor, using his physicality to impact the paint and guard multiple positions. Cruz Kaiser is another player set to step into a larger role. A year ago, he stood out as an energetic defender and a smooth left-handed shooter. His quick release and ability to find space make him a dangerous threat from beyond the arc. While Andale loses several impactful players, the program's depth and defensive identity remain intact. Their ability to stay near the top of the standings will hinge on how quickly this new core can step up and increase their production. If development comes as expected, the Indians should once again be a serious contender in the league — with the potential to challenge even the top-tier teams like Collegiate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Champion - Collegiate</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heading into the 2025–2026 season, Collegiate looks to have the most complete and talented roster in the AVCTL IV. With two of the league's top players — AJ Batiste and [player_tooltip player_id='2209780' first='Sebastian' last='Hines-Turner'] — leading the way, the Spartans are poised for a potential title run. Batiste, my pick for Player of the Year, brings an overwhelming presence to the court with his elite athleticism, versatility, and ability to take over games on both ends. He's become a three-level scorer who can dominate offensively while also defending with intensity. This could be the year he consistently imposes his will night in and night out. Hines-Turner, a highly skilled and athletic forward, returns from injury and is expected to regain his form quickly. His ability to rebound, score inside and out, and defend multiple positions gives Collegiate another dynamic weapon. With his length and motor, he adds to what could be one of the most versatile lineups in the league. A key piece to watch is junior [player_tooltip player_id='2205716' first='Kamari' last='Jennings'], who's emerged as a likely third option and a capable secondary playmaker. Jennings brings quick-twitch athleticism, high basketball IQ, and the ability to break down defenses off the dribble. He's effective in the midrange with floaters and pull-ups and shows promise as a facilitator, which could allow Batiste to play off the ball more frequently. Defensively, Jennings adds yet another disruptive presence — potentially forming a formidable defensive trio alongside Batiste and Hines-Turner. With young talent entering the program and returning players expected to take the next step, Collegiate has all the ingredients for a title run. If their core three elevate their production and the supporting cast provides steady contributions, expect to see the Spartans at the top of the standings come February.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Top 5 All-Conference Team</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>AJ Batiste | 6'1" Guard | Collegiate</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Jack Horsch | 6'0" Guard | Andale</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2393594' first='Zander' last='Ford'] | 5'11" Guard | Rose Hill</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2209780' first='Sebastian' last='Hines-Turner'] | 6'4" Wing | Collegiate</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Caden Fowler | 6'3" Forward | Andale</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Player of the Year - AJ Batiste | 6'1" Guard | Collegiate</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>AJ Batiste has quietly built a reputation as one of the AVCTL IV's top players over the past few seasons — and this year, he may be ready to take over completely. Coming off a strong junior campaign, Batiste showcased his ability to score in bunches while flashing elite athleticism and a rapidly developing all-around game. Offensively, Batiste is a dynamic threat. He excels off the ball, making smart cuts and finishing well above the rim on lobs and backdoor opportunities. With the ball in his hands, he's just as dangerous — able to blow by defenders off the bounce or rise up for a smooth pull-up in the midrange. What's most encouraging is his continued growth as a perimeter shooter. His outside shot has become more consistent, and he's now connecting with greater efficiency thanks to improved mechanics and shot selection. His ability to pull up off various footwork and dribble combinations makes him an extremely tough one-on-one cover. Defensively, Batiste is equally impactful. His lateral quickness, anticipation, and active hands make him a lockdown on-ball defender. He's also a threat as a help-side defender, using his bounce to rotate over and block shots or disrupt plays at the rim. If Batiste continues on his current trajectory, he's primed to take the league by storm. With his leadership and all-around impact, Collegiate has a legitimate shot at capturing the AVCTL IV title this season — and Batiste could very well be the driving force behind that run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->