Kansas Preview: Centennial Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the next few weeks, I'll be taking a deep dive into each basketball league across the state of Kansas, sharing my personal insights and opinions as we get closer to tip-off. With the season fast approaching, it's the perfect time to break down teams, players, and storylines to watch. Stay tuned as I go league by league, highlighting what makes each one unique and what to expect this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I preview the upcoming Centennial season with in-depth team predictions — spotlighting a sleeper team, breaking down the top contenders, naming my pick to win the conference, unveiling my “Top 5” All-Conference selections, and projecting the Player of the Year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Sleeper - Manhattan</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Manhattan is a team flying under the radar as we approach the winter season. While they faced their share of struggles last year, the Indians return valuable experience and key production — led by two of the league's more talented players in Noah McFadden and Vince Doering. With that duo at the forefront, Manhattan is poised to take a step forward and position itself as a consistent competitor near the top of the league standings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Contenders - Hayden, Emporia, Junction City</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hayden finished last season with a .500 record in league play, but showed flashes of potential by knocking off several quality opponents. Now, with a young and promising roster, the Wildcats are looking to take a step forward. Two key pieces in that effort will be Mason Becker and Connor Hanika. Becker is an aggressive, confident guard who brings playmaking ability and defensive versatility on the perimeter. Hanika, with his size and length, is a true multi-tool player — capable of rebounding, defending multiple positions, and scoring in a variety of ways. If this young core continues to develop, Hayden could become a dangerous matchup as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emporia finished in the middle of the pack last season and will look to take a step forward despite losing some key production. What they do have, however, is one of the league's most impactful returning players in Rylan Crowell. Crowell is a strong, athletic perimeter threat who plays with intensity on both ends of the floor. He's capable of attacking the basket, facilitating for teammates, and defending at a high level — making him a true two-way leader. If Emporia can develop its younger supporting cast over the course of the season, Crowell has the talent and competitiveness to elevate the program and help them contend with the league's top teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junction City is another program coming off a solid winter, gaining valuable experience by competing against some of the top teams across multiple classifications in the state. That battle-tested schedule should pay dividends this season as the Blue Jays look to take the next step. They're led by [player_tooltip player_id='2209782' first='Lovell' last='Autry'], a dynamic and athletic lead guard who can break down defenders off the dribble and score in bunches. Autry's ability to create offense and push the tempo gives Junction City a clear identity on the offensive end. Alongside him, the Blue Jays have promising young talent ready to take on bigger roles — including Brody Boeckman, a versatile frontcourt presence who brings a combination of size and mobility. If that supporting cast continues to grow, Junction City could become a formidable team as the season unfolds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Champion - Washburn Rural</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have Washburn Rural at the top of the league once again this winter. After finishing undefeated in league play last season, the program remains in a strong position despite graduating some key contributors. A solid core of returning players, combined with a talented group of younger prospects, gives the Blues the depth and balance needed to stay at the top. The team will be led by [player_tooltip player_id='2039558' first='Simon' last='Rowley'], a crafty, left-handed guard who impressed last season as a junior with his playmaking and scoring ability. He'll be complemented by [player_tooltip player_id='2228096' first='John' last='Hoytal'], a versatile, do-it-all presence who brings strength, athleticism, and the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. With leadership, experience, and emerging talent, Washburn Rural looks poised to remain the team to beat in league play this winter.</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>[player_tooltip player_id='2039558' first='Simon' last='Rowley'] | 6'1" Guard | Washburn Rural</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Rylan Crowell | 6'1" Guard | Emporia</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2209782' first='Lovell' last='Autry'] | 5'10" Guard | Junction City</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Bryson McComas | 6'1" Guard | Topeka</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Noah McFadden | 6'3" Wing | Manhattan</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Player of the Year - [player_tooltip player_id='2039558' first='Simon' last='Rowley'] | 6'1" Guard | Washburn Rural</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Simon made a significant leap as a junior, playing a key role in leading Washburn Rural to a league championship. Following a strong summer on the circuit, Rowley enters his senior season as one of the top players in the Centennial League — and potentially its premier guard. Rowley has added strength to his frame, which now complements his already well-rounded skill set. He's capable of scoring at all three levels, and his improved perimeter shooting gives him the ability to stretch defenses and create space. Whether pulling up off the dribble or spotting up off the catch, his confidence from deep has taken a noticeable step forward. In the paint, Rowley's physicality and body control allow him to finish through contact, often creating angles in tight spaces that few guards can. His blend of craft, touch, and toughness makes him a consistent scoring threat in both transition and half-court settings. With continued leadership and production, Rowley is poised to be the centerpiece of another strong season for Washburn Rural — and my clear Player of the Year in the league.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->