Kansas Preview: Central Prairie 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 Central Prairie 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 – Otis-Bison</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Otis-Bison finished sixth in the league last season, showing flashes of potential but struggling with consistency. This winter, they look to turn the corner behind a talented one-two punch in Kelson Juno and Louis McVey. Juno, a physical presence in the paint, anchors the frontcourt with his ability to score around the rim and protect it on the defensive end. McVey complements him in the backcourt as a skilled guard capable of creating offense, both for himself and for others. Together, the duo brings an inside-out dynamic that gives Otis-Bison versatility and balance on both ends of the floor. If Juno and McVey can take the next step in their development and leadership, Otis-Bison has a strong chance to raise its level of play and push further up the league standings this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Contenders – La Crosse, Victoria, St. John</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>La Crosse is a program on the rise, looking to make the jump into true contender status within the league. After gaining valuable experience last season with a young core, they now return a more seasoned group ready to compete at a higher level. The team will be led by [player_tooltip player_id='2403187' first='Lee' last='Holopirek'], an exceptionally efficient perimeter shooter with deep range, and Christian Rush, a tough, physical guard who can facilitate, score, and defend at a high level. Holopirek's ability to stretch the floor opens up opportunities for his teammates, while Rush brings a competitive edge and versatility on both ends of the court. If Holopirek and Rush can continue to lead with production and energy, La Crosse has the pieces in place to contend for a league title deep into the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Victoria finished at the top of the league last season, earning several impressive wins along the way. While the Knights will lose some key production from that run, they return a promising core of young talent ready to step into larger roles and build on last year's success. Now leading the charge are Nick Sander and Weston Scherrer. Scherrer brings toughness, athleticism, and a steady two-way presence — capable of making an impact as both a defender and a finisher around the rim. Sander, meanwhile, continues to grow into his role as a long, rangy perimeter scorer. He can stretch the floor offensively and create turnovers on the defensive end with his activity and length as an on-ball defender. With Sander and Scherrer setting the tone, Victoria should once again find itself in the mix for a league title this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. John continues to generate buzz as its young core gains experience and takes the next step in development. This winter, the Tigers will be led by the talented duo of [player_tooltip player_id='2820798' first='Emmett' last='Delp'] and Braxton Alpers, two players poised to elevate the program's status within the league. Braxton Alpers, a standout multi-sport athlete, brings a strong two-way presence to the floor. His defensive intensity is a difference-maker — he pressures the ball relentlessly, creates turnovers, and frequently sparks transition opportunities with his hustle and awareness. On offense, he plays with confidence and physicality, adding value beyond the stat sheet. Emmett is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about young prospects in the state. With a rare blend of size and skill at a young age, Delp has the tools to take over games. He's a confident and accurate shooter from the perimeter and also possesses the handle and touch to attack off the bounce and finish creatively around the rim. His versatility and scoring instincts make him a tough matchup for any defense. As Delp and Alpers take on larger roles and ramp up their production, St. John is expected to be in the thick of the league race — likely battling it out with Central Plains throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Champion – Central Plains</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In what was a difficult decision at the top, I've tabbed Central Plains as my pick to win the Central Prairie League this season. The Oilers return key pieces from a strong 2024–25 campaign and look poised to carry that momentum into another title-contending year. Leading the way will be Brodie Crites and Camden Stiles, two athletic and versatile players who bring different but highly complementary skill sets to the floor. Crites is a dynamic athlete with the ability to attack off the bounce, defend multiple positions, and make plays in transition. Stiles brings a strong, physical presence, using his frame and instincts to impact the game on both ends. What makes this duo especially dangerous is their defensive mindset -- both players possess excellent anticipation and toughness, regularly disrupting opponents and turning defense into offense. On the other end, they can each score in multiple ways, whether from the perimeter, in the mid-range, or finishing around the rim. With recent program success, a well-rounded roster, and two standout leaders in Crites and Stiles, Central Plains has the talent and toughness to win the league — and potentially make a deep run in the postseason.</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='2820798' first='Emmett' last='Delp'] | 6'6" Wing | St. John</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Brodie Crites | 6'2" Guard | Central Plains</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2403187' first='Lee' last='Holopirek'] | 5'9" Guard | La Crosse</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Kelson Juno | 6'3" Forward | Otis-Bison</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Nick Sander | 6'1" Guard | Victoria</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Player of the Year –&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='2820798' first='Emmett' last='Delp']&nbsp;| 6'6″ Wing | St. John</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emmett could very well earn this distinction for the next few years — a testament to just how unique and talented he is. The left-handed scorer continues to take major strides in his development and looks primed for a breakout year leading St. John. Delp is an elite-level shooter, especially from beyond the arc, where his range, quick release, and confidence make him a constant threat. But he's far from one-dimensional — he also attacks off the bounce with control and purpose, showing great touch around the rim and the vision to make the smart play when defenses collapse. Defensively, Delp uses his long frame effectively, disrupting passing lanes and altering shots without fouling. His ability to impact the game on both ends makes him one of the most complete players in the league. With his skill set, feel for the game, and leadership, don't be surprised to see Delp put up eye-catching box scores all season long — and once again lead St. John deep into league and possibly postseason play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->