Kansas Preview: Eastern Kansas 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 Eastern Kansas season with in-depth team predictions — spotlighting a couple sleeper teams, 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>Sleepers – Bishop Miege, St. Thomas Aquinas</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a tough 2024-2025 season, Bishop Miege comes into this winter with a renewed sense of purpose — and a much more experienced roster. While the Stags may not yet be ready to compete at the top of the Eastern Kansas League, the pieces are in place for a clear upward trajectory. One silver lining from last year's struggles was the wealth of in-game reps their young players gained. That experience should begin to pay dividends this season, especially in a competitive league where growth and cohesion can tilt close games. Leading the charge is Miege's promising backcourt duo of [player_tooltip player_id='2820764' first='Keenan' last='Poulsen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2205719' first='Liam' last='Tesmer']. Both guards are high-IQ, athletic playmakers who can run the offense and create for others. Their development will be key, not only in terms of wins and losses, but in setting the tone for the culture of this next chapter in Miege basketball. If the Stags can bring the rest of their young core along, and establish consistency on both ends, expect them to surprise some opponents and push higher in the standings. The real jump may come next season — but make no mistake, this winter marks the beginning of that rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Thomas Aquinas will enter the season facing a bit of a reset after graduating a significant portion of last year's production. While the Saints were highly competitive throughout the previous campaign, this year's version of the team will look different — younger, but still dangerous. With key returners bringing valuable experience and a promising group of underclassmen entering the mix, Aquinas has the potential to grow steadily over the course of the season. Expect the first half to come with some growing pains, but as chemistry builds and roles settle, this group could hit its stride late in the year. The team will be anchored by its experienced backcourt, where [player_tooltip player_id='2817641' first='Nic' last='Sabers'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1911626' first='Ben' last='Renze'] return to take on expanded leadership roles. Both guards bring toughness, skill, and a deep understanding of the program's expectations — and they'll be leaned on heavily to guide this younger group through the grind of the EKL schedule. Don't be surprised if Aquinas pulls off a few key wins that shake up the league standings. While they may fly under the radar early, this is a team with enough talent and coaching to be a factor — especially come February.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Contenders – Blue Valley West, Blue Valley Northwest, Blue Valley North</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blue Valley West might be a surprise inclusion on this list of contenders -- but don't overlook the Jaguars. They caught my attention with a strong showing this summer, building off the momentum of a solid finish to last season. Leading the charge will be [player_tooltip player_id='XXXX' first='Cade' last='Wysong'], [player_tooltip player_id='XXXX' first='Max' last='Orr'], and [player_tooltip player_id='XXXX' first='Brady' last='Brungardt'] -- a trio that gives West a balanced and competitive core. Wysong is an athletic perimeter threat who can attack the rim with confidence and brings a toughness on both ends of the floor. Orr complements him well as a scoring guard, showcasing an efficient perimeter shot and a knack for moving without the ball. Brungardt anchors the paint, rebounding at a high level while using his strength and footwork to finish around the basket. With this combination of skill, grit, and strong coaching, Blue Valley West has the tools to be in the mix all season long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blue Valley Northwest consistently finds itself in the heart of the league title race, year after year. With a strong foundation of talent and a culture that emphasizes development and team identity, the Huskies remain a tough out for any opponent. This season, [player_tooltip player_id='XXXX' first='Ayden' last='McGibboney'] returns to lead the charge, aiming to take the next step both as a scorer and vocal leader. A highly regarded athlete, McGibboney will be key -- but he'll need help. Enter [player_tooltip player_id='XXXX' first='Baron' last='Marshall'], a young player with high upside. Marshall brings elite athleticism and the ability to impact the game without the ball, especially on the defensive end. His continued growth will be vital to the Huskies' success. Northwest will also look to its younger players to step up and contribute meaningful minutes. But with McGibboney and Marshall setting the tone, the Huskies are well-positioned to stay competitive and peak at the right time as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With arguably the top player in the state on their roster, Blue Valley North enters the winter season with high expectations. Junior standout [player_tooltip player_id='2815486' first='Will' last='Davis'] will lead the charge on both ends of the floor, building off an impressive sophomore campaign. Davis excels in transition, scoring in a variety of ways and using his length and quickness to make an impact defensively. But this team is far from a one-man show. Returning guard [player_tooltip player_id='2628356' first='CJ' last='Duson'] adds another dynamic presence, capable of both scoring and creating opportunities with a high basketball IQ. The arrival of experienced wing [player_tooltip player_id='2205709' first='Colton' last='Nichols'] adds further depth. Nichols had a standout summer, reshaping his body and emerging as a versatile weapon on both ends. With this trio leading the way, Blue Valley North has all the pieces to make a serious run at the league title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Champion – Blue Valley</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blue Valley enters the 2025-2026 season as my clear favorite in the Eastern Kansas League after an undefeated run in conference play last year. With a deep and experienced roster returning, the Tigers are poised to build on their dominance and make an even deeper run this winter. Leading the charge is junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2866725' first='Brendan' last='Walsh'], the team's floor general who has continued to expand his offensive game. Walsh showed noticeable growth over the summer, adding new layers to his arsenal and further cementing his role as the team's leader. On the wing, [player_tooltip player_id='2234471' first='Enoch' last='Rodriguez'] brings athleticism, length, and a two-way presence that few can match. He's a game-changer on both ends of the floor, capable of scoring in transition, locking down on defense, and swinging momentum with a single play. Anchoring the interior is [player_tooltip player_id='2230883' first='Parker' last='Seithel'], a skilled and versatile big who's ready to take the next step toward dominance. His ability to stretch the floor and control the paint gives Blue Valley a major advantage on both ends. With dynamic talent at every position, high-level chemistry, and a winning pedigree, Blue Valley is not just the team to beat in the EKL — they might be the team to beat statewide.</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='2866725' first='Brendan' last='Walsh'] | 6'2" Guard | Blue Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2234471' first='Enoch' last='Rodriguez'] | 6'5" Wing | Blue Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2230883' first='Parker' last='Seithel'] | 6'10" Forward | Blue Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2815486' first='Will' last='Davis'] | 6'8" Wing | Blue Valley North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1530221' first='Ayden' last='McGibboney'] | 6'3" Guard | Blue Valley Northwest</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Player of the Year –&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='2815486' first='Will' last='Davis'] | 6'8" Wing | Blue Valley North</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If there's a player ready to take over the Eastern Kansas League in 2025-2026, it's [player_tooltip player_id='2815486' first='Will' last='Davis']. Long touted for his immense potential, Davis is primed to make the leap and establish himself as the league's top player. Coming off a strong offseason, Davis showed clear signs of evolution in his game. He's becoming a true three-level scorer, with the ability to create his own shot, knock down perimeter jumpers, and finish through contact at the rim. But what separates Davis is his versatility — his feel for the game as a facilitator and his impact defensively make him a rare two-way talent. This season, Davis won't have to shoulder the load alone. The Mustangs return with added depth and firepower, which should give Davis more space to operate and allow him to play freer within the flow of the offense. With more weapons around him, expect his efficiency and playmaking to rise. Simply put, the stage is set. With the spotlight on him and the tools to dominate, [player_tooltip player_id='2815486' first='Will' last='Davis'] is ready to turn potential into production — and take over the EKL.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->