Kansas Preview: Evaluating the Central Kansas League’s Path Ahead

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Central Kansas League has long been home to compelling storylines and competitive teams, and the 2025–26 season looks to be no different. In this in-depth preview, I break down a deep and balanced league — highlighting a potential sleeper team, analyzing the top contenders in the title race, and revealing my pick to win the conference. I also unveil my Preseason All-Conference “Top 5” selections and share my projection for the 2025–26 Player of the Year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Sleeper - Hoisington</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hoisington enters the season with one of the league's premier returning talents in senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1955301' first='Mason' last='Martin']. Coming off an impressive junior campaign, Martin established himself as the clear leader for the Cardinals, topping nearly every major statistical category. His offensive game is built around a quick release, particularly from beyond the arc, where he shoots with both confidence and efficiency. Martin's ability to knock down deep shots forces defenses to extend, opening up opportunities for him to create. One of his standout traits is his craftiness with the ball -- he frequently utilizes shot fakes and quick raises to manipulate defenders, creating space to either step back or relocate for a better look. In transition or when attacking off the dribble, Martin is a handful. His combination of speed, ball-handling, and athleticism allows him to break down defenders, get into open space, and finish at the rim with control and flair. While Martin returns as the centerpiece of the offense, the Cardinals will feel the loss of two of their other top scoring threats. As a result, Mason will likely be asked to shoulder even more of the offensive load. However, for Hoisington to truly compete night in and night out within a tough league, it will be critical for younger, less experienced players to step into larger roles and contribute consistently. If that supporting cast can develop and provide him with even modest help, Martin has the talent and leadership to keep Hoisington competitive -- and possibly even turn some heads with a few upsets throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Contenders - Smoky Valley, Hesston</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smoky Valley may have finished last season with just two league victories, but there are legitimate reasons for optimism as the Vikings gear up for the 2025–2026 campaign. With nearly their entire roster returning -- including their top three scorers -- this group has the experience, chemistry, and depth needed to make a significant leap forward. Leading the charge will be senior forward Ty Heitschmidt, a versatile and physically imposing presence who is expected to be the team's primary offensive weapon. Heitschmidt brings a rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ. He's just as comfortable posting up and finishing through contact in the paint as he is facing up and knocking down shots from the perimeter. His ability to read the defense and pick his spots makes him difficult to guard, and his range as a shooter helps stretch the floor, drawing bigger defenders out of the lane and opening up driving opportunities for his teammates. In addition to his scoring, Heitschmidt is a relentless rebounder on both ends of the floor, providing second-chance opportunities and anchoring the team's defensive efforts. Returning alongside him are key contributors Braylon Olson, Kristian Ryan, and Atticus Pavlovich, all of whom are poised to take on larger roles this season. Olson will be the steady hand in the backcourt, known for his ball-handling, court vision, and ability to break down defenses off the dribble. He makes smart decisions with the ball and has shown the ability to facilitate effectively, getting his teammates quality looks. Ryan and Pavlovich add valuable depth and versatility to the frontcourt. Both are capable rebounders and finishers around the rim, and Ryan, in particular, brings a unique inside-out threat with his ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc. Their mobility and effort on both ends will be key in establishing the kind of physical, high-motor identity that Smoky Valley will need to climb the standings. With the entire core returning and each player a year more experienced, the Vikings are in a strong position to improve significantly. If their returning pieces continue to develop and take on larger roles as expected, Smoky Valley has a real shot to move into the upper tier of the league standings. Don't be surprised if they enter the top-three conversation and post a notable increase in both league and overall wins this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Few programs in the state can match the recent success of Hesston, which has established itself as a perennial powerhouse over the last several seasons. With four state championships in the past five years, the Swathers have built a reputation rooted in discipline, unselfish play, and a winning culture that consistently produces results. That tradition isn't going anywhere -- but the path forward in the 2025–2026 season may look different. The most significant change is the graduation of Reed Friesen, the team's emotional and on-court leader over the past few seasons. Friesen was a do-it-all player -- capable of making clutch plays, stabilizing the team in tough moments, and impacting the game on both ends. His leadership and versatility won't be easy to replace, and it's likely that the Swathers will have to adopt a more collective approach to fill the void he leaves behind. Fortunately, Hesston returns a talented core led by Drew Bartell and Ty Unruh, two players who are more than capable of stepping into larger roles. Bartell will be the anchor inside, a physical post presence with a strong understanding of positioning and footwork. He operates effectively with his back to the basket but also thrives in motion offenses, setting solid screens, rolling hard, and creating opportunities for teammates. He's an efficient finisher with either hand and brings toughness on the boards and in the paint defensively. Unruh, on the other hand, provides backcourt balance with his ability to shoot and create. A confident perimeter scorer, he can catch fire from beyond the arc and stretch defenses with his range. He's also effective putting the ball on the floor, using quickness and body control to get to the rim and finish through or around help defenders. Unruh's dual-threat scoring ability will be vital in keeping opposing defenses honest. With Bartell and Unruh at the forefront and a program culture that prioritizes development, teamwork, and accountability, Hesston isn't likely to take much of a step back. While the loss of Friesen will be felt, the Swathers have the tools and the pedigree to remain contenders. Expect them to push perennial rival Pratt all the way to the final weeks of the regular season in a battle for the league title. And given Hesston's track record, it wouldn't be surprising if they found that championship magic once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Champion - Pratt</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Much of the league title conversation this season hinges on one key question: Will [player_tooltip player_id='2328078' first='Arley' last='Morrell'] suit up for basketball his senior year? A standout multi-sport athlete already committed to play football at the next level, Morrell's future may be focused on the gridiron. However, assuming he does return to the hardwood this winter, Pratt immediately becomes the favorite to win the league -- and for good reason. Morrell is the kind of player who completely alters the dynamic of a game with his two-way impact. Offensively, he's a force around the basket, using his strength and instincts to carve out space, finish through contact, and crash the offensive glass with relentless energy. His ability to create second and even third-chance opportunities keeps pressure on opposing defenses. On the defensive end, Morrell controls the paint with physicality and elite timing. He's a high-level shot blocker, regularly swatting attempts back out to the perimeter or out of bounds, disrupting opponents' rhythm and anchoring the team's defense. What makes Morrell even more dangerous is his motor in transition. He's not just a post presence -- he sprints the floor hard, often beating defenders down court and finishing plays with emphatic dunks that electrify the gym and swing momentum in Pratt's favor. But Pratt is far from a one-man show. Supporting Morrell is a talented duo in Caleb Strong and Landon Demuth -- two guards poised for breakout seasons. Strong, who will lead the backcourt, is a high-IQ, pass-first player who thrives on setting up others. He has excellent court vision, anticipating reads before they develop and delivering accurate passes that put teammates in position to score. While his playmaking stands out, Strong is also a capable scorer in his own right. He gets into the paint with ease and is a confident left-handed shooter with deep range and a smooth release. Demuth adds another dynamic layer to the perimeter group. With a longer frame and fluid handle, he can glide past defenders and finish at the rim with touch and body control. On the defensive side, he's a menace -- active in passing lanes and applying constant pressure on opposing guards. His defensive energy helps set the tone for a team that wants to get stops and turn them into fast-break opportunities. If Morrell does return and all three of these players stay healthy and productive, Pratt has the tools to edge out Hesston for the league title. The margin will be slim, but with steady contributions from role players and the bench, the Greenbacks could be holding the trophy when it's all said and done.</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='1955301' first='Mason' last='Martin'] | 6'1" Guard | Hoisington</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2328078' first='Arley' last='Morrell'] | 6'5" Forward | Pratt</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Drew Bartell | 6'5" Forward | Hesston</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Ty Heitschmidt | 6'4" Forward | Smoky Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Caleb Strong | 6'2" Guard | Pratt</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Player of the Year - [player_tooltip player_id='2328078' first='Arley' last='Morrell'] | 6'5" Forward | Pratt</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As mentioned earlier, everything hinges on whether [player_tooltip player_id='2328078' first='Arley' last='Morrell'] decides to play basketball this season for Pratt. If he does, it's hard to imagine any team in the league having a reliable answer for his rare combination of size, athleticism, and motor. Morrell plays with intensity on every possession -- running the floor hard, looking to make plays in transition on both ends, and never taking a play off. Offensively, he's a dominant force in the paint. Whether it's finishing through contact, elevating over defenders, or finding angles to score around them, Morrell consistently produces high-percentage opportunities. He's not afraid to embrace physicality, and his ability to generate offense inside makes him a constant problem for opposing defenses. Defensively, he sets the tone with his physical presence and versatility. He can guard multiple positions, protect the rim with timely shot-blocking, and anchor the interior with sheer force. His impact goes beyond the stat sheet -- he intimidates, alters shots, and wears down opponents over four quarters. If Morrell suits up, I see him not only leading Pratt to a league title but also delivering some massive individual performances along the way. With his presence and the supporting cast around him, the Greenbacks have the inside track to finish on top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->