Kansas Preview: Great West League Headed for Strong Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a new season begins, I turn my attention once again to the always-competitive Great West League. Last year, this league featured some of the most talented and battle-tested teams in the state. While several standout players have since graduated, the league remains deep and dangerous — and I expect it to be just as competitive this season. In this preview, I'll highlight a potential sleeper team, break down the top contenders, make my pick for league champion, name my “Top 5” All-League team, and choose my Great West League Player of the Year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Sleeper - Ulysses</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a challenging season a year ago, Ulysses enters the 2025–2026 campaign flying under the radar — but that may not last long. While few are mentioning the Tigers in early league conversations, there's reason to believe this group could be one of the most improved teams in the Great West League. With a solid core of returning experience and a legitimate star in Julian Meraz, Ulysses has the tools to make noise this winter. Meraz is the type of player who can change the trajectory of a program. A dynamic guard with explosive quickness and high-level skill, he'll be the engine for Ulysses on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Meraz can score at all three levels. He's a confident shooter with deep range, capable of creating space off the bounce and hitting shots off the catch. His ability to handle the ball in transition and push the tempo gives Ulysses a dangerous pace, especially against slower or less athletic teams. He also shows toughness around the rim, finishing through contact and using crafty angles to score against bigger defenders. On the defensive end, Meraz plays with high energy and active hands, constantly pressuring opposing guards and jumping passing lanes. His ability to turn defense into offense will be a key factor in Ulysses' ability to hang with top-tier teams in the league. Around Meraz, the Tigers return a strong supporting cast led by Caden Ledesma, Tyce Perez, and Stryker Berglund. Ledesma is another talented guard with the ability to stretch the floor. He's shown flashes of being a dangerous perimeter shooter who can heat up quickly and change the momentum of a game in a matter of minutes. Perez and Berglund bring experience, defensive intensity, and versatility. Both players have strong instincts and the ability to make an impact as two-way contributors — capable of defending multiple positions and providing timely scoring. One key question for Ulysses will be interior presence. The Tigers will need someone to step into the role of protecting the paint and battling on the glass, especially against the league's more physically imposing teams. If they can find or develop a reliable frontcourt piece, this team's ceiling gets even higher. Regardless, with strong guard play, a true leader in Meraz, and a returning core that plays hard and competes, Ulysses could very well finish just outside the top three in the league — a significant step forward and a sign of impressive growth within the program. They'll be a tough matchup every night and have the potential to pull off some upsets as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Contenders - Colby, Goodland</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colby will be a potential dark horse contender in the GWAC, thanks in large part to having the league's top individual talent in [player_tooltip player_id='1624987' first='Jordan' last='Jones']. With a full year of experience behind him and a growing sense of leadership, Jones is poised to elevate not just his own game, but the entire Colby program — making them a real threat to challenge the likes of Holcomb and other league front-runners. Jones will be the heart and soul of this team — a dynamic, high-IQ guard who can impact the game in every phase. Offensively, he brings elite shot-making ability, highlighted by deep range, a quick release, and the ability to create space off the dribble. He's equally effective attacking the rim, showing great touch with either hand and the body control to finish through or around contact. In the mid-range, his stop-and-pop game is nearly unguardable, giving defenders a tough choice in how to contain him. But Jones is more than just a scorer. He's a strong on-ball defender with quick hands and the ability to stay in front of his man. He competes on every possession and sets the tone for Colby on both ends. Perhaps most importantly, he brings a leadership presence that this team will rally around. If he continues to grow as a facilitator and trusts the supporting cast to step up in key moments, Jones could guide Colby to one of its most competitive seasons in recent years. The key for Colby will be how quickly and effectively the next wave of players embraces their roles. With Jones drawing defensive attention every night, opportunities will be there for teammates to contribute — whether it's spot-up shooting, cutting off the ball, defending with energy, or simply making hustle plays that extend possessions. If the supporting cast can develop chemistry and confidence alongside Jones, this group could find itself in the thick of the league race. Don't be surprised if Colby finishes higher in the standings than they did a year ago. With the most complete player in the league leading the charge, they have the potential to knock off top teams and build momentum as the season progresses. It will ultimately come down to the pieces around Jones — and whether they can rise to the occasion both schematically and in execution.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After graduating two of their top contributors in Brady Brumbaugh and Linkon Cure, Goodland will look to reload, not rebuild, as they head into the 2025–2026 season. Brumbaugh and Cure were instrumental in the Cowboys' deep postseason run a year ago, and while their production will be missed, the program returns one of the top players in the league. Leading the team is Braylon Mull, who is poised to step into the spotlight as the team's primary scorer and floor general. Mull is a high-level guard with a well-rounded game, and it's no stretch to put him in the same elite category as [player_tooltip player_id='1624987' first='Jordan' last='Jones'] (Colby) and Brody Deniston (Holcomb) when it comes to GWAC's top backcourt players. Mull plays with pace and strength, thriving especially in ball screen situations where he can read defenses, manipulate help-side rotations, and deliver a wide range of passes — including skip, pocket, and kick-back reads. He's an unselfish player who consistently looks to make the right basketball play, and that mindset will be key to Goodland's offensive flow. From a scoring standpoint, Mull is efficient and versatile. He's a deadly catch-and-shoot threat from beyond the arc — particularly comfortable shooting from the wing — and he gets the ball out quickly with a compact, repeatable release. His handle is also a major asset, underrated in how he uses deception, hesitation, and change of pace to create separation. Once in the lane, he finishes well with either hand and shows poise around contact, making him a tough cover at all three levels. Supporting Mull should be up for question as they look for teammates to fill roles and step into voids. While replacing two all-league caliber players is never easy, Goodland has the right foundation to remain a serious contender in the GWAC. If Mull continues to elevate his play and the supporting cast embraces their expanded roles, this group has the potential to stay at or near the top of the league standings. With leadership, talent, and a culture of winning already in place, don't be surprised if the Cowboys once again make noise in the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Champion - Holcomb</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holcomb heads into the season as my strong favorite to top the GWAC once again. With two of their top three players returning and a well-established program culture, the Longhorns are poised to not just contend — but potentially dominate the league race. The returning duo of Brody Deniston and Korbin Johnson gives Holcomb a backcourt combination that can rival any in the conference, and their chemistry, leadership, and two-way ability will be central to the team's success. Brody Deniston should be firmly in the conversation for GWAC Player of the Year, likely going head-to-head with Colby's [player_tooltip player_id='1624987' first='Jordan' last='Jones'] for that honor. Deniston is a dynamic guard who can shoot the ball at a high clip, with deep range and the confidence to let it fly in rhythm or off the bounce. But he's far more than a scorer — Deniston is a complete guard who sees the floor well, handles pressure, and makes smart reads in both half-court and transition settings. Defensively, he's aggressive and disruptive at the point of attack, consistently bothering opposing ball handlers and forcing turnovers. His motor and ability to impact the game on both ends make him one of the most valuable players in the league. Korbin Johnson returns as the ideal complement to Deniston — a versatile guard who can both score and create. Johnson is strong with the ball and comfortable initiating offense, allowing Deniston to play off the ball when needed, which adds variety and unpredictability to Holcomb's attack. In isolation, Johnson is patient and smart, using change of pace and sharp footwork to get to his spots. On the defensive end, he's just as impactful — utilizing active hands and quick feet to blow up ball screens, cut off driving lanes, and create chaos for opposing guards. Ayden Brown adds an important interior element to the Longhorns' roster. He provides size, rebounding, and the defensive versatility to match up against both bigs and mobile players. Brown has also shown a reliable shooting stroke from the perimeter, making him a stretch option who can space the floor and open up driving lanes for Holcomb's guards. His ability to share the basketball and play within the team structure gives Holcomb another steady, unselfish contributor. Beyond their top three, Holcomb benefits from a program culture that emphasizes effort, execution, and team basketball. They return a group of younger players ready to embrace their roles — whether that's bringing energy off the bench, playing tough defense, or knocking down timely shots. It's that depth and commitment to doing the little things that gives Holcomb a real edge. With high-level guard play, strong defensive principles, and a deep, team-first mentality, Holcomb is in prime position to once again be the class of the GWAC. Don't be surprised if they put together another strong regular season and make a serious postseason run behind their balanced attack and veteran leadership.</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='1624987' first='Jordan' last='Jones'] | 6'0" Guard | Colby</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Brody Deniston | 5'10" Guard | Holcomb</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Korbin Johnson | 5'11" Guard | Holcomb</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Braylon Mull | 5'10" Guard | Goodland</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Julian Meraz | 5'9" Guard | Ulysses</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Player of the Year - [player_tooltip player_id='1624987' first='Jordan' last='Jones'] | 6'0" Guard | Colby</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1624987' first='Jordan' last='Jones'] enters the 2025–2026 season as my frontrunner for Player of the Year in the GWAC, and it's easy to see why. Coming off a breakout campaign in which he averaged nearly 19 points and over 3 assists per game, Jones has already established himself as one of the premier guards in the league — and he may just be the most lethal shooter in a conference loaded with perimeter talent. Jones is a constant threat to score the basketball, and his shooting ability alone forces opposing defenses to adjust from the opening tip. He has deep range, exceptional mechanics, and a quick release — but what sets him apart is his ability to create separation off the dribble. His elusive handle and shiftiness allow him to create advantages in tight spaces, and he's particularly dangerous in isolation or off ball screens, where he reads defenders well and makes quick decisions. One of his signature weapons is the pull-up jumper. Whether it's from the mid-range or beyond the arc, Jones gets great lift on his shot and is comfortable rising up off a live dribble, even with defenders on his hip. He's equally effective at finishing around the rim, showing the ability to score with either hand, absorb contact, or extend the ball away from shot-blockers with excellent body control. Beyond his scoring, Jones is a savvy playmaker. He understands how to manipulate ball screens, draw defenders, and make timely passes to open teammates. His decision-making has continued to evolve, and he knows when to hunt his own shot versus when to move the ball and keep the offense flowing. With his combination of elite shot-making, advanced ball-handling, and growing leadership, [player_tooltip player_id='1624987' first='Jordan' last='Jones'] is set to put together a monster senior season. Don't be surprised to see him light up the scoreboard with 25+ point performances on multiple occasions. His ability to take over games and consistently produce makes him not just a top player in the GWAC — but one of the most exciting guards in the state to watch this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->