Kansas Preview: Heart of America League Boasts Impressive Depth

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some of the most talented teams in the state came out of the Heart of America League last season. While the standings may shift this year, I expect more of the same: a deep, competitive league with several teams returning key pieces and strong chemistry that will make them tough to beat. In this preview, I'll break down what to watch for this winter — from sleeper pick and title contenders to my projected league champion. I'll also unveil my “Top 5” All-Conference team and name my Heart of America League Player of the Year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Sleeper - Marion</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marion finished last season near the bottom of the league standings but showed progress as the season progressed. This year, there is room for optismism as they bring back almost everyone on their roster. With gained experienced and an increase in production from their returners, it would not be surprising to see Marion take a big step. I believe they will work there way out of the bottom tier of the league and into the middle of the pack, possibly even joining the contender group. Jackson Howard will be back and at 6'6" and physically imposing, I believe he will increase his production and build from some huge games he scored and rebounded at a very high level as a sophomore. Joining Howard will be a long list of players who were in the rotation a year ago, specifically forward Kadon Mercer and guard Carson Krause. Mercer will provide more size and versatility to the frontcourt, while Krause will lead the backcourt with his ability to both score efficiently and distribute the basketball as he reads defenses. These three combin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Contenders - Bennington, Moundridge, Ell-Saline</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bennington enters the 2025–2026 season looking to remain competitive in the Heart of America League. While they may not be viewed as a top-tier contender, the Bulldogs have enough talent to be a tough matchup every night and could very well finish in the middle of the league standings. Leading the way is dynamic guard Isaiah Garrett, one of the more talented playmakers in the conference. Garrett excels with a live dribble, constantly putting pressure on defenses by attacking downhill and forcing defenders to backpedal. He changes directions quickly and finishes well at the rim, using advanced footwork and the ability to score with either hand. Just as importantly, he reads defensive rotations well and can find open teammates when help defenders collapse. Bennington's success will largely depend on Garrett's production and growth — particularly his ability to impact both ends of the floor. If he can take the next step as a leader and two-way player, the Bulldogs have a foundation to build around. Ayden Levendofsky is a candidate to step up as a secondary option, and his development will be key. Beyond that, the supporting cast must find ways to contribute — whether through scoring, defense, or energy plays — to keep Bennington in the mix. While they may fly under the radar, teams with a player as talented as Garrett can never be completely counted out. If everything clicks, Bennington could surprise some teams and play spoiler late in the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some may argue that Moundridge lost too much from last season to remain competitive in the upper tier of the Heart of America League — especially with the graduation of two key players, including all-time great Bear Moddelmog. But counting out the Wildcats would be a mistake. The program has built a consistent culture of success, defined by tough, disciplined defense and a selfless, team-first offensive approach. That identity alone will keep them competitive. Moundridge returns three experienced players who are expected to lead the charge this season: Kaizer Kanitz, Heath Churchill, and Jesse Lutz. Kanitz is a quick, athletic perimeter defender capable of locking down opposing guards and cutting off driving lanes. Offensively, he plays with aggression and pace, attacking off the dribble and scoring from all three levels, making him a dynamic threat on both ends. Churchill brings a strong all-around game as well — another excellent defender who can space the floor with his reliable three-point shot. Together, he and Kanitz form a solid 1-2 punch that will shoulder much of the offensive load. Lutz adds to the mix as a savvy third option. He excels at moving without the ball and finding open looks, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations. His perimeter stroke is smooth and efficient, allowing him to quietly impact games in key moments. As always, the rest of the roster is expected to buy into Moundridge's system, playing with effort, discipline, and a clear understanding of their roles. That program-wide buy-in is why Moundridge should not be overlooked. If their top trio can elevate their production and the supporting cast contributes consistently, the Wildcats have the potential to push the league's top teams and remain a tough out in any matchup — especially in league play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Sterling enters the season as the clear favorite, Ell-Saline looks more than capable of pushing them down the stretch. The Cardinals return a strong core of experienced talent, led by [player_tooltip player_id='2879563' first='Trey' last='Williams'], Reese Krone, and Kas Kramer — a trio that gives them the balance, size, and toughness to compete at a high level. [player_tooltip player_id='2879563' first='Trey' last='Williams'] will lead the way. At 6'4", nearly 200 pounds, he brings a rare combination of size, strength, and perimeter skill. He's a legitimate deep shooting threat, able to score in a variety of ways from the outside — whether spotting up, pulling up off the dribble, or working off screens. In transition, he's explosive, sprinting the floor and finishing above the rim, often in highlight-reel fashion. His movement off the ball is advanced, consistently finding soft spots in the defense and presenting a constant lob threat. Reese Krone will be the anchor on both ends. A physical presence at 6'5", Krone is difficult to handle in the paint, where he uses his frame to carve out space and finish over defenders. On the defensive end, he adds shot-blocking ability and versatility, with a strong motor that should translate into increased rebounding numbers this season. Kas Kramer, another key returner, brings grit and playmaking from the guard position. His ability to handle the ball and attack off the dribble should open up the offense while allowing Williams to play off the ball and focus on scoring. Kramer also provides vocal leadership and defensive toughness, traits that will be key to the team's success. Coming off a successful season with valuable experience under their belts, Ell-Saline has the pieces in place for another strong campaign. If their core continues to grow and produce, they could very well pressure Sterling deep into the season and contend for the Heart of America League title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Champion - Sterling</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's little debate when it comes to naming Sterling as the preseason favorite in AVCTL IV. The Black Bears return more talent than any team in the league and are led by arguably the top player in the conference: [player_tooltip player_id='2403145' first='Boston' last='Ekart']. Ekart is the prototypical modern wing — long, smooth, and skilled. He can score at all three levels, space the floor, and guard multiple positions. His shooting ability makes him especially dangerous, as he consistently knocks down shots from deep while reading defenses and relocating effectively off the ball. He uses shot fakes and raises to force aggressive closeouts, then attacks the rim with a variety of crafty finishes. Simply put, he's a matchup problem — and the centerpiece of a team with serious title aspirations. Surrounding Ekart is a deep, experienced supporting cast. Senior guard Blake Smith is expected to be the No. 2 scoring option. Smith is a reliable perimeter shooter who can stretch defenses and make them pay from long range. He complements Ekart perfectly on the offensive end. Zane Farney returns as one of the top defenders in the league. Known for his relentless on-ball pressure, Farney disrupts offensive timing and thrives in passing lanes. Offensively, he's aggressive in transition and can attack downhill in the half-court, using his strength and quickness to create paint touches and scoring opportunities. Wyatt Newberry also brings versatility and veteran presence to the guard rotation. He prides himself on his defense and is capable of facilitating offense and creating easy buckets with his smart play. The X-factor could be freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2382456' first='Kipton' last='Smith'], one of the top young prospects in Kansas' 2029 class. His offensive presence continues to grow, and he could carve out valuable varsity minutes this season as he adjusts to the high school level. With a lineup that combines star power, depth, experience, and defensive toughness, Sterling isn't just the favorite to win the league — they're a legitimate contender to make a deep run again at a state title. If things fall into place, this could be another special season for the Black Bears.</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='2403145' first='Boston' last='Ekart'] | 6'6" Wing | Sterling</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Isaiah Garrett | 6'1" Guard | Bennington</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2393804' first='Elliott' last='Hochstetler'] | 6'4" Guard | Remington</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Blake Smith | 6'1" Guard | Sterling</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2879563' first='Trey' last='Williams'] | 6'4" Wing | Ell-Saline</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Player of the Year - [player_tooltip player_id='2403145' first='Boston' last='Ekart'] | 6'6" Wing | Sterling</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If everything goes according to plan, [player_tooltip player_id='2403145' first='Boston' last='Ekart'] is poised to have a monster season — one that could lead Sterling to a Heart of America League title and earn him Player of the Year honors in the process. It's hard to imagine him topping last year's production, but all the pieces are in place: a strong supporting cast, a stable and well-run program, and personal growth in nearly every area of his game. Ekart's blend of size, length, and skill makes him a tough matchup. He's an elite shooter from beyond the arc, capable of hitting tough shots off movement or pulling up off the dribble with confidence. But he's far from one-dimensional — he can also attack the rim with precision, navigating help defense and using body control to finish creatively around the basket. In transition, Ekart shines. He runs the floor well and finishes above the rim, often energizing both his teammates and the crowd with high-flying plays. His ability to create momentum-shifting moments is a key part of what makes him such a valuable leader on the floor. If both Ekart and Sterling take the next step this season, don't be surprised if Ekart's name is in the conversation for the top overall player in the state by year's end. Everything is set up for a special run — now it's just about execution.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->