Kansas Preview: Sunflower 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 Sunflower season with in-depth team predictions — spotlighting a couple of 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 – Olathe East, Lawrence Free State</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olathe East heads into the 2025-2026 season looking to build off an up-and-down campaign last year. While the Hawks made some noticeable strides, inconsistency plagued their efforts and ultimately limited their success. However, this winter, they enter as a true sleeper within the Sunflower League -- returning a more experienced core and a group of players who have continued to develop both physically and skill-wise. At the forefront of this group are leaders [player_tooltip player_id='2692700' first='Cade' last='Alholm'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2328074' first='Hudson' last='Weikal']. Alholm, a versatile and athletic forward, brings excellent size and fluidity to the floor. He thrives in transition, where his mobility and motor make him a matchup problem, and he's a reliable finisher around the rim. He also contributes on the glass and is beginning to stretch his game beyond the paint with a developing perimeter shot and improved face-up skills. His progression will be key to unlocking Olathe East's offensive ceiling. Running the backcourt is [player_tooltip player_id='2328074' first='Hudson' last='Weikal'], who returns for his senior season ready to take command of the offense. A poised and cerebral guard, Weikal provides steady ball-handling and playmaking, setting the tone as a floor general. He's also grown into more of a scoring role, showing flashes of offensive creativity and the ability to get downhill and make plays for himself as well as others. His leadership and decision-making will be vital for the Hawks as they look to tighten up their execution on both ends of the floor. The biggest question mark -- and potential X-factor -- for Olathe East will be the production from its supporting cast. If the role players around Alholm and Weikal can take the next step, especially in terms of scoring balance and defensive toughness, this team could take a major leap forward. Don't be surprised if the Hawks find themselves in close games with some of the league's top-tier teams -- and even pull off a few upsets. With better consistency and improved chemistry, Olathe East has the potential to move out of the middle tier and into serious contention by season's end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Free State enters this winter in a bit of a transition, having lost key production and veteran leadership from last year's roster. Despite that, the Firebirds boast some of the most promising young talent in the Kansas City metro area -- setting the stage for a potentially exciting and competitive campaign. Leading the charge will be Brendan Barrett, a dynamic young guard with advanced offensive instincts. Barrett is expected to take over primary ball-handling duties and operate as the engine of the Firebirds' offense. He has the ability to score at all three levels -- whether it's getting to the rim, pulling up in the mid-range, or knocking down shots from deep -- and he excels at probing defenses to create opportunities. His feel for the game and ability to make the right read in a variety of offensive sets give Free State a reliable weapon at the point of attack. Complementing Barrett is a pair of experienced returners in Bennett Nagel and Braden Wilmes -- both of whom bring versatility and toughness to the lineup. Nagel offers a hybrid skill set, able to stretch the floor while also operating effectively around the basket. His athleticism and quickness make him a factor on both ends of the court, particularly in transition and defensive switching situations. Wilmes brings physicality and interior presence as a forward with solid size and strength. He rebounds well on both ends, has good touch around the rim, and provides shot-blocking and rim protection on defense. His toughness in the paint and ability to finish through contact will be crucial for Free State in matchups against bigger frontcourts across the league. While there may be early growth experiences, especially with a young core, this group has the talent to take a noticeable step forward. Expect Free State to be highly competitive in most Sunflower League matchups and continue to improve as the season progresses. If the young players settle into their roles and the team can string together consistent efforts, the Firebirds could be one of the more dangerous teams down the stretch -- possibly turning the corner by February and making noise come postseason time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Contenders – Olathe Northwest, Olathe North, Shawnee Mission South</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olathe Northwest put together a strong showing last season, picking up several impressive wins and getting solid production across the roster. Despite the loss of a key frontcourt presence, the Ravens return a talented and promising core, headlined by [player_tooltip player_id='2211347' first='Gavin' last='Popik'] and Cash Christiansen -- two players poised to lead the program into another competitive year in the Sunflower League. [player_tooltip player_id='2211347' first='Gavin' last='Popik'] is the clear offensive catalyst. A confident and versatile scorer, Popik attacks the rim with a strong frame and excellent body control, finishing through contact and in traffic. He's a true slasher who thrives off the dribble, but what makes him especially dangerous is the development of his perimeter game. As his outside shot continues to improve, he becomes increasingly difficult to guard -- capable of filling up the stat sheet and putting together big scoring nights throughout the season. Alongside him, Cash Christiansen is expected to step into a much larger role. With increased minutes and responsibilities, Christiansen has the tools to become a two-way difference-maker. He brings size, mobility, and defensive versatility -- able to defend multiple positions, protect the paint, and rebound effectively. Offensively, he's capable of scoring around the rim and finishing plays created by Popik and the backcourt. His continued development will be key to the Ravens' interior play on both ends. The big question for Olathe Northwest will be how quickly their supporting cast -- particularly the younger players -- can develop and contribute. If Christiansen can take that next step and Popik continues to produce at a high level, this team has a strong foundation. With improved chemistry and some depth emerging over the course of the season, the Ravens have the potential to stay in the mix with nearly every team in the league and push for a top-tier finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olathe North is another team to watch, with arguably the most returning talent in the state -- and a roster capable of making a serious run at both the Sunflower League title and a state championship. Loaded with high-level athletes and skill at every position, the Eagles will go as far as their elite floor general, [player_tooltip player_id='2958641' first='Sam' last='Simmons Jr']., can take them. Simmons is one of the most dynamic playmakers in Kansas. A true point guard in every sense, he combines advanced court vision, quick decision-making, and elite ball-handling with the ability to score at all three levels. Whether he's breaking down defenders in isolation, pushing tempo in transition, or making the right read in half-court sets, Simmons sets the tone for Olathe North's offense. His leadership and ability to control the pace of the game put him among the top guards not just in the region -- but nationally. Flanking Simmons on the wing is senior Cam Love, a high-impact player known for his elite athleticism and defensive prowess. Love has a legitimate case as the best on-ball defender in the Kansas City metro area. His ability to apply relentless ball pressure, generate turnovers, and quickly convert defense into offense is a game-changer. In the open floor, he's electric -- regularly finishing with highlight-reel dunks and transition plays that energize the team and crowd alike. Anchoring the paint is 6'11” junior Teke Deng, a raw but high-upside big man with the physical tools to become a dominant interior presence. Though still developing, Deng brings a unique blend of length, intensity, and rim protection that can alter opposing game plans. Offensively, he's beginning to assert himself more as a vertical lob threat and interior finisher -- especially in pick-and-roll situations with Simmons. With a combination of star power, depth, and experience, Olathe North has the potential to not only win the Sunflower League but also compete deep into March. If their role players can step up and they stay healthy, this group has all the ingredients to capture a state championship. Simply put: this team is loaded, and if a few bounces go their way, they'll be incredibly tough to beat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shawnee Mission South returns this season with a deeply talented and well-rounded roster, ready to build on their recent success and adapt to various styles of play. The Raiders' strength lies in a dynamic trio: [player_tooltip player_id='2205710' first='Conor' last='Kerrigan'], [player_tooltip player_id='1892885' first='Drake' last='DeBaun'], and Ben Allen, each bringing a distinctive blend of skills, physicality, and basketball intelligence to the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='2205710' first='Conor' last='Kerrigan'] serves as the team's primary forward, combining natural athleticism with a high basketball IQ that allows him to read the game effectively. His agility and strength enable him to dominate in transition and make smart decisions on both ends of the court, making him a consistent scoring threat and a reliable defender. [player_tooltip player_id='1892885' first='Drake' last='DeBaun'] is the team's rugged, multi-faceted player who impacts the game in numerous ways. He possesses a versatile scoring arsenal, capable of putting points on the board through drives, mid-range jumpers, and aggressive finishes around the rim. Beyond his scoring, DeBaun is also a tenacious defender who can guard multiple positions effectively and is an excellent rebounder, helping the Raiders control the glass and generate second-chance opportunities. Ben Allen adds a valuable dimension with his ability to play multiple positions, though he excels from the perimeter. His combination of size, strength, and skill allows him to create mismatches, using his physicality to carve out space and score through a variety of finishes, including floaters and pull-up jumpers. Allen's versatility on offense, combined with his defensive presence, makes him a critical component of the team's overall strategy. Together, this trio forms a formidable core that, with continued development and experience gained from last season's achievements, should propel Shawnee Mission South into serious contention within the highly competitive Sunflower League. Their blend of athleticism, skill, and basketball IQ positions them to battle deep into the season, likely remaining in the hunt for the league title through the final games. If they maintain their trajectory, don't be surprised to see the Raiders make a strong postseason run, potentially earning a trip to Wichita and beyond.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Champion – Mill Valley</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After one of the more challenging evaluations this fall, I've ultimately tabbed Mill Valley as my pick to win the Sunflower League title. This decision didn't come easily, given the depth of talent across the league, but Mill Valley's combination of returning experience, star power, and balanced roster gives them a slight edge. The Jaguars bring back two of the top players in the league -- and possibly the state -- in Reece Riedel and JaKhai Carter, a dynamic duo that should anchor both ends of the floor. Reece enters his senior season with a legitimate case as the best player in Kansas. He's an elite scorer with the ability to take over games through tough shot-making, deep range, and a polished offensive skill set. Whether operating off the dribble or in catch-and-shoot situations, Riedel is a constant scoring threat. His high basketball IQ, paired with his ability to create his own shot, makes him nearly unguardable at the high school level. He's also developed as a facilitator and rebounder, giving Mill Valley even more versatility on offense and second-chance opportunities. JaKhai Carter is the perfect complement to Riedel's offensive firepower. An explosive athlete and high-motor guard, Carter brings leadership, poise, and toughness to the backcourt. He excels as a floor general, managing tempo and creating for others, but he's also capable of filling it up himself. Carter scores with flair around the rim, using body control and creativity to finish in traffic. Defensively, he sets the tone with relentless on-ball pressure, quick hands, and a knack for forcing turnovers that lead directly to fast-break points. Mill Valley's strength lies not only in its star talent but in its ability to execute in high-pressure situations. With experienced leadership, shot-makers, and a strong defensive foundation, they have the tools to win close games -- a critical trait in a tightly contested league. If their supporting cast provides steady contributions, the Jaguars have a clear path not just to a Sunflower League championship, but also to a deep postseason run that could end with a state title.</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>Reece Riedel | 6'5" Guard | Mill Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2205710' first='Conor' last='Kerrigan'] | 6'6" Forward | Shawnee Mission South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>JaKhai Carter | 6'2" Guard | Mill Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Sam Simmons, Jr. | 5'10" Guard | Olathe North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2211347' first='Gavin' last='Popik'] | 6'0" Guard | Olathe Northwest</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Player of the Year –&nbsp;Reece Riedel | 6'5" Guard | Mill Valley</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riedel is my clear pick for Sunflower League Player of the Year this upcoming winter. After a standout junior season, Reece elevated his game even further with a strong summer showing, showcasing continued growth and development. Heading into his senior year, he's already established himself as a top-tier scorer -- most notably as an elite shooter. He consistently creates his own shot with a slick handle, quick release, and deep shooting range. Riedel is equally dangerous in catch-and-shoot scenarios, where his quick trigger and precision make him a constant threat, even with minimal space. As a crafty left-hander, he also brings a well-rounded offensive package, capable of finishing through contact at the rim thanks to his underrated athleticism and impressive size. While his offensive talent is undeniable, Reece contributes in other key areas as well -- he's a strong perimeter defender and a relentless rebounder, often creating valuable second-chance opportunities. When it comes to deciding who leads the league by season's end, expect Riedel to be at the center of that conversation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->