Kansas Preview: Talent Shines in Kaw Valley League

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Kaw Valley League has consistently produced standout talent in recent years, and this season appears to be no exception. With several highly productive players returning to the court, the league promises competitive matchups and a strong overall level of basketball. In this preview, I'll spotlight a potential sleeper team, break down the top contender, make my pick for league champion, reveal my “Top 5” All-League selections, and name my Kaw Valley League Player of the Year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Sleeper - Northland Christian</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northland Christian is looking to take a meaningful step forward after a year filled with growing pains and inconsistency. The Trailblazers finished with just two league wins last season, but with several key players returning — including their top two scorers — the foundation is in place for a turnaround campaign. With more experience, improved chemistry, and a clearer team identity, this group has the potential to surprise teams across the league. Leading the way will be Roman Carlson, a versatile and dynamic offensive weapon who should once again be the focal point of Northland Christian's attack. Carlson is a smooth left-handed scorer with the ability to catch fire quickly. When he's in rhythm, he can score from all three levels, though his catch-and-shoot ability stands out as his most reliable weapon. He's confident from the perimeter and shows excellent shooting mechanics, particularly off the catch from the wing or corner. Beyond his scoring, Carlson is also a high-IQ passer who reads defenses well and knows when to make the extra pass to set up a better shot for his teammates. His unselfishness and understanding of game flow make him a natural leader for this group. Joining him in the backcourt is David Ceballos, another returning guard who provides both scoring and stability. Ceballos is a capable perimeter shooter and a strong secondary offensive option who can take pressure off Carlson. His ability to hit open shots, handle the ball, and attack closeouts gives Northland Christian another layer of offensive versatility. Together, Carlson and Ceballos form one of the more underrated guard duos in the league — capable of carrying the scoring load. Adding balance to the backcourt-heavy lineup will be Jack Orton, a returning forward who brings toughness, energy, and a defensive presence inside. Orton is the type of player who does the little things that don't always show up on the stat sheet — battling on the glass, contesting shots, and providing the physical edge this team needs. His rebounding ability and motor will be crucial in complementing the team's guard play and giving them second-chance opportunities. With a more experienced core and a year of lessons learned under their belt, Northland Christian looks ready to take the next step. Expect this team to be more competitive in league play, capable of pushing top teams and turning close games into wins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Contender - Bishop Seabury</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bishop Seabury enters this season with significant production to replace following the departure of several key contributors from last year's outstanding team. However, despite those losses, the Seahawks return two of the top players in the Kaw Valley League — each bringing a unique dynamic to the court. Their presence alone ensures Seabury remains firmly in the conversation among the league's elite. Leading the charge will be senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2328080' first='Jace' last='Hoffman'], who is set to take on an even larger role as the team's primary ball-handler, creator, and consistent scoring threat. Hoffman is one of the most lethal shooters in the state, capable of heating up in a hurry and stretching defenses with his deep range. He's especially dangerous in catch-and-shoot situations but also effective creating off the dribble. Beyond his scoring, Hoffman's basketball IQ shines — he makes smart, timely decisions and understands when to take over versus when to get others involved. While he can fill it up on any given night, he's also an unselfish playmaker who knows how to run an offense. Alongside Hoffman is Marion Stubbs, a 6'6" forward coming off a breakout junior season in which he averaged a double-double. Stubbs brings size, athleticism, and interior toughness to a team that will need it. He's a high-motor presence around the basket, capable of altering shots, protecting the rim, and controlling the glass on both ends. Offensively, Stubbs scores efficiently around the rim and thrives in transition, where his speed and agility for his size often create mismatch problems. Together, Hoffman and Stubbs form one of the most well-rounded duos in the league — combining perimeter firepower with interior dominance. Their skill sets complement each other perfectly, and their leadership will be essential as Bishop Seabury looks to reload rather than rebuild. If the supporting cast can rise to the occasion, expect Seabury to be a legitimate contender once again. In fact, they may pose the biggest challenge to Heritage Christian in the race for the Kaw Valley League title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Champion - Heritage Christian</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heritage Christian enters the season as my clear favorite to capture the league championship. With three key players returning — [player_tooltip player_id='2820800' first='Trey' last='Chambers'], Declan Schoff, and Landon Pittman — the Chargers bring back a dynamic core that combines skill, athleticism, and experience. Their balance between elite guard play and powerful interior presence gives them one of the most complete lineups in the conference. Leading the way is sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2820800' first='Trey' last='Chambers'], who burst onto the scene as a freshman and showcased flashes of star potential. Chambers plays with remarkable poise and confidence for his age, demonstrating a tight, creative handle that allows him to break down defenders and dictate tempo. He's a three-level scorer who can consistently knock down shots from the perimeter, attack off the dribble, and finish at the rim with impressive body control and athletic touch. His offensive versatility forces defenses to pick their poison, and his ability to both score and create makes him the engine that drives Heritage Christian's attack. Equally impressive is Chambers' passing ability. He has an advanced feel for spacing and timing, often threading the needle in tight windows or finding teammates with precision in transition. His court vision and decision-making make him an exceptional facilitator, capable of elevating everyone around him. Inside, the Chargers will be anchored by the powerful duo of Declan Schoff and Landon Pittman, one of the most formidable frontcourts in the league. Both players bring a strong interior presence and are capable of scoring in multiple ways — whether it's attacking off the dribble, finishing through contact, or posting up with their backs to the basket. Schoff and Pittman are relentless rebounders on both ends, using their strength and effort to control the glass and extend possessions. Defensively, they bring toughness, rim protection, and the ability to alter shots in the paint. The combination of Chambers' dynamic guard play with Schoff and Pittman's inside dominance gives Heritage Christian a potent inside-out balance that few teams can match. Their chemistry, experience, and high basketball IQ make them not only the most talented team in the league, but also one of the most disciplined. If this trio continues to develop and the supporting cast embraces their roles, Heritage Christian has all the tools to finish as league champions and make a deep postseason run. Expect the Chargers to set the tone early and continue to raise their level as the season progresses — making them the team everyone will have to go through in 2025–2026.</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='2820800' first='Trey' last='Chambers'] | 5'9" Guard | Heritage Christian</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2328080' first='Jace' last='Hoffman'] | 5'11" Guard | Bishop Seabury</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Brendan Billings | 5'10" Guard | Kansas City Christian</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Declan Schoff | 6'5" Forward | Heritage Christian</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Marion Stubbs | 6'6" Forward | Bishop Seabury</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Player of the Year - [player_tooltip player_id='2328080' first='Jace' last='Hoffman'] | 5'11" Guard | Bishop Seabury</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The race for Kaw Valley League Player of the Year is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with several standout players making strong cases — none more compelling than [player_tooltip player_id='2820800' first='Trey' last='Chambers'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2328080' first='Jace' last='Hoffman']. Both are proven, high-level performers capable of taking over games, but heading into the season, I'm giving the slight edge to Hoffman. The key reason? His overall usage and impact will likely be more significant for Bishop Seabury, where he'll be asked to carry a heavier offensive load and lead in multiple facets of the game. Hoffman is no stranger to the spotlight. He's been a fixture in the Kaw Valley League for the past few seasons, steadily evolving from a promising underclassman into a mature, dynamic senior guard. Each year, he's added layers to his game — tightening his handle, improving his decision-making, and becoming more aggressive as both a scorer and facilitator. That development trajectory, combined with the trust he's earned from coaches and teammates, sets the stage for what could be a breakout season. At the core of Hoffman's game is his elite-level shooting ability. He's one of the most efficient and confident perimeter scorers in the state — not just in the league. His shooting range extends well beyond the arc, forcing defenses to stretch out and guard him from 25+ feet. Whether it's spotting up, pulling up off the dribble, or coming off screens, Hoffman's shooting mechanics remain consistent: smooth, balanced, and quick. He understands spacing at a high level and excels at relocating after passing, keeping defenses constantly on edge. What makes Hoffman even more dangerous is his versatility as a scorer. He's not just a shooter — he's a multi-level threat. In transition, he runs the floor hard and finishes well at the rim, showing excellent body control and touch with either hand. In the half-court, he can beat defenders off the bounce and finish through contact, or use hesitation and change of pace to get into the lane. He's also improved his ability to read help defenders and either pull up for mid-range jumpers or kick out to open teammates. Playmaking will be a key component of Hoffman's game this season. With Bishop Seabury likely relying on him as their primary ball-handler and offensive engine, his decision-making and ability to create for others will be tested — and that's where his experience gives him an edge. He's a high-IQ player who rarely forces the action, and his vision has noticeably improved, allowing him to make reads off ball screens and find shooters in rhythm. Defensively, he's an active and aware on-ball defender. While he may not be the most physically imposing player on the court, he uses anticipation, quick hands, and positioning to create turnovers and disrupt opposing guards. His leadership on both ends of the floor — vocal and by example — will be a critical piece of Seabury's success. If Bishop Seabury makes a deep run this winter, it's almost certain that Hoffman will be the driving force behind it. The numbers should be there — high scoring averages, efficient shooting percentages, and increased assist totals. But more importantly, his impact on winning will be clear. For those reasons, I believe [player_tooltip player_id='2328080' first='Jace' last='Hoffman'] enters the season as the frontrunner for Kaw Valley League Player of the Year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->