Kansas Preview: Top-Heavy Southeast Kansas League Headlines

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Southeast Kansas League should make some serious noise this winter. With a mix of experienced returners, rising underclassmen, and high-level team chemistry, the race for the SEK crown is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. As the season tips off, a few teams clearly stand out as title contenders, while others could sneak into the conversation if things break their way. In this preview, I'll break down everything you need to watch for — from my sleeper pick and projected frontrunners to the team I believe will ultimately bring home the league championship. Plus, I'll unveil my Top 5 All-SEK Team and name my pick for Southeast Kansas League Player of the Year. Let's dive in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Sleeper - Labette County</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Labette County enters the 2025–26 season looking to leave a forgettable 4-win campaign in the rearview mirror. The Grizzlies managed just two wins in Southeast Kansas League play last season, but there's reason to believe a major turnaround is coming — and it starts with experience. Returning their top four scorers, Labette County brings back a core that's battle-tested and hungry. At the center of it all is Kegan Bates, one of the most dynamic players in the league and a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Bates is arguably the toughest one-on-one cover in the SEK. He combines elite change of pace and direction with the ability to score from all three levels. Whether he's pulling up from deep, slicing through traffic, or finishing through contact at tough angles, Bates has the full offensive arsenal. He's equally dangerous as a creator — capable of making reads off the dribble, facilitating for teammates, and rebounding effectively on both ends. His all-around impact makes him a legitimate SEK Player of the Year candidate. Supporting Bates are two key returners: Nolan Nash and Barrett Hestand. Both are capable scorers who bring perimeter shooting, secondary ball-handling, and the ability to create off the bounce. Their presence on the floor should help keep defenses honest and take pressure off Bates, allowing the offense to flow more freely. Labette's depth, experience, and improved chemistry should translate into far more competitive outings this winter. This is a group that should no longer be overlooked — they have the firepower to push toward the top tier of the league and potentially shake up the title race. Don't be surprised if the Grizzlies make a serious run this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Contenders - Pittsburg, Chanute</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pittsburg should remain firmly in the Southeast Kansas League title conversation this winter. After finishing third in the league standings last season, the Dragons return a talented core led by two of the top players in the conference — a combination that gives them a legitimate shot to contend once again. Keyon'Dre Logan returns to run the show for Pittsburg. A dynamic guard, Logan is a capable scorer who can attack in multiple ways. He's shown flashes as a perimeter shooter but does some of his best work in the midrange, where he can pull up confidently or get to his soft-touch floater. Beyond his scoring, Logan will also handle primary ball-handling duties and facilitate the offense. He has the ability to break down defenses and create for others when help defenders collapse on his drives. [player_tooltip player_id='2394651' first='Jamarcus' last='Davis'] joins him to form one of the more versatile backcourt duos in the league. Davis brings athleticism, smooth shot mechanics, and strong perimeter scoring ability. With his left-handed stroke and confident release, Davis could emerge as the Dragons' most dangerous shooter this season. He's also expected to anchor the team defensively and provide much-needed leadership with his experience. With Logan and Davis leading the way, Pittsburg has a strong foundation to build on. The key to their success will be developing consistent production from the supporting cast. If they can find a few role players to step up and contribute — whether through rebounding, defense, or timely scoring — the Dragons have enough at the top to stay in the hunt deep into February. Pittsburg's ceiling will ultimately depend on its depth, but the talent at the top keeps them right in the mix.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chanute is coming off a highly successful season that saw them capture the Southeast Kansas League title and perform well against strong competition from across the state. While they lose two of their top players — most notably the versatile Eliott Stephenson, who led the team in nearly every statistical category — there's still plenty of reason for optimism. With a solid core returning, Chanute looks poised to remain in the thick of the league race and may even have what it takes to repeat as champions, provided some players take the next step. Leading the charge this season will be Warrick Olson, who steps into the role of primary option. Olson brings a confident scoring presence, especially from the perimeter. He's a shot-hunter with a smooth stroke and an understanding of how to find and navigate openings within the defense. More than just a shooter, Olson is capable with the ball in his hands, often pushing the pace in transition and probing defenses to create advantages. He finishes well around the rim, using his body effectively to shield defenders and absorb contact. If he embraces the leadership role and becomes more assertive offensively, he could be one of the league's breakout players. Supporting Olson is a trio of experienced returners: Lawrence Chaney, Jalen Duncan, and Daniel Stanley. Chaney and Duncan are steady, high-IQ program guys who take pride in defending and impacting the game through hustle and effort. Expect Chaney to take on a larger scoring load as the season progresses. Stanley adds athleticism on the wing and thrives in the open floor, using his length and energy to turn defense into quick offense. He's shown flashes of above-the-rim finishing and could be an X-factor if his aggression and consistency continue to develop. In all, Chanute returns depth, experience, and a lead guard in Olson who could elevate them once again. If the pieces click and the returning core embraces expanded roles, don't be surprised if the Blue Comets are right back at the top — a repeat as SEK champions is certainly within reach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Champion - Independence</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My pick to win the Southeast Kansas League this season — by the slimmest of margins — is Independence. With a strong blend of returning talent, experience, and the league's top player, the Bulldogs have all the tools to make a championship run. At the heart of it all is Kellen Lanning, who enters the season as the clear-cut favorite for SEK Player of the Year. Lanning has the rare ability to completely take over games, particularly in crunch time. He's a true three-level scorer who forces defenses into difficult decisions. Give him too much space, and he'll pull up from deep with efficiency and range well beyond the arc. Pressure him too closely, and he'll use his handle and change of pace to attack downhill, either finishing himself or creating open looks for teammates with his high-level vision and feel for the game. Lanning's basketball IQ and ability to read defensive rotations elevate him beyond just a scorer — he's a complete offensive engine who can break down almost any coverage. Importantly, he's not alone. Javen Colbert returns as a key piece in the backcourt, bringing a different but complementary style of play. Colbert is a compact, physical guard who can initiate the offense, handle defensive pressure, and help facilitate. His presence should allow Lanning to play off the ball at times, giving the Bulldogs flexibility in their sets and keeping defenses off balance. The key for Independence will be finding consistent production from its supporting cast. Role players will need to buy in and provide energy, defense, and timely contributions — particularly off the bench. If they do, the Bulldogs have everything they need to claim the SEK title — even if it takes until the final week of February to get it done. With Lanning leading the charge and a strong core around him, Independence looks ready to rise to the top.</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>Kellen Lanning | 6'3" Guard | Independence</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Kegan Bates | 5'9" Guard | Labette County</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Kanin Brown | 6'2" Guard | Fort Scott</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Keyon'Dre Logan | 5'11" Guard | Pittsburg</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Warrick Olson | 6'2" Guard | Chanute</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Player of the Year - Kellen Lanning | 6'3" Guard | Independence</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From the moment the ball is tipped, Kellen Lanning establishes himself as the focal point of any game he's in. He plays with a relentless motor and an unmistakable presence that immediately draws the attention of coaches, opponents, and spectators alike. His energy is contagious, and his all-around impact on both ends of the floor is undeniable. Lanning is, at his core, a dynamic and highly skilled scorer. His shooting range extends well beyond the three-point line, and he displays a fluid, repeatable shooting motion that allows him to connect from deep with impressive consistency. Defenses have to account for him at all times because he's not limited to one method of scoring — he's equally dangerous off the catch, pulling up in rhythm off the dribble, or coming off screens. His ability to stretch the floor opens up driving lanes for himself and others, and he thrives on capitalizing on even the smallest defensive lapses. In transition, Lanning is a blur. He pushes the ball with purpose, using a tight handle and strong court vision to either finish himself or create opportunities for teammates. When attacking the basket, he mixes finesse with explosiveness. Whether it's finishing through contact with crafty footwork and soft touch, or throwing down a momentum-shifting dunk, Lanning brings a level of aggression and fearlessness that sets the tone for his team. While much of the attention naturally goes to his offensive prowess, Lanning's defensive game is equally worthy of praise. He's a high-IQ on-ball defender who moves his feet well, anticipates passes, and reacts quickly to opposing actions. His hands are active, leading to deflections, steals, and disrupted plays. His effort never wanes on this end of the floor, and he takes pride in shutting down his assignment — traits that reflect both his discipline and competitiveness. Another area where Lanning shines is in his playmaking. He's not just a scorer — he's a facilitator who sees the game a step ahead. His passing is purposeful and accurate, consistently finding teammates in positions where they can succeed. Whether it's in the half-court or on the break, Lanning reads the defense well and makes unselfish decisions that elevate those around him. Heading into this winter season, Kellen is poised to be one of the breakout stars in the state. His combination of scoring, playmaking, defensive intensity, and leadership make him a complete player — the kind who can take over games and swing the outcome in his team's favor. If he maintains this level of play, don't be surprised to see Lanning leading Independence on a deep postseason run, with a league championship well within reach. He has all the tools — and the mentality — to be one of the top players in the state by season's end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->