Kansas Preview: United Kansas Predictions

<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>   <p>I preview the upcoming United Kansas season with in-depth team predictions — spotlighting a sleeper team, 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>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Sleeper – Lansing</em></h3>   <p>Lansing is looking to bounce back from a challenging 2024–2025 campaign, a season where they struggled to find consistency -- especially in league play. But context matters: they were also one of the youngest teams in the region, and those growing pains may prove to be valuable in the long run. With a full season of experience under their belt, this young core is poised to take a meaningful step forward, and there's reason for optimism heading into the winter. Leading the charge will be two juniors who emerged as breakout performers last season: Mehki Stephens and Reece Mattingly. Stephens made a name for himself as a dynamic scorer, capable of putting up big numbers on any given night. He showcased a versatile offensive game -- knocking down shots from deep while also attacking off the dribble with quickness and creativity. His ability to score in spurts makes him a constant threat, and with added maturity, he could evolve into one of the league's more dangerous offensive weapons. Mattingly brings a different but equally impactful skill set to the floor. A strong, athletic, and versatile two-way player, he thrives in an up-tempo style. Defensively, he can switch across multiple positions, thanks to his physical tools and high motor. Offensively, he plays with energy and purpose -- rebounding well on both ends, running the floor hard, and finishing in transition. He also adds spacing with his improved perimeter shot, giving Lansing another reliable scoring option. The key for Lansing will be how well the supporting cast develops around their two standouts. If they can find consistent contributions from role players -- whether through defense, rebounding, or spot scoring -- they could make a real push in the United Kansas League. With Stephens and Mattingly continuing to evolve, and the team growing in confidence and cohesion, Lansing has the potential to go from a rebuilding squad to a legitimate contender.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Contenders – Shawnee Heights, Topeka West, Seaman</em></h3>   <p>Despite graduating the league's Co-Player of the Year and losing some key contributors, Shawnee Heights is far from entering a rebuild. Instead, the program is leaning on a strong group of returners poised to step into bigger roles and keep the team competitive in the United Kansas League. Two players expected to lead that charge are [player_tooltip player_id='1890719' first='Ontarius' last='Emmot'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2949421' first='Javeon' last='Alston'] -- both of whom showed flashes of high-level potential last season and continued to build on that momentum over the summer. Emmot, a 6'4" wing, brings a versatile offensive skill set to the floor. He's a legitimate perimeter threat with a smooth, efficient shooting stroke, but what sets him apart is his ability to mix in an aggressive slashing game. He attacks closeouts with confidence, gets downhill with strength and control, and finishes through contact at the rim. Emmot has made noticeable strides in his offensive consistency, and his performances this summer suggest he's ready for a breakout season. His size and skill also allow him to be a matchup problem on both ends of the floor. Alston complements Emmot well as a quick, athletic guard who's known primarily for his defensive prowess. He's a disruptive on-ball defender who can pressure ball handlers, jump passing lanes, and make life difficult for opposing guards. Offensively, Alston is expected to take on more playmaking responsibility this season. He's a shifty ball handler who can attack off the dribble, especially against closeouts, and shows good vision in creating opportunities for teammates. He also has an impressive array of finishes around the rim, especially in transition, where his speed and creativity shine. If Emmot and Alston continue to grow and lead by example, Shawnee Heights has a strong foundation to remain a contender in league play. The key will be how well the supporting cast adapts to their expanded roles and whether the team can replace some of the lost scoring and leadership from last year's squad. But with two talented leaders at the core, don't count out Shawnee Heights from making noise throughout the season.</p>   <p>Topeka West has established itself as one of the more consistent and competitive programs in the United Kansas League over the past few seasons. Known for their unique style and emphasis on positional versatility, the Chargers are once again poised to make a serious run at the top of the standings. A big reason for that optimism lies in the return of two of their most impactful players — Malakyah Duncan and [player_tooltip player_id='2209783' first='Keimani' last='Paul'] — both of whom bring a combination of size, skill, and experience that sets them apart in the league. Malakyah Duncan enters his senior year following a breakout junior season in which he became the team's go-to option on both ends of the floor. A long, athletic wing with excellent instincts, Duncan stands out for his ability to influence games in multiple ways. Offensively, he thrives when attacking from the perimeter, using his quick first step and physicality to get downhill and finish through contact. He's particularly effective in isolation situations and is comfortable creating his own shot when the offense breaks down. In addition to his slashing ability, Duncan has developed into a reliable perimeter shooter, especially in catch-and-shoot scenarios where his form and balance are consistent. Defensively, Duncan's length and anticipation make him a nightmare for opposing guards and wings. He regularly guards the opposing team's best scorer and has shown the ability to switch across multiple positions — from guarding shifty point guards on the perimeter to contesting shots at the rim. His timing as a help-side defender also gives Topeka West a rim-protection presence, something that's rare for a wing. On the other side of the floor, [player_tooltip player_id='2209783' first='Keimani' last='Paul'] adds another layer of offensive firepower. Paul is a smooth, polished wing with a natural scoring instinct and advanced offensive repertoire. He plays with a calm, composed demeanor, often lulling defenders to sleep before exploding into a pull-up jumper or slicing through the lane. What separates Paul is his ability to score at all three levels — he's a consistent threat from beyond the arc, can pull up in the mid-range, and finishes well around the rim with touch and body control. His shooting mechanics are fluid, and he has deep range that forces defenses to extend well beyond the three-point line. Paul is also more than just a scorer. He has a good feel for the game and regularly makes the right read when defenses collapse on him, finding open teammates for easy buckets. Defensively, he mirrors Duncan in versatility, using his length and quickness to guard multiple positions, which gives Topeka West the ability to switch across the board without losing much defensively. The combination of Duncan and Paul gives Topeka West one of the most dynamic wing tandems in the UKL — both capable of taking over games on their own, but also complementing each other in key ways. Duncan brings intensity, athleticism, and physicality, while Paul provides finesse, shot-making, and high IQ decision-making. Beyond those two, the key for Topeka West will be the growth of its supporting cast. If role players can step into bigger responsibilities, this team has all the tools to contend for a league title and possibly a deep postseason run.</p>   <p>Seaman enters the 2025–2026 season as a legitimate contender in the United Kansas League, driven by the presence of one of the league's premier players — senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2211343' first='KaeVon' last='Bonner']. Widely regarded as perhaps the most complete player in the conference, Bonner is poised to take full control of games this winter with his rare combination of scoring, playmaking, and leadership. Over the summer, Bonner's game appears to have reached another level. His maturity as a floor general has become increasingly evident, as he's shown a greater ability to read defenses, pick his spots, and allow the game to come to him. Rather than forcing the action, he now operates with patience and poise — surveying the floor, creating advantages, and putting teammates in positions to succeed. This evolution in his approach makes him even more dangerous, as he's able to control the tempo and dictate the flow of the offense. Of course, Bonner is still more than capable of taking over as a scorer when needed. He boasts a deep offensive bag — a tight handle, excellent footwork, and the ability to score at all three levels. Whether he's pulling up off the dribble, getting to the rim with strength and finesse, or knocking down shots from beyond the arc, Bonner consistently puts pressure on opposing defenses. His three-point shooting, in particular, has become a more consistent weapon, allowing him to stretch the floor and open up driving lanes for himself and others. Leadership will also be a defining trait of Bonner's senior season. He brings a calm, confident presence to the floor and has embraced the responsibility of setting the tone for his team — both vocally and by example. As one of the most battle-tested players in the league, he understands what it takes to compete at a high level and win. Bonner won't be alone in Seaman's pursuit of a title. The supporting cast includes several returners and emerging players looking to elevate their roles and production in the 2025–26 campaign. While still taking shape, this core is expected to provide the versatility, toughness, and depth necessary to support their star. If the complementary pieces can consistently contribute — whether by knocking down open shots, defending with energy, or rebounding effectively — it will take pressure off Bonner and raise Seaman's ceiling considerably. With Bonner anchoring the lineup and a motivated group around him, Seaman has the tools to be competitive night in and night out. If the pieces come together and the supporting cast rises to the occasion, the Vikings should firmly establish themselves as a serious threat to win the United Kansas League championship.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Champion – Piper</em></h3>   <p>Piper enters this winter as my top choice to win the league and make another deep run toward a state championship — a run that's been building over the past several seasons. This is a program that has consistently been knocking on the door, and with the roster they return, this could finally be the year they break through. Top to bottom, Piper features one of the deepest and most talented lineups in the state, with quality contributors at every position and the kind of internal competition that sharpens a team long before postseason play arrives. The team will be led by a trio of senior standouts — [player_tooltip player_id='2209781' first='DJ' last='Jackson'], Alamar Brooks, and [player_tooltip player_id='2211352' first='Cooper' last='Crawford'] — all of whom bring significant varsity experience, leadership, and individual skill to the table. Together, they form the backbone of a roster built not only to compete, but to win at the highest level. [player_tooltip player_id='2209781' first='DJ' last='Jackson'] is the engine that makes Piper go. As the team's primary ball-handler and offensive initiator, he brings a unique blend of scoring and playmaking that makes him a constant threat. Jackson has a tight handle and high basketball IQ, allowing him to read defenses and make quick, decisive plays. He's exceptional at getting downhill, using his body control and a variety of finishes to score in traffic, but what sets him apart is his ability to balance aggression with control. He's comfortable creating his own shot from midrange and has steadily improved his consistency from beyond the arc. Defensively, he competes, but it's his poise and leadership on the floor that give Piper a steadying presence in high-pressure moments. Alamar Brooks brings a different edge — one rooted in athleticism, intensity, and two-way impact. A standout defender, Brooks often takes on the toughest perimeter assignments and sets the tone with his relentless on-ball pressure. His quick hands and anticipation make him a turnover machine, frequently converting defense into instant offense. In transition, he's explosive, capable of highlight-reel finishes that ignite the crowd and energize his team. But he's more than just an athlete — Brooks has grown his offensive game, becoming more comfortable attacking off the dribble and knocking down open jumpers, making him a more complete and dangerous player on both ends. [player_tooltip player_id='2211352' first='Cooper' last='Crawford'] adds a versatile, inside-out scoring presence to the mix. At 6'6” with length and mobility, he's a matchup problem for most defenders. He can stretch the floor with his shooting, post smaller defenders with ease, and run the floor in transition. Crawford has shown the ability to contribute in a variety of ways — from scoring efficiently to protecting the rim and rebounding at a high level. As he enters his final high school season, the expectation is that he'll take on an even greater leadership role while continuing to raise his level of play. This season could very well mark his breakout as a complete two-way forward. What separates Piper from other contenders isn't just the top-end talent — it's the depth behind it. Multiple underclassmen and role players have shown they can step in and contribute without a significant drop in production. Whether it's secondary scoring, defensive flexibility, or rebounding, this team has answers up and down the roster. With their combination of experience, elite individual talent, defensive identity, and chemistry developed over multiple seasons, Piper looks poised to not only contend — but to finally take home that elusive state title. Anything short of a deep playoff run would be a disappointment for this group, and given their focus and hunger, don't be surprised if they're the last team standing come March.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Top 5 All-Conference Team</em></h3>   <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2211343' first='KaeVon' last='Bonner'] | 6'4" Guard | Seaman</em></p>   <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2209781' first='DJ' last='Jackson'] | 6'2" Guard | Piper</em></p>   <p><em>Alamar Brooks | 6'0" Guard | Piper</em></p>   <p><em>Malakyah Duncan | 6'4" Wing | Topeka West</em></p>   <p><em>Mehki Stephens | 6'3" Guard | Lansing</em></p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Player of the Year – [player_tooltip player_id='2211343' first='KaeVon' last='Bonner'] | 6'4" Guard | Seaman</em></h3>   <p>While I anticipate Piper taking home the league title, my pick for Player of the Year is Bonner -- and I say that with full confidence after watching his development up close. As a junior, he was already one of the top guards in the area, but the strides he's made since then are hard to ignore. Over the summer, he not only added muscle and strength to his frame, but also refined key aspects of his skill set that make him a more complete and dangerous player. Physically, he looks stronger and more explosive, which has helped him become more effective attacking the rim and finishing through contact. But what really separates Bonner is his all-around polish and basketball IQ. He plays with pace, poise, and purpose -- never rushing, always reading the floor. From the guard spot, he has the ability to control the tempo of a game and dictate how possessions unfold. He can knock down threes with consistency, create off the dribble, and score at all three levels, but he's not a player who hunts stats. He lets the game come to him and always looks to make the smart play, whether that's hitting a shooter in the corner, feeding the interior, or resetting the offense. Defensively, he's become more engaged and physical, showing he can guard multiple positions on the perimeter thanks to his improved strength and footwork. He communicates well and plays with a sense of leadership that seems to elevate those around him. He's not just a talent -- he's a floor general. Bonner's ability to read defenses and get his teammates involved will be a major asset for Seaman this season. At the same time, those playmaking instincts will open up even more scoring opportunities for him, as defenses will be forced to pick their poison. I expect him to have a stat-stuffing season -- not just with points, but across assists, rebounds, and steals. More importantly, I think his impact will be felt in the way Seaman competes each night. Don't be surprised to see him put together some dominant performances that turn heads across the state.</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.