Kansas Preview: Who Will Take AVCTL III?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League III has long been dominated by McPherson, but this season has a different feel — the league looks more balanced than ever. In this in-depth preview, I highlight a few sleeper teams to watch, break down the top contenders, reveal my pick to win the conference, unveil my “Top 5” All-Conference selections, and share my projection for this season's Player of the Year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Sleepers - Circle, Winfield</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Circle is coming off one of its most successful seasons in recent memory, finishing the 2024–25 campaign with momentum and a string of statement wins against high-quality opponents. The T-Birds played with toughness, discipline, and a clear identity, and looked every bit like a team built for March. But entering this season, they face arguably the biggest challenge in AVCTL III — replacing the most production of any team in the league. Graduation hit Circle hard, particularly on the offensive end, with multiple senior starters and key contributors moving on. That kind of turnover often signals a rebuilding year, but I'm not ready to count Circle out — in fact, I have them tabbed as my sleeper team in AVCTL III. The reason? Coaching continuity, a strong developmental culture, and two senior guards ready to take the reins. Head coach Jordan Crawford has proven that he can develop talent and build a team greater than the sum of its parts. His ability to make in-season adjustments and maximize player strengths is one of the most underrated assets in the league. This year, he'll rely heavily on seniors Easton Smith and Clay Gilbertson, two guards who have patiently waited their turn and now find themselves in leadership roles. Smith is a physical, downhill guard with a sturdy frame and a developing feel for the game. He creates separation with strength rather than speed, using body control and a tight handle to get into mid-range spots. He's shown flashes of being able to absorb contact at the rim and finish through traffic. His perimeter shot is reliable — particularly off the catch — but his biggest value may come as a creator, especially when defenses collapse and he's forced to make quick decisions. Gilbertson brings a contrasting style: smooth, composed, and methodical. He thrives in the half-court, where he can manipulate defenders with subtle tempo shifts, hesitation moves, and sharp footwork. He's a knockdown shooter from deep, both spotting up and off the dribble, and has shown the ability to navigate ball screens with poise. Gilbertson's feel for the game stands out — he doesn't force action, but picks his spots effectively and knows when to take over. Together, Smith and Gilbertson offer a complementary backcourt dynamic — physicality and finesse, power and pace. If they can stay healthy and adjust quickly to full-time leadership roles, they have the potential to be one of the most effective guard tandems in the league. The key to Circle's season, however, will be how well the supporting cast steps into larger roles. The frontcourt rotation will likely be younger and less experienced, but if even one or two players emerge as dependable contributors — particularly on the glass and defensively — Circle will have the foundation to compete. Depth, rebounding, and defensive consistency will be the three areas to watch closely through December and January. If those pieces fall into place, don't be surprised to see Circle near the top of the standings come February, just like last year. With strong guard play, a proven coaching staff, and a chip on their shoulder, this team has all the makings of a dark horse that could once again make serious noise in AVCTL III.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Winfield enters the 2025–26 season facing a significant challenge: replacing the production and leadership of standout forward Christian Moree, who graduated after carrying a heavy load for the Vikings last year. Moree was the engine of the team — a dynamic scorer and playmaker who left a noticeable mark on every game. His departure leaves big shoes to fill, but Winfield isn't short on talent, and there's reason for optimism heading into the new campaign. The player expected to step into the lead role is Evan Hutto, a returning guard who quietly put together a strong season last year and now looks ready to take center stage. Hutto is a creative and elusive ball-handler with the ability to break down defenders off the dribble. He uses his tight handle and shiftiness to get into the paint or create space for jumpers, and he's shown the ability to make tough shots at all three levels. One of Hutto's most dangerous weapons is his deep shooting ability. He doesn't need much room to get his shot off and has proven capable of hitting from beyond the arc with consistency. Defenses that try to sag off him or go under screens will pay the price. But what makes him particularly valuable is his ability to balance scoring with playmaking. Hutto is an underrated passer who can initiate offense and make reads off the bounce, setting up teammates when help defense collapses. With a larger offensive role this year, expect his shot volume and scoring average to climb — but don't be surprised if his assist numbers rise as well. Alongside him is returning wing Kellen Gibson, a tough, competitive 6'0" guard who provides versatility on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Gibson can contribute in a variety of ways — spotting up for threes, slashing to the rim, or filling lanes in transition. But his calling card is his defensive intensity and toughness. He consistently takes on difficult assignments, competes on the glass, and brings the kind of energy that helps set the tone for the rest of the team. The key to Winfield's success this season will be the supporting cast. If the Vikings can find consistent production from their role players — particularly in the frontcourt and off the bench — they should be able to compete with the bulk of AVCTL III. Depth, rebounding, and defensive consistency will be the areas to watch early on. While replacing a player like Moree is no small task, the pieces are in place for Winfield to remain competitive. With Hutto ready to ascend and Gibson anchoring both ends of the floor, this team has the leadership and firepower to make things interesting — especially if they find rhythm and chemistry as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Contenders - Mulvane, McPherson</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mulvane might come as a surprise inclusion among potential contenders in AVCTL III, especially coming off a difficult 2024–25 season that saw them finish at the bottom of the league standings. But don't be fooled by last year's record — the foundation is in place for a major turnaround. With the entire core returning and another offseason of growth under their belt, this Wildcat team could make serious noise in what looks like a wide-open race. Continuity is the biggest strength heading into the season. Unlike many teams in the league dealing with roster turnover, Mulvane returns virtually all of its production, giving them a rare advantage in chemistry, experience, and development. With that familiarity comes a chance to play more cohesive basketball on both ends of the floor. Leading the way once again is senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2403189' first='Manny' last='Myers'], who will continue to serve as the primary offensive option and floor leader. Myers is arguably one of the top perimeter shooters in the league — he boasts deep range, a quick left-handed release, and the confidence to fire from anywhere on the floor. But his game isn't one-dimensional. He rebounds extremely well from the guard position, and he's steadily improving as a creator off the bounce. His ability to attack closeouts, make reads, and finish at the rim adds a dynamic layer to his offensive profile. Returning alongside him is Canon Lazier, another guard with serious shooting credentials. Lazier has a scorer's mentality — he hunts threes in both the half-court and in transition, and when he gets hot, he can shift the momentum of a game in just a few possessions. At 6'3", he also provides size and length on the wing and was the team's leading rebounder last season. He's shown a crafty shot fake and a developing ability to drive closeouts, giving him more versatility than your typical catch-and-shoot threat. Jack Entwisle and Braylon Barnes round out a strong returning group that should give Mulvane plenty of depth and flexibility. Entwisle brings valuable experience and stability to the backcourt, offering solid ball-handling, perimeter defense, and leadership. Barnes, on the other hand, will be a key piece in the frontcourt. A bigger, skilled forward, Barnes will be asked to anchor the interior — scoring in the paint, defending post-ups, and helping control the glass. His ability to play both inside and out will be critical to Mulvane's success, especially against more physical teams in the league. Overall, this is a roster with balance — capable shooters, size on the wing, experienced guards, and frontcourt depth. But more importantly, it's a team with cohesion and purpose. They've taken their lumps, grown together, and now look ready to compete with confidence. If the Wildcats can take care of the ball, defend at a higher level, and continue to improve their shot selection, they'll be in position to win games consistently. I expect them to take a significant leap forward this winter — potentially finishing in the top three of AVCTL III and surprising plenty of people along the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's hard to picture a season where McPherson isn't sitting atop the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League III standings — and for good reason. The Bullpups have long been the gold standard, consistently reloading rather than rebuilding. However, this may be the year that the top spot finally slips from their grasp — though not without a serious fight. The biggest reason for that uncertainty is the graduation of Gabe Pyle, one of the most productive and versatile players in the area. Pyle was the engine for McPherson last season — a skilled scorer, crafty playmaker, and reliable defender who impacted the game in every phase. His departure leaves a significant void, one that won't be filled by a single player, but rather by a collective effort. Enter Jett Pyle, who now steps into the spotlight as McPherson's go-to option. A long, skilled perimeter player with a smooth feel for the game, Pyle has all the tools to become one of the league's top scorers. While he's a very efficient three-point shooter, his real strength lies in his ability to attack downhill and finish creatively around the rim. His touch, body control, and variety of finishes make him a tough cover in space, and he'll be asked to take on more playmaking responsibility this season as both a scorer and distributor. Supporting him will be fellow returning guards Cade Strathman and [player_tooltip player_id='2477695' first='Ashton' last='Malm'], both of whom are poised for larger roles. Strathman is a lanky, smart perimeter player who moves extremely well without the ball. He understands spacing and timing, often finding open pockets within the defense to spot up for clean looks from three. His shooting and off-ball movement will be critical in keeping defenses honest and creating room for Pyle to operate. Malm, meanwhile, is one of the most intriguing returning pieces. A strong athlete with a high motor, Malm brings defensive intensity and a spark in transition. He excels at pushing pace off rebounds, pressuring ball-handlers, and attacking the rim with force. He's a heady player — one of those glue guys who always seems to be in the right spot, making timely plays that shift momentum. Expect his role to grow significantly as the Bullpups look for new sources of energy and consistency. While McPherson may lack a proven star of Gabe Pyle's caliber this year, their system, coaching, and player development history suggest they'll still be a force. They may no longer be the overwhelming favorite, but they're absolutely still in the mix. Ultimately, I see the AVCTL III title coming down to McPherson and Augusta. McPherson's championship pedigree and depth make them a serious threat to defend their crown. Still, for now, I'm picking Augusta to surprise the league and knock McPherson off the top line. That said, don't be shocked if the Bullpups prove everyone wrong again — they usually do.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Champion - Augusta</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As mentioned earlier, I expect a tightly contested race for the AVCTL III title this winter, with McPherson and Augusta battling it out at the top. While some may raise eyebrows at my choice of Augusta — especially considering they finished last season with six conference losses — I believe they're primed for a breakout year, and I'm picking them to capture the league crown in 2025–26. There are several reasons why. First and foremost, Augusta returns what I believe is the top player in the league in Brody Haskell. Haskell is a dynamic offensive weapon who puts relentless pressure on defenses with his shooting, playmaking, and overall scoring ability. He can truly shoot the lights out — boasting range, a quick release, and confidence that doesn't waver against top-tier competition. In fact, he performed exceptionally well last season against the best teams in the league, and that experience should only fuel his growth as a senior. But Haskell's game goes beyond scoring. He's a crafty ball-handler who can break defenders down off the dribble and create for teammates. He's also a smart, engaged defender who takes pride in both ends of the floor. In short, he's a complete player — and having a complete player as your centerpiece puts any team in contention. Backing up Haskell is a deep, improving supporting cast, led by [player_tooltip player_id='2827569' first='Beckham' last='Stoops'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2827598' first='Brody' last='Chappell'], two players who I believe hold the key to Augusta's championship hopes. Both saw valuable minutes last season and now step into larger roles as second and third scoring options. Stoops is a skilled guard with a polished offensive game. He's especially dangerous from three-point range, with a smooth shooting stroke and a knack for finding space off the ball. He can also handle point guard duties when needed and plays with a composed, confident demeanor. His development as a consistent shot-maker and ball-handler will be crucial in stretching defenses and taking pressure off Haskell. Chappell, on the other hand, gives Augusta a physical presence on the interior. He's a strong, tough defender who isn't afraid to bang in the paint, and he brings versatility as a scorer around the rim. Whether it's carving out space in the post, grabbing offensive rebounds, or finishing through contact, Chappell gives Augusta a much-needed edge inside. His ability to anchor the defense and control the boards could make the difference in close games. Beyond this core trio, Augusta has the depth and coaching to round out a competitive roster. For this team to win the league, they'll need contributions from their role players — defenders, rebounders, energy guys, and spot-up shooters. If those pieces fall into place, and Stoops and Chappell take the expected leap forward, Augusta has every tool needed to edge out McPherson and claim the AVCTL III title — though it may come down to the slimmest of margins.</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>Brody Haskell | 6'1" Guard | Augusta</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2403189' first='Manny' last='Myers'] | 5'11" Guard | Mulvane</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Jett Pyle | 6'2" Guard | McPherson</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2827569' first='Beckham' last='Stoops'] | 6'2" Guard | Augusta</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Evan Hutto | 6'0" Guard | Winfield</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Player of the Year - Brody Haskell | 6'1" Guard | Augusta</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the league boasting a deep pool of high-level talent this season, choosing a Player of the Year was no easy task. But after evaluating the returning stars and their projected impact, Brody Haskell stands out as the top candidate to take home the honor in 2025–26. Haskell is coming off a strong junior campaign where he consistently filled up the stat sheet and caught the attention of coaches and fans across the region. Now a senior, he looks poised to take an even bigger leap — both statistically and as a leader on the floor. What immediately separates Haskell is his elite shooting ability. He possesses a lightning-quick release, fluid mechanics, and deep, confident range that forces defenses to extend well beyond the arc. Whether pulling up off the dribble, spotting up in transition, or coming off screens, Haskell has the kind of gravity that warps defenses and opens up the floor for his teammates. But Haskell is far more than just a shooter. His ball-handling has improved year over year, and he's become increasingly comfortable operating as a primary creator. His ability to break down defenders off the bounce adds another layer to his scoring arsenal — allowing him to get downhill, make reads in the paint, or kick out to shooters when help collapses. With the game continuing to slow down for him, expect a noticeable jump in his playmaking and assist totals. Another key factor working in Haskell's favor this season is the growth of the team around him. With a more experienced and capable supporting cast, opposing defenses won't be able to key on him as easily as they did in past years. That added spacing and offensive balance should free Haskell up for more efficient looks and allow him to play more freely — both as a scorer and a distributor. Defensively, Haskell brings a smart, disciplined approach. He's not flashy on that end, but he rarely makes mental mistakes and often positions himself to make plays off the ball. His understanding of team defense and rotations makes him an asset, and his competitiveness ensures he's engaged on every possession. Simply put, Haskell checks all the boxes: production, skill, leadership, and winning impact. If he continues his upward trajectory and stays healthy, he has every opportunity to be the most complete and valuable player in the league this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->