Early Wichita Area Games That Will Tell Us the Most - Part 1

*Photo by Selena Favela   Wichita is shaping up to be one of the hottest early-season battlegrounds in the state, with talent converging from every corner and a slate of matchups that promise to deliver excitement right out of the gate. The mix of both big-class powerhouses and smaller-class contenders creates a fascinating blend of styles — high-tempo offenses clashing with disciplined defensive units, experienced senior-led squads squaring off against programs fueled by rising young stars. That contrast alone makes Wichita one of the most intriguing scenes to watch early on.   Expect electric atmospheres as well. Many of these early-season games will take place in packed gyms buzzing with anticipation, as fanbases get their first real look at what their teams might become. The energy, intensity, and sense of fresh beginnings should create environments worthy of midseason showdowns.   Beyond the excitement, these matchups will offer valuable insight into which teams are ready to make noise this season. From breakout performers to programs showing early signs of dominance, Wichita's early slate should help reveal the storylines, contenders, and rising threats worth following as the year unfolds.   December 2nd   Sterling at Cheney   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Sterling and Cheney square off during the opening week of the season in a matchup that has all the ingredients to be tightly contested from start to finish. Both programs enter the year with high expectations and the confidence that they can put together deep postseason runs, making this early meeting an important tone-setter for each side. The game will showcase several standout players who are expected to play major roles throughout the season. Cheney is led by the explosive [player_tooltip player_id='2815491' first='Quaid' last='Thomas'], a playmaker capable of changing the momentum in an instant. Sterling counters with two high-level talents of their own in [player_tooltip player_id='2403145' first='Boston' last='Ekart'] and Blake Smith, both of whom bring versatility, scoring ability, and leadership to the floor.With rising stars on both sides and two programs hungry to prove themselves right away, this early-season showdown should be fast-paced, competitive, and revealing. Fans can expect each team to bring its best effort as they look to kick off the year with a statement performance. </li> </ul>   December 4th   Maize at Wichita Heights   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>The first year of the Gary Thomason era at Heights gets underway with a challenging early-season matchup against Maize, a program that has consistently set the standard in the region. Both teams enter the season with high expectations — Maize and Heights each reached the Final Four last year — but this season's rosters will look noticeably different, creating fresh storylines and opportunities for new leaders to emerge. If [player_tooltip player_id='2208970' first='Brayden' last='Myovela'] takes the court this winter, he will unquestionably serve as the cornerstone for Maize, bringing scoring, playmaking, and leadership to a talented squad. Heights will look to senior [player_tooltip player_id='2211361' first='Jalihn' last='Timmons'] to set the tone for his team, providing experience, skill, and consistency on both ends of the floor.With a mix of proven talent and fresh faces, this early tilt promises to be competitive and revealing, offering fans an early glimpse of how both programs plan to navigate the season and continue their postseason aspirations. </li> </ul>   Wichita East at Valley Center   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>This Wichita East vs. Valley Center matchup is one of those under-the-radar games that could quietly set the tone for the season. Both programs enter the year looking to take a significant step forward, and what better way to measure progress than by facing an opponent who appears to be in a similar position? Early-season contests like this often reveal which teams are ready to rise and which still have work to do. Wichita East will rely on the leadership and playmaking of [player_tooltip player_id='2205722' first='Luke' last='Henderson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2205715' first='Jaylen' last='Phillips-Grey'], two players capable of impacting the game on both ends of the floor. Valley Center counters with a trio of key contributors in Ray J. Logan, [player_tooltip player_id='2948674' first='Nash' last='Jamolod'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2781151' first='Evan' last='Chavez'], all of whom bring scoring ability, athleticism, and leadership that could make the game a closely contested affair.With both teams eager to prove themselves, this clash promises to be competitive and could provide an early glimpse at which program is ready to take the next step this season.</li> </ul>   December 5th   Southeast of Saline at Hesston   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Hesston has been a dominant force in recent years, but this season will look different as familiar faces are called upon to step into larger roles. Early matchups will provide a clear picture of how these players adjust to added responsibility and whether Hesston can maintain its high standard of play with a retooled roster. Southeast of Saline enters this game with the goal of using the contest as a benchmark, gauging where they stand as the new season begins and identifying areas that need improvement.Hesston's attack will be orchestrated by Ty Unruh and [player_tooltip player_id='3091354' first='Drew' last='Bartell'], two players expected to lead the way with scoring, playmaking, and steady leadership. Southeast of Saline will rely heavily on [player_tooltip player_id='2403142' first='Gannon' last='Jacobson'] as their primary creator and scorer, putting the onus on him to guide the offense and set the tone early.With both teams looking to establish themselves and set expectations for the season, this matchup promises to be competitive, fast-paced, and revealing.</li> </ul>   December 9th   McPherson at Derby   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>In a highly anticipated rematch of last season's epic showdown, McPherson and Derby are set to meet again — this time with new faces, fresh storylines, and plenty still on the line. While both teams will look different compared to last year's memorable clash, the talent level remains strong on each roster, and both programs continue to emphasize development, growth, and long-term progression as they open the new season. McPherson enters the matchup anchored by a formidable trio in Jett Pyle, Cade Strathman, and [player_tooltip player_id='2477695' first='Ashton' last='Malm']. Each brings a unique skill set, giving the Bullpups a balanced combination of scoring, toughness, and playmaking that should keep them competitive throughout the year.Derby counters with leadership and firepower of their own behind [player_tooltip player_id='2205706' first='Avant' last='Riley'] and Cale Clingan. These two are expected to shoulder much of the offensive load while also providing stability and direction for a team looking to build momentum early. With both squads featuring emerging stars and established leaders, this rematch promises to deliver another compelling chapter in what's becoming one of the more entertaining early-season matchups in the area.</li> </ul>   Maize South vs. Bryant (Neutral Site)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Kudos to Maize South for once again pushing themselves with a challenging early-season schedule. Few programs embrace tough competition right out of the gate the way the Mavericks do, and this year is no exception. Their matchup with Bryant out of Arkansas serves as the opening test in what will be a demanding stretch at the Hooping on the Hill Tournament in Fayetteville — one of several marquee games awaiting Maize South during the event. Facing a strong Bryant squad provides an ideal early measuring stick, giving Maize South a clear look at where they stand and what their ceiling might be as the season unfolds. The tournament as a whole should reveal even more about the Mavericks' potential, toughness, and ability to compete against high-level opponents from outside the state.Expect Cy Stucky, [player_tooltip player_id='2816224' first='Jalen' last='Batiste'], and Paxton Scott to set the tone in these early contests. Their leadership, skill, and versatility will be crucial as Maize South navigates this demanding opening stretch and looks to build momentum for the months ahead. </li> </ul>   December 12th   Junction City at Hays   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>While Junction City and Hays aren't technically part of the greater Wichita area, these two programs deserve recognition for one of the more intriguing early-season matchups in Kansas. Both teams bring strong rosters and high expectations, making this game a potential showcase of talent that could have implications as the season progresses. Junction City will lean on the leadership and playmaking of [player_tooltip player_id='2209782' first='Lovell' last='Autry'], whose skill and experience should help set the tone for the Blue Jays. Hays, meanwhile, will be paced by [player_tooltip player_id='2211342' first='Dawson' last='Ruder'], a dynamic player capable of creating opportunities and keeping his team competitive throughout the contest. With both squads poised to make noise this season, this early-season clash promises to be a competitive and telling matchup, offering a first glimpse at the players and teams to watch across the state. </li> </ul>

*Photo by Selena Favela