Final Four Picks: 2A Race Packed With Heavyweights

*Photo by Top Sports News   The battle for the Kansas 2A state championship is shaping up to be one of the most compelling races in recent memory. Two programs enter the season as clear-cut title favorites, but several other teams have the talent, coaching, and momentum to push their way into Final Four contention. This blend of established powerhouses and hungry challengers should create an exciting narrative throughout the winter — one filled with rising stars, statement wins, and the constant reshuffling of the contender landscape.   What makes this year particularly intriguing is how evenly matched many of these programs appear on paper. Teams across the classification bring back key contributors, and early-season tournaments and league play are likely to produce upsets, surges, and breakout performances that reshape expectations. Fans can expect competitive battles nearly every week, setting the stage for a postseason where almost anything feels possible.   The 2A state tournament returns to White Auditorium in Emporia, a venue that has long been considered one of the premier stages for high school basketball in Kansas. Its classic layout, strong acoustics, and intimate seating create a charged atmosphere where every run, momentum swing, and clutch moment feels amplified. The building has hosted countless unforgettable state tournament games, and this year's field has the potential to add another chapter to that history.   What truly elevates the setting, though, is the presence of the small-school communities that travel to support their teams. These fan bases bring a level of pride and passion that transforms the event into something much larger than just a tournament. Entire towns show up in full force — filling the stands, creating vibrant student sections, and turning White Auditorium into a lively and emotional backdrop for the biggest games of the season. When you combine the energy of these communities with the competitive fire of the teams on the floor, the result is an atmosphere that feels unique, unforgettable, and deeply tied to Kansas basketball tradition.   All together, the mix of elite contenders, sneaky challengers, and a historic venue sets the stage for a 2A postseason that could deliver some of the best high school basketball in the state this year.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sterling</h3>   Sterling enters the 2025–2026 season with the confidence and momentum that only a defending state champion can carry. Last year's title team returns a strong core, and the expectation inside the program is clear: they believe they have every tool necessary to chase another banner. Their roster, led by [player_tooltip player_id='2403145' first='Boston' last='Ekart'], Blake Smith, and Zane Farney, was one of the most dominant groups in Kansas a season ago, and the pieces are in place for them to remain at the top of 2A.   [player_tooltip player_id='2403145' first='Boston' last='Ekart'] stands at the center of everything Sterling wants to accomplish. Few players in the classification blend skill, length, and versatility the way he does. Ekart fits the prototype of today's all-around wing — he shoots it cleanly from deep, creates separation with ease, and can slide to multiple positions on both ends of the floor. His shooting is the aspect opponents fear most; he relocates intelligently, punishes late contests, and uses quick ball fakes to open driving lanes. Once he's inside, he finishes with poise and creativity, rarely rushing and often adjusting midair to find angles. He's the kind of player who warps scouting reports, and Sterling's offense often revolves around the mismatches he creates.   Around him is a supporting cast with plenty of experience and clearly defined roles. Senior guard Blake Smith is expected to shoulder a larger scoring workload this season. His ability to hit perimeter shots forces defenses to stay extended, which in turn gives Sterling more spacing and rhythm offensively. Smith's calm presence and ability to shoot off movement make him a natural secondary scorer.   Defensively, no one sets the tone like Zane Farney. His brand of defense is disruptive, intense, and constant — he pressures ball-handlers from baseline to baseline and frequently turns mistakes into layups on the other end. Farney's downhill attacking complements his defense; he's at his best when he gets a runway, using his burst and toughness to collapse defenses and create contact around the rim.   Wyatt Newberry gives the Black Bears another veteran guard who values the little things — defensive assignments, ball movement, and situational awareness. He helps keep the offense organized and contributes in areas that don't always show up in the box score but routinely influence wins.   One of the most intriguing pieces of Sterling's roster is freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2382456' first='Kipton' last='Smith'], a standout prospect in Kansas' 2029 class. Smith's offensive game continues to evolve rapidly, and his natural ability to score the ball gives him a real chance to carve out meaningful minutes, even with the team's veteran depth. His development throughout the season could add an unexpected dimension to Sterling's rotation.   Put it all together, and Sterling looks every bit like a program capable of making another deep postseason run. Their blend of star talent, defensive grit, experience, and emerging youth gives them one of the most balanced rosters in 2A. If this group stays healthy and continues to progress, the Black Bears have a realistic chance to finish the season right where they ended the last one — holding the trophy.   Early Season Tests   December 2nd at Cheney   January 9th vs. Moundridge   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rossville</h3>   The Bulldogs enter the new campaign firmly positioned as one of the teams most capable of pushing Moundridge and Sterling for a berth in the 2A title game. With nearly all of last year's key contributors back — a group that grew steadily throughout the season and proved it could go toe-to-toe with some of the strongest opponents on its schedule — this team brings both momentum and a sense of unfinished business into the year.   At the forefront is [player_tooltip player_id='1785100' first='Jack' last='Donovan'], who should once again be the engine of the offense after a highly productive junior season. Donovan established himself as one of the most efficient scorers in Kansas, especially from beyond the arc. His long-range accuracy forces defenders to stay glued to him, which in turn frees up driving lanes and opens opportunities for his teammates. Donovan's development as a secondary playmaker adds another wrinkle to his game; he can now initiate the offense, read rotating defenders, and create scoring chances off the bounce. As his confidence and decision-making continue to climb, he has the potential to become one of the most dynamic perimeter threats in 2A.   [player_tooltip player_id='2403191' first='Cameron' last='Miller'] returns to provide the Bulldogs with another high-impact presence. His blend of athleticism and strength makes him an incredibly difficult assignment. Miller thrives in space, using his quickness to get downhill and his physicality to finish through contact. He has a natural knack for creating mismatches in transition and half-court situations alike. Just as importantly, Miller is the team's anchor on the glass. His rebounding production was a defining trait of his game last season, and that interior toughness will once again play a major role in shaping the Bulldogs' identity.   Joining them is the explosive and ever-improving Jakoby McDonnell, who appears primed for a significant leap forward. McDonnell brings a burst of energy every time he steps on the court. He can score at all three levels, push the pace as a primary ball-handler, and take on difficult defensive matchups. His combination of speed, strength, and competitive fire gives the Bulldogs a player capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. With his role expanding, McDonnell has legitimate potential to become one of the league's most influential guards.   Altogether, this trio forms the backbone of a roster loaded with scoring options, playmaking, toughness, and valuable experience. If the supporting cast continues its upward trajectory, the Bulldogs have every reason to believe they can contend at the top of 2A — and make a serious run toward the championship stage by season's end.   Early Season Tests   January 16th vs. Perry-Lecompton   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Moundridge</h3>   Moundridge is one of those programs that's nearly impossible to bet against when state tournament conversations begin. Year after year, the Wildcats find themselves in the mix, supported by a tradition of excellence and a culture built on discipline, toughness, and skill. Last season's group finished an impressive 24–1, and although they graduated several key contributors, Moundridge once again returns a strong core — one experienced enough and talented enough to keep the program firmly in championship contention.   Their leading returners include Heath Churchill, Kaizer Kanitz, and [player_tooltip player_id='2623103' first='Jesse' last='Lutz'], and the addition of Easton Shahan only strengthens what was already a highly competitive roster. Together, this combination of players gives the Wildcats a versatile, well-balanced lineup with the potential to be dangerous on both ends of the floor.   Shahan immediately brings a dynamic offensive presence. With size and length on the perimeter, he stretches defenses as a reliable shooter while also posing a threat off the dribble. He's adept at attacking closeouts, using spins, pivots, and footwork to create angles to the rim. His off-ball movement is equally impressive — he relocates well, uses screens effectively, and consistently finds open pockets in the defense. His blend of shooting, skill, and feel makes him a natural fit within Moundridge's offensive system.   Churchill is another critical returner whose role should expand significantly this season. His impact begins on the defensive end, where he shines as one of the team's best positional defenders. He generates steals at a high rate, uses his timing to block or alter shots, and maintains discipline within the team's defensive framework. Offensively, he offers floor-spacing ability and can attack long closeouts, making him a versatile threat who should see his production continue to rise as his usage increases.   Kanitz and Lutz round out the core and are two of the best defenders in the league. Their energy, physicality, and instincts change the tempo of games — they create deflections, force turnovers, and pressure opponents into mistakes. Kanitz adds value as an aggressive downhill attacker who keeps defenses honest, while Lutz is a knockdown shooter whose role should expand this winter. With more touches, it will be exciting to see how his game evolves and how much more complete a scorer he becomes.   Altogether, this group once again forms a roster that is deep, defensively elite, and offensively balanced — traits that have become synonymous with Moundridge basketball. Their identity won't change, and that consistency is what makes them even more daunting for opponents. The Wildcats have everything required for another run at the state title — perhaps this time with the pieces to finish the job.   Early Season Tests   January 6th vs. Bennington   January 9th at Sterling   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stanton County</h3>   Although Stanton County may not be a well-known name across the state, that doesn't diminish their legitimacy as a true contender to reach Emporia this spring. The Trojans return a substantial portion of their production from last year's squad — a team that won 15 games and showed steady growth as the season progressed. With so much experience coming back, they enter the new campaign with both momentum and a clearer understanding of what it takes to compete at a high level.   Leading the charge is David Crane, a versatile 6'4" wing who is capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. Crane is a strong, physically mature athlete with skill to match, allowing him to contribute on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he can operate inside or step out to the perimeter, making him a matchup problem for just about any defender. He uses his strength and touch to finish through contact in the paint, possesses the coordination to score with either hand, and consistently earns trips to the free-throw line. On the perimeter, his ability to slash or stretch the floor adds another dimension to the Trojans' attack. If Crane can raise his three-point percentage this winter, he has the potential to become one of the most difficult players in the class to contain.   Defensively, Crane is just as valuable. His blend of size, strength, and agility allows Stanton County to switch defensive looks without hesitation. He's tough enough to battle bigs on the block yet mobile enough to guard wings and even some guards on the perimeter. His rebounding is another major asset, as he has the ability to take over stretches of games simply by controlling the glass.   Stanton County also returns its primary ball handler in Gerardo Robles, who figures to play a key role in orchestrating the offense. Robles thrives when attacking downhill, consistently forcing defenses to collapse and opening up scoring opportunities — either for himself at the rim or for teammates on the perimeter. Like Crane, he is capable from three-point range, and an improved outside shooting percentage would make him even more dangerous as a dual-threat scorer and facilitator.   The supporting cast features more experience as well, with Arihm Gonzalez and Corey Wilson stepping back into important roles. Both players are capable of providing scoring, defensive toughness, and stability whenever needed. With the defensive attention that Crane and Robles naturally draw, Gonzalez and Wilson could see expanded opportunities to produce and make timely plays throughout the season.   Overall, this Stanton County team is one of the most overlooked groups in the state. Their combination of returning talent, versatility, and internal improvement gives them a legitimate chance to make a deep postseason run. Do not be surprised if, come March, the Trojans are still standing among the last teams left.   Early Season Tests   December 5th at Greeley County   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other Notable Teams - Ell-Saline, Valley Falls, St. Mary's Colgan</h3>   There are several other teams that I believe have a legitimate chance to put together a deep state tournament run. As always, once you get past sub-state, so much comes down to matchups, seeding, and which teams are playing their best basketball at the right time. Still, a few programs consistently stand out as groups that could surprise people and make noise in March. The teams that have especially caught my attention are Ell-Saline, Valley Falls, and St. Mary's Colgan — each with the pieces, coaching, and competitive edge needed to impress when the stakes are highest.   Ell-Saline enters the upcoming season looking like a legitimate threat to play deep into March. The Cardinals return a seasoned and physically imposing core that gives them the tools to compete with anyone in 2A. With [player_tooltip player_id='2879563' first='Trey' last='Williams'], Reese Krone, and Kas Kramer leading the charge, Ell-Saline has a trio that provides scoring, size, toughness, and continuity — all essential ingredients for a postseason run.   [player_tooltip player_id='2879563' first='Trey' last='Williams'] is expected to be the driving force behind Ell-Saline's success. At 6'4" and close to 200 pounds, he combines guard-like skill with forward-level strength. Williams has the kind of perimeter game that stretches defenses thin; he's comfortable hitting threes in rhythm, pulling up off the bounce, or coming off actions designed to free him for clean looks. What separates him, though, is how well he runs the floor. In transition he's a problem — fast, powerful, and capable of finishing above the rim whenever he gets even a sliver of space. His instincts off the ball are equally impressive, constantly slipping into gaps, making sharp cuts, and threatening defenders with his timing and athleticism.   Anchoring the interior is Reese Krone, who will play a massive role on both ends of the court. Standing 6'5" with a sturdy frame, Krone is a handful inside. Offensively, he establishes deep position, absorbs contact, and finishes through defenders with patience and power. Defensively, he brings rim protection and physicality, altering shots and forcing opponents to adjust their driving angles. Krone's activity around the glass should take another step forward this season, giving Ell-Saline the reliable interior presence every contender needs.   Kas Kramer rounds out the Cardinals' core, providing the backcourt stability and edge that ties everything together. Kramer's ability to break down defenders off the dribble opens the offense in multiple ways, freeing Williams to operate off the catch while also generating drive-and-kick opportunities. His leadership is equally important — Kramer communicates well, embraces tough defensive assignments, and sets the tone with his competitiveness.   With their top contributors returning and another year of experience behind them, Ell-Saline has the makeup of a team ready to elevate its ceiling. If this trio continues to develop and the supporting cast finds its rhythm, the Cardinals have a very real chance to insert themselves into the Final Four conversation in 2A.   Valley Falls is another program worth keeping a close eye on this season. The Dragons are coming off a 20-win campaign in which they tested themselves against some of the toughest competition in the state, particularly down the stretch. Even though they graduate their leading scorer, the foundation for another strong year remains intact thanks to two emerging standouts and a promising group of young players ready to step into larger roles.   The centerpiece of Valley Falls' attack will be Collin Kearney and [player_tooltip player_id='2384339' first='Damian' last='Cervantez'] — a duo with complementary skill sets and the potential to carry the team in different ways. Kearney brings an interior presence that few players in Kansas can match. He's powerful, relentless, and has a natural instinct for tracking down the basketball. Kearney might very well be one of the best rebounders in the entire state, regardless of classification, because of his strength, positioning, and willingness to battle for every loose ball. Offensively, he is equally impactful. Kearney has the ability to attack defenders off the bounce, finish through contact, or operate with his back to the basket, using polished footwork and touch around the rim.   Cervantez will shoulder the bulk of the ball-handling and playmaking responsibilities. His ability to create off the dribble makes him the heartbeat of the Dragons' perimeter attack. Cervantez is also a proven shooter — he knocked down more than 40 three-pointers last season — and with a larger offensive role ahead of him, that number is expected to climb. He gives Valley Falls spacing, shot-making, and the ability to break down defenses, making him a crucial piece to the team's offensive identity.   The supporting cast also has the potential to take a significant leap. Flint Seymour, Jenner Young, and Brayson Miller all gained meaningful varsity experience last season, and their development will help determine just how far Valley Falls can go. Each brings energy, versatility, and improved confidence, and as they continue to mature, they should provide the depth and balance that every contender needs.   Valley Falls is the type of team that could become increasingly dangerous as the season unfolds. If their young pieces settle into their roles and the chemistry continues to build, the Dragons have the talent and structure to surprise people — and potentially emerge as one of the more intriguing squads in 2A.   St. Mary's Colgan is my under-the-radar pick in 2A — a team that flew below the state's radar last season but showed flashes of real potential despite its youth. With another year of experience and physical growth, this group has a chance to take a noticeable step forward. What makes the Panthers especially intriguing is that they not only return a large portion of their rotation, but they also feature one of the most talented players in the entire classification.   That player is Brady Bettega, the clear focal point of the Panthers' offense and one of the most promising prospects in the state. Bettega's offensive versatility is what sets him apart. He scores comfortably at all three levels, but he's at his most dangerous when creating off the dribble. His ability to change speeds, shift direction, and get defenders off balance allows him to reach his spots with consistency. Once he gets there, he has a smooth shooting stroke from the perimeter and the confidence to take — and make — big shots. With another offseason of development behind him, Bettega looks ready for a major leap.   Behind him is a collection of young players who gained meaningful reps last season and now have the chance to convert that experience into production. Joe Lomshek, Brock Radell, Gabe Brown, and Will Schremmer are all names to watch as the rotation solidifies. Schremmer provides the frontcourt size and physicality Colgan needs, while Lomshek, Radell, and Brown each bring two-way versatility. One of them will likely emerge as the team's secondary scoring or playmaking option — a key factor in determining just how high the Panthers' ceiling becomes.   St. Mary's Colgan may be a year away from being a fully polished contender, but their progression could accelerate quickly if their young players click. If the supporting cast grows around Bettega and the chemistry develops faster than expected, Colgan could surprise people and make noise sooner rather than later.

*Photo by Top Sports News