Final Four Picks: Kansas 4A Should Expect Competitive Field

<h6 class="wp-block-heading">*Photo by KSHSAA Covered</h6>   The Class 4A postseason is shaping up to have a familiar feel when March arrives. Many of the programs, standout athletes, and well-known coaches that have defined recent playoff runs are expected to resurface -- especially as the bracket narrows and the competition intensifies. With the tournament shifting to the Hutchinson Community Center this season, the atmosphere should be electric. Crowds will pack the stands, and numerous teams will enter believing, with genuine confidence, that they possess the pieces needed to contend for a state championship. That mix of ambition and parity is likely to create a winding, unpredictable journey toward the Final Four.   By the time the strongest contenders advance to Wichita, the narrative possibilities will be abundant. Potential matchups could feature several players destined for the collegiate ranks, adding an extra edge to each game as future stars battle on a shared stage. Supporting them will be coaching staffs known for consistency and postseason savvy -- experienced leaders who have navigated deep playoff runs before and understand how to manage the tension, momentum swings, and strategic decisions that define elimination basketball.   In total, the blend of elite talent, seasoned coaching, and the inherent drama of win-or-go-home competition should set the stage for an unforgettable 4A Final Four. Spectators can anticipate nail-biting finishes, storylines that build with each round, and performances that may ultimately shape the legacies of both players and coaches.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ottawa</h3>   Ottawa enters the season as one of the most obvious favorites to earn a spot in Hutchinson when the postseason dust settles. The Cyclones return the core of a group that put together a spectacular campaign last year, falling only once -- deep in the state tournament -- and proving they belonged among the state's top-tier programs. Even with a few seniors moving on, the roster still features one of the premier talents in all of 4A: [player_tooltip player_id='2327575' first='Aiden' last='McCullough'].   McCullough will once again be the anchor of this team, setting the tone with his maturity, composure, and impactful play on both ends of the court. Ottawa's 2024–2025 run, which included an undefeated regular season, showcased just how dominant the program can be when its system and personnel align. Though the season concluded with a gut-wrenching postseason defeat, the Cyclones' body of work established them as one of the most respected teams in Kansas.   At the heart of this resurgence is McCullough, a rugged, multifaceted wing who embodies the Cyclones' competitive identity. His relentless motor, physical strength, and versatility allow him to influence the game in countless ways. Offensively, McCullough is a matchup problem. He can power his way to the rim, rise up confidently from the perimeter, or create space with his handle to generate clean looks. But what truly elevates his offensive value is his unselfishness. He surveys defenses with poise, delivers precise passes to shooters and cutters, and consistently makes decisions that elevate the entire team.   Defensively, McCullough is just as impressive. His combination of size, agility, and anticipation makes him a disruptive presence -- capable of guarding multiple positions, pressuring the ball, and creating turnovers that fuel Ottawa's transition attack. His broad skill set, paired with his competitive instinct, places him firmly among the most complete players in the classification.   Supporting him is rising junior guard Jayce Mourning, who emerged as a breakout performer last season -- especially with his standout moments on the state tournament stage. Mourning is a crafty, left-handed guard with a composed approach to running the offense. He can knock down shots from long range, weave through defenders off the dribble, and finish creatively at the rim with touch and confidence. His balanced ability to distribute and score makes him an ideal backcourt counterpart to McCullough.   Haydon Hull should also play a meaningful role in Ottawa's rotation. His experience and steadiness make him a valuable piece, and his shooting ability will be increasingly important this season. Hull is expected to take on a larger offensive responsibility, providing reliable perimeter scoring and knocking down open looks at a higher volume. His ability to space the floor and capitalize on opportunities created by Ottawa's primary playmakers will give the Cyclones another dependable threat in their offensive attack.   Collectively, this unit has the potential to become one of the most formidable lineups in all of 4A Kansas basketball. Their balance, maturity, and ability to elevate one another's strengths give Ottawa a legitimate path to remain in the championship picture throughout the season. Backed by a program built on discipline, continuity, and a proven winning identity, the Cyclones appear well-positioned to make another push toward the state's premier stage.   Early Season Tests   December 5th vs. Bonner Springs   January 13th at Baldwin   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Baldwin</h3>   Baldwin heads into the winter as one of my clear picks to be in the final four this season. Their returning roster is loaded with experience, continuity, and high-level talent. The Bulldogs return a core group that played heavy minutes last season, and the hunger to finish what they started is unmistakable. After falling short of their goals in both league play and the postseason, this year's group appears determined, focused, and equipped to make a serious run.   At the center of Baldwin's operation is senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1624974' first='Cooper' last='Carr'], one of the most explosive and impactful perimeter players in the state. Carr is the type of guard who can flip a game on its head in a matter of possessions. His mix of strength, ball control, and innate instincts allows him to dictate tempo and attack defenses however he chooses. When he puts the ball on the floor, he's incredibly difficult to contain -- using a blend of body control, sharp footwork, and patience to carve out high-percentage looks around the rim. And while he's dangerous inside, he's just as capable of hitting shots from the perimeter, giving defenders no safe option. His passing is perhaps the most underrated part of his arsenal; he reads the floor naturally and has a knack for squeezing the ball into tight windows that lead to easy points.   Flanking him is 6'5” forward [player_tooltip player_id='2403183' first='Leo' last='Schoenberger'], a rapidly emerging talent with one of the most versatile offensive skill sets in the league. Schoenberger can operate on the wing, stretch defenses with his shooting, or use his length to finish through contact near the basket. His ability to step outside and hit threes forces opposing bigs to defend well beyond the paint, opening the floor for Baldwin's guards. He's athletic, aggressive, and constantly improving -- a combination that makes him extremely difficult to game-plan for.   In the paint, [player_tooltip player_id='2327579' first='Colton' last='Collum'] provides the Bulldogs with physicality and a dependable interior presence. Collum brings old-school post fundamentals to a modern offense. He seals defenders effectively, uses his strength to carve out space, and finishes with confidence on either block. Defensively, Collum competes for every rebound, holds his own against opposing big men, and moves well enough to defend in ball screens or switch when necessary. His consistency and toughness stabilize Baldwin's frontcourt.   Ethan Samasal is another key name to keep an eye on, bringing both reliable perimeter shooting and an additional scoring threat with plenty of varsity experience. His game meshes naturally with the core trio, as he thrives playing off their creation and spacing. Samasal's ability to knock down open looks and stay within the team's rhythm makes him an ideal complementary piece who strengthens the overall flow of the offense.   With Carr, Schoenberger, Collum, and Samasal leading the way, Baldwin boasts one of the most experienced and versatile rosters in 4A Kansas. Each player's skill set meshes seamlessly with the others, creating a unit that balances scoring, defense, and playmaking at every position. Their combined knowledge of high-pressure games and team chemistry provides a foundation that few programs can replicate. Backed by a deep supporting cast, this core gives Baldwin all the tools necessary to make a serious run at a state championship once the season reaches its climax.   Early Season Tests   January 9th vs. Eudora   January 13th vs. Ottawa   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pratt</h3>   A significant portion of the preseason conversation surrounding Pratt will hinge on the status of [player_tooltip player_id='2328078' first='Arley' last='Morrell']. His decision -- whether to remain with the team for his senior basketball season or graduate early to begin his college football career -- will dramatically shape the Greenbacks' outlook. If Morrell does stay, Pratt immediately becomes a legitimate Final Four contender in 4A and, in many eyes, a threat to win the entire tournament.   Morrell possesses a physical and athletic profile that few players at the 4A level can match. His combination of size, strength, and explosiveness allows him to impact the game on both ends of the floor at an elite level. Around the basket, he plays with a punishing style, using his frame to establish deep position, absorb contact, and finish with either hand. His touch in traffic and ability to carve out space make him a consistent interior scoring presence. What makes him even more dangerous is his growing perimeter skill set. Morrell has shown the ability to knock down jump shots from beyond the arc, and if he continues to refine his shooting form and confidence, he becomes nearly unguardable -- too strong for smaller defenders inside and too skilled for bigger defenders on the perimeter.   Morrell's rebounding is another defining part of his game. He is relentless on the offensive glass, extending possessions and creating second-chance scoring opportunities with his timing and power. Defensively, his versatility stands out even more. He has the mobility to guard every position on the floor, giving Pratt the option to switch ball screens, hedge aggressively, or disrupt opponents' actions with his length and footwork. In transition, he can either push the ball himself or sprint the floor, often leading to highlight-reel dunks that ignite both the bench and the crowd.   Beyond Morrell, Pratt returns several key contributors who help form a strong supporting cast. Caleb Strong brings deep shooting range and the ability to handle the ball, making him a reliable perimeter scoring option and secondary playmaker. His spacing ability will be especially valuable if opponents collapse on Morrell inside. Meanwhile, Landon Demuth and Hudson Titus are back as well, and both are expected to take on expanded roles. Their improvement -- whether in scoring, defending, or providing energy off the ball -- should elevate the overall depth and consistency of the lineup.   If Morrell ultimately returns, Pratt becomes more than just a contender -- they become one of the safest Final Four picks in the classification, with a legitimate shot to bring home the state title.   Early Season Tests   January 10th vs. Collegiate   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">McPherson</h3>   McPherson enters the new season having graduated a substantial portion of the scoring punch and veteran presence that powered last year's state title run. Even so, the program's history suggests they won't be taking much of a step back. McPherson has built a reputation on sustained excellence -- rooted in a competitive culture, sharp coaching, and players who embrace roles, share the ball, and prioritize team success over individual stats.   The Bulldogs will be anchored by senior point guard Jett Pyle, who steps into the spotlight as the clear leader of this year's group. Pyle comes from a family steeped in basketball success, including his cousin, last year's Kansas 4A Player of the Year, Gabe Pyle. With a larger workload in front of him, Jett is expected to play with more assertiveness and offensive freedom. His ability to score from the perimeter, attack off the dribble, and orchestrate the offense will make him the primary catalyst for everything McPherson does on that end of the floor.   Supporting him will be two seasoned guards, [player_tooltip player_id='2477695' first='Ashton' last='Malm'] and Cade Strathman, both of whom bring important experience and versatility. Malm projects as an impact player on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he provides another reliable handler who can attack gaps, facilitate, and create opportunities. Defensively, his quickness and relentless energy should allow him to disrupt opposing guards, generate turnovers, and jump-start McPherson's transition offense. Strathman, meanwhile, offers steadiness and shooting -- a floor spacer who understands the system and plays within the disciplined style the Bulldogs demand.   Beyond the returning core, McPherson will rely on emerging contributors to solidify the rotation, whether by filling specialized roles or providing dependable minutes off the bench. If those supporting pieces develop as the season progresses, the Bulldogs have the potential to round into form at the right time. With their tradition of winning, battle-tested leadership, and dependable coaching staff, McPherson should position itself as a legitimate contender to reach the Final Four -- especially if matchup breaks fall their way and their younger players continue to grow heading into March.   Early Season Tests   December 9th at Derby   December 20th vs. Olathe South   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other Notable Teams - Eudora, Bishop Miege</h3>   If Eudora takes a step forward this winter, expect the Cardinals to make some noise and push deep into the postseason. They return a young roster that gained valuable experience last year and proved it could compete with the best teams in 4A. With a strong core featuring Ryan Osburn, Cash Schneider and Sy Thomas, Eudora should have the depth to make a serious run.   Bishop Miege should be back in the mix this winter after a few down seasons. Competing in a tough league will benefit them throughout the year, and returning players with experience and expanding roles makes this group intriguing. The Stags will be led by [player_tooltip player_id='2820764' first='Keenan' last='Poulsen'], [player_tooltip player_id='2205719' first='Liam' last='Tesmer'], and a collection of young talent looking to rise within the program.