Final Four Picks: Kansas 6A Dominated by Kansas City Metro

<h6 class="wp-block-heading">*Photo by Mill Valley News</h6>   If there were ever a season in which all four Final Four teams could realistically come from the Kansas City metro area, this might be the year. The region is stacked with talented programs and experienced players, many of whom are returning after contributing significant production last season. While much will ultimately depend on how the postseason brackets unfold, I feel fairly confident in these projections.   With that in mind, this year's 6A Final Four has the potential to be exceptionally competitive. Expect tightly contested matchups that are decided in the final possessions. Several teams boast deep, versatile rosters, which means the outcome of these games could hinge on the performance of key role players -- those X-factor contributors whose impact may swing momentum in critical moments.   All things considered, this tournament should shape up to be one of the most exciting and memorable state championships in recent years.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mill Valley</h3>   Mill Valley will feature one of the strongest backcourts in the entire state, anchored by Reece Riedel and JaKhai Carter. Both players have been well-known names in Kansas basketball for years, steadily elevating their production as their experience has expanded. Riedel, in particular, will almost certainly enter the state Player of the Year conversation thanks to his immense impact on the game. The Washburn commit is a threat to pull up from virtually anywhere on the court; his range routinely extends well beyond the arc, approaching limitless at times. His smooth left-handed release is difficult for defenders to anticipate, largely because they rarely encounter it. Over the past year, he has added significant playmaking ability to his arsenal, showing poise as a ball handler and distributor with an advanced understanding of how defenses operate. He can attack the rim, finish in traffic, and rebounds at a high level for a perimeter player -- especially on the offensive glass.   Complementing Riedel is JaKhai Carter, an explosive, high-octane lead guard who excels on both ends of the floor. Carter can cover the length of the court as fast as anyone in the state, thriving in transition and creating instant scoring opportunities in the open floor. He plays with exceptional pace, allowing him to generate advantages and maintain them consistently, which often leads to clean looks for himself or teammates. Defensively, he is a disruptor -- an on-ball pest who forces turnovers and creates fast-break chances. Carter also brings shooting versatility, capable of knocking down three-pointers off the dribble or in catch-and-shoot situations.   In the frontcourt, Dylan Everhart provides strength, size, and relentless effort. A physically imposing forward, Everhart should control the glass on both ends for Mill Valley, battling for rebounds and setting a physical tone. His frame allows him to defend a variety of interior matchups, and he is capable of generating offense around the rim while also serving as an effective screener within their half-court sets.   [player_tooltip player_id='2245759' first='Jack' last='Carpenter'] adds yet another dimension, serving as a reliable third scoring option. He can stretch the defense with his shooting ability and attacks the paint with confidence when defenders close out too aggressively. On defense, he fits seamlessly into Mill Valley's rotations, offering another steady presence within their team-oriented system.   With this strong core -- supported by several promising underclassmen -- Mill Valley has all the pieces necessary to make a deep postseason run. I fully expect them to be one of the Final Four teams when the season reaches its conclusion.   Early Season Tests   December 16th vs. Blue Valley   January 3rd vs. Father Tolton   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Blue Valley</h3>   The 2025–2026 season has the potential to be the breakthrough year Blue Valley has been building toward. With a deep and gifted roster, the Tigers have every reason to believe a Final Four run is within reach. Their lineup features high-level point guard play, a versatile and athletic wing, and a game-altering presence in the post -- components that form the foundation of a team capable of dominating on both ends of the floor.   Leading the charge is returning Eastern Kansas League Player of the Year [player_tooltip player_id='2866725' first='Brendan' last='Walsh']. As a sophomore, Walsh burst onto the scene, and he now enters his junior campaign poised for a major leap. He embodies the traits of an elite floor general: high-level basketball IQ, unselfish playmaking instincts, vocal leadership, and the ability to score in multiple ways. Offensively, he poses a constant threat from beyond the arc, showcasing a quick, confident release and strong shooting efficiency. Walsh attacks with patience and purpose, always playing at his own tempo and using his body well to create space and exploit mismatches. His passing ability stands out as a strengt -- whether leading the break or initiating in the half court, he consistently anticipates where teammates will be and delivers the ball on time. His comfort in a variety of offensive actions, particularly ball-screen situations, allows him to manipulate defenders, read help rotations, and punish hedges or switches.   Alongside Walsh is talented two-way standout [player_tooltip player_id='2234471' first='Enoch' last='Rodriguez'], a Missouri Western commit who brings physicality, versatility, and a competitive edge to the wing. Rodriguez thrives in transition, where his downhill attacks and ability to finish through or around contact make him difficult to contain. His perimeter shooting has continued to develop, especially on catch-and-shoot opportunities, where he proved efficient last season. Defensively, Rodriguez may be the most impactful player on the roster. His length and athleticism allow him to guard virtually every position. He moves well enough laterally to stay in front of guards, uses quick hands to generate turnovers, and possesses the timing to protect the rim or disrupt passing lanes. With an expanded offensive role this year, Rodriguez is expected to take another jump and assert himself more consistently as a game-changer on both ends.   Anchoring the interior is [player_tooltip player_id='2230883' first='Parker' last='Seithel'], a Lindenwood commit and skilled 6'10” big man who provides Blue Valley with a reliable presence in the paint. Seithel plays with impressive composure -- never rushed, even when facing pressure or double teams. His ability to read defenses and make the correct pass makes him a steady hub in the half court. Around the basket, he finishes effectively with either hand, but he also brings value on the perimeter. Seithel's understanding of ball-screen concepts allows him to pop or roll with purpose, and his perimeter shooting forces opposing bigs to defend outside the paint. After averaging a double-double last season, he is expected to be an even stronger force on the boards this year, giving the Tigers second-chance opportunities and stabilizing their defense.   Behind this trio, several younger players within the program are expected to push for rotation minutes. Their development and hunger will be key in adding depth and sustaining the team's high level of play.   If these pieces come together as anticipated, Blue Valley possesses all the necessary ingredients to be competing in Wichita when the season reaches its final stage.   Early Season Tests   December 16th at Mill Valley   December 19th at Rockhurst   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Shawnee Mission South</h3>   Shawnee Mission South enters the 2025–2026 season with a noticeable edge, fueled by the frustration of how last year ended. After dominating their schedule and losing only two games -- one of which abruptly ended their postseason run -- the Raiders return with a seasoned, talented, and highly motivated roster. Across nearly every position, they boast size, athleticism, and refined skill, giving them the tools to contend immediately.   The team will once again be led by [player_tooltip player_id='2205710' first='Conor' last='Kerrigan'], one of the most impactful players expected to take the floor this season. Kerrigan is a dynamic, athletic forward whose versatility makes him a threat in every phase of the game. He thrives in transition, sprinting end to end with explosive speed and forcing defenses to react quickly. Around the rim, he is a spectacular finisher -- known for elevating above defenders and throwing down emphatic dunks that ignite both teammates and fans. His athleticism also translates into strong defensive play; Kerrigan can guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, rotate with force, and create chaos for opposing offenses.   In the half court, Kerrigan's ability to score with his back to the basket sets him apart. He utilizes a polished array of post moves -- pivots, spins, shot fakes -- to get to his preferred spots and finish efficiently. As a rebounder, he attacks the glass aggressively, often producing second-chance opportunities through his timing and verticality. Kerrigan is equally comfortable facing up, knocking down mid-range jumpers, or lowering his shoulder and powering his way into the paint. His all-around game places him firmly among the elite forwards in Kansas high school basketball.   Joining him is [player_tooltip player_id='1892885' first='Drake' last='DeBaun'], assuming he does not depart at semester to pursue college football. DeBaun brings strength, mobility, and versatility to the frontcourt. He is comfortable playing both inside and out, often initiating offense from the wing where he uses his quickness and physicality to get downhill. With a strong frame, he establishes seals in the post and finishes through contact for easy baskets. DeBaun's perimeter shooting further elevates his value, as defenses must respect him from beyond the arc, opening opportunities for him to drive or post up. Defensively, he is an active rim protector and plays with a high motor, frequently disrupting timing, altering shots, and anchoring the interior presence.   Another vital piece is Ben Allen, the Raiders' primary ball-handler and a skilled scoring guard. With excellent size and an elusive handle, Allen operates comfortably in space and consistently finds ways to create advantages. He excels attacking downhill, finishing at the rim with creativity or smoothly pulling up for jumpers. His understanding of defensive coverages allows him to distribute effectively and get teammates involved at the right moments. From the perimeter, Allen is a high-level catch-and-shoot threat -- especially from the wings -- forcing opponents to defend him tightly and spreading the floor for the rest of the lineup.   Rounding out the backcourt is Max McKenna, a tough, experienced two-way guard who embodies a “do whatever it takes” mentality. McKenna impacts games through effort, discipline, and versatility, contributing on offense while consistently taking on difficult defensive assignments. His presence adds stability and grit to a roster already rich in talent.   With this collection of athletic, skilled, and driven players, Shawnee Mission South is well-positioned to make a deep run -- and they will do so with the hunger of a team determined to rewrite last season's ending.   Early Season Tests   December 9th at Saint Thomas Aquinas   January 3rd at Lee's Summit   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Olathe North</h3>   After falling just short in last year's state championship game, Olathe North enters the new season with a clear sense of unfinished business. The Eagles return a good chunk of their roster from a talented and deep group that proved it could compete with any team in Kansas. With continuity, experience, and a heightened edge, Olathe North is set up to make another serious run.   The engine behind their operation is [player_tooltip player_id='2958641' first='Sam' last='Simmons Jr'], the Richmond commit and one of the most explosive guards in the state. Simmons has shown steady progression throughout his high school career, and he steps into his senior season primed for his best campaign yet. His game is defined by elite quickness and agility -- attributes that allow him to collapse defenses and consistently generate high-percentage opportunities for both himself and his teammates. In transition, he is a blur, pushing the ball from baseline to baseline and finishing at the rim with exceptional speed and control.   In the half court, Simmons pierces defenses using sharp changes of direction, creative footwork, and a deep bag of dribble moves. He is also an intelligent and willing passer, adept at finding shooters on drive-and-kicks or dropping the ball off to bigs in scoring pockets. His perimeter shot continues to develop, and he now shoots with increasing confidence and improving consistency. Defensively, Simmons is relentless -- jumping passing lanes, blowing up actions, and using his lateral quickness to stay attached to ball handlers. His ability to slide, absorb contact, and draw charges is a major asset.   Playing alongside Simmons is [player_tooltip player_id='2209776' first='Cameron' last='Love'], one of the premier perimeter defenders in the region. Love's combination of athleticism and length gives opposing guards problems from the moment they cross half court. He rarely allows straight-line drives, instead forcing turnovers with his pressure and physicality. Around the rim, his timing and discipline stand out -- contesting shots without fouling and making opponents finish over his strong contests. Offensively, Love is a high-flying athlete who thrives in transition, where he frequently produces highlight-worthy plays. With a quick handle and long strides, he functions best as a slasher, using his length to maneuver around defenders and convert tough finishes. His shooting from both mid-range and deep continues to improve, and he will look to raise those percentages this season.   At 6'11”, Teke Deng is expected to take on a far larger role this winter. With his rare length and upside, he will provide interior scoring, rim protection, and a lob threat that Simmons and Galindo can consistently target. Deng has shown promise as a screener, rebounder, and rim runner, and his physical presence alone elevates the Eagles' ceiling on both ends of the floor.   Another player poised to contribute significant minutes is Max Galindo, a quick and productive guard who complements Simmons well. Galindo can score, facilitate, and defend at a high level, and his presence should allow Simmons to play off the ball more frequently. His tenacity on the defensive end also fits perfectly within Olathe North's identity of constant ball pressure.   Beyond their headlining core, the Eagles possess a strong group of role players who understand their responsibilities and embrace the culture built over the past several seasons. Their depth, toughness, and collective experience should once again make them one of the most difficult teams to eliminate as March approaches.   With returning talent, internal development, and championship motivation, Olathe North has every ingredient to push deep into the postseason and contend for the state title once again.   Early Season Tests   December 5th at Blue Valley North   January 31st at Lee's Summit