Final Four Picks: Who’s Reloading for a Final Four Run in 3A?

<h6 class="wp-block-heading">*Photo by KSHSAA Covered</h6>   Class 3A in Kansas is always difficult to evaluate before the season officially begins. While the classification brings back a good number of talented players, many programs are also dealing with the loss of impactful senior classes from last year. Because of that turnover, it's challenging to get a clear sense of which teams will rise to the top early on.   With that said, the four teams I've selected as my projected final four each bring either a strong core of returning high-level players or a proven track record of culture, consistency, and program success. Even so, I expect this season to be unusually wide open. A number of teams across 3A appear capable of making a deep postseason push, and the gap between contenders feels particularly narrow.   As always, much will depend on which teams catch momentum at the right time and who is playing their best basketball in March. Adding to the excitement, the 3A state tournament will be held in Hutchinson this year, a venue that should elevate both the atmosphere and the competitive intensity of the Kansas postseason.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Silver Lake</h3>   Silver Lake enters the new season facing the challenge of replacing a large portion of last year's production, yet they return one piece that instantly keeps them relevant in the 3A landscape: [player_tooltip player_id='2403152' first='Dayne' last='Johnson']. Now a senior, Johnson is widely regarded as one of the most complete and impactful players in the entire classification. His presence alone ensures that the Eagles remain a legitimate postseason threat, even as they work through the natural adjustments that come with roster turnover. How the team grows around him throughout the winter will be one of the more intriguing storylines to watch.   Johnson brings a rare blend of athleticism, strength, and skill, making him a true two-way force who shapes the game wherever he's positioned. He can orchestrate the offense as a ball-handler, create scoring opportunities for teammates, or take over possessions himself with powerful drives and interior finishes. His ability to rebound in traffic, defend multiple positions, and control the tempo makes him the heartbeat of Silver Lake's system. When he's on the floor, everything flows through him — and he's primed for another season of standout performances that could rival any player in the state.   Joel Miller also returns and is expected to play a significant role on the perimeter. His ability to space the floor with reliable outside shooting gives the offense an important dimension, and his experience should help stabilize the lineup during tougher stretches of the season. Coaches are hopeful he can not only knock down shots but also elevate his overall impact — whether that's becoming a more active defender, making smart decisions with the ball, or contributing on the glass. If he takes that next step, Miller could be a key two-way piece for this group.   The real determinant of Silver Lake's ceiling, however, will be the development of the pieces around Johnson and Miller. Johnson can lead, but no deep postseason run happens without a supporting cast capable of contributing meaningfully. The Eagles will need additional scoring threats, defensive stability, and role players who embrace their responsibilities. If those players emerge as the season progresses, Silver Lake has a very realistic chance to be playing in Hutchinson when the bracket narrows. With the right internal growth, the Eagles could once again be a major factor in the 3A postseason chase as March approaches.   Early Season Tests   December 5th at Perry-Lecompton   January 6th at St. Marys   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Burlington</h3>   Despite graduating a significant portion of last year's production, Burlington is still poised to remain one of the top teams in the state — thanks to a strong program culture and a promising blend of returning veterans and rising young talent. At the center of this year's group is a seasoned core led by Maddux Cheever, [player_tooltip player_id='2948828' first='Gaige' last='Navarro'], [player_tooltip player_id='3028577' first='Troy' last='Over'], Mason Collins, and Alex Mautz. Together, they provide leadership, scoring versatility, and reliable two-way play that should make Burlington one of the most balanced and dangerous lineups in the region.   Maddux Cheever enters the season as the team's unquestioned leader and primary catalyst. A versatile wing with a relentless motor, Cheever impacts the game in every possible phase. Offensively, he's a true three-level scorer — capable of hitting perimeter shots, creating separation off the dribble, and facilitating with sharp, purposeful passing. He consistently makes reads that elevate his teammates, often setting them up in ideal scoring situations. Defensively, his intensity sets the tone. Cheever is a physical, disciplined on-ball defender who takes pride in winning matchups, and he's equally disruptive away from the ball, jumping passing lanes, forcing turnovers, and making effort plays that shift momentum. His energy and leadership will continue to be the foundation of Burlington's success.   The potential X-factor, however, is sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='2948828' first='Gaige' last='Navarro'] — a rapidly emerging talent with one of the highest ceilings in the state. Navarro brings an impressive combination of size, length, and developing skill, giving Burlington a true interior presence. He alters shots at the rim, rebounds with physicality, and provides consistent scoring inside. Offensively, his touch around the basket is advanced for his age, and he complements it with a promising midrange jumper and flashes of face-up scoring ability. If Navarro continues to grow as a defender and plays with consistent energy on the glass, he could become one of the breakout stars of the Pioneer League.   Supporting them is a steady and experienced trio in [player_tooltip player_id='3028577' first='Troy' last='Over'], Mason Collins, and Alex Mautz. Each brings reliable scoring, composure, and a strong understanding of Burlington's system. Their ability to defend multiple positions, make smart decisions, and contribute in big moments gives Burlington the depth and flexibility needed to compete with the best in 4A.   All told, Burlington enters the 2025–2026 season as a well-rounded, battle-tested group with legitimate aspirations. Even after significant graduation losses, they remain one of the most dangerous and complete teams in the region. It wouldn't be a surprise to see them contend for the final four with a chance to win it all.   Early Season Tests   December 12th vs. Baldwin   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hesston</h3>   Leaving Hesston out of my final four predictions would make little sense — their track record practically demands their inclusion. The Swathers' culture, consistency, and championship pedigree speak louder than any preseason speculation, especially as they continue building on a remarkable stretch of success. Few programs in Kansas can rival what Hesston has accomplished recently; they've become a fixture at the top of 3A, defined by disciplined play, a selfless system, and athletes who embrace their roles. That formula has translated to four state championships in the last five seasons, cementing their status as one of the state's true powerhouses.   That legacy isn't fading anytime soon, but the upcoming 2025–2026 campaign will come with a new look. The biggest shift is the graduation of Reed Friesen, the heartbeat of the team in recent years. Friesen was the kind of player every coach wants — clutch, steady, and capable of impacting the game in almost every facet. Replacing his leadership and versatility will require a collective effort rather than a single successor.   Fortunately for the Swathers, the foundation remains solid. The team returns a strong core headlined by Drew Bartell and Ty Unruh, both ready to expand their responsibilities. Bartell will anchor the interior with his physicality, keen sense of spacing, and polished footwork. He's reliable with his back to the basket, but he's just as valuable in motion sets — screening, rolling, finishing efficiently, and providing toughness on the glass and in the paint.   Unruh complements him perfectly on the perimeter. He brings a confident shooting stroke, dangerous three-point range, and the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack. Whether he's stretching defenses with jumpers or navigating to the rim using his quickness, Unruh gives Hesston a dynamic scoring option who can shift momentum in a hurry.   With Bartell and Unruh setting the tone — supported by a program built on discipline, growth, and collective buy-in — Hesston shouldn't see much of a drop-off despite the loss of Friesen. The Swathers are positioned to be right back in the heart of the state championship conversation, battling the other elite teams when the bracket shifts to Hutchinson. And considering their postseason track record, it would hardly be a surprise if Hesston found a way to engineer yet another deep run when the pressure ramps up.   Early Season Tests   December 5th vs. Southeast of Saline   January 6th vs. Cheney   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Collegiate</h3>   Collegiate enters the season with what may be its deepest and most balanced squad in years. The program not only returns a strong group of experienced contributors but also benefits from the addition of several newcomers who raise the team's overall ceiling. At the center of it all are two of Kansas' premier talents — [player_tooltip player_id='1541007' first='Amare' last='(AJ) Batiste'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2209780' first='Sebastian' last='Hines-Turner'] — who give the Spartans a foundation capable of carrying them deep into March.   Batiste has developed into a dominant all-around force, using his explosive athleticism and versatility to influence every possession. He's evolved into a true three-level threat offensively and has the defensive tools to disrupt virtually any matchup. This season feels like the moment he could fully take command, delivering high-impact performances on a nightly basis.   Hines-Turner, an athletic and skilled wing, returns after missing time due to injury. Expectations are high that he'll quickly return to form. His combination of length, mobility, and scoring ability — both around the rim and on the perimeter — makes him an invaluable piece. Add in his defensive switching ability, and Collegiate suddenly has a lineup that can adapt to a variety of styles.   Another key figure is junior [player_tooltip player_id='2205716' first='Kamari' last='Jennings'], who has surged into the conversation as a potential third scoring option and secondary creator. Jennings brings sharp instincts, burst off the dribble, and a knack for carving up defenses in the midrange. His ability to handle playmaking duties could free Batiste to operate off the ball more often. On defense, Jennings provides yet another layer of pressure, helping form what could be one of the best defensive trios in the classification.   Some may view this prediction as a bit bold, but if this roster can gel and establish true on-court chemistry, the potential is absolutely there. Collegiate boasts an intriguing blend of emerging young players and seasoned returners who seem ready to take on larger responsibilities. With that combination, the Spartans have the pieces required to compete at a championship level. Should their top three players live up to their billing and the supporting cast provide steady, reliable contributions, Collegiate has every reason to expect a strong postseason push once March rolls around.   Early Season Tests   January 9th at Andale   January 10th vs. Pratt   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other Notable Teams - Holcomb, Osage City, Cheney</h3>   Several other programs enter the season with legitimate aspirations of being among the final four teams standing in Hutchinson. Holcomb, Osage City, and Cheney all have the pieces to be firmly in the mix as postseason contenders.   Holcomb brings back its dynamic duo of Brody Deniston and Korbin Johnson, both of whom played major roles last season and are poised for even bigger responsibilities this winter. Deniston's scoring ability and competitive edge give Holcomb a dependable go-to option, while Johnson's versatility and playmaking help balance the offense. With both players in position to elevate their production, Holcomb once again looks capable of fielding a well-rounded and highly competitive squad.   Osage City returns multiple playmakers as well, led by Kasen Parsons and Reed Silver. Parsons appears primed for a breakout campaign, entering the year as one of the top returning guards in the area. Silver, meanwhile, is quickly emerging as one of the state's rising young talents — a developing prospect who made an immediate impact last season and is expected to take another significant step forward. Together, they give Osage City a dynamic backcourt foundation with the potential to push deep into March.   Cheney, a program with one of the most consistently successful track records in Kansas, aims to continue that tradition despite graduating a strong 2025 class. The Cardinals return an emerging standout in [player_tooltip player_id='2815491' first='Quaid' last='Thomas'], a player whose athleticism and two-way impact should allow him to take on a much larger role this year. He'll be joined by Reece Tolar, Deitric McDaniel, and Alex Lynch — all key contributors who are expected to elevate their games and maintain Cheney's winning standard. With their combination of experience and developing talent, the Cardinals remain a dangerous threat in 4A.