KC Metro’s Hottest Early-Season Showdowns You Can’t Miss

*Photo by KSHSAA Covered   The early season has officially arrived, and with it comes a packed lineup of compelling matchups that will help shape the narrative for the year ahead. This stretch of games is always an exciting time, offering fans, coaches, and players their first real look at how teams stack up outside of preseason expectations. Early-season contests often reveal far more than simple wins and losses — they highlight which programs are poised to make unexpected noise, which ones may take a step forward, and which will need to make significant adjustments as the competition intensifies.   The matchups I've noted for this early slate stand out not only because of the talent on the floor, but also because of the intriguing storylines surrounding them. Several teams bring back key contributors who are expected to take major leaps, while others introduce emerging stars who could become breakout names as the season progresses. Watching how these players open their campaigns — how they mesh with new teammates, how they respond under pressure, and how they set the tone for their team — adds another layer of excitement to these showdowns.   Beyond the on-court drama, these games are also expected to generate strong community interest. Many should draw sizable crowds, creating electric environments filled with school pride, anticipation, and competitive energy. The combination of skilled players, meaningful early-season implications, and passionate fanbases should make each matchup not only entertaining, but a valuable indicator of what the rest of the season may hold.   November 24th   Benton at St. Michael the Archangel   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Both teams are expected to be highly competitive this season, each returning a core group of experienced players who were instrumental in their success throughout the 2024–2025 campaign. With seasoned rosters and established chemistry, both programs enter the year poised to build on last season's momentum and challenge any opponent that stands in their way. However, the spotlight of this matchup will shine brightest on the individual battle between standout talents [player_tooltip player_id='1850448' first='Phillip' last='Howard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2344220' first='Lincoln' last='Goodwin']. These are two true next-level athletes — Howard already locked in with his commitment to Rockhurst, and Goodwin drawing significant attention as he continues to field multiple collegiate offers. Their contrasting skill sets, competitive drive, and ability to take over games make this head-to-head clash one of the most anticipated player matchups of the early season. How they respond to each other on both ends of the court may very well determine the outcome of the night.</li> </ul>   December 2nd   Piper at Seaman   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Piper enters the season as one of the clear preseason favorites in Kansas 5A, bringing back a roster loaded with experience, depth, and proven firepower. With so many key contributors returning, the Pirates appear well-positioned to make a serious run at cutting down the nets when postseason play arrives. Seaman, meanwhile, boasts some high-end talent of its own, but how the supporting cast develops around those top players remains one of the early storylines to watch. Their ceiling could rise quickly if those pieces fall into place. This matchup will also feature a premier battle in the backcourt, headlined by two dynamic lead guards: [player_tooltip player_id='2211343' first='KaeVon' last='Bonner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2209781' first='DJ' last='Jackson']. Both are expected to be major impact players for their teams this season. Bonner, in particular, looks poised for a big year — so much so that he stands as one of my leading candidates for 5A Player of the Year. Jackson's playmaking and scoring ability should make him equally essential to Seaman's success, setting the stage for a high-level guard duel that could ultimately decide the game.</li> </ul>   December 5th   Staley at Oak Park   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>There are few better ways to open a season than with a heated rivalry matchup, and that's exactly what fans get when Oak Park and Staley square off. These programs bring not only pride and history into the contest, but also two of the deepest, most talented rosters in the 6A landscape — teams fully capable of shaping the state conversation from day one. The atmosphere surrounding this game is electric every year, drawing packed crowds and playoff-level intensity, and there's no reason to expect anything different this time around. For Oak Park, the journey to defend its state title begins immediately, powered by the leadership and production of [player_tooltip player_id='1850445' first='Adam' last='Tanner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1850444' first='Josh' last='Kori'], both central figures in last year's championship run. Staley counters with explosive playmaker [player_tooltip player_id='2114720' first='Kenison' last='Stone'], whose ability to create offense, energize his team, and deliver highlight moments should set the tone for the Falcons' attack. With star power on both sides and communities fully invested, this rivalry showdown has all the ingredients for an early-season classic.</li> </ul>   Lee's Summit at Rockhurst   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>This matchup features star power on both sides, setting the stage for an early-season showdown that should reveal a great deal about each team's evolving identity. With fresh systems, new rotations, and developing chemistry, it will be fascinating to see how both squads approach the game strategically — whether they push the tempo, lean on their interior strengths, or look to create advantages on the perimeter. One of the key battles to watch will take place in the frontcourt, where [player_tooltip player_id='2534722' first='Keller' last='Daugherty'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2346142' first='Kevin' last='Sullivan'] are expected to go head-to-head in a physical, high-energy matchup that could dictate the flow of the game. On the perimeter, [player_tooltip player_id='2090487' first='Cohen' last='Robinson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2402990' first='Mekhi' last='McNeil'] will highlight the guard play, matching skill, pace, and shot-making in what should be an intense two-way duel.Regardless of the outcome, both teams stand to gain significantly from this contest. It serves as an ideal early-season measuring stick — an opportunity to identify strengths, expose weaknesses, and set the tone for the rest of the year.</li> </ul>   Olathe North at Blue Valley North   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>This matchup has the potential to be the premier game of the entire early-season slate, featuring high-level talent and multiple future next-level players scattered across the floor. The intensity, pace, and sheer skill expected in this contest place it firmly among the most anticipated showdowns of the opening weeks. For Blue Valley North, this game represents a major opportunity. The program is aiming to take a significant leap forward and close the gap on Olathe North, a team that has consistently set the standard in recent years. Leading the charge for BVN are standout contributors [player_tooltip player_id='2815486' first='Will' last='Davis'], [player_tooltip player_id='2628356' first='CJ' last='Duson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2205709' first='Colton' last='Nichols'], a trio capable of impacting the game on both ends with scoring versatility, size, and playmaking.Olathe North counters with its own star power, anchored by [player_tooltip player_id='2958641' first='Sam' last='Simmons Jr']. and [player_tooltip player_id='2209776' first='Cameron' last='Love'], two players expected to be tone-setters for a team accustomed to competing at the top of the Kansas landscape. Their leadership, experience, and ability to elevate their teammates should make Olathe North a formidable opponent once again. With so much talent on display and both teams eager to prove early-season legitimacy, this game has all the ingredients to become a must-watch showdown that sets the tone for the months ahead.</li> </ul>   Pembroke Hill vs. Rolla (Neutral Site)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>The matchup between Pembroke Hill and Rolla brings together two programs emerging from impressive campaigns last season, each hungry to raise the bar even higher in 2025–2026. Pembroke Hill enters the year with legitimate postseason aspirations, powered by the dynamic duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1850449' first='Mav' last='Hawkins'] and Cal Sprott — a pairing strong enough to position the Raiders as a true Final Four contender. Their blend of scoring, tempo control, and veteran presence gives Pembroke Hill one of the most balanced attacks in the area. Rolla, however, comes equipped with its own marquee star in [player_tooltip player_id='1790000' first='Ethan' last='Brown'], widely regarded as one of the top players in the entire state. Brown's ability to take over games, elevate the players around him, and deliver in high-pressure situations makes Rolla a dangerous opponent for anyone on the schedule. With elite talent on both sides and two teams striving to take the next step in their respective journeys, this showdown promises plenty of firepower, momentum swings, and competitive moments. It's the kind of early-season test that could shape both teams' trajectories moving forward.</li> </ul>

*Photo by KSHSAA Covered