KC Metro's Hottest Early-Season Showdowns You Can't Miss - Part 2

*Photo by KSHSAA Covered   I'm taking a deeper dive into another collection of compelling early-season matchups across the Kansas City metro, each offering its own storyline and plenty of reasons to pay attention. These games showcase a blend of established programs with a history of postseason success, teams on the rise looking to prove themselves, and a number of standout players who are primed to take major steps forward this year. The coaching talent on display is equally impressive, with several staffs known for their ability to develop young athletes, make strategic adjustments, and prepare their teams for high-level competition.   What makes this particular slate so interesting is how different each matchup feels. Some games feature contrasting styles — fast-paced offenses against disciplined defensive units — while others highlight long-standing rivalries or fresh pairings that could spark new storylines. Despite these differences, one thing ties them all together: competitiveness. Every contest has the potential to go down to the wire.   As the season gets underway, these early tests should reveal a lot about where each team stands. Whether it's identifying breakout performers, assessing team depth, or gauging how well new schemes are clicking, these matchups will provide meaningful early indicators of what to expect in the weeks ahead.   November 29th   Center at Jefferson City   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>This early-season matchup features two programs that rarely meet, which adds an extra layer of intrigue and unpredictability to the contest. Center enters the year coming off a strong campaign and appears motivated to build on that momentum as they aim to take the next step forward. One player to watch closely is [player_tooltip player_id='2824617' first='Israel' last='Johnigan'], a developing talent whose growth throughout the season could play a major role in Center's overall success. His skill set and potential make him a name that should gain more attention as the year progresses. On the other side, Jefferson City is also coming off an impressive 2024–2025 season. However, they face the challenge of replacing significant production after graduating their top three scorers from last year. This creates an important early opportunity for new leaders to emerge and establish their roles within the team. How quickly those new contributors settle in — and how well the program adapts to its retooled lineup — will be a key storyline to watch. With both teams entering the season with strong foundations but meaningful questions to answer, this uncommon matchup has all the makings of an intriguing early test for each side. </li> </ul>   December 5th   Bonner Springs at Ottawa   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>This matchup features one of the early favorites in Class 4A taking on a top contender from Class 5A — a combination that should give both teams a valuable snapshot of where they stand at this point in the season. It's the kind of early test that not only highlights strengths but also makes clear what each program will need to refine as the year progresses. Bonner Springs will lean heavily on the leadership and playmaking of [player_tooltip player_id='2211348' first='Kelan' last='Gruver'], who sets the tone on both ends of the floor and gives the Braves a steady presence in big-game situations. Ottawa counters with [player_tooltip player_id='2327575' first='Aiden' last='McCullough'], a dynamic talent with the ability to take over games and someone who enters the season as a legitimate candidate for Kansas' 4A Player of the Year. His scoring ability, feel for the game, and overall impact make him one of the top players to watch in the state.With star power on both sides and high expectations surrounding each program, this cross-class showdown should offer an exciting look at two teams with serious postseason aspirations.</li> </ul>   Spring Hill at Eudora   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Spring Hill and Eudora know each other extremely well, and that familiarity adds another layer of intrigue to this matchup. Any time two programs with a shared history meet, the intensity rises, and small adjustments or individual matchups can become the difference-makers. This year's meeting is particularly compelling because both teams are continuing to develop their younger talent, many of whom gained valuable minutes last season and could be ready to take meaningful steps forward. For Spring Hill, [player_tooltip player_id='1974549' first='Jackson' last='Bruce'] is expected to set the tone. His consistency, leadership, and ability to influence the game in multiple ways make him the ideal player to pace the Broncos as they look to build early momentum. On the other side, Ryan Osburn should be a key playmaker for an Eudora squad that appears to be on the rise. His versatility and decision-making give the Cardinals a reliable option who can stabilize the offense and create opportunities for teammates.With both teams developing, improving, and leaning on players primed for bigger roles, this familiar rivalry should provide an early snapshot of where each program stands — and where they might be headed.</li> </ul>   December 9th   Blue Springs South at Oak Park   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Oak Park makes yet another appearance on one of my early-season matchup lists, and this time they square off with Blue Springs South — a game that has the potential to be fast-paced, competitive, and highly entertaining. The Northmen will once again lean on the steady production of [player_tooltip player_id='1850445' first='Adam' last='Tanner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1850444' first='Josh' last='Kori'], two players who continue to elevate their play and set the tone for the team on both ends of the floor. Their combination of scoring ability, toughness, and veteran presence gives Oak Park a strong foundation heading into this matchup. Blue Springs South, meanwhile, will look to counter with a trio of their own. [player_tooltip player_id='1850446' first='Chris' last='Ellis'], AC Rollins, and [player_tooltip player_id='2114716' first='Blayne' last='Marshall'] provide a balanced mix of athleticism, scoring, and defensive versatility — qualities that could help the Jaguars keep pace with Oak Park's top-end talent. If this group can match the energy and efficiency of Tanner and Kori, the Jaguars have a real chance to make things interesting.With impact players on both sides and plenty of firepower available, this showdown should deliver excitement form start to finish. It has all the ingredients of an entertaining, back-and-forth game that showcases the strengths of both programs.</li> </ul>   Shawnee Mission South at Saint Thomas Aquinas   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Shawnee Mission South enters the season with legitimate championship aspirations, and it wouldn't be surprising to see them cutting down the nets in Wichita a few months from now — they truly have that level of talent and depth. The early stretch of the season will be especially revealing, offering a clear look at how well this group has developed since last year and how much individual improvement has taken place across the roster. These opening tests should help shape expectations for what many believe could be a special run. For Saint Thomas Aquinas, this matchup represents a significant opportunity. Facing one of the premier Class 6A programs so early in the season provides a valuable benchmark, giving the Saints a chance to gauge exactly where they stand and what areas need fine-tuning as they push toward their own goals. It's the kind of game that can accelerate growth and set the tone for the weeks ahead.[player_tooltip player_id='2205710' first='Conor' last='Kerrigan'] is a known commodity as the player to watch for Shawnee Mission South; his athleticism and flair for big moments make him a prime candidate to deliver highlight-worthy plays throughout the game. On the Aquinas side, leadership will come from [player_tooltip player_id='2817641' first='Nic' last='Sabers'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1911626' first='Ben' last='Renze'], two steady, experienced contributors who should play essential roles — particularly early in the year — as the Saints work to solidify their identity. With high expectations, top-tier talent, and meaningful implications for both teams, this matchup has all the makings of a standout early-season showdown.</li> </ul>   Washington at Olathe East   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Washington enters the season as one of my preseason Final Four picks in Class 5A, and for good reason. This group boasts an exceptionally talented and deep roster — one that checks all the boxes of a team capable of making a serious run in March. Their blend of athleticism, versatility, and experience gives them the profile of a squad that can compete with anyone in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='2327569' first='Jamari' last='Williams'] will be the engine that drives Washington's success. His ability to create explosive plays, shift momentum, and impact the game on both ends makes him a true catalyst for this lineup. Expect him to set the tone early in the season, especially in high-pressure moments. This matchup serves as an excellent early test for Washington. Going on the road to face a Class 6A opponents is never easy, and Olathe East appears poised to be significantly more competitive this year. The Hawks have the pieces to challenge Washington, giving both teams a valuable measuring stick. Olathe East should be led by [player_tooltip player_id='2328074' first='Hudson' last='Weikal'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2692700' first='Cade' last='Alholm'], two players looking to elevate their overall impact and production this season. Both have the potential to take major steps forward, providing leadership and consistency to a team that aims to make noise within 6A.With high ceilings on both sides, this early-season matchup has the potential to reveal a lot about where each program stands and what they can become as the year unfolds.</li> </ul>   December 11th   Olathe North vs. North Kansas City (Neutral Site)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Olathe North faces a challenging slate of early-season matchups, which should give the Eagles plenty of opportunities to grow, establish chemistry, and strengthen their identity well before the postseason arrives. These tests will help them build experience and resilience, two qualities that often show up most clearly at the end of the year.Expect [player_tooltip player_id='2958641' first='Sam' last='Simmons Jr']. and Cam Love to continue making impactful plays on both ends of the floor. Simmons brings versatility and energy that can shift momentum, while Love's athleticism and scoring ability make him a constant threat. Together, they form a dynamic duo capable of influencing the game in multiple ways. North Kansas City enters this matchup with promising depth and a senior-led core. Admir Jusic and Jake Willmann anchor the Hornets, providing stability, leadership, and the kind of experience that becomes invaluable in high-pressure moments. Their presence should help guide a balanced roster that has the tools to compete throughout the season.With both teams bringing talent and upside, this matchup sets the stage for an early measuring stick that could reveal a lot about each program's trajectory.</li> </ul>

*Photo by KSHSAA Covered