Missouri Preview: Crossroads League Braces for Tight Title Race

The Crossroads League once again looks poised to deliver a highly competitive season, with multiple teams returning experienced and productive players eager to elevate their programs to the next level. The league's balance and depth should make for an unpredictable campaign, where every matchup carries added weight. Because the conference schedule isn't overly long, each league game will take on extra significance — small swings in momentum could determine who rises to the top of the standings. As the season unfolds, these contests will serve as an excellent barometer for each team's progress and potential heading into postseason play.   In this detailed season preview, I'll dive into several of the league's most notable programs, examining what distinguishes each team and how they stack up within the conference landscape. We'll analyze their core strengths, identify potential weaknesses, and highlight the critical factors that could determine whether they rise into true contention. Along the way, two sleeper teams — groups that might not be on everyone's radar but possess the talent to surprise — will be featured as legitimate threats to shake up the standings and challenge the established front-runners. From seasoned contenders to ambitious up-and-comers, we'll break down which squads appear best equipped to make noise as the battle for the league title intensifies.   To wrap things up, I'll reveal my projected All-League Top 10, recognizing the players most likely to set the tone this season through their overall impact and leadership. I'll also announce my early favorite for Player of the Year — a driven and dynamic athlete whose all-around impact could propel their team to the summit of the Crossroads League.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sleepers - Barstow, Van Horn</h3>   Barstow enters the season as one of the bigger question marks in the league. They return Angelo Gray, who had an impressive sophomore campaign, showcasing his ability to score both inside and out by combining a strong, physical frame with steadily improving skills. This winter, Gray will need to take an even bigger role — not just as a scorer, but also as a rebounder and defensive presence — if Barstow hopes to compete at a high level and have him carry the team in key moments.   Beyond Gray, Barstow brings in a mix of transfers and young players who will need to develop quickly and adapt to their roles. The key questions for this team revolve around who can emerge as the secondary scoring option and who will take on the responsibility of running the team as a true floor general.   If Barstow can answer these questions and build solid team chemistry, they have the potential to surprise opponents and make a push into the middle of the league standings. While uncertainty surrounds the roster, the combination of Gray's talent and the development of supporting pieces could make Barstow a team to watch this season.   Van Horn is one of my sleeper team heading into the upcoming season. They return a strong core of experienced players and have a challenging schedule that should prepare them well for league play. The team's up-tempo, aggressive style allows them to push the ball, create opportunities in transition, and exploit mismatches in the open floor — making them a potentially dangerous team for anyone on their schedule.   At the heart of the team is Wendell Edwards III, who should once again be Van Horn's primary offensive and defensive force. Edwards is an explosive finisher, capable of attacking the rim and elevating off both feet, finishing with either hand around defenders. His ability to draw fouls and convert at the free-throw line makes him especially valuable in close games. He's also comfortable operating in the midrange, using floaters and pull-up jumpers when defenses collapse to protect the paint. On the defensive end, Edwards is equally impactful — guarding the ball, rotating to contest shots, and protecting the rim with his combination of verticality and length.   Supporting Edwards will be Nick Wiley and Damien Paige, each bringing complementary skills to the court. Paige serves as Van Horn's floor general, controlling tempo and creating opportunities both in transition and half-court sets. His offensive production will need to increase this season, particularly from the perimeter, to fully capitalize on the team's potential. Wiley provides the team's long-range shooting threat, capable of stretching defenses with his efficiency and high-volume three-point shooting. Xavier January will also transfer in and provide frontcourt size and athletic ability while also flashing perimeter skill.   If Van Horn can increase production from its top players while getting consistent contributions from role players who can fill key needs, this team has the potential to surprise the league and make a strong push toward the top of the standings.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Contenders - Summit Christian, St. Michael the Archangel</h3>   Summit Christian Academy enters the winter looking to build on a historic season that saw the Eagles make an impressive run all the way to Columbia, knocking off several strong opponents along the way. Despite graduating key contributors — most notably Max Rieger, whose scoring and leadership were vital to last year's success — the Eagles return a talented core that should keep them firmly in contention. Leading that charge are Mike Thomas III and [player_tooltip player_id='2737058' first='Grady' last='Ellerman'], two players primed for expanded roles and major production as they take on greater responsibilities this season.   At 6-foot-6, Thomas is a matchup problem for nearly every team in the Crossroads League. His combination of size, touch, and inside-out versatility makes him one of the toughest covers in the conference. Around the rim, Thomas demonstrates excellent balance and patience, finishing with soft touch — particularly with his left hand — and showing the strength to play through contact. What makes him especially dangerous, however, is his ability to stretch the floor, as he's equally comfortable stepping out to knock down midrange jumpers or three-pointers. In addition to his scoring ability, Thomas impacts the game on the glass. He's an aggressive rebounder, especially on the offensive end, where his effort and timing consistently create second-chance opportunities for himself and teammates.   Ellerman, meanwhile, serves as the team's primary ball handler and floor leader. Quick, elusive, and composed, he excels at breaking down defenses and creating offense off the dribble. Ellerman's understanding of spacing and ball-screen situations allows him to make the right reads consistently, whether he's pulling up for his own shot or setting up a teammate. On the defensive end, he sets the tone with his on-ball pressure and determination, often frustrating opposing guards and forcing turnovers. Ellerman plays with a visible competitive edge — one of those players who seems to always be in the right place at the right time — and his leadership will be crucial to the team's success.   With Thomas and Ellerman anchoring both the frontcourt and backcourt, Summit Christian has a proven duo capable of keeping the Eagles in the thick of the Crossroads League title race and potentially fueling another deep state tournament run. The biggest storyline to watch will be how the supporting cast develops around them — which players step up to provide balance, depth, and complementary scoring to round out an already dangerous roster.   St. Michael the Archangel enters the new season as one of the most overlooked teams in the Crossroads League, but that may not last long. Despite flying under the radar in preseason conversations, the Guardians appear poised for what could be one of the best seasons in school history. With nearly their entire core returning — including three of their top scorers from a year ago — St. Michael's should firmly position itself in the league title race alongside Pembroke Hill and Summit Christian Academy.   That trio of returning standouts — [player_tooltip player_id='1850448' first='Phillip' last='Howard'], [player_tooltip player_id='1850447' first='Josh' last='Wheeler'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2402668' first='Michael' last='Weis'] — gives St. Michael's a proven and balanced attack capable of scoring in multiple ways.   Howard, a Rockhurst commit, sets the tone as the team's physical and confident leader. A strong, well-built guard, he thrives on creating mismatches — overpowering smaller defenders in the post and blowing by bigger ones on the perimeter. Howard's shooting range is one of his biggest weapons; he consistently knocks down three-pointers from well beyond the arc, forcing defenders to extend and respect his shot. He's particularly effective at relocating off the dribble, finding space for clean looks even against tight coverage. When attacking the rim, Howard uses his strength, balance, and footwork to create separation with spins or subtle shoulder bumps, finishing through contact. His underrated handle allows him to initiate offense as well, giving St. Michael's versatility in how they use him within sets.   [player_tooltip player_id='1850447' first='Josh' last='Wheeler'] will handle the bulk of the team's primary playmaking duties, running the offense and generating scoring opportunities for both himself and others. He excels out of ball screens, using quick bursts and tight control to manipulate defenders and exploit rotations. Wheeler's combination of speed and rhythm makes him a dangerous slasher, capable of getting to the rim or pulling up efficiently from midrange. He's also a reliable perimeter shooter, having converted a high percentage of his three-point attempts last season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2402668' first='Michael' last='Weis'] adds another layer of scoring punch as the third option in this talented backcourt. Weis came on strong late last season, showing the ability to get to the free-throw line consistently and score in a variety of ways. A strong and aggressive guard, he's at his best when attacking from the midrange or driving into the lane to finish through contact. If he can continue to refine his outside shot, he'll make St. Michael's even more difficult to defend — forcing opponents to guard all three guards honestly across the floor.   Wheeler and Weis also contribute heavily in the rebounding department, regularly outworking opponents for loose balls and second-chance opportunities. That hustle and toughness, combined with Howard's versatility and leadership, give the Guardians the kind of edge that wins close games down the stretch.   If St. Michael's supporting cast can provide steady contributions around their talented trio, this team has all the ingredients to make a deep postseason run. A journey back to Columbia is within reach — but it begins with a strong push for the Crossroads League title this winter.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Champion - Pembroke Hill</h3>   The Crossroads League title race should be one of the most competitive in recent years, with Pembroke Hill, Summit Christian, and St. Michael the Archangel all entering the winter as legitimate contenders. Each program has the talent and coaching to finish atop the standings, but as of now, Pembroke Hill earns the edge thanks to the experience they return — and because they boast the league's top player.   Leading the charge for the Raiders will be the dynamic backcourt duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1850449' first='Mav' last='Hawkins'] and Cal Sprott, one of the most dangerous guard pairings anywhere in Kansas City. Hawkins, the recently committed Vanderbilt prospect, has the ability to completely take over games on both ends of the floor. His elite athleticism, defensive intensity, and scoring versatility make him a matchup nightmare and the clear frontrunner for Player of the Year honors.   Alongside him, Sprott provides an ideal complement with his skill set and offensive versatility. He's capable of filling the stat sheet in a variety of ways, but his shooting ability is what truly stands out. Sprott can knock down shots from well beyond the three-point line, stretching defenses and forcing opponents to guard him tightly. When defenders close out too aggressively, he can counter with a quick one-dribble pull-up jumper or attack the lane to create high-percentage looks.   Together, Hawkins and Sprott give Pembroke Hill a backcourt that can both initiate offense and play off the ball, allowing them to interchange roles seamlessly. That flexibility makes them especially difficult to defend, as opposing teams must decide whether to focus on stopping Hawkins' relentless attacking style or Sprott's perimeter shooting — a choice that often leads to defensive breakdowns.   Beyond their star duo, Pembroke Hill returns a steady supporting cast of role players who bring depth, experience, and balance to the rotation. This group's ability to handle the “little things” — rebounding, defending, and playing with energy off the bench — should give the Raiders the kind of complete roster needed to sustain success throughout the season.   In the end, the deciding factor may be Hawkins' ability to control close games in crunch time. His poise, explosiveness, and will to win could be the difference in tight league matchups and ultimately what separates Pembroke Hill from the other top contenders in the Crossroads League this season.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top 10 All-Conference Team</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='1850449' first='Mav' last='Hawkins'] | 6'3" Guard | Senior | Pembroke Hill   Cal Sprott | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Pembroke Hill   [player_tooltip player_id='1850448' first='Phillip' last='Howard'] | 6'3" Guard | Senior | St. Michael the Archangel   [player_tooltip player_id='1850447' first='Josh' last='Wheeler'] | 6'1" Guard | Senior | St. Michael the Archangel   [player_tooltip player_id='2402668' first='Michael' last='Weis'] | 6'1" Guard | Senior | St. Michael the Archangel   Mike Thomas III | 6'6" Wing | Junior | Summit Christian   [player_tooltip player_id='2737058' first='Grady' last='Ellerman'] | 5'9" Guard | Sophomore | Summit Christian   Wendell Edwards III | 6'1" Guard | Junior | Van Horn   Angelo Gray | 6'5" Forward | Junior | Barstow   Ta'Juan Cann | 6'1" Guard | Sophomore | University Academy*   Xavier January | 6'5" Forward | Senior | Van Horn*   *tied   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Player of the Year - [player_tooltip player_id='1850449' first='Mav' last='Hawkins'] | 6'3" Guard | Senior | Pembroke Hill</h3>   Hawkins stands out as the clear favorite for Crossroads League Player of the Year. The recent Vanderbilt commit has firmly established himself as one of the premier talents in the Kansas City area, showcasing elite athleticism and a true two-way impact that separates him from the rest of the field.   Defensively, Hawkins sets the tone with his energy and intensity. He's a relentless on-ball defender who thrives on creating chaos — generating turnovers, jumping passing lanes, and forcing opponents into rushed decisions or broken offensive rhythm. His combination of strength, anticipation, and quickness allows him to guard multiple positions effectively. In transition, he's electric. Hawkins covers the floor with remarkable speed, pushing the ball coast-to-coast in just a few dribbles and finishing well above the rim with authority. His motor and explosiveness also make him a force on the glass, as he consistently elevates to secure rebounds on both ends and extends possessions through effort and athleticism.   Offensively, Hawkins presents an almost impossible matchup for defenders. He's a three-level scorer who can hurt opponents from anywhere on the floor. From beyond the arc, he stretches defenses with a confident shooting stroke — capable of pulling up in rhythm, hitting off the catch, or connecting in motion through dribble-handoff actions. When attacking downhill, his first step and lateral quickness make him extremely difficult to contain, allowing him to get into the lane and finish through contact. Hawkins also shows excellent touch around the basket, utilizing floaters and off-hand finishes to score creatively in traffic.   With his combination of athleticism, skill, and defensive tenacity, Hawkins is not only the most complete player in the Crossroads League but also one of the most dynamic prospects in the region. His leadership and ability to dominate on both ends make him the easy choice as the preseason favorite for Player of the Year.

The Crossroads League once again looks poised to deliver a highly competitive season, with multiple teams returning experienced and productive players eager to elevate their programs to the next level. The league's balance and depth should make for an unpredictable campaign, where every matchup carries added weight. Because the conference schedule isn't overly long, each league game will take on extra significance — small swings in momentum could determine who rises to the top of the standings. As the season unfolds, these contests will serve as an excellent barometer for each team's progress and potential heading into postseason play.