Missouri Preview: Greater Kansas City Suburban Red League Insight

Kansas City continues to stand out as a hub of exceptional athletic talent, producing some of the premier players, coaches, and programs in the region. As the 2025–2026 season approaches, anticipation is building around the Suburban Red League, which promises to deliver another year of high-level competition, emerging stars, and compelling storylines.   This season has all the ingredients for excitement — from powerhouse programs aiming to defend their dominance, to under-the-radar teams looking to make some noise and challenge the established order. In this in-depth breakdown, I'll take a closer look at each team within the league, identify my sleeper picks that could surprise opponents, highlight the top contender for the league championship, and project who might ultimately hoist the title when the season concludes.   To round things out, I'll unveil my selections for the “Top 10 All-League Team,” recognizing the standout performers expected to make the biggest impact on the court, and name my early favorite for Player of the Year — the athlete most likely to define the 2025–2026 campaign.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sleepers - Park Hill, Park Hill South</h3>   The Park Hill Trojans could be a team to watch closely in the Suburban Red League this season. Led by senior standouts [player_tooltip player_id='2090492' first='Isaiah' last='Caston'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2536441' first='Donnovan' last='Fonville'], the Trojans possess the kind of veteran leadership and athletic ability that can make them a dangerous opponent on any given night. While they may not carry the same preseason buzz as some of the league's top contenders, this group has the tools to surprise teams and climb the standings as the season progresses.   [player_tooltip player_id='2090492' first='Isaiah' last='Caston'] sets the tone as Park Hill's lead guard and primary playmaker. A quick, athletic floor general with great instincts, Caston combines pace, control, and scoring ability in one dynamic package. Expect him to have the ball in his hands often — initiating offense, creating opportunities off of ball screens, and attacking downhill. Caston excels at getting into the lane and finishing at the rim or pulling up in the mid-range, where he's developed an array of floaters and jumpers that keep defenses off balance.   As a passer, Caston has a strong feel for the game — recognizing when to push the advantage, when to attack, and when to involve teammates. Defensively, his energy and anticipation stand out. He applies steady pressure on opposing guards, moves well laterally, and has a knack for creating turnovers through deflections and quick reads.   [player_tooltip player_id='2536441' first='Donnovan' last='Fonville'] complements Caston perfectly with his length, athleticism, and versatility as a two-way wing. He's capable of playing inside or out, operating from the perimeter while also mixing it up around the basket when needed. Fonville thrives in transition — running the floor hard and finishing above the rim — but he's equally impactful on the defensive end. His wingspan and timing allow him to disrupt passing lanes, contest shots, and turn defense into instant offense.   Together, Caston and Fonville give Park Hill a formidable one-two punch — a backcourt-forward tandem capable of controlling the pace, generating offense, and setting the tone defensively. For the Trojans to reach their potential, they'll need consistent contributions from their supporting cast and bench players, particularly in scoring and rebounding roles.   If those complementary pieces can step up, Park Hill has the upside to challenge some of the league's top teams and finish higher in the standings than many might initially expect. With Caston and Fonville leading the way, the Trojans should be competitive every night and could emerge as one of the league's tougher, more balanced squads by season's end.   Park Hill South enters the 2025–2026 season as a legitimate sleeper in the Suburban Red League — a team with the potential to surprise opponents and shake up the standings. The Panthers will be led by senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2346159' first='Carson' last='Bjorn'], one of the top frontcourt players in the league. With his rare blend of size, length, and skill, Bjorn presents a difficult matchup for nearly every opponent and has the ability to leave a major imprint on games throughout the winter.   Bjorn's versatility allows Park Hill South to use him in a variety of ways offensively. He can stretch the floor with his smooth perimeter shooting, making him an ideal fit for pick-and-pop and ball-screen actions that pull defenders away from the paint. His touch around the rim, combined with his poise and feel, makes him a consistent scoring threat inside as well. On the glass, Bjorn's toughness and long reach stand out — he rebounds outside his area and competes on every possession, often securing extra opportunities for his team.   Beyond Bjorn, the Panthers feature a group of experienced players who have been in the program for several years and are ready to take on larger roles. Joe Luken could be one to watch closely — a versatile, do-it-all type of player who impacts the game in multiple ways. Luken can defend multiple positions, facilitate for teammates, and score when called upon. His ability to fill gaps and contribute in several areas will be key for Park Hill South's success. Alex Gabrick will also be back, providing another interior player who continues to develop, looking to really take a step forward this year.   The Panthers will also need a handful of other returners and new contributors to step up and provide additional scoring, playmaking, and defensive presence. If that supporting cast can establish consistency and complement Bjorn's production, Park Hill South could quickly become a tougher out than initially expected.   While they may not enter the season as one of the headline favorites, Park Hill South has the makeup of a team that can compete. If Bjorn plays to his potential and the rest of the rotation continues to grow, the Panthers could find themselves firmly in the middle of the pack with a chance to take a step up from last season.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Contender - North Kansas City</h3>   The race for the Suburban Red League title in 2025–2026 is shaping up to be a two-team showdown between Oak Park and North Kansas City in my opinion. While Oak Park may hold a slight edge heading into the season, it would be no surprise if North Kansas City found a way to claim the crown. The Hornets return a strong core of experienced players while adding several key transfers who should bolster their depth and versatility — making them one of the most complete teams in the Kansas City metro area.   Leading the way for NKC are Jake Willmann and Admir Jusic, two veterans who bring leadership, experience, and high-level production to the floor. Willmann is a versatile forward who plays with great poise and control. He's comfortable operating inside and out — stretching the floor with his perimeter shooting while also serving as a secondary playmaker in five-out offensive sets. With his size and strength, Willmann can post up smaller defenders and finish efficiently over either shoulder. Beyond his offensive skill set, his presence on the glass at both ends should give NKC a major advantage in rebounding battles.   Jusic, meanwhile, provides elite perimeter scoring and defensive toughness. A confident shooter with deep range, he has the ability to heat up in a hurry and change the momentum of a game. His offensive versatility allows him to handle the ball, attack closeouts, and finish through contact off two feet. Defensively, Jusic might be the Hornets' best stopper — combining high basketball IQ, quick feet, and awareness to contain opposing guards and disrupt passing lanes.   Also emerging as a key piece for NKC is rising sophomore Michael Cruthird, a smooth and athletic lead guard with a natural feel for the game. Cruthird can control tempo, push the pace from rim to rim, and create scoring opportunities for himself or teammates. His ability to finish at the rim, knock down perimeter shots, and make smart reads as a distributor makes him one of the most exciting young prospects in the conference.   With an experienced core, emerging underclassmen talent, and a deep rotation, North Kansas City appears poised to make a serious run at the conference championship. If the Hornets' new additions blend seamlessly with their returning stars, they'll be more than capable of challenging Oak Park for league supremacy — and could very well end the season atop the standings.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Champion - Oak Park</h3>   It's no surprise to see Oak Park enter the 2025–2026 season as my favorite to capture the Suburban Red League crown. The Northmen have established themselves as one of Kansas City's most consistent and disciplined programs, defined by a championship pedigree and a winning culture built on toughness, accountability, and relentless effort. Over the past several seasons, Oak Park has developed a mindset rooted in resilience and competitiveness — a “don't back down” identity that has become their trademark.   With standout senior leaders like Corbin Allen and others moving on, the torch now passes to [player_tooltip player_id='1850445' first='Adam' last='Tanner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1850444' first='Josh' last='Kori'], two players who embody the program's grit and drive. Both are poised to take over as vocal leaders and tone-setters on both ends of the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='1850445' first='Adam' last='Tanner'] is the definition of a true point guard — steady, composed, and impactful from baseline to baseline. He plays with excellent pace, controls tempo, and consistently makes the right decisions in both transition and half-court settings. Tanner's ability to elevate teammates and deliver in clutch moments separates him from most guards at this level. Defensively, he's elite. His anticipation, quick hands, and exceptional basketball IQ allow him to disrupt opposing offenses, create turnovers, and dictate the flow of the game. Tanner's defensive instincts often set the tone early, establishing energy and pressure that Oak Park thrives on.   [player_tooltip player_id='1850444' first='Josh' last='Kori'] complements Tanner perfectly with his athleticism and aggressive two-way style. A strong, explosive forward, Kori can change games defensively with his length and activity — protecting the rim, contesting shots, and jumping passing lanes. In transition, he's a force, running the floor hard and finishing with power, often bringing the crowd to its feet with above-the-rim dunks. In the half court, Kori excels as a slasher, using his strength and body control to get into the paint and finish through contact. His versatility and motor make him one of the most dangerous matchup problems in the conference.   Oak Park also welcomes two key transfers in [player_tooltip player_id='2719502' first='Howard' last='Chase'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1850452' first='Landon' last='Van Pelt'], both of whom should make an immediate impact. Chase adds valuable depth and quickness to the guard rotation, providing another capable ball-handler who can defend and stretch the floor. Van Pelt, at 6'8”, gives the Northmen a legitimate interior presence. He can score with either hand, establish deep post position, and serve as a reliable rim protector. His physicality inside on both ends of the floor will give Oak Park balance — something that could prove critical in close league battles.   Once again, the Northmen enter the season loaded with talent, experience, and leadership. Tanner and Kori, armed with championship experience and a relentless competitive edge, should serve as the emotional and tactical anchors of this group. If Oak Park maintains its defensive identity and cohesive style of play, they'll be in prime position to continue their reign atop the Suburban Red League.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top 10 All-Conference Team</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='1850445' first='Adam' last='Tanner'] | 5'10" Guard | Senior | Oak Park   [player_tooltip player_id='1850444' first='Josh' last='Kori'] | 6'4" Wing | Senior | Oak Park   Jake Willmann | 6'6" Forward | Senior | North Kansas City   [player_tooltip player_id='2090492' first='Isaiah' last='Caston'] | 5'11" Guard | Senior | Park Hill   Michael Cruthird | 6'2" Guard | Sophomore | North Kansas City   [player_tooltip player_id='1850452' first='Landon' last='Van Pelt'] | 6'8" Center | Senior | Oak Park   Admir Jusic | 6'2" Guard | Senior | North Kansas City   [player_tooltip player_id='2719502' first='Howard' last='Chase'] | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Oak Park   [player_tooltip player_id='2536441' first='Donnovan' last='Fonville'] | 6'4" Wing | Senior | Park Hill   [player_tooltip player_id='2346159' first='Carson' last='Bjorn'] | 6'6" Forward | Senior | Park Hill South   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Player of the Year - [player_tooltip player_id='1850445' first='Adam' last='Tanner'] | 5'10" Guard | Senior | Oak Park</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='1850445' first='Adam' last='Tanner'] is a winner — plain and simple. The returning senior point guard embodies everything that has made Oak Park a championship-caliber program over the past several years. He combines experience, poise, and elite basketball IQ with a refined skill set that impacts every possession on both ends of the floor. It's no surprise he's my preseason pick for Player of the Year heading into the 2025–2026 season.   Tanner will once again lead the reigning state champions, and his influence extends well beyond the stat sheet. He's the ultimate floor general, a steady presence who controls tempo, communicates constantly, and ensures his teammates are in the right spots. Offensively, Tanner can hurt defenses in multiple ways — scoring efficiently, breaking opponents down off the dribble, and creating opportunities for others. His improved perimeter jumper adds another layer to his game, forcing defenders to respect him beyond the arc while opening up lanes for drives and kick-outs. Around the rim, he's fearless, using body control and creativity to finish over larger defenders.   Defensively, Tanner is the definition of disruptive. His quick hands, anticipation, and footwork allow him to guard multiple positions and consistently frustrate opposing ball-handlers. He takes pride in defense — turning steals into transition opportunities and often shifting momentum with timely plays that swing games in Oak Park's favor. Tanner's intensity and leadership make him the engine that drives the Northmen's trademark toughness.   Perhaps what separates Tanner most is his winning mentality. When the moment is biggest, he delivers — whether it's making the right read late in a close game, stepping up to take a charge, or hitting a crucial shot in crunch time. He leads by example, with confidence and composure that elevate everyone around him.   Oak Park will go as far as Tanner takes them this winter — and with his maturity, leadership, and championship pedigree, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him guide the Northmen back to Columbia for another deep postseason run.

Kansas City continues to stand out as a hub of exceptional athletic talent, producing some of the premier players, coaches, and programs in the region. As the 2025–2026 season approaches, anticipation is building around the Suburban Red League, which promises to deliver another year of high-level competition, emerging stars, and compelling storylines.